ADDRESS. 33 



There is a still greater difference between that which now prevails, 

 and that which is attainable by all. 



It is speaking far within bounds, to say, that the present agricul- 

 tural population of Hampshire county, is capable of producing, from 

 the same farms now cultivated, twice the amount of meat, and bread- 

 stuffs, now grown here. Many a farm, under improved husbandry, 

 has increased its productions three and four fold. But, suppose the 

 products of this county are only doubled by this process. The result 

 is a gain to every member of the community, who consumes these 

 products. The butter, cheese, beef, pork, and lard, which enter into 

 the yearly bills of every family, would be furnished a little cheaper. 

 The vast quantities of flour and grain, which now come to you frcm 

 the West, might just as well be raised at your own doors, and be fur- 

 nished at a cheaper rate. All these articles are increasing in price, 

 from year to year, mainly because consumers increase faster than the 

 agricultural skill of our farmers. Farmers, here, have long since 

 ceased to supply eastern markets, and we have to import the deficien- 

 cy from abroad, and pay a profit to the shippers and merchants, who 

 stand between us and our producers. There is no remedy for this 

 high price of provisions, but in a more skilful cultivation of the earth. 

 This, then, clearly, would be a direct pecuniary advantage to all 

 classes in society. 



But there is yet another view of this subject, which, legitimately, 

 belongs to the clerical profession for discussion. As you have hon- 

 ored this profession, as heretofore, in providing for your annual ad- 

 dress, you will allow me to say, that the success of the cause, we are 

 met to promote, is intimately connected with the religious prosperity 

 of the country. I regard it as in the line of professional duty, as 

 well as a personal gratification, to meet your call, and to advocate, au , 

 interest, intimately connected with the welfare of the church, as well 

 as of the state. It is generally conceded, that religion lies at the 

 foundation of our social prosperity. The reaction of secular business 

 upon religion is too generally overlooked. Stagnation, in the former, 

 is incompatible with thrift, in the latter. A parish, where all earthly 

 interests droop, where the husbandman, the mechanic, and the man- 

 ufacturer, alike fail of success, is not likely to see piety increasing. 

 The man that is nerveless and disheartened, in the prosecution of 

 secular enterprises, will find it very difficult to be fervent in spirit,, 

 serving the Lord. In his straitened circumstances and poorly remu- 



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