Practical Elocution; Containing Illustrations of the Principles of Reading and Public Speaking (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1846. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... career, civil and military, of which the history of the world furnishes no other example. George Washington was the founder of the North American republic, the first president of the United States, and an incorruptible patriot. His name needs no panegyric. It will live for ever in the hearts of his countrymen. His fame rests on the adamant of gpod deeds. His best eulogy will be an imitation of his glorious example. It constitutes the most valuable portion of our national capital. His memory is immortal. To Washington, under God, we chiefly owe the manifold blessings of national independence and religious liberty. If, therefore, gratitude be due on earth, it is due to him. Let it fill every heart with thrilling exultation, and as cend to the holy habitation of Divinity. How large were his sacrifice of time, treasure, and care How gloriously did he withstand the tempt ing whispers of demagogues How great was the intrepidity with which he dared the tyrant's rage With what fearlessness did he, before high heaven, renounce all allegiance to George IIl and the British constitution With what wisdom he administered the United States' government With what fairness and fidelity, he made and maintained treaties And with what moral sublimity, did he live and die Let the history of his life answer. That is a bright and cheering picture upon which we should gaze and scan, until our minds take the hue of the splendors we contemplate. The city of Thebes rose to sudden elevation, through the instrumentality of Epaminondas; but the moment of his dissolution was the moment of htr fall. Like Epaminondas, the brightest name of all antiquity, Washington, the peculiar pride of modern times, exalted the glory of his country. But here the comparison ends. The monuments of Thebes...