An Introductory Discourse, Delivered Before the Literary and Philosophical Society of New-York, on the Fourth of May, 1814 (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from An Introductory Discourse, Delivered Before the Literary and Philosophical Society of New-York, on the Fourth of May, 1814 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 have always ardently cherished the love of let ters, yet I am fully sensible that neither my attainments nor my talents entitle me to this place. On my zeal and my industry, however, the fullest reliance may be placed; for although not a minister otliciating 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 he favourable, it gives a. Tone to character which is attended with the most auspicious eż'ects in every future stage of existence as somewhat of the colour of our social character may depend on this first appearance on the theatre hf public observation, you may judge of my embarrassment on this occasion. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.