And here a very important and necessary question, which you may ask,
is, in what does this exalted character consist, which neither the
Greek nor the Roman possessed in all its proportions, and which the
world has never yet seen in a national developement? I will answer
you this question, by saying that it is the character which I have
presented you as a model, in the person of our venerated Washington.
And now you desire that this model character shall be analyzed, in
order that you may see into it, and comprehend it. In an address
like the present, I can give but a very imperfect analysis of this
character, and must express it in general terms. It would require a
volume to analyze it fully, and to exhibit its particular portions
properly. You desire that I shall present you the man combining the
elements of character in their proper proportions, qualifying him for
life in its different departments. Such a man I would state to be one
who is prepared to take his place in the domestic circle; who can act
his part in the various departments of professional life; and who is
educated for the honor and service of his God. You see in this man,
the social character, the patriot, and the Christian. More than this
it would be difficult for man to be. And fully must he come up to the
standard, or fall short of the character which the American should aim
at. And to be eminent, and to shine in these departments of life, the
social, the professional, and the Christian, the American youth must of
necessity be educated. To this should the instruction of the fire-side
have reference; to this should all scholastic studies be directed.
And with the model character constantly in view, and in the use of
such instructions as would unfold it thoroughly, a successful result
might be attained. And in such result the youth would be properly
moulded into the man, and the man sent forth, in the excellence of his
character, a social being, a patriot, and a Christian.