CHAPTER XI.

Part of his address at the opening of the Columbian college-his behavior towards the young men-prosperity of the college—its subsequent pecuniary distress, and his difficulties resulting from this state-resignation of the presidency and return to Philadelphia.

UPON the duties of the college, he entered, with a decided devotion to its best interests, and with his intellectual powers in full vigor. Reference has been already made to the opening of this institution, and the induction of the professors. This event, which was throughout one of great interest and solemnity, was followed by an address from the president of the college, distinguished for classical purity, learning, and eloquence.

His views on the subject of a public education are thus stated; "Colleges, under proper government, are by no means inauspicious to the habits of virtue; on the contrary, they contain the best correctives of vicious propensities. Dr. Barrow, whose acuteness of observation has been rarely exceeded, and whose experience as a professor was extensive, asserts with confidence, that he had seldom known a youth deeply involved in depravity at schools, who did not bring the seeds of it along with him. Desirable as it may be thought that every Telemachus have a Mentor by his side, the voice of reason, the impulse of feeling, intimate distinctly that youth are the natural companions of youth. In public seminaries as much se

clusion is enjoined and practised, as learning can demand, or health can authorize. Shut up, if it be thought best, the delicate plant in a well-secured green-house; but, remember, the saplings that are to become oaks of Bashan and cedars of Lebanon, ask for breezes, and showers, and sunshine. At public schools emulation is ever on the stretch; a generous sense of honor is inspired; the science of human nature is, to a considerable extent, attained; and such friendships, as is remarked by Tertullian, are frequently contracted, as solace and ennoble the whole progress of future existence. It is not a truth,— I appeal to universal experience,—that living a while in a college destroys a relish for the endearing attractions of a father's dwelling. It is not an inglorious delight in indolence, but a well-retained affection for home, that is ever calculating the day that ushers in a vacation. I am satisfied, from long observation, that our young men, with few exceptions, leave their alma mater, not simply with an informed understanding, but with their manners softened, and their hearts improved. Parents are constantly exposed to the mistake of overruling the faculties of their children. The apologies of natural affection are, indeed, tender and forcible, but require to be admitted with caution. Boys of corrupt disposition, whether educated in the retirement of a parlor, or introduced into the public halls of science, will sagaciously find a model for themselves, associates whose inclinations shall coincide with their own. Other circumstances, apart from cultivation, distinguish Arabia the Desert from Arabia the Blest."

The conclusion of the Address is among the finest specimens of eloquence.

Among the numerous considerations, which afford pleasure to the patrons of our college, and inspirit their generous hopes, its location must be mentioned. From

this hill, as from the eminence on which Æneas stood, the frequent pupil shall look down and exclaim,

'O fortunati! quorum jam mænia surgunt.'

He will behold a rising metropolis,-not the city Carthage, but the city Washington. From the window of his study, he shall look out and ask,-What spot is that, whose trees rise high above the surrounding foliage? and shall learn, it is Vernon, where Washington lived,— where Washington sleeps. Tully acknowledges the transports he experienced when he saw the laurel grove, where Plato held his disputations, and the porticoes at Athens, where Socrates taught. But superior transports shall swell the bosom of the young American, while he gazes on the Mount, where dwelt the hero, who, with the eagle for his standard, fought the battles of his country, achieved her liberty, illumined her councils; and, leaving her a legacy of paternal advice and patriotic example, in peace expired. Imagination, on the soft breezes of evening, shall hear the notes which the trumpet of the Genius of Liberty sounds over his sepulchre; and affection shall exult and weep for Washington!

"When Solomon was anointed to the government of Israel, he was led, at the command of his father, to the fountain of Gihon. Some of the Rabbis tell us, that it was common, when officers were set apart to public, or more private stations, for the ceremonies of inauguration to take place by the side of running water; as if to express a hope that their services, like the stream, might refresh, and fertilize, and continue. Alas! it is the lot of mortals to die! Rivers will pursue their meanders to the sea, when upon us the night of death shall have fallen. Yet, surely, we may be permitted to express our strong desire, and reverent supplication, that long as the adjacent Poto

mac shall flow, this seat of learning and virtue may flourish, a blessing to the District, to the Union, to the world."

Towards the young men under his charge, he acted the part of a friend and a father. He treated them as young gentlemen, and never would he consent to the degradation of a pupil by discipline, till every possible appeal to his honor proved unavailing. In this course, he was sustained by the professors and tutors, all of whom were tender of the feelings of their students. No difficulty of any magnitude occurred under his presidency, no combinations were formed to resist the government of the college. He never checked with austerity the cheerful waywardness of the young men, but ever frowned upon mischief and vice. He was beloved by all. His duties were laborious and multiplied. Besides his attention to classes, he officiated two sessions in the capacity of chaplain to Congress, being elected by the senate to this station; and besides these duties, he carried on, till the Convention of 1826, the correspondence of the Board of Missions.

The college increased rapidly in numbers and respectability. The classical department opened with thirty students, in January, 1822. By the ensuing October, the number had increased to forty-six, and, at the meeting of the Convention, in 1823, fifty-nine young gentlemen were pursuing their studies. In April, of the year succeeding, the number amounted to ninety-three. Before the close of another year the edifice was crowded with pupils, and another building was contemplated.

For some time after he removed to Washington, his situation was quite comfortable, but he was, nevertheless, the subject of almost constant depression of spirits. Probably the death of his wife, with the sacrifice of feeling which he must, of necessity, have made in separating him

self from a beloved church, and an overflowing congregation, in Philadelphia, contributed, in no small degree, to this depression. On this subject, writing to a friend, he observes, "I suffer much from depression of spirits, and yet I have no real reason for depression. I have the comforts of the present life in abundance, and in prospect of eternity,

'Christ is my life, my light, my care,

My blessed hope, my glorious prize.'

My general health is rather better, I think, than when I was in Philadelphia. I trust I feel myself in the hands of the Lord, content that he do with me as seemeth good in his sight. Pray for me, and cherish the hope, that before long, our prayers will be changed into everlasting thanksgivings."

There was much in the kind attentions of his friends to cheer his heart. Many testimonials of affection were received from his former charge in Philadelphia; one of which, for the delicate manner in which it was presented, is worthy of record. He was on a visit to that city, as the winter of 1826 was approaching. One day there was brought to him an elegant cloth cloak. Attached to the fastening, in front of the collar, was a neat silver plate, bearing the inscription,-" Our father, William Staughton, D. D." Accompanying the present was the following beautiful, affectionate note :

"Philadelphia, Nov. 25, 1826. "Very dear father, in the gospel of Jesus,

"From a conviction of the spiritual blessings we have experienced, through the instrumentality of your ministry, under God, we desire to express, in some humble manner, our affectionate regards, by presenting you a cloth cloak ;