Page:History of the University of Pennsylvania - Montgomery (1900).djvu/293

If you intend them for the noble Profession of the Law, to be the protectors of the innocent and the advocates of justice; the best foundation will be a love of humanity, and such a knowledge of the laws of nature and general rights of mankind as they will obtain here. If for the service of the state, the same will hold good. The man best acquainted in the nature of civil government, the just bounds of authority and submission, and the universal principles of equity and virtue, will always be the ablest Politician and firmest Patriot Again, if they are to follow the healing art of Physic, the knowledge of mathematics and the various branches of Natural Philosophy, will be the best introduction. If proposed for the Ministry of the blessed Gospel, it has been already observed that every human science ought to lend its aid, and kindle a love of wisdom. If other arguments were necessary to induce you to the cultivation of knowledge and the support of this Institution, I might display to you the wonderful change which the Sciences have produced in the state of every country, where they have been received. Tho' they have not been able wholly to eradicate tyranny, yet they have always crushed and mitigated t influence; inspiring humanity, love of moral excellency, and every softer virtue. But why should I bring instances from other countries, when one of the most illustrious is before our eyes? This polished and flourishing city! What was it fourscore years ago? Even its foundations were not then laid; and in their place was one depth of gloomy wilderness! This very spot, this Seat of the Muses where I have now the honour to stand, preaching the Gospel of Jesus, surrounded with men excelling in every valuable accomplishment, and youth rising after their great example had I seen it then, what should I have found it? A spot rank with weeds perhaps, or the obscure retreat of some lawless and gloomy savage. O glorious change! O happy day! that now beholds the Sciences planted where barbarity was before! that now sees this Institution at length brought to such perfection, as to extend the Laurel to her first worthy sons! how ought such advancements in knowledge; to rejoice every heart among us, but especially you the founders and patrons of this excellent Seminary, who now begin to taste some of the chief fruits of your pious labors. This sermon affords us some insight into the display of religious influences in the College: Tho' its wide and generous foundation allows equal indulgence to Protestant denominations of all sorts, without adopting the particular modes of any; yet there is not a greater regard paid to religion, pure evangelical religion, in any seminary in the world than here. We have forms of prayer, peculiarly well adapted to our own circumstances, twice every day; and' the morning is always begun with read-