v ygell SSZS:ro
,-___-_-
TOW A N DA:
yatutball MornillP. , inta 16, 1658.
AbDRESS
OF
gas D. WILMOT.
livered et the laying of the Corner Stone
easettettainta Collegiate Institute,
7d!1853.
TOWANDA, July 4, lel
Hon. DAVID Wilmot —Dear Sir :—At a meeting of
(Srtzar, Caramdire of the Collegisie Institute of the
irrl 0: Susquehanna , a number of the Trustees also be
,toa. ,r unanimously resolved that our thanks be
o Hon DAVID WILT for his able and eloquent
m Education. delivered at the laying of the Corner
e t& Institute to-day; and that a copy be respectfully
. 2 4 .6% pub lientiun. S. P
EIILLRRFOX,X
• TOWA.NDAL, July 6,1853.
4. ,-.lscr . —Vour note st the 4th inst., requesting for pub
&copy of the address delivered by me on that day,'
placed in my hands. I very cheerfully comply with •
and accordingly place he manuscript at you
Very respectfully.
Your OA servant,
. F COLT.
Si:u,ta Fox
LIDIC(1 AND GENTLED/ex :—The occasion of this
assemblage is lull of hopeful promise—auspi
mot blessings near at hand The corner stone of
Sesquehanns Collegiate Instaiute has been laid,
:Imposing and : appropriate ceremonies• under
'tenon of an anzient and honorable order,
mg connection through its tormulas and Ira
is with remote antiquity, and teaching by its
its- and emblems, an exalted morality, and a
iy as broad as the universal brotherhood of
The parr assigned to the Masonic fraternity
rerciSes.ol this L'ay, is certainly fitting and well
. en Whatever opinions may be entertained
.e valae of the histittnion, or doubts touching
p'cluints and pretensions, history abundantly
4thilmporiant part Masonry has acted on the
iTaue of human affairs Its influence has '
Dowertully felt in the camps of armies, and
councils H of cabinets. More eminently Ira-
Licary in s:rocßire and character, than any other
non known among men; it has nevertheless
-red deep and lasting impressions from the
of civilization and knowledge, and the
:vet, of meilimval and modern history. At
The we see its more ancient and venerable
pariatly concealed ender the gay habiliments
rah and romance, and strongly partaking of
'!'e, ;lOU ell hof•iat-rn of the age, leading the van
ttt-ade a:urist the Infidel, for the recovery of
~my ct:y. and the sepulchre of our Loril. Tjp
rct•ttcal ttl Ihe arts, after the long night of
„.itstisrit which followed the downfall ol the
,an Empire. and the extinguishment of irs sen . -
Ind voluptuous civilization, Masonry lost
3 C C tIS ,Speculative character, in that of a prac-
in Of hand craft Many of the Public edifices
odern Europe,admired for !heir architecturil
anJ elaborate workmanship, Were designed
clerwed by the masters and craft of the Ma
c ritateihoorl. Architecture is the noblest of
le 3n. It rialitfully holds this pre-eminence,
y account of 'its utility, and the beauty and
:tjeur o• effect produced, by a justly pmportioti•
t:a.,Jcia-Ste edifice. Those feelings of pleasure
r:throiatton, with which we look upon a beau
.e. pcloe or piece of statuary, are hightened and
- 'en , ified when we behold a magnificent temple
3-2 llom the ground, a thing of strength and beau
tlof such symmetrical proportions, and each part
r Neely. diumed to the whole, that it seems a part
. mnountling nature-4 portion of the solid earth
ad.—more the work of. the great Architect of
, !ier , rrerse. than of the hands of man. Of this
'war er, are the models of classic taste given to
ay the ancient Greeks ; and to shirrs high standard
etee:lerice, Masonry as a practical art aspires: .
peculatire institution, it demands equal per
: requiring of its members that they so dis
:tre•re heart and attentions, as to give symme-,
penglli and beauty to moral character.
Pia however is, not _the time or place, to enlarge
history, chat acler and claims of Masonry
1.1:1 1 t 1 has been said to show the propriety of the
wine:new, by which the corner atone of the pre
edifice has been laid tinder the direction of a
%tow Lodge, and with the accustomed Masonic
Crr:DOnles.
pon this foundation shall arise a temple, which
„berany sustained and endowed, and controled
ty cttfe and devoted men, shall exert an influence
tee n the character of this people and their intellect
,:al ar.d moral well being, of lasting and.incalcula-
Lie gced.
We boast of our achievements in the bigliat ,
tri
umphs of the age ; over physical nature. they are
indeed wondedul arid attended with the happiest
(emits to mankind. Out hearts can feel nb expanse
t; gr:ittrude rot; large, (or the courageous and in=
omttable men who spent lives of toil and ffiva
..on, in cr,eaung the beautiful scene presented 10
In whatever direction we turn oar tee—
Tne fields that adorn the valleys and hi 1 14064 of
ccr picturesque country, crowned 'with luxuriant
rietts of cram and meadow—the villiage 011 f,
!Jtnei, embowered in summer foliage, With rte
kostantial st ores ,and tasteful residences; its cbttiell
"and Public edifices--these objects of. value and
affectionate interest, are mostly the work of a gen.
error ) of men who rest from their laberk:'. The
"e toobusy in their struggle with the lkiest 1 4
levote their thoug..ts and energies to• intellectual
ru:ute. The work they took in hand they - well
''''' f '"wd; leaving to those who should Coate al 7
er tliem and enjoy the fruits sif their labor, the do.
f of.opentng and inlorrifitg-thepaths of knowledge;
ws task of subduing intik moral beauty the wittlei
ttii of %floral - ree f en 4., its rank groarth,ofpbaling
aPpeates a n d passions. ',Such are thaitages Of 40 6
„ C4l lit e. The pioneer matitolly performs his work.
0 11 Strong arm yields to no obstacles—his brave
' 4 ttl shrinks from no dangers. Prom early Jain,
de deep shades of twilii,ht, he is a constant,
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untiring worker. ,Hie life is a perpetual struggler
lazing to the utmost his moral strength of purpose,
and powers of physical endorance His effort is to
supply the fint great want of our nature, food and
raiment—and hu work accomplished, he lays down
to his rest of death, honored for his earnest life and
manly virtues.
The succeeding generation start in the long race
of social progress and moral elevation, where the
pioneer ended the first day's journey. Upon the
men of this our day, are imposed higher obligations,
and a wider field of lab Or. Ours is the task of
commencing wisely and in earnest, the great work
of intellectual and moral culture ;,of laying deep
and broad the foundations of a social edifice,which,
receiving strength and beauty from generation to
generation, shall finally stand in its full perfections,
adorned by every intellectual endowment, social
grace, and moral virtue. Truly a noble work.—
Would that we brought to its accomplishment some
what of that heroic courage, of those earnest, man
ly efforts, that signalized and honored the life of
the pioneer. We have been sluggards in the field
of our highest duty, and most profitable labor.—
Pursuits less e::nobling, objects secondary in value,
have engrossed our time and energies. Business
vocations, the commerce and trafic of the world,the
accumulation of wealth, have absorbed nearly our
whole being Indus.ry in our daily pursuits is ne
cessary and most honorable—a prudent thrift in
saving the fruits of our labor, wise and meritori
ous. We should riot, however, estimate riches
abl.ve thee true value. We should not allow the
desire of their acquisition to take such entire poe.
session of the soul, as that no room is left for the
growth of the social affections. An inspired phi
losopher and moralist has told us, that "„the love of
money is the root ot all evil." What the wise man
here condemns so strongly, is not a sagacious lore.
sight, a prudent provision for the wants of the fu
ture ; but that intense and inordinate love of wealth
which makes the heart barten of every generous
and noble' impulse—sterile ot all love and sympa
thy tor our tellow-man. Against the growth of this
debasing vice, we should guard ourselves, as we
would against the approaches ot a demon, who had
power to transform us into his own hateful and
loathsome nature. Let us estimate aright the value
and the u-es of wealth. It is chiefly of worth, as
it eflords the means of a higher and more refined
social life. Properly employed, it unlocks the trea
sures of knowledge, and enables us to drink deep
at its retreshing fountains. The heart expands un
der the influence of a genuine charity, unsotenta•
tious, and so bestowed, as to inflict no wouud upon
the sensibilities of the receiver—as to leave behind
no cruel and mortifying sense ot obligation. The
dispensation of a liberal and generous hospitality,
affords the richest enjoyment in the society of friends,
expands the affections and refines the manners.
The boorish and uncultivated man of money, is
always an object of peculiar aversion and eisgust.
Posseesing the means of enlarging and liberalizing
his laculties, he is content to grovel in ignorance.
Esteeming riches the chief good, he has no aim or
purpose in tile, beyond their acquisition. Narrow
and selfi-h, 11:s never rises to the pure atmos.
phere of a noble and generous feeling. The only
lesson he strives to impress upon his children, is
sordid avarice, who unless early demoralized by
his teaching•, become so disgusted with the daily
theme, and the mean and miserly example con
stantly set before them, that they plung into the
opposite vice of dissipation, and squander with
spendthrift prodigality; the riches so overvalued by
the parent. Such a man, thus ignorant and unre
tined in soul, whatever be the extent of his posses.
stone, lives no real life; he never tastes its enjoy.
ments and highest pleasures. In all that gives
value to life, lie isbut little elevated above the well
fed brute of his stall.
D. IVILSIOT
Again, we too often see the inflated, purse-proud
parventte—him,of little brains and sodden fortune.
He has been successful in the guita.purcha, patent.
leather business, and he struts upon the stage so
bedizzened with the gaudy trappin2s of riches,with
such apeings and m imic togs of high-I ite, as make the
groundlinga roar with merriment, and men °lslamist
ashamed to see humanity so deform awl How
he Swells in the pride and pomp of sudden fortune.
He sets up an establishment. His • consequence in
the world of fully and fashion, is to be measured
by the extent of his mansion, and the showy bril
liancy of its appointments He proceeds in his en
terprise wi'hout taste or Judgment—mistaking fine
ry for elegance, until with-the aid of gilt , and tinsel,
he succeeds in making his honse destitute of all
refinement, and the real eleganctier - of life—as taw
dry and vulgar as its owner. He travels—it is the
fashicniand he-most ake the tour of Europe. Hs
visite the scenes and monuments of former age.
He stands upon the soil of Italy—the centre of an.
Mitt civilization; the theatre on which was enacted
the/great events of history. His palsy qeieltena
.4 ... . ,
n t—he 'feels no 'etbotions in the preeence of th e
mt hty past. The eternal city, magnificent in its
ruin , grand in its desolalion—to him, is a mere
waste of crombliniWalls`,andfatten cornmos.' Be.
peaih his feet there, lies a letried world.. His tread
is upon the.aavea of heroes i -stalexmen, Odom.
pliers and poste. Beery atone is eloquent. From
oat the told Marble speaks the voice tif "History ....
He bears it not , The . ,tylighty, pnleatipria;9l Abe eld
world throbbing beneath his feet, cannot quicken
his soul into life and feeling. He stands withippe
world renovinedgaileriee of ancient art, ,Tlte can-
Vial. and the marble, are .glowing will , . a life of
idealodmost celestial beauty ; the•embodiment - of
the .iinet'i highest antl;most beautiful conceit.,
lions. He is an indifferent spectaior in the. pre
sence of the noblest works of genius—works that
have been ;he admiration of. every . .age, : and that
have Pniver le momthe cultivate& and refined to,
an matey of um—to iota Winyah:Mazy adoration. .
He, howeviit,' is deßiettiinv Wittig :' Reims made
the acquaintance
_arid dined with my lord—in a
I co untry Whirs lords am as Plielt,its beflgarfs and
'almost Its poor Vidayed with my Jordr. and -beep
cheated—loaned my lord money—in abort, my
► ; SATURDAY' AT TOWANDA, BRADFOPLCOUTIT; Pity-BY- E. -O'MEARA GOODRICH.
"DrSAILDLESS or . DENUNCIATION FROM ANT-
lord is his very intimate and dear friend. Hence.
forth, whoever is condemned to his society, shall
hear nothing but silly anecdotes of the-sayings and
doings of my lord. Of what value has money been
to this man! Nature, whose work is always well
done, made him not great,.but respectable,—money
transformed him into an artificial thing—a cockney
—a snob.
The cockneyism of wealth, unfortunately, is not
confined to the millionairti of the city. It flourish
es in the country, where your snob of a few thou
sands, apes at a distance, his longer-pursed, but
not longer-eared city prototype. His more limited
means compels him to play his _antics upon a nar
rower &Id ; but the part is acted as perfectly, al
though wanting in the stage elect, produced by
amplitude and scenic decorations.
This artificial life is worse than ridiouloos—it is
mischievous upon the manners and morals of a
people. Wealth exerts a powerful influence, and
no where more powerful than in social life. We
are too often dazzled by its showy pretensions; and
mistaking for refinement its fopperies and follies,
seek to imitate them, thus diatroying the ttuthful
ness and simplicity of nature.
Riches are not to be dispised ; nor their aquisi
lion discouraged. Without their aid we can tic
complied' but little, in whatever field ol enterprise
we expend out efforts. To a certain extent, they
are necessary to the full growth and developement
01 the powers of a man. Without such a compe
tency as gives-ample secprity against poverty and
want, no man can exhibit the resources of his mind
and the energy of his will. The grandest enter
prises are but as day-dreams, if the means of their
execution are wanting. The most sublime aspira
tions of genius, are chilled by the rude blasts of
poverty ; its fires extinguished, under the depres
sing weight ol worldly anxiet) and care. Let us
strive (hen, industriously, and by every honorable
means, for the acquisition of a reasonable share of
wealth i—not [or the love we bear the glittering
dust itself, but as a means to brake the shackles
that impede our progress to the attainment of a no
bler and better life ; that we may give Ireedom to
the mind, and enable it to soar into the highest
realms of light and knowledge.
Education, in the largest and broadest significa
tion of the word, is the true remedy for social ills;
the panacea that shall cure society of all affectation ;
hypocrisy and cant. Education, in this enlarged
aense,is not to be acquired wholly within the walls
of a college. Indeed it were better for some, if
they had never been spoiled for the useful and
honorable pusuita of labor, by a collegiate diplo
nt They may be accomplished in the reading of
the Greek and Latin; but they never drank of the
inspiration of classic literature. They may be able
to calculate with accuracy, the revolutions of the
planets, to name the stars, ant fix their places in
the firmament of heaven ; but they have never
fathomed the sublime lessons of astronomy. In
finity and Power; so manifest in the works of Om•
nipotence, hate failed to fill the soul with rever
ence and humility. The collegiate is too often a
pedant—a vain, conceited egotist With all that
books and professors could do for him, he falls far
short in real knowledge, of the man who through
life has followed the plough ; but with his eyes
open, and of such depth of soul as led him to ear
nest thought and reflection on the wonderous works
of God. He, however, who should reject the team
ing of the schools, because they sometimes furnish
us pedants, would fall into fatal error. No man
ever did, or ever can, become thoroughly educated
without long and laborious study, and a tam iliar
acquaintance will the literature and sciences taught
in our colleges and higher institutions of learning.
The tendency of learning is to liberalize and en
large the mind; and although it often fails to exert
its proper and legitimate influence, the fault in al
most every case, Will be found to lay at the door
of parents ; who have failed, through ignorance or
neglect, in the also performance of their part in
this great work of education—the developement of
the full grown and perfect man. We cannot ex
pect that learning will exert its proper infleence
upon the character, if the mind be early dwarfed
by false views of the duties:and true aims of life—
the affections blunted and turned awry,by the teach
ings arid example of selfishness. The child looks
to the Tarent as his model—it is the hest With which
ire is acquainted.; and , from him, he derives his
earliest and strongest impressions. If the parent,
by his example—by his daily teachings and eon
versatiou, evinces - that he esteems money the
cbiel good, and as acquisition the main purpose of
life..-how cart we -expect , otherwise, than that the
principlesPand character of the child should become
deformed? How is he to learn the graced of Mo.
delay, in the midst ol a Ale of arrogant pretensions
The charm of an unaffected and truthful simplicity,
when all is artificial antLialael ,The dignity of a
noble and disinterested generosity, when all is nar
row, eel* acid illiberal 3
The cultute of the heart is the ground-work of a
thorough edtication. Without it, learning never
made a man, Tiiis in the Maitt.is the "worst of pa:
rents, not of ptofestsors: With what interest and
regard &tea that mother nurture the seedling of
'smite rare and delicate Iltoureel With what solici
tude does, , *fie study its habits and wen's! f§he
Will analy,ze the eatifis,to find Oe.proPer Aptiiment,
and cautioultir protects it •fmar .whatever may in
jure Wild , marthe rich tints of itrr titoritn:. itrewarti
her kind Clipare, in the Perfetit'dovelepemeot ofits
lovely nature, ani tiffs .her hems atith.,fiagranee
and beauty- • Let her as thoughtfully study the na
ture and wants of her Infant daughterri - wiibly
develope the 101 l charm - of tier maturity ,and she
shall rewarded wi th
, geriorilt insinse,
With odors' Of tiffectiAi i !iofrli "to
AlegfloxfOg, luit l + l 9‘erly•
That daughter shall'shed throughontlerlhomeoui
atmosphere of purity 4edimee. --She shall wear a
charm' and refittetnerll of manner. Defer yet scuibir
-ed: by thin ano') rule 7 which . "shall IMMO eon her
• footsteps is the Wadi fragreneri niter de upOrr;;ltto
flower.
'.T .~
!. ~ :.
This work of motel culture,,cminot be too early
too ea rn estly , pursued: '' the
commencer,, nor
tender - years of ltitiaffectiontiatill motel
faculties should be.exeited folteahlifilictivity. No
Opportunity should be lost that May serve to im
press upon the understanding the beauty of good.
ness—the loveliness 01 a kind and affectionate tern.
per. A lively pity for thi unfotiunak,a..tender
sympathy with affliction and dismiss, a -feeling
and considerate interest for alms, thepleasures of
forgiveness, and penitence for wrong—these, with
many other' 91 equal value, are lessons ibel,may
be early impressed upon the young . A. they ad.
vance in years and understandin,g,they maybe made
to comprehend in part at least, the strength and
moral power of truth ; the ideatrol jostice, right,
magnanimity, heroism; and the. deep injury they
inflict upon their own nature,, by every act of false.
hood, wrong and oppression, exercised towards
others. Let us not tire in this the first work of
education, although we fail to witness asearly as
we could wish the butts of our labors. The young
are thoughtless—the creatures of impulse and feel
ing, and olten exhibit a waywardness, apparently
in contempt of parental admonition and embed'''.
Be not discouraged or impatient. The germ of a
true nobility is in every soot. The patient, loving
culture of the heart, will in time yield a rich har
vest of noble and manly virtues. The child has
not the moral, any more than it has the physical
strength of the man. His flowery path is beset with
little disappointments, vexing his temper; tempts,
lions enticing him to disobedience and totbidden
pleasures. But even while he commits the wrong,
he can be made to feel in part its degradation.—
While his moral faculties have not yet the strength
to overcome temptation, he can te made to know
something of the beauty and nobleness of virtue.—
These lessons early and deeply impressed upon the
heart, shall grow with his growth and strengthen
with his-strength ; until in the vigor of a true man.
hoot!. he shall stand invulnerable to temptation—
loathing vice with the whole energy Of his Bool—
e devout worshipper at the altars of 'Wile and
truth
This work of moral culture faithfully and wisely
performed, and the foundation is laid whereon to
build the superstructure of a true manly character .
The schools shall make no pedant of one,thus
ed and disciplined for their instruction As he tra
verses the field of natural sciences ; his soul
revels in the pleasures& riches of knowledge. Eve.
ry t.ew revelation excites the thirst fur higher attain
ments ;—wonder succeeds wonder, until the limits
of human knowledge disclose to his rapt vision, the
deep, unfathomable profound. His soul inspired
with humility and awe, is lifted up in sublime
adoration of the Great Creator; whose works arose
immeasuraule, and whose ways are past finding
out. He turns to the rich feast spread before him,
in the standard literature of ancient and modern
times. Here is an inexhaustible source of the
purest delights. History—the wide range of the
speculative sciences—the'boundless fields of taste
and Imagination, invite him to a repast in which
the mind shall not weary, nor the appetite satiate.
Tim fountains of the deep shall be broken up. The
finest and noblest feelings of the soul—the tenderest
and loveliest emotions of the heart, shall be stirred
to their inmost recesses. Eloquence and poetry
have a power that can enoble and refine • soul
That mind is redeemed from vulgarity and baseness,
that has risen to the fall conception of the poet's
The perfectly educated man; he whose elevated
view has taken in the wide circuit of his duties and
responsibilities—who has formed a just estimate of
the value and true aims of life—whose mind has
been expanded and manners refined by travel and
intercouse with the world—such a men goes lorth
to act his part in the great drama of life, strong and
self.reliant ; armed against every fortune, equal to
ever] task he may be called upon to perform. II
adversity overtake him, he shall meet it with a for.
wade and courage that disarms it of its terrors.—
Even the bitter blasts of poverty shall not imboter
the pure waters, from which he daily draws re
trashing draughts of happiness and pleasure: Po
seriy cannot dry up the funntains of the heart, nor
take from the soul itsconscious dignity and strength.
It cannot rob two( our sell,respect, and the pleasure
that springs tram the.performance of duty. A Ise•
roio man, may even find a joy in the very trial to
which his strength is subjected, and exult in his
power to baffle adverse fortune.
If the lot °finch a man berate in pleasant places—
on, smooth and unruffled waters—if to htm•there be
meted out a large measure of this. world's riches ;
he shall lead a life of such dignity and grace, so
simple and unostentatious, yet so elegant a-Al re
fined, as to elernplity the perfect gentleman—the
man of judgment, taste and feeling. He shall run
be put to his wit'eend, to knew in what manner he
can impress upon beholders his consequence and
claims (asocial supremacy. He will make no pa
rade of his wealth-for the purpose, and in the hope
of exciting the envy of his weak and , less fortunate
neighbors. Indeed, by his life and habits. you
should scarcely know of/we - riches. These are die.
played in ri-wiste sett public spirited liberality, and
in the'pure;atitErefineti enjoynients w itti which he
surrounds - hintself;rand srhich, all within his
ephereshereliberally; whit have the-taste to apple
aisle (mit - 4016f - them:
ithalletit to ebroifderilell'of actionilitte great
interests:of soeistritrwermusted to his hands, he
shidish meerits , responeibilitiee, so discharge the
duties of high public station, as to command the
respect and . ,stlntinit* titmett. If j potto l the trial,
he ettlfilla a heroism as,tice and ifohlp as Any
eaptdad in this . page'of . fticittry 4 The higlkekt,dis.
plays r ot heroism at! ericted on delda of h 4•
man butchery anti camage. Theritrii a'mor'al
144 lbeaPP l PiP4 . d i n ?I e R b ,q l O4Y/nifoAild,
Pfirbig4 l he plgins4 4 ! r l: 43l Or TO i !:"TMYr.i, i-
OA". Siflattralln,als th il t g i tTl i k i l#l9 l S l ,s! l'
of the right; an unwavering. syppoci 44, „juppco, ; r.
fearless denunciation of oppression and wrong,—
acts such as these, when performed at the expense
of great personal interests, belong to ihe truly he
roic. He who imitates, esen though at a great dis
tance, the most perfrt-t example ever set before
men, and caste behind hiin a great temptation, as
if it were dross—not that•he is indiflerent to world
ly interests, but because he will not debase him
self -.performs an act of more sublime heroism, than
the most renowned captain that ever fought a bat
tle and gained a victory•.
The sketch which has been attempted, and so
feebly and inadequately drawn, of a truly educated
man, is not en ideal presentation. Thruramils of
such men have lised, and thousands now live, to
honor and adorn humanity. l would inspire the
breast oF every parent with a strong faith that the
child of hie affections can be trained and disciplin
ed into this form of manly beauty and strength.
Not until a large majority of men are of this type,
will society have attained its maturity and growth.
Wbat has been said touching the lollies and false
notions of life, was prompted by no cynical' and
hypercritical Ileling; but from a conviction of its
propriety and truth. My desire has been to awaken
higher and nobler views of life and duty: to exhi
bit in its true colors the artificial•antl lake, and its
worthlessness, when contrasted with the natural
and true However far short I may have fallen of
my object, the plersure and profit derived to my•
self, is an ample compensation for the part I have
taken in this day's proceedings. Alithoogh from
lack of attainments and strength of Character, we
may be utterly enable to exemplify in our lives
the ntodels and standards of excellence, it is never
tholess healthful and good, occasionally to contem
plate and admire them. .
This day is memorable in the annals of history.
We honor the great men who made it memorable,
as we honor ourselves, in its annual observance
Time will nor allow me to enter at any length up
on those topics more naturally suggested by the
anniversary of our independent existence as a Na
tion. Nor is it necessary before an American au
dience. The day itself, awakens the proudest re.
collections of national glory, arid inspires the heart
with profound gratitude to God fur the priceless
blessings of civil and religious liberty:
May the enterprise which we have this day be.
gun,give to its annual return additional interest, turd
increased cause for thankfulness, in the blessings
this Institute shell dines° throughout this comma.
nity and people. While we cherish it as an in•
valuable means for the education of our children,
let us not look to it as able in itself, fully to accom
plish and perfect that great work. Let us also
hope, that those who are to be the first recipients
of its advantages, may also receive the largest share
of its benefits. May its high character be estab
lished by the graces and attainments of its early
disciples. May they become truly educated, not
only in the valuable learning of the books, but it,
that higher knowledge, wine!' teaches the obliga
tions of duty, the lesson. ot moral do.cipline and
self-control; giving m.in power over the tempta.
;ions of life, and holding him in every vicissitude of
of fortune, steadfast in the love and support of vir
tue and troth.
Rev. S. F. Cot.; from the Evocative Commit.
tee, -delivered die following Address :
FRIENDS Or EDUCATION': On be!ialrOr the Elven
live Committee, your attention is solicited to a brief
statement of the plane and prospects of the noble
enterprise, the pleasant progress of which has been
marked by the laying of the Corner Stone of its first
edifice to-dap, by the presence of Ibis large assem•
bly, and by the eloquent Oration on Education just
delivered.
This northern section of the Commonwealth, not
more noticeable for the beauty of• its scenery then
for its asininity and healthfulness, abounding in
valuable resources, anbdned by hardy enterprise,ia
beginning to yield a liberal retain of competence
and wealth. With vigor of intellect and general
intelligence, its society, now in a formative state,
is prepared to receive the beautiful impress of the
highest intellectual culture. To give this, "A ans.
tiara Literary Lubin/ion. of a high order ia needed,"
wl►icb•ahall afford a thorough course of instruction
in the varions . bninches of learning, useful and or
namental, English and Classical; iii 'he Religion
of nor Lord and Savior Jeans Christ ; and suitably
to prepare teachers for parochial and district schools
in Bradford and the adjacent counties, there are
no crawling facilities for the special preparation of
teachers, while them in at this moment a pressing
demand from our school districts for well qualified
instructors ; and were they prepared, our eons and
daughters can immediately find remunerative open
ings as teachers, almost to'iny number, in districts
in the central portions of the State. To meet this
want, a NORMAL Samoa., or Txacitica's Szlltxxicr
is proposed In this, persons of both sexes may be
informed of the educational advances of the age,
receive instruction as to. the beat method of manag
ing schools and for imparting the militnents of
knowledge, be exercised in leaching as a proles.
sion, - and, whettsuitablyqual.fied, , teceite a Teach
er's diploma. This feature of the effort must com
mend lbe einterPriae to 'every pare 94, indeed to eve
ry friend of civilization, since providing and.im
proving; competent-district school teachers must
e l eva t e the scope of instruction in every district and
direellytenefit every child. • •
A MALE ACIDEM ICAL DEPAIITNI scrivillefford a
thorough course of instruction in science, language
and mathematics. The student may here receive
foil preparation for the activities of tuntinesti, or for
any of the learned Proterigiorr. u s ual organi.
zation and 'coffiettluttr dl College classes , wilt - be
entletiaken se - soon'ai there are , pupils 'prc , poed
and means are affordo,o make #ezpediept, This
. 11 ,14 91, - bea4 ptt eIFLY d'lrysiPc.• PlVi*,are kfl9.wn
raberihfiting for our ctrAutencetueniptawareVe
vatedito 46vin , • WON Fitiehitt ail,*spOt4ofti
t; •:. 4
Junior classes.
Sommer
. iecifriniii &abed *etialitiik i iiiitriepitheitilk:
and ornamental branches.
These Departments are all needed. The call
fur them it immediate. To'eet it, the Presbyte
ry of Susquehanna, u you have been.already in•
formed, have, after careful and laborious invesi.
gallon, entered upon the tomtit of founding and-sops
potting such en Institute, in which these depart.
meets are joined, and which shall be aceuible to
all. This combination must commend itself on the
score of economy nod Or collateral advantage; tined
the sante Professors, Apparatus, Musteal Instrt•
men's, Library, and many of the Lectures can by
this plan serve and benefit the several departments.
At the same time a higher range of instruction is
brought, by this arrangement, at small cost, within
the reach of the intelligent youth of all classes of
our community. It is not to tre doubted that among
these hills and valleys there is talent, which, if
educated, will honor the nation and bless the world.
We are encouraged in this enterprise by the bear
ty response of the community, so far as opportuni
ty has allowed of presenting it.
The supervision by the Piesbytery, a self-per
peinatilig body, whose reputation and interest are
pledged-for the character, support and continuance
of the estAblishment, will secure the moral training
of the pupils, and will give- respectability and per
manence to the Institute. Supervision ky this re
ligious body, does not make this a sectarian school.
It is a remaikable fact that two-thirds of all the
Colleges in the country have been built as religious
institutions by Presbyterians and their especial cog.
nines, Congregationalists; and though mainining
strict religions.instroction, they are not regarded as
sectarian. This fact goes to confirm for Presbyte
rianism the practical liberality which it claims, and
to show that bigotry or sectarianism are Memel.-
tent with our Church policy or dictrine ; and this is
an argument stronger than all assurances that tree,
liberal, onsectarian, yet christian education may be
safely intrusted to Presbyterian hands.
A Board of Trustees has been organised and du
ly chartered. It consists of twenty-one gentlemen
of known worth and public spirit, belonging to diff
erent communions, and residing in different parts
of the County.
The site of ten acres has been secured at a cost
of two thousand dollars, of which sum fifteen him
died dollars has been signed,by citizens of Towan
da and vicinity. This site will commend itself for
convenience and beauty. It will afford ample room
for playground., walks, gardens and the College
Buildings, and is well watered.
Acting by the direction and under the control of
the trustees, the Executive Committee have made a
contract for the immediate erection, daring the
present season of this the first and central Building.
It is planned to be fifty-four feet by eighty-four;
four stories high, of Brick ; to contain a Refectory
or boarding establishment, Halls, Lecture Rooms,
Gymnasium, and for the present, the third and fourth
stories will be used for Dormitories or lodging
rooms. With the growth of the enterprise, other
buildings will become necessary to furnish per.
manent study and lodging rooms, when all the
rooms in this may be used for Halls.
The present arrangements will cost eboutSl2,ooo.
Towards this sum, citizens in Towanda have sob.
scribed ST 500, and have conveyed to this use the
Towanda Academy at 52,500. If this be all real
ized, two thousand dollars additional will be need
ed to perfect the present building. But the execu
tive commi tee and friends of the effort are exceed
ingly desi.ous of retaining the Towanda Academy
for the use of the Ladies Department. This will
require the building fund to be supplemented by
52,560.
The Philosophical and Chemical Apparatus on
hand, will need to be enlarged at a coat of one
thou.and dollars. 01 this sum, Col. C. F. WoLuts,
of Athens, has pledged 8500, when the other half
shall have been sobscribed.
To secure this five thousand dollars, we depend
upon voluntary contributions. We appeal to you,
citizens and perms far aid. The interests we are
laboring to advance, are the noblest and most cher
ished of all. They seek and secure the elevation
and happiness of your children and your children's
children, to remote ages. This Ittritute, under the
fostering care of a benign Providence, cannot - fail
to pat forth influences, ever widening for the peace,
joy and prosperity of a wide circle of country. The
Lord has wrought with us. thus ler. We devoutly
and with thanks recognize his favor towards this
promising effort, founded in piety and charity. We
believe the people have a heart to the work. This
is a home effort. We are confident nu effort was
ever undertaken better calculated to benefit so
widely or so cheaply our own community,
Great credit is duo to the citizens of Towanda
and its vicinity who hare corririt uteri towards the
purchase of these beautiful grounds, and towards
the building fund. 'Tis well known that a succes
sion of disastrous fires have occurred in this bOtongh
within .1 wet re : month ; and buildings of public and
private enterprise now in process ol erection, may
in a measine limit the present means ol its citizens.
Notwithstanding this, the executive committee feel
authorized in looking to them most cheerfully to
respond to the claims of an Institute, the founding
of which, is calulated to adorn and benefit direct.
ly and especially their own town Thestistenance
ol the pupils and yrofessors With their families,will
necessarily and favorably effect all classes in busi
ness, to.a large amount annually : tide justifies us
in expectinglargely from Towanda and its vicinage.
But this is not a Tovvania effort. The Basque.
banns Collegiate, Institute is calculated to bless a
wide'sccipst of country. The pecuniary advantages
accruing to. those in close proximity, are those least
worthy of men'ion. Let all contribute, and most
valuable educational facilities will be brought with.
in reach of thousands who else could never have
attained to them. We are constrained to look for
aid, and do earnestly solicit generous contributions
hem all the friends of a liberal and Christian edu
_cation., The encouragement of your subscriptions
is lieeded.now. These may be draw n
. p a yabl e at
Six twelve month ,, "
and papers to Ibis inivitiprt
we offered for circulation in'the severeyeeree,....
Ali'bppartnnity" ls'thus offered; yon, 4,803,110 m
this hakirtfril. by a pmistworth,y,ekoperaticipi in
the noblest enterprise of the Itge• • '
Of the endowment food of ° 3 COM Over 8 1 80:00
;has been pledged ,on the sale of perplanent opbe:
"taiabip MO ditch. The interest of thie fond' is to
tie used tot the support ci teachers in the Tali:the.
fjri 4.1