reviling me by such epithets as have always been showered on those
who have sought to better the world; but, you know, the men who
write in these papers are only human beings, and as they have been
brought up under the old prejudices of society, we ought not, my
friends, to be angry with them; on the contrary, I am very much
pleased with them, and am much obliged to them for it, because it is
that my
the best kind of an advertisement we could have. I am sorry
introduction to the queen should have made these virtuous and religi-
but
ous men so unhappy. I regret that it has been painful to them;
in the discharge of my high duty, I could not refrain from waiting
upon her majesty, and, I am sure, when these men come to consider
what good we are going to do for them, they will not be angry with
We are going to improve all classes, without regard to country or
colour. These parties think that we are going to destroy all religion
and every thing that is good in society: they are mistaken; we in-
tend no harm to any human being; but on the contrary, (with their
consent,) good to ALL. They should know that our religion is to do
good to all men. It is very short, and easily understood. I have it
all on a very small piece of paper, and it might be placed within a

us.

small nut-shell. I will read it to you, and you will not have much difficulty to retain it in your memories: we call it the "Rational Religion ;" and the reason why we so call it is, because it is plain, simple, true, and easy to be understood. Our religion then is as follows:

"RATIONAL RELIGION

Consists in the knowledge that the character of man is formed by the

power which creates his organization, and by the external circumstances which exist around him from his birth, especially by the society with whom he associates. In having charity, in consequence of this knowledge of human nature, for the convictions, feelings, and conduct of the human race; and in promoting to the utmost extent in our power the well-being and happiness of every man, woman, and child, without regard to their class, sect, party, country or colour.""

This, my friends, is the religion of the Socialists, and I hope it is so short and plain that you will all understand it and be able to retain it in your memory. In addition to this it is our duty to promote even If others differ from us the happiness of those who most revile us. we do not blame them; they cannot help feeling as they do feel, and I am therefore sure that none of our friends will ever either blame or find fault with them for their opinions.

It does not matter, my friends, what the particular opinion of any class may be; by the liberality of the Directors, they will have free access to this Institution for free and fair discussion upon all subjects: all that will be requested of each is that they shall extend to others the same indulgence which will be granted to themselves. It is trusted there will be no more discord and angry discussions, no kind of personal abuse, but that all will learn to be kind and obliging to one and other. We must not war against persons or classes, but against erroneous principles. I will now, my friends, conclude this address (having already occupied more time than I was to have been allowed) by recommending you one and all to return to your homes and think well on the short religion which I have read and explained to you, and I feel confident that there is not one amongst you that will not be more kind, if it have its proper effect upon you, to your fellow-men than you have hithertoo been. If you think of it seriously with a desire to put into practice, I know you will derive a great benefit

675

The Address was listened to throughout, with the most marked attention by the whole assemblage; and at the conclusion, Mr. Owen was loudly cheered from all parts of the meeting. Many hundreds, especially females, rushed upon him when quiting the platform, cach desirous of shaking hands with the venerable Philantrophist, who has done so much to promote the moral exaltation and happiness of man

kind.

During the period when Mr. Owen was addressing the assembly, we observed some two or three of the itinerant open air preachers off to hear the words of Mr. Owen. As soon, however, as he had addressing little groups on the outside of the crowd, who were too far ceased to address the multitude, these well-intentioned individuals were left alone on the field. Some small hand-hills were also distri

"Save your

bited amongst those on the outskirts of the assembly, with the
following striking exclamations:-"Hare you souls?”
souls!" The proceedings throughout were without the slightest un-
pleasantness. The day was beautifully fine, and the number of well-
dressed females present was surprising and novel. Every person seen-
ed pleased with the event, and we heard many of the crowd speaking
in ardent expectation of the many advantages that would result from
the establishment of an Institution for the instruction of the people
on so liberal a basis.

After the laying of the Foundation Stone, the ground was not clear until eleven o'clock at night. At the breaking up of the factories, there were upwards of two thousand persons collected. A Methodist was preaching in one part of the extensive field, a Baptist in another part, and all over the ground there were large parties congregated, discussing.

A gentleman officially connected with the church, visited the Foundation on the following morning, and had some conversation with the Architect, and was quite friendly.

THE DINNER.

After the ceremony, Mr. Owen, accompanied by the Directors and a large number of friends, retired from the ground and proceeded to MENDEL'S MANCHESTER AND LIVERPOOL HOTEL, where an elegant dinner, which reflected great credit upon the culinary skill of the worthy proprietor, was provided for them. One hundred and thirty gentlemen sat down to the repast, and much disappointment was experienced by many who were unable to obtain admission, in consequence of the Directors having only arranged for the accommodation of the number specified. The chair was taken by the President of the Hall of Science, Mr. G. F. Mandley, who was supported on his right by Robert Owen, Esq. Amongst the gentlemen present we observed John Finch, Esq., of Liverpool, P. A. Tealdi, Esq., James Horsfall, Esq., Thomas Brown, Esq., Joseph Mitchell, Esq., of Preston, &c., &c. The cloth having been removed, and "Non nobis Dominie" sung by Messrs. Wrigley, Buxton, and Hadfield, whose excellent harmony contributed largely to the pleasures of the evening.

The Chairman, who was much cheered as he rose to propose the first toast, said-It was one that had a strong claim on their loyalty, response in the breast of all present; it referred to the most illustrious gallantry, and gratitude. It was one that would meet with a warm The Health of our Queen-Victoria the lady in the land-it was First." (Acclamation.) He trusted that her reign would be a long and joyous one, of pleasure to herself and of happiness to her people. He hoped that the reign of our maiden Monarch would be distinguished above the reigns of all her predecessors, by the advances which may be made in the arts of civilization and peace. fervently wished that the bright days of human happiness which had been foretold by the Poets, the Philanthropists, and Sages of the past,

He

an may her reign be distinguished by the speedy emancipation of her I have to crave your indulgence for the ineffectiveness of what I sex from the barbaric slavery of their present social and political have said; it is not that I lacked the will, but the power to respond to disqualifications." (Much cheering.) National anthem-“ God sure | the toast in the manner you could desire: my apology must therefore, the Queen." rest on the score of its being my maiden effort in the aid of public speaking. (Cheers.) Glee :—“Glorious Apollo.” The Chairman then gave :

The Chairman said: I rise to propose a most pleasing duty, that of calling upon you to drink the healths of "Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Kent, and the rest of the Royal Family." I am aware that it may be deemed invidious to select from the number of royal personages included in this toast, certain members for particular remark ; pad yet at the hazard of incurring censure, I cannot refrain from saying some few words respecting that illustrious Princess whose name I have mentioned in the toast. We are indebted to her for the Queen, who in temporal matters, now rules over the destinies of this great empire. If we have reason to be grateful that we have in these times of fierce excitement and contentions of party, a mild, yet firm, enlightened and liberal monarch, how much of that gratitude is due to the Lady to whom I have the honour to allude. It is to the judicions and careful superintendence of the education of her daughter, to a wise management of the training of her child, that we have reason to be thankful in the possession of an accomplished, liberal, and benevolent Queen to sway the sceptre of these realms. I may mention en passant, that one of the most chaste, enlightened, and philanthropic of the royal circle, was the consort of Her Royal Highness, the late revered Duke of Kent, who, during his lifetime, was the warm friend of our honored guest-Robert Owen, Esq., and was Chairman of the Committee for putting into practical operation his new views of society. There can be no doubt that to his beloved wife the Duke imparted some of his own fine benevolent spirit, and since Providence called him hence ere the character of his daughter hal been matured, he left in the hands of his excellent and illustrious relict, the secret of how to form a Queen for the blessing and prosperity of a free people. I should like to say a few words in honour of that eminent patron, of every thing that can tend to exalt his species, the Duke of Sussex; but I deny myself that pleasure, to pass on to the other business of the evening. We will drink with three times three, and one cheer more, "the healths of the Duchess of Kent, and the rest of the Royal Family." (continued cheers,) Glee: "Hail smiling morn.”

The Chairman had next to propose

Prosperity to the III of Science." (Loud applause.) He would not leave his excellent friend Mr. Goddard, the usual plea adopted by some gentlemen under similar dreamstances of having nothing to say, in consequence of the former speaker having run away with all the arguments; but without further comment, call upon the company to pledge the toast, and request Mr. Goddard to respond to the sentiment.

"Free discussion upon every subject interesting to human happiness."

Mr. JOHN FINCH, of Liverpool, rose to answer the toast, and was received with loud cheers. He said, Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, if there be one principle to which I am attached more than another, it is the principle of free discussion. To freedom of discussion I am indebted for many improvements in my own character, and hence it is that I long to see the time arrive when there shall be no barriers in the way of free discussion. Freedom in the discussion of every subject connected with human happiness is the only means by which man can be made really useful and happy; and the proceedings of this day, and the results that must necessarily follow the laying of the foundation stone of the Hall of Science in Manchester, will convince the world that we not only wish to preach free discussion, but also carry it into practice. (Hear, hear.) I am sure your appetites are all gratified with the good dinner which has this day been discussed with such perfect freedom, and your ears must also have been gratified with the pleasing sounds of our friends who have been addressing you on the occasion. Not only then have the senses of the body been much gratified, but above all have the intellectual and moral appetites of my friends been richly provided for. If we seek for human happiness where it is not to be found, how can we expect to arrive at it; but if we seek for happiness in a right and proper way we are sure to obtain it: but whether we seek happiness in the pursuit of the improvement of the human race, or in the cultivation of their moral feelings, the result is on all occasions the same. We feel that we have been doing good for the benefit of mankind, and the reflections of such exertions ever creates a feeling of happiness within our own bosoms, which the advancement of our own pecuniary affairs of life can never convey; but, unfortunately for the world, we have, as a whole, been looking for happiness where it is not to be found, namely, in the agrandisement of our own selfish wish for personal gain. (Hear, hear.) Happy then, must be the men who have at all times, promoted free and happy must our friends feel who have been the means of comdiscussion on every subject of importance to the whole human race, mencing the erection of an elegant building, such as the one we have this day commenced, in which every subject connected with human happiness can be freely and fairly discussed without any feeling of anger, to those who may think differently on any subject. I do not my friends know, if on this occasion, I am allowed to speak freely and without reserve, in the same spirit of freedom, which we at all times extend to others--if I were so allowed, I could point out many ob stacles in the way of free discussion and rational improvement, two of which are in my opinion, the greatest impediments to moral culture and human happiness. The first is the bible, and the second the priesthood of this country. These my friends are the greatest barriers to free discussion, and human happiness, and of all others the greatest curse of the human race; and before we can ever effect real freedom of discussion we must first free ourselves from this cause of our ignorance. (Cheers.) It is, my friends, by free discussion alone that we can ever arrive at truth to the human race is the great object which we are seeking; it is the very life and being of all our desires; it is the great object which we have this day met to promote, and I hope that as the noble work has been so ably commenced, you will go on progressing till it is finally attained. (Cheers.) The Chairman here rose to bespeak right of free discussion for the glee singers, when they sung-Glee: "Mister Speaker," which was done ample justice to, and received with roars of laughter.

Mr. G. S. GODDARD, on rising, was received with cheers. He said-Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen-Having on no similar occasion ventured to address a public auditory, you will give me credit for the feeling, when I state that it is with considerable embarrassment I rise to respond to the sentiment you have expressed. I really wish, Sir, that you had allowed me to be only a gleaner in the field, rather than have left to one so incompetent as myself, the duty of gathering in the whole harvest. I have no doubt it was kindly meant by you, but the bour though pleasing, is more than I can perform. Happily, the sentiment appeals to your support without words from me to commend it to your enthusiastic reception. I shall therefore, occupyyour attention but a very short time, and merely lay before you, as one of the Trus---and that the priesthood at all times endeavour to suppress. Happiness tees of the Hall of Science, a few of the reasons why we hope for prosperity in our present undertaking.

We hope for prosperity first, because we have no party or exclusive principles. (cheers.) We have dedicated our Hall to Free Enquiry, believing that, it is from the clash of adverse opinions that the spark of truth is elicited. In this respect, it is different from all existing Institutions of a similar nature, which are either chained to some particular set of opinions, or fearful of the consequences of promulging unsophistica ted truth, exclude from discussion some of the most important subject of enquiry, bearing upon human progress and welfare.

We hope for prosperity, secondly:-because we are disposed to throw open our doors, and extend the hand of friendship and good will to all parties. (Cheers.) We acknowledge no persons or party to be the depositaries of truth, and although we have agreed to let the Building to the Socialists for their use on stated occasions, yet at all other times, the opponents of Socialism, or the advocates of any other systems or opinions may have free access, on equal terms. (Hear.) Upon these grounds we confidently hope for success, and with these few remarks I shall conclude with the observation of Bishop Watson, which I respectfully address to such, if there be any present, who apprehend danger from the ordeal of investigation and discussion, to any thing that is truthful or valuable in science, politics, or religion;

The Chairman said, I have a toast to propose to you, which, I am sure, you will all pledge most heartily; and I shall also have the pleasure of introducing to your attention a gentleman, to whom you will all be most happy to listen. I have now to give

"The pursuit of knowledge, the most ennobling employment of man."

said-Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,-It has been stated by one of Mr. JONES, in rising, was greeted with continued applause. He the greatest of those whose names adorn the history of our country, that "KNOWLEDGE IS POWER." It is a statement to which I am certain not one of those by whom I am surrounded will demur; and which, if it had been recognized and acted upon by mankind at large, would, long 'ere this, have placed the world in a different position from that in which we find it. What is the state of this country at the present moment? It reels like a drunkard from one end to the other, with the feverish excitement of mad polities and party stille.

deficiencies of which I have before spoken-a building where all parties shall be tolerated, where men will be allowed to oppose theory to theory-opinion to opinion-and argument to argument, until truth triumphing over every obstacle that may be cast in her way, shall settle upon the earth, and gather to her bosom the whole of the great family of man. (Reiterated cheers.)

Glee, "Life's a bumper"

The Chairman on rising next said, I have to request, gentlemen, you will fill your glasses to the brim, and pledge, with heartfelt enthu Siasm, the revered and honoured subject of the next toast which I have to propose. Sirs, I call upon you to join with me in the expres sion of grateful regard to one of the most distinguished Philanthropists

Gen

The nation is looking to the Parliament for a redress of its grievances, and the Parliament declares that it cannot make any enactment that will permanently better the condition of the people. What is the reason of this? They want power. And what is the reason the people do not take their affairs into their own hands? They also want power. What then must be done? Why the people must get real KNOWLEDGE and then they will have a power for the bettering of their social condition, which has never yet been obtained by any party, either in or out of the Houses of Parliament. Where, I may be asked, are the people to get this knowledge? I answer, in such Halls as that of which you have this day been laying the Foundation Stone. I know they cannot obtain it in Sunday Schools or Mechanics' Institutions, as at present conducted, because from both these places the Managers exclude the kind of knowledge which the neces-that ever adorned humanity. I would not be guilty of adulation to sities of the people render the most desirable. What the poor man wants is a knowledge of himself and a knowledge of his social relationships, and the best mode of regulating both for the promotion of his happiness as a human being. In Mechanics' Institutions, this knowledge is not supplied. They teach you how to weigh and measure the air, and how to divide it into its simple elements; they give you a knowledge of the different stratas of the earth, and tell you of what kind of stones its skeleton is formed, which is all very good in its way, but cannot be defended while they neglect the sciences of Human Nature and Human Society, a knowledge of which, above all things, is requisite to human happiness. It may be said in truth the people have been "asking for bread and they have given them a stone." (Hear, hear.) This sentiment states "that the pursuit of knowledge is the most ennobling employment of man." Many may dispute this, and some have sought ennoblement in a different manner. Some have sought it in the laurels of military glory, gathered in fields of blood and carnage; others in the accumulation of gold, for the selfish, heartless, and pitiless ambition of dying rich; whilst others have passed through a life of intrigue, self-debasement, and anxiety, to earn the tinsel playthings of an ill-trained child-the bauble honours of a ribband or a star! However these pursuits might have given a feverish pleasure to the vain minds of their mad or foolish victims, they have certainly not left behind them the footmarks of usefulness to their fellow-creatures. (Hear.) NAPOLEON swept over the earth like a torrent; terror and dismay walked before him as he passed, and desolation made her dwelling where he rested; like the simoom-blast his progress was marked by devastation and death-he dazzled, he astonished, but he is gone; the splendour that dwelt about his name has melted into darkness, and his praises must be heard in the groans of his victims, and his history read in the ruins his ambition created to perpetuate his name. (Cheers.) ROTHSCHILD accumulated money while he lived he died—and it remained behind him; but as far as human improvement was concerned, he might as well have never existed. (Henr.) TALLEYRAND DE PERIGORD, Priest, Noble, the pis-aller, the go-between of kings, the wily courtier, aristocrat and democrat by turns, as the crown or bonnet-rouge was in the ascendant, he too had his ambition; but not the ambition of exalting and enuobling his fellowman by knowledge; he sought not his glory in the happinens of his race, but in the intrigues of factions and the strife of cabinets or nations; and his rewards were stars and garters, and titles and wealth. But his name, too, went down to the dust, and groaning humanity felt no alleviation from his labours or his power, during the long years he sojourned on the earth. He ranks not amongst the benefactors of his kind-he has passed away, and none deplore his exit. He has left a name; but where are his deeds of usefulness? What shall be his epitaph? (Cheers.) How shall we, turning away from Heroes, Millionaires, and Diplomatists-how shall we speak of those Nobles of Nature, whose time was spent in the quest and diffusion of knowledge? They may have been unknown, may have been despised, may have been persecuted, but the light that was within them cannot be destroyed; it cast its rays around them in the world whilst they lived; and when they died, it streamed forward into future time, and is now assisting in lighting up the world's regeneration. Our Galileos, our Bacons, our Mores, our Newtons, and our Lockes, are not like the Alexanders, the Caesars, the Marlboroughs, and the Bonuapartes. The latter may have had " wider troughs and more splendid yes," but the former had "a glory round their furrowed brows," which still exists, and the odour of their names will last as long as the records of the world; their memory is embalured and preserved within our hearts.

The difference between the ennoblement of fame, and that of knowledge, is, that the one is evanescent; but the other, by the assistance of the Press, is onnipresent and eternal. You can put the mind of a Locke in your pocket, or on your breakfast table; you can commune with it at your leisure, and you cannot do so without becoming a wiser and a better man. (Hear, hear.)

If these sentiments be true, you, gentlemen, have been this day ennobling yourselves by laying the stone of a building to supply the

any human being breathing; and yet, I cannot speak in fitting terms
of the venerable gentleman who now sits on my right, without using
such language as may appear to border on that fauit. I rejoice, Sirs,
that I have the high honour of presiding at a festal board, where that
gentleman is so distinguished a guest; I rejoice, that it has been my
lot to be a humble contemporary of that great and good man.
tlemen, we have had the honour, this day, of having the foundation
stone of our Institution laid by a gentleman, whose years (and they
have been, happily for mankind, not few,) have been spent in an un-
paralelled series of the most laborious, persevering, and disinterested
exertions, to exalt the moral character and physical condition-not of
a section of society, but of the whole human race. In this god-like
career of practical benevolence he has spent a princely fortune; his
sacrificed case and leisure; honours such as lesser minds prize beyond
wealth; and all the luxuries which his wealth would have procured.
He has travelled on his mission of amity and peace into foreign lands,
and pleaded the cause of humanity before all kinds and orders of men :
now conferring with monarchs and the ambassadors of powerful poten-
tates; anon, calling on the stalwart artisan to awaken to a perception
of his natural rights, and, by practical and peaceful endeavours, to raise
his position to its proper level in society. Gentlemen, his has not
been the mission to divide man against man, but to knit in friendly
union all classes and parties. He has not sought the spoliation of one
section of society, to enrich another section of society. He has sought to
be a leveller, it is true; but not a leveller downward, but a leveller upward.
He has not sought to pull down the rich, but to exalt the poor; he has
striven to improve the manners and morals of the poor, to impart
habits of neatness in their persons and household, blandness and courtesy
into their intercourse with each and all. He has taught true charity
and forbearance towards the opinions and actions of all opposing sects
and divisions. He has practically enforced the great law, "Love ye
one another," and sedulously sought to unite in an indissoluble band
of general amity and consent the whole family of man. Our honored
guest has been the friend and associate of the greatest portion of his
illustrious contemporaries-I mean illustrious by their rank or talents.
Illustrious scions of the House of Brunswick have been proud to take
his hand--and the most eminent literary and scientific individuals of
his age been honoured in his intimacy. Recently, and I say it with
sorrow, to b. hold how far the madness of party will turn the natural
milk of human kindness into gall, this venerable and benevolent man
has been assailed by the most revolting and brutal epithets-his inten-
tions have been misrepresented his language falsified-the tenor of
his life foully misreported. The reward of half a century spent in
unwearied efforts to bless and benefit mankind, by enlarging their
knowledge of their nature, and their capabilities and power to make
this earth as happy as the fabled Elysium; the reward of fortune,
labor, learning, so spent in the cause of his species, is to find himself
called by a mistaken portion of the public press, "a hoary-headed
Atheist," "
a Regicide," "6 a Leveller," "a Jacobite :" it has been
urged by men who profess to be followers of the lowly Jesus, who
would be offended beyond endurance were you to say that you be-
lieved from their language, they were no Christians; it has been
urged by these men, who have the divine commands ringing in their
ears, "Judge not that be not judged," "forgive thine enemies," "per-
secute not for conscience sake;" it had been urged by these men, upon
those poor creatures, whom society has permitted to remain in a low
state of moral degradation, to fall upon the amiable and gentle philan-
thropist, and commit upon his person, brutal outrage, with deadly in-
struments--with pitchforks and bludgeons; and these same men have
counselled a servile war between employer and employed, calling upon
Masters to turn their workmen out of bread, who should dare to listen
to the teachings of this philosopher, and have crowned all by enjoining
their readers to" HOUND his disciples out of society like wild beasts."
These insane ravings from these un-christian men, I know fall harmless
on the minds of good men of all parties, and by no person less heeded
than by our venerated guest. He, I know full well, believes they are
not to be blamed, and smiles at, if he does not pity, their senseless
enmity. I have to crave your indulgence for occupying so much of
your time, but I felt I could not say less. Gentlemen, I call upon you

to vige, upstanding and with three times three, The Health of the Philanthropist of New Lanark-Robert Owen, Esq.,-who has this day honoured us by laying the Foundation Stone of the Hall of Selence

prised and delighted by the receipt of a letter from the noble Lord, which, however, had been kept back for a long period by the parties to whom it had been entrusted: from which letter it appeared that his lordship was actually engaged in carrying out his educational plans on his own estates, and with a degree of success far beyond what he could ever have hoped for. His great difficulty, however, was the finding of teachers sufficiently embued with a knowledge and feeling of the Social principles, and he applied to Mr. Owen for his help in this and other matters. I want, said he, "your co-operation, let us help each other." (Cheers.) His lordship was at present on the Continent, but he (Mr. O.) trusted shortly to open up a correspondence with him, by means of which, the co-operation he solicited could be afforded to the mutual benefit of all the parties engaged. Mr. Owen also mentioned several other gentlemen, who were of high rank and fortune, converts to the canse, and who were only prevented from joining them publicly by the prejudice of the world. Some of these gentlemen had kindly offered their assistance by handsome donations, whenever he (Mr. O.) was prepared with a party to go into community. (Cheers.) Having detained the company longer than he at first intended, he would only return his thanks, for the kindness he had experienced on all occasions in Manchester, and hoped that the next time he came amongst them, he would have the pleasure of addressing them in the building which they had that day begun. Mr. Owen sat down amidst loud applause.

a very scanty knowledge of the history of the different sciences, which
have now reached a great eminence in this and other civilized coun-
tries; and, moreover, being totally unaccustomed to public speaking in
any language, how can I be expected, I must again be permitted to
ask, to do justice to the grateful and noble sentiment now proposed?
or afford this intelligent company the least pleasure by my addressing
you? To respond, however, as well as I can, to the kind call which
has been made upon me, and relying entirely on your indulgence,
without presuming even so much as to mention the names of the many
truly illustrious individuals, who have in all ages advanced the cause
of science, I shall venture to say a few words of two of the most prom-
inent among the ancient teachers of the moral science of man; who,
with many others, deserve our particular remembrance on this occasion,
as having, by their researches after truth, and their teaching the truths
by them discovered, been great benefactors of mankind, and have
fallen victims to their zeal for our happiness. I mean Socrates among
the Greeks, and Jesus Christ among the Jews. Both these men spent
their lives in studying and teaching the human science to their
fellow-men; both fell victims to their zeal for human improvement;
both were honoured by the appellation of divine by their followers.
Nether Socrates nor Jesus have left any writings behind them; the
premature and barbarous deaths to
which they were subjected
by their enemies, have perhaps prevented them. But their
doctrines, though imperfect, and, I presume, very inaccurately
transmitted to us by their disciples, have stood the test of ages, and
are, and will ever be, esteemed among the truest and most conducive
to human happiness. Would that men had rightly understood and
followed such leaders in the human science; centuries of crime and

misery would have been spared, and intelligence, virtue, and happi-
ness would now prevail throughout the world!

knowledge of our own, and our descendants happiness. (Loud cheers
followed this address, which continued for some time.)
Glee," Willie brewed a peck o' maut."

The Chairman then gave the next toast, "Utility the only test of morals."

man.

said, Sir, and Gentlemen. in responding to this toast, I must claim Mr. ABEL HEYWOOD, in acknowledging the call of the Chairman, your special indulgence for any deficiences, as I was not aware until I entered the room that this task would have been allotted to me. The sentiment is that "Utility is the only genuine test of morals"--a sentiment from which surely no reasonable man can dissent. True wo sometimes hear it scoffed at, and styled the cold, the calculating, the these scoffers, instead of being ignorant egotists, were sound philosoinfidel basis of the greatest happiness principle;" but supposing that phers, would they not perceive very clearly, and reason very logically, that if Utility be a cold and calculating principle-Inutility must be Mr. Chairman, I can see only one alternative: if Usefulness be not a warm and generous, and valuable rule of conduct. I must confess, the test of morals, then it plainly follows that Morals ought to be valued in proportion to their Uselessness. Utility, in its most comprehensive sense, means the greatest happiness of the greatest number, the only basis of morals and legislation, it will produce happiness of for the longest period of time; and when it shall be acknowledged as the most enduring kind, to every individual in the whole family of It aims at realising that spirit inculcated by Jesus Christ, "Do unto others as ye would they should do unto you.” But I feel fundamental principle to guide us in our enquiries in moral science. more pleasure in responding to this sentiment, because it recognises a When the principle is once recognised, we have only to observe carePut however excellent the doctrines of Socrates and Jesus might be, fully the facts which come before us, and from which we can make in many respects, they could only be the precursors of that all our inferences with a certainty never before attained. We have important and first of sciences, which it has been our lot to see applied the inductive method of reasoning to physics, and have established and promulgated in this country, and which we have dazzled mankind with the splendid discoveries which have accrued. every reason to believe will soon spread and triumph all over the There are many now living who can recollect the time when chemearth. The science of circumstances and of the formation of the istry had not an existence as a science, and yet in consequence of hun an character, was to them but partially known; and while that the inductive method of reasoning, in less than sixty years we have great science was hidden--while the art of printing was unknown made more progress than had been made before, for thousands of while an unnatural system of competition was every where established, years. Now, while physics and chemistry have been advancing so and an unequal distribution of labour and wealth every where pre- rapidly, how has it been with morals, which all will admit to be at vai ing, it was impossible for the rich and the powerful to have least equally important with chemistry or physics. Why it is considered the saving doctrines of those great men in any other light notorious that the ban of public opinion has crushed free inquiry into than that of tending to the destruction of the apparent happiness moral science, and the natural result is that, despite of the efforts of a which they themselves enjoyed. So they (the rich) very naturally host of clever and acute metaphysicians, such has been the influence of opposed and stigmatised them, and by all manner of means prevented the Priest and the Lawyer, that, to use the words of Dugald Stewart, the multitudes from knowing and practising them, thereby perpetuating Europe, the centre and focus of all the lights of the world, has yet its ignorance, fraud, and slavery, where universal intelligence and happi-philosophy only in expectation." I rejoice, therefore, that the Hall of ness should have prevailed. Had it not been so, would this world Science will be devoted, amongst other excellent purposes, to free dishave remained for so many thousand years in a state of comparative cussion on moral science; and I trust, that the time will soon arrive, barbarism; notwithstanding the many master minds which it has when we shall no longer realize the melancholy absurdity, of having produced in all ages, and in almost every part of the globe? Had produced, by our mechanical and chemical skill, weaith in redundancy, the science of circumstances in the formation of the human character which, instead of being a blessing to all, is turned into the bitter been known at an early period of the world, would all the other waters of Marah, for want of the knowledge how to distribute it in sciences have made so slow a pregress as they have made, some of accordance with the wants of our nature, and to the equal advantage which, such, for instance, as astronomy and chemistry, notwithstanding of all engaged in its production. (Cheers.) the gigantic steps these two sciences have made of late years, may be said to be still in their infancy? Who can tell where we would now have been in point of scientific knowledge of every kind, had our ancestors had an OWEN among them, and had his great doctrines been accepted and acted upon from the times of Socrates, or even Jesus? It is beyond cur powers of conception. Had Jesus clearly and distinctly taught the true science of human nature, he would have most deservedly been called the Suriour of his race for long, long since would the whole of mankind have been truly regenerated. though neither Jesus, nor any of the great philosophers and philanthropists that have preceded and followed him, have taught that truly divine science; though it is unfortunately true that neither the humane doctrines of many great men and good, in all ages, nor their noble actions, and the sacrifice of their lives, have prevented despotism and ignorance from swaying over the destinies of the human race, it is nevertheless to them that we are now indebted for all the accumulated knowledge they have transmitted to us, and by which only the great discovery of the true moral science of man has been made in our times, by which all other sciences will in future progress naturally and without impediment. Mankind will at length find in this our part of the universe that long promised, but never found, land, flowing with milk and honey. (Cheers.)

But

Glee," Mynheer Van Dunk."

toast:-
The Chairman, in an appropriate address introduced the next

the State without destruction of Sect, Class or party."
May equal means of education be provided for every individual of

Mr. JOHN BUXTON being called upon to respond, said:-I am fully impressed, Sir, with the vast and paramount importance of this subject. I am also conscious of my own inability to do justice to it, and particularly when I see so many individuals present better able to do so than myself. However, I apprehend it was more in regard to my zeal for the cause, than for any other reason, that I have been solicited to respond; and on this account, expecting your indulgence, I am emboldened to accede, sir, to your call.