No. IX.
It is a fact of no infrequent occurrence, that erroneous estimates
are formed of human conduct, and its immediate and remote effects
on the interests of society. When this is the case, we sometimes
denounce as hostile to social order and salutary improvement,
those who are really their most faithful and efficient friends,
and in this way become the agents and disseminators of error and
injustice. There is nothing perhaps, more unfashionable, not to say
mischievous, in the eyes of the present generation, than what they
denominate ENTHUSIASM; a temper of mind, which they are disposed
to treat with the greatest contempt, as altogether unworthy the
enlightened period in which we live. If the legitimate import of the
word were always observed in its application, there would be little
controversy on the subject; as no one would become the advocate
of "vain imaginations" or "violent passions." But it is believed
that much that is truly valuable in its character and tendency, is
improperly ascribed to this source; by which hostile prejudices are
excited, in opposition to that which is entitled to the countenance
and support of the public.
In CHARLES J. FOX'S history of JAMES II. there is this passage:--"We
are accused of enthusiasm! are we then fanaticks? Are we enthusiasts
because we do not rob--abstain from murder? If by enthusiasm be
meant _zeal and warmth_, I freely acknowledge it; I glory in it.
Enthusiasm, when it arises out of _a just cause_, is that which
makes men act in it with energy; it is that, without which _nothing
was ever done great, since the creation of the world_. Enthusiasm of
this sort, I hope, therefore, I shall always possess." The historian
referred to, will not be classed among credulous, weak-minded
men; for he was one of the most eminent statesmen of his day; and
his opinion is therefore justly considered as authoritative. The
position taken, is corroborated by all experience, that great
actions and great achievements are never the result of lukewarmness
and indifference; but of "zeal and warmth," directed to "a good
cause," without which honourable and permanent distinction can
never be obtained. What is too frequently mistaken for enthusiasm,
is in reality produced by a profound conviction of the truth, in
connection with some particular object, of the greatest importance
to mankind.
It was this that guided COLUMBUS across the unknown and boisterous
ocean, and opened to his view a new world; which enabled him to
encounter and surmount every difficulty, which the malice of his
enemies, or the combination of untoward circumstances, arrayed
against his great design; a design which was branded as a chimera of
enthusiasm.
It was this which induced FRANKLIN to persevere in his philosophical
experiments, until they were crowned with success; and the identity
of lightning and the electric fluid, completely established, and
eventually placed his name among the most eminent philosophers of
the age.
It was this, that enabled RITTENHOUSE to emerge from the condition
of an humble mechanic in Montgomery county, and by the construction
of his wonderful Orrery, to obtain from Jefferson this great but
well-merited testimony to his talents;--"that no mortal was ever
permitted to make so near an approach to his Creator."
It was this that strengthened the hands of the immortal FOUNDER of
Pennsylvania, in his noble determination of sacrificing the bright
prospects which birth and connexions imparted, to a sense of duty;
and of establishing an asylum in a remote wilderness, where the
oppressed of all nations, kindred, and people, might find a covert
from the storm of civil and religious persecution, and enjoy in
perfect security the sacred rights of conscience.
It was this which guided the footsteps of HOWARD to the distant
abodes of wretchedness and wo, unmindful of the comforts and
delights of home, to bind up the sorrows of their miserable
tenants, and to complete, in the language of Burke, his "noble
circumnavigation of charity."
It was this which conducted FULTON to that astonishing result,
justly considered as the great wonder of the age--_navigation by
steam_; after a crowd of discouragements and difficulties had been
subdued, sufficient to disconcert the plans and defeat the object of
almost any other man, however sanguine his temper and resolute his
purpose.
It was this which under Providence induced that signal victory,
obtained in Great Britain, by SHARP, WILBERFORCE, and CLARKSON, over
the disgrace of humanity and civilization, the SLAVE-TRADE; after a
most doubtful and arduous conflict of more than twenty years, with
avarice and oppression.
To conclude, nothing but this active and persevering zeal, will,
_in future_, lead to like glorious results. Instead, therefore, of
its being opprobriously branded, let it be cherished, when directed
to just and important objects, as a prolific source of good to man.
Scientific research has an ample field before her still unexplored,
in which no doubt laurels will continue to be reaped, and great and
substantial advantages be derived by new discoveries. But the _moral
improvement_ of our fellow citizens, should be sedulously attended
to, as more immediately soliciting our notice; and the cause of
such of them as are denied the rights to which they are by nature
entitled, should be fearlessly and constantly vindicated, as truth
and justice may open the way; notwithstanding those may be denounced
as ENTHUSIASTS, who believe that in the eye of the great Creator,
"ALL MEN ARE EQUAL." ☞