the contrary, the eminence of Phillips Exeter throughout this period was due to causes inherent in the institution itself. From the beginning, the value of religious influence in the training of young men was insisted on. While a young man, John Phillips wrote in his private memoranda this resolution: "Being sensible that a part of my income is required of me to be spent in the more immediate service of God, I therefore devote a tenth of my salary for keeping school, to pious and charitable purposes." When he established the Academy, he made the requirement that the principal should always be a church member; and he planned to have religious instruction a regular part of the school course. Soon after the founding of the school, the trustees, in accordance with the wishes of Mr. Phillips, appointed an instructor in theology; but the clergyman selected declined the appointment, and L From a painting in the Academy Chapel JOHN PHILLIPS for some reason the place remained vacant for nearly twenty years. Still, from time to time, the trustees gave considerable sums to assist students who were studying for the ministry under the direction of the neighboring clergymen, and in 1817 elected an instructor in theology, who held the position until 1839. Since then no From a painting by Chester Harding DR. BENJAMIN ABBOT regular religious instruction has been given in the Academy. It would seem that Exeter narrowly missed having a theological school similar to that at Andover. Whether this was fortunate or not for the future development of the Academy, is perhaps idle to conjecture; but there can be little doubt. that the moral earnestness which has always characterized the training at Phillips Exeter is directly traceable to the religious influences of its early years. But besides moral earnestness the old Exeter was noted for sound scholarship and good teaching. In its principals, especially, it has been extremely fortunate. William Woodbridge, principal from 1783 to 1788, seems indeed to have accomplished little, and though the school started well it failed to develop. But his successor, Benjamin Abbot, was a man of different character. In a few years he had established the reputation of the school, and when he resigned, in 1838, after fifty years of service, the Academy was famous. He "Was foremost among scholars, as he was a primate among teachers. . . . New books and new educational systems did not come and go without his knowledge. By his request, his brother-in-law, James Perkins, Esq., who visited Europe in 1802, examined the methods of instruction in Eton and other prominent schools in England, and transmitted the fruits of his observation to him. . . . He breathed his own spirit into the well-worn text-books of the recitation room, and the mystic page glowed with his inspiration. The Latin of Cicero and Horace, his favorite authors, when pronounced by him, seemed instinct with new life and meaning. . . . He was a scholar of breadth as well as depth, knowing something more than the mere routine of daily study. Modern literature, politics and theology, as well as the ancient classics, found a place in the circle of his reading. He had the faculty of making his classes believe that the particular subject on which they were engaged was the most important and attractive branch of study in the world. They caught fire from him, and teacher and pupils alike glowed with the same enthusiasm."* Dr. Gideon L. Soule was in every way a worthy successor of Dr. Abbot. Having already taught in the Academy for sixteen years, he was thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the institution, and during his long administration was able to carry on his predecessor's work without change. Dr. A. P. Peabody said of him: "He has left his brilliant record in all our colleges. Those who have attended his examinations for many years bear witness to his critical accuracy, his pure taste, his keen appreciation of the classic authors, the thoroughness of his drill, Exeter reached the height of its development. Perhaps the most brilliant teacher the Academy ever had was Dr. Joseph G. Hoyt, professor of mathematics and natural philosophy from 1841 to 1858. From Exeter he went to St. Louis to be come chancellor of Washington University. His former pupils always speak of him with the greatest JOSEPH G. HOYT BRADBURY L. CILLEY the greater part of that time professor of ancient languages. Both followed the methods that had made the school preeminent under Dr. Abbot and Dr. Soule; both were severe disciplinarians, thorough teachers, dignified gentlemen, and kind friends of their pupils. In Mr. Cilley's death a few years ago the Academy sustained a heavy loss. Mr. Wentworth, though no longer a teacher, continues his useful services as a member of the board of trustees. Dr. Perkins, who succeeded Dr. Soule and filled out the century with his term of ten years, was faithful and intelligent, and well sustained the reputation of the school. The decade * Address delivered at the Soule Festival, 1872. |