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While we yield to the emotions which are suggested by our 

 Anniversary, we may be enlivened therefore by this interesting 

 thought : We are engaged in the promotion of an object suited 

 to man's highest earthly destinies. 



It is calculated to afford the intellect abundant themes, to 

 which a patriarch's long life might with unceasing gladness be 

 devoted ; for it extends above, beneath, around us, rare beauties 

 that are without limit, and varieties that are without end ; it is 

 replete with the animating pleasures of discovery, and the calm 

 delights of contemplation. It is calculated also to affect us by 

 yet higher and more wholesome influences ; for it can act upon 

 the heart with a benignity, that has power to allay the angry 

 passions of the breast ; it can promote our peace on earth ; and 

 it can fill us with pure sentiments and holy breathings. 



Let us, then, exult to-day, in these attributes of our subject. 



I. We have said that it was calculated to engage the in- 

 tellect. 



There is no human science that is more ample in its range, 

 or more attractive in its multiplied allurements. It unfolds to 

 the astonished view a living landscape the wide world ; and as 

 its votary is pointed to the Eastern and the Western Hemis- 

 phere, it leads him, in full vision of the extended scenery, to 

 look abroad. It then invites his contemplation to the bold draft 

 that marks its outline. 



In all that may appear so wild and scattered, in these multi- 

 tudes that teem throughout the vegetable kingdom, it discerns 

 an exquisite gradation, 



*' From the proud woods, whose heads the sky assail, 

 To the low violet that loves the dale." 



And it disposes all, with a regard to that established order, which 

 is proclaimed by their peculiar characteristicks. With a philo- 



