The Sun.
London, England, 1841-01-29 00:00:00

by a farmer of the daily outgoings of his farm
and the profit returned from actual outlay. Nor 'could
he doubt that if a farmer were instructed as to the
most simple method of keeping such an account, and
was supplied with a bock containing the proper (oral,
the greatest advantages might be derived from his hay-
ing the opportunity of judging of such improvements as
the one lie (Sir R. Peel) had been referring to. But
(eaid Sir R. Peel) these are merely examples of the in-
formation which might be made easily accessible. Every
oewspeper teems with notices of publications, written
upon popular principles, detailing all the recent discove-
ries in science and their connexion with improvements
in arts and manufactures. Let me earnestly entreat
you not to neglect the opportunity which we are now
willing to afford you. It will not be our fault
if the ample page of knowledge, rich with the
spoils of time, is not unrolled to you. You
will not be able to say that " chill penury'' has frozen
" the genial current" of your aspirations for knowledge
and distinction. We tell you that here is access for you
to that information which may at the same time facili-
tate your advance in your wordly occupations and lay
the foundation for mental improvement.—(Applause.)
Do not be deceived by the suers that you hear against
knowledge, which are uttered by men who want to
depress you, and keep you depressed, to the level of
their own contented ignorance.—(Renewed plaudits.)
Do not believe that you have not time (that is what you
will hear) for rational recreation.—(Applause.) Now,
believe me, that it is the idle man who wants time for
everything.—(Laughter and applause.) The industrious
man, the man who is persevering in his pursuits, is the
man who knows the value of the economy of time, and
can find leisure for rational recreation, as well as for
his attention to his business.— (Continued applause.)
Do not believe that the acquisition of knowledge, of
such knowledge as we shall offer you, is inconsistent
with the success of your worldly pursuits. Depend
upon it, you cannot exercise and sharpen your intel-
lectual faculties in one branch of knowledge without
becoming better men of business in consequence.—
(Applause.) Depend also upon this, that there is a
spirit of inquiry afloat, and that there is a degree of
competition requiring the utmost mental activity and
exertion. Every steam-boat, every railroad—all the
facilities of intercourse—are operating as premiums
upon skill and intelligence.—(Applause.) They are
shortening the distance between the producer and the
consumer. It is not safe for you to remain behindhand,
for, depend upon it, if you are inferior in point of
skill, in point of intelligence, in point of general
knowledge, to the manufacturers and producers of
other districts, those increased facilities of intercourse to
which I have been referring will transfer the demand
from you to others ; and you will be labouring under a
fatal delusion if you place confidence in those sneers to
which I have alluded, and if you believe that increased
intelligence is incompatible with worldly success. On
the contrary, I believe that society is now in the posi-
tion that increased intelligence and increased knowledge
are absolutely essential to success in your worldly pur-
suits.—(Applause.) Again, do not believe that science
is not a field which is perfectly open to you, whatever
may be your occupations and conditions in life. I ask
you to consider the names of those men who, at the
present moment, or within your own memory, have
acquired for themselves immortal fame by their
eminence in the arts and sciences. I ask you to call
to mind the names of Mr. Rennie, the great engineer,
of Sir Hurnphry Davy, of Professor Faraday, of Sir
Francis Chantry, of Mr. Wheatstone, the inventor of
the electrical telegraphs, and of a hundred others I might
name—to consider their first position in life, the diffi-
culties which they had to struggle with, and to search
out in their early origin—not for the purpose of despis-
ing it, but of admiring the more the interval between
their origin and the eminence to which they subse.
quently attained.—(Applause.) I have mule inquiry
upon this subject,. and I cannot help reading to you one
or two of the answers I have received on the subject of
eminent men of the present day who have raised them-
selves by having had the early opportunity of acquiring
knowledge, and by the simple determination to over-
come every difficulty that poverty or a low condition
might oppose, and to raise themselves from it.—(Ap-
plause.) [The Right Hon. Baronet here road a letter,
dated the sth of January, stating that Mr. Grainger,
the great architect, who had rebuilt the town of New-
castle-upon-Tyne, within a few years, in a style intl.
aitely superior to Regent-street, and whom he (the
writer) met at the Duke of Northumberland's a short
time since, began his career as a poor mason's boy carry-
ing a hod of mortar. In the interval between 1834 and
1838 he converted Newcastle from a black and thick clus-
ter of brick to a condition exceeding anything lie (the
writer) had seen, except in the best parts of Edinburgh.
In a postscript to the letter it was also stated, that the
late Mr. Harvey, who died at an early age, a Professor
at Woolwich, published an excellent work on meteor-
ology ; lie worked for many years as a carpenter in the
dockyard at Plymouth, afterwards became a teacher of
mathematics, and was advanced to the professorship
above-mentioned. The Right Hon. Baronet observed
that he had in his possession a letter from the writer of
this treatise on meteorology to one of the most eminent
men of the present day. That letter was indeed to his
(Sir Robert Peel's) purpose, and he would not with-
hold from the meeting its contents. The author of
it was cold in the grave, but it was a voice from the
grave, and entitled on that account to the highest autho-
rity. Sir Robert Peel here read the letter, dated the
31st of March, 1834, of which the following is the
substance :—" In forwarding these papers for accept-
ance to men bred and educated at Oxford, he (Mr.
Harvey) confessed lie felt much diffidence and fear ;
and nothing but the great and unexampled personal
kindness he had experienced during the visits of the
British Association, and the kind indulgence shown
towards him, could have got the better of those
feelings. He would, therefore, be pleased to
regard the work as the production of one blessed
at that time with nothing like unbroken leisure,
and all whose early days were lost amidst vulgar
associates in a carpenter's workshop, and whose edu-
cation never reached beyond reading and writing. He
wrote this in the fullness of those feelings which beat
high, and which looked back with the most poignant re-
gret on the years that were spent in heartless labour,
and without a friend to open to him a path which
might have led to academical distinction, and by con-
sequence to some higher and brighter prospects in the
world." Why (said the Hon. Baronet), if we should
have some kindred spirit in this town that should be
drawn from those heartless Associates, and, instead of
spending his time among vulgar amusements, should have
the means of procuring access to those treatises which this
man wanted, and the absence of which he lamented, shall
we not be tenfold repaid by the reflection that we have
given such a man an opportunity of rescuing himself
from such associations, and of enabling him to walk in
early fife in a path that leads to virtuous fame.—( Ap-
plause.) But if you still want any additional proof
that the heights of science are not closed to the hum-
blest amongst you, look around, I say, at this neigh-
bourhood. If you go to Lichfield, you sec the statue
of Dr. Johnson. If you go to Handsworth, you see
the statue of Mr. Watt. Look in this very town,
and who is the man that is now engaged in exten-
sive works, for the purpose of bringing coal and
lime under your immediate command ? Mr. Stephen-
son, the engineer. Mr. Stephenson, lum assured,
worked for three years as a boy in the meanest capacity
in a colliery at Newcastle. He saved 1001. by mending
the watches of his fellow-workmen for half-a-crown
a-piece ; and he devoted that 100/. to provision for his
indigent parents, and set out with a light heart and
conscience for the purpose of accumulating more. The
result has been that he presents a daily example of en-
couragement to our eyes, and brought within our im-
mediate contemplation in this town. He presents an-
other example, where, from the lowest origin, merit
has been able to raise itself to high eminence and
great respect.—(Applause.) My appeal in my recent
observations has been addressed chiefly to you who
compose the working classes, or to men engaged in
the pursuits of active industry, to induce you to enrol
ourselves as members of this institution. I now
make an appeal to others in more prosperous circum-
stances, who probably have had an education which
enables them fully to appreciate the advantages of
knowledge, and who are enabled, if they will exer-
cise their power out of their affluent means, to spare
what may be sufficient to insure the perfect suc-
cess of this Institution. I hope they will not be
deterred from it by any belief' that they arc
risking injurious consequences, either to the moral
or religious character of the people, by giving them
the opportunity of acquiring such knowledge, and
such only, as that which we profess to give. For my-
self, I cannot believe that we shall beinterfering with
any legitimate object of human policy ; or that we shall
be counteracting any of the purposes of that Almighty
Being, who has entrusted us with faculties which dis-
tinguish us from the beasts that perish, and who will
demand from us a severe account of the manner in
which those faculties have been employed. I cannot
think that we shall dissatisfy men with their lot, by
proving to them that avenues of distinction are open to

which merit alone (whatever be the lot and condition
of men) can secure access and gain the prize. I cannot
help thinking that by bringing together, in an institution
of this kind, intelligent men of all classes and all condi-
tions in life, by uniting together, as we have united, in
the Committee of this Institution, the gentleman of an-
cient family and great landed possessions with the skilful
mechanic and artificer of good character—l cannot
help thinking that we are all establishing a bond ofsocial
connexion that will derive more than common strength
from the pure motives that influence us, and from the
cause in which we arc engaged.—(Applause.) I
cannot help believing that we arc harmonizing the grade.-
tions of society, and binding men together by a new bor.d,
which, as I said before, will have more than ordinary
strength on account of the object which unites u
(Loud applause.) Nay, I am sanguine enough 'to be-
lieve that this very institution will afford the opportunity
of honourable and appropriate reward to humble merit.
In a society limited like this, small in point of ni imbers,
it is very difficult to find any distinctions of an honour-
able nature ; but I must say, that I was forcibl y struck
on Saturday last by a distinction which was paid, aud

which I cannot help thinking must have a powerfal
effect in encouraging men to honourable conduct, and
n:so to intellectual improvement. The subscribers to this
institution on Saturday last were called upon to give their
votes in favour of those who t,linuld be placed upon the
Committee of M inagement. There was one individual
who united, without exception, every vote which was
given. There being 57 votes to give, those votes were
given (in a single case only) unanimously in favour Of
ono individual. I aid think it was a remarkable and
most honourable and encouraging compliment, on
chancing to cast my eye on the voting papers, to find that
every man (whatever was his condition) had delivered in
a paper which contained the name of " James Simmons"
—(Applause)—and I think you will agree with me, that
that man must bedew! to every impulse of honourable fame
who did not envy the feelings of James Simrnons,when, by
the unanimous voice of every one entitled to vote, he was
called upon to take his place on the Committee of
Management of this institution.—(Applaw:e.) I can-
not believe that there is any risk to religious impressions
and religious belief by opening the avenues to literary
acquirements. I agree with the Bishop of London in
the opinions which lie has delivered upon that subject
in the sermon which he preached on the opening of
King's College. He expressed sentiments, in language
worthy of the sentiments which it conveyed, and in
which I for one cordially concur. (Tim Right Hon.
Baronet here read an extract from the sermon alluded
to, in which the Bishop of London observed, that there
was nothing in the revealed will of God which limited
and restrained the inquiries and conclusions of man in
any branch of knowledge properly so called, or which
interfered with the freest exercise of hisiaculties ; but
that the very constitution of man, which led him to in-
definite inquiry, and which was adapted to it, afforded a
sufficient reason for believing that its Divine Author
intended it for that purpose. The principle of
curiosity was almost the first which manifested itself in
the human mind. The sagacity of the elephant, though
it might differ in different individuals of the same
species, and although by some it might be dif-
ferently exerted, was at all times a definite qua-
lity ; whereas the faculties of man were sharpened
and strengthened by exercise, the capacities
of his mind were enlarged, and past experience was
made the ground of future improvement. Under pro-
per limitations, they might join in the praises lavished
upon philosophy and science, and go forth with their vo-
taries in the various paths of research by which the
mind of man was enlightened and instructed. Such
studies removed the veil which to the ignorant or care-
less observer obscured the traces of God's glory in the
works of his hands.) That (said the Hon. Baronet)
I firmly believe. I never can think it possible that a
mind can be so constituted that, after being familiarized
with the great truth of observing in every object of con-
templation that nature presents the manifest proofs of
a Divine intelligence—if you range even from the or-
ganization of the meanest weed you trample upoe, or
of the insect that lives but for an hour, up to the mag-
nificent structure of the heavens, and the still more
wonderful phenomena of the soul, and reason, and
conscience of man—l cannot believe that any man ac-
customed to such contemplations can retire from theta
with any other feelings than those of enlarged con-
ceptions of the Divine power, and greater reverence
for the name of the Almighty Creator of the Universe.
We believe, on the contrary, that the man accustomed
to such contemplations will feel the moral dignity of his
own nature exalted ; and, struck with awe by the ma-
nifold proofs of infinite power and infinite wisdom,
will yield more ready and hearty assent—yes, the as-
sent of the heart, and also of the understanding—
to the pious exclamation, " Oh Lord, how glorious
arc thy works ; thy thoughts are very deep. An un-
wise man doth not consider, and a fool doth not under-
stand."—(Applause,.) It is the unwise man and the
fool that form unworthy conceptions of the Divine I
nature and the Divine power. Far different were the
tinpressions of those mighty spirits who have the most
considered this, and have made the greatest (however
imperfect) advances towards the understanding of it.
These are the thoughts with which Sir Isaac Newton
concludes his profound speculations into the material
causes which produce, and into the laws which regu-
late the motion of the heavens ; he says, " This beau-
tiful system of sun, planets, and comets, can have its
origin in no other way than by the purpose and com-
mand of an intelligent and powerful Being. He governs
all things, not as the Sovereign of this world, but as
the Lord of the Universe. He is not only God but
Lord or Governor. We know him only by his pro-
perties and attributes—by the wise and admirable
structure of things around us. We admire Him on ac-
count of his perfections—we venerate and worship
Him on account of His government." These are
the thoughts from which Sir Humphry Davy,: in
his last illness, derived, according to his own ex-
pression, pleasure and consolation, when every other
source of pleasure and consolation had failed him.
He is speaking of the moral and intellectual qualities of
the true scientific inquirer into natural philosophy. He
says—. His mind should always he awake to devotional
feeling ; and in contemplating the variety and beauty of
the external world, and developing its scientific won-
ders,, he will always refer to that Infinite Wisdom
through whose beneficence he is permitted to enjoy
knowledge. In becoming wiser he will become better ;
he will rise at: once in the scale of intellectual and moral
existence ; his increased sagacity will be subservient to
a more exalted faith ; and, in proportion as the veil
becomes thinner through which he sees the causes of
things, he will admire more the brightness of the Divine
light by which they are rendered perceptible." That
(said the Right Hon. Baronet) is my belief. My belief
and hope are that an increased sagacity will administer
to an exalted fame—that it will make men not merely
believe in the cold doctrines of natural religion, but that
it will so prepare and temper the spirit and understand.
ing, that they will be better qualified to comprehend
the great scheme of human redemption.—(Loud ap-
plause.) My firm belief is, that that superior sagacity
which is most conversant with the course and constitu-
tion of nature, which sees the wonderful preparations
that are made for the subsistence and enjejinent of the
meanest animal, will be the first to believe that that Al-
mighty Being who has made such preparations for mere
physical enjoy ments has not left in neglect and indiffer-
ence the im mortal soul of man. Knowing the difficul-
ties that attelad every object which we can see, obr.:erv-
hig the gradv:.al system of progression and change, and
that one course of existence is made preparatory for
another, I mu sanguine enough to believe that that su-
perior sagacity will be the first to turn a deaf ear to
objections anal presumptions against revealed religion,
will be the first to acknowledge the complete harmony
of the Christian dispensation with all that reason, as-
sisted by revelation, tells us of the course and consti-
tution of natuere. These are serious and solemn sub-
jects, but I he pc not unfitted for an occasion when wo
contemplate an institution of this nature.—(Applause.)
They contain. at least an exposition of my views and
hopes with respect to the progress of knowledge,
which alone efoild induce me to take a part in an esta-
blishment of this kind. I will now release you. I shall
shortly leave :you for the purpose of engaging in the
scenes of warfare on the great arena of political conten-
tion; but if f can believe that before my departure I
have laid the foundation stone of an edifice in which
men of all political opinions and of all religious feelings
may unite in Ele furtherance of knowledge without the
asperities of party feeling—if I can entertain the hope
that there will, be the means afforded of useful occupa-
tion and ration al recreation—that men will prefer the
pleasures of kid owledge above the indulgence of sensual
appetite—that there is a prospect of contributing to the
intellectual and moral improvement of this town and
neighbourhood,, then I can safely say that I shall he
repaid, with tie ifold interest, for any time I have spent
or any attentie,:,l I have given to the formation of this
institution. (The Right Hon. Baronet resumed his
seat amidst lou:s1 and general plaudits.)
Sir F. LAWLFY, Bart., then rose and said, that high
and elevated as: must have been their gratification in list-
ening to the :speech they had just heard, he was
quite sure they could not depart to their homes with
any degree of saaisfaction if they had not an opportu-
nity of expressing to Sir Robert Peel their heartfelt
ecknowledgmerets for that address—an address dis-
tinguished by :so much kindness, good feeling, and
friendship, but above all, by that deeply religious feel-
ing which he had instilled into all their hearts and
minds upon tns present interesting occasion.—(Ap-
plause.) He now proposed to that meeting that they
should all rise from their seats in token of thanks to
Sir Robert Pea..

The compavy simultaneously rose, and expressed
their approbati 5O amid loud and general applause.
Sir ROBERT PEEL said he was deeply grateful for
the very kind manner in which they had received his
humble exertic as. Every effort of his life should he
directed towards the improvement, in every sense, of
that town and •neighbourhood, with the welfare of
which his own interests were immediately connected,
and which, from every circumstance of neighbourhood,
residence, of early association, and intimacy of kind
friends, commanded his warmest and most affectionate
attachment.
The mooting then broke up.

A rude ignorant fellow called on the late James
Howe, Cue painter, who was well known for his spirited re-
presentations of the lower animals, and inquired whether
he war," The man that drew the picture of brute beasts ?"
" I am," replied Howe; '• Shall I take your likeness ?"
Laird of Logan.

" If I'm not at home from the club to-night, at
'ten o'clock," said a b usband to his better half, " don't wait
for me."—" That I won't," said the lady, significantly;
‘• I won't wait—lll come for you." He returned at ten
precisely.

No intelligence of the Levant mail of the 21st
bad been received in Paris on Tuesday. The dates from
Marseilles were on the morning of the 23d.
A man was one day wheeling a barrow across a
churchyard, not twenty miles from Manchester, when he
was threatened by a clergyman with condign punishment
for his daring outrage in polluting the consecrated ground
by his wheelbarrow. The man, scratching his head, said,
I did not know but the wheelbarrow was consecrated
too, for I borrowed it of the sexton."