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distances of the planets, so perfecting every way to that science, by which 
we see the celestial mechanism that changes the seasons in order to make 
all parts of the earth habitable and fertilized, and are enabled not only 
to triangulate or survey its surface, and navigate its oceans, but measure 
time, measure the heavens themselves, and fix the dimensions of the 
planets, no less than their distances and revolutions — I say, that did not 
happen till near sixty centuries had been devoted, more or less, to the 
study of astronomy, and Kepler himself had spent seventeen years of 
patient research on it, and then announced it to the world with this 
memorable exultation: “The die is cast — the book is written — to be 
“ read either now or by posterity, I care not which. It may well wait 
“ a century for a reader, as God has waited six thousand years for an 
“ observer.” What to this is Caesar’s veniyvidi, vicii or Alexander’s 
sighing for more worlds to conquer? And though the exact moment or 
place can not be foreseen, in which the blow shall draw fire from the 
flint that never before sparkled, or the seed vegetate that has slept in 
its coffin for ages, or polish display the latent beauties of the marble which 
is still in the quarry, or science discover new mechanic powers, new 
wonders in animal life or vegetation, and new agencies in nature, out- 
rivalling wind, water, fire,' and electricity; yet we do know that the field 
is broader here for such exertions, the skies brighter, and the masses 
daily more fitted to appreciate what is valuable, and to need and attempt 
it, as well as to encourage others to attempt it. We are all, too, more 
inclined than formerly to expect it from suitable efforts, rather than cal- 
culating to gather figs of thorns ; and to look for valuable improvements 
here, not by neglect or indifference, but the use of means — means appro- 
priate, both public and private, stirring the soil of the mind by the plough 
and the hoe, suiting the seed and culture to the position, inviting sun- 
shine and showers, and keeping all in more constant as well as vigorous 
action, by letting the enlightened impulses of our free systems have full 
play. Even then we may not be able, and our people may not be con- 
vinced that they should try, to rival Paris, or Vienna, or Rome, in some 
of the fine arts, used more to embellish and please than strengthen, as 
we do not wish to rival them in some of the causes of their splendor — a 
long and wealthy race of Princes, and a neglected, if not plundered, 
people. But, if we do not quite as fast do all that constitutes a State, in 
raising “ men, high-minded men” — if we do not elevate the masses in 
morals — educate, multiply, and enrich the whole — improve the country 
in its agriculture and manufactures — strengthen its defences — expand its 
