Bennet, William Baker. "An Anniversary Oration: Patronage of the Arts and Sciences, 1848 February 22." In 1848 [Folder]. Valdosta State University Community Archives: Bennett Collection (CA-05), Box 1, Folder 4. Valdosta, Georgia. Retrieved from https://vtext.valdosta.edu/xmlui/handle/10428/7046. Description: The text of a speech written and delivered by W. B. Bennet (William Baker Bennet, 1827-1908) before the Phi Delta Society on February 22, 1848, at Mercer University, then located in Penfield, Georgia. Bennet describes the nation's important role in supporting learning and the arts, using the example of Ancient Greece, and encouraging similar appreciation in America for developing a culture that values intellect and artistic expression. He particularly stresses the power of oratory in a fledgling nation. Bennet also offers a eulogy to two deceased Phi Delta members, Walker and Gordon. Subject Headings: Brooks County (Ga.); Quitman (Ga.); Georgia; Letters; Family histories; Genealogy; Penfield (Ga.); Mercer University; Speeches; Art patronage --- Transcript: An Anniversary oration Delivered before the Phi Delta Society On the 22nd of February 1848 By W B Bennet Mercer University Penfield Georgia --- Patronage of the Arts and Sciences Hope has ever been the comfort and support of man. Whilst all around him was happiness and peace he stood in no need of hope but when the dark clouds of disappointment and sorrow began to hover upon the horizon twas there he turned with anxious gaze toward his guiding star of hope. As its brightness has increased so man has [?]. We behold him struggling against adversity and surmounting difficulties until he rizes [sic] from obscurity to the highest pinnacle of fame. Whilst hope is in the ascendent man has yielded to no opposition. But when darkness surrounds him so that no cheering ray of hope appears to enliven his sky he sinks without a struggle into insignificance. The most powerful intellect fails to accomplish any thing worthy of admiration the most aspiring genius sinks unknown into oblivion. Yea when hope is gone man looses the great [main?] spring to action. His desires may arouse him for a moment but his efforts become paralyzed under the influence of despair. Ambition might point him to the lofty peaks from whence he might catch the worlds admiring gaze but without hope the [rugged?] steps to fame are too difficult to tempt ambitions [?] unless be [amplified?] by hope. [Illegible] no charm and the --- 2 arts and sciences loose their attractions. Hence science and the arts have advanced as hope has brightened their sky. Whenever public patronage has given them its fostering care they in their turn have reflected glory honor and fame upon their protectors. Let science and the arts be made the highways to wealth power or renown and [alured?] by hope thousands of aspiring souls will be found eager to embrace their offers. In glancing at the history of the world great and important differences are continually presented to our view. We see a nation enjoying all the splendor and power of civilized life. The fame of its magnificence has reached the end of the earth. The wisdom of its philosophers has become the oracles of adjacent empires. Great in arts and in arms it is the wonder of the world. While at a little distance we behold another enjoying the same advantages of soil climate and situation whose name is hardly known beyond its [?] bounds. Yea even upon the same spot knowledge and ignorance alternately rule. Once Egypt was the great emporium of literature and in that nation was embodied every thing that was wise and great. Egypt still remains but the fertilizing Nile no longer waters the [luxuriant?] fields of a powerful kingdom. Babylon once astonished the world by her magnificence but Babylon has fallen and as the antiquary ascends the majestic Euphrates --- 3 he sees not even a land mark to tell where that proud city stood. It is not my intention however to search into the great political causes which have wrought these mighty changes but to notice more particularly why nations and individuals have excelled in the arts and sciences. The chief promoter of these is public patronage. Greece has ever been regarded the model of perfection in learning and the arts. Her temples and her public buildings, her statuary and her paintings, her philosophers and her orators have presented the most pleasing fields for the historian, the [sublimest?] themes for poet. Athens the centre of Grecian glory was indeed a splendid city. As the stranger advanced along her streets lofty [?] and towering porticoes continually [stretch?] his astonished gaze. The various orders of architecture seem [?] with each other in adding beauty to their city. Within her edifices were portrayed the painters skill. Now could be seen the majestic form of Jupiter Olimpus [sic] frowning in solemn grandeur upon his worshippers. While the public places were graced by numerous statues of lesser deities. In her graves were collected the Athenian youth around [?] Grecian sage. Her fretted roofs and [garnished?] walls continually resounded the sonorous notes of her poets. While shouts of applause told of the wonderful effects of Grecian eloquence. Such might once have been the scenes --- 4 in the capitol of Attica. But whence this splendor and magnificence? This thirst for knowledge? This devotion to the muses? This glow of eloquence? It was on account of public patronage. Architecture, painting and sculpture philosophy poetry and oratory all became the subjects of Grecian care and under her fostering hand they rose to perfection. It was this that reared the splendid edifices of Athens and adorned the pages of Grecian history with so many illustrious names. The architect as he labored knew that he was sure of his reward. Wealth honor and fame were before him and as he grew [faint?] by his continual toil the hope of obtaining these again [?] him to action. Hence the splendid temples the lofty pillars the majestic arches of the Grecian cities. Here too painting received its share of attention. Kings and nobles became its patrons. Perhaps as the weary painter leaned over his easel the thoughts of his future [?] ever and [?] awoke his slumbering imagination to activity. He saw himself a man of wealth the companion of royalty. Hence arose the genius of Zeuxis and Apelles the glory of the Grecian name. But perhaps to no art was Greece more attached than to sculpture. Hence there was none carried to greater perfection than this. The sculptor enjoyed peculiar advantages. Not only was he favored by the people and by kings but even di- --- 5 vinity was somewhat dependent upon him for homage. From these circumstances the sculptor occupied a situation that might well excite the emulation of the [lovers?] of fame. Urged on by such an influence on every [hand?] the Athenian youth apply themselves to this ennobling art. The graves of Attica become peopled with deities and over every public edifice a god presided. Did any one of their numerous divinities bestow a peculiar favor upon Athens the sculptor was called for to do him honor. And as the sculpture was handed down from age to age his name shared its fame and immortality. It was the hope of this that awoke the latent energies of Phidias and filled Athens with the wonderful works of his plastic hand. Praxiteles too anticipating similar glory grasped the chisel and from under his hand arose Venus in all the loveliness of woman. No wonder that Grecian Sculpture has never been surpassed. The images of Venus and Apollo are as much worshipped now as miracles of art as they were by the ancients as representations of deities. But although Greece ever encourages her artists yet even under the change of her rulers the truth of our proposition is sustained. And when Cimon and Pericles the great lovers of art sat upon the throne of Athens twas them she rose to the zenith of her glory and shone with her most dazzling splendor. But if Greece was attentive --- 6 to the arts she was no less so to the sciences. Hence her renown for wisdom. Patronizing learning her sons apply themselves with diligence and perseverance to their studies. Their country called for philosophers poets and orators and they determined she should not call in vain. Before each of these she held out a glittering prize. Honor and fame were their reward. Even their most powerful rulers owed their success to their philosophers and Alexander himself learned his wisdom from Aristotle. The philosophers of ancient Greece looking down the vista of [futurity?] saw their names engraved for immortality. It was this hope that drew forth Aristotle and lead him through the obscure mazes of logic. It was this hope that revealed to Pythagoras the hidden treasure of mathematics. It was this hope that gave to Socrates and Plato the [palm?] for wisdom. Hope too animated the Grecian poet. In their games and at their festivals and feasts the lyre and the song afforded their most favorite amusement. Hence poetry became a great highway to distinction and immediately numerous rivals are traveling to the desired goal. Thence [animated?] the sublime [conceptions?] of the Grecian poets. They were the honored of the nation. Was a great banquet prepared for the entertainment of the people? The poet was there to add his quota of amusement. Had a warrior returned from some --- 7 bloody field crowned with the laurel wreath of victory? The poet was the one to welcome him home and herald abroad his fame. To be a poet was to be immortal. It was such bright anticipations as these that gave to Greece a Homer whose immortal poems like a [?] in the gloom of night brightens the obscure antiquities of his country. But to none was hope brighter than to the Grecian orator. Idolized by his countrymen and courted by kings he shone preeminent in the nation. To him "fames proud portals opened wide" and power was in his grasp. Upon his shoulders hung the destinies of his country. His field for eloquence was as boundless as space. On the battle field or in the council chamber the orator alike whielded [sic] a potent influence. Peace and war both offered occasions for display. It was under such circumstances as these that Minerva and Mercury showered their blessings upon their sons of Greece. As the praises of the hoary-headed orator resounded in the ears of the [tyro?] he with increasing energy renewed his exertions. It was the shouts of applause that followed the orator Callistratus that first inflamed the ambitions of young Demosthenes. Once excited he perseveres in his course until he stands before us the most perfect model of eloquence and the ruler of the Athenian council. But soon the shouts of battle & the din of war is heard within the Grecian states and a powerful army is threatening an invasion. But why delay the Macedonian conquerer upon the borders of --- 8 Attica? It was because Demosthenes thundered from the [?] at Athens. He feared not the armies then opposed to him but he feared the influence of so great an orator. Finally however the victory is won and the Macedon sways his septre over subjugated Athens. He does not demand the [?] pf her nobles but requires ten orators as pledges of submission. What greater evidence could we have of the influence and patriotism of her orators. The foes to tyrants and the friends of their country it is the greatest eulogy that could be pronounced upon them. Thus Greece became the most learned nation of her age. For her attainments in literature she remains unrivalled [sic] even at the present day. Tracing back her superiority in each of their respective branches we have found it to be the result of public patronage. Hope was extended to all her citizens. "Hope which warms up the torpid sensibilities lights up the fires of genius and unlocks the treasures of intelligence." Public patronage was the cause glory honor and fame were the effects. But "when Rome became the mistress of Greece and placed her iron foot upon the [back?] of that proud nation her lamp of literature waned in its brightness and art which had attained the very [?] of perfection sunk into oblivion." Her sons no longer studied under a wise and powerful government & hope no longer beamed upon the efforts of genius. Greece had fallen. Next Rome appears before us the most powerful nation of antiquity extending --- 9 her arms from country to country she at last proclaimed herself to be the mistress of the world. In her government however hope shone brightest upon the warrior. Her favours were chiefly bought upon the battle field and the toga of distinction was more frequently stained with blood. Yet she did not entirely neglect civil honors. The eternal monuments of Rome can still bear testimony of her skills in the arts and under [?] of her rulers Roman genius shone forth of no inferior order. Thus under Augustus and Maecenus Virgil and Horace wrote. Tis true their patronage could not inspire them with the gift of poetry yet it was by their assistance that they rose to renown. Were it not for the encouragement of Augustus The [?] [?] contented with the humbler [lays?] of pastoral life had never aspired to the loftier strains of the [Aenied?]. Had not Maecaenas been the magnificent friend of Horace his name had never survived the revolutions of centuries. The atmosphere of Rome however was more congenial to the orator. The thrilling scenes of that government were well calculated to draw forth his resources. In the decision of every momentous question he swayed an influence and as he stood upon the forum he saw around him a people who could appreciate eloquence and were ever ready to bestow upon it their applause. It was such thoughts as these that induced Cicero to forsake the joys of private life to mingle in polit- --- 10 ical strife. Inspired by such bright hopes he eclipsed all his rivals and became the boast of his countrymen. But Rome too was destined to decay. Corruption had seized upon the heart of that government and although that mighty empire tottered long upon its foundation assailed by foes without & foes within it at last yielded to its fate. With Rome expired the patronage of learning and consequently learning itself began to wane. Thus we have seen that in two of the most powerful nations of antiquity the success of the arts and sciences depended upon public patronage. Tis true it may sound more poetical to ascribe the advancement of the ancients to their climate and scenery but when we search for facts we will find that it was because they patronized learning. If not why is it that they do not now exhibit the same degree of excellence they once possessed? The same breezes fan their mountains the same sun warms their vallies [sic], but alas! Their power and magnificence has fled forever. The Illisus still threads its way through the consecrated graves of Attica but no longer do groups of philosophers hold high [converce?] upon her shady banks. [Scios?] rocks still throw back the waves of the Aegean Sea but no blind bard appears to catch inspiration from their murmurings. The eternal monuments of Athenian glory yet remain but no longer do they [?] the elo- --- 11 quence of a Demosthenes. Spring still [?] her garlands around the summits of Italys mountains but the chaplets of literary fame have withered from the brow of her sons. After the fall of the Roman Empire the world became shrouded in darkness. From the 6th to the 13th century there was a [mental?] night and the arts ad sciences were entirely neglected. The dark ages had begun and hope no longer shone upon the lover of literature. Why should the philosopher spend his life in gaining wisdom when there were none that would give heed to his council? Why need the poet strive for glory when there were none that would appreciate his excellence? Why should the orator learn to be eloquent when the only argument used was the sword? About the 11th century however the crusades commenced. The comeing [sic] of Christ is announced and all Europe prepare to wrest from the hands of his enemies Jerusalem and the Holy land. For 200 years the Crescent and the Cross struggle for victory and existence. Meanwhile the magnificent libraries of Constantinople are thrown open and science and the arts again dawned upon the world. Struck with the splendor of the cities through which they passed the crusaders return home eager to imitate their example. Thence began the patronage of learning and hope again awoke the slumbering intelligence of the East. From them light and knowl- --- 12 edge began to radiate and soon all Europe shone in one blaze of glory. The dark ages were past. But mark the effect of public patronage. The astronomer does not now ascend the lofty towers of the east to watch the stars but from dismal forests in barbarous climes he learns to trace their regular motions. It is not now the azure mountains and serene sky of Italy that wakes the poets lyre, but enlivened by hope were the hazy atmosphere of England possesses the gift of inspiration. The voice of the orator is no longer born upon pleasant zephers [sic] from [inland?] seas but it is mingled with tempests that sweeps old oceans [?]. Alured by hope genius has fled those lovely climes and found a more congenial home in the wilds of the old world. England proffering her assistance to the arts and sciences sees that the sons of the sea-girt isle are those of no inferior minds. Bright be armed the star of hope and the honored names of Newton Milton Peel and others have long since secured for their country the lofty station she holds in the civilized world. But she was not alone in this noble [?] prize. France Spain Germany and others were too found to forego a fame so honorable without a struggle worthy of its cause. [?] of each others glory in each of these public patronage was extended and in each of these the truth of our proposition is sustained. Light and knowledge have been increases and science and the arts have advanced. --- 13 But old Ocean was impotent to check the march of science and after its rays had long lighted upon the old world the fires of knowledge began to be kindled in the wilds of America. The pilgrim fathers were too well impressed with the greatness of their mother country to turn a deaf ear to the calls of wisdom. Yet in a [new?] and infant republic they could not give that share of attention to the arts and sciences which they justly demanded. And this is the great reason why they have not advanced faster towards perfection. Let the U S patronize learning and she may eaqual [sic] in literary fame any nation of the earth. What had Greece Rome or England that she does not possess? The fame of a [West?] Franklin Henry and others have refuted the asserting that her sons were of inferior grade. Possessing a country so vast in extent so diversified in scenery why should Columbias seek a foreign Clime to aid them in their studies? Does the clear blue sky, the gentle breezes or the [vine clad?] mountains of Italy appear inviting to your imagination? These may all be enjoyed in your own dear native land. Or would you prefer the colder regions of the north? These too you may visit and yet exclaim here is my country. The intellect the mountains and vallies [sic], the rivers the lakes and the seas of Greece Italy and England may all be found upon Columbias soil and with a sufficient share of public patronage also shall say that she must be inferior to --- 14 them in glory or fame? In one branch of science however our country is not deficient in encouragement. I refer to oratory. Tis true time may not have brought oratory to a great degree of perfection yet the inducements to its study are such as will not allow it to be overlooked. Greece became the patron of eloquence. Her orators were the defenders of justice the boast of their country - the idols of the people. Under such circumstances we are not surprised at the untiring perseverance the ultimate success and the towering eloquence of a Demosthenes. Then may we not expect a Demosthenes among Columbias sons? Every encouragement that Greece gave the U S now offers. Kings and nobles may have been the subjects of Grecian oratory but here 20,000,000 of freemen are eaqually [sic] alive to the persuasive eloquence of America. Truly of all others the orator is most honored. Who is it that best fills the sacred desk, that gathers the largest crowd around him that chains the attention longest? In [short?] that is most successful in the work of salvation? It is the orator. Who is it that is the most powerful advocate at courts of justice? It is the orator. Who is it that whields [sic] the mightiest influence in our national assemblies? It is the orator. In the pulpit at the bar or in the senate chamber oratory [sways?] its influence. Then study oratory. Would you be useful to your fellow men in the cause of religion or a fame more dazzling to your eyes or the --- 15 shouts of applause more pleasant to your ears? Then learn to be eloquent. In this respect public patronage has already done her part. Let therefore untiring perseverance and never ceasing energy be the characteristic of Columbias sons for theirs is a county that is ever ready to bestow upon them her choicest blessings and brightest honors. Gentlemen of the Phi Delta Society The latter part of this subject should be peculiarly interesting to you. It is laid down as a maxim that to produce effort in every cause two things are necessary. First the advantages which would accrue to us must be sufficiently great and important. Second, there must be a probability of success. Why should we labour for that which will not profit? Or why should we strive for that which is entirely beyond our reach? Hence it becomes necessary for him who would persuade you to any course to establish both of these points. It frequently happens however that one of these is already sufficiently evident. And this is doubtless the case in recommending to you the study of oratory. The great patronage and favor bestowed upon the orator must have long since convinced you of its advantages. Who is here that has not heard the plaudits of the orator? Who is here that has not seen honors clustering thick upon the brow of eloquence? Hence I consider the first point as already established. --- 16 Second, the probability of success. I do not pretend to predict the success of any individual of this society. That gentleman depends too much upon the improvement you make of the facilities here afforded you. Yet I unhesitatingly say Phi Deltas have advantages which the world [at?] do not possess. With wisdom and eloquence for your motto every thing has been done to aid you in acquiring them. Then get wisdom for without it eloquence is but an empty sound. Get eloquence for it is the messenger of wisdom and without it much of her usefulness it distroyed [sic]. Make these your aim strive after them and success attends you. Your society is ever ready to assist you in obtaining them when obtained glory honor and fame are yours. Yet gentlemen amidst all of these cheering anticipations a retrospect of the past brings a sadness to our hearts. The angel of death has entered our ranks and again his shaft has struck a shining mark. Walker now lies cold in the grave. The improvement be made whilst with us can will bear testimony of the advantages of our society. We had long looked upon him as a strong pillar of its interests. But time rolled on. He bid us an affectionate farewell. And although grieved to part with so valuable a member we looked upon him as one who had left us but to enter upon a more extensive sphere of action. We had [truly?] hoped that he was one who had gone forth to scatter light in a world of darkness and from a use --- 17 ful life to reflect honor upon the name Phi Delta. But he is gone. No longer will his voice be heard in our hall. No longer will he aid us in our difficulties. No Longer will he give us the grasp of friendship. But death did not confine itself to our honorary members. Entering our regular list it has plucked thence one of its brightest jewels. At the mention of Gordon sadness deepens on every countenance. But why need I speak of his many good qualities? They are fresh in the memory of every one. Firmly united by friendship the [?] cement of the soul he was dear to us all. Dear to the members of our sister society because they saw in him a noble and a generous [rival?]. Dear to us because he was a true Phi Delta. Dear to all because he possessed the virtues of Gordon. Walker and Gordon can never again aid us by their precepts. Alas! Their lips are cealed [sic] forever. Yet gentlemen the [?] still speaketh. They have left you an example which might well be adopted as the guide for every Phi Delta. Then follow that example. If he whose birthday we have chosen as our anniversary is worthy your imitation as patriots they are no less worthy your imitation as Phi Deltas. Like them improve the facilities here afforded you and when you shall have left this place you will ever refer to this association as one of the most --- 18 profitable you have ever formed and your most pleasing recollections will be entwined around the name Phi Delta. ---