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INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSED. 



In compliance with the solemnity expected on this occasion, I rise to 

 address this respectable audience. For the first time has an association 

 been established and incorporated in this state, devoted to literature and 

 philosophy. Although I hare always ardently cherished the love of let- 

 ters, yet I am fully sensible that neither my attainments nor my talents 

 -ntitle me to this place. On my zeal and my industry, however, the 

 tallest reliance may be placed ; for although not a minister officiating at 

 the holy altar of science, yet you shall always find me a sincere and 

 humble worshipper at the vestibule of the temple. It is with societies 

 as it is with individuals ; if the first impression be favourable, it gives a 

 tone to character which is attended with the most auspicious effects in 

 every future stage of existence : as somewhat of the colour of our social 

 character may depend on this first appearance on the theatre of public 

 observation, you may judge of my embarrassment on this occasion. 



The solemn considerations which grow out of an establishment of this 

 nature must press upon our sensibility, with redoubled force, when we 

 reflect upon the accusations which are brought against our country by 

 the literati of Europe. The celebrated Buffon has declared that, in 

 America, animated nature is weaker, less active, and more circumscribed 

 in the variety of its productions, than in the old world ; that there is some 

 combination of elements and other physical causes ; something that op- 

 poses its amplification ; that there are obstacles to the developemeut, 

 and perhaps to the formation of large germs ; and that even those which, 

 from the kindly influences of another climate, have acquired their com- 

 plete form and expansion shrink and diminish under a nijisanlly air and , 

 in an unprolific land ! Dr. Robertson has also said, that * the principle 

 of life seems to have been less active and vigorous here than in the an- 

 cient continent ;" and that " nature was not only less prolific in the new 

 world, but she appears likewise to have been less v:gorous in her produc- 

 tions." Need we add to this the obloquy which has been cast upon our 

 country by the herd of tourists and travellers who have attempted to de- 

 scribe it. With some of them, our soil is destitute of prolific power, our 

 atmosphere teems with disease and death, our lives are comparatively 

 stiert, our institutions are totteriog under debility and decay, onr nations? 



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