tributors and to perpetuate their Names in the Institution with Gratitude to the latest generations.
The burden of this appeal would seem to ignore the existence of the now venerable college at Cambridge and the well grown institution at New Haven, were it not for thought of the stress laid upon the establishment of a like college on a sound financial basis in a chief city in the new country, for the College in Philadelphia was the first practical attempt made to plant an institution with like ambitious plans in a community whose business connections and influences exceeded all other centres in the colonies. A like attempt was being followed by King's College in New York, but it had not won for itself in the same term the like reputation of its elder sister of Philadelphia. It may well be assumed, however, that the advanced and thorough curriculum of the latter, which had now survived its experiment of a three years' trial and become an established system, justly inspired the Trustees with the pleasant thought that the aims of the Seminary whose care was in their Trust had attained a much higher plane than any of the other like institutions in the provinces; and who so fitting to represent its claims and needs abroad than the well trained scholar who had placed its reputation as a school so high?
An address was likewise prepared to the Proprietaries, Thomas and Richard Penn,
returning them most hearty Thanks for all the Instances of their Generosity and Protection which they had shown to this Institution, by means of which and the Liberality of many other good Friends of Learning they have been enabled to carry it on for the space of Twelve Years and have now the pleasure of seeing its Reputation extensive and its Usefulness generally acknowledged and felt But amidst the Satisfaction arising from this we find that all Resources in our Power will be insufficient to support it for any Number of years its Annual Expence so far exceeding its Income as continually to diminish our Capital; [and commending Dr. Smith] to their kind advice and assistance in prosecuting this good Design, being well assured that benevolent spirit and Love of Learning, which induced them so freely to become the kind Patrons of this Seminary will be sufficient Motives with them to countenance and encourage this Design for its completion.
