d 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