USA > New York > New York City > Recollections of persons and events, chiefly in the city of New York; being selections from his journal > Part 11
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their action; and I can imagine no state of society worse than where a community becomes knowing, acute and active, and yet destitute of the restraints and directions arising from moral cultivation. You may create stars in such a firmament ; but like the star in the Apocalypse, when they fall into the foun- tains of health among men, they turn them into wormwood and death. You may. raise up Samsons, but they are Samsons without eyes; and ยท though in their gigantic strength they may work wonders, yet will they be wonders of ruin and desolation, alike destructive to themselves and to all within their reach.
Such are our views briefly expressed on this important subject, and in accordance with which we intend to act. For, while as the friends both of religion and of civil power, we deprecate every approach to a union of Church and State, yet do we view the alliance of Religion and Learning as indispensable to the well-being of both.
The place to be assigned to Classical Literature, and how it is to be cultivated, next demand a few observations. You are aware that on this subject, a discussion has arisen that is absorbing more and more of public attention in the world of letters.
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Much as the Heathen Classics are to be admired as models of composition, for their lucid arrangement of thought, for their purity of diction, for their command over every power of the imagination and the heart, yet are they debased by such gross immorality, such wild and yet insinuating denials of the true God, that it begins to be questioned whether there is not more evil than good derived from the study of them. There are those, I know, who can affect to despise this question, and whose constant cry is, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians,-Great is Diana of the Ephesians," and is uttered with as much intoler- ance and impatience as were manifested by the Ephesian multitudes in the days of the Apostles.
But the question still must be met, and it is one of the good indications of moral feeling in our day, that it has been raised. It is not denied that the minds of our youth have been improved by the study of the Classics ; nor do I think it would be desirable to seal up these Castalian fountains, forbid- ding students to approach them. But that evil has resulted from these polished authors of antiquity as they are too generally studied, is a fact that cannot be denied; nor is the evil the less because
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not developing itself at once on the moral feelings of our youth, or not plainly perceptible when it first influences the heart. There is a reflected light diffused from Christianity that influences silently many who are not really Christians, but who live in constant contact with its truths; and in like manner there is an influence from the pages of Heathenism that bewilders and overpowers the moral feeling of the youth who is brought into habitual contact with them, though he may not feel it at the time. But as in their case the seeds of truth unfold themselves in after life, and produce fruit "some thirty, some sixty and some an hundred fold;" so in the other case, the serpent which had crept into the heart, concealed beneath the flowers of Parnassus, after a while raises its Hydra head, and poisons the bosom in which it had lain dormant.
What then is to be done in the case? it is asked ; and I have already answered, I am not prepared to say that these writings of antiquity should be shut out from our Schools or Colleges and Universities. This would be like rejecting from our edifices all the beautiful orders of archi- tecture because formerly employed in decorating Pagan Temples. Nor am I prepared to say that
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the time has yet come, as some have declared, when we should reverse the order in which Languages are usually studied, leading our students through Hebrew, Greek and Latin, instead of directing them through Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. But this we avow, and thus far do we go most con- fidently. In arranging a system for Classical educa- tion, it is of infinite and special importance that every man who is entrusted with this Department of instruction should not only be a ripe scholar, but he should also be imbued with a spirit of piety, and well acquainted with the great and cardinal truths of Christianity ; that he may thus be qualified to disinfect the atmosphere through which he leads his pupils, poisoned as it is with worse than Roman malaria. Under such guidance we will not so much fear to put a Virgil, or a Horace, or a Juvenal, or a Lucian, or a Pindar into the hands of our youth ; for these writers may thus be disenchanted of those dangerous fascinations which are most calculated to mislead; they may thus be employed to benefit the mind and form the taste without corrupting the heart ; and their very defects be made of service to set forth in strong contrast the unalloyed excellence of that one Book which is
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first and alone in matter and in manner. In this way it is the design of this Institution to form Classical scholars, and with a view of giving such a scholarship a very prominent place in the system it has adopted, the Department of Learned Lan- guages is so arranged and filled as to combine the training in the Classics commonly given in our Colleges with that higher exegetical instruction in Classical Literature, which is given in many of the Universities of Europe.
Had I time, I would dwell at some length on the importance which the University will attach to Mathematical and Physical Science. Not only do we live in a practical age, but we dwell in the midst of a practical Community. Hence have we felt it incumbent upon us to make wide and extensive provision for instruction in the useful arts. To be useful, is our great object, and while we are far from proscribing the polite arts as of no utility, they should not be allowed to throw into the shade those which contribute more directly to the wants and convenience of man. But while for reasons which are sufficiently obvious, we have been desirous to afford every facility for acquiring the knowledge which ministers immediately to the
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practical purposes of life, there are reasons why we have been particularly anxious that if our youth are led into the field of Physical Science at all, we should give them instruction which will be thorough and full. A smatterer in any thing is despicable; but a smatterer in Physics is both dan- gerous and despicable. It is in these very fields of knowledge, the field of the Astronomer, of the Chemist, the Mineralogist, the Botanist, the Ge- ologist, in which by constant converse with nature, men ought to be led "from nature up to nature's God," that we too often find science per- verted to shut out our Maker from His world and from the minds of men. Divine or revealed truth has nothing to fear, but much to hope; nothing to lose, but much to gain from deep and thorough investigations in Physics; and if men would look long enough and deep enough into the laws which govern the material world, they could never be inclined to array the works of the Creator against His word.
There is a much closer affinity between sciolists and sceptics than is generally imagined.
But there is still another reason why we are so desirous to carry the study of natural science to an
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elevated standard. It is taken from the character of our country. Nature is always true to her own sketches. She never draws outlines that deceive, but makes the filling up to correspond with them. Who then can look on the broad and majestic rivers, and the high and lofty mountains that dis- tinguish the face of this Continent, without con- cluding that beneath the surface are treasures of corresponding richness and value. And yet how little has been done to explore and to improve them. It is but of late that the public mind has been turned toward the subject, and now when in- dividual munificence is beginning to act and to pro- vide the means for discoveries, how desirable that our Seats of Learning should provide men ably and extensively versed in the whole range of natural science for the labor of exploring and bringing to light the hidden treasures of our mountains and our valleys. There are mines yet lying undisturbed in their bosoms, more precious than the mines of gold and silver from which the cupidity of other nations have drawn so largely; and we fondly anticipate the day when to this and other Literary Institutions of the land, our Statesmen will look for men who are to unlock her treasures of wealth
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to the nation, provide increased employment for her enterprising spirit, and make earth, air, and sea all furnish fresh and enlarged tribute to the comfort, the safety, and the happiness of man. What a glorious day will that be, when the light of Heaven's truth and favor shall shine over all our Seminaries of Learning : and
" As the web that's spread beneath the sun Grows pure by being purely shone upon,"
they shall thus be freed from every source of moral pollution, and in their turn become fountains of health and life; when parents will look to them not only as schools for the instruction of our youth, but as Sanctuaries for their preservation from evil; when our rulers will view them as nurseries of the nation's strength ; and when they shall be multi- plied and spread abroad from border to border of our land, as stars in a new firmament of knowledge.
The Professors had no sooner opened their courses of instruction; than classes were formed exceeding our expectations in the number of stu- dents, and which soon entirely outgrew our accom- modations. For as yet we had no building of our
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own. We had depended on apartments in one building after another as we could best find them, and these by no means adapted to our wants. Of course the subject of erecting an edifice for our- selves necessarily soon came before the Council. The measure was farther recommended by the consideration that the patronage of the State could be more readily secured, when it should be seen that we had a local habitation as well as a name ; and indeed we all felt that until this object was accomplished, the Institution could not possess that aspect of stability which was necessary to secure lasting patronage from either private or public munificence. The sentiment also was general that in order to secure the liberality of our citizens, we must place before them a building that would correspond with the prevailing taste in architec- ture, and that it would be more difficult to raise means for the erection of an edifice on a small and inferior scale, than for one more costly but better adapted, both to our own convenience and the ambition of the public. A plan was accordingly adopted for the building which now stands as a memorial of the liberality then shown by the friends of the Institution.
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The corner stone was laid in the summer of 1833 with appropriate ceremonies, and in the autumn of 1835, we entered the new edifice under auspices in every respect encouraging.
Several new Professorships had been filled besides those introduced at the opening of the Institution, and the increasing number of students found ample provision made for their instruction.
The various and diversified Departments of the University, so far from colliding or interfering with each other as some had feared, were seen not only to harmonize together, but also to minister to the strength and efficiency of each other and of the whole Institution. The edifice had the approba- tion of those who had been our patrons from the first, and enlisted on our behalf many new friends ; and believing that the time had come to justify an application to the Legislature for a grant from the State, it was laid before them. It met with a favorable reception. The enlarged scheme of instruction embraced in the plan of the University, furnished a strong argument with the Legislature to grant us an endowment from the State Treasury as a fitting use of the public funds, and they ac- cordingly granted us a yearly appropriation of six
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thousand dollars, besides a share in the Literature Fund, amounting to at least one thousand dollars more, to be continued for five years, and until otherwise ordered.
The endowment from the State came at a very seasonable period. The Act was passed and the first payment made, just before one of those pe- riods of wide-spread pecuniary disaster which have sometimes overtaken our City. The years of 1837 and 1838 will long be remembered in New York. Men who had spent lives of honorable industry to accumulate fortunes, saw the whole swept away from them in the course of a few months; and friends of the University bore their share in the general calamity. But encouraged and strength- ened by the appropriation from the State, al- though the times were trying, they were met by a display of new liberality. A careful investiga- tion was made to ascertain the amount necessary to meet existing demands which called for pay- ment, and also to enable the Institution to main- tain the various courses of instruction already in- : troduced, and the sum required was at once raised, chiefly by the early and tried friends of the Uni- versity; and the Institution, as was supposed,
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placed beyond the reach of future pecuniary em- barrassment.
In the mean time I began to feel that the cares and labors through which I had passed during the last eight or nine years, had made their mark upon me. The internal affairs of the University in its different departments required constant and careful supervision. Though faithfully aided by members of the Council, yet much of the labor in raising funds to meet the exigencies through which the Institution had passed came upon me, however reluctant I felt to bear it. I had also in this event- ful period in the history of the City, another burden to carry. In the memorable fire of 1835, our church in Exchange Place was reduced to ashes. The folly of rebuilding on the same site was so obvious that no one wished it to be done; but the question then arose, where should we go? Part of the congregation still lived at or near the Battery, and a part had already moved up town. As was natural, each wished the church when rebuilt, to be placed in their own neighborhood. No pastor attached to his people can see questions of this kind arising in his church without anxiety as to the result; and. during the period when the
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accumulated cares and labors growing out of my relations to the church and the University were pressing upon me, my friends, especially my medi- cal friends, perceived that my health was suffering before I was conscious of it myself. I shall never forget the serious look of several physicians who assembled in my room one morning without my knowledge of their purpose, and when I asked to what I was indebted for the pleasure of seeing so many of them together, they told me they had come to save me from the grave, and then assured me that I must detach myself from some, if not all of my official duties, at least for a time, or sink under the burden I was carrying. I felt that I was bound to listen to advice so seriously and so kindly given; and it was not long before I became conscious that it had not been given too soon. Symptoms began to show themselves which con- vinced me that duty to myself and my family required me to lessen the amount of my labors, and of course to retire from the church or the University. On no account could I entertain the purpose of severing my connection with the church as it was then situated; and although the University had not yet reached that stage of devel-
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opment to which I had hoped to see it carried before my retirement from the Chancellorship, enough had been done to show what could be done; and I felt constrained to request the Council to appoint my successor. Several of its members earnestly opposed the idea of my resignation, and urged that I should take a period of relaxation and go abroad. My medical advisers thought differ- ently, and advised that I should free myself from care as well as from labor. After consultation, we fixed upon Theodore Frelinghuysen, Esq., as the man whom we would elect to take my place ; when I transmitted my resignation to the Council, and it was accepted. My communication to them and their action upon it was as follows:
UNIVERSITY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, February 11th, 1839.
TO THE HONORABLE THE COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK :
GENTLEMEN :- It is probably recollected by the Council that I made a communication to them in June last, stating that several medical advisers had urged me, not only to take a respite from my public labors, but to sever myself for a
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time from the scene and associations of my pres- ent employment by going abroad. This advice I then felt it my duty to follow, and accordingly proposed to surrender my office as Chancellor into the hands of the Council.
Obstacles which are well known imposed upon me the necessity of deferring the execution of my purpose. These are now successfully surmounted, but the same reasons for taking a period of re- laxation yet exist, and in still greater strength. I am advised also, that in order to derive per- manent advantage from the contemplated suspen- sion of my labors, such arrangements should be completed as will secure me against that accu- mulation of official responsibilities which I have borne for several years past. I accordingly feel constrained to renew the proposition formerly made, and to ask the action of the Council upon it by the appointment of a successor in the Chancellorship, as soon as they shall judge con- venient and suitable arrangements can be made for carrying it into effect. ...
The Council, I trust, will not consider me as relinquishing any of my feelings of interest in the Institution. My intimate connection with it from
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its origin will not allow it to fade away from my affection and my sympathies. But it has been well understood by many of my friends, that my object, from the time of my appointment, has been rather to co-operate with the Council in founding and organizing a University on a scale commensurate with the wants of the country, than to continue at its head after it should have been
brought into complete operation. This object I consider as mainly accomplished. The Faculties of Philosophy and Letters, of Science and Arts, and of Law, are now fully organized, and the Chairs filled with able professors successfully prosecuting their respective labors. And although unexpected delay has taken place in completing the Medical Faculty, yet the extended system of instruction according to which the Professorships have been arranged, has been maturely weighed, and is now finally adopted ; and. I hope that ere long this department of the University will be brought into successful action, and in a manner that will be of essential service to the cause of medical science.
Besides other means which have been provided for carrying out the objects of the Institution, the
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building for its accommodation is now completed, and is alike ornamental to our city and admirably adapted to its purposes. An endowment has also been obtained from the State, which enables the Council to carry forward the business of the . University, and yet not to allow its ordinary expenses to exceed its ordinary income; and I feel assured that in this state of things, the friends of learning will carry out successfully the system of measures now adopted for paying off the floating debt. I have always been persuaded that when the late disastrous times should have passed away, a proper application to the public authorities and to liberal individuals, would obtain the pecuniary aid which is requisite to secure the stability of the Institution.
It is now more than eight years since I had the honor to receive the appointment to my present office; and in surrendering it into the hands of the Council, after a connection with them during such a length of time, I feel it but just, both to them and to myself, to express my cordial gratitude for their undeviating kindness and support in the discharge of my official duties. Amidst all the labors required of me in the prosecution of our
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arduous enterprise, I have been sustained with a magnanimity and fidelity which can never be for- gotten.
With ardent prayers for the blessing of God upon the Council, and upon the Institution itself in all its departments, I have the honor to be, with sentiments of sincere and affectionate con- sideration,
Yours very truly, J. M. MATHEWS, Chancellor.
I may be pardoned for adding the minute em- bodying the reply of the Council. I value their testimony the more highly as it came from those who had been my counsellors and fellow-laborers from the time when the establishment of the University was first contemplated. My commu- nication was referred to a committee, who reported.
"That they have embodied the views enter. tained by themselves, and which they deem proper to be expressed by the Council upon this subject, in the form of resolutions which they recommend for the adoption of the Council.
" Resolved, That this Council have learned with
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deep regret, that the retirement of the Chancellor from the station he now occupies is rendered necessary by the state of his health, and they sincerely hope that the proposed relaxation of his labors will result in his speedy and complete recovery, and in prolonging his valuable life.
" Resolved, That the resignation of the Chan- cellor be, and the same is hereby accepted, and that he be requested to continue in office until a successor shall be appointed and shall enter upon the discharge of the duties assigned him, at which time the said resignation shall take effect.
" And whereas, on this occasion, it is peculiarly proper and demanded by justice to the Chancellor, that this Council should express their opinion of his character and services as the Head of the University ; therefore
" Resolved, That in him they recognize its projector and principal founder, and the author of the enlarged and liberal system of education upon which it is based; that ever since his connection with it as its first officer, they have been the witnesses of his zeal, devotion and sacrifices to promote its best interests, in rearing the University edifice, and in other means of advancing the cause
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of science and learning; that they have always had entire confidence in his integrity, fidelity, and singleness of purpose; and that, in the judgment of the Council, for these and other services ren- dered to the Institution, he is well entitled to the gratitude of its friends, the public, and posterity.
" And, as a testimony of the respect entertained for him by the Council as a body, and as indi- viduals, be it further
" Resolved, That the Chancellor be requested to sit for his portrait to some artist to be desig- nated by himself; that the same be placed in the Library of the University; and that the expense of taking the said portrait be contributed by members of the Council.
"This report having been read, was unani- mously adopted."
The Council having so requested, I remained in office until the following summer, when my successor was inaugurated.
Such is a brief view of the University of the City of New York, as to its origin, its early his- tory, and the plans designed for it by the men who brought it into existence. Our design was to 16
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create a University-a University, not merely in name, but in reality and truth, in which the widest range of liberal education should be provided and sustained ; a University framed on a scale adapted to the wants, not simply of our city, the metro- polis of the western world though it be; nor simply to the wants of our State, Empire State though it be; but to the wants of the whole nation, and drawing to its halls, students from all parts of our country. Nor was it to be a Univer- sity cast after the model of Institutions abroad, which, however venerable for age, are sometimes defaced with the rust of indolence and inaction, and burdened by usages that are antiquated and worse than useless; in which, of course, there is much to unlearn and undo before the way is cleared for what is better and wiser. But it was to be a University adapted to the age of activity in which we live, to the untrammelled thought and lofty purposes of the nation to which we belong, and which, from its outset, should have the advan- tages of a clear track before it as it pursued its way.
To the liberal minded men who formed the convention to whom we submitted the scheme of the Institution, it furnished no objection that it
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