^'^.'^-^^ -< ^mm^ W^^ Cornell University Library E235 .E92 1914 olin 3 1924 032 750 956 '^^ ^'L^y \^o q 1^ THANKSGIVING SERMON PREACHED LONG AGO Delivered In The Present First Re- formed Church, EastoQ, On Oct. 17, 1779. AN HISTORICAL DISCOURSE By Rev. Israel ^ans, Chaplain of the New Hampshire Brigade of the Con- tinental Army, Upon the Return of the Troops of Sullivan's Expedition. Contributed to The Free Press. During the darkest days of the Amer- ican Revolution, when the success of the Colonists was far from promising, an additional menace toward success arose in the ambush warfare which was being carried on by the Indians against the patriotic settlers on the northern fron- tiers of Pennsylvania and extending into New Yoric State, and the allegiance of the powerful Iroquois or Six Nations of Indians with the British. The year 1778 was marked with bloodshed all along these frontiers and the "Massacre of Wyoming" has no equal for the bar- barous atrocities which were committed there. This condition of aflfairs was re- ceiving attention on the part of the au- thorities and on February 27, 1779, Con- gress passed a resolution authorizing General Washington to take the most effectual measures for protecting the in- habitants of the States and chastising the Indians. The Commander-in-chief thereupon consulted with various oflBcers familiar with the country and a cam- paign was contemplated that would com- pletely destroy everything upon which the Indians depended for food and shelter. The invading army was to consist of three divisions under Major Genera] John Sullivan, one from the east, one from the south and one from the west, which were planned to meet at some convenient point and there begin their work of destruction. The main or southern division rendezvoused at Eas- ton. Pa., and consisted of the New Jer- sey brigade, the New Hampshire bri- gade, a brigade of Light Troop and Proc- tor's Artillery of tlie Continental Army, in all about 3,500 men. The troops be- gan to arrive at Easton early in May, 1770, and two regiments acting as pioneers at once began the construction of a road suitable for the passage of the army between Easton and Wyom- ing, a part of this road still known as Sullivan's road, extends from the Busii- kill Creek across the Lafaytete College campus to the crest of Chestnut Hill, and whilst oifieially known as Sullivan street, should be changed to Sullivan's road. The troops left Easton on June 18 and the accounts of their movements through the wilderness of Pennsylvania as contained in various diaries kept of the expedition are most interesting. The army reached the enemies' country early in August and the work of devastation was begun at once and carried on all of September and the first part of October and so complete was it that the power of the Iroquois was broken and that great confederation whose influence had once been so potent, crumbled under the iron heel of the invader and the nation which had made so much trouble itself quailed before the white man's steel. Early in October, General Sullivan, with such of his command as returned with him, readied Wyoming and pro- ceeded thence to Easton, where they ar- rived on the 15th, and on the 17th thanksgiving services were held in the German Church, now the First Reform- ed Church on Third street, where the following sermon was preached by the Rev. Israel Evans, Chaplain to General Poor's New Hampshire Brigade. Rev. Israel Evans was the chaplain in the expedition and faithfully performed his duties to the close of the war. He was from Pennsylvania, a graduate of Princeton College and ordained chaplain of the army in 1776 at Philadelphia. Upon the appointment of Colonel Poor as a brigadier in 1777, Mr. Evans be- came chaplain of his brigade and so con- tinued until the close of the war. He pronounced the eulogy at the funeral of General Poor in 1780. Being a pop- ular preacher, he settled in Concord, N. H., as successor to the Rev. Mr. Walker, July 1, 1789. He died in Concord, .March 9, 1807, in the sixtietli year of his age. By October '27, the last of the troopa liad departed from Eaaton to join the Continental Army under Washington on the Hudson. Ethan Allen Weaver. Germantown, Pa., Oct. 17, 1914. THE SERMON. Text, II Samuel XXII: 40, 50: "For thou has girded me with strength unto the battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me. Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, () Lord, among the heathen; and I will sing praises unto thy name." To a noble and enterprising mind, that part of history is most pleasmg and use- ful, Avhich records the benevolent and heroic actions of good and great men. ^'irtuous and shining examples make the road of true glory bright before the generous and brave youth, and while they shine, like the fire of heaven, with the beams of an enlightened zeal, com- municate thu leat and ardor of a daring and invincible courage. Happily, for this important purpose of teaching us to do good unto mankind, the instructive and sublime writings of ancient days are handed down to us; and those men will improve them most honorably, who, in imitation of the heroes that have served Ciod and their country, offer themselves champions, in defence of virtue, liberty and justice. In order that I may be able to introduce an example, altogether worthy of your notice and imitation, I have made application to the history of the sacred writings; and I have been in- duced to make choice of a passage of those writings, rather than of any other, because no other can be a rational foun- dation of your devotion. Many writ- ings there are which may indeed teach you some excellent lessons of heroism and the love of freedom; but they can- not, like the sacred Scriptm-es, point nut both the pure and divine duty we owe to God, and that generous and dis- interested love and service, which we should cheerfully render to our fellow men. The best profane writings can not inform you who is the author of all the blessings of life, nor who it is that su- perintends the whole vmiverse, and gov- erns the actions of mankind. They may teach you the necessity of having some religion, but they can not inform you Avho is the proper object of worship. This knowledge can be derived only from the sacred fountains of divine inspiration. From thence I draw the words of my text. They are the words of a con- queror, and the praises of a saint, equally brave, pious and successful. He never drew his sword, but when the safety and honor of his country made it necessary ; and never fought a battle without asking the direction and as- sistance of that Almighty Being, in whose hand is the fate of nations, and who gives or withholds success, accord,- ing as it is most consistent with infinite wisdom and goodness. The character I have been drawing must be well known to you all. It is the character of David, the warrior of the Jewish nation: And I cannot but think his history as worthy the perusal of the young soldier as that of Alex- ander or Julius Caesar, or any of the renowned tyrants and successful mur- derers of mankind. Nay it is much more worthy and useful, as David was the j shepherd of his people, and the guardian of their rights; and possessed power on- ly, that he might be more extensively useful and benevolent. I need not enumerate the many nations which rose up against this divine hero: I need not mention all the battles he was called to fight, and the hundreds of thousands he was obliged to destroy, in order to preserve the liberties of the people. Let it suffice, that only within the compass of the second book of Samuel, we are informed of thirteen bloody and im- portant battles, whicb were fought by the armies of David, and that success crowned his arms, and victory followed him in all his wars. After such un- interrupted glory and conquest, it is always to be feared that men will think themselves independent of the supreme Disposer of all events, and vaunt them- selves against God; saying, mine own hand hath saved me. But happily this man was superior to that presumptuous pride and vanity; his heart indeed was lifted up; but not by the pomp and triumph of victory, but with praise and gratitude to the Lord of Hosts and the God of battle. So far was he from eoiintiiig the spoils and riches of great and iivimeroua nations, his security and happiness, that he devoutly surrenders them to the sanctuary of the Most High God. Instead of confiding alone in the valour of his troops, and the experience of his generals or his o^Yn courage and sagacity in war, he ascribes all his hap- py success to the over-ruling hand of God. Wlien he was skillful in war, he says, "Thou hast taught my hands to war, and my fingers to fight." When he was strong and victorious in battle, he acknowledged God as the author of his prowess and success. For, says he, in the words of the text, "Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: Them that rose up against me hast thou sub- dued under me." And then follows that rational and grateful tribute of thanks and praise, which so far from degrading the hero or IcsF-ening the esteem and good opinion cd niankina, is the very way t' acquire tlic most dignified character, and the only sure method to promise future success. "Therefore, because thou has prospered me. I will give thanks unto thee, Lord, among the heathen; and I will sing praises unto thy name!" In strong and metaphorical language the divine Hero describes the aid which was afforded him when in the field of war. "As the warrior," might he have said, "girds on the sword, and puts on the coat of mail, so hast thou not only infused vigour into my heart, but also covered me with strength and made me mighty unto the battle." The words thus introduced and ex- plained, we may turn our attention to the two following positions, which are naturally derived from the text: In the first place, that God is the au- thor of military skill and strength: And secondly, that he ought to be prais- ed for victory and success in war. In the first place, that God is the au- thor of military skill and strength. It is perfectly consistent with reason, to suppose that the all wise and power- ful God, who gave existence to this great globe and all the surrounding worlds, will also take the care of them which is nec- essary to preserve good order and har- mony among them. Nor can we con- ceive that it any way lessens the dig- nity and wisdoin of the great Creator, to govern the universe which he has made. Obedient to His will, creation at first rose out of nothing; and having passed the all comprehensive view of the eternal mind, was pronouncea very good. With the same comprehension and par- ticular notice in e\'ery part of the uni- verse now viewed, that it was when it was said. Let it exist. So that from the consideration of His own omnipresence, we may easily see the absurdity of that objection, to the doctrine of his particu- lar and constant providence, that it re- quires a laborious attention unworthy the notice of so great a Being. To sup- pose that God does not take notice of every thing, is to suppose Him absent from some place, and therefore not pos- sessed of infinite power and universal knowledge. But to imagine that Pie is not possessed of infinite power and uni- versal knowledge, is to represent Him as an imperfect Being, which would be most impious and absurd. Therefore, as God is all wise, and lus knowledge is in- finite. He must be everywhere present; and if everywhere present, must have all His works under his particular view and direction, and thus He governs the world. And since He governs the inanimate parts of creation, much more will He govern the animate, and "specially the rational world, which is the noblest and most im- portant part of this lower creation. Un- der this wise government of the Creator, mankind are treated and governed as rational creatures. The -Supreme Being, who is a spirit, and has immediate and constant access to the mind of man, pro- poses motives and objects to influence their judgments and direct their wills; and all this perfectly consistent with the free exercise of reason. Thus, in the sacred Scripture it is said, that "The King's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water, he turneth it withersoever he will. A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord di- recteth his steps." From what has Been ofiTered it will ap- pear, that the Ci'eator of the world gov- erns the works of His hands, not only by established laws, but also by check- ing, altering, or suspending those laws, according as it is most agreeable to His infinite goodness and wisdom; and all this without introducing any disorder into the system of creation. So that He who made the sun, could arrest him in his rapid career, without introducing any disorder into the planetary system. With the greatest ease can He govern the elements and control the raging of the sea, the fury of tno winds, the fiery- bolts of the I'ightning, and hold the tempestuous rain and storm in His hands: And when we might expect to feel the effects of these elements in their season, and according to the estab- lished laws of nature, we have been con- strained to acknowledge an immediate and powerful interposition of Providence i)i restraining them, or mitigating their violence. And were I, in support of what I have advanced, to adduce all the pas- sages of sacred Scriptures, which speak the same language, I should transcribe a very considerable part. It being there- fore proved, that fion governs the world by a general and particular providence; and that mankind are more particularly the subjects of His government, and that this world and all the things in it, are miide subordinate to the advantage of men, it will then plainly appear, that God influences the minds of men in the important affairs of a national defence. War, on which the fate of nations de- pends, is often determined by very small circumstances, wnieh id was not in the power of man to foresee or to guard against. We observe that one man pos- sesses that wisdom, prudence, and saga- city, which are denied to another. That ready thought and serene composure of mind in the greatest danger, and oft- times in the midst of the greatest con- fusion, may be considered more than human. I cannot help calling it the providential inspiration of the God of battle. It is He that inspires the warrior with that invincible courage at one time, which he does not possess at another. It Is the God of battle who can wither your strength and unman your souls. It is He wlio bestows that patience, fortitude, and preseverance, under the most complicated toils and hardships, which is so astonishing to every person of consideration, and which is so neces- sary to constitute the good soldier. The importance also of this event will justify the position that God is the author of military skill and courage. On the skill and bravery of an army the rights and privileges of a people seem often times to be suspended, and if success is denied, the ruin of the nation is the next mis- erable consequence. Nothing therefore can be more worthy the divine direction than the liappiness of a people, whose liberty is unjustly invaded by a cruel and desolating war. And nothing is more certain than His promise and His justice to the oppressed. Having offered thus much on a subject, which, no doubt, gains your approbation and belief, as much as it does mine; it being so nearly connected with that in- terposition of Providence, which has been so universally acknowledged in this army I shall drop the farther prosecution of it, except in that way which will tend to the illustration of it, and have a particular reference to the design of this day's assembly. And here I find it much more easy to conceive of the many instances wherein this army has been girded with strength, to perform the hard duties of a campaign, than to give them a just and particular relation. However let me attempt this duty, that by recollecting the goodness and providential care of Heaven, our gratitude may be excited, and we may with the warmth and sincerity of our hearts offer that tribute of thanksgiving and praise, which is so justly due to our divine Benefactor and powerful Guard- ian, who has girded us with strength unto the battle, and made us superior to all the unavoidable toils, hardships, and dangers of a wilderness unknown and unexplored, unless by the wild beasts and the savages. When the tyrant of Britain, not con- tented to expend hia malignant wrath on our sea coasts, sent his emissaries to raise the savages of the wilderness to war, and to provoke them to break their faith with the United States of Amer- ica; then our defenceless frontiers be- came the seat of savage fury, and hun- dreds of our countrymen bled, and hun- dreds of them suffered more than the tender ear can hear related, or the com- passionate heart can endure. Then the expectations of our enemies were high and joyful, that half our country would fall by the hands of tories and savages, or be forced to flee from their habita- tions with scarcely a mouthful of bread to eat, or a garment to cover them. And indeed the prospect was full of horror to every compassionate friend of his country and mankind, and called, merci- fully called, for the aid of an army, to save so large a part of the United States. But this was a war, from which the bciMest and bravest were ready to shrink, and they who had fovight an ai'iiiy of regular veterans, dreaded the sudden and hidden attacks of the subtle and bloody savages. The demand then became serious, wno will undertake the hazardous, the laborious, and perhaps impracticable expedition ? Who has reso- lution enougii to expose himself to the secret ambuscade, and risk the unhappy fate of a General Braddock? But is there no relief, is there no help? Must the country be pressed on both sides by the raging fury of war, until it perish? No, replied the man, who was equal to the arduous and dangerous task, and who chose this army to chastise savage rage, and to save the bleeding country, be the hazard what it would. Happy is that military genius which collects strength at the approach of dangers, and becomes invincible in proportion as the obstacles he is to encounter appear un- surraountable. Happy the hero, who can by an intviitive glance, distinguish be- tween what is only difficult ,and what is absolutely impossible. Shall I make ap- plication of this character? Delicacy forbids me: I leave you to apply it in silence to the hero who deserves it. And now my brave fellow soldiers, shall I call ufjon you to relate the toils, the dangers and disappointments through which you passed, or shall I attempt to snuraerate the hardships and dangers, which, if particularly recounted, would spend the most of this day? Who in this army does not know that this most important expedition was a long time held in suspense, for the want of neces- sary supplies of provisions, and a return from that expedition was much more probable and rational than a march of some hundreds of miles into the heart of the wilderness, and the very jaws of the savages. And when your march commenced, which, pardon the expression, was rather the effect of a happy rash- ness of daring courage and fortitude, than the result of cool and cautious rea- soning; had you not hills and moun- tains to cross? Had you not pathless forests to encounter, and rapid waters to stem? Had you not rivers to ford, wide, deep and impetuous? Was your united strength more than sufficient to save you from being swept down the angry floods, and made the sport of their fury? Shall I pass over in silence many difficulties scarcely credible to the hear- er who did not behold them? Shall I forget the unspeakable trials and per- plexities, which attended the transporta- tion of the necessary stores and artillery of the army, over steep hills and lofty mountains, over deep morasses and through narrow defiles, where the feet of men had scarcely ever reached before. I will admire the patience of those men who undertook the laborious drudgery, persuaded as I am, that nothing but the welfare of the army and the honor of their country could have urged them to so painful a task; but inspired with those glorious motives, like true patriots and brave soldiers, they can cheerfully undertake any enterprise, and in- defatigably support any labor. Let me remind you of the twenty-ninth of Au- gust, honorable to the troops commanded by our brave and enterprising general. Then you defeated the savage army and conquered those barbarians who had long been the dread of four frontiers: That happy victory so impressed the terror of your prowess upon their hearts, that they durst not a second time oppose your march into the very bosom of their country. Led by the consideration of our just and complete conquest, of so fertile a part of the western world, I will venture to look a few years into futurity. Methinks I see the rich lands from the Teaoga river to the banks of the Seneca and Cayuga lakes, and from thence to the most fruitful lands on the Chenesses to the great lakes, Ontario, Erie, and Huron, and from these to Michigan and Superior. Methinks I see all these landi inhabited by the independent citizens of America. I congratulate posterity on this addition of immense wealth and ex- tensive territory to the United States. I see some patriotic youth, whose father fought the savage enemy at Newton, and endured all the nardships of this cam- paign, and hear him say, triumphing in the honor of his father's courage and love of freedom, here my brave father defeated the savage and tory bands. From that mountain they fled with the greatest battle, anu saved their lives by sp( ed, when a part ol our army had nearly surrounded them, and was prepar- ed to cut them off. And then will he recollect the numbers of the enemy that were slain, then will he say. my brave puB 'aauajsp jaq ui 'tiuos Xui 'noA! asnoj :)0u I piQ 4 eajoqs jiuiq^ -ajj •SBaj:jBip q^iAV parajaqAvaaAO puB 's.iEa^ u; pauAVOjp BDuauiy q^iAV aziq^f-ed -uiXb 0^ 'uoi^nmSvwLi ui paj m-e j :joadso.id Adduqun siqcj luoi >]; ;. noiStjaj jo aauanyui aq:j jou 'jouoq jo sajdiouud aq'^ 'sjauu-eui JO ^jund jCq pa:jjoddnB jaq^iau uaqAV ':>sixa iCcfiaqij uiso uaq:) avojj 'uoi^B.iauaA punojojd :^sora ai[% ui uiaq^ p[oq o^ ^q3no 'yiviv an:)iiA puu uoBuaa 'jfoijod pu'B Xouaaap ajaqAV uaAa 'pa:([nBUi pu^ pasidBap aai3 qadsoS aq^ jo Biauu'Eui afdrais pu'B aind aq^ 'Xjiuutjsuqg jo Bq:jiu^ auiqqns aqx 'diqiJOAi snoi3iiaj[ joj 'UBUi puB pof) JO SAVBi aqj A!q q^oq '^j'Bd'B jas jf^p aq^j BAjasqo o^ a^S'B:^ jo ^uaraaui; -aj puB ^DEOIiap 0:j 'JUOJJJ'B UB ^i S>[Uiqj u'BUiai^uaS a^qBUOiqsBj aqx 'paAOui -aj SI uoi^Bpunoj aq^ uaqAV 'Sutpjinq v. UBq'j puB^s aioui ou ubo puB 'BOi:ji[od ui X^ipausqB UB si 'anjjiA ^noqjiAv aiiqndaj 'E jTU[j puB 'ai[qndaj; b jo sjpBAvpiq aqj a.iB aiijJiA [Baijijod puB jb.ioiu jBq^ 'a\.oii>[ (jsiiui uBioi'jiiod asiAi aqj joj iaoijsuf aj^^m jC.ioa qjiAV ^[uiq^ x ^^^1 • jf ■I'junoa jiaip 0^ spuauj puB suBioi^fip'^ asiAv paiuaa^sa aq pinOAi oqAV asoqj jfq ^Bq^ piiB '^duia^uoo puB u.ioas jo s^jaatqns aq^ apBui uaiu jfuBUi Xq puB saoBjd XuBin ui aiB 'X^,iaqi[ jo suBjpjBiiS aq^ 'lUSi^oi-ijBd puB an:jjtjY Mbav siq^ jo 3uiuui2aq aq| ^■B 'aopiB qans q^iAV q^ioj pazBjq qoiiiA\. 'uiBi^ou^'Bd JO auu;y ^Bq^ paqsm3uf^ -xa ^souiiB aABq ajiiSBaid jo ^insaiid ai[| puB q^iBaA\ jo aAOf aqx 'uiBjug JO jubijC^j aq^ qjiAV UBqcf 'saiuij aqj jo sajdioui.id qsijias aq^ puB sjauuBui snoiaiA aqj q^iAi guitSSnjjs jaq^BJ Aiou si jfjiaqi[ JO ^uids aqj iSBj-y" 'jbav jo e.iojJoq puB sjioj aq; oj uoisnjouoa aiqB.iouoq iiB iiaas aABq pjnoqri oai 'raaq; paAjas suq. jCra.iB aq:j ■jcuj ^iJids Ojiqud puB jBaz aq; jT'Eq q;tAi ajjuiiod Jiaqj oa.i.is b3i -.lara'v JO sua7"'iD ai<% pip 'Xbs o; a.injiiaA niAi I 'jCioiS A'.i-p'Miu puB uoijB^uda.i UI noi ajojaq o3 auou jaq '^i pajnao.id ;saij ;b iiojC qaiqAV A'q janpuoa j^i[J.ii)a\. aui'EB aqj SuiA.iasqo A'q 'ji op A[iBBa UB3 noJi ';ioddns oj jdjOBJBqa pooS e avoii aABq no^\^ -sjaipios jo jsaq aqj a;n;ijsuoj IIIAV jBqAV 'aiuBj JO aajgap jBuba U'B pauiB; -qo lou 'aauauadxa a^jij aqj pBq ;ou aAnq oqAv asoq; qoBa'j noi Ibui puB 'pajinboB aABq no£ ja^DBJBqa paqsinSutjsip aqj ;joddns oj pjBnS jnoX uodn aq sabavib noX jCbj^; 'ssaBBod noX 'A'jjjjBy ^noqji.w 'asaq; puB 'saaipios poo.§ jo 8uoijBai[i(Bnb aqj aa'E asaqx 'aauaipaqo A'jBjiijui jno.t puB 'aou'BjaA.iaBjad a^Buijsqo jnoA 'apnjij -JOJ .inoX 'sdiqsp.iBq Japun aouai^Bd jiioA aqi-iasap o; 'sjaq^o oj ;i aABaj puB jBaz jfui j(Daqa aiojajaq; j '^uaiuqoBj^B iBi; -iBd JO aS.iBqa aqj o; am joafqns ;i q;!A\ uoi^aauuoa Aui ;ou pip 'aaijBnC jo spunoq aq; Suipaaaxa ;noq;iA\ 'Aulib siqj jo BasiBjd aq; in a;Bi;Bdxa ;qSiin j •suiiip -uj aii;soq jo suoijbx baij aq; paianb -U03 ;sjg ;Bqj jCuijb aq; oj iC;qB;.ioiuiui aAi3 puB 'pa^Bjaj lajjBaaaq aq HBqs B;uaiu -BAaiqDB asaqj ny ■sa[iiu pajpunq oaij jBau JO juajxa ub ioj a;sBAi jf.i;nuoa aqj 3uiAbi jo puB 'puBi aq'j jo s;m.ij puB ujoa JO saijijuBnb uAi0u>nin 3uiXo.ijsap jo i;issaaau ' aq; puB 'paXojjsap noX su/wo; /uBui aq; a;Biaumua (jBqs Aaqx 'aauBjoA -as.iad ajqiauiAui jo ;uip Xq Abav juoa' ;no paAvaq noA ajaqAV puB ';8anbuoa jnoA papuajxa aABq noA qaiqAi o; ajqBSSBd -uii pauiaap a^ojaq 'suiB;unoin aq; jo >Hb; w^ei^s 'spuBj ;uB!.mxni jo uoissawsod aq; UI puB 'sjBas ;uBSaja Jiaq; ui asB.t ;b 'ua\ou>i apBiu mou ajB qaiqAV SJaAU pu-B sa>[B[ aq; jo sjjuBq juBSBajd aq; uo i;jaqij jo spiiai.ij put! B;uB;iqBqui ajnjnj aqx ■piii>[UBin puB AJjunoo sii[ s.iaoj oqAv UBUI B saAji a.iaq; ajniA^ 'pajaqraainai puB 'B.)i.iauiy UI ;oij;Bd b si aiaq; auqAv 'atqB;ou aq HBqs 'q;n0iC ajqou aq; bXbs 'uoi;oB oio.iaq siqx 'Auiaua aq; jo bSbj pajquopa.! aq; o; pasodxa puB pa;uioddB -sip aq X.i;unoo aq; puB qiBj ;ou ;q3!iu uoi;ipadxa aq; ;Bq; 'pip Aaq; siq; puB 'uoisiAiud jfjiBp Jiaq; JO A';i;uBnb ^busu aq; JiBq UBq; ssaj uo ;Bisqn8 o; ;uasBB .iiaq; pa;noi[B A'aq; uaq.w 'poo;s A'uijb siq; qaiqA\ uo puuoj3 aq; o; s;uiod Aof aio.iaq jo ;.iodsuB.i; aiqou b ui puB ';i.iids Suisi.idiajuo puB jBaz ai;o!.i;i;d Jiaq; jo';.iBd B 8aqa;B0 'A"iuii; siq; jo s;!Oid -xa aq; jo uoijBjaj siq ui spaaao.id aq SB 'q;nOii sno.iaiiaS aqx "papiOAB XjiddBq OS .lapuBiuiuoa aq; jo uoijiiBa X.ie;!1!iu puB X;iobSbs aq; ^q 'aiu.ib siq; qaiq.'^ 'P>1J0A\ Siio.i;s iiaq; p.isiB.i 1)B1| AUiaua aq; ajaq.tt aoBid ;Bq; o; aui po[ ;ua.u!d pa3i! make you the honorable protectors of insulted liberty ? Enllamed with the love of this fnend of mankind, you armed in her defense, you made a brave and suc- cessful opposition to her persecutors, and have rescued her from the vindicative malice of all her foreign enemies. Thus far have you merited the title of guard- ians of liberty, and di'servc to be enroll- ed the heroes of the present age. But ah, my sons and citizens of the United States, whither fled that patriotic zeal which first warmed your disinterested breasts? Whither that public spirit, which made you willing to sacrifice not only your fortune but also your lives in defense of liberty? Whither is fled that happy union of sentiment in the great service of your country? And whither is fled that honorable love and practice of virtue, and that divine and generous religion, which cherishes the spirit of liberty and elevates it to an immortal height? She paused and wept, nor gained an answer: And then in a suppliant posture again renewed her ad- dress; I entreat you to rekindle that public and generous zeal which flrst blazed forth in defence of that liberty which you have now too long slighted. I beseech you to banish from your breasts that lust of gain, which is the baneful murderer of a generous and a public spirit. I entreat you to silence the demons of discord and animosity, and to banish them from the States of Amer- ica, and let them find no place to set their feet, but in the assemblies of the enemies of this country. I conjure you by the spirit of heaven-born liberty, that you invite her to your bosom, and kindle your love for her to a never dying flame. By the blessing of posterity I conjure you, by the precious blood of the heroes, who have nobly shed it in the cause of their country, I conjure you, to practice and encourage that private and public virtue, which ennobles the soul and erects the temples of liberty on an ever- lasting foundation, not to be shaken by the threatening storms of war, nor the impotent rage of tyrants. I conjure you by the toils and dangers, by the suffer- ings and poverty of my brave armies now In the field, not to desert them in their defence of freedom, but to support them with that assistance which will save both you and them from internal and public ruin. Serve your country accord- ing to your abilities, with the same zeal and perseverance, with which my prese- vering soldiery serve you, and then will a hapiiy conclusion crown the war, and your independence be established im- movable, as the everlasting mountains. But whither have I been transported, from paying that particular attention to you, my friends and fellow soldiers, which you are justly entitled to, especial- ly on this day of public gratitude and praise? I return to you, who possess the greatest share of public virtue; would to God, your private virtues were as great and as conspicuous! I have taken notice of your honorable conduct, as far as my time and a discourse of this nature would admit, without descending too minutely into particulars. The de- sign of this was, not only to remind you, that to overcoiiu' difficulties and dangers, is an evidence of fortitude and persever- ance and is victory; and that we may be encouraged to encounter any future dan- gers and toils: For dangers and toils being now familiar to you, they cannot terrify you, knowing that you have been superior to them, j'ou may well expect, that Avith like strength and assistance yon shall again be conquerors. But I say, there is a further design in recollecting Avhat you have been the means of performing, even praise to that God, who has girded you with strength unto the battle. And howmuchsoever men are to be applauded for their heroic actions, yet both reason and revelation assure us, that the Supreme Being is the first cause of all success, and that as the moral Governor of the world, he demands our acknowledgements of his mercies and favors; and that without this acknowledgement, neither we nor any other people, can expect to prosper. This brings me to the second thing pro- posed, which was to shew that God is to be praised for success in war. Public mercies demand public ack- nowledgements, and therefore our worthy general has seized this first opportunity for calling us together, to return our most grateful thanks to Almighty God, for the very signal support and success He has been pleased to grant us, during the expedition we have just finished. This indicates a noble persuasion of the superintending providence of that Being, who has remarkably girded us not only with strength wnto the battle, but also with patience and fortitude, to endure the toils of the wilderness. Methinks not to have raised the voice of praise, on this happy occasion of our return, to declare the gratitude of our hearts, would have indicated a very great in- sensibility of the mercies bestowed upon us, and afforded a melancholy proof of want of love and reverence to that God, who has so often interposed between us and danger, sickness and death. So ra- tional is the duty of praise, so certainly due to the author of all good, and at the same time so pleasing, that if we were not justified by the examples of all nations, in humbly offering up our praise and thanksgivings after successful events; yet would it be laudable in us to set the example, and declare to the world, that we confide in the Lord of Hosts and the God of battle; for this is perfectly consistent with the most vig- orous exertions of our own strength and abilities, while we ask superior aid and assistance. And, indeed, I do not know any employment, which is at the same time so pleasing and so profitable, as the employment of giving thanks and prais- ing God for His goodness, in granting relief to a suffering and oppressed people. Wliile the generous friend to the hap- piness of mankind and his country, with a cheerful, a firm and a humble heart, celebrates the praises of the eternally good and merciful God, he not only does that which is pleasing in the sight of his kind Benefactor, and performs that duty and pays that homage, which the Creator of the Universe has a just right to demand; but he draws down blessings for time to come. Therefore, the im- provement of all success and every mercy, ought to be praise to the Author and Giver of them. This was the improvement which the great author, of the words of my text, made of all his illustrious victories, the glory of God, and the advantage of the people. Therefore, says he: "I will give thanks unto thee, Lord," "and I will sing praise unto thy name." Give thanks therefore to that good God, who girded you with unusual strength, and preserv- ed your health in a manner almost mir- aculous. Can you be thankful enough for the blessing of uninterrupted health, amidst all the violence which that expedition offered to yo