Priestley in America | Page 8

of power
are ever destructive of itself, and favourable to liberty. Their strenuous
exertions and yours now give me that asylum which at my time of life
is peculiarly grateful to me, who only wish to continue unmolested

those pursuits of various literature to which, without having ever
entered into any political connexions my life has been devoted.
I join you in viewing with regret the unfavourable prospect of Great
Britain formerly, as you say, the nurse of science, and of freemen, and
wish with you, that the unhappy delusion that country is now under
may soon vanish, and that whatever be the form of its government it
may vie with this country in everything that is favourable to the best
interests of mankind, and join with you in removing that only
disgraceful circumstance, which you justly acknowledge to be an
exception to the enjoyment of equal liberty, among yourselves. That the
Great Being whose providence extends alike to all the human race, and
to whose disposal I cheerfully commit myself, may establish whatever
is good, and remove whatever is imperfect from your government and
from every government in the known world, is the earnest prayer of,
Gentlemen,
Your respectful humble servant.
As Priestley had ever gloried in the fact that he was a teacher, what
more appropriate in this period of congratulatory welcome, could have
come to him than the following message of New York's teaching body:
The associated Teachers in the city of New York beg leave to offer you
a sincere and hearty welcome to this land of tranquility and freedom.
Impressed with the idea of the real importance of so valuable an
acquisition to the growing interests of science and literature, in this
country, we are particularly happy that the honour of your first
reception, has fallen to this state, and to the city of New York.
As labourers in those fields which you have occupied with the most
distinguished eminence, at the arduous and important task of
cultivating the human mind, we contemplate with peculiar satisfaction
the auspicious influence which your personal residence in this country,
will add to that of your highly valuable scientific and literary
productions, by which we have already been materially benefited.

We beg leave to anticipate the happiness of sharing in some degree,
that patronage of science and literature, which it has ever been your
delight to afford. This will give facility to our expressions; direct and
encourage us in our arduous employments; assist us to form the man,
and thereby give efficacy to the diffusion of useful knowledge.
Our most ardent wishes attend you, good Sir, that you may find in this
land a virtuous simplicity, a happy recess from the intriguing politics
and vitiating refinements of the European world. That your patriotic
virtues may add to the vigour of our happy Constitution and that the
blessings of this country may be abundantly remunerated into your
person and your family.
And we rejoice in believing, that the Parent of Nature, by those secret
communications of happiness with which he never fails to reward the
virtuous mind, will here convey to you that consolation, support, and
joy, which are independent of local circumstances, and "Which the
world can neither give nor take away."
Touched, indeed was Priestley by this simple, outspoken greeting from
those who appreciated his genuine interest in the cause of education.
Hence his reply was in a kindred spirit:
A welcome to this country from my fellow labourers in the instruction
of youth, is, I assure you, peculiarly grateful to me. Classes of men, as
well as individuals, are apt to form too high ideas of their own
importance; but certainly one of the most important is, that which
contributes so much as ours do to the cummunication of useful
knowledge, as forming the characters of men, thereby fitting them for
their several stations in society. In some form or other this has been my
employment and delight; and my principal object in flying for an
asylum to this country, "a land," as I hope you justly term it, "of
virtuous simplicity, and a recess from the intriguing politics, and
vicious refinements of the European world," is that I may, without
molestation, pursue my favourite studies. And if I had an opportunity
of making choice of an employment for what remains of active exertion
in life, it would be one in which I should as I hope I have hitherto done,
contribute with you, to advance the cause of science, of virtue, and of

religion.
Further, The Medical Society of the State of New York through Dr.
John Charlton, its President, said:
PERMIT us, Sir, to wait upon you with an offering of our sincere
congratulations, on your safe arrival, with your lady and family in this
happy country, and