final developement of that broad system of education, which was founded by the settlers of New England. It is the illus tration, the practical enforcement of that which we acknow ledge as the only conservative principle of our free institutions.

While, however, we find in a comparative estimate much to encourage exertion, we find also much that calls for it. We cannot go far, from even the most favored spot in this favored land, without finding enough of ignorance, of prejudice, and of false opinion, to justify all that has yet been said or done in favor of popular improvement. And though it is true, that we have not here a privileged class,--families, from whose claims to patrician origin, opposition naturally flows to everything that tends to lessen the interval between the high and the low,-yet even with us may be found those who regard with coldness or dislike, all attempts to enlighten the mass of the community. I stay not to inquire, whether these feelings proceed from unworthy motives, or from honest though mistaken views, or from a conviction of the total inadequacy of all efforts to effect the object. I propose, at present, to consider the question as, in effect, settled. The experi ment has been begun. The institution is in actual operation. On both sides of the water, a host, powerful in intelligence as well as in numbers, have engaged in the cause, with a zeal that promises much for its success. Do I hazard anything in presuming, that the great majority of my auditors, have al ready given it their sanction, and lent it effectual aid?

In considering the subject of Lyceums and Societies for the Diffusion of Knowledge, I will inquire,—what are their proper objects, and what methods of conducting them, are most likely to obviate objections, and ensure their usefulness?

Their design is evidently different from that of philosophic and academic associations, founded to promote and make known new discoveries in science. Neither is it to be identified with the aims of propagandists in politics or religion. The efforts of these institutions are intended to benefit that large

portion of every, community, who, from various causes, have hitherto done but little towards their own mental cultivation. It aims to awaken among them a spirit of inquiry; to excite a desire for knowledge, not only on account of its position and practical advantages, but for its own sake -the pleasure it gives, and the true dignity, which it confers. By lectures, discussions, and illustrations, it proposes to furnish an effective stimulus, and, having awakened desire, to supply the means of gratifying it, by the multiplication and distribution of books.

It is with diffidence that I enter on an inquiry into the best methods of effecting these highly important objects. The subject is as yet, in a great measure, unexplored. The institution has not been long enough in extensive operation, to furnish us, in any considerable degree, with that only safe guide in matters of practice, the light of experience. There has been, indeed, a general similarity in the modes of procedure, adopted by different associations;-but no fixed plan, or uniform system. This is, on the whole, a happy circumstance. From it must result a great diversity of expedients and methods, as varying circumstances and ingenuity shall prompt; and thus, far more effectually than if uniformity had prevailed in the outset, will eventually be furnished the materials of a complete system,―embracing, in its details, all the peculiarities, which may be required by the particular wants and condition of different communities.

The formation of associations, where none yet exist, very naturally claims our first attention. By those, who have not witnessed the process, this is generally supposed to be a difficult task. They cannot believe, that a people, long sunk in apathy, as to every object of education and self-improvement, can, at once, and, by means so simple, be roused to feel an active interest in them. Yet the testimony of a hundred cases, shows that it may be done. Let but one individual in a place know something respecting the object, and set himself heartily about it, and he will be sure to succeed. Let

him assemble a few of his neighbours, and, make known to them the plan of a Lyceum and its benefits. Let him encourage them to form themselves into a club, with a few simple rules for their regulation. Let general attention be directed to the subject, by a public address from some intelligent gentleman, such as every vicinity will furnish. Let them begin operations with a familiar lecture on some subject of science or art; or, in lack of that, with friendly discussions, reading,-and efforts to procure and circulate books. Their Lyceum is now organized; and theirs will be a case of singular exception, if they do not soon find that the excitement is spreading, and their society advancing in numbers and usefulness.

The details of constitution, bye-laws, and mere business concerns, must be adjusted by each society, according to its own convenience. In reference to these, however, there are two or three general principles, which appear to me of primary importance.

From the whole scope and design of societies for the diffusion of knowledge, it is certain that their terms of admission should be so fixed, as to render their privileges universally ac cessible. This will not be the case, where there is a high entrance fee, or heavy annual tax. Yet we are not to lose sight of that common principle of our nature, that men prize their acquisitions by the cost, more frequently than by the value. Let us avail ourselves of that strong and universal motive, the consciousness and love of property. If you would sustain an effectual interest, after the first excitement has gone by, let every man pay something; and let those, whom no higher impulse urges, be led to seek their share of intellectual, as some do of grosser aliment, by the desire of securing their money's-worth.

Another consideration, founded on observation of human nature and its tendencies, has been thought of great importance by some of the warmest and most judicious friends of this cause. I refer to placing the management of these insti

tutions chiefly in the hands of those, for whose immediate benefit they are designed. In most of the societies, which have been formed in England, it is established as a principle, that a majority of the committee of management, shall be of the class of mechanics, or working men. Such a measure, it is thought, has a tendency to promote their independence. Thus constituted, these institutions cannot easily be made instruments in the hands of the designing, for the advancement of selfish ends. But a more important result is the confidence, which it inspires, and the direct, personal interest, which it creates and sustains. In confirmation of what we should naturally expect, we have in favor of this plan, some testimony from experience. In Glasgow, a society for imparting know ledge to mechanics, has been in operation for thirty years, and may be considered the parent of all similar establishments. Here then is the longest and fullest trial that has yet been made. The institution set out without adopting the principle in question. The interest was kept up for a few years, and then subsided. It was at length revived, by giving the management to the mechanics, and has continued, ever since, unabated, and increasing. Mr Brougham, referring to the regulations of the London Mechanics' Institution, says-' Of these, by far the most important, and one, which, in common, I believe, with all my colleagues, I consider to be altogether essential, provides that the committee of management shall be chosen by the whole students, and consist of at least two thirds working men.'

It will be urged, perhaps, that the circumstances of England and America are widely different; that we have not those diversities of rank, or distinctions in society, which create the necessity for such measures. But the difference is of degree, rather than of kind. Are there not here, as everywhere, the distinctions of rich and poor, educated and uneducated, men of leisure and men of labor? Is it not plain to every observer, that there is in all parts of our land, a vast amount of prejudice and wrong feeling, springing solely from this cause,

be it real or fancied? If it be not so, what must we think of the growth and professions of that new political sect, which styles itself the party of working men?' One of the most valuable benefits to be hoped from societies for diffusing knowledge, is a removal of the misconceptions, on which such passions and parties are founded. Let them then be so constituted, that they shall not be stumbling-blocks in the way. Let the principles, on which they are started, and by which they are conducted, be such as to ensure the cooperation, and keep alive the interest of those, who most need their influence, and they will furnish the surest antidote to the evil just mentioned. By shedding light on the important subjects of political, social, and personal rights and duties, they will directly counteract the only radicalism, which we need to fear, the radicalism of ignorance and vice.

There is another provision, of sufficient moment, I conceive, to demand general attention;- I mean the insertion of an article in the constitution of every Lyceum, excluding from its lectures and discussions all topics of controversial divinity, and party politics. The effect of introducing such subjects into societies, whose usefulness, not to say existence, depends upon harmony of feeling and action, must be evident to every one. I know not that evil has yet resulted from this cause. But in a land abounding with zealots of every sect, and prolific of demagogues, is there not reason to fear? Will it not be easier to anticipate, and prevent the evil, than to wait for and to cure it? On these disputed and irritating themes, let us be content with what the newspapers and magazines will furnish; with what we shall be compelled to hear from the pulpit, in the hall, and at every place of public resort. Let there be one spot of neutral ground, where rival ccmbatants may meet in peace, and unite their efforts, in the cause of mutual improvement, and true philanthropy.

Instruction furnished through the medium of such societies as we are now contemplating, may be considered in reference to manner and kinds. Thus far, in this country, the