300 [Assembly 



curse pronounced on man after his loss of innocence, is its principal 

 view. It aspires to the procuring of every enjoyment which the 

 earth presented in the Golden Age, as sung by the poets in strains 

 the most enthusiastic and sublime. On such themes the good man's 

 meditations delight to dwell. The Elysium of Pagans, the Paradise 

 of Mahomet, and perhaps also the Heaven of Christians, would to 

 the view of mortals, lose much of their attraction, were not the des- 

 criptions of them decorated with agriculture sceneries. While pas- 

 sions like demons tear the breast of the politician, gnaw like vul- 

 tures on his vitals, spread a gloom over his perspectives and embit- 

 ter his days, the heart of the philanthropist expands with a seraphic 

 joy, bounds with god-like palpitations, feels emotions of ecstacy in^ 

 effably exquisite, as his eye roves over fields when the golden har- 

 vest waves to the wind — where every shrub and plant is loaded 

 with dainties — where every tree bends under its fruit, and all things 

 seem to invite us to partake of these bounties and be happy, 



" If then these things are pure, uncontaminated fountains wher.ce 

 human happiness flows, surely we cannot contemplate them with a 

 stoical indifference, but as citizens^ as christians and as legislators, 

 must join our endeavors to cherish and support them." 



Now let us hear a few words from James Kent, the learned and 

 just judge — who in his address to that society, delivered in the City 

 Hall of this city, in 1796, just fifty years ago, said, among other ad- 

 mirable things: 



" It is certainly a precious advantage attached to the agricultural 

 life, that it leads to no intemperate avidity for wealth, and inspires 

 bold and generous sentiments of freedom and independence. Al- 

 though the remark be perhaps too strong that cities are the graves 

 of the human species, yet it is obviously true that the farmer's life, 

 from the use of wholesome air, abundant exercise, moderate pleasures 

 and simple diet, is by far the most favorable to health, longevity and 

 population." 



Here, fellow-citizens, are two votes for the great cause, registered 

 half a century ago ! -And there is not one good and great man now 

 living, but will, if he can get a chance, cry aye, to the same doc- 

 trine. But farmers are intent upon their work, hardly once in the 

 year aroused by an election and its noisy demagogues to put in his 

 ballot. Let him put off that inattention and see that the men he 

 votes for know and care for the great agricultural cause. Our far- 



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