52 



contribute to spread the light of science over our 

 land. 



My colleagues have already exhibited so much zeal 

 and industry, that they require no exhortation from 

 me to persevere in their efforts to promote the objects 

 of our Institution, and in their contributions to the 

 union and progress of the arts and sciences. Con- 

 stituted as this Society is, few of its members can 

 bestow their whole time to the purposes of the Insti- 

 tution; but all may devote some portion of it to this 

 object. The mind requires relaxation from the la- 

 bors of a trade, or profession, or the cares of state ; 

 but, like the soil we cultivate, it need not be left for 

 that period to grow up in noxious weeds. Relaxation 

 from intense application to our important duties may 

 be found in the pursuits of literature and science. 

 It is an error to suppose that letters cannot be culti- 

 vated without neglecting the fulfilment of the obliga- 

 tions we owe to our families or to our country. On 

 the contrary, the man who devotes his leisure to the 

 acquisition of knowledge will invigorate his mind and 

 better fit himself to fulfil his more important duties, 

 than if he had passed those moments in frivolous 

 amusements ; and the pursuit itself, by leading us lo 

 an intimate acquaintance with the works of nature, 

 cannot fail to elevate our minds to the contemplation 

 of that Being who " in wisdom has made them all," 

 and to inspire us with devout gratitude to Him who 

 has endued us with intelligence to comprehend his 

 marvellous works. 



