INTRODUCTORY LECTURE,

DELIVERED BEFORE THE

BROOKLYN LYCEUM,

NOVEMBER 7, 1833.

BY

THEODORE EAMES.

BROOKLYN, L. I.

MDCCCXXXIII.

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Lyceum, at the Classical Hall, Washington-street, on Thursday Evening, 7th November, 1833after the Introductory Lecture had been delivered by THEODORE EAMES,

On motion of GOLD S. SILLIMAN, Esq.

Resolved, That the thanks of the Board be presented to Mr. Eames for his Introductory Address, and that a copy thereof be requested to be placed among the archives of the Lyceum.

Resolved, Also, That five hundred copies of the Address be printed for distribution, in pamphlet form, under the direction of the Committee on Lectures and Essays.

WEST & TROW, PRINTERS, NEW-YORK.

THE object and purpose of this meeting are such as must fill every virtuous and patriotic bosom with high hopes, and solid and substantial joy; and give occasion for warm and general congratulations. We are assembled, not to discuss and settle some question of local and temporary concern; not to mingle in the strife and virulence of party politics, nor to debate about matters of doubtful expediency or petty interest; but to commence the operations, and give the starting impulse to an Institution, that promises, and if rightly conducted, will certainly secure a greater amount of permanent good to this village, than any other, merely secular and civil enterprise, has ever pretended to offer: an Institution calculated to move and act directly upon the mind, the noblest part of man to search out the secret springs of moral and intellectual energy, to bring them into full and vigorous operation, and to exert an elevating and refining influence upon the whole community. And it is a soul inspiring prospect, indeed, when we see so large a portion of our population, moving as one man, and coming up to the light of learning and of science, and generously and heartily co-operating with each other, in diffusing that light, and sending its blessings and its genial warmth into every dwelling in the place.

It is one of the enlightened and liberal designs of this Institution, that a pathway shall be opened, and brought home to every door in this village, leading directly to the temple of useful knowledge: leading to a consecrated spot, where fountains of practical information, of rational, wholesome amusement, and intellectual