/840 
 
 Author 
 
 Title 
 
 Class 
 Book 
 
 Imprint 
 
■ ■W" *r:'w^y^->ri!i^ 
 
 i 
 
 
 O 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 B 
 
 
 
 o 
 (J 
 
 Ij 
 
 D 
 
 (J 
 
 i 
 
 ADDRESSES, 
 
 DELIVERED BY 
 
 GOVERXOR WALLACE, 
 
 AND 
 
 PRESIDENT SIMPSON, 
 
 AT THE 
 
 INDIANA ASBURY UNIVEIISITY, 
 
 SEPTEMBER 16, 1840. 
 
 Kntifanapolfs: 
 
 Printed by Williaji Stacy. 
 
 1840. 
 
IS40 AN ADDRESS, 
 
 DELIVERED AT THE 
 
 IKSTALLATION OF PRESIDENT SIMPSON, 
 
 OF THE INDIANA ASBURY UNIVERSITY, 
 
 BY DAVID WALLACE 
 
 JJntiiatiapoirs: 
 
 Printed by William Stacy, 
 1840. 
 
Indianapolis, September 30, 1840. 
 
 Sir: 
 
 We, having been appointed a committee for that purpose, 
 would ask in behalf of the Trustees of the Indiana As bury 
 University, for the purpose of publication, a copy of your 
 eloquent and appropriate Address, at the installation of 
 President Simpson. 
 
 A. W. MORRIS, 
 ALLEN WILEY, 
 JOHN WILKINS. 
 His Excellency, 
 
 Gov. Wallace. 
 
 Indianapolis, October 10th, 1840. 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 Your flattering note, of September 30th, in 
 behalf of the Trustees of the Indiana Asbury University, 
 requesting, for publication, a copy of the Address delivered by 
 me, at the installation of President Simpson, has been received j 
 and I regret that other engagements have prevented an earlier 
 compliance on my part: Herev^ith, hov^ever, I present you 
 the copy desired, in the hope, that it will yet reach you, early 
 enough to meet your arrangements for printing. 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 Your ob't serv't, 
 . : DAVID WALLACE. 
 Messrs. A. W. Morris, ^ \: 
 Allen Wiley, • 
 John Wilkins. 
 
 M 
 
 i&aa 
 
ADDRESS 
 
 Fellow-Citizens : 
 
 If it be true, — and who so bold as to contro- 
 vert it, — "that when men cannot govern themselves they must 
 be governed; that if they were perfect in intelligence and vir- 
 tue they would need no government at all; or that in nations 
 the capacity for self-government is measured by the aggregate 
 power of mind;*' what patriot who worships at the altar of 
 American freedom; what philosopher, who limits his specula- 
 tions only by his desire for human perfectability and happiness, 
 can view, with heart unaioved, or with an eye of cold and repul- 
 sive indifference, the noble, the generous attempt, made by the 
 founders of this University, to relieve our and their children, 
 who, in after years, may be gathered within these walls— from 
 the degrading condition of the w^orst of vassallages; — to dispense 
 even with the necessity of their being much governed, by 
 enlarging their stock of intelligence and virtue; in a word, to 
 swell the national capacity for self-government, by increasing 
 the aggregate power of mind, with the powers of an abundant 
 knowledge? Surely there can be none such here. 
 
 But this is not all: we were told by a ripe and eloquent 
 scholar, at a recent literary festival in a sister state, "that it is 
 " good for us, occasionally, to suspend the activities of trade, 
 " the strife of politics, and the frivolities of pleasure, that we 
 " may enjoy even a transient repose in the shade of elegant 
 •• letters, and survey, even at an humble distance, the uncloud- 
 '* ed eminences of Philosophic tiTith.-' This admirable senti- 
 ment, beautifully as it is expressed, strikes me as being not 
 altogether inapplicable to the present occasion. True we 
 have not the shade here alluded to — that has yet to be formed. 
 We have none of the proud eminences in view either contem- 
 plated by the orator — they have yet to be unveiled: But it is 
 to witness the formation of the one, and tlie means to be 
 
hereafter employed of unveiling the others, that we behold 
 congregated around us the tradesman from his shop, the politi- 
 cian from his strifes, and youth and beauty from their customary 
 amusements. 
 
 Perhaps the hypercritical might choose to question the pro- 
 priety of this application; perhaps they would prefer calling 
 this the advent merely of those delightful and refreshing scenes 
 so elegantly and enthusiastically portrayed by the scholar. 
 Be it so. Give them, if they wish it, the benefit of their criti- 
 cism; let them, if they will, strip the present of every thing 
 like factitious interest — of every circumstance calculated to 
 win the eye of an unthinking worldling — we care not. The 
 powers of thought, of reason, and of reflection are ours, and 
 within our own control; and if we have only hearts that can 
 beat responsive to the claims of an ennobling patriotism; or 
 bosoms that can be expanded by the w^arming and purifying 
 influences of a heavenly benevolence; or minds that can take 
 within their grasp the rich tendencies, and the glorious results 
 of institutions like this, with fancy as our artist simply, we can, 
 this day, in despite of envy or criticism, enjoy, at least, the 
 chastening, the elevating pleasure of beholding her penciling 
 them, as it were, in bright and unfading colors on the canvass 
 of the future. Surely, therefore, I hazard nothing in saying 
 that it is good for us that we are here ; good for us, that we 
 have stepped aside from our ordinary avocations, that we might 
 sanction, by our presence, the designs, and encourage, by our 
 approval, the efforts of those, who have sought, by the rearing 
 of this edifice^ to advance, in all time to come, man's moral and 
 intellectual condition. 
 
 Standing amid the nations of the earth and occupying, as we 
 do, a country vast in its extent, unsurpassed, by any other, in 
 the fertility of its soil, the salubrity of its climate, and the great- 
 ness of its physical outhnes, it ceases, upon reflection, to be 
 matter of astonishment, or surprise, that we should behold the 
 eye of the great world fixed upon us so intently. The truth 
 is, we are entrusted with the guardianship of the dearest in- 
 terests of humanity; with the solution of the greatest pro- 
 blem that ever engaged the wits, or figured in the dreams of 
 Philosophers — the problem "of man's capacity for perfect 
 
civil liberty." Hence, every step we take, every act we per- 
 form, be they ever so trivial, become subjects of the deepest 
 concernment to all mankind. In the estimation of the sensi- 
 tive philanthropist they are, in the moral and political world, 
 what the humblest breeze, or the simplest rill, may be, in the 
 natuarl, fraught with weal or woe, health or refreshment, 
 disease or death. 
 
 It is, therefore, of incalculable importance, to our faithful 
 discharge of this trust, that we should pause, at intervals, in 
 the hurry and excitement of our career; that we should quiet 
 the restlessness, and bridle the daring energy of that bounding 
 spirit of enterprize which so strongly pervades, and so stri- 
 kingly distinguishes, the American bosom: to the end, that we 
 may, the better, take counsel of sober-thoughted experience; 
 that we may, the better, have our intricate pathways illumined, 
 and our weak and erring judgements regulated, by the lights 
 of the purest wisdom, and the laws of the sternest reason. 
 
 And let no one, I entreat — no American, at least — endea- 
 vour to screen himself from this responsibility, much less to pal- 
 liate the guilt of wilful and disastrous neglect, by whispering 
 to his conscience that the whole is a mere fiction — a splendid 
 figment of some over-heated intellect. The world, I assure 
 you, can never so view or receive it; for if we fail, if this last 
 trial for the success of self-government proves an abortion, 
 then, indeed, will the mightiest interest the world ever played, 
 or struggled for, be finally and forever lost — an interest, than 
 which, to borrow the language of another, "mankind can have 
 no greater — save that solemn one — standing alone in its in- 
 comprehensible and awful vastness, wherein thought dwells 
 upon eternity; which is approached, not through the glare of 
 the forum, but through the sacred shadow of the Temple." 
 
 Perhaps some of you, ere this, are ready to exclaim, who 
 are we, that we should have so much greatness thrown upon 
 us and around us? Why is it that so much more should be 
 demanded, or expected, at our hands, than from the hands of 
 others? Who are we? The answer to this question unfolds 
 the great secret of our vast responsibilities, as well as the real 
 nature and extent of our most solemn duties and obligations. 
 Who are we? We are sovereigns — sovereigns in the full ac- 
 
6 
 
 ceptation of the term, clothed individually, and alike, with 
 all the powers and attributes of sovereignty; and, in that ca- 
 pacity, we constitute, what the world never before so perfect- 
 ly beheld, a community of free and equal sovereigns. Where- 
 fore it is, that the trial of the great question has devolved upon 
 us — the question, whether such a community, with all the ad- 
 vantages we possess, can possibly exist, and if so, how long? 
 
 Doubtless the enunciation of such facts may be somewhat 
 startling — what! sovereigns! aye sovereigns! Do we not en- 
 act our own laws, and execute them? True; but then there's 
 the equality spoken of. Yes! and even that too! For in the 
 exercise of these, the very highest and noblest, functions of 
 sovereignty — the enactment and execution of laws — has not 
 the man, who lives in the midst of us, ignorant though he 
 may be of the first letter of the alphabet, as much power; and, 
 if he wills it, can he not, at the ballot box, neutralize the vote 
 of a Webster or a Clay, a Kent or a Story? The point is too 
 notorious to be denied; and if seriously reflected upon cannot 
 but strike us, I think, as being stored with most useful and ex- 
 citing admonitions. 
 
 In other countries where despotism prevails, where the will 
 of a single individual is the law, with what intense, overwhelm- 
 ing anxiety are his qualifications looked to by his subjects. 
 Is he wise? is he good? is he powerful? their hearts instinctively 
 sink into the repose of a confiding security; nor ask, nor 
 dream of asking, any higher, holier — stronger guarantee for 
 the safety and efficient protection of every thing most dear to 
 them. But is he ignorant — grossly ignorant? Then indeed, 
 how wretched becomes their condition! how fearfully the cast 
 and color of their destiny change! The present to them is 
 filled with nothing but apprehension and dread, and the future 
 promises them no relief. The sheet anchor of their hope and 
 confidence is wanting; for where ignorance prevails Avisdom 
 is never found, and goodness is always an uncertain guest. 
 History too admonishes them that the will of such a sovereign 
 is as fickle as the breeze; and far more liable to shed the dark- 
 ness of ruin and desolation over his land, than to light it up 
 with the sunshine of glorious peace and prosperity. 
 
 Transfer the scene from such a land, so blessed or cursed, as 
 
the wisdom, or the ignorance, of its rulers may predominate, 
 to our own acknowledgedly freeer and happier, and wherein 
 do the interests of the actors differ? Are we exempt from all 
 anxiety such as theirs? Feel we no interest, like them, in the 
 enquiry whether our sovereigns are wise, and good, and pow- 
 erful? We have not, it is true, the absolute will of a single 
 being to control us — to visit upon us wrath or mercy at his 
 pleasure; we require here, the concurring will of the majority 
 to establish, for us, our rule of action. But does that circum- 
 stance so change our relations; so completely shield us from 
 all the evils resulting from the abuse of power, as to make the 
 character of the majority, who wield it, a matter of no mo- 
 ment to us? Does it dispense with the cautionary and prudent 
 requisite that every individual, composing this majority, 
 should be wise and good? No: not unless it be demonstrable 
 that one ignoramus is more dangerous, and endowed with 
 greater capabilities of perpetrating mischief, than a million. 
 
 At least the founders of this institution do not think so. 
 With an energy and devotion that beggars all praise they 
 have been magnanimously laboring to discharge their duty, 
 their whole duty, and nothing but their duty. Their con- 
 duct proves that they have solemnly asked themselves tWfe 
 questions; will our education alone accomplish every thing 
 desired? Will it ensure success to the splendid enterprize this 
 nation is engaged in? And as the most unerring test of their 
 truth and sincerity, they have fearlessly erected, and commis- 
 sioned the very walls which surround us, to answer for them, 
 NO! Are they wrong? What would avail all their learning 
 — all their wisdom — if the intellect of the nation should be 
 shrouded in the night shade of ignorance? Nothing — literally 
 nothing! unless, perhaps, to render the darkness around them 
 more distinctly visible. 
 
 Conscious of this, their cry is, let the mass be enlightened. 
 Plant the standard of education on the throne of every intel- 
 lect; unbind the fetters of reason; bid her forth from the dun- 
 geon and the shade; invest her with the sceptre of power and 
 dominion; and let the limits of her empire be co-extensive with, 
 the Umits of mind. 
 
 Possibly the idea, to many, may appear most absurd and ri- 
 
8 
 
 diculous, that any body, or set of men, claiming to be rational, 
 could indulge, for a moment even, the hope that means so 
 limited, so utterly disproportionate as these confessedly are 
 which we see before us, should, nevertheless, enable them to 
 succeed in accomplishing so mighty an undertaking as that of 
 illuminating the national mind. But beware how you harbor 
 such thoughts or fancies, lest you subject yourselves to the 
 most mortifying of rebukes. The untravelled savage of the 
 South, whose habitation has been fixed from infancy at the 
 sources of the great Amazon; who has loitered from his birth 
 on its banks; sported upon its waters — wadded across it — 
 swam across it — hurled a stone across it — if you were to tell 
 him that, some thousands of miles hence, the little river 
 swelled to so vast an extent that it seemed emulous of rival- 
 Hng the ocean, he would look up in your face, and scornfully 
 smile at your assertion — but forgive him, it is ^the smile of 
 ignorance. 
 
 But to whom, it may be asked, are we and the country in- 
 debted for this noble manifestation in behalf of such a cause? 
 Whose minds conceived, whose benevolence prompted, whose 
 energies achieved the erection of this Temple, and on a spot 
 too, w^here the sound of the woodman's axe, as he felled the 
 forest around him, has scarcely died away upon our ears? 
 Nay, whose imaginations so vivid— so pregnant, as it were, 
 with creative power, as to give birth to so wild and novel a 
 conception as that of planting the garden of the muses on the 
 yet unredeemed bosom of the wilderness? Be not surprised, 
 and revere them none the less for it, when I tell you that they 
 are old and familiar acquaintances — endeared to us, or ought 
 to be, by some of the sweetest, purest, and holiest recollections 
 of the heart. They have been the companions of our Pioneer 
 fathers; they have been our moral and religious instructors. 
 Spurning the luxuries of life — the refinements of taste and 
 elegance — the comforts of ease and affluence — the allurements 
 of the world, with the spirit of a Wesley only to nerve 
 them — they laughed the dangers of flood and field to scorn; 
 looked the terrors of the wilderness in the face with cheeks 
 unblanched; endured cold and hunger without a murmur; 
 encountered privation and peril without shrinking; — and dying 
 
9 
 
 by the way side even, leaving no memorial of their burial 
 place — and for what? That the voice of supplication and 
 prayer might rise from the deepest solitudes of our vallies; 
 that the lamp of eternal life might be lit up in the gloomy re- 
 cesses of our lone cabins; — that the departing spirits of their 
 rude but noble tenants might be cheered, and sustained, and 
 reconciled, in that awful hour, by the glorious promises of 
 another and a better world. And now — even now — that all 
 these stirring scenes are with the past; that the dreaded solitudes 
 are no more; that fenn, and forest, and river have been shorn 
 of their terrors; that hungry want, and griping penury, and 
 chilling privation have been banished from our hearths; these 
 men — so fearless — so self-sacrificing — so persevering — whose 
 approach to our solitary abodes has so often brought childhood's 
 sunniest smile to our cheeks — are still with us; but — unlike 
 every thing else about them — they have not changed. The 
 same sternness of purpose, the same unflagging zeal, the same 
 untiring effort, as in the beginning, still stamps their every con- 
 duct and action. They have suffered no pause in their labors; 
 and follow the steps of improvement now, only to gather ma- 
 terials, and to seize occasions, the better to scatter the choicest 
 of heavens blessings . along their path-way; and at last, as if 
 determined to leave nothing undone, that the power and 
 sublimity of the principles they teach, may be appropriately 
 displayed — they are seeking, out of the immense mass of in- 
 tellect around them, to rear a moral and mental pyramid, upon 
 whose sumit the beacon fires of eternity shall blaze. 
 
 And, sir, as one — belonging to the same holy order — 
 pledged to share the same toils — equally devoted to the 
 accomplishment of the same glorious designs — they, and those 
 who aided them, through the Trustees of the Asbury Univer- 
 sity — have authorized me to deliver, to you, the possession of 
 these keys. The act alone speaks its own comment. It needs 
 no herald's voice to proclaim how great are the interests they 
 have charged you with; nor how unlimited the confidence 
 they repose in your judgment — your capacity — your learn- 
 ing — your firmness — your prudence — your perseverance — and 
 - your integrity. It constitutes you, in a word, the pilot, upon 
 whose skill depends, whether this ark of learning shall ever 
 2 
 
10 
 
 reach in safety and triumph its destined port. It makes you 
 one of the master builders, whose genius is expected to place 
 the cap stone on the moral and mental edifice they are erect- 
 ing. And may 1 be permitted to hope, sir, that the possession 
 of those keys may be the efficient means of enabling you to 
 unlock for us the gates of knowledge; to lead the youth of 
 this young and vigorous State to the ''well-head of science and 
 betters;" to purify them in their streams; and then, to send 
 them forth, as so many shining and burning lights, to dissolve 
 the mists, with which ignorance has so long darkened the in- 
 tellectual world. 
 
 To say, that in accepting this emblem of authority, you 
 have voluntarily assumed responsibilities of unsurpassing 
 . weight and magnitude, would, perhaps, be communicating, to 
 you, nothing new. You have doubtlessly weighed and mea- 
 sured them long since; and as accurately maped the mountain 
 difficulties that stand between you and the goal of duty. Be 
 this as it may; yet, I pray you to pardon me, if, under the 
 influence of an over-anxiety, I attempt an enumeration of 
 some of them, in the hope, that it may impress them still 
 deeper upon your mind. 
 
 You have become not only a Teacher, but a chief among 
 Teachers. In military phrase, you have taken the bounty; 
 and, henceforth, we are to look for you not in the circles of 
 gaity and fashion; nor among the worshippers of mammon 
 either calculating cent per cent; but in the ranks of a corps 
 whose business it is to delve in the quarry of mind — to polish 
 whatever is rouo;h — streno-then whatever is weak — and elevate 
 whatever is lowly there — a corps, by the way, which, when- 
 ever the hour of trial comes, will, I trust, prove itself to be our 
 National Guard. I speak thus, sir, because it requires no great 
 stretch of thought to perceive that the safety, and continued ex- 
 istence of our free institutions must, at last, depend upon the 
 wisdom, the integrity, and fidelity, with Vv^hich the members of 
 your profession shall discharge their duties. There can be no 
 escape from it. The fact alone that to them belongs exclusive- 
 ly the high privilege of moulding the national mind, must, and 
 will, give to them — gainsay it who may — oppose it who 
 dare — the power — the mighty power! of controlling the na- 
 
11 
 
 tional will. Beware then what you teach; look well to the 
 principles of your system; see that you form public sentiment 
 right; in the language of a veteran in your calling, see that 
 you "transmit through the channels of the living mind a dif- 
 fusive and sound moral influence;" for "a people morally cor- 
 rupt cannot be free." Publish the warning, therefore, far and 
 wide — let it be engraved on the front tablet of every Teacher's 
 mind, woe to the wretch, who shall have hardihood enough 
 to apply the torch of vice to our Temple of Freedom; the same 
 eternity of infamy shall await him, that he, who wrapped 
 Ephesus in flames, both sought and won. 
 
 But there are kinds in Education. Hence you meet upon 
 the very threshhold of your olhce with the diflicult, the truly 
 perplexing question, what kind of an education shall 1 teach? 
 The responsibility here is unavoidable, and you must meet it. 
 Your duty is not confined simply to the mere act of selecting 
 — but you have, at the same time, to take care that you select 
 the best. What then shall it be? Are you in doubt? Suffer 
 me to give the casting vote. Let it be, at least, a christian 
 and an American Education. Give us no exotics. Attempt 
 not to square and circumscribe, the free American intellect, by 
 the rule and compass of some European system. We want no 
 Procrustes beds brought here, to torture and subdue, and con- 
 tract the sublime energies, and the noble proportions, of our 
 own native born American spirit. . 
 
 These- are but hints merely of some of your responsibilities. 
 I would that time would justify me in scanning them more 
 minutely: But I cannot forget that you have other difficulties 
 to encounter — difficulties too, that will require all your tact, all 
 your talent, and the constant and unwearied exercise of your best 
 j udgment to overcome. The moment you take your seat in that 
 chair, and look around you, you will discover that your institu- 
 tion is not alone in the lists; that it will have competitors — most 
 respectable competitors! for the awards of fame and distinction, 
 in its immediate vicinity; and although some, for whose judg- 
 ments I entertain the highest respect, consider this an evil, a 
 positive misfortune, I confess I do not. Competition! why, sir 
 it has been the very life and soul of American enterprise; it 
 has made us what we are and what we see; it has been the 
 
12 
 
 arch enchantresst hath as called up around us those wonderful 
 creations of art that must, hereafter, constitute the glory and 
 admiration of our age. Competinon! Does it not tax genius 
 to the utmost — call forth every latent energy of mind — stimu- 
 late every nerve — employ every muscle — give new wings to 
 imagination — and a brighter plumage to fancy? And when 
 these are combined and concentrated into one effort, do 
 not impediments vanish — mountains become mole-hills, and 
 old ocean himself bow to the irresistible supremacy of their 
 might? What but competition is it that makes the goal of one 
 achievement with us, the starting post merely in the race after 
 some other, and higher! Why then should it lose all its virtue, 
 all its efficacy, the moment it touches the platform of education? 
 It does not sir; believe me it does iiot — at least, in the present 
 instance, I most confidently predict, that it will not. 
 
 Indeed, so far from apprehendmg any unfavorable conse- 
 quences from this competition, I look upon it as calculated 'to 
 produce the happiest results. What is to prevent it? Are there 
 too many colleges in the State? This question is best answered 
 by asking another; are there not materials enough around 
 them to give profitable employment to all? No individual, 
 in the least acquainted with the extent and population of In- 
 diana would, I think, venture to deny that there are. What 
 then is wanting to ensure, to every one of them, a prosperous 
 and brilliant career? Exertion; a wise and prudent manage- 
 ment; a com'se of education, such as the country demands; a 
 firm and rigid adherance to every rule and regulation that 
 may be established for their government. And here let me 
 drop by the way, a word of caution. I have heard the obser- 
 vation repeatedly and sneeringiy made, look at that institution, 
 see how the number of its students has diminished, as if its 
 merits or demerits v/ere alone to be tested and judged of by 
 the lenojth of its cataWue of student's names. Now we know 
 that a more preposterous, silly, and unjust presumption never 
 entered the brain of any man; and yet we know just as well 
 that it is exactly that kind of a popular error, that unless 
 carefully watched and guarded against is liable to exercise not 
 only an undue, but a most dangerous influence over your con- 
 duct and actions; as well as over the conduct and action of those 
 
13 
 
 who are like situated. For mark it; whenever the contest be- 
 tween our colleges shall become, not which shall send forth the 
 greatest number of the best educated men, but which shall exhi- 
 bit, in their respective porticos, the greater crowd, we may then 
 set it down that their fate is sealed, their usefulness ended, 
 and the hopes of their friends blighted. No, sir, if your ob- 
 ject is to give to this Institution, a real, a substantial, and an 
 enduring reputation; to make it what its projectors designed 
 it to be, a blessing, to the State and Nation; and to place your- 
 self on the highest pinnacle of honor in your profession, suf- 
 fer no student to leave it, with its parchment in his possession, 
 unless he carry with him all the elements of a thorough, 
 sound, and practical Am.erican education. 
 
 But w^hat shall I say of the difficulties that await you within 
 these walls? When I look over that young assemblage of 
 smiKng faces — happy hearts, and bright hopes — when I re- 
 flect that almost every possible shade of character, and dispo- 
 sition, and grade of intellect is to be, or will be, found there — 
 from the quiet, staid, and sober being of mediocrity to the 
 wild, erratic, and reckless child of genius; and then that you 
 are expected to govern, and subdue, and harmonize so discor- 
 dant, so speckled, and heterogeneous a mass — to make Solomons 
 out of dunces — Newtons out of stupidity — and Ciceroes out of 
 spoiled pets — I am constrained to acknowledge that your task 
 is truly herculean; and that unless you bring to it a heart of 
 steel, the patience of Job, and a perseverance that cannot be 
 conquered, the chance of disappointment and failure will be 
 fearfully against you. Why, sir, it is a perfect Chinese puzzle. 
 It is worse; for in attempting to unravel the one, you can at 
 least be certain of one thing; you can be let alone: but in the 
 other not. Is it necessary to enforce upon some unruly 
 youngster the rules of college discipline? Nay, is he so very 
 a block-head that he cannot learn, and for this you are com- 
 pelled to discharge him, the first thing perhaps you hear 
 of is an alarming out-cry from his parents; a wonderful la- 
 mentation over their poor dear ill-treated and much slandered 
 child; accompanied by vollies of abuse and denunciation — all 
 his sins, all his defects, even to his want of wit, charged upon 
 your very unoffending head; and fortunate may you count 
 
14 
 
 yourself if the storm shall end here; but unless your Board of 
 Trustees shall always be constituted of the right material, ten 
 to one, if, when the hue and cry reaches them, they are not to 
 be found standing aloof, folding up their arms, shrinking from 
 their duty — possibly, endeavoring to compromise the difficulty, 
 by meanly offering to bind you hand and foot, and deliver 
 you up to be sacrificed. You see then, you must see it, that 
 the station you are called to fill, is to be almost any thing 
 else than one of uninterrupted ease and tranquility; that it is 
 most certainly filled with perplexities, and trials, and petty 
 vexations. We hope, therefore, that you have prepared your- 
 self accordingly; that you bring with you a mind, sufficiently 
 fortified, to meet every exigency that may arise, in the right 
 way and in the right spirit; neither too much elevated, by an 
 overweening self-confidence, nor too much depressed, for the 
 want of it. In a word, that you have not only resolved, in 
 the faithful performance of your high and solemn duties here; to 
 pursue a straight-forward and an independent course, but that 
 you wall most firmly and undeviatingly adhere to it. 
 • And as to your reward, I can promise you none other than that 
 which flows from the consciousness of duty faithfully and. 
 honestly discharged. May this, therefore, be yours, fully and 
 completely. Nay more, in the beautiful and pathetic language 
 of one of your compeers, one who has grown grey in the service, 
 and who spoke the sentiments of a noble heart— ''When for 
 the last time, your head reclines upon its pillow, and fancy is 
 busy painting, on the memory, the scenes of the past, may the 
 consolation be yours, to look over the land, and see here and 
 there, faithfully serving God and their country, those who, when 
 the tidings of your demise shall reach them, will say, while the 
 tear of fond and grateful remembrance trembles in their eye, 
 he was my teacher, beloved, honored, and revered!' Blessings 
 on his memory! for he taught me to love truth, to love vir- 
 tue, and to aspire after communion with their author." 
 
ADDRESS 
 
 DELIVERED UPON THE 
 
 AUTHOR'S INSTALLATION, AS PRESIDENT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 INDIANA ASBURY UNIVERSITY, 
 
 SEPTEMBER 16, A. D. 1840. 
 
 BY REV. M. SIMPSON, A. M. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 
 
 KntJiatia|)olis: 
 
 Printed by William Stacy 
 1840. 
 
ADDRESS. 
 
 When a celebrated Grecian artist was asked, why he spent so 
 much time and labor in finishing the productions of his pencil, 
 his simple and laconic reply was, "I paint for eternity." And 
 were we to inquire why this noble edifice has been erected — and 
 why, on this first literary anniversary within its halls, there is 
 such a congregation of the talents and beauty of our enter- 
 prising, though youthful state — and why such a^deep interest is 
 felt in the exercises of this day, doubtless the friends of the 
 institution would respond, "We paint for eternity." This 
 thought of interminable effects, of ceaseless consequences flowing 
 from every important event, confers an inexpressible interest 
 upon every effort to cultivate the intellect. The brightest 
 colors of the canvass will fade, and the fabric itself decay; 
 even the sculptured monument will crumble into dust; but im- 
 perishable, as the mind itself, will remain every Hneament, 
 feature and color, imprinted upon it in time, and eternity's 
 pure light shall only serve to exhibit still more conspicuously its 
 excellence or deformity. Fountains, oftentimes, burst forth to 
 spread their enlivening waters upon the surrounding land; yet 
 in the lapse of time they may cease to flow. But here is a 
 fountain now opened, whence shall issue an uninterruptedly 
 flowing stream. Tall trees shall grow upon its banks, and 
 luxuriate in the richness of the soil, fertilized by its waters;, 
 but whether their fruit shall be for the healing of the nations, 
 or like the fabled Upas become a source of pestilence or death, 
 must be principally determined, by the arrangements adopted 
 and carried into perfection. 
 
 Your speaker cannot be insensible to the interest of this 
 moment. The surrounding circumstances, the eloquenty im- 
 pressive charge, the high trust committed to his care, and the 
 almost immeasurable responsibiUty connected with it, stand 
 vividly before him. Insensible to feeling must he be, did he 
 not tremble at the magnitude of the trust, and yet recreant to 
 
true principle, did he not entertain some hope of being able to 
 discharge its duties with fidehty. The great cause in which 
 we are engaged, which has convened this assembly, is of the 
 utmost importance. It is no less, than directing the efforts and 
 in some degree forming the character of immortal intellects'. 
 And it may be profitable for us to consider, some of the reasons, 
 which should excite us to vigorous exertions. 
 
 1st. Man is the creature of education. By this we do 
 not mean, that either colleges, or common schools give the en- 
 tire direction to a man's life, nor yet, that they supply w^hat 
 is naturally deficient in intellect; but we do mean, that all 
 his actions are under the influence of education. This term, 
 in its most extensive signification, includes the development 
 and strengthening of man's powers, physical, intellectual, and 
 moral, together with the accumulation of all the varied infor- 
 mation which he may be capable of receiving. The truth of 
 our proposition will be manifest if we consider his circum- 
 stances. In infancy, he is the most helpless of all animals. 
 Furnished with senses in perfection, he knows nothing. Pas- 
 sive, he waits upon the kindness and attention of others, and 
 is scarcely able to perform an intelligent action. It is not so 
 with other animals. They need not education. Knowledge 
 to them is intuitive. The young nursling of the forest, in- 
 stinctively springs to its feet. The merry warbler of the 
 grove, pours forth its soul in melody, unconscious of the effort 
 to Idarn, and though separated from its entire species, as na- 
 tural as to mount on sportive wing, is it for the lark or nigh ting- 
 gale to strike its enchanting notes. But man learns every 
 thing. The use of his limbs is acquired only after long re- 
 peated efforts, every word he utters, every musical note which 
 he sounds, is the result of imitation. And yet, when his pow- 
 ers are developed, he makes all animated nature serve him. 
 He harnesses the fleetest to his chariot, and subjugates the 
 strongest to his service. 
 
 The same difference is perceptible in their various opera- 
 tions. The architecture of animals is regular and uniform. 
 The fowls of the air, construct their nests, each after its kind, 
 and not so constant is the color and plumage of each species, 
 as the order they observe in all their arrangements. The beaver 
 
builds his dam as his sires did before him, without alteration 
 or improvement. The bee, for nearly six thousand years, has 
 regularly built and inhabited his hexagonal cell. But man 
 varies his work as he is taught. The wigwam of the Indian, 
 and the subterranean hovel of the Laplander stand in striking 
 contrast to the pyramid of Egypt, the rock hewn palaces of 
 Petra, or the hundred pillared domes of Thebes. 
 
 The Hon may be caged for years, he is a lion still. The 
 blood thirstiness of the tiger is not abated by confinement or 
 disciphne. But how different is man! With the same form, he 
 is another being. As a savage, he roams the forest, feeds on 
 beasts of prey or greedily devours the flesh of his enemy; has 
 no bed but the forest leaves, or the river's sand, and. save the 
 skins of beasts scarcely wilder than himself, no protection 
 against inclement seasons. He drags out a miserable existence, 
 oblivious of all the past but wickedness, careless as to the pre- 
 sent, save what will gratify appetite, and thoughtless of the 
 future but to perpetrate crime. View him, civilized, instructed, 
 illuminated by the word of God, and the agency of the Holy 
 Spirit — he has all the treasures of history as examples, a 
 knowledge of the world, himself, and his God. Nature is 
 tributary to his designs, the elements wait on his bidding. He 
 surrounds himself in this world with multiplied comforts, and 
 in the next, he stands amid bright and holy intelligences, and 
 bows only to the throne of God. 
 
 2d. He is perpetually receiving an education* Were the 
 mind inactive, but when urged by effort, we might be more 
 careless upon this subject. It would then be as paper upon 
 which no characters were traced, and prepared for a future 
 penman. But it is not so. A ready penman is unceasingly at 
 work, and the sheets are being^filled with characters of virtue or 
 of vice. In his waking moments the mind is perpetually active. 
 The eye is never satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hear- 
 ing. The youth may not be at school, no means may be em- 
 ployed to give him instruction, but he is ever learning. In 
 childhood, he acquires the elements of all subsequent knowl- 
 edge. He learns to speak, to think, and to feel. His teachers 
 are indeed in the nursery, but they are no less efficient for 
 teaching unintentionally. From childhood upwards, whether 
 
at home or abroad, silent or in conversation, at labor or amuse- 
 ment, something is occurring to furnish new ideas to the mind. 
 Every sight produces an impression, the nature of which, va- 
 ries with the cause; every sound suggests thoughts; and lessons, 
 determining future character, are every moment furnished 
 either from good or from evil sources. 
 
 3d. Our only power is to choose in what the youth shall he 
 educated? This is the only question which can, strictly speak- 
 ing, be proposed to the parent or guardian. We have already 
 seen that a youth is continually acquiring some education, and 
 the only power we have, is to give it proper direction. We may 
 not attempt to stay the current, but we may prepare the chan- 
 neh The father who neglects or refuses to send his son to 
 school or to college, only chooses for him an education at home. 
 He entrusts him not to men of intellectual attainments and 
 high moral worth, but he permits him to associate with the 
 licentious and profane. He is taught no science but the science 
 of wickedness. He learns the foolish jest, the impure song, 
 and the profane exclamation. His teachers are the dtunkard 
 and the debauchee; with them, he joins in revelry and crime, 
 and bids fair to disgrace his friends, and injure community, if 
 not to bring himself to an untimely grave. Yet how many 
 fathers choose precisely such an education for their sons, under 
 the impression, that they are not educating them at all. 
 In this matter a fearful responsibility rests upon parents. A 
 responsibility which even in this world is felt, by sometimes, 
 bringing down their grey hairs with sorrow to the grave, and 
 the effects, in the invisible world, nought but the pencil of God 
 can portray, and no canvass, but eternity contain. We have 
 said the question never can arise, whether our youth shall be 
 educated, but in what shall they be educated ? In his creative 
 wisdom, God has placed some things beyond the control of 
 human volition. As the heart waits not on the will to 
 give its pulsation, or the nerves to convey sensation, so the 
 mind waits not to receive intelligence. Vital action depends 
 not on a principle so fluctuating as volition. Nor is it merely a 
 capacity for knowledge, but a desire for it, which God has im- 
 planted in man. The desire for happiness contains a thirst for 
 knowledge. Happiness is but an expanded flow of agreeable 
 
consciousness. This is greatly dependent upon the healthy 
 operation of the senses, which are the inlets of knowledge ; and 
 these must be in ceaseless activity, to secure perpetual happiness. 
 Hence, wherever the desire for happiness is found, there is a 
 thirst for knowledge. This in our common language is termed 
 curiosity. It is manifested alike in the politician who eagerly 
 waits for news, the child that with breathless anxiety, listens 
 to the thrilling story, or the gossip, that longs to hear the 
 slanderous tale. It cannot be eradicated by art, and its strength 
 can only be estimated, by observing w^hat it has done. It was 
 the strength of this principle to which an appeal was made by 
 the subtle tempter, when seducing our first parents. "Ye 
 shall be as Gods," said he, "knowing good and evil." The 
 temptation we too well know w^as a fatal one. With the 
 obscuration of the other powers, in the fall, this retained its full 
 force. To gratify this desire, men had recourse, anciently, to 
 omens, auguries and oracles. Impatient of being denied the 
 knowledge of the future, they sought with unhallowed hands to 
 tear away the veil, and seek that from demons, which God, in 
 his wisdom, had withheld. We need hardly say the attempt 
 was vain. Yet, baffled a thousand times, again they turned 
 to any impostor, who pretended to be endowed with presci- 
 ence. The same disposition is still manifested, in modes 
 slightly different. The entire machinery of fortune-telling, 
 interpreting dreams, omens, lucky and unlucky occurrences, 
 are but a part and parcel of that system, which was devised 
 to scale the battlements of Heaven — a part of that Babel, from 
 which it is intendeded to look into the invisible world in 
 despite of Jehovah's authority. Strange to tell, among professed 
 christians, some of them are still found, but their origin is 
 easily described. They have been purloined from Pagan 
 superstitions, as Rachel stole the Gods of her father. But 
 though frequently misapplied, yet Christianity does not seek to 
 destroy this principle, she only purifies and directs it to its 
 proper objects. Some of her most powerful motives are ad- 
 dressed to it. She has drawn in part the veil from futurity. 
 Light and Immortality are brought to light in the gospel. The 
 glories of a heavenly inheritance stand forth in bold relief; and 
 when looking farther and farther into the abode of bliss, nature 
 
8 
 
 sinks overwhelmed with the excessive brightness of the eternal 
 throne, Christianity whispers "when He shall appear we shall 
 be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." Then shall we 
 know even as we are known." The desire for knowledge 
 then existing, and being intended to exist, boundless and 
 insatiable, restricted only by God's eternal law, our only duty 
 is to direct it to proper objects. 
 
 4th, Individual character depends upon the kind of instruc- 
 tion received. While the mind has power to understand 
 almost every subject, it will improve only in those things in 
 which it is exercised, and in those it will assuredly excel. For 
 this reason early and close attention should be paid to the 
 tuition of children. No habit is acquired without practice. 
 Practice requires effort, and effort attention. Yet a small 
 circumstance frequently determines that attention, and thus 
 forms the character for life. A noted duellist traced his course 
 to a declaration made by his father to him when he was a little 
 boy that he would chastise him if he should tamely receive an 
 insult. This fired his bosom with passion, and he became a 
 deliberate murderer. The remarkable equanimity of Wash- 
 ington has been ascribed, and not improbably, to the influence 
 of parental instruction. The genius of Hannibal, while he was ' 
 yet a child, was fired against the Romans by his father and he 
 became their most successful antagonist. Perhaps the influ- 
 ence of education can scarcely be more clearly exemplified 
 than in the well known instance of the Spartan boy, who 
 having been taught that it was honorable to steal, but dishonor- 
 able to be detected, thrust a stolen fox under his cloak, and lest 
 it should be discovered stood unmoved until it gnawed into his 
 vitals and he fell a sacrifice to his firmness. Nothing is so 
 foreign to the mind but it may become familiar. Proof of this 
 may be found in the ancient gladiatorial exercises. The most 
 delicate and refined females, whose bosoms had else swelled 
 with tenderness and love, delighted day after day to crowd the 
 immense amphitheatres to witness men fighting with wild 
 beasts, or murdering each other. And those voices, which 
 were attuned to sound in unison with Heaven's own minstrelsy, 
 were heard to swell the deafening shout of applause at the 
 
gracefulness and dexterity of the stroke which brought the 
 hfe's blood gushing warm from its hidden fount. 
 
 Excellence is the result of continued exertion. This princi- 
 ple accounts for the acute hearing of the Indian when listening 
 for game or an enemy, for the agility of the mountebank in 
 balancing in difficult attitudes upon his wire, and for the deep 
 researches of the mathematician, who seems to have reached 
 the very boundaries of human thought. The youth who is now 
 seen sporting in the streets, and foremost in every species of 
 impiety, had he been properly educated, might have become 
 the pride of his parents, and the glory of his country. 
 
 Since man is thus influenced by his associations, and is the 
 creature of education, we see the wisdom and goodness of the 
 Creator in subjecting him to a long and guarded pupilage. 
 Were he able in a few moments from infancy, to mingle in the 
 busy scenes of life, and behold the enormities daily perpetra- 
 ted, deep corruption would be the inevitable result. But 
 mark the order of Providence ! He must lie in the arms of an 
 attentive mother. Her watchfulness guards him from danger. 
 And if she be, as Heaven designed her, an exemplification of 
 amiability and grace, ''if Heaven be in her eye, grace in her 
 step, in every gesture dignity and love," if she have the spirit of 
 her station, a heart deeply imbued with the riches of the gos- 
 pel, she will cultivate in her offspring a spirit of tenderness 
 and affection, a spirit of piety and love. And if in after life 
 he should be tossed upon a tempestuous sea, and fearful ruin, 
 amid conflicting elements, threaten his destruction, if he should 
 even be agitated by the ragings of passion, his soul will ever 
 and anon return to that peaceful calm which a mother's 
 prayers and tears have inspired in his bosom. The same 
 principles extend to a more advanced period of life. The stu- 
 dies pursued, and the teachers from whom instruction is receiv- 
 ed, must in a great degree determine future character. Who 
 would send a son to be reared among savages, or would wish his 
 companions to be the licentious and profane? If then the 
 kind of instruction determines character, the prosperity of our 
 youth depends upon their parents, their teachers and their 
 friends. If we wish them to grovel in ignorance and crime, let 
 us permit them to associate with those already proficient in ini- 
 2 
 
10 
 
 quity, but if we wish them to be virtuous and honorable, if we 
 wish them to aspire to places of usefulness and distinction, we 
 must sedulously promote their improvement. 
 
 5th. National character depends upon the same cause. This 
 we might deduce, by argument from the previous position. 
 Nations are but combinations of societies, societies aggrega- 
 tions of families, and families a union of individuals. Whatev- 
 er then affects individuals, must be expected to exert its influ- 
 ence upon nations. 
 
 The ancient Greeks devotedly aspired after physical excel- 
 lence. By athletics they improved the bodies of their youth. 
 The honors bestowed upon victors in the games were well cal- 
 culated to excite ambition. From childhood upwards they 
 sought to develope every muscle and give to every feature its 
 full expression, and modesty itself was sacrificed to this all ab- 
 sorbing passion. 
 
 The legitimate consequence was, that, under such training, 
 the human frame attained its maximum of development. Their 
 beauteous forms still stand unrivaled upon the painter's canvass, 
 and swell in full symmetry from the sculptured marble. And 
 at present, artists never think themselves capable of excellence 
 until they have first studied those productions of antiquity. 
 Critics have thought and affirmed that these productions were 
 not copies from nature ; but if not, they clearly manifest the pre- 
 vailing taste of that age, whose ideal forms have never been 
 surpassed. Praxiteles and Apelles still live in their works as 
 master spirits in this department of design. Patriotism also 
 was early taught their youth, and every thing dishonorable and 
 disgraceful was associated with the coward's name. And their 
 plains and mountains have long been celebrated in song, as the 
 tlieatres of their valor. In the later days of Rome wealth was 
 substituted for honor, and for bravery, intrigue. Scarcely had 
 the maxim "Omnia venalia sunt Romse" been adopted, until 
 her youth burst the barriers of law and trampled upon rights 
 human and divine. In our own age, the dauntless bravery of 
 the Swiss, the enterprise of the English, the inextinguishable 
 love of home felt by the Chinese, and by the Laplander, the ar- 
 dent love of hberty in Columbia's sons, and the abject submis- 
 sion of the Hindoo, are all the result of early education. The 
 
11 
 
 elements may be found in the language of the nursery. An 
 eminent physician has attributed much of the difference be- 
 tween the volatility of the French, and the gravity of the Ger- 
 man, to their treatment in infancy. Bethis as it may, the Ger- 
 man is taught to respect the opinions of antiquity, and he plays 
 his music, smokes his pipe, and dwells as his fathers did be- 
 fore him. The French are taught that glory consists in inno- 
 vation, and with them a government is prostrated, and a new 
 one erected in less time than many would determine upon the 
 structure of an edifice. 
 
 Qth. True fame and prosperity depend upon intellectual and 
 moral culture. However famous some men may have become 
 without personal culture, they could never have received that 
 fame but through the culture of others. The heroes of Troy 
 had long since been forgotten but for Homer's song, and the 
 noble exploits of ancient worthies live only upon the page of 
 history. But those who became famous even as heroes, ex- 
 celled their associates in erudition. Nestor, Ulysses and oth- 
 ers are represented as eloquent as they were brave. Alexan- 
 der enjoyed the instruction of Aristo.tle, and received those 
 enlarged and comprehensive views, which enabled him to sweep 
 as the spirit of the storm over the habitable world.* Great 
 men are indeed generally the birth of great times. Men as 
 splendid in intellect, as courageous, as patriotic as ever breath- 
 ed frequently are unknown, because the times demand not 
 those qualifications. In a young Alexander is personified the 
 spirit of the times, when he complained lest his father w^ould 
 conquer the whole world and leave no brilliant achievement 
 for him. It was this spirit that Alexander directed, and this 
 led him to triumph; yet none but a master spirit could have pre- 
 sided in such a tempest. But passing^from heroes, whose 
 names are those which stand conspicuously on the roll of fame? 
 The good, the v>^ise, the great men of splendid intellects and 
 refined feelings. — Men who were beloved by their coun- 
 try, their age, and the world. The names of Cincinnatus, of 
 
 * In one of bis letters to his preceptor, he remarks " For my part I had rath- 
 er surpass the majority of mankind in the sublime parts of learning than in ex- 
 tent of power and dominion." Julius Csesar, though a distinguished hero, has 
 always been justly admired for his perspicuous style and extensive erudition. 
 
12 
 
 Luther, of Bacon, Newton and Howard, shall never die. 
 Though ages may roll away and myriads perish, yet phenix like 
 they shall rise afresh from the ashes of each generation, and in 
 memory's record, ''their youth shall be renewed as the eagles." 
 
 The position may be more fully illustrated by a reference to 
 national history. The fame of no nation has been trans- 
 mitted to us, but by records. And just in proportion to 
 the number ofwriters do we perceive the character of the 
 times. Athens and Sparta were rival cities. Both aimed at 
 dominion, both strove for excellence. At Sparta, learning and 
 science were prohibited. Her youth were taught w^ar, and the 
 bravery of her soldiers has never been surpassed. At Athens 
 they taught philosophy; her temples rose in splendor, and her 
 academies were crowded with students. What has been their 
 fate? iVthens was burned, but still she flourishes. There 
 Euripides, Sophocles, and iEschylus, sung, and the air sweep- 
 ing over Attica's sacred soil, and visiting those revered ruins, 
 still brings to our ears the dying strain. There too, Demosthenes 
 spoke — and eloquence was his. Before him stood breathless 
 multitudes, wdio hung upon his lips. Rage and indignation 
 against tyrants, were kindled by his words, and Phihp dreaded 
 the power of his voice more than the array of fleets and armies. 
 His voice yet rings. Many a youth has felt the impulse of 
 liberty waked by his words, and many a tyrant has turned 
 pale, when he has heard the mountains reverberating with those 
 echoes of liberty, marshalling her heroes to glorious conflict. 
 Xenophon and Herodotus wrote, and Sparta is known, but in 
 the page of the Athenian historian. vSocrates, Plato, and Aris- 
 totle philosophized, and while the modern philosopher rejects 
 their errors, he yet bows before the strength of those intellects, 
 which pierced the si/iTounding gloom, and towered like the 
 white topped mountains, above the dark and pendent cloud, 
 displaying their beauties to a cloudless sky. Sparta is gone, 
 but Athens is immortal. 
 
 Carthage was once the rival of Rome. She had wealth al- 
 ^most incalculable; the daughter of the ''merchant lady of the 
 east,'* she inherited her treasures. Her palaces rose in gorgeous 
 architecture, and her citizens were brave. Once in the terrible 
 conflict, her sons scaled the mountain's heic^ht and came down 
 
13 
 
 on Italy's fair plains, as a devastating torrent, and the '^'eternal 
 city," as an aspen leaf trembled upon her seven hills. Then 
 the Carthagenians might have been victorious, but alarmed at 
 an unusually terrific storm, they delayed to prosecute their ad- 
 vantages, and their ignorance was the salvation of Rome. 
 Where now is Carthage? Gone! forever gone. Her palaces 
 are in ruins, her splendor exists but in song, and even her war- 
 riors are principally indebted to the history of her enemies for 
 their posthumous fame. Rome still exists, though not in modern 
 Rome. Wander among her broken columns, and ruined edi- 
 fices, she is not there. Gaze upon her crumbling statuary, and 
 her dimmed paintings, she is not there. All is lifeless. Then 
 open the treasures of mind. Tully still speaks in his enchant- 
 ing strains. Horace, Ovid, Virgil, and Juvenal, alternately 
 depress and transport us with their songs. Livy, Tacitus, 
 and Sallust present us living Rome. We hear her orators and 
 poets, and her most glorious triumphs are enacted before our 
 vision. Her laws still flourish in other lands and other climes. 
 Rome said "Carthago delenda est" and she fell, without dis- 
 tinguished sons to transmit her name to posterity. But while 
 science flourishes and literature survives, Rome can never be 
 forgotten. 
 
 We have another striking contrast in the Israehtes and the 
 Egyptians. The princes of Egypt had large dominions; their 
 land was fertile, and watered by their celebrated river, brought 
 forth aboundantly. They also paid considerable attention to 
 education, but their trust was in their wealth and power. 
 They aimed at immortality, and the broad based pyramid was 
 erected, towering with its mountain structure towards heaven. 
 Each rocky eminence was carved into a Sphinx, and cata- 
 combs, in endless succession, and vast in extent, were formed 
 deep in the mountain's side. Their bodies were embalmed to 
 resist the corrosion of time, and the latest posterity was ex- 
 pected to do them honor. The enslaved nation had no such 
 monuments, but their history was written. Moses, whom 
 Lord Bacon quaintly styles "God's first pen," formed that re- 
 cord which still speaks of the beginning of ages. In that 
 history alone, ancient Egypt truly lives, all else is impenetra- 
 bly enveloped in mists and obscurity. The builder of the 
 
14 
 
 pyramid, has for ages been unknown, and the name of the 
 embalmed has long since been forgotten. And when those 
 pyramids shall have crumbled into dust, and the last trace of the 
 embalmea shall have forever vanished, that history shall still 
 live to tell the thrilling story of Israel's triumphant disenthrall- 
 ment from the yoke of bondage. 
 
 We need not dwell upon ancient history to prove that na- 
 tional prosperity depends upon intellectual and moral culture. 
 Why is modern Europe now the centre of civil power? The 
 soil is not more productive, the climate is not more delightful 
 than those ofregions in Asia and Africa, and yet every thing good 
 and great upon the eastern continent, in modern times, has had 
 its origin there. One answer only can solve the mystery. 
 Thfey are enlightened. Take a single example. Place your- 
 self in the army of Julius Caesar, cross with him the British 
 channel, — stand on Albion's shore, and view the chalky cliffs 
 of that romantic isle. Who are there? An ignorant and de- 
 graded race, savages and idolaters, blessed indeed with fair 
 complexions and muscular forms, but dark and debased in intel- 
 lect and morals. Then Italy thought the conquest of such an 
 isle an insignificant occurrence. Small was it in territory, and 
 placed at the verge of creation. Go there now. Brittania 
 would smile at the thought of Italy sending an invading force. 
 Though her territory is but little larger than that of our own 
 state, her sails whiten every sea and crowd every port; and 
 millions in foreign lands bow at her name and call her mistress. 
 Her possessions are extensive in every quarter of the globe, and 
 small as she is, she wields an almost omnipotent influence. 
 What has produced this mighty change? Education is there. 
 "The school master is abroad." Her venerable universities 
 have illuminated her sons, and widely diffused the spirit of 
 enterprise. They have discovered and practically applied 
 the maxim, 'Hhat knowledge is power." The arts flourish in 
 unprecedented vigor. The hoarse voice of her steam engines, 
 and the ceaseless hum of her machinery are heard in every 
 part of the island, and every effort is made by her philosophers 
 and laborers to bring the useful arts to perfection. Conse- 
 quently wealth flows into the bosom of the nation and every 
 land becomes tributary to England's felicity. 
 
15 
 
 Contrast the former with the present condition of Russia. 
 Two centuries ago she was a vast uncultivated territory, her 
 population were principally peasant slaves attached to the soil, 
 the absolute property of their masters, and so ignorant that 
 they dreaded to receive offered liberty lest they should be 
 wholly ruined. She had no ships and consequently no com- 
 merce, no science and consequently no arts of a refined nature. 
 But Peter the Great, by his mighty efforts changed her entire 
 system. He introduced the arts from abroad, commenced - 
 commerce, founded colleges, and encouraged learning in 
 every manner, and Russia awoke as from a dream. Now she 
 has become the rival of England. Her commerce is^increasing, 
 her resources are daily being developed, and her wealth is accu- 
 mulating. Already the haughty Ottoman shrinks from her 
 glance as she wistfully looks towards the Black Sea, and trem- 
 blingly alarmed he calls upon England and France as his only 
 hope against encroachments upon his territory. Let us take 
 but one example more. What has so wonderfully changed 
 America in the last two hundred years ? Why now smiles in 
 fruitfulness this western valley, so recently a gloomy wilder- 
 ness? Enlightened man has been here. Our less enlightened 
 brethren in South America have waded through seas of blood 
 to attain liberty which is as often wrested from them by the 
 chieftain,s grasp. And even at this moment they are suffering 
 from opposing and contending factions. They lack intelli- 
 gence and virtue. But our Union has arisen as the sun in its 
 strength, her internal order scarcely disturbed, her external 
 rights esteemed sacred. Her commerce is wide as the earth, 
 and she presents the sublime spectacle of a free nation, unembar- 
 rassed by debt, uncontrolled by religious monopolies, at peace 
 with all the w^orld, rising in intellectual and moral grandeur, 
 and throwing open her territory to receive the distressed im- 
 migrant as he flies from despotic powder. Many of her sons 
 have become eminent in science, and even for excellence in the 
 fine arts, some have worn the laurels in foreign lands. Do we 
 inquire the cause? Go to the rock of Plymouth and look upon 
 those venerable men. Their first care was to plant churches 
 and schools, to promote intelligence and virtue. I trust I shall 
 be indulged in quoting one of their acts as early as 1 647 upon this 
 
16 
 
 interesting subject. It is as follows: " To the end that learning 
 may not be buried in the graves of our forefathers, in church 
 and commonwealth, the Lord assisting our endeavors: It is 
 therefore ordered by this court and authority thereof, that eve- 
 ry township within this jurisdiction, after the Lord has increas- 
 ed them to the number of fifty householders, shall then forth- 
 with appoint one within their tow^n to teach all such children 
 as shall resort to him, to write and read whose wages shall be 
 paid either by the parents or masters of such children, or by 
 the inhabitants in general, by way of supply, as the major part 
 of those that order the prudentials of the town shall appoint; 
 provided that those who send children be not oppressed by 
 paying much more than they can have them taught for in other 
 towns. " Sec. 2. And it is further ordered that when any 
 town shall increase to the number of one hundred families or 
 householders, they shall set up a Grammar school, the master 
 thereof being able to instruct the youth so far as they may be 
 fitted for the university." Here we see th^ beginning of that 
 system which has been follow^ed by so happy consequences. 
 America is happy because she is enlightened and virtuous. 
 
 7th. Colleges and Universities are essential to the improvement 
 and diffusion of education. Many who agree wdth us in ex- 
 tolling the advantages of common schools, are somewhat 
 doubtful as to the necessity for colleges. They are viewed as 
 aristocratic institutions imparting only the unnecessary refine- 
 ments. These opinions however, we conceive arise wholly 
 from mistaken views. In order that we may perceive the true 
 tendency of colleges, it may be remarked, that society is inter- 
 ested in having individuals, talented, learned, energetic and 
 useful; and whatever contributes to the formation of such 
 characters, contributes to the happiness of society. That a 
 person maybe rendered in the highest degree useful,four things 
 are especially necessary, the mind must be well stored with 
 general knowledge, there must be a capacity for close and 
 thorough investigation, ability to communicate information in an 
 interesting and successful manner, and a disposition to use the 
 utmost exertions for the amelioration of the condition of man- 
 kind. Our only question then is, have colleges the tendency 
 to form such characters? 
 
17 
 
 They furnish the outlines of general knowledge. The 
 relations of the elements of matter are taught in chemistry, 
 their combinations in all their varied forms, and the laws which 
 govern them in forming those combinations. Mineralogy 
 teaches the character and qualities of the various substances 
 composing the earth's structure, and the uses to which they 
 may be applied. Geology unfolds the structure and arrange- 
 ment of the earth's surface, and the position of the various 
 strata in reference to each other, with the various fossils found 
 among their masses. Natural philosophy explains the laws of 
 motion, and the mechanical action of bodies, one upon another, 
 it describes the fundamental principles of mechanics and the 
 structure of machinery, and teaches how to estimate the effect 
 of different powers variously combined. All the motions of 
 nature are observed, from the movement of the birds in the air, 
 to the ship upon the mighty deep. The propagation of sound 
 and the flash of lightning, — the colors that sparkle in the dew 
 drop as it glistens on the trembling leaf, or display their lustre in 
 the bow of peace that triumphantly spans the heavens — all are the 
 subjects of Philosophy. Astronomy leads us still farther. She 
 takes the student, already acquainted with our own world, on 
 a tour of discovery through the universe. Visiting each planet 
 he becomes acquainted with the laws that govern those mighty 
 orbs as they move perpetually around the great centre of the 
 system. Then he careers with the comet, through unmeasured 
 space, nor stops until far beyond the visible creation, ten 
 thousand times as many worlds are brought to view. 
 
 But the student is taught not only the nature of the world 
 in which he is placed, and its associated orbs, he is also taught 
 the history of man, the various principles that have elevated 
 and overthrown nations, the different events that have trans- 
 pired, and the period of their occurrence. The actions of the 
 good and great are held up as examples, and the conduct of the 
 bad, as warnings. He is taught to know himself. The phe- 
 nomena of mind are unfolded, with the laws of our being, and 
 he is taught to think with accuracy and precision. And history, 
 the grey-headed chronicler of years, towering with Alpine 
 grandeur, shows those laws exemplified in their consequences, 
 and is thus an ever bidding monitor to lead to truth. And last 
 3 
 
18 
 
 of all he is led through every department of nature to view the 
 grand designs of the Supreme Creator. With such knowledge 
 the person is no longer a stranger in a strange land. Wisdom, 
 power, benevolence and justice are every where displayed. 
 All nature hath a tongue to tell of wisdom, there is "music in 
 the spheres." And as he walks abroad in the fields, he views 
 *'Books in the running brooks," ^'Sermons in stones and good 
 in every thing.*' 
 
 Colleges are places of severe mental discipline. The 
 student is secluded from the business and perplexities of life 
 and consequently the mind is not distracted by those cares 
 which ordinarly disturb the train of meditation. His associates 
 are all engaged in study — he has exam.ples of applica- 
 tion in his preceptors — honor is enjoyed only by the successful 
 student — in his studies he becomes acquainted with the char- 
 acters and actions of the wise, patriotic and virtuous; he ad- 
 mires and imitates — and all incline him to improve every fleet- 
 ing moment. The studies at which he is engaged require 
 strong and continued mental effort, and their tendency is to 
 produce habits of close and profound thoughto Among these 
 the mathematical course stands pre-eminent. So fully were 
 even some of the ancient philosophers apprised of this, that 
 Plato inscribed over the door of his academy "Oudeis ageome- 
 trikos eiseltho." "Let no one j who is ignorant of geometry 
 enter." In our own country the distinguished Hamilton was 
 so sensible of the effects of geometry upon the mind, that in 
 preparing his celebrated State papers, he read Euclid regularly 
 once a month. Algebra also, especially in its higher branches 
 is well calculated to discipline the mind. These are not only 
 essential to prepare the student for active life, but by giving 
 him habits of thought and examination, they prepare him for 
 extensive usefulness. His intellect is expanded, and his powers 
 developed. He is neither deceived by specious pretences, nor 
 does he shrink from arduous investigation, and when in after 
 life, he is consulted, his judgment will be respected. 
 
 Colleges impart qualifications for communicating infor- 
 mation in an interesting and successful manner. And this is 
 one of the grand objects of a thorough education. Without it 
 knowledge is comparatively useless. The individual it is true, 
 
 n\ 
 
19 
 
 enjoys a pleasure which sensual gratifications can never afford. 
 Rittenhouse swooned at beholding the transit of Venus. New- 
 ton was so overwhelmed with rapture, when near the comple- 
 tion of his immense calculations that demonstrated the plane- 
 tary laws, that he was unable to proceed. And Archimedes 
 going into a public bath, while intent on solving the problem 
 of Hiero's crown, suddenly discovering the method, sprang 
 from the baths and rushed naked intogthe streets crying, **IhaVe 
 found it, I have found it." True, it elevates the intellect and 
 makes the individual sit "upon the Alps, the Appenines, and 
 weave his garland of the lightning's wing." But still the great 
 object is to communicate truth to others. Powerful orations 
 may sway the opinions of listening thousands, may turn the 
 majority of a community upon subjects of immense importance. 
 Mary, queen of England, is said to have dreaded John Knox, 
 more than all her other subjects, because she feared the effects 
 of his popular oratory. But a written work of strong sentiment 
 and happy expression can do still more. It speaks not to one 
 community, nor country nor age. Its dominion is the world, 
 its duration that of the earth. For the press has almost se- 
 cured to valuable productions, ubiquity and eternity. Elemen- 
 tary knowledge and habits of thought can never exert their 
 full influence without the power of language, and this is par- 
 ticularly taught in a college course. Attention is directed to 
 the structure and analysis of language, mode of expression and 
 formation of style. For this purpose Rhetoric and Logic are 
 taught. Exercises in writing and oratory are periodically 
 required. And a critical knowledge of the Latin and Greek 
 languages is imparted. 
 
 We are aware that it has become fashionable to declaim 
 against the study of those languages, and to exalt at their ex- 
 pense the natural sciences. We are not willing to yield to 
 others in an attachment to the study of nature, but we must 
 enter our protest against the neglect of those ancient languages. 
 And as this is a subject upon which considerable discussion has 
 taken place, it may claim our passing notice. 
 
 That the study of those languages is necessary for the finish- 
 ed scholar, few are found to deny; and we are at a loss to con- 
 ceive how any, aspiring to elevated situations, can voluntarily 
 
20 
 
 deprive themselves of such advantages. When a student is 
 unable from uncontrollable circumstances, to give himself a 
 full education, there may be a propriety in his paying but little, 
 if any attention to them, but circumstances should be imperious 
 to warrant such a course. The study of the languages has 
 been by the imprudence of friends exposed to unnecessary op- 
 position. There is a great tendency to run into extremes upon 
 ahy subject, and as a mote near the eye covers a large field of 
 view, so any subject upon which the mind is intently fixed is 
 in danger of being unnecessarily magnified. 
 
 Some have attributed to the ancients all excellence, and to the 
 moderns merely imitation. If specimens of oratory are required, 
 they refer immediately to the ancients. Beauties of composi- 
 tion, strength of sentiment, to them only shine upon the classic 
 pages. Nor is the reason difficult to be discovered. They 
 have studied the ancients to the exclusion of the moderns. 
 Their minds were wholly engrossed in youth with classic lore, 
 and the whole current of thought has flowed in that direction. 
 The former system of education was such, that nearly the 
 whole time was occupied, in studying these languages, and 
 it is not astonishing that the judgment should be biassed by 
 such a course. Others perceiving the folly of such assertions 
 have run to the opposite extreme, and condemned the languages 
 as wholly useless. The truth to our minds appears thus. We 
 find many beautiful examples of composition, and many ad- 
 dresses of finished oratory among the ancients, but more beau- 
 ties and stronger. oratory are found among the moderns. They 
 have a wider field of illustration, and a greater number of 
 powerful motives. Neither extensive science, nor the all 
 absorbing truths of Christianity were understood by the ancients. 
 In originality, love of nature, and abstraction they manifest 
 considerable excellence. Their times favored these. They 
 had few works but those of nature from which they could copy, 
 and not expecting great practical results, sublime sentiments 
 and abstractions were their chief delight. Yet our English 
 poets love nature as ardently; and the abstractions of a New- 
 town and Laplace are superior to any found among the ancients. 
 Besides the greater part of what is excellent in the writings of 
 the ancients we find embodied in those of the moderns. If we 
 
21 
 
 are asked why then we advocate the study of the ancient 
 languages, we answer, 1st. Because there are many turns of 
 expression which lay open the springs of thought, which never 
 can be translated. And this was probably the origin of the 
 famous expression of Charles V. that "he who learned a new 
 language acquired a new soul." These turns of expression 
 frequently suggest new ideas to the mind and cause it to 
 examine the subject more closely and thoroughly. ■ 2nd. Be- 
 cause professional men must understand the technicalities of 
 their science, but these being nearly all derived from those 
 languages, a previous knowledge of them is required. 3d. Be- 
 cause there are writings of peculiar interest to the accomplished 
 physician, -attorney, divine and general scholar, which have 
 either never been translated, or yet possess peculiar interest in 
 the original. The physician wishes to read after Galen and 
 Hippocrates just as they w^^ote, and the attorney to have the 
 gradual formation and expansion of that system of jurisprudence 
 which is the glory and safeguard of our country. The divine 
 must also long to read the word of life just as it dropped in all 
 its richness, freshness and power, from the lips of Him w4io 
 spake as never man spake. He thus seems privileged to stand 
 in ancient company and to view those subhme scenes transpiring 
 around him. But 4th, Our strongest reason is that such 
 knowledge is necessary in order to obtain the perfect mastery 
 of our own language. The great object of the scholar is to per- 
 suade and convince. For this all the powers of language should 
 be exhausted. Its strength, its beauty, richness, copiousness, 
 should all be the subjects of continued study and investigation. 
 Words are the instruments of the writer and the orator, and if 
 expected to do execution, they must be well chosen, expressive 
 and polished. If we examine the prose and poetic writings of 
 the last century we find most that excel are the productions of 
 classic pens. True, some wrote well by forming their style 
 after classic authors, and by severe study imitating their meth- 
 od, but already their works are nearly forgotten, and soon, with 
 but few exceptions, they will have passed from the memory of 
 man. 
 
 Who, that has any aspiration to leave behind him a name, 
 will w^ish it to be written in other than imperishable characters. 
 
22 
 
 Yet, comparatively few can be writers, but all may be orators. 
 It has not appeared strange to us, that an opposition to the 
 study of the languages should have arisen in France and Ger- 
 many. There, a popular orator is regarded with jealousy. 
 The tyrant wishes the populace to sleep. He dreads the first 
 symptoms of waking, and consequently wishes not to see the 
 elements of agitation accumulated, lest they should explode 
 with volcanic violence, and upheave the foundations of their 
 governments. But why should opposition be indulged in this 
 country? Here every man is by birth-right an orator; he is 
 invested with the attributes of sovereignty, and the affairs of 
 state are subjects of daily discussion among the humblest citi- 
 zens in community. Our only security is in the intelligence 
 and virtue of our citizens, and every man, who aspires to 
 eminence, should seek such an acquaintance with language, as 
 shall enable him to pour forth truth in all its strength and 
 beauty; to clothe it in its own heavenly habiliments of loveliness, 
 and to acquire the. power of holding thousands entranced with 
 the resistless magic both " of thoughts that breathe and words 
 that burn. " 
 
 But it may be objected that some of our best orators never 
 studied these languages. We admit that to all general rules 
 there may be exceptions, but in this case they will not at all 
 invalidate the general principle. To obtain their eminence, 
 these men have employed their whole time; they have labored 
 assiduously, and formed their style according to the model of 
 those imbued with classic lore. By industry and perseverance 
 they have excelled, and they merit praise; but there is one 
 grand distinction between the accomplished linguist and such 
 speakers and wrtiers. In the Hoguist, oratory is but a small 
 part of his powers, it appears rather as an incidental circum- 
 stance. His language is the natural expression of his thoughts. 
 With the other, oratory is every thing; for this he has studied 
 night and day. His writings will be few and ephemeral, for 
 his whole efforts have been employed to obtain the use of 
 language, as it would have flowed almost spontaneously, if he 
 had thoroughly studied that department. But is the example 
 of those who thus arrive at eminence to be a model for others? 
 How frequently do we see men raised in obscurity, destitute of 
 
23 
 
 means, rising from one degree of wealth to another, until they* 
 proudly place themselves upon a standing of equality with the 
 oldest families in the land. Will they therefore wish their 
 children to commence destitute of means? Do you find them 
 giving away their fortunes to others, and turning their sons 
 pennyless upon the world, because, in this way they com- 
 menced? Do they seek the humblest associations for their 
 daughters, because their mothers made such selections? They 
 wish, and wish properly, to place their children on vantage 
 ground, and this they should do, in education as well as in 
 wealth. And if we refer to those orators, we find them the 
 most ardent advocates for the thorough education of youth, 
 because they well remember the difficulties through which they 
 were compelled to struggle. But we are told that but few 
 become orators. We admit that but few comparatively, attain 
 to excellence in any department. Few of the sons of the 
 wealthy continue to amass wealth. The man, who fares sump- 
 tuously, has a son in a few years reduced to beggary; while 
 the poor rises to opulence and splendor. Energy, ceaseless 
 energy, is necessary. Indolence, whether found on a farm, in 
 a shop, an office, or college, never can succeed. But of those, 
 who succeed in completing a college course, but few are indo- 
 lent. Such generally tire by the way; to them discipline and 
 close application are irksome, and they gladly leave their stu- 
 dies, to engage in business, where they will have greater op- 
 portunities for irregularity. There is an additional reason 
 why the languages should be taught. By means of com- 
 merce the different parts of the world are in rapid approxima- 
 tion. Men of different languages must commingle, and hence, 
 the importance of understanding, especially, the languages of 
 modern Europe. But as many of them are derived from the 
 Latin and Greek, the easiest and best method to acquire them, 
 is first to study their originals. 
 
 Colleges cherish and cultivate dispositions for enlarged 
 efforts to ameliorate the condition of man. The student is 
 taught the relations he sustains to his fellow men of his own 
 country, and of the whole world, and the obligations arising 
 from those relations. Political economy exhibits the propriety 
 and policy of active exertion, while Moral Science occupies 
 
24 
 
 still higher ground and shows that man to be criminal, who 
 does not employ himself in labors of benevolence. The con- 
 duct of the brave, the patriotic, and the philanthropic, are held 
 ^up as examples, and every motive is brought into requisition, 
 to stimulate to honorable enterprise. With such convictions 
 of duty, the thorough scholar bursting the barriers of prejudice, 
 views himself no longer living to himself alone; lays broad plans 
 for future usefulness, and in w^hatever profession he may labor, 
 the principles which guide him, are those that dignify and en- 
 noble humanity. 
 
 8th. Colleges are not only thus useful in furnishing such individ- 
 uals to act their part in community, hut they also elevate the stan- 
 dard of professional attainments. How many men rush un- 
 qualified into all our responsible professions. Scarcely has 
 a young man completed the acquisition of the simplest elements 
 of an ordinary education, whan he assumes a title, and the lives 
 or property of his fellow^ men are trusted to his care. And? 
 when once entered upon the profession, so far from develop- 
 ing his powers, he looks around and finds associates as ignor- 
 ant as himself. They "measure themselves by themselves*' 
 and aspire for no higher excellence. While they are yet grov- 
 elling in the basement, they fancy they have attained to the 
 summit of the temple, because from the obscurity of their vis- 
 ion, they can perceive nothing above them. There is scarce- 
 ly a more pernicious influence operating against our learned 
 professions. The young man fancies that he can gather laurels 
 to decorate his brow, and that unless he hastes they will all be 
 worn by others. He counts the days as years until he engages 
 in active life. And even sometimes, by a strange mixture of 
 self esteem and benevolence, he imagines the w^orld will 
 plunge into ruin, unless he springs to the rescue. The ancient 
 athletes could spend years in preparation, every muscle was de- 
 veloped, every expedient tried, a long course of training endur- 
 ed, and when admitted to the lists, instead of entering hastily, 
 they deliberately commenced the contest. All this was for a 
 fading laurel. But when property and life, when the dearest 
 interests of men are at stake, our youth rush unprepared upon 
 the course, and as might be expected fall exhausted ere they 
 reach the goal. If young men but know the advantages of a 
 
2b 
 
 full preparation, they would count themselves happy, if at 
 twenty five or thirty, they were prepared to commence a pub- 
 lic career. 
 
 9th. Colleges are essential to the prosperity of common 
 schools. They furnish writers to explain and illustrate the 
 various branches of an ordinary education. And they furnish 
 competent teachers, to take charge of schools and Seminaries. 
 Too frequently, for the welfare of community, is the education 
 of immortal minds committed to those who have neither capa- 
 city nor disposition to communicate useful knowledge; who? 
 themselves wrongly taught, perpetuate errors more difficult to 
 be removed, than the inscription from the plate of steel; who, 
 without any sublime sentiments or noble aspirations, under- 
 take to direct the developement of that intellect designed to 
 scale the topmost battlements ofnature. Look where we may, 
 no truth is more clearly taught, than, that common schools 
 never flourished without colleges. The history of France, 
 England, Scotland and Prussia, might all be cited in proof. 
 And, in our own country, where is common education most 
 generally diffiised? Just where the first colleges were estab- 
 lished, as radiating points of literary light. Massachusetts and 
 Connecticut, the seats of Harvard and Yale, have in this re- 
 spect furnished an example worthy of imitation. On this sub- 
 ject many have improper views, regarding colleges, if not injuri- 
 ous, at least, as unnecessary to common schools. A distin- 
 guished secretary of a neighbormg commonwealth, in one of 
 his illustrations, remarks that the proper objects of attention 
 are common schools ; for as heated air always rises, so com- 
 mon schools prepare the way for colleges. It is true that this 
 connection is reciprocal, and that colleges will generally, not 
 continue to flourish, where common education is neglected. 
 But although heated air will invariably rise, yet, blot out the 
 sun from existence, or direct his rays from the earth, and thick 
 ribbed ice would hold universal dominion. Blot out colleges, 
 and a Cimmerian darkness would overspread the land, and the 
 huge icebergs of the frigid zone would but faintly represent, 
 the more intense induration of all the feelings and powers of 
 mind. 
 
26 
 
 10th. Colleges^ or high institutions of learning, have always 
 been the precursors of great improvements, whether in gcwern- 
 ment, or in the arts of civilized life. In every land remarkable 
 for intellect, we find them in existence. Even in the captivity at 
 Babylon, the Jews sustained high institutions for that age of 
 the world. Shortly after Constantine, a university was estab- 
 lished at Constantinople, which served as the depository of 
 eastern literature; but colleges, resembhng those at present in 
 existence, were not established until a much later period. In 
 the ninth century, Europe produced two distinguished individ- 
 uals, Charlemagne in France, and Alfred, in England. Each 
 used every means to encourage education, and seminaries were 
 founded, which were the swelling buds, that afterwards unfold- 
 ed into the universities of Paris and Oxford. And is it not re- 
 markable that the land of Charlemagne and of Alfred, af- 
 ter a lapse of one thousand years, still retain a proud pre-emi- 
 nence, over the rest of Europe. At what period, college 
 honors were devised and degrees conferred, it is now difficult 
 to determine; but their origination is by many ascribed to 
 Irnerius, a distinguished jurist of the twelfth century, and a pro- 
 fessor at Bologna. Mention of them was made by Robert de 
 Courcon in 1215; and the term Bachelor of Arts, occurs in the 
 bull of Pope Gregory, ix. in 1 23 1 . At this period, a new impetus 
 was given to collegiate instruction, and in the same century, 
 in addition to the universities of Paris and Oxford, we find 
 those of Toulouse, Bologna, Naples, Padua, Salamanca, and 
 Cambridge; and in the next two centuries, between twenty 
 and thirty additional ones of eminence were established. Shall 
 we ask, was their establishment followed by any remarkable 
 events? History points to those centuries, as the time of the 
 awaking of mind, and the formation of those very systems 
 now completely developed. That age was a dark one in po- 
 litical relations. Tyranny was absolute and unrelenting. The 
 common people were in a state of abject slavery, attached to 
 the soil and transposable as goods and chatties, by the power 
 of the nobility. The code of jurisprudence was lamentably 
 defective, but in it, the first great change was produced. The 
 Roman law was revived and introduced into the universities. 
 The youth crowded to the lectures, and by their means more 
 
27 
 
 correct notions were generally diffused. Trials by single 
 combat, by signs and charms, by the "Judgments of God" as 
 they were termed, were gradually abandoned; and order and 
 regularity were established in the courts of judicature. As 
 ideas of justice prevailed, the condition of the peasantry was 
 ameliorated. Princes enfranchised their serfs, and exhorted 
 their nobility to do the same. Cities and villages acquired 
 freedom, and a spirit of enterprise and industry became wide- 
 ly diffused. Notions of individual rights were soon extended 
 to national, and the claims of the monarch were regarded 
 with jealousy by his subjects. Even Louis X. as early as 
 1315, declared publicly when manumitting his serfs, that "all 
 men by birth should be free and equal." Such sentiments ex- 
 ercised a powerful influence, and republics sprang up through- 
 out Italy, Spain, and other parts of the south of Europe. 
 But principles were not sufficiently settled, the mass of the 
 people were not yet enhghtened, and morals were grossly 
 defective. These infant republics were soon torn with fac- 
 tions and gradually immerged into monarchies. In the four- 
 teenth century, the cantons of Switzerland founded their go- 
 vernment, and have since been independent of regal power. 
 The i^ame sentiments spread rapidly in England, and early in 
 the thirteenth, the memorable Magna Cliarta was signed, as 
 an acknowledgement of popular rights. Since that period, 
 liberty has been progressive, and has but developed the same 
 principles in greater maturity and beauty, in the formation of 
 the America nConstitution, that noblest work of man. Yet 
 some there are, even in this favored land, so ignorant of histo- 
 ry, and so grovelling in all their conceptions, that they public- 
 ly declaim against colleges as fostering aristocracy. Such men, 
 had they lived in other days, would have been the first to 
 strangle liberty in her cradle, and bowing their own neck to 
 the foot of the despot, to swear allegiance to his throne. 
 
 All the parts of truth are intimately connected. The dis- 
 covery of one leads to the discovery of others. As universi- 
 ties promoted the knowledge of popular rights, so those rights 
 being understood, and having been even partially enjoyed, 
 produced a buoyancy and elasticity of mind which reacted up- 
 on the universities. Each supported the other, and as the desire 
 
28 
 
 for information increased, the course was extended. Former- 
 ly the branches taught were the Trivium, embracing Rhet- 
 eric, Logic and Grammar, and the Quadrivium including A- 
 rithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy. But with the 
 new arrangements, new studies were introduced, the writings 
 of the ancients were eagerly consulted, and nature became a 
 subject of investigation. Astronomy began to throw aside its 
 astrological character, and Natural History and Chemistry 
 though yet very imperfect, began to attract attention. Men? 
 thought more freely, and consequently more was written. At 
 this juncture commenced the great improvement of the arts. 
 Something was needed upon which to write. Parchment was 
 too costly, and bark too fragile. It is said that the manufacture 
 of paper from linen was first devised in the ninth century, but 
 it was not generally known until the early part of the four- 
 teenth century. A suitable substance being prepared, wri- 
 tings were multiplied, but still owing to the labor of transcrip- 
 tion, books were exceedingly costly. A copy of the New 
 Testament was sold in 1429 for £40, being at this time the an- 
 nual salary of a professor in Oxford. It required an immense 
 fortune to purchase a library. To remedy this inconvenience? 
 the art of printing was invented, and probably about 1431, the 
 press began to work. This constituted a new era in literature. 
 Information spread rapidly, a knowledge of History and Geog- 
 raphy awakened a desire to visit and trade with other coun- 
 tries. Commerce was extended, navigation practised, and 
 America discovered. Wealth flowed into Europe, the arts were 
 encouraged and the refinements of life multiplied. Until near 
 this period, the roofs of the houses even of the wealthy were 
 thatched, and without chimneys, and glass windows were al- 
 most unknown. But from this period, invention after inven- 
 tion, and discovery after discovery, added happiness to man. 
 We do not wish to be understood as affirming that all these 
 improvements were devised in colleges. But it is certainly 
 remarkable that the establishment of colleges preceded all splen- 
 did improvements in those early ages. They were as radiating 
 points, as suns in the universe, dispensing light and heat. In 
 them was inspired a thirst for enterprise. Their alumni went 
 forth and acted on community. New facts were carefully re- 
 
29 
 
 ported, and these again were disseminated, so that with tele- 
 graphic facihty, information spread from mind to mind, and 
 from nation to nation. Although many discoveries were made 
 by men not attached to colleges, they were not made inde- 
 pendent of the light and interest with which colleges had in- 
 vested those subjects. The discovery of the laws of mechan- 
 ics, the principles now embodied in machinery of all kinds^ 
 was the result of patient and laborous investigation. To show 
 how such investigations affect community, let us select but a 
 single instance, the refractive power of glass. The fact, that 
 light is bent a little out of its course by passing through glass, 
 appears but a trival discovery. Yet in the hand of Galileo, 
 it gave rise to the invention of the telescope. And what are its 
 trophies? It has made man a citizen of the Universe — spread 
 before his vision neighboring worlds — expanded his intellect 
 by suggesting data for new calculations, and matter for profound 
 reflection — revealed additional evidences of the wisdom and 
 power of God, and enabled man lost in astonishment more 
 feelingly to exclaim, "The heavens declare the glory of God, 
 and the firmament showeth his handy work. " He has with 
 this measure spanned the surface of the sun, and passed with 
 the velocity of the "swift winged arrows of light," from centre 
 to circumference of celestial systems infinitely distant and in- 
 finitely multiplied. The microscope constructed upon the 
 same principle, reveals a new world around and beneath us. 
 Each particle of matter seems to teem with life and happiness. 
 Organized beings are seen to sport in a drop of water, with as 
 little sense of confinement as a whale in the ocean. The dust 
 of a plant, which we carlessly brush away, is but a crowded 
 city of living beings imperceptible to the unassisted vision. 
 Nature thus speaks a new language, and is resplendent with in- 
 describable lustre. The same principle, practically applied^ 
 has produced the spy glass for the mariner, and furnished an 
 indispensalbe part of the theodolite. And who, that has attain- 
 ed to the age of forty or fifty, has not availed himself of the 
 same principle, to remedy impaired vision. This application 
 alone has been of incalculable benefit to man. The short 
 sighted are enabled to take an extended view, and, the dimmed 
 eye of age beholds once more the beauties of creation, as it 
 
30 
 
 beheld them in youth. Nearly one half of human life is thus 
 made available, to an extent formerly unknown; age is preserv- 
 ed as a counsellor to youth, and the declining moments, when 
 formerly "the grass hopper was a burden," are cheered with 
 new sources of instruction and delight. Dr. Rush remarks, 
 that cases oi fatuity are much less frequent among the aged 
 since the introduction of glasses, and the well known history 
 of Dean Swift would seem to confirm us in this impression. 
 'Yet all these are the trophies of but a single discovery in mod- 
 ern science. 
 
 The connection of colleges with religious reformation, is by 
 no means to be overlooked. The fifteenth century beheld the 
 European universities in full vigor, and with their strength the 
 reformation gained ground. Mind, taught to investigate, was 
 not to be shackled by the dictates of assumed power. Nor 
 were the pretensions of any individual considered too sacred to 
 be examined. Go to the University of Erfurt. Behold that 
 youth as he enters the library, and in his search for something 
 interesting, takes from the shelves the Scriptures of the Old and 
 New Testaments. It was the first copy he had ever seen. 
 Curiosity prompted him to read, his attention was arrested, and 
 that volume transformed that youth, into Martin Luther. That 
 volume may have been the donation of some pious christian, 
 and if so, who can estimate the consequences of such a benevo- 
 lent act. Calvin received his serious impressions while pursu- 
 ing his studies, and Oxford's classic retreat has had the honor 
 of producing a Whitefield and a Wesley, whose names shall 
 ever stand connected with what is pure in morals, spiritual in 
 religion, and benevolent in enterprise. In our own land also, 
 revivals of religion frequently occur in colleges, and many, who 
 enter designing merely to study their own pleasure, are induced 
 to commence a life of usefulness. Yet the impression is firmly 
 fixed upon many mind?, that colleges are unfavorable to religious 
 influence. Why may we ask, is this impression prevalent? If 
 colleges were destitute of religious instructions, if young men 
 were left unguarded at the most critical period of life, there 
 would be some cause of apprehension. Such institutions, 
 would in all probability be nurseries for vice and infidelity. 
 But this not the case Avith colleges in general. Students are 
 
 ^1 
 
 
 ': 
 
31 
 
 strictly required to observe the duties of the Sabbath. A portion 
 of Scripture is read every morning and devotional exercises 
 performed in the chapel. The text books are avowedly reli- 
 gious in their tendency, and the morality of the Bible is rigidly 
 inculcated! The associations also are generally favorable ; for 
 though there will always be exceptions, yet viciously disposed 
 young men cannot generally be found engaged in college pur- 
 suits. If trustees have done their duty, the preceptors will 
 always be men of irreproachable habits, and unblemished piety. 
 And all the force of attachment will incline young men to 
 copy their example. And w^ho does not know — who has not 
 felt the power of example? 
 
 Since then the peculiar regulations of a well arranged college 
 are favorable to piety, if any further objection be urged, it 
 must be against the acquisition of knowledge under any cir- 
 cumstances. The maxim that "Ignorance is the mother of 
 devotion", has long since passed away; yet there are some who 
 still think that extensive knowledge is unfavorable to personal 
 religion. If however we seek for the foundation of such an 
 impression, we find it Avholly baseless. The better we become 
 acquainted with individuals of high moral worth, the more we 
 admire and love; so the more we know of the works of God, the 
 more reason we have to worship and adore. As we have already 
 seen, science wonderfully enlarges ourviews, and consequently 
 gives us clearer ideas of the glorious perfections of the Deity. 
 Those individuals, who have made the greatest discoveries, 
 have powerfully felt the influence of this principle. Galen fell upon 
 his knees to adore, when he discovered the admirable perfection 
 of the human frame. New^ton, when he had almost measured 
 the immensity of nature, turned all the powers of his disciplined 
 intellect, to understand and explain the word of God; and 
 Baron Napier, who by his discoveries in mathematics, had in 
 some degree prepared the way for Newton's splendid discoveries, 
 engaged in the same noble employment. The only idea, 
 we can have of infinite hohness, of spotless purity, is inseparably 
 associated with infinite wisdom. Man, in the creation, was 
 made in the image of God, in distinction from animated nature, 
 not in that he was purer, for all was pure, but he was wiser. 
 He had knowledge for government, powder to control himself. 
 
32 
 
 And if it be a command, that a christian should in his sphere 
 be like God, he must seek not only for spotless purity, but 
 also for extensive knowledge. The harmlessness of the 
 dove must ever be united with the wisdom of the serpent. As 
 if to impress this truth on the mind of man, God has ever 
 chosen such as his most honored servants. Moses was learned 
 in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and who was so highly 
 favored as he? Selected to lead Israel and to stand before 
 God, he beheld the exceeding brightness of his glory as it 
 beamed from the burning bush, shone in the fiery pillar, 
 or clothed itself in darkness when upon the cloud clapped 
 mount amidst the flashing of lightning, the deep toned thunder 
 of his voice shook the earth when declaring the majesty of his 
 law, so that surrounding millions tremblingly plead that they 
 might hear his voice no more. Yet in this terriffic scene was 
 Moses introduced, and for forty days was pavilioned upon Sinai's 
 top with the Omnipotent Ruler of the universe. 
 
 View that young prince, the royal heir of Israel's sweetest 
 psalmist. Deity in a vision descending, bids him utter his 
 desire. See his bosom heave. Does he ask for wealth, for 
 honor, or for long life? Not one of them. His single petition 
 is for wisdom, and what does Deity respond? ''Because thou 
 has asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life^ 
 neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of 
 thy enemies, but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern 
 judgment, behold I have done according to thy word; lo! I have 
 given a wise and understanding heart, so that there was none 
 like thee, before thee, neither after thee shall any arise alike 
 unto thee. And I have given thee also that which thou hast 
 not asked, both riches and honor; so that there shall not be any 
 among the Kings like unto thee all thy days." And he who 
 penned his wise sayings, who wrote of animals, and of plants 
 from the hysop that springeth out of the wall to the cedar of 
 Lebanon, he, only, was permitted to build and dedicate a tem- 
 ple for Jehovah. And while he prayed the glory of the eternal 
 descended, and He, whom the heaven of heavens cannot con- 
 tain, blest with His presence that sacred edifice. When Christ 
 was about to appear upon earth, the joyful intelligence was 
 first given to the wise men of the east, and they first brought 
 
 \\ 
 
33 
 
 their offerings of myrrii and frankincense and gold, to lay at 
 the humble shrine of an incarnate Deity. The apostle who 
 was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught in languages 
 and sciences above his colleagues, Avas especially made the 
 honored instrument of extending God's peculiar kingdom among 
 the Gentiles, and was favored with such ecstatic visions and 
 enjoyed such rapturous emotions, that whether he "was in the 
 body or out of the body he could not tell." 
 
 We have endeavored to consider some of the advantages of 
 education, the necessity of the establishment of colleges and 
 the influence which they exert upon the political, social and 
 moral condition of the world. And however hasty and imper- 
 fect the sketch has been, we are very confident that the reflect- 
 ing mind cannot dwell upon the subject, without being fully 
 satisfied that such institutions are necessary for the prosperity 
 of any community. Deeply impressed with these sentiments, 
 the patrons of this institution have exerted themselves in the 
 noble enterprise ; and now, the Indiana Asbury University, 
 erected wholly by the munificence of citizens of Indiana, 
 having no patronage from the government, or assistance from 
 abroad, opens her halls for the admission of students. She stands 
 wholly an Indiana institution, and on independent ground; and 
 desires to spread broadly her banner inscribed with "Universal 
 and thorough Christian Education essential to national prosper- 
 ty." Yet she assumes no attitude of rivalry. As a new state 
 entering our illustrious union, detracts nothing from the glory 
 and riches of the previous confederates, but rather increases 
 their influence and power; so entering as anew member into the 
 literary confederation, she will strive to piiomote, by all honor- 
 able means, the general interest. As a star hitherto invisible, 
 when it suddenly shines brightly in the heavens, robs not other 
 luminaries of their glory, but only augments the splendor of 
 the sky; so, while endeavoring to radiate truth and science, shfe 
 will rejoice in the brilliancy of sister stars in the effulgent 
 galaxy of literature. The spirit of the times is a spirit of peace. 
 The bitter jealousies and rancorous enmities, that have subsist- 
 ed between communities, are changed into treaties of friendship 
 and alliance; and nations have at last learned, that the prosperi- 
 ty of one contributes to the prosperity of all — that the interest 
 
34 
 
 of each is iatimately connected with the honor, influence and 
 improvement of others. So it should be in colleges; and so it 
 is amongst men of comprehensive intellects and liberal views. 
 None but the illiberal and bigoted — none but minds scanty by 
 nature or contracted by prejudice — can look with envy upon a 
 rising institution, or attribute to het increase, the diminution of 
 others that have any well founded claims upon public patron- 
 age. Nor can it with propriety be objected, that we had 
 already a sufficient number of colleges in Indiana. The bare 
 fact, that sufficient interest has been felt to erect these walls, 
 is evidence that many felt the need of another institution. 
 And the more we examine this subject, we shall the more 
 clearly perceive, that yet there is no superabundance. 
 
 The states of Massachusetts and Vermont, with a territory 
 scarcely more than a fourth of oura, each supports three col- 
 leges. Connecticut, with a little more • than an eighth of our 
 extent, also supports three, together with academies and Sem- 
 inaries almost without number. It may however be said, that 
 that state is much more densely settled, and that we have 
 more institutions in proportion to our population. This is also 
 a mistake. Our population is nearly double that of Connecti- 
 cut; and yet, she has at least five times as many college stu- 
 dents. This is in a great degree, attributable to the fact of her 
 institutions having long been in existence, and having created'a 
 spirit of enterprise and emulation among her citizens. Our state 
 is becoming more densely settled, and its wealth is accumula- 
 ting, and parents anxiously desire to give their sons a thorough 
 education. 
 
 The only question is, shall this be done at home or abroad? 
 Every principle of political economy, every feeling of attach- 
 ment, and consideration of interest, invite to educate them at 
 home. Our wealth is then retained in our own borders, in- 
 stead of flowing into other states. The personal acquaintance 
 of parents with professors, exerts a powerful control over the 
 conduct of students. They are frequently cheered by visits 
 from their friends, and their entire education is more immedi- 
 ately under parental supervision. During their collegiate 
 term, they are forming such friendships and connections, as 
 will be of essential service to them in whatever profession they 
 
 I 
 
35 
 
 may engage in after life. Eastern parents, who intend their 
 sons to reside in the west, fully convinced of this principle, are 
 beginning to send their sons to the west to be educated. 
 Here they become attached to our customs and identified wdth 
 ^ our interests. They are not when their collegiate course is 
 completed, to be placed like polished marble pillars, isolated 
 objects of attention, and perhaps admiration; but like the 
 young and vigorous tree, deep rooted in the soil, and inter- 
 twining its branches with those of a kindred growth, they 
 mount upward, enlarging and strengthing with their age. The 
 proper time to found literary institutions, is in the infancy of 
 a community. Thoir influence is more decidedly felt in all 
 the ramifications of society, and although they sometimes 
 struggle with difliculties incident to a new country — though, 
 for a time they labor almost without means, yet their prospect 
 of permanence is much greater, than if commenced at a later 
 period. The strongest institutions in the land were once, ex- 
 ceedingly feeble. Yale, for a length of time was unable to 
 support a regular president, and the neighboring ministers al- 
 ternately officiated in its supervision. Yet Yale grew, because 
 it had the affections of the people. Its sons, wherever they 
 went inspired attachment to its interests, its funds gradually 
 accumulated and it rose to eminence and distinction. Time is 
 always requisite to prosperity and improvement. The order 
 of Providence was a gradual creation, though His Omnipo- 
 tence might have founded this fair fabric in the twinkling of an 
 eye. And the same order is established in all things in that 
 creation. Every institution must gradually increase. And 
 when the friends of this University, refer to its short history, 
 and its present standing — when they contemplate how deeply 
 it is seated in the affections of the people, in all parts of the 
 state — and with what a noble hberality they have determined 
 to sustain it, they must feel satisfied with its prosperity, and 
 adore the beneficence of a superintending Providence, who 
 hath surrounded its commencement with such auspicious cir- 
 cumstances. A more rapid increase would have been as the 
 unseasonable germination of buds, only to be nipped by the 
 recurring frost, — a precocious developement of some particular 
 portion, at the expense of the symmetry and proportion of 
 
36 
 
 the entire system. As to the course to be pursued in the insti- 
 tution we have but little to say. Our plans will generally be 
 similar to those of all well regulated colleges. Without claim- 
 for ourselves, as professors, any superior talents, or assuming 
 motives of a higher order than actuate others, our aim shall be 
 to labor indefatigably, to promote the interests of education 
 in the west. Whatever measure conduces to this, whether 
 it has the sanction of years, or the freshness of youth, we 
 wish to pursue. We are not of those who wish to change es- 
 tablished customs, merely for novelty, nor yet would we perti- 
 n aiously cling to antiquated forms, as the musselman to his 
 crescent, merely because our fathers did fso before us. Our 
 course of study is designed to be extensive and thorough — 
 equal to that of older institutions; for the literature of the 
 west ought to be equal to that of any other land. Every 
 element of ^ intellectual greatness is here, independence of 
 thought, firmness of purpose, frankness of expression and noble 
 daring of soul, are the characteristics of our western popula- 
 tion. And when to these qualities shall be added high culture 
 of intellect, there is no ascent so steep, no eminence so lofty, 
 no enterprise so laborious as to damp their ardor or cause them 
 to shrink from the undertaking. These elements of character 
 are the same which shone so conspicuously in our brave sires, 
 whose gigantic intellects planned the collossal fabric of our 
 constitution — whose hands toiled in its erection — whose blood 
 cemented its parts, and calls upon us to preserve uninjured its 
 massive pillars and its encircling dome. To every observer 
 it must be evident that all eyes are turned towards the 
 west. In selecting candidates for the highest offices in the 
 nation, no ticket can hope for success, which has not one of 
 its candidates from our wide spread vally. In our nation- 
 al councils, the voice of the west is heard with delight; it may 
 not have the elegance of the east, but it has the boldness of 
 native sublimity. The eastern orator may resemble in his in- 
 tonations, his manners, his thought, the lovely birds of plumage, 
 whose brilliant colors and charming sounds command admira- 
 tion. The western has no such claims. Beauty is not his 
 element. He may be unpolished and severe as the eagle, 
 but like him he mounts with undazzled eye and tireless wing, 
 
37 
 
 until overpowered vision fails to follow him in his etherial 
 flights. The celebrated Cousin, in his history of philosophy, 
 remarks, "Give me the map of any country, its configuration, 
 its climate, its waters, its winds and the whole of its physical 
 geography; give me its natural productions, its flora, its zoolo- 
 gy, &c., and I pledge myself to tell you, a jorion what will be the 
 quality of man in that country, and what part its inhabitants 
 will act in history." And if these principles be true, our 
 scenery, surpassingly grand and magnificent, must produce 
 exalted sentiments and emotions. To preserve this character, 
 in its greatness, the defects alone being removed, should be 
 the object of the faithful preceptor. 
 
 Nor are the circumstances of our young men unfavorable 
 to intellectual improvement. It is true, . that many are 
 obliged to labor for their own support, during the^period they 
 are acquiring knowledge, while had their lots been cast in the 
 east, their expenses might have been defrayed by the sympa- 
 thizing directresses of religious fairs. Still they will loose 
 nothing. They may be longer acquiring a thorough education, 
 but it w^ll be more valuable. Instead of the petty cunning, 
 artful intrigue, and deep dissimulation, produced by such servile 
 and unnatural dependence, there will be the proud conscious- 
 ness of a greatness which was not thrust upon them. They 
 will have a spirit to brook difficulties — a dauntless energy to 
 urge them perpetually forward, till they stand upon the pinnacle 
 of the temple of fame; while their supported colleagues will be 
 lingering around the basement, v/aiting for fair hands to open 
 each bolted door, and sweet smiles to cheer them at each 
 ascending step. But while the course of study is designed to 
 be extensive, there are some whose circumstances will not per- 
 mit them to accomplish it. Some wish to be prepared merely 
 for business pursuits; others, to engage in teaching elementary 
 schools; and such desire instruction in some particular branches. 
 To all such our classes are cheerfully opened, and our only re- 
 quirement is, that what they study, they should study thor- 
 oughly. Yet we are by no means disposed to encourage 
 haste to engage in professional business; and where a young 
 man's circumstances will at all permit, our earnest advice is 
 to pursue the entire course. For, we are well satisfied that 
 
38 
 
 young men, by commencing a professional course too early, 
 injure their own habits, the character of the profession, and 
 the interests of community. 
 
 The government is designed to be firm and strict, but parental. 
 The student will be treated as a fr iend, and every effort used to 
 make him perceive his relations, and feel his obligations. But 
 ifunfortunately, his habits should be vicious, and if after proper 
 admonition they cannot be corrected, he must be dismissed 
 from the institution. To .such an individual, education can be 
 of no service, and he would be as a spreading plague among 
 his associates. The precepts of the Bible is the standard we 
 adopt in morals, being fully convinced, that apart from the influ- 
 ence of the christian religion, no truly great or virtuous char- 
 acter can be formed. The observance of the Sabbath, attend- 
 ance at public worship in such churches as may be selected 
 by the students, or by their parents, together with such other 
 religious exercises a^ are instituted in connection with the col- 
 lege, will be strictly enjoined. We are well satisfied that such a 
 course will be approved by the enlightened and liberal citizens 
 of our State. But the startling cry of "Sectarianism" may 
 perhaps by others, be echoed throughout the land. Nay we 
 expect it, because it has always been the favorite resort of in- 
 fidelity. Eighteen hundred years ago, Christianity was the 
 sect every where spoken against, and from that period to this, 
 "Schism and Sectarianism," have ever been the cry of its re- 
 lentless opponents. 
 
 If by sectarianism be meant, that any privilege shall be ex- 
 tended to youth of one denomination more than another — or 
 that the faculty shall endeavor to proselyte those placed under 
 their instruction — or dwell upon the minor points controverted 
 between the branches of the great christian family — then theie 
 is not, and we hope there never will be, sectarianism here. 
 Indeed our college charter secures equal privileges to all 
 students, without reference to religious peculiarities; and it is 
 ever to be hoped that in collegiate instruction, only the grand es- 
 sentials of Christianity will be taught. But if by sectarianism 
 be meant* that the professors are religious men, and that they 
 have settled views upon christian character and duty, then we 
 ever hope to be sectarian. And what institution is not? 
 
39 
 
 Where can the line be drawn? If it be sectarian to differ from 
 one man's religion, then it is equally sectarian to differ from that 
 of another. Where shall we pause? We must not believe in 
 a future state of rewards and punishments, for that is sectarian. 
 We must not teach that the Messiah has appeared, or the Jew 
 cries out "sectarian." We must not claim the Bible as inspira- 
 tion, or the Deist is shocked at our iUiberality. We must not 
 deny the existence of pagan Gods, or Nero's torch is the bril- 
 liant argument against sectarianism. Nay we must not ad- 
 mit the existence of a God, or the Atheist will rail at our want 
 of liberal feeling and sentiment. What then shall we do? 
 Whether professors are Pagans or Attieists, Mahomedans or 
 Jews, Deists or Christians, still they are sectarian. The only 
 person?, who are properly free from sectarianism, are those 
 who either believe all things, or who believe nothing. 
 
 Our own course is fully determined. Education without 
 morals is pernicious, and to have morals without religious in- 
 struction is impossible. Taking then our stand upon the grand 
 and broad platform of evangelical truth, passing by all minor 
 and nonessential points, we shall ever strive to cultivate the 
 moral, as well as the mental faculties of those entrusted to our 
 care. 
 
 With those who differ from us, we have no dispute. Free- 
 dom of opinion and freedom of expression, are the grand bul- 
 warks of American Liberty. And if there should be, even in 
 our own country, men who reject the truths of revelation and 
 wish their sons to be so educated, they can doubtless elsewhere 
 obtain the previlege. Let them have what sentiments they 
 may, if they even deny the existence of a creator — if they be- 
 lieve with the Athenians that they sprang from grasshoppers — 
 with the Egyptians that they grew like mushroons from the 
 mud of the Nile — or with more modern infidels, that they are 
 monkeys slightly modified — while they suffer us to pursue our 
 own course, we shall never dispute with them as to their 
 paternity. 
 
 Permit me to suggest a few things, and I have done. The 
 patrons of the University have acted nobly in bringing it to its 
 present condition; and for what they have done, doubtless, pos- 
 terity will rise up and call them blessed. But still something 
 
40 
 
 more is necessary. The Library and Philosophical Apparatus 
 require large additions to render the character and influence of 
 the institution what its founders have ardently desired. Other pro- 
 fessorships should also be endowed. A noble example was set, 
 in the endowment of one of the, professorships during the last 
 year, and it is much to be desired, that those whom God has 
 blessed with property, should imitate such disinterested benevo- 
 lence, and place the institution upon a lofty eminence. Such 
 persons would experience during life an ample reward in wit- 
 nessing the beneficial effects produced, and when their voice is 
 hushed in the silence of the grave, "being dead " they would | 
 
 "still speak." Nor can we conceive, of but few more interest- 
 ing scenes, than the return of the disembodied spirits after the ) 
 lapse of ages to revisit the place of their former benefactions. 
 As hovering over these classic halls, they should witness the 
 preparations for noble action — and should gaze intensely on 
 those bright intellects; which even in their youth sparkle wiili 
 celestial fire, and ardently burn to subdue the world to Christ, 
 and to usher in the millenial glory — overwhelmed with the 
 resistless rush of holy feeling they would fly back to the palaces 
 of bliss, to join in still more enrapturing anthems of praise unto 
 Him who had enabled them while on earth to perform such 
 illustrious deeds, and bear such a noble part in advancing the 
 Redeemer's Kingdom. 
 
 i 
 

 l\ > .v'J« 
 
Hn,?,K!i!7 °^ CONGRESS 
 
 029 910 8211