exclusive privilege, any singular advantage, which enabled their inhabitants thus to outstrip the other seaports of the United States? I might multiply these illustrations without end; but enough has been said to show you the grounds of my belief, that if the requisite qualities are cultivated and maintained, we may attain a degree of commercial greatness and prosperity, to which, in the present depressed state of our trade, it would appear like madness to aspire. Let me not be misunderstood. I am neither seeing visions nor dreaming dreams, but reasoning upon facts sanctioned by the experience of ages. I wish to build up agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, upon the surest of all foundations the mental and moral cultivation of the people. If knowledge is power, let us get knowledge. If our position presents difficulties, let us study to overcome them; and if we can only surpass others, by a higher measure of patriotism, sagacity and endurance than they possess, let us never cease to hope and labor until that standard is attained. A German economist, in treating of the elements of national wealth, beautifully characterizes that general intelligence to which I refer, as the "capital of mind," — that capital without which a country, richly blessed by nature, may be poor indeed; but which is capable of raising up even a little Province like this, until its population is swelled to millions, until its canvass whitens every sea, and even its rocky hills are covered with fruitfulness, and its wildest glens are made to blossom as the rose. But, setting aside all views of political advantage, all hopes of individual or national opulence, is it not worth our while to get knowledge for its own sake? to love and cultivate literature, science, and the arts, for the delight they afford and the honor and distinction they confer? Scotland's reputation for general intelligence is worth something to her, independent of the more solid advantages it yields; and Massachusetts has earned by her early discipline and general cultivation, a name useful and honorable at home and abroad. The high character for probity and intelligence which British merchants have established throughout the world, secures confidence and respect, to say nothing of positive profit. Edinburgh's title of "modern Athens," is worth the exertions it cost; and the solid reputation for skill and intelligence which the mechanics of Glasgow have earned, would be honorable, even if it were not the foundation of great productive power. Are these shadows, vague and unsubstantial? or are they prizes, worthy of the combined exertions of rational beings stimulants, that we should duly appreciate, and endeavor extensively to apply? But, it may be said, how can we earn distinction in literature, science, and art, when we are far removed from those great marts where excellence in these things meets the highest rewards; and where the materials out of which they are created are almost exclusively treasured? I admit that there is much reason in the objection; and that in these, as in those things to which I have already referred, we labor under difficulties and have many obstacles to surmount. But I do not think that in all cases these are insuperable, or that they may not be overcome by the resources of genius, aided by patriotic self-devotion and an ardent pursuit of knowledge. Though there are many walks of literature, where others have earned distinction, from which we are shut out by our position and comparatively infant state; there are others, in which much may be done, even by the ambitious youth of Nova Scotia, by a right application of their powers and a judicious employment of their time. The sonnets of Petrarch, the sublime poems of Milton, the sacred melodies of Byron and Moore, and many of the finest dramas of England and France, might, by the same combination of genius and self-devotion, have been produced in this or in any other country. The history, poetry, and general literature of the world are now open to us, as they were to them; and, except where peculiar associations and minute local knowledge are required, the daring and imaginative spirits of Nova Scotia may learn to imitate, and possibly rival, the great masters by whom they are taught. A Nova Scotian could not have written Pelham, or Waverley; because the one describes a state of society of which he can form but vague ideas, and the other exhibits an acquaintance with the traditions, customs, and topography of a distant country, that he could scarcely acquire. But what should hinder him from producing any of the countless and beautiful tales with which English literature is rife, and that owe their celebrity to the faithful portraiture of the human heart; the illustration of those virtues, passions, and imperfections, which have distinguished man in every country and in every age? If it be said that wealth and leisure are essential to the acquisition of scholarship, and the production of works like these; may I not ask if many of the finest scholars of Europe have not been miserably poor? and if many of the noblest productions of her literature have not been created by men laboring under disadvantages from which the majority of our countrymen are comparatively free? We cannot have access to the splendid libraries of the old world; but, by combination and perseverance, we may provide ourselves with such as shall be extensive and respectable, and bring within the reach of all classes of the people, more books than were ever read by thousands of those who have distinguished themselves by the productions of the mind. As regards the sciences, though we may lack many of the facilities for study and experiment that abound in older countries, still, the materials of all science surround us on every side, and hold out rich rewards to those who shall use them with skill and perseverance. In chemistry, geology, pneumatics, electro-magnetism, optics, natural history, astronomy, and medicine, how many brilliant discoveries are to be made? and how splendid a reputation may not the assiduous pursuit of either or all of those sciences, even in this little Colony, confer? Though the study of art is so essentially imitative, that without access to those monuments which the great masters have left behind them it may be almost impossible to produce any thing of real value; still, I treasure the belief, that if our wealthy youth would devote half the time to painting, sculpture, and music, which they sometimes give up to debauchery and frivolous amusements; and if, instead of wasting months in the enjoyment of the sensual pleasures of the European cities, they would give them to the study of the immortal productions they contain, that many years would not elapse before even in art some respectable progress might be made; and a knowledge of its wonders, and a right appreciation of its beauties, be more extensively diffused. -- I might dwell much longer on these topics, but the limits of your patience and my paper warn me to desist. In conclusion, I would again remind you that both honor and interest distinctly mark the paths which we should tread. We are few in numbers; our country is but a narrow tract, surrounded by populous States; and we have no prospect of distinction - I had almost said of future safety—but from high mental and moral cultivation, infusing into every branch of industry such a degree of intellectual vigor as shall insure success, multiply population, and endow them with productive power. As we grow in knowledge, the contrast between Nova Scotia and her neighbors will be less striking; the evidences of their superiority less disheartening and distinct. But this is not all. As the standard of mental and moral character is elevated; as we become distinguished by an ardent pursuit of truth, by the noble flights of genius, the graceful creations of fancy — those things which are independent of mere politics and economy - Nova Scotia may acquire a reputation, which, in peace, will be a universal passport for her sons, and in times of peril must secure for her sympathy and support. This institute has already done much to accelerate the march of improvement. Its resources were never greater than at the present moment; its prospects more brilliant; the hopes of its friends better sustained. I know that you who have the power will continue to labor for the improvement of the young; and, I feel assured, that those of us who may outlive the vigor of youth, will find the boys reared in this institute the props and instructors of our declining years. They will mount the platform to pay us back with interest whatever we may have bestowed. They will make our grey hairs honorable by their improvements in manners and in mind; they will shower upon our fading intellects the discoveries of modern science, and delight us with the higher philosophy of a riper and more cultivated age. And should they, in turning back to the past history of the institute, recall any of the views which I have endeavored this evening to develop though they may smile at the imperfect language in which they were conveyed — I think their experience will prove them to have been correct; and justify the only apology, which, in the language of the Roman orator, I make for their expression: "Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak; for him have I offended." AN ADDRESS ON THE MORAL INFLUENCE OF WOMEN, DELIVERED BEFORE THE HALIFAX MECHANICS' INSTITUTE, SEPTEMBER, 1836. I trust that my fair countrywomen will not suppose that the idea of preparing a paper, addressed especially to them, originated in a disparaging estimate of their understandings; or in any distrust of their inclination and ability to partake largely of the wholesome philosophic and literary fare furnished by those who cater for the weekly feasts provided at this Institute. I hope, also, that they will not suspect me of a design to waste this leisure hour in vain trifling, and mawkish compliment foreign to the avowed objects for which we meet, and insulting to the good taste of such an audience as is here assembled. My object in appearing before you this evening is very different. The design of this paper originated in a conviction of the immense moral influence which females as a class possess; in a high appreciation of this power, and a desire to give it a bearing, so far as circumstances permit, on the character and prosperity of our common country. Pardon me, if I venture to assert, that there are many females in Nova Scotia - nay, that there may possibly be some in this audience - who are not auly sensible of the extent of this influence, nor of the paramount obligation which it imposes. Nor is this surprising. The recognition of great principles, the growth of public spirit (the want of which in this community has often been lamented here), is generally slow in a new country. Men themselves are often but tardy scholars of what they should learn and practice without delay; and though each may not be indisposed to "do the State some service," their collective duties to society are often ignorantly or indifferently put aside; while their vague designs, and languid determinations, assume no palpable or profitable form. If this be true as respects the lords of creation, to whom the portals of colleges are open, whose self-examinations are prompted by the seclusion of Academic groves, whose minds are informed, and facul ties quickened, by those studies and that training which are essential to success in the professions, or in the active business of life, - how much more may" gentler woman" be excused for a less early appreciation of her moral power in the State, and of the high daties imposed by its possession. But in a new country, as I have often told you, much depends on early impressions and determinations; and the sooner that both sexes understand the natural boundaries of their influence and their obligations, and become feelingly alive to the reputation and advancement of the land in which they live, the sooner will it flourish; the more rapid will be the growth of that public spirit, or rather public virtue, the fruitful parent of high thoughts, amiable qualities, noble actions, and valuable institutions. Strongly impressed by this belief, I endeavored some year or two ago, to kindle the fire of honorable enterprise in the minds of my young friends of my own sex, by a few simple appeals and historic illustrations. The same motives which induced me to address them, urges me now, ladies, to address you; and to solicit your attention to some views, which, if not novel, are well meant; and in the exhibition of which, I have studied simplicity rather than effect — the ornament of common sense, rather than the pomp and grace of language. It is a common error· one extensively propagated by the overbearing and self-sufficient of our sex that woman's thoughts should be bounded by her household cares; that these alone should engross her time; and that all matters of literature, science, politics and morals, should be carefully eschewed-as any infringement on man's exclusive monopoly of these, would at once detract from the softer graces of the female character, and endanger the balance of domestic subordination. On the other hand, the more reckless and daring apostles of the Rights of Women, have contended for a measure of liberty so large, for a participation in mas |