ANNIVERSARY DISCOURSE, 



GENTLEMEN OF THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 



ASSEMBLED at this interesting season of the year, it is pecu- 

 liarly proper for us to indulge those sentiments which our Associ- 

 ation would inspire. The horn of plenty ' overflows with its 

 abundant fruits ; the gardens arid the fields are glad ; the groves 

 and forests are resounding with a cheerful harmony. And while 

 on every side the valleys and the hills rejoice, we may appro- 

 priately celebrate our festival. 



We have a high sanction for the sympathies which we have 

 assembled to indulge. When the Beneficent first chose a scene to 

 occupy our intellectual and moral faculties, having " planted a 

 garden eastward in Eden," he there " put the man whom he had 

 formed." And when Earth, and " all which it inherit," shall 

 have passed away, within the precincts of a future world the 

 ransomed shall partake of joys, that are depicted under the allur- 

 ing imagery of a garden. Refreshing bowers and luxuriant 

 verdure, a pure crystal stream, sweet fragrance and delicious 

 fruits were man's first blessedness, and are the graphick emblems 

 of that final bliss which is reserved for him.* It was a Paradise 

 that we have lost ; we are to regain a Paradise. 



* Compare Gen. ii, 8. 9, 10. and Rev. ii. 7. xxii. 1.2. 14. 



