in the wide world, friendless and forlorn, but were provided for in this house, where there is bread enough and to spare. In short, others have been found in situations still more wretched and deplorable: the offspring of an illicit connection, ready to be sacrificed to that shame which natural feeling, as well as human opinion, have attached to every deviation from innocence; or breathing that noxious atmosphere which infects the haunts of profligacy and impurity, and which infallibly leads those who are contaminated with it, first, to the loss of virtue and honour, next, to idleness and intemperance, and last of all, to a shameful and untimely end.

Insitutions of this nature are not only more charitable in their origin, but also more varied and extensive in their objects. In common

with others they have it in view to provide food and raiment, a place of habitation, health and comfort, for those who are destitute of them. And so far they deserve an equal share of praise and encouragement. But the plan of this institution extends farther, and penetrates deeper into the constitution of human nature. not satisfied with the removal or suspension of present misery, but provides against its return,

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and lays the foundation of future comfort and happiness, by accustoming those whom it tects to habits of industry and application, and by teaching them some art or profession, in the prosecution of which they may acquire a decent and honourable subsistence. This institution, while it relieves outward indigence, likewise removes inward misery. It sees the immortal inhabitant of this earthly tabernacle stript and naked; mangled by vice, and bleeding at every pore; bound in fetters by ignorance, and struggling in vain for relief. Like the good Samaritan, it hastens to his assistance, breaks his chains, and removes his intellectual distress and misery. It pours the oil and wine of consolation into the wounded spirit. It causes the light of knowledge and instruction to shine into the dark and benighted mind. It feeds the hungry soul with that meat which endureth for ever. It gives to the thirsty the water springing up unto eternal life. It sows those seeds of virtue which will bring forth a rich harvest in future life, and will flourish when all human schemes and institutions shall have passed away.

Institutions of this kind are also more lasting in their effects. Other charities are confined

to the individuals who are the objects of them. This, which regards the young and rising generation, extends farther than the imagination can reach; it blesses ages and races of men which are yet unborn: in the revolutionary course of human affairs it may even prove the means of obtaining relief to the children and descendants of those who are its present supporters, and who wisely lay up, by practising pious and generous deeds, a good foundation against the time to come.

But the beneficial effects of such an institution are by no means to be considered as doubtful and remote. They are certain and immediate. By promoting the happiness of these orphans, you are in fact promoting your own interest. By saving them from want and temptation, you are depriving the scaffold of its victims; you are defending your lives from the dagger of the assassin; you are securing your house and property from the insidious attempts of the midnight robber. By a religious system of education, you improve the national character, and retard the progress of infi. delity and impiety, which are the certain forerunners of the downfal of that state in which they prevail. By enuring these your adopt

ed children to habits of activity, industry and virtue, you lay the surest foundation of national prosperity; which consists not in any local advantages of soil and climate, or in the abundance of gold and silver; but in the useful labour and active industry of the inhabitants. Natural advantages are useless when unimproved. Gold and silver may be consumed and dissipated. But active and industrious citizens are a never-failing and permanent national resource. In short, by this public mode of education, you form a host of patriots and warriours, who know no parent but their country, and owe no debt of gratitude but the advancement of the general weal. These are our ramparts, said an ancient statesman to one who inquired concerning the fortifications of his city, and pointing to a band of young men who were educated at the publick expense. And I have no doubt every skilful politician will agree with me in thinking that this house, appropriated as it is, to the maintenance and education of orphan boys and girls, is a more effectual defence to the state, than the bulwarks and loud-toned instruments of destruction which formerly rested on the same foundation. Of the final success

of this establishment, and of the future destinies and fortunes of these orphans, we shall predict nothing. But we know that in other countres, where such institutions have been of longer standing, some who were educated and supported at charity schools, have afterwards become commanders of fleets and armies, have risen to the higher departments of state, occupied a seat on the bench, or ministered at the altar of the Lord. The object of this institution, it is confessed, is of a humbler, though not less useful kind; being confined chiefly to the mechanical walks of life; and I am happy to say, that the tradesmen and artisans of this city, by their numerous applications for apprentices, show a decided preference for such as have been educated here, above those whose temper, morals and habits of application, have been destroyed by maternal indulgence.

Such being the excellent tendency and beneficial effects of institutions of this nature, it may not be improper to inquire, for a moment, into the principle from which they originate. It cannot, I think, be denied, that there exists in the original constitution of human nature, a principle or feeling of com