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was not borrowed merely, or reflected from others." I have looked upon him as one of those rare specimens of human nature, which live not for themselves, but for the good of the whole world, and whose transcendent merits exalt them into a kind of legion of honour, quite distinct from the common race of mortals. With these feelings, Mr. President, how could I shrink from the duty that now devolves upon me, of reciting a few of his many claims to our grateful remembrance? How want a tongue to express the sentiments, with which I regard the value of his immortal labours? How refrain from admiring the private munificence, which decreed to him this annual commemoration?
Every civilized nation acknowledges the wisdom and expediency of celebrating the memory of great men, who have preeminently signalized themselves in arts, literature, or science. The custom is dictated by some of the best and most amiable feelings in our nature;—being perfectly congenial to every principle of good taste;—and. in various
