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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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The grandeur of its situation , on this elevated promontory , is unequalled : the sublimity of the prospect must excite the admiration of every beholder : ihe vast sweep of the Northern Ocean fills the eye with its immeasurable expaase , and exhibits a scene which inspires exalted ideas . Innumerable fleets , laden
with the produce of the coal-mines , and rich trading vessels from Scotland , daily pass in view . Ships , freighted with naval stores and valuable merchandise , from Ar chancre ! , from Norway , the ports of the JSaltic , and Holland , and
others from the Whale Fisheries , direct their courses to this distinguished promontory . Scenes of this kind are characteristic of national grandeur . The bold enterprise and mercantile spirit of Britain astonish the world ; the magnitude of her commerce covers the sea
with her fleets ; her flag waves triumphant in every quarter of the globe ; the unrivalled skill , industry , honourable conduct , and opulence of the country , are the solid basis of its stability . Surely ,
such important interests merit a sedulous attention ; to their security . While you view with complacency the multitude of ships floating on the extended ocean , should you at the same moment take into consideration the immense value of
their cargoes , and the many thousands of seamen by which they are navigated , you would then be able to form some judgment of the extensive advantages which must result from the execution of a plan so > highly useful and beneficent .
If prompted by curiosity , you have ever surveyed the formidable rocks which line the adjacent shore , and have observed the foaming waves of the stormy ocean , dashing v / ith irresistible fury against the perpendicular cliffs , the sight alone must hai ? e filled you with
astonishment and dread ! Figure , then , to yourselves the melancholy scene of some unfortunate vessel , enveloped . in midnight darkness , driven by the tempest , and suddenly stranded on the tremendous coast ! Paint to your imaginations the crews of helpless seamen sinking * among the overwhelming billows , and raising th « ir supplicating voices in vain , for aid ! Reflect on the inexpressible agony of their tender connexions , deprived in one sad moment of all that is esteemed dear in life , and It-ft perhaps desolate and forlorn , in a state of helpless indigence , to mourn the loss of a husband , a father , or a son ! These arc
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not visionary ideas ; they are scenes , alas ! which have too frequently been realized . With such impressions on your minds , you must assuredly acknowledge the utility of a design calculated , under Providence , to prevent consequences so wounding to the tender sensibilities of human nature . Had this
building been erected at a more early period , the loss of his Majesty ' s shi p Nautilus , Captain Gunter , from the Baltic * , and several of the vessels under her convoy , with many valuable lives , might in all human probability have been prevented . From the exhibition of these
brilliant lights , innumerable will be the advantages to navigation . I will detail the most prominent . The sight of them will dispel the g loom which frequently seizes the boldest and most skilful navigator in a critical moment , and direct him , when surrounded by the obscurity of a winter's nigh :, to avoid the dangers
of this projecting coast ; they will guide the tempest-Abeaten mariner to the Humber , or to a fafe anchorage in Bridlington Bay , famed for its convenience and security : diffusing their friendl y lustre afar , they will shine as leading stars to enable ships , io-a lar ^ e offing , to ascertain their situations with accuracy , and to take a new departure / ., and also to
warn others contending "with Eastern gales , to keep at a proper distance from the dangers of a lee-shore . To the fishermen , who are frequently exposed to great danger on the unstable element , they will be infinitely useful in the night : they will guide them to the proper fishing grounds , and direct them , on their return to the shore , to a place of . safety . Numerous have been the disasters of this
industrious race of men at I'Tamborough . I am persuaded that many of you who are now present , have witnessed the painful scene of the whole village in mourning ; the lamentations of the disconsolate widow and mother must have pierced your souls . With inexpressible anguLh
i have seen the tears of the helpless orphan flow for an indulgent parent , who perished in the merciless waves . While I retain the faculty of memory , the sad impression will never be erased ; and at this moment it is difficult to restrain my emotions ; but the consideration that my humble exertions have been instrumental in promoting a design to prevent those
* In the year i ? OQ .
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Miscellaneous Intelligence . 3 $
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Jan. 2, 1807, page 53, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2376/page/53/
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