and Philosophical Societies. 77 
to contribute his due proportion to the general stock 
of instruction. Similar wishes, in the mean time, 
are gradually felt and cherished by many who do 
not belong to the society: by some, who are al- 
ready no strangers to learning and science; by 
others, to whom study of any kind has hitherto con- 
veyed no impression but that of irksomeness. The 
former are affected by the institution in a manner 
resembling that recently stated. The latter have 
before their eyes an association consisting princi- 
pally of neighbours of their own, and, possibly, com- 
prehending nearly all those of their neighbours who 
have given strong proofs of abilities and attainments ; 
and are struck by the respectability and weight of 
such an assemblage of talents and _ intelligence. 
They perceive in that association some of their 
own daily companions in the intercourse and oc- 
cupations of common life, who appear raised above 
them by the only honourable distinction, that of 
merit, and moving in another sphere. They are 
conscious of a secret regret at finding themselves 
apparently sunk below their former level. And 
though they perhaps do not yet look to be admitted 
into that body in which their friends and acquain- 
tances are stationed; they are at least anxious not 
to be under the necessity of either remaining silent 
in their presence, or of speaking but to expose” 
themselves, if at incidental meetings in a private 
circle some topic connected with literature or science 
