Stephen Girard.

In January, 1882, I was appointed by the Judgesof the Courts of Common Pleas of Philadelphiato the Board of Directors of City Trusts, which hascharge of Girard College, having for some years previously,by the kind partiality of President Allen,been on the staff of speakers in the Chapel on Sundays.My interest in the Pupils was of course atonce increased, and ever since I have given muchtime and thought to the moral instruction of theboys.

From the many Addresses made to them Ihave selected the following as fair specimens ofthe instruction I have sought to impart. Somerepetitions of thought and language may be accountedfor by the lapse of time between the givingof the Addresses, not forgetting the well-knownHebrew proverb, “Line upon line—precept uponprecept—here a little—there a little.”

[6]

The word “Orphans” as used in the will of Mr.Girard has been defined by the Supreme Court ofPennsylvania to mean boys who are fatherless.

The book is published in the hope that it maybe the means of helping some boys and youngmen other than those to whom the Addresseswere made.

4205 Walnut St.,
November, 1889.