55 
influence on 
interminable 
have an 
posterity, 
and 
who are themselves separated and elevated among 
the generality of mankind, by the name Of men 
of genius. Can we believe that all this is not for 
some useful purpose? What that purpose is, 
ought we to pretend to investigate? Let us ra- 
ther reflect that the Almighty God has been 
pleased among us, and in this remote wilderness, 
to endow, with the rich gifts of a peculiar spirit, 
that 
sent 
youth who 
to qultivate 
has now our 
his talents for 
common con- 
an art, which, 
according to our humble and human judgment, 
was previously thought an unnecessary ministra- 
tion to the sensual propensities of our nature. 
May it be demonstrated by the life and works of 
the Artist, that the gift of God has not been be- 
in vain, nor the motives of the be- 
stowed on him 
nelicent inspiration which induces us to suspend 
our particular tenets, prove barren of religious or 
moral effect. On the contrary, let us confidently 
hope that this occurrence has been for good, and 
that the consequences which may arise in the so- 
ciety of this new world, from the example which 
-Benjamin West will be enabled to give, will be 
such 
8 
love 
of 
the 
arts 
peace 
of 
as shall tend to