Aside from their value as contributions to political history, the works,
particularly the orations, of Mr. Sumner belong to the literature of
America. They are as far superior to the endless number of orations and
speeches which are delivered throughout the country as the works of a
polished, talented and accomplished author surpass the ephemeral
productions of a day. In one respect these orations surpass almost all
others, namely, in the elevation of sentiment, the high and lofty moral
tone and grandeur of thought which they possess. The one on the "True
Grandeur of Nations" stands forth of itself like a serene and majestic
image, cut from the purest Parian marble. There has been no orator in
our time, whose addresses approach nearer the models of antiquity,
unless it be Webster, whom Sumner greatly surpasses in moral tone and
dignity of thought.
The works of a statesman, so variously endowed, and who has treated so
_many_ subjects with such a masterly command of knowledge,
reasoning, and eloquence, cannot fail to be widely circulated. These
elegantly-printed volumes,--which in their typographical appearance seem
to rival anything of similar character that have come to our
notice,--carefully edited and fully rounded by a copious analytical
index of subjects discussed, topics referred to, and facts adduced, will
prove an invaluable treasury to the scholar, the historian and the
general seeker after truth.
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