THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA THE COLLECTION OF NORTH CAROLINIANA G37 8 UK3 1832G UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 00036720370 FOR USE ONLY IN THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill http://www.archive.org/details/addressdeliveredOOgast m.^m^^''^w^^^ ^2>i>' i?\"n?>Tr;!),'^r^> Delivered bcfor(^ the Philanthro])ic ami Dialectic Societies at Chapel-Hill, outhe 20th of June, iSo2. ^Gentlemen of the Dtaleclic and rhUaHtlinipic Sociclies: Wiicii i look ai-iKiUu oii tlus extraoi'diiiary concourse of visitors, I Ciuniot but feci that expectation has been too highly excited, and cannot but antiripute fintl regret the disappointment which it must necessarily meet with. A.viirc of the value which is here set upon the ceremony of the annual address : knowing that the friends of tiic University througiiout the State, regaril it as calculated not only to excite a spirit of emulation among the Students, but to attract the public attention to the Institution it- self; and wai-mly attached to that noble cause, for the advance- ment of w liicli. these edlUccs h.vvc been erected and your associa- tions formed, I felt myself bound to accept of the invitation, in obedience to which 1 appear before you. Could 1 indeed have foreseen the usiusuu! engagements, which added to the ordinary occupations of a busy life, have left luc no leisure to prepare any thing wortliy of tSie general expectation. I should have deemed myself at liberty to decline tite ciil!. But tJiC slbxovery wus not made until after my ^^ord was [)iedged. anil it was too late to hope that the duty could be devolved on another. Compelled then to choose between an entire disappointment of your hopes, ami the presenting myselftoyou withouttiie advantages of full prep:u'ation, I have resolved to execute the unricrtaking imperfectly, rattier than forego it altogetlier. To whatever petty mortilications the adop- tion of this alternative may expose me elsewliere. from you. my young friends, I am sure of a favourable reception. You will see in it an expression of the sense which J entertain of the honor conferred on me, by your clioice, of my readiness to gratify your wishes, and of my svdicitude to cheer you on in the noble career upon w hich you iiave entered. The few homely truths which I wish to impress ujmn your minds, will not indeed come mended from my tongue, but I do not des[5air that, presented in their naked plainness, but urged with the earnestness and sincerity of friendship, they may win their way to your generous and affectionate appro- bation. The authority (jf Sh.u;es;>eaic is often invoked for the position, that " there is a tide in the affairs of men, w hiv^^ii taken at the flood leads on to fortune." Without venturing to deny altogether ^ 1 I ' 2 the fitness of this incliiphor, an!] fally admitting it to have ciiougii of trutli to tender it appropriate to the occasioii for whicli it was used, and the character to whom the great ])oet assigned it, I j'^et regard it as too favourable to that indolence of disposition Avhich is alwrijs ready to imagine success in life as depending on some Ibi'tunate tide. I hold, that, generally, every man is the architect of his own fortune, the •iutljor of his own greatness or insignifi- cance, h:\p])iness or misery- True it is, that casualties, neither to be foreseen nor i)reverited. m.iy defeat schemes which have been wisely concerted and vigoi'ously prosecuted ; and that success, undeserved, and perhaps unsought for. may sometimes befal the weak and slothful. These ho\sever, are but occasional deviations from the ordinni'y course of nature, according to which man's energies, wisely or foolishly directed, and diligently or carelessly exerted are made to detcnaine his character and condition in so- ciety. Tiie stoutest ship that w;is ever mainied with j)rudent heads, brave hearts, and strong hands, has foundered in a hurri- cane, while the feeble bark that " owns no mastery in floating," is sometimes safely wafted into port ; yet, wdio can deny that ordi- narily the fate of the voyage must depend on the skill, care and courage with whicli it is conducted. Much too, very much, either ibr permanent good or ill in the fate of every individual, has been found to follow almost necessa- rily from the habits formed, the j)ropensities cherished or restrained, and the rules of conduct adopted at a very early period of life. We miglit, perhaps, be tempted to regret tbat su( h important and often awful consecpiences should follow on the doings of an age, Aviien the unwoi-n senses arc alive to every impression, and the keen ap])etite greedy for every enjoyment ; when the imagination is wild, the judgment feeblci, and "heedless rambling impulse" lias scarcely learned to think. Yet sucli is the constitution of nature, and such consequently the appointment of Him, whose ways are always wise, benevolent and just, and whose will it were not more madness to resist, than it is impiety to question. Look through the world, and tiie least observant cannot fail to discover talents ai}used, opportunities Sfjuandei'ed, and meri ruined, because of early folly, misbehaviour ov thoughtlesswess ; and let those who have jjLissed through life's ordeal with safety and honor, lookback on their trials, and they will acknowledge liow much they owe to very early impressions, and to habits contracted almost witlioiit a sense of their use or a foixsight of their consequences. He there- fore who aspires to excellence cannot too soon j)ioj)ose to himself the objects which he shoiiM strive to obtain, nr.r iix his aim too early, or too steadily, on the end to which his efforts sliould be di- lected. I'he shortness of life, the large fragments of it which are necessarily occupied by animal ^vants, or wasted in frivolous cares and annisoinents. leave, at l>est. but an inconsideralile poi-tion to be devoted to intellectual cultivation and exertion I'o ^'astethis portion would be criminal improvidence, and it is of tlie iilgliest moment to leai'u betimes bow it may be most besiencially apjjlicd. The end wbicb an ingenuous youtli naturally pro])oses to himself is, a faithful and bonoraide discjiarge of tlic duties of life. His ob- jects are to realize the fond hopes of bis parents and friends to ac- quire tlie affection and esteem of those around liim, to become the dispenser of good to bis fellow-tncn, and thus to fulfil tlie pur])oscs for '.vlifch it has pleased God to i>Iace bim in this v.orld of Trial and discipline. He feels that these objects are indeed good. By a mo- ral instiact. be is propelled tovcards th'.^ni as fit to fill his heart, kindle bis aspirations and animate bis exertions. Reason, as she gradually unfolds her povrers and assumes dominion ovei' liim, sanctions this choice v/ith her approbation : and Religion com.es in aid of Nature and Reason, to teacb him that talents are bat lent to be im])roved, and that an account must be oiie day renciere'!, in which tlieir use or neglect will be ami)iy rewarded or sc\ erely ptni- isbed. How much is it not to be lamented, that siotli sbouhi ener- vate, dissipation corrujit, or vice brutalize, this child of bojse and promise? You, who iiave bisn in clnirge, watch over birn V'.ith ne- ver sleeping vigilance and aifectiouiite solicitude. Give him a hap- py start, sustain him when disposed to ilag, reanimate him wlien discouraged, check kindly bis wanderings, soothe bis wounded feelings, guide bim witb your counsels, and save bim from tlie foes by which he is waylaid and beset, Macte nova virtutc pi/er sic ilnr ad aslra. !Most faithfully, no doubt, are tiiese duties performed by the able and excellent men who are heje charged with the oillcc of instruc- tion. Little can be done in aid of their efforts, but to exboi't and entreat all placed under their care to attend to their admonitions, ti'casure up their counsels, and obey their injunctior.s. Yet there are some errors which were prevalent when I was a boy, which I have reason to believe still j)revail in public schools, and which may pei'haps be better handled by an old friend than an ackno\\Iedged instructor — and to these, therefore, I would for a few moments re- quest the favorable attention of the younger portion of my heai-ers. V^igorous, diligent, and persevering aj)plication is essential to the attainment of excellence in every pursuit of man. It is und*>ubt- odly a mistake to suppose, that tliere is no original inequality in the mental faculties of difiei-ent individuals. Probably, there is as great a disparity in their intellectual, as in their j)bysical confor- mation. But however false this extravagant theory may be, there is aiiotliei" ovvov f^v more common, and, prartlcally, far more mis- chievous — the eri-or of exaffjre: ;.-li!!2; tlie difference between tlieori- gnial energies of irftellect, aiul of attributing to splendid and re- sistless genius those victories, which are not to be acliieved butby Avell directed and continued industry. It is in the infancy of life, that the inequalities of original t.ilent are most striking, and it is not strange that vanity m the one hnnd, and indolent admiration on the other, should hyperbolically extol these obvious advantages. In what this disjiarit}' consists, it may not be easy to state with precision. But from Jui ohser\ation of many years I ventui-e to suggest, that the chie!" natural superiority manifested by the favor- ed few o\er their competit'^rs in the ititellectual conflict, is to be fou.nd in the facility witfi wliicl! their attention is directed and coii- iined to its ])roper subjects. Tliat youtli may be i-egarded as for- tunate indeed- wiioin eia-ly life can restrain his wandering thoughts and tie down his mind at will, to the contemplation of whatevei* he wishes to comprehend and to make liis own. A few moments of tiiis concentrated ar'[)Hcation, is wort's days and weeks of a vague, intei'rn])ted. scattered attention. The first resentbles the well known manoeuvre in Sti-ategy, so simple in its conce]>tion and yet so astonishing in its i-esults, by whicli all the arms- of a military force are nnulc to bear upon a given point at the same moment. Every thing here tells, because there is no power wasted, and none misapplied. Now^ let no one despair, because he finds this effort to confine his attention difiicult, or for a considerable length of -time., im])racticable. Noth'mg ismorecei'tain, than that this ])ow- er over tlic mind may be acfjuired. Let the attempt be repeated again and again — first for short aftei'wards, as the ability is in- creased, for longer periods, and success will ultimately follow. — The habit of fixed attention will thus be created, and it is one of the peculiarities of all active habits, that in ])roj)ortion to the diffi- culty with which they were produced, is their inveteracy, when once thoroughly formed. Thus it not unfrequently hap])ens, that the advant;iges with w hich the individual commenced his cai'eer, who was natui-ally alert ;;nd devoted in his attention to every sub- ject as it was successively ])rescnted to his notice, have not ena- bled him to contend successfully with him, who by hard efforts lias chained down his wandering thoughts and dissipateil faculties to the habit of attention. Among the best results which attend a course of regu- lar academical education, is this exclusive and concentr ited direction of the mental powers to their appropriate objects. In the years employer! principally in the study of the learn- ed langu:5ges. the necessity of finding 'Uit the mea' ing 'A' e;«ch word, and discerning either the agreement between different w s, or the dependance of some of them iij)on others in certain grp.nim tiral relations, neressjirilv shirpens and fixes the atten- tion. After this |)reparatoi'y (!isci];line (»f the intellert, the Stu- dent is introduced to the study of mathematical science, where pro- position leads on to ]>rOj)ositior( in lec^ular order* and Ins atteut'soii is necessarily ench;iined to eac!i ti'iitli. as it follows w ith logical certainty, from truths previously demonstrated. He is then initia- ted into the mysterious laws of Natui-ul Philosophy, as they h.ive been discovered, expl'iined and illustrated, by a course of rigorous iiiduction. and is ultimately familiarized Avith the yet nobler and more sublime investigations of moral science, the refinements of tr.ste. the beauties of eloquence, and the charms of heavenly poesy. And this admirable training is coiulucted remote from the bustle and cares of the world, in the very hush of the passions, and be- yond the I'cach of beguiling aiu! distracring ]deasures. Here sure- ly then the understajr.ling is flisciplincd, its discrimination ren- dered more acute its generiil health and vigor confirmed, while a facility is created for directijig its powers to the various manly and trying services, which may await it in life's busy theatre. — But not unfrequently is the qnestion asked by querulous Students, why ;11 this (levoted attention to the dead languages, to mathema- tical theorems, philosophical experiinents, metaphysical disquisi- tions and critical subtleties ? In the world, no one talks Greek or Latin, and at the forum, or in the Legislative hall, we shall not be called upon to demonstrate the propositions of Euclid, or ex- plain the phenomena of hydrostatics and optics. The motives of luiman action are better learned in that great practical school, the world, than by poring over the theories of metaphysicians ; and all the rules of Quinclillian. Rollin or Blair, will nesermakea powerful reasoner or an eloquent orator. Why, then, shall we con- sume our nights and days in the acquisition of that which is to be of no practical utility bereaftei", and v. hich brings with it no im- mediate advantage, except the gratification of pride, a short-lived honor, a distinction at Comniencement ? Beware, my young friends, beware of the tempter. These are the suggestions of Sloth — the most insidious, persuasive and dangerous of deceivers. " Vitnnda est improba syren Deshlia.''^ If you cannot close your ears ngainst her insinuations, strengthen your understandings to trium])h over hei* suphisms, and nerve your courage to resist her w iles. Be sure, if you submit to her benumb- ing influence, and waste yom- days here in idleness, the time will come, when w ith bitter, but perhaps unavailing anguish, you shall bemoan your folly. Remember, that it is not designed by an aca- demic al education to teach you all that it behooves you to learn — Bducation is not completed within these walls; When yon shall (> Jaave quittcl this pearttul retrent, aiid selcrted the proicf^sion or state in iiCe iji which y )ii are to iic enajaged. then you should a])|>1y all your efforts to tiie acquisition of that species of knowledge which is more especially rieedcil. Here arc inculca'ted those ele- inentary princi])les of science ansi literature, wliich experience has shewn to be best fitted to form tlic founi-hition nf the character of the scholar and gentleman — those rudiments of instruction, which, omitted hei'e. ; re rarely indeed arquirei! ai'tcrwards. Here are to be fornted those habits of vigorous and continuous ap])}ication — here, the c;ij)acities for improvement are to be cultivated and v<5treugthened, so that every occasion :ind every employment v.ith- out these walls may become subsidiary to further advancement in knowledge, ability, and usefuinesss- It is a miserable fallacy to mistake the exception for the rule. True it is, that those who have won the highest honours at College, do not always realize the hopes which these glorious beginnings hnve excited. " The fair bloom of fairest fruit" may be !)lasted by pestilent dews. Fol- ly vanity and vice, low pui'suits and vulgar associations, indo- lence, intemperance, and debauchery but too often debase and de- stroy the generous youth, who entered on lilc's career, ricii in aca- demical distinctions, docile, jirdeht for fame, patient of labour, of manly purpose and noblest promise. Mourn ovci* these moral wrecks. Lament the instability of all earthly good, the frail cha- racter of all human excellence. Weep for those who have fallen from their high estate, but say not it was folly i)j them thus to have risen. True it is also, t!rat it sometimes, though very rarely hap- pens, that those who have been idle during their academical course, have, by extraordinary exertions, retrieved their eaily neglect, and in the end outsti'ipped othei'S wlio started in the race far ahead. These are the exception.s — they furnish cause to humble arro- gance, check presuinption. banish despair, and encourage refor- mation. But so surely as a virtuous life usually precedes a happy death, so surely it will be found, that within the College precincts is laid the groundwork of that pre-eminence afterward acquired in the strife of men, and that College distiiK tions are not only good testimony of the fidelity with whicli College duties have been performed, but the best presages and pledges of excellence on a more elevated and extensive field of actioti. In defiance, there- fore, of all the lures of pleasure, and seductive suggestions of sloth, let active persevering industry be the habit of your lives. Form this habit here, and cherish and preserve it ever afterwards. But however earnestly you are thus exhorted to diligence, let it not be forgotten, that diligence itself is but a subordinate quality, and derives its chief value from the end to which it is directed, and t^e motives by which it is impelled. It is diligence in a go6d cause onlytliat is commcndahle. The first great maxim of liumaii conduct, iiiat Wiiich it is aH-Jinpoi'titittu mipi-ess o;i tiie UM\'oi';-ita!id- ings of young men, an;! {'ecommcnd to tiieii* hearty adoption, \is ibove all tliiiigs, in all cii'cunvs'uinces, and under* every eniei-ge;}ry, to preserve a clean lieai't and an isonest purj)ose. Integritv, firm, deterinined integi-ity, is that quality, whicii of all others, riiises man to the iiighest dignity of his natui-e, and hts iiim to adorn and bless the sphere in Vi liich he is api)t)inted to move. Without it^ neither genius nor le.irning, neither the gifts of God, nor* Imniaii cxerticms, can avail aught for the acc(MTiplisliment of the great objects of human existence. Ir.tegrity is the ci'owning virtue — integrity is the pervading j)ri!Knpic which ougiit to regulate, guide, control, and vivily, every impulse {iesire and action. Honesty is sometimes spoken of as a vulgar virtue ; and perluips that honesty, which uarely refrains from outraging the positive rules ordained by society for tlse protccii.jsi of property, and wiiich ordinarily pays its debts and performs its engagements, however useful and commendable a quality, is 5iot to be nuiiibered among the highest efforts of human virtue. But that integi-ity which, however tempt- ing tiic o])j)ortiinity, or however secure against detection, no sel- fishness uoi" rcseutinent, u;) lust of power, place, favour, profit or pleasure, C:in cause to swerve from tlse strict rule of riglit, is the perfection of man's inoril nature. In t!iis sense, the poet was right, Yvhcn he pronounced "an honest man the noblest work of God.'* it is al?nost inconceivable wiiat an erect and independent spirit this high endowment communicates to the man, and what a moral intrepidity asid vivifying energy it imparts to his character. Thei-c is a family alliance between all the virtues, and perfect in- tegrity is al'svays followed by a train of goodly qualities, frankness, benevolence, humanity, patriotism, promptness to act. and patience, to endure. In moments of public need, tiiese indicate the man who is worthy of universal coiifidence. Erected on such a basis, and built up of such materials, fame is enduring. Such is the fame of our V/'AsuiXGrox, of the m m •' inSexiblc to ill and obstinately Just." While, therefore, other monuments, intended to perpetuate human greatness, ai'e tiaily mouldering into dust, and belie the proud inscriptions which t\i':y bear, the solid granite pyramid of his glory lasts from age to age. impei-ishable, seen afar off, loom- ing iiigli over tiie vast desert, a mark, a sign, and a wonder, for tlie way-farers tlirough this pilgrimage of life. A nice sense of integrity caa.iot, therefore, be too early cherished, or too sedulously cullivated. In the vei-y dav.^nings of life cca- sions are presented for its exercise. Witiiin these walls, tempta- tions every day occur, where temporary advantage solicits a de- viation from the rule of right. In tlie discharge of the various 8 duties which you owe to your compauious, let no petty selfislincss be iiidulgjd, no tirtiiices practised, by which you are to escape from your fair share of hiboiu- in(;oiivenieu( e or contribution, or any one deprived of the fill! siieasure of whatever he may right- fully claim. Cultivate (singleness of purpose and frankness of de- meanor, and hold in oiitempt whatever is sordid, disingenuous, cunning, or mean. But it is when tiiese peaceful shades shall iiave been left behind, and the fitful course of busy life begun, tliat se- ductions will be presented under every form by which inexperience, infirmity of purpose, and ficility of disposition, can be Maylaid. Then is the crisis of the young man's fate — tiienis the time to take his stand, to seize his vantage ground. If he can tiien defy the allure- ments of cupidity sensuality and ambition, the laugh of fools, the arts of pai-asites, and the contagion of improbity : then indeed, may he hope, " In sig-ht of mortal and immortal powers, " As in a boundless theati'c to i-un " The great career of justice — " And through the mists of passion and of sense, *' And through the tossing tide of chance and pain " To hold his course unfaultering." You, my young friends, wiio are standing at the threshold, and waiting with eager impatience the signal for entrance upon life, must not think that I mean to alarm you with idle fears, because I thus warn you of the approaching conflict. The enraged bull may close his eyes before he rushes upon his foe, but i-ationai courage calmly surveys danger, arid then deliberately jjrepares and determines to encounter it. Apprized of your peril, and armed for the encounter, enter on your course with resolved hearts. and fear not for the issue. So sweet are the notes of human praise, and so abhorrent the tones of reproach, that it is among the highest eflforts of magnanimity to pursue the straight forward course of duty without being turned aside by commeiulation or reproof, by flattery or calumny. Whatever be our journey througii life, like the princes in the East- ern tale ascending the mountain in search of the wondrous bird, we are sure to hear ?a'ound us the confused sounds of blandishment and solicitation, of menace and insult, until with many of us, the giddy head is turned, and we are converted into monuments of warning to those who are to follow us in life's adventure. Rare indeed is that moral courage, which, like the prudent Parisade. closes its ears against the impression of tiicsc sounds, and casts not an eye behind until its desti>ie I course be accomplished. Rare, however, as may be this excellence, and in its perfection perhaps 9 unattainable, there can be no true dignity and derision of charac- ter without a near approach to it. Let youth he ever modest, evet delereutiMl to the counsels, thes'.jggestions and the claims of otiiers. But in matters of right and wrong, whr.tever be tiie lures, the taunts, orthe usages of the world, or whatever the supposed incon- veniences of singulai-ity. let judgment and conscience always rule with absolute sway. Carry this maxim with you through life, whatever be the station you are to occupy, or the business you are to pu)-sue ; and carry with it another kindi-ed maxim, rely for success in your undertakings, not on the patronage of others, but on your own capacity, resolution, diligence, and exertions. Rise by merit, or rise not at all. Suited as these injunctions are believ- ed to be to ail, they are peculiarly addressed to those among you, who, panting for renown, are resolved to enter upon a public ca- reer, and long " to read their history in a nation's eyes." '* How wretched," exclaims the Poet of Nature, " is that poor man who hangs on Princes' favours." Miserable is the condition of every being who hangs on the favours of creatures like hiiu'^elf. Deserve, and strive by desert to v.in. the esteem of j'our fellov, -men. Thus acquired, it decorates him who obtains, and blesses tir^se who bestow it. To tbem it is returned in faithful service, and to him it comes in aid of tlie approbation of conscience to auMnate diligence anlic service, are bound to cherish a hearty sympathy with the wjuts, feelings, comforts And wis'ies of the people, whose welfare is com- mitte.i to their cliarge It is essential for the preservatMni of tiiat conlidence wliich ought to subsist between the principal and the agent, the constituent and the representative, that all haughtiness and reserve should be banished from their intercourse. It some- times happens, that he who lias lived too constantly among hooks, manifests a disgust in an association with tlie uneducated and un- retined, which mortifies ajul repels them. This is absurd in him, and unjust to tiiem. It is absurd, for he ought to know, and know^ well, those for wiiom, &m\ upon whom, he expects to act — they constitute, in fact, one of the first and most appropriate objects of his study ; and it is unjust, for not unfrefjuently under this rough- ness which shocks the man of books, is to be found a stock of prac- tical information, in which he is miserably deficient. Biiuish, then, ail superciliousness, for it is criminal and ridiculous. Hon- estly ;-:eek to serve your country, for it is glorious to advance the good of your fellow-men, anti thus, us far as feeble mortals nt,\y, act up to the great example of Him to whose im.ge and likeru^ss you 3 re made. Seek also, by all honest rts. to win their ro-fi- dence, but beware how you ever prefer their favour to tiieir s -r- Yiee. The high road ef service is indeed laborious, exposed to the ."2 10 r^in and sun, the lieat and dust ; \^ liile the by-patli of favour lias, apparently at first, much the same dirertion. and is bordered with dowers and sheltered by trees, '' cooled with fountains and mur- muring with water-falls." No vvontlcr, then, that like the sou oi Abensina, in Johnson's beautifsil Apologue, the young adventurer is tempted to try the happy experiment of " uniting pleasure with busijiess, and gainijig the rewards of diligence without suffering its fatigues." But once entered ujjon, the path of favour, though Touiid to (!ecline more and more from its first direction, is pursued through all its deviations, till at length even the thought of return to the road of service is utterly abaiuhmed. To court tlie fondness of tlie people, is found or su|)i)Osed to be, easier than to merit their appr;)bation. Meanly ambitious of public trust, without the virtues to deserve it ; intent on persomil distinction, and having forgotten the ends for which alone it is worth possessing, the miserable being concentered all in self learns to pander to every vulgar prejudice, to advocate every popular error, to chime in with every dominant party, to fawn, flatter and deceive, and becomes a demagogue. How wretched is that poor being who hangs on the people's favour! All manliness of j)rinciple bus been lost in this long course of meanness ; he dare not use his temporary popularity for any pur- poses of public good, in which there may be u hazard of forfeiting it; and the very eminence to which he is exalted, renders but more conspicuous his servility and degradation. However clear the Convictionsof his judgment, however sti'ong the adiiionitions of his, as yet, not thoroughly stifled conscioice, nut these, not the law of God, nor the rule of riglit, nor the public good — but the caprice of his constituents, must be his only guide. Having risen by artifice, and conscious of no worth to support him, he is in hourly dread of being supplanted in the favour of the deluded multitude by some more cunning deceiver. And such, sooner or later, is sure to be his fate. At some unlucky moment, when he bears his blushing honours thick upon him. (and well may sucli honours blush!) he is jirked from his elevation by some more dexterous (temagogiic. and falls unpitied, never to rise again. Andean this be the lot of him who Jkis been here trained to admire and love high-minded excellence — who has been taught by high classical authority to regard with the same fearless and immovable indiffei-ence. the stern countenance of the tyrant and the wicked ardour of the multitude, juid who has learn- ed from a yet higher and holier authority, to hold fast on *' whatso- ever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, to abhor tliat which is evil and cleave to that which is good ?" Believe me, however, this is no fancy picture. The original may be found in the woi'ld every day. Nor will it sui^prize those who have had occasion to 11 sec liow the vain heart is swoln, and the giddy head turned, how honesty of purpose and manliness of spirit, are perverted hy popu- lar npplausc. It is but tlie first step that costs. Once yield to the suggestion, that a little deceit or prevarication, a slight sacri- fice of principle and independence, a compromise of conscience in matters not absolutely fundamental, may be excused, when the immediate gain is obvious and the end in view important, and the downward patli becomes every day more and more smooth, until, in its descent, it reach the \ery abyss of vulgar, trading, intriguing, electioneering, office-hunting politicians. If in this lowest depth a lower deep can be found, none of us, I am sure, have the curiosity to explore it. But is Integrity sure to meet here its merited reward ? Unques- tionably not. If it Mere, and the fact generally known, there Mould scarcely be room for choice, and men would be honest from the want of a plausible temptation to be otherwise- But it is not too nuich to say, that, in general. Integrity has a tendency to pro- mote the interest of him who pursues it, and it is therefore lecom- mended to our adoption by ])rudence, not less than by principle. Success in the acquisition of any extrinsic object is necessai'ily uncertain, since it depends on contingencies which cannot be fore- seen, and which, if foreseen, are frequently beyond our power. It is not in mortals to command success. No talent, no courage, no industry, and no address, can be certain to eifect it. But when it is attempted cunning by disingenuous means, it is usually ren- dered more difficult of attainment, because of the complexity of the scheme, and the risk of detection and counteraction. Honesty, in the long run, is therefore the surer policy. It is impossible to thrive w ithout the reputation of it, and it is far easier to be honest indeed, than to cheat the world into the belief of integrity where it is not. The crooked stratagems, the arts, toils, concealments and self-denials, which are necessary to carry on a successful imposition, are far more onerous and painful, than all the duties Avhich a life of probity enjoins ; while the consciousness of an up- right deportment, diffuses through the whole man that security and serenity, wliich infinitely outweigh all the advantages of suct cessful cunning. Nor in recommending a spirit of Independence, is it intended to proscribe the acceptance of friendly aid, freely tendered, and won by no mean solicitation. Children of the same common family, we are bound to help each other in the trials and difficulties of our common pilgrimage, nor should we ever be too proud to receive from others that assistance, which it is oui* duty to render to them. Now such aid is not only more likely to be be- stowed, but comes with far greater effect, when there has been a manly and snstained effort to do without it. The spindling plant 12 wliich has always been supported by a prop, is not only unable to st'.nd alone, but can scarcely be sustained by props wljoi the sea- son of fruit arrives ; whereas, the slightest assistance then be- stowed on the hardy tree, that self sustained has always braved the breefte, will enable it to bear up under the heaviest and rich- est burtiien. He who trusts to others, must necessarily be often disappointed, and the habit of dependence creates a helplessness which is almost incapable of exertion. Fancy dwells on expected aid, until it mistakes its own creations f<)r realities, and the child of illusion wastes life in miserable day-dreams, unable to act for himself, and confidently relying on assistance which he is destined never to receive. Deeply rooted principles of probity, confirmed habits of indus- try, and a determination to rely on one's own exertions constitute then the great preparation for the discharge of the duties of man, and the best security for performing them with honor to one's self and benefit to others. But it may be asked, what is there in such a life of never ending toil, effort, and privation, to recommend it to the acceptance of the young and the gay ? Those who aspire to heroic renown, may indeed make up their minds to embrace these " hard doctrines ;" but it ni:,y be well questioned, whether happi- ness is not preferable to greatness, and enjoyment more desirable than distinction. Let others, if they will, toil up "' the steep where Fame's proud temple shines afar," we choose rather to sport in luxurious eas^ and careless glee in the valley below. It is, in- deed, on tiiose who aspire to eminence, that these injunctions are intended to be pressed with the greatest emphasis, not only because a failure in them would be nwre disastrous than in others, but be- cause they are exposed to greater and more numerous dangers of error. But it is a sad mistake to suppose that they are not suited to all, and are not earnestly urged upon all, however humble their pretensions or moderate their views. Happiness as well as great- ness enjoyment as well as renown, have no friends so sure as In- tegrity, Diligence, and Independence. We are not placed here to waste our days in wanton riot or inglorious ease, with appetites perpetually gratified and never palled, exempted from all care and solicitude, with life ever fresh, and Joys ever new. He who h^s fitted us for our condition, and assigned to us its appropriate du- ties, has not left his work unfinished, and omitted to pr6vide a penalty for the neglect of our obligations. Labour is not more the duty, than the blessing of man. Without it, there is neither mental nor physical vigour, health, cheerfulness, nor animation , neither the eagerness of hope, nor the capacity to enjoy. Every hum n being must liave some object to eng: ge his attention, excite his wishes, and rouse him to action, or he sinks, a prey to listless- 13 uess. For want of jiropcr occupations, sec stremions ifllenoss re- sorting to a tlionsand expedients — the race-couiso. the hrt.'ic or the ga"niing-table» the frivolities of fashion, the dehpsemer.ts of sen- suality, ti^c petty coiitejitions of envy, tlie grovellirg pursuits "f avarice, and all the various districting agitations of vice. C;.ll you these enjoyments ? Is si-.ch the happiness which it is so dread- ful to forego ? '* Vast happiness enjoy thy f^ay allies ! •' A youth of follies, an old age of cares, " Young- yet enervate, old yet never wise ; " Vice wastes then- vigor and their mind impairs. " Vain, idle, dissolute, in thoughtless ease, " lleserving woes for age, their prime tliey spend ; •' All wretched, hopeless to the evil days, " With sorrow to the verge of life they tend ; " Grieved with the present, of the past ashamed ; " They live and are despised, they die, no more are named." If to every bounty of Providence there be aniiexed, as assisrcdly there is. some obligation as a condition for its enjoyment : on us, blest as we have beeji, ai^l as we now are, with the choicest gifts of Heaven here below — witli freedom, peace, order, civilizatioji and social virtue — then are uncjuestianably imposed weighty obliga- tions. You v.'hom I now address, will, in a few years, he am!>ng the men of the succeeding age- In a cormtry like ours, where the public will is Viholly uniettered. and every man is a component part of that countiT, there is no individual so humble Mho has not duties ot a public kind to (iischarge. His \ iews and actions have an influence on those of others, and his opinions, with theirs, serve to make up that public will. ?(Iorc especially is this the case v. ith those who, whatever may be tueii' jiursuits in life, liave been raised by education to a comparative supei-iority in intellectual vigor and attainments. On you, and such as you, depends the fate of tiie most precious heritage ever v»on by the valor, or preserved by the prudence, or consecrated by tiic virtue of an illustrious ancestry — illustrious, not because of factitious titles, but nature's nobles, wise, good, generous juul brave! To you. and such as you. will be confided in de[>osit, the inslitutions of our renowned and beloved ©ountry. Receive them with tiwe, cherish them with loyalty, and transmit them whole, and if possible, improved to your children. Yours will, indeed, be no sinecui'e oilicc. As the public will is the operative sprijig of all ])nbl!c action, it will be your duty to make and to keep the public w ill enllglitened. Tliere will al ways be some error to dispel, some jjreiutHce to correct, some illusion to guard against, some imposition to delect and ex])ose. In aid of these in- s, over these temporary ui ladies. Still we are great, gioriou?, united and free; siih we havt name that is levereii abrf»ad and lovrd at iutne — a name whicii is tower of strengtii to us aguiist foreign wrong, and a bond oi inien union and utrmony — a ;iame, wincii no ent- my pronounces but wi respect, and which no citizen hear-., but wito a throb of exuitatio Still we have that blessed ConstitUiion, which, .with all its preteml defects, and all its allf>ii'd violalio s, iuis conferred more benefii i man, than ever yvt flowed from a.iy other liuaian institution — wh: has esuib'isheil justice, uisuieii uouiestic tranquillity, provided tor t commo' defence, prooioted the general weliare, and which, und God, if we be true to ourseivcs, will insure the blessings ot Liber to us and our posterity. Surely, Siuch a Country, and such a Cousliiution, have claims upi you, my fi lends, which cannot b ■ -ii^iegartled. I entreat and adju you then, by all that is near and dear to you on eariti — by all the o li;;ations of Patriotisio — by tlie memory of your laiiiers, who tell \u tl great ai>d glorious struggle — tor tlie sake of your sons whom you wou not have to blu-h for youi degeu racy — oy all your proud recollectio; of the past, and A\ your fom! antic pations oi tiie future reuown our nation — pf eserve :nat Couoiry, upiiold ;hat Cunscitation. tlesolv th,.t thi-y shall not be lo.,t vhne in your keeping, and may God A mighty strengthen you to fulfil that vow!