I do not intend, my friends, to trespass much upon your time, and
certainly shall not presume to give any new information on the subject
which has been presented. Owing, probably, to my long residence here, it
has been thought, I suppose, that my _testimony_, in these days of
calling for witnesses, may be of some importance. Of the financial
bearings of this proposed enterprise, of course I cannot judge. These
are to be considered and acted upon by men on whom the public
responsibility rests, who will, doubtless, act considerately and wisely;
but the desirableness of the thing itself is unquestionable. I have had
opportunity, with some gentlemen here present, of wandering of a
summer's day through the beautiful and extensive parks of Europe and of
this country, and know how welcome and refreshing they are to the weary
traveller. "Boston Common," of course, we praise everywhere; and when
abroad, and thinking of dear home, say there is nothing like it the
world over.
It is a good feature in the character of Bostonians to love their own
city. There is something delightful in its old buildings, and even its
crooked streets. We forget political and even religious differences in
view of ancient landmarks. We cling to the Old South, and would gladly
have kept Brattle Square with its cannon-ball, whatever might have been
thought of its theology. We cherish the memory of our fathers, and wish
to keep among us, as far as possible, signs of the good old days. This
is right and noble; but equally right, and quite as unselfish, is it to
think of those who shall come after us. HORACE BUSHNELL was a scholar,
and wrote many elaborate works on metaphysics and divinity; but the
Bushnell Park of Hartford will probably be that for which coming
generations will thank him most. Certainly it will keep his memory
fragrant and green forever.
Our good city is justly famous for its hospitals and physicians, as well
as its churches and clergymen. I hope the contemplated parks may not
supersede the sanctuary and the sermon, though, as they say, there are
"sermons in stones, and good in every thing." But certain it is, that a
ramble through green fields at any time, and along sparkling streams, is
better than a sick-bed, or the apothecary's drugs and doses.
We are all of us, I suppose, more or less subject to the blues,
business-men, clergymen, and even politicians. In such cases, it is of
no use to shut one's self up in the house, and brood over trouble. The
best remedy is a walk, a good long stretch into the country, fresh air,
a hearty laugh with some friend; or an exhilarating ride, Brother MURRAY
would say, probably, behind a "perfect horse." And these are some of the
blessings it is proposed to secure for us. The very season now here
speaks impressively for this enterprise. The glories of a June day, how
they make us yearn for rural scenes! Nature everywhere is beckoning.
"The mountains and the hills break forth before us into singing, and all
the trees of the field clap their hands."
THE PRESIDENT. We have listened with much satisfaction and enjoyment to
the address of one of the clergymen of the city of Boston: but all
denominations of the Christian Church are included in this call; and I
am now happy to introduce to you the Rev. Mr. BODFISH, Rector of the
Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Cross of the city of Boston. [Applause.]