Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-07-02

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 objects of the Lyceum. By the perusal of these works which come out periodically, taste for sci entic pursuits IS promoted, and general information is dilfused. Libraries on interesting and practical subjects also often collected by Lyceums, and are made to contribute greatly to the diffusion of knowledge. Indeed, aliment of this kind is as ne- cessary to the growth and healthful action of the mind, as food is to that of the body. The only pro- per and successful mode of prosecuting scientific stu dies, IS by experiments Facts must be ascertaned; principles must be exhibted; theories tested. h. deed, there should be theory except what IS built on actual observation and experiment. To see phe- nomenon with our own eyes, and to perform an ope- ration with our own hands, makes an lncomparaby greater and more permanent impression, than any bare statement of the fact Here again peculiar ia ctes afforded in the construction of cheap apparatus at twentieth part of the usual expense, and fitted to illustrate the great principles in Chemis- try and Natural Philosophy. The funds for the pur- chase Of necessary apparatus and books, are com monly obtained by voluntary subscription. And of all the pleasures which can be purchased with mo- ney, are there any cheaper or more rational than those furnished by the Lyceuml There is no labor ing man in the community, too poor to meet the expenses and enjoy all the advantages of the Ly- ceuin. This IS to me most interesting feature Tn this institution. All the previous qualifications re- quired for useful and honorable membership, are character and desire for knowledge. The institu- ton IS altogether republican in it's character, and democratic in its tendencies. Here all the monopo- lies purchased by wealth. and all the distinctions ac- qulred by power and rank, disappear and are forgot ten. Here Is the true doctrine of equality not the G. quality of Danton, Robespierre, and Murat, which consisted in depressing the eminent but that equality which consists in eevating the whole of the community. It is leveling upwards, and not down. wards. This is the equality which the great Foun- der of our religion, while here on earth, constantly laborcd to promote; and this is the equality which ought to be the constant aim of every true patrlot
 It is this equality whichhe illustrious Brougham, of England, has labored with much success to ad- vance, by the publication of cheap scientific tracts and the wider diffusion of popular education. It is this e. quality which is the hope of the American republic. Are you poor man, moving in the humber walks of life :? Acquire the information which this equali- ty proposes, and you are prepared to judge of men and measures to exercise with skill your right of suffrage to rule your rulers, and in word, to make yourself respected, and your influence felt even in the councils of the nation. Are you tceatthy, and anxious for the safety of your possessions9 Enight- en the people with whom all physical and political power resides. Let them be well informed, and their minds well disciplined and you need fear no disturbance of the public tranquility, laws ruin ous to property no disgraceiul riots and ourages, no imparing the faith ofconracts destruction of public credit Are you father? It is your duty to see that your children qualified, by all the ad- vanages of information which you possibly give them, to act well their part the great drama of I by enlghtening the people, that you can hope that our liberties will be preserved and that republic will not, like the republics which have gone before us, fall prey to anarchy or despotism Go forward, then ye fathers and ye friends oyour country in the great work of informing and enlightenng the mind. Let every man begin with his own mind, and if he be parent, with the minds of his children, and the work will be accomplished. All public information consists in the information of individuals; andallpub lie virtue consists in the virtue of Individuals Should this Lyceum prove beneficial to it's members, it is hoped that similar institutions, for the benefit of the people, will be formed in every county and in every village in the State These local societies may per haps form State Lyceum, for the more etfectua accomplishment of their obects and the State Lyce um may be represented in the National Lyceum re gently formed in New-York. In this way, our re public of letters may become, in some good degree co extensive with our political republic; and con cernng the future gores of both, the fondes hopes may be cherished, the brightest visions ndulged.
 My hearers. let me adjure you, one and all, as you value American character, and hope for the lasting prosperity of our Republic, to lose no oppor unity to diffuse useful knowledge and to inculcate moral and religious principles. For one, must and will enjoy the cheering belief though 1t be but in fancy, that liberties will be perpetuaed through all coming time; and that the nations of the earth who struggling for freedom, may ever safely follow the light of our example. It is my most ear nest prayer to Almighty God, that nothing may oc cur during our short life, to disturb these pleasing visions of the stability of our Union, and of the per petuty of our Republic