THE AMERICAN ORATOR'S OWN BOOK. COMPILED BY J. AGAR. NEW YORK: MILLER, ORTON & CO., 25 PARK ROW. INTRODUCTION. THE young men of America have a responsibility, which none but a thoughtful mind can fully appreciate. The present is a period of no small interest in the history of this Republic, and it is not rash to say, that this interest is greatly increased in view of the character and training of the youth of the nation. Any effort to place before them worthy motives and ends, in the pursuit and accomplishment of which ambition may have its fullest play, is certainly worthy of regard, whatever may be its results. Books, at the present day, are multiplied without number, yet good books need no apology. To reproduce the thoughts of the master-minds of the past, is no less a good work, than to bring forth gems from the stores of living genius. And there are times when the voice of the past has more influence than the voice of the present. Those who have passed into their graves are generally less the subjects of suspicion than those who now live, and are actively engaged in the world's affairs. Passion and prejudice may shut out the proper weight of the influence of the living, but passion and prejudice tread lightly on the sanctuaries of the dead. The principles and influences which have conspired to make us what we are, as a nation, ought to be engraven |