Discourse on the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the Birth of William Penn; Delivered in the Independence Hall at Philadelphia, on 24th October, 1844, Before the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1845 Excerpt: ... DISCOURSE ON THE TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF WILLIAM PENN. Gentlemen of the Historical Society, We commemorate the present Anniversary of the Landing of William Penn on these shores, under circumstances of peculiar impressiveness. Our late venerable President has expressed a desire in his Will, that the Historical Societyshould regularly celebrate the day, either alone, or in conjunction with another institution, by which its observance had been formerly appropriated. In complying with a request thus solemnly made, we not merely obey the last wishes of our departed President, authoritative as they are, but we perform an act of filial, if not of patriotic duty, --a duty as spontaneous and pleasing in the discharge, as it is high and controlling in-its obligations. But the present Anniversary has an emphatic claim upon our notice, as an historical era. With this day is completed a period of two centuries since the nativity of the illustrious Founder of Pennsylvania. The occasion, therefore, is opportune, to refer to some of the leading principles of his life, and the characteristic features of his colonial policy. A summary retrospect is all that can reasonably be expected, from the brief period allowed me for preparation; but however imperfect and meagre the review, it cannot fail to Vide Appendix, Note 1. awaken the warmest filial regard, the most grateful emotions to him and his companions, for our priceless inheritance of virtue and of freedom. William Penn was born to a competent estate, with the advantages of an honourable descent, and the highest political connexions in England. The only son of Admiral Penn, who had added not a little to the naval glory of his country, he was carefully educated at the University of Oxford, and gave promis...