Many, who were wont to appear among us, and who have lent their willing aid to the cause of charity and benevolence, have left the scene of their earthly labours, to enjoy, as we trust, in another and a better world, the society of the just made perfect. We should be wanting in gratitude, my brethren, did we not acknowledge the liberality of the distinguished citizens, not members of our Association, who have from time to time given of their substance to aid us in the holy cause of benevolence. They evince a just knowledge of the value of riches, who use them for the benefit of their fellow men. The word CHARITY, my brethren, is not confined in its application to pecuniary aid alone. It is susceptible of a broader definition. It may be exercised in that mutual good-will, kindness, and brotherly love, which ought to reign among us. When, through misfortune, or indiscretion, a member becomes reduced in his circumstances, if he have any sensibility, it is hardly possible, that he should retain that elasticity of mind, which in more propitious days he was wont to possess. It is not the part of a good citizen, to leave such a man to brood over his misfortunes in loneliness and despair: It is not the part of a philanthropist, to" pass by on the other side;" but it is his duty, like the good Samaritan, to pour the oil of gladness into his wounded heart: Instead of that contume lious treatment, which is the characteristic of purseproud arrogance and unfeeling stoicism, the really benevolent man will, by kind offices, and good advice, often effect as much as could be done by pecuniary aid. By pursuing such a course towards an unfortunate man of talents and worth, he may often be rescued from the haunts of vice and intemperance, when a contrary one would drive him to desperation, and leave him a prey to all those unhappy sensations caused by poverty and neglect. GENTLEMEN-OFFICERS AND BRETHREN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS CHARITABLE MECHANIC ASSOCIATION: If in this address I have departed from the course pursued by my predecessors,-if I have not attempted an historical description of the progress of the Arts, from their first introduction among mankind, it is because I have thought it unnecessary to repeat what has already been said by others, abler than myself to do justice to the subject. In occupying so large a portion of your time, on this occasion, in endeavouring to enforce the necessity of intellectual cultivation, I have been actuated by a firm conviction of its immense importance. The controlling power of mind over matter is visible in all our operations as artisans. Its influence in a republican government, "where the people fill all the branches of the sovereignty," is apparent to every politician. Although I would not encourage an undue attention to political affairs, a caballing spirit, yet a proper knowledge of the constitution and laws of our country should be acquired by every free citizen. The honours and emoluments of office are denied to no one, possessing talents, moral worth, and integrity of character. The annals of our revolution bear evidence of the distinguished talents and services of a FRANKLIN, a GREENE, and a SHERMAN, who were among the burning and shining lights that illumined the dark period of our struggle for independence. These men, who stood forth, the champions of freedom and popular rights, were not men who had been nursed in the lap of ease and affluence ;they were the hardy sons of toil ;-working mechanics; whose hands had ministered to their necessities: Men, it is true, of strong original minds, improved by cultivation; of energy of character, and firmness of purpose. The characters of such men present us with examples worthy of imitation;-they teach us, that, however much we may desire the patronage of others, we must depend, mainly, on our own powers, our own resources. Should the despots of Europe again invade our shores, the same minds, which are now occupied in the pursuits of agriculture and the arts, would be called to assist in the councils of the nation, in her hour of danger. The same hands, which are now employed in the field and the workshop, would, as they were then, be exercised in repelling the invaders of our altars and our fire-sides. Yielding to no class of men, in patriotism and public spirit, we claim that share in the public estimation, to which, as citizens of a free and independent republic, we are entitled. In taking a retrospect of what our country was half a century ago, without credit,-without resources, dependent on foreign nations for the means of self defence, and for most of the necessaries and conveniences of life, with a thinly scattered population,-comparing, I say, our state at that time, with our present flourishing condition, what abundant cause have we to congratulate ourselves on our enviable situation. Many of you can doubtless recollect, when this metropolis, in the possession of a ruthless foe, presented nothing to the eye, but dismay and despondency. Now, it is the abode of peace, industry and enterprise-the seat of the arts and of the muses. When we look around us, and behold the labour of our hands in the erection of elegant and useful edifices, for the comfort and convenience of man ;for the purposes of education, of justice, of legislation, and the worship of God; we are filled with emotions, which are easier felt than described. "In the full tide of successful experiment," it is but justice to attribute in a great measure to the talents and enterprize of the distinguished individual, who is now at the head of our Municipal government, the spirit of improvement, which at present prevails in this metropolis. Were this city Athens, he would be PERICLES ;-with this difference, however, that, while one was deficient in many of those traits which constitute moral worth, the other unites in his character all those qualities which adorn and dignify the upright magistrate, and the virtuous citizen. With his zeal, intelligence, and devotion to the public weal, and the assistance of his able coadjutors, we may expect a continuance of that prosperity, which has hitherto characterized our city. May the laudable spirit of improvement extend throughout our land, and throughout the whole world of mankind! "Come, bright improvement! on the car of time, FINIS. NOTES. THE Author acknowledges, with gratitude, the polite attention of a friend* now in Europe, to whom he is indebted for the "London Mechanics' Magazine,” a work containing much useful information relative to the present state of the Mechanic Arts in Great Britain; and also for some other publications of merit. In those extracts, where he has not observed the precise phraseology of the originals, the author has thought it unnecessary to mark the passages as quotations. A. ARCHIMEDES may be considered as the true founder of the science of mechanics. The theory of the inclined plane, the pulley and the screw, have been ascribed to him. His defence of Syracuse against Marcellus gained him great celebrity among his countrymen. It is stated on the authority of Plutarch, that, by his burning glasses, he set fire to the Roman fleet at the distance of an arrow shot. See Edin. Encyclopedia. Although some have considered this account as fabulous, it is not so improbable, as might at first be imagined; when it is known that Buffon, the celebrated French naturalist, actually constructed a burning-glass, with which he melted lead and tin at the distance of fifty English yards, and burnt lighter substances as far off as seventy-five yards. It was his opinion, that, with summer heat, and a better apparatus, he should be able to produce combustion at the distance of one hundred forty-two yards. Lond. Mech. Mag. B. TO GALLILEO has been ascribed the invention of the Telescope, or at least a most important improvement in it. He laid Mr. Josiah Spurr. D |