HON. MARSHALL P. WILDER. 39 



or powers he has accomplished so niuch in so many 

 useful yet divergent walks of life. In speaking of 

 different religions which have been received and 

 cherished by men, Mr. Gibbon, the historian, says 

 that the Christians adopted the religion of the Jews, 

 adding to it one element : an element of supernal 

 power indeed: Sociability. What widespread and 

 beneficent changes has it not wrought in secular as 

 well as in religious affairs, by concert of action among 

 men of good will and good works ! It elevated fami- 

 lies into races, villages into kingdoms, that in the 

 steady progress of their triumphs " sang Tc Deitins in 

 nations rather than in choirs." The growth of such 

 organizations continued through centuries, until age 

 appeared an indispensable and vital rather than a 

 superfluous ally, and permanent success was assured 

 in the perpetual union of beneficent institutions and 

 principles. 



It is easy for us to see in what manner affability, 

 courtesy, personal integrity, confidence, courage, and 

 endurance, qualities which influence individuals as 

 sociability affects civilization, have contributed to 

 his success in the numerous and important social 

 and national enterprises which make the character 

 and career of our distinguished guest illustrious. 

 I can scarcely enumerate, much less analyze or 

 characterize them, and therefore limit myself to 

 special notice of but one: his connection with the 



