212 [Assembly 



Sciences are reduced to systems, and systems in their turn, are re- 

 duced to the comprehension of the plainest understandings. 



But these, like every thing else, are not properly attained unless by 

 ceaseless labor and pereseverance ; and like every thing which is sus- 

 ceptible of an intrinsic value, they are usually wforthless without the 

 physical and intellectual industry necessary to their accomplishment. 



Genius, it. is true, may sustain and enliven every thing within its 

 sphere ; but it is only where true knowledge is at the foundation, that 

 genius proves of any real advantage to its possessor. 



Thus we see that it is labor, hard labor, which is the great lever 

 which invigorates and gives an impetus to the moving principles of 

 life. 



It is labor which fills the granary of the husbandman, and affords us 

 our daily bread. Labor speeds the plough, it enriches the soil, it im- 

 proves the farm, and is the source of wealth to those who venture to 

 approach it. Labor is the vital principle of the manufacturer, the 

 sustenance of the artisan, and the gold mine of the mechanic. It is the 

 keystone to the fortune of all professions, and it exemplifies its merits 

 in the pulpit, at the forum, and in the invalid's chamber. 



Labor builds our cities, it constructs our ships, it digs our canals, it 

 makes our railroads, and throws into the lap of commerce the accu- 

 mulations of its toil and industry. 



Labor hews the rough marble, and from the dull mass awakens or- 

 der, symmetry and beauty, [t breathes into life the artist's dream, 

 and spreads upon the canvass the history of his fancy. It adds to our 

 comforts, contributes to our pleasures, and is our natural friend in 

 every situation in life. 



If we take but a glance at the contents of these halls, we are made 

 sensible of the force of industry and the pride of labor. You here per- 

 ceive that to the power of human contrivance, we are indebted for 

 every luxury worthy of our enjoyment. It is here, too, we are made 

 to realize that man, with all iiis weakness and with all his vanity, is 

 yet the object of wonder, and the subject of admiration to his fellow 

 man. 



