Life of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet; Founder of Deaf-Mute Instruction in America

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1888. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... * Barnard's tribute. tice of English composition. Evidences appear among his papers that he did some editorial work, or at least contributed to the periodicals and newspapers of the day. In September, 1808, he delivered an oration in Hartford on .Ambition as'a motive in Education, a single quotation from which will sufficiently disclose the lofty train of thought and illustrate the style of the young orator. The love of praise, say they, was given for wise purposes. It softens and ennobles the heart. It is the nurse of great and noble enterprise. It is the just meed of labor. It creates a mutual dependence among mankind, knitting them together by the nicest and most refined of all ties, a sensibility to esteem and reputation. Would bards have sung so sweetly, would patriots have bled so nobly, would kings have reigned so justly, if their hopes had not brightened at the prospect of a glorious immortality of renown? Who then shall censure what has so long been felt by the greatest and the best of men! But to this oppose the genius of Christianity. Take its prominent characteristic, humility. Behold it in the living example of its great Author. Where was His love of praise? Did He show it in his parentage? His reputed father was a carpenter. In His birth? It was in a manger. In His life? He conversed with publicans and sinners. In His followers? They were poor fishermen. In His death? Hebled with malefactors. It was His Father, and not Himself He came to honor. Who will propose to Christians, and it is a Christian audience the speaker is addressing, any other example? But if in this great personage the love of praise was never seen, how can it be justified in those who are bound to imitate Him. Men ought to consider and weigh every subject relating to human con...