ciation, let us gratefully remember that there is another cause than these, to which we should also attribute our success and prosperity. Planted by our revered predecessors, the little seed now towers, a majestic tree. But it is not Science nor Art alone that has so multiplied the fibres of its massive trunk, or spread its branches and luxuriant foliage far and wide.

The secret of its growth and strength lies in. the gentle stream of living water which has never ceased to flow around its roots.

That stream is CHARITY, which, mingling with man's better nature, expands his heart, and forms the generous bond of sympathy which makes a brother of his fellow man.

Brethren, let it be our care that this quiet, unobtrusive stream shall still flow on to cheer the hearth-stone of the widow and the fatherless. Its hallowed presence will exalt our powers and improve our hearts, for CHARITY is an attribute of the Deity, and, like Mercy, "it is twice blessed; it blesseth him that gives and him that takes."

APPENDIX.

THE FESTIVAL.

THE Seventeenth Triennial Festival of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association was celebrated at Faneuil Hall, on Wednesday evening, October 14, 1857. The hall was very appropriately and beautifully decorated by Messrs. Lamprell and Marble, and reflected much credit upon them, and upon the artist, Mr. T. C. Savory, by whom the painting was executed.

DECORATIONS.

From the main entrance, American flags formed an arch to the inner door. The hall showed various colored bunting, extending from the centre of the ceiling to each column; and descending from this was a centre piece supported by bunting, representing the coat of arms of the Association, (the mechanic arm and hammer,) encircled by American flags. Festoons of bunting extended around the hall, both above and below the galleries, and flags of various nations drooped from the windows. A large arch spanned the eagle and clock, and on the arch was inscribed, " Mass. Charitable Mechanic Association." On the key of the arch was a full length figure of an Indian (the coat of arms of Massachusetts.) On the

pillars, the names of the Presidents, from the time it was first instituted to the present, as follows: Paul Revere, Jonathan Hunnewell, Benj. Russell, John Cotton, Samuel Perkins, Charles Wells, Samuel T. Armstrong, Daniel Messenger, J. T. Buckingham, Stephen Fairbanks, George Darracott, Joseph Lewis, James Clarke, George G. Smith, Henry N. Hooper, Jonas Chickering, Frederick W. Lincoln, Jr., Joseph M. Wightman. Painted panels, representing various trades, were placed around the galleries, and the names of some of the most noted men connected with the same surmounted each panel. Shields representing the several States on the pillars were placed between each panel.

THE TABLES

Also presented an elegant and tempting appearance, being spread by that master of caterers, J. B. Smith. To the abundance of luxuries for the palate was added the ornament of fragrant and brilliant-hued flowers.

At precisely five o'clock the doors were thrown open, and the company began to come in, a large number of ladies. gracing the occasion with their presence. While the guests were seating themselves, and throughout the evening, the Brigade Band discoursed excellent music. An officer of the Association was placed at the head of each table, and the invited guests were seated upon the platform. Among them were Gov. Gardner, Mayor Rice, Hon. Caleb Cushing, Hon. Emory Washburn, Josiah Quincy, Jr., Esq., James Lawrence, Esq., Hon. Linus B. Comins, Judge Thomas Russell, Rev. Daniel C. Eddy, Hon. Charles A. Phelps, Rev. Chandler R. Robbins, G. Washington Warren, Oliver Stevens, and Charles G. Nazro, Esqs.

When all were seated, Joseph M. Wightman, Esq., the President, called the assembly to order, and invited Rev. Chandler Robbins to invoke the divine blessing. Mr. Wightman then, on behalf of the Committee, called the attention of

the guests to the good things with which the festive tables were covered, and hoped they would do ample justice to that first exercise of the programme. Accordingly all took hold with hearty good will, and found that the dinner which Mr. Smith had provided was as excellent as it was abundant, and an hour or more was spent in the pleasant occupation.

The Triennial Address was then delivered by the President, which occupied half an hour.

At the close of the address, the following ode, written for the occasion by THOMAS W. PARSONS, M. D., was sung in an effective manner, by a quartette, composed of Miss Whitehouse, Miss Jenny Twichell, Mr. C. R. Adams, and Mr. Hiram Wild, vocalists, accompanied by Mr. B. J. Lang, pianist, on one of "Chickering's" pianos.

ODE

IN PRAISE OF THE USEFUL ARTS.

Art's angel once, for human good,

Came down, commissioned to the earth,

And, lighting in some Grecian wood,
Gave to his great conception birth.

He found a roughly-glittering stone,
And fashioned thence a tool of might;
Then first the strength of steel was shown
To Tubal, and the skill to smite.

With faithful axe and goodly stroke
He wandered, scattering many a chip,
But found at last the builder Oak,
And built therewith a lordly ship.

He found the vine, a poisonous thing,
With treason in its luscious heart,
Yet forced from its envenomed spring
A subtle balm for every smart.