The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1828-02-20
Lar School at Worcester

IEA OSF OF the Institutions in our county,
! 4Fz public or private, designed to furnish
regular Course of instruction in the learned pro-
LESSONS are OF recent origin There are none
IN New England, which can claim an existence
OF more than half century, and all are indebt-
ca 70 the improvements Of the last few years for
tnelr present capacities of usefulness
IL Is well remembered, by many of the pres
cnt generation, when the Divine, the Physician.
aud the Lawyer, were called to the responsible
! dulles OF their several Vocations with no other
theoretical knowledge than such as might have
peen obtained by two or three years desultory
reading, from very limited library, under the
direction Of a man engrossed with the cares of
active life. But an suspicious change has be-
gun to be effected. Already have the theologi-
cal and medical departments of knowledge as
sumed new character The earliest honors of
college conferred on those who purpose to en-
gage IN these pursuits, are only Introductory to
more connected, extensive, and laborous
course Of study, under ell the advantages which
can be derived from devoted professors, in well
regulated and endowed Institutions It is much
to DC lamented that the Law should not be plac-
cd on equal ground with its kindred Sciences
IL is certainly of equal relative Importance It's
inlillale connexon with the political and civil
iiDefty, the personal rights the social relations
ana individual enjoyments of every member of
the community, claims for it an equal share Of
public regard 1t ought not TO be imagined.
that less time less labor, or inferior ADVANTAGES
Will suffice for suitable preparation for admis-
sion to the, Bar, than are demanded for the stu
dent IN theology or medicine. Yet vast pro-
portion OF fsose, who are admitted to practice
IN our Courts have enjoyed no other aid in their
elementary studies, than private Office could
furnish. Whoever is acquainted with the ma
ture, variety, and all-engrossing character of
lawyers business, well knows how inadequate
must be any assistance he can render to the sys-
tematlc studies Of his pupil, and how imperfect
must De the PREPARATION, made under circum-
aances.so unfavoable
There are three institutions only in .Eeac
England designed to prepare students for the
practice Of Law These are, indeed, highly res
pectable, and have been ably conducted but
they are thought tp be insufficient in number
Tor the public accommodation. Influenced by-I
the opinion of friends, to whose Judgment he is
accustomed to pay the most respectful defer
ence, the undersigned has undertaken to open
a Law School al Worcester. His arrangements
are intended to eRbrace full course of instruc-
tlon IN elementary principles, and also in all the
piactlcal forms OF business. 70 render his pu-
Pls familiar with conveyancng, with the draft
ing OF all the varieties of special Instruments Of
parol contracts and special pIeadings, and with
the conducting of a suit through all the stages
OF legal process to its final termination, viii be
not less an object, than to acquaint them with
the doctrines OF the law, as the perfection of
reason
Most of the members of the Bar, in this place,
nave given an assurance of their appreciation of
his plan, and authorized him to expect their !
countenance in carrying it into execution No I
greater number of gentlemen viii be expected
to study IN his own office, than can convenient |
iy be instructed, at suitable times, in Office bust
ness All others belonging to his school, will /
read IN the offices of other Counsellors in Wor- !
cester where they will receive that pra teal
which practical men are most com |
potent to give, and acquire those habits of bust
ness, which business men are most able to form |
The whole number of pupils will be instructed /
together, or in classes, daily, in hall provided
for the purpose, by familiar lectures, recitations,
and other exercises, adapted to their studs /
The terms Of admission will be such as have !
been adopted by the Bar Of this Country
Such is brief outline of the plan proposed. |
He does not undertake this task without a full |
persuasion of its magnitude and difficulties (
Without the countenance and aid of his profes- |
slona brethren, and he would hardly venture (
upon an enterprise so hazardous certainly not, /
upon plan SO extensive. All he dares to prom
Use is, industry and fidelity in the performance
OF duty, and earnest endeavors to be useful.
SAMUEL NJ. BURNSIDE.
Worcester, Feb. 30, 1928