Page:History of the University of Pennsylvania - Montgomery (1900).djvu/183

Rh with a Charter. And in his handwriting we find the endorsement on one of them: Some declamations made by the Latin Boys in the Academy on the Proprietaries kind grant of a charter, Not intended for View being only written as Rough Drafts to help their Memories at the time of delivery. Neither masters nor any other person that we know of gave any assistance. Hopkinson in a firm manly hand, though but sixteen years of age, writes: 'Tis Learning which like an able Artist polishes the Diamond and Discovers its Lustre and latent Beauties. 'Tis Learning which makes a Man happy -in himself and a blessing to his Country. 'Tis Learning which prepares us for Heaven and Perfection and makes a Mortal almost equal to the Angels themselves. * * * Alas, how unhappy are they who have not had the advantages of a liberal Education, surely Life must be a burden to them and Time hang heavy on their Hands; but this shall never be said of Philadelphia while such generous, such publick spirited Gentlemen bear any sway in it. John Morris, a graduate of 1759, who could not have been over fourteen years of age, with a vigorous and clear pen writes: Our present Honourable Proprietaries, copying after the Example of such a noble Father, will no doubt, advance every good, every useful Design among us. How much are we indebted to them, for their generous Benefaction, how much for granting a Charter, which establishes this Academy upon a sure and lasting Foundation? A Charter confirmed to us by a Governor, who has thought us worthy of his Notice and Protection amid the cares that attend his exalted Station; a Governor born among us, our Friend and our Countryman, and a Governor distinguished for his peaceable administration and an inviolable Regard for the Laws and Rights of Mankind. How much is it for our Honour that our President has been so successful in his searches into the most hidden secrets of Nature and is in as much esteem at London and Paris as in Philadelphia. With such examples as these before our Eyes, and under your care, and inspection of such worthy gentlemen, what advantages may we not hope for?