James had worked hard and won high rank in his respective studies.

He had a robust frame, and he seemed never to get tired.

No doubt he took especial interest in composition and the exercises of the debating society which flourished at Geauga, as at most seminaries of advanced education.

In after-life he was so ready and powerful in debate, that we can readily understand that he must have begun early to try his powers.

Many a trained speaker has first come to a consciousness of his strength in a lyceum of boys, pitted against some school-fellow of equal attainments.