SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IN LARGK TOWNS. 103 



soundness and stability than a gradual approximation between them 

 in these respects. If successive governments have hitherto neglected 

 to extend efficient support and encouragement to Science, there is 

 the greater necessity for the redoubled exertions of individuals, in 

 order that their deficiency may be counterbalanced, and that they 

 may be shamed into the adoption of a more enlightened policy. 



On the manufacturer, the Philosophical Institution has a strong 

 claim for support. He owes every thing to Science. There is not 

 a piece of machinery he makes use of, or a process he employs, which 

 has not resulted from scientific investigation, whether conducted by 

 persons devoted to abstract Philosophy, as instanced in the inven- 

 tion of the safety lamp, by Sir Humphrey Davy ; or, (which is still 

 more to the point,) by mechanics who have acquired for themselves 

 some knowledge of its truths, as was done by Arkwright during the 

 time he was perfecting his cotton-spinning machinery. If no other 

 persons would come forward and place this Institution on a footing 

 worthy of this large and populous town, the class of manufacturers 

 might be expected to do so. They will receive an abundant return 

 for all their capital embarked in the diffusion of knowledge ; for it 

 will be the means of removing the ignorance which has led to those 

 combinations of workmen, and that destruction of machinery, which 

 have proved so ruinous to all parties. 



I appeal, however, to higher motives than these. If you value 

 the approbation of conscience, you will not neglect so great a duty. 

 If you are animated by love to your Maker and to your fellow- 

 creatures, you will use your utmost exertions to diffuse widely that 

 light which brings more clearly into view Him from whom it ema- 

 nates, and which cannot fail to improve those on whom it shines. 

 In a word, if you would live to the glory of God, and to the benefit 

 of man, you will labour by such means as I have pointed out, by 

 laying early the foundations of knowledge in religious instruction, 

 and by building thereon the beautiful edifice of " Science, truly so 

 called," to elevate, intellectually and morally, the multitudes that 

 are around you, in this town and neighbourhood. 



