The Providence Journal, And Town And Country Advertiser

For The Providence Journal.

Mr. Carter,

It is with pleasure I read the periodical work, in your paper, called the Apzt Philan. Such publications, when supported by genius, dictated by benevolent motives, and conducted with prudence, not only tend to amuse the playful fancy of youth, but they improve the reason and taste of middle age, and yield pleasure and consolation to grave Senectus. While they dilate the mind with the beauties of science, the grandeur of art, the symmetry of virtue and the benedictions of religion, they check the growth of vice and immorality, curb the licentious passions of the profligate debauchee, rouse the indolent to industry, render man mild and sociable to man, make life easy and pleasant, and death a welcome messenger of immortal beatitude.

I am informed this publication is conducted by the Federal Adelphi, of the College. Philanthropic association! To you belongs the grateful task to burst the bands of ignorance, which have so long enslaved the inhabitants of Rhode-Island, and to establish them under the benign influence of heaven-born science, and the light of divine reason. Present us with the true likeness of Minerva, arrayed, as she always is, in the sylvan robes of wisdom, justice, benevolence and humanity. Then, instead of beholding in our towns and villages public houses of prodigality and intemperance, we shall see majestic temples erected to science, virtue and religion: Public Schools will be encouraged, and our children be instructed to exchange a pack of cards for a bible. Our young men will be roused from a state of indolence and dissipation, to cultivate their native soil with Spartan valour and Grecian patriotism. Beloved fellow-citizens! Shall it be said that a free Columbian state exists in ignorance and barbarity? No. Let us rise at once, retrieve, defend, and establish the dignity of our character, by the promotion of Free Schools, and by the supporting of religious and literary institutions in every political and social compact in the state. Then the cunning arts of Skilful demagogues will never usurp the liberties of the people. Then domestic peace, like the sun of heaven, shall shed its benign rays upon the benighted descendants of Roger Williams, and Rhode-Island no longer shall be unworthy of this dignified appellation—'a free state in the Columbian Union.'