An Introductory Discourse: Delivered Before the Literary and Philosophical Society of New-York, on the Fourth of May, 1814 - Couverture souple
Présentation de l'éditeur
In compliance with the solemnity expected on this occasion, I rise to address this respectable audience. For the first time has an association been established and incorporated in this state, devoted to literature and philosophy. Although I hare always ardently cherished the love of letters, yet I am fully sensible that neither my attainments normy talents -ntitle me to this place. On my zeal and my industry, however, the tallest reliance may be placed ;for although not a minister officiating at the holy altar of science, yet you shall always find me a sincere and humble worshipper at the vestibule of the temple. It is with societies as it is with individuals ;if the first impression be favourable, it gives a tone to character which is attended with the most auspicious effects in every future stage of existence :as somewhat of the colour of our social character may depend on this first appearance on the theatre of public observation, you may judge of my embarrassment on this occasion. The solemn considerations which grow out of an establishment of this nature must press upon our sensibility, with redoubled force, when we reflect upon the accusations which are brought against our country by the literati of Europe. The celebrated Buffon has declared that, in A merica, animated nature is weaker, less active, and more circumscribed in the variety of its productions, than in the old world ;that there is some combination of elements and other physical causes ;something that opposes its amplification ;that there are obstacles to the developemeut, and perhaps to the formation of large germs ;and that even those which, from the kindly influences of another climate, have acquired their complete form and expansion shrink and diminish under a nijisanlly air and ,in an unprolific land !D r. Robertson has also said, that the principle of life seems to have been less activ
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