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PREFACE.

IT might appear at first sight to be an easy task to select prominent passages from the writings of any author; but in the instance of the following work, a new, and singular difficulty has presented itself to the completion of my task. As a traveller suddenly arriving at the brow of a hill, beholds the whole mighty prospect burst on his vision with dazzling beauty, and requires to collect his overpowered faculties to examine each portion of the scenery respectively, nor then feels satisfied, because the beauty of the whole is formed by the contrast of the parts; so in the selection of the following passages-the continuity, the completeness, the light and shadow of Oratory, contained in the efforts of Mr. Webster, has required considerable care in the choice of any part separate from the whole. It is my wish as well as my object to lead the thoughtful mind to a clear

and careful attention of the extraordinary productions of the most original mind of the age; and I believe this object will be accomplished. In the following work the reader is presented with the detached leaves of the flower; and if in their isolated state they should attract the mind, as they inevitably must, and fascinate it with their beauty, the desire must be raised and gratified, of gazing on the whole. I scarcely believe that America, proud as she is of Webster, yet rightly comprehends the immeasurable benefit which he has conferred on her cause, and the cause of liberty generally throughout the world; nor the influence which these magnificent compositions are calculated to exert on all classes of society. And should this little work have the effect of exciting the attention of Americans generally, and induce a deep and careful perusal of the great text books of their Constitution, it will have answered a sufficiently high and noble purpose-to obviate the necessity of any apology for its publication.

Jan. 1839.

J. R.

CRITICAL ESSAY

ON THE

GENIUS AND WRITINGS OF THE HONORABLE DANIEL WEBSTER..

IN offering a few remarks (as introductory to the following work) on the genius and writings of Mr. Webster, we must observe that the immediate value of those pro ductions consists in their development of admitted and eternal principles. Whatever improvements may have been made in the social and political systems by the influence of increased intelligence and the progression of mankind, still both systems are founded on natural and admitted grounds, and the principles of right and wrong are immutable and eternal. Were the following beauties dependent solely on their brilliancy of language,. and the power of imagination displayed, they might form a structure, the pride and glory of the age; but it is the combination of these qualities, in their perfection, with the philosophical and instructive views developed, that exhibits the depth of thought and grandeur of mind which must command the praise and admiration of all ages yet to come.. To pursue the metaphor. The wri. tings and productions of Webster appear to us to res

semble a massive structure, calculated, by the strength of itsmaterials,to resist the winter blast or the howling storm; and although years may pass over, leaving the moss on its battlements, and the stamp of time upon its walls, it still exists. There are associations too grand and mighty connected with its existence, to allow future generations to leave it to ruin. The following remarks must be understood to be made without reference to political party, although it is difficult to regard Mr. Webster in an isolated position. His noblest efforts are connected with the constitution. They are the props which have sustained it in the fierce struggle of political madness. and selfish strife; and if future ages should be destined to behold its ruin and fall, we prophecy that its strongest support will be found in that elevated and devoted spirit which the efforts of Mr. Webster will have inspired in the people. It will be observed, that one of the chief claims to distinction which these efforts advance, is founded on their connexion and completeness. They resemble a linked chain. The last link must be the boundary of vision, or the sight becomes confused if we attempt to break off at any intermediate part. This, perhaps, is the perfection of argument and public speaking, to connect the whole bearings of a subject, and to place them in that train which enables the mind to glide almost imperceptibly from step to step, till the conclusion bursts upon it in irresistible truth.

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This is one of the causes which have rendered the task of selecting the following specimens one of considerable difficulty. There is a completeness in the productions of Mr. Webster, which renders it dangerous to withdraw one part, since the grandeur and be itv of the whole consists in the perfect adaptation of its parts.

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