10 



for our government to prosecute the same wise meas- 

 ures. We will not believe that our statesmen are in- 

 sensible to this state of human affairs, or that they will 

 be deaf to the claims which the crisis renders imperi- 

 ous, and which patriotism sanctifies. These occur- 

 rences lead us to remark, that in such periods, the la- 

 bors ;ind exertions of institutions like ours, are per- 

 ceived to be most useful. They are guides to direct 

 the enquirer to the means of relief. They encourage 

 the desponding, animate the doubting, and scatter 

 knowledge anidng all ranks of people. They stimu- 

 late to enterprize, and open the way to success. The 

 utility of their works, commands confidence ; and the 

 fruits of their researches and sacrifices, become a rich 

 harvest of blessings to the world. 



With impressions warranted by constant experience, 

 may we not anxiously enquire why a larger number of 

 our fellow-citizens of Berkshire have not openly at- 

 tached themselves to this institution, and by acts of 

 liberality proportioned to the merits of the cause, be- 

 come its avowed patrons ? Let me ask, why there 

 should be in Berkshire a single respectable farmer or 

 manufacturer, unconcerned for the welfare of this in- 

 stitution ? It was created for their advantage, it has 

 been sustained for their benefit, and its views all har- 

 monize with, and cherish the prominent interests of 

 the county. . Is there not, then, a sufficient motive 

 to induce all to co-operate ? 



Fellow- citizens, this institution is numbered in the 

 first order of your blessings. Shall it be in jeopardy 

 for the want of your support ? Are you contented to 

 behold a heavy debt of gratitude accumulating from 

 year to year, to the few, generous, enlightened and be- 

 nevolent Uicn, who have so long by their labors and 

 pecuniary sacrifices, sustained your honor, and reared 

 a name for Berkshire, that shall be transmitted to oth- 

 er times, Vi^ith increasing glory. Fellow-citizens of 

 Berksliire, let me entreat you no longer to indulge ap- 

 athy, or indifference ; but come forward with your 

 counsels, and your pecuniary aids, to sustain a Socie- 



