Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-02-23
Mr.. WEBSTER ON GIRARD MORALITY

Mr. Webster commenced his argument oeIo'e
the Supreme Court this morning, in the great
Girard case, occupying from its opening IL a.
NJ. until almost p NJ, when it adjourned
lie finished that portion OF his argument IN winch
he attempted to establish the fact that Grard's
bequest for the establishment of the Institution
for the benefit Of male orphans was not charHy
It was in answer to arguments OF counsel on the
other side, at the same time adding his own
views respecting this particular portion OF the
subject which he disposed Of 1t may be SAID OF
Mr. Webster's effort to-day, that it was great
moral sermon, rather than legal argument, or
that it embraced them both. think he shew-
ed pretty conclusively that Mr. Girard's system
Of education, which he directed should be pur-
sued at the Institution he founded, protested TO
be based upon principles of morality, but sepa-
rated entirely and remotely from religion. lie
also showed that it was not in the power of man
to separate them--they were demonstrated TO
bs inseparable--they must exist together, or not
at all; and that cithom religion there could be no
such hing as genuine charity
Mr. Girard had stipulated in his will that no
clergyman of any denomination whatever should
be allowed admission within the walls Of the edi-
fee upon any possible pretext no, not even as
vsiter, which was not to be denied TO any 9TH
er Of the most humble citizens Of the United
States. This sweeping reproach cast upon the
members of the clerical profession in this coun-
try was ably and magnanmously met ami re-
futei. The euIogium Mr. Webster passed up
on the character of their services, and the en-
lied moral and religious influence they con,roll-
ca to the country, not limited to profcssedy re-
ligious institutions and services, was as hcnora-
BILE to him, as the vindicaion was admirable and
just to them. Mr. Girard's motives were con-
tended to have been to divest his institution
from all religious sectarianism, but the manner
he had proposed to do it was clearly proved to
have been not merely the Topping offthe branch
es OF sectarianisn, but he had laid the axe at
the root of Christianity ITSELF He traced the
grand principles Of Glrard's moral system Of
instruction to Paine's age Of Reason and Vol
ney's Views of Religion" He showed most
conclusively the inevitable tendency Of these
principles 10 be the undermining of the fabric
of Christianity; also that whatever might have
UCCu dlI NIcNs VI ItII1 llOldIliN'
that he did not adapt the means to the proposed
end--that end being the incubation Of high
morality--for it shut out morals as well as rel-
gon. He likewise Showed that there could
have been no principle of Christianity TO inhl
ence the mind of Mr. Girard in establishing this
institution; for, in my opinion, lie proved him 10
have lived as he died, without the influence OF
religion-wilhout God in the world-,hererore
where this grand nay, vital principle was want
ing, there could be no charity. He drew fire.
quently from the fountains Of inspiration that
. flow fast by the oracles Of Cod" and his quota
tons were peculiarly apt in illustration of his
points. His alluslon to the widow and her two
mites, by way Of exhibiting the true principle of !
charity, was touching and affecting in the ex.
treme. The deep, solemn intonations of his
voice, combined with the thrilling pathos OF his
language, touched the chords of human sympa-
thcs. While the rich man gave of his abun.
dance, she gave all that she had ; and she was
exhibited to us without a name, without a fam |
~, without tribe that she nigh, be held up to |
the word living monument 10 charity, to en-
dure forever. Many of the Ladies' were in tears
and his own deep eyes glistcncd In conclu
sion, will remark, that it was one of the mos
sound, exhibitions Of united argument and elo. |
quence that was ever heard before that Court |
Could Girard have arisen from the grave and
been present l., have listened to it, he would
have taken back all that lie had given but he
would have given it again with different spirit,
q regenerated heart 1t is well understood that
Mr. Webster never makes public effort, OF any
sort, that he does not attract crowd of atien.
tive listeners. - day the Supreme Court room
has been thronged TO overlooking, hundreds go
ing away disappointed in not being able to gain
admittance. Many of the titled dignitaries of
the land we're there-Senators, Representatives
and Citizens last, though not least, woman,
lovely woman was there to adorn and beauty
the scene. Every avenue to the room was fill
ed, as were, also, the recesses within, not even
excepting that in the rear of the Bench where
were seated and standing both ladies' and gen
tlemen.