found in words. His deeds have been those of practical wisdom, and, as such, may be regarded as profitable lessons for the study of the people throughout the nation. Duty and fidelity in a public servant make up an important portion of a nation's moral wealth. Mind and skill, in the disposition and regulation of the great interests of humanity, may be regarded as the chief source of a nation's prosperity. Whoever masters his subject, and succeeds in teaching its relations and tendencies to the people for practical purposes; whoever aids in developing the resources of a country, and in tracing out the dangers and the benefits of a wise or of a doubtful legislation, for the good of the people; whoever points out the great objects of life, the means of their attainment, the legitimate sphere of a righteous ambition, the elevating tendency of truth, justice and integrity; and, withal, whoever becomes a teacher in these relations, and enforces his instructions by the examples of a living practice, is a public benefactor. He stands before the world as the representative of those attributes of divinity which redeem men from their sins and from their ignorance, and nations from the misrule of corruption. It is a mission of mind, and heart, and action; and to be equal to its high requisitions presupposes pure and disinterested motives, which belong only to the man who seeks to be useful, and has confidence in the simple rewards which inhere in the practice of virtue and patriotism. If we view Judge Woodbury as a man and as a citizen, we find in him an example of quiet and efficient duty which it is profitable to contemplate. With a power to perceive the wants of men, and with a mind both able and prompt to administer to their proper gratification; with an unyielding perseverance, which is checked by no obstacle, and swayed by no unholy purpose; with a dignity which is the natural language of truth, and a simplicity which is alike approachable by the great and the humble; with an integrity that is above selfishness, and with a philanthropy that is above speculation, — he has ever performed the duties incumbent upon the man as a being of benevolence, and upon the citizen as a liberal member of society. As a friend, faithful; as a man, devoted to the great concerns of humanity; and as a citizen, alive to all that advances and protects his country, or subserves the world. To use the application of a remark made by an estimable friend, but few men are endowed to an equal degree with that peculiar quality which Burke aptly denominated "civil discretion," which, while all are ready to admire, but few can command the ability to practice. His literary character may be best seen in the writings which make the third volume of this selection. It is marked with that peculiar thoroughness which distinguishes all his productions, and which has its origin in science. He is conversant with the poets, and seizes with a tasteful judgment the happiest gems of thought, though he seldom indulges in the exercise of his powers of imagination, except occasionally to subserve the more solid themes of science and history, by the simple embellishments which harmonize with a cheerful temper and the diversified beauties of truth. To speak of him as a jurist would seem to be almost an act of supererogation. His station sufficiently indicates how he is appreciated by his distinguished fellow-countrymen. His labors. discover with what completeness he disposes of the varying obligations of citizens engaged in litigation, and his charges illustrate with what versatility of talent he elucidates the fundamental principles of law, and with what certainty and consistency he sustains the great bulwark of our liberties, the Federal Constitution. a judge, his views are singularly comprehensive. The arts and sciences are made his servants, and the sources of knowledge appear to be within the sphere of his control, for the beneficent purposes of truth and justice. As a statesman, Judge Woodbury stands in the first rank of those far-sighted men who scan at a glance the necessities of a people the wants of a nation. His powers of analysis are equal to all subjects, and his simple tracing of the philosophy of cause and effect, in the world of legislation, shows the hand of a master and the skill of a prophetic mind. His Message to the Legislature, as Governor of New Hampshire, which may be found at length in this volume, is characterized by a vigor and comprehensiveness of thought, by an elevation of purpose and spirit of remark, not to be surpassed by any similar document within the range of our knowledge. It combines the philosophy of things with a method of practical application of principles. It elevates while it teaches the citizen, and encourages measures eminently calculated to promote industry and enterprise, and add to the comforts of life. It is fraught with suggestions in respect to the best means of advancing science and multiplying the blessings of education, which, though not immediately adopted by his native State, have since been realized in other commonwealths, and gained for them a most enviable reputation. If we follow him to the counsels of the nation, we there find the same indomitable spirit in its varied workings for the good of his beloved country, and for the advancement of the great principles of freedom throughout the world. Vigilant, deliberate, prompt, and equal to every emergency, he lost no opportunity for doing good where duty called, and he spared no labor in gathering information where ignorance was to be enlightened, or where opinions were uncertain. Though as true to the Democracy as the needle to the poles, he sanctioned no party movement inconsistent with magnanimity, and yielded to no factious influence derogatory to character. He sought no schemes for gratifying a vain ambition, and studied no compliment to gain the favor of political opponents. He was firm without obstinacy, prompt without haste, and confident without arrogance. He could be severe with courtesy, and uncompromising without offence. Before he was called to administer a government over others, he had learned the prerequisite secret of governing himself. Before he acted upon the condition of things, he acquired a knowledge of their principles. He became eminent as a practical statesman, and discovered by his extensive inquiries and researches the value of knowledge to a nation, and the power of knowledge to a people. But to enlarge in this place is to detain readers from the repast to which they have been invited; and we can have no stronger confirmation of our views in respect to the distinguished subject of our notice, than may be found embraced in these volumes herewith submitted to a discriminating public. |