III. Conclusion.

a. Let us hope that the evil which navigation and commerce have brought upon certain portions of the human family may gradually disappear, that the voice of humanity may be listened to, that cruelties may cease, and that civilization, based upon the principles of Christianity, may become common to all.

b. A good beginning is made; the free, rapidly-growing United States inspire the friends of humanity with great hope.

47.

EULOGY ON COLUMBUS.

I. Introduction.

A. Men who render great services to their country will always be remembered and honored by posterity. Nearly every age has produced such men. They are, in a certain sense, the elect of God's providence on earth, whom, from time to time, he calls forth to open new resources for mankind, and to point out new roads to the activity of the human mind. Every generation, as if by one common impulse, has expressed its gratitude to them, either by written eulogies and orations, or by monuments and statues, in order to transfer to future ages, not only a record of the exalted deeds of their great men, but also to show in what manner they themselves acknowledge and appreciate the merits of those whom Providence was pleased to place in their midst.

Among the nations that have thus honored their great men, we may mention France, Eng

land, and America. (Henry IV., Louis XIV. and the great men of his age, Napoleon; Alfred, Bacon, Newton, Shakspeare, Wellington; Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Webster, Lincoln, and many others).

B. But, if it reflects great credit upon those nations to have thus honored the men who distinguished themselves in the service of their respective countries only, how much more honor is due to that man who is not only the benefactor of one country or nation, but of all mankind! The man of all men who has thus pre-eminently distinguished himself is Christopher Columbus.

II. Treatise.

A. Short glance at his history.

a. Description of the imperfect knowledge of the earth at that time.

b. Sketch of the life of Columbus.

B. His great qualities.

a. Intellectual capacities. Although we learn from history little concerning his youth, still it is evident that his talents were most extraordinary.

1. From this, that in him the conviction originated
that the Indies could be reached by sailing west-
ward.

2. From the fact, that, in spite of great obstacles, he
found means to act in such a manner upon others
as to convince them of the truth of his opinion.
3. And, finally, from his presence of mind, and his
power to command respect.

b. Force of will and nobility of character.

1. Untiring perseverance in the pursuit of his design, which could be checked by no obstacle whatever.

2. Magnanimity, disinterestedness.

3. Great in good fortune, firm in adversity.

C. Advantages which the world has derived from his discoveries.

a. In regard to science and the productions of the earth.
1. A more correct knowledge of the globe.

2. Information concerning races hitherto unknown.
3. Propagation of Christianity, and consequent intelli-
gence in barbarous countries.

4. Knowledge of foreign productions, which add to
the comforts of life, or furnish the means of pre-
serving it (medicines, spices, dyeing materials,
potatoes, and tobacco to Europe; coffee, &c., to
America).

b. A more active intercourse among men and nations, and thereby an increase of prosperity. The stimulus of the mind to higher kinds of industry, giving rise to useful inventions and discoveries. Gold and silver mines of Mexico, Peru, and California.

III. Conclusion. Great and illustrious man, you have lived for all; therefore your love and praise should come from all. Especially should we the people of the United States not only gratefully cherish your memory, but also transmit it to posterity. In thinking of or pronouncing the word "America," we consider that word as but a veil behind which shines in great lustre the name of him whom the world must call its benefactor.

48.

THE SUPERIORITY OF EUROPE OVER THE OTHER PARTS OF THE EASTERN HEMISPHERE.

I. Introduction.

a. History teaches that, formerly, the north-east of Africa, and some countries of Asia, were in possession of a higher civilization than they enjoy at present.

b. Some of these nations have declined, as Egypt; others have ceased to progress, as China and Japan.

II. Treatise.

What are the causes which have given Europe a preponderance in power and intelligence over the Eastern nations?

A. Sources of power.

a. Her Christian civilization.

b. Her military skill. Europeans are masters not only of large portions of the world inhabited by barbarous people, but also of portions inhabited by those, who, centuries ago, enjoyed a certain kind of civilization (Hindostan, Abyssinia).

c. Her spirit of commercial enterprise.

European ships

carrying on the trade of the globe; non-Europeans, Americans always excepted, seldom sailing their ships in foreign waters.

d. Her superior governments and social organizations.

B. Sources of intelligence.

a. Early introduction and spread of the doctrines of Christ. b. Better education of the people.

c. Improved trade, agriculture, and manufactures.

d. Fine arts.

e. Science.

f. Her better modes of social life, especially the greater esteem in which woman is held, and her refining and elevating influence.

C. This preponderance is remarkable, on account of, a. Her small extent of territory.

b. Her small population.

c. Late civilization.

d. Barren soil in many regions.

e. Want of rich mineral productions.

f. Many revolutions, political and religious.

D. Physical causes of superiority.

a. Location in the temperate zone.

b. Unfertile soil.

(In warmer and more fertile countries, men are not compelled to make such exertions to obtain the necessaries and comforts of life; hence the ascendency of the European mind, which has grown by labor, and, thus roused to activity, astonished the feebler nations with the superior fruits which it has produced.)

III. Will this preponderance continue? What has Europe to expect in the future from America? a. Europe must eventually be eclipsed by America, for the following reasons:—

1. More favorable geographical position (Europe and Africa on the east; Asia, Australia, and the islands of the Pacific, on the west).

2. Free institutions.

3. Great natural resources.

4. Enterprising spirit of her people.

(America has all the advantages of Europe, and these last in addition: her superiority seems, therefore, assured in the order of Providence.)

The queen of the world and the child of the skies."

DWIGHT.

49.

THOUGHTS ON NEW-YEAR'S DAY.

I. Introduction. There are days that speak forcibly to the mind of man, and produce, even in the giddy, some passing serious thought. The day when a dear friend departed will always be kindly remembered. The days of our country's struggles and successes will never be forgotten. "New Year's" is one of those days, full of the most serious as well as the most happy thoughts.