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Dr. T. R. B€cks Address. 



have somewhat of a reputation, acquired by past efforts, to sus- 

 tain, we should proceed forward with renewed vigour. There is, 

 also, another inducement,which the place and the occasion imperi- 

 ously call on me to notice ; nor shall I be deterred from doing so, 

 by any apprehension that my motives may be misconstrued. An 

 individual, who, to the best virtues of the citizen, adds that of the 

 generous patron of science ; whose every action is that of the pa- 

 triot and public benefactor, has consented to place himself at our 

 head. Is it not then our peculiar duty to see that the Lyceum re- 

 ceives no injury, or suffers no diminution during his presidency. 

 In making this allusion, I doubt not that I meet with correspond- 

 ing feelings on your parts. It was a custom of the ancients not 

 to sacrifice to their worthies, until after sun-set. We would not 

 innovate on this, but as the decline of day approaches, we may be 

 permitted to deposit our offering on the altar. 



Finally, let us remember of what state we are citizens. Is it 

 not one which deserves all our efforts, and demands our noblest 

 and best exertions ? The native of New-England recurs with 

 warmth to the pleasant fields, where he passed the days of his 

 youth, and thinks his land the best of all the main. Those who 

 dwell in the south, pride themselves on the great men it has produc- 

 ed — and equally boast of their paternal soil. I honour both for 

 the preference they exhibit. They would disgrace themselves and 

 bring contempt on their native states, were they not to feel and 

 evince such attachments. But I ask that such predilections should 

 also be cherished by us, who are natives, or long residents of the 

 state of New- York. As individuals, its prosperity is identified 

 with our own ; and its exaltation should be our leading object as 

 citizens. I need not dwell on the sublimity of its geographical 

 features, extending as it does from the Atlantic to the Lakes — on 

 the grandeur of its rivers and mountains— the fertility of its soil— 

 the extent of its commerce — the stupendous wonders of nature 

 that it exhibits— or its noble works of art. These are themes that 

 must animate every one who reflects on them— to render himself 

 worthy of the enjoyment of such blessings. The surpassing forms 

 of loveliness and beauty, that nature presents in every part, have 

 been partially delineated by him,* who is now the admiration 

 of the British public ; but whose talents were first developed, and 

 whose early productions were first applauded in this, his native 



