ADITRESS9 I311‘. Ll‘Vl.*Z.l'{1:3I) IN THE QHAPEL OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE, .wrvm( am, 1842.. V 13 Y P1M;)1«‘., fig.” B. B R 0 VV N. 1*’ 1 '1‘ '1‘ S B U R(% A muN"J;11:«:i3 BY A. JAYNES, FRANI{I.1l‘T. IIEADA, 7rr~1m.D £sTm+::£1'r. 18 46 feficzreoiz College, July title, 18453. REV. SIR:—-- d’ ‘We have been appointed to return you the thanks of the SENIOR Cmss at whose request you delivered the truly able and instructive Address, to which we 7 have Just listened; and to request a copy of the same For publication. Yours I-'tespectf'u1ly, ULYSSES MERGUR, J. R. LOXVRIE, ROBERT P. NEVIN. To PROF. A. B. BRO“/'lVa'. ‘Ca'nonsBm'g7z, July 527.», 1842. GENTLEMEN: The Address of which you speak in such flattering terxris, and which you are pleased to solicit for publication, was prepared and delivered at your request, and ‘ for your special benefit. It may therefore be regarded as your property. This con- sideration, together with a desire to gratify your wishes, induces me to submit it to your disposi3l.~—‘§_c’ours Respectfully, A. B. BROWN. To Messrs. Mencxm, Lowrcm AND Nzevm, Com. Senior Class. I were not needy epeettlat,ot's, nor rnilitary arlventnrere. V,i‘l't(3y were plain, humble, nnoiihntling Christians, who ahantlotieti the altars and fire-sitlesiof their fathers, be»-t eanee the hand of Tyranny haddriven peace from the. one anti corrupted the Worship of the other. ‘i7es~—--—-tit ehonhl he rernetnhei°erl, that We ht'e indeht» ed, antler Geri, tor the eeetls of liberty, the firnits of , which We now enjoy, to that little hand of Puritan worthiee, who tied horn the persecutions of England, and in ltlihi lanrlerl neon Plymouth roelz, and in this hheetern l”tettttttienl'tier*e, planted those here political and moral principles in which we now rejoice. And it is Worthy of being reeorcletl, that the little cornnany who that: tletl with the ark of liberty to the free states of Mollanrl and the freer tioreste of America, were all young men, the most of them hetween the age of no t V and 30 yeare. These were the men who conveyed to this land the precious germ, of which our government, with all its blessings, is but the expansion. ”l"l'1ey bt‘O1itgl”‘l’E with them that political and religions creed which has simze become the hnlwarlt of our inclenend» enee. it not line nor aeeiclent that has rnatle our country What it in, its nressent prosperous eonrlition is the natural growth of seeds enrly SSOVVMO Title ggreat principle of the revolution wan hnown to our 'lhthe1'e SWO years rage. They found it in the ihle, and felt ite impulses in their own hoeotne. The stt*uggle of the revolution was only the @Xpt“t3‘E4S:‘~l0Yl of tltis inhorn feel» ing; the assertion, the Inaintenanee of this heaven-horn principle. Tire success; of that eontest is to he attrihutm ed to the bleeeing of God upon the etlhrts of good men th secure the establishment of’ principles derived from 8 his word and intimately connected with his glory. And when we contemplate the happy results of that contest, We should be careful to recognize the agency of God, and render to him the glory due unto his name. It was his arm that brought salvation, and his righteous- ness that sustained us in that hour of conflict. It is true,-—-—— t “Patriots have toiled, and in our country’s cause Bled nobly; and their deeds as they deserve Receive proud recompense.” But it should he reinernbered, that it was God who reared up and qualified the men that controlled the councils of the nation and led her armies to victory and independence. it should not be forgotten, that our nation derived her losing, her government, and rules of administration, chiefly from the Bible; and owes her present prosperity to the fact, that God the Lord has been a wall of fire round about her. i While then, We survey the numerous and inestirnable blessings Which, as a nation, we enjoy, let our hearts swell with gratitude to Him from whom all blessings flow. What an interesting and sublime spectacle does our country exhibit! Here we behold a confederated government extending over an immense range of terri- tory, embracing a large number of independent states, many of which might trio with some of the proud prin- cipalities of Europe. Our ‘Western boundary has, like the visible horizon, receded as we have advanced, till at length the sun rises and sets in our own seas. Little more than half a century has elapsed since the revolu-- tion, and now, under the protection of those principles which it established, 18 millions of freetnen repose in sccurit,y-——-—all speaking one langttage-—-««-all animated by ill the same spirit of freedom and enterprise. Uur com- merce is second only to that of “the Mistress of the ocean ;” and though separated Widely from the seats of "l“t'aiisatlant‘ic power, We command the respect of the whole llluropean family of nations. 0ur floating flag affords an adequate protection in every sea and ocean of the globe. Judging from the history of the past, and by the light of sober, rational calculation, the future destiny of this country is perfectly amazing. If the population of the llnited States should continue to increase at its present rate, it will equal, in“ a century and a half, the present population of the globe! God has done more for this, than for any other not» tion. lle has wonderfully preserved us from those dreadful judgments which often desolate whole em- pires. While we have heard of wars and rumors of wars among the nations, we have enjoyed a long pe-- riod of peace and tranquility. lh7e are now at peace with all people, except a single, feeble, injured, do-~ mestic fee. No foreign enemy. has, for a long time, in- vaded our land with hostile armies, besieging our cities, and spreading dismay, desolation and death all around. We liave been rnercifully exempted from the visitations of pestilences, earthquakes, ianiines, and other dreadful scourges of a guilty world. God has given us “rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” The physical condition of the mass of society in this country, is much more favorable than in any other. Labor is ain- ply rewarded; so that the laboring man can not only command the means of comfortable subsistence, but also en'o leisure for mental cultivation. This countr J o : . 11% also presents peculiar inducements and facilities for in» tellectual dereloprnent. "l‘he political institutions of other countries tend rather to retard than advance mental irnprovernent. Here, in the absence of all legalized, hereditary barriers between the diderent classes of society, the poorest man has the opportuni- ties and inducements to improve to the utmost, his own mind and the minds of his children. The systern ofcorurnonl schools which obtains in many of the states, though liable to some objections and disadvan- tages, is nevertheless of Vast importance in securing the general difiusion of intelligence. lt is worthy of rernarlt, that the proportion or truly a pious persons is greater in this, than in any other country; and notwithstanding the multiplicity of our religious sects? there exists among us a greater degree of good fellowship, than in any other nation. “There is no country in the whole World,” says Do Toqueville, “in. which the christian religion retains a greater influ- ence over the souls of men, than in America: and there can he no greater proof of its utility and of its conformity to human nature, than that its influence is most powerfully felt over the most enlightened and free nation of the earth.” t i ii Even in the Chastisements with which God has visit- ed us within the few last years, We may see abundant cause for gratitude. in the very judgments which he has executed on this nation, he has made hintself lmown as a merciful as well as a jealous God. if ever chastisetnent was needed by any country, it was by i ours. No curse could have heen greater, than for God to have said of this nation, “Let her alone.” Had he ill not, in mercy, alflicted us in our pecuniary and com» mercial interests, and thus checked thei1'a.gi:1g fever of speculation, which had deranged and intoxicated the whole nation, our very prosperity would have destroy» ed us. i But let us consider in tltc second place, some of the circumstances in the present condition of our country, which are calculated to excite our apprehension. It is an old political niaxirn, that the first step of a nation is to conquest; conquest begets wealth; wealth produces luxury; luxury, corruption; and corruption, ruin. The path of time is strevved with wrecks of nations, of whose history this is at true epitome. The republics of ancient times rose in their beauty and Inight, with the most flattering prospects, but soon became the victims of corruption and fell to the dust. And we have reason to fear, that such may be our fate. If we compare the present with the past, it is obvious that we are not, as a people, ca1'i'yi1"ig forward into the future, that amount of” moral influence which the past conveyed to us. “This nation emerged from her revolutionary struggle with a common sentiment of union-—-—-an energy of mo»- rul principle---an amount of tried patriotism————a degree of public virtue----a respect for public authorities, and a pruclent_jcalousy of Cll.Vl‘;*3l()ll--‘Wl’ll(3l'] cannot be claimed for the present generation.” life have now less gene~ ral indust.ry---~1*norc fraudulent speculation----more uh»- yp principled aspirants after ofi'ice—---a more del'amatory press, and more detriotalizing elections; and these evils ere Greatly augmented by the flood of foreign population continually rolling in upon us. In noticing more particularly some of the prominent evils and dangers of our country, I would direct your Tifgl attention, first, to the spirit of infidelity which is extenm sively prevalent. This spirit is no doubt lodged deeply in many rninds, where it is not even suspected of hav- ing an existence. It results from the native atheism of the human heart, and finds much to nourish it in the state of society in our age and country. The growth of popular knowledge and free inquiry has doubtless contributed to promote it; for While sound knowledge is favorable to christianity, superficial ltnovvledge tends to infidelity, because it conducts men to that point at which they see difiiculties, Without advancing thein far enough to see through thorn. Superficial knowledge also induces intellectual pride, Wl'llCl1 is hostile to the high claims and humbling doctrines of the Gospel.---—~ The popular and prevalent notions respecting liberty in this country, have probably contributed in many in- stances to promote infidelity, by leading men to imag- ine that they are not accountable for their beliefl This has become a very common and popular sentiment, and has obtained greater currency in consequence of having received the sanction of many distinguished names. Every one has heard that celebrated distich of Pope:---— “For modes of faith let graceless zealots fight; His can’t be wrong, whose life is in the zriglit.” Now, although a child might see the absurdity of a maxim which disjoins practice from principle, yet this pretty couplets acts as an opiate to the consciences of thousands, who employ it as a convenient and all--sufii-- cient apology for their unreasonable ignorance and in- fidelity. This same sentiment was not long since pro- claimed before a large number of young men in one of iii the renowned Universities of‘ Great Britain, and aiier-»~ wards pnhlislied to the World, as a wonderful disoovm ery, by one of the most dlSill1f._§u”lSl’l€(l statestnen of the age; and it has met a most cordial and loud response on both sides of the Atlantic. Lord Brougham do»- clares that a man has no more control over his belief, than over the hue of his skin or the heiglit of his sta- ture. He would thus destroy the foundation of all moral obligation, and render man wholly irresponsible looth to his fellow-«men and to his God. From these and other causes, infidelity has come to prevail extensively in our country. If it were confined to the stutyl y of the philosopher, it would he czomparam tively harmless: but it pervades the mass of society, and aims to corrupt the rising generation. The press is continually augmenting the evil, by p0l_lI‘ll'lg f'ortl1 floods of error and pollution in the form of newspapers, periodicals and novels. These impair the intellect.,«--- pervert the jI.ll(illgI}fl0l‘ll;,--—---iI".lfi£:"tm8 the passions,--ittitoXi~ onto the iniagiriatioti and defile the heart. Now, I trust that no one present will question the dangerous oonsecpienoes oi‘ iiiiitlelity. l presume that you will all agree with the liather of onr country in the opinion, that “morality and religion are inrlispenw sable supports to those dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity.” We have sad reason to he» lievo that iiifitlolity is much more prevalent than is commonly supposed. lt is essentially missionary, and is continually operating th1'oug'l‘1 a variety of agencies in every corner of the land. Let us not be ignorant of its devices. ‘Zd. Another alarming indication existing in our Li country, is the increasing desecration of the Sabbath. In a country like this, the Sabbath should be guarded with the most jealous care: its influences are essential to our safety and prosperity: it is the palladium of our civil as well as religious blessings: our destiny is link» ed with this institution. If honored and observed, the S Sabbath will save the nation amid all dangers: if sub-= verted, truth and righteousness, liberty and peace, will take their flight. The triumph _ of infidelity will be complete, and will be the precursor of anarchy and blood. W762 are already threatened with danger from this very quarter. Our government has declared war against this sacred institution, and enforces its viola- tion. The contempt of the Sabbath is even a passport to popular favor; and the man who despises the Sab- bath, is the man whom the people delight to honor. The high places of power and fashion, encouraged by the example of government, are throwing ofl‘ their re- spect for the sanctity of the Sabbath, and transmitting the same spirit of impiety through all ranks of society. The restless spirit of the age is peculiarly hostile to the claims of the Sabbath; and the various forms of trade and active enterprise conspire to augment the danger. From these and other circumstances, the Sabbath has come to be regarded with much less respect than for- merly: andin view of the prevalent desecration of this holy day, we may Well tremble for our country. No secular advantages can compensate the loss of the benefits which the Sabbath secures. 3d. Another evil of wide extent and disastrous con- sequences, is the vice of intemperance. It is perhaps the most dangerous and ruinous vice that exists; for it 15 is often the prolific parent of all others. Its name is “Legion.” By destroying the moral sensibilities, it pre- pares men for every deed of wiclstedness. Our poor- houses arid prisons are crowded with its victims; and almost every capital ofience is committed by its hands. It destroys property, health, reputation, conscience, and life---—not only the life of the body, but of the soul. It is widely extended in its ravages, and indiscriminate in its operation. It already controls, to an alarming ex- tent, the operation of the laws, by its influence upon public sentiment; and if not checlted, it may utterly subvert our free institutions. Other governments have inherent power to restrain the progress of vice: ours has none. It depends upon the people; and if they become vicious, the government is gone. To a fearful extent this is even now the case. Intemperance, with its kindred vices, has overspread the land. From de- pendence on popular favor, our magistrates too often lend their countenance and aid, and license establish- ments to extend and perpetuate the evil. The voter is courted, because he is counted, whatever be his vices; and he is independent in his vices, because his own will creates his rulers. We have great reason, how- ever, to 1*ej7oice in view of the salutary check that has recently been given to this formidable evil. And we entertain the hope that this nation will not always hear the unenviahle title of “the nation of drunl:ar'ds.” 4th. Another evil of extensive prevalence and of most pernicious consequences upon individual charac- ter and social virtue and happiness, is licentiousness. Its tendency is to impair and destroy the most impor- tant of all our social institutions. To maintain inviolate iii the sacredness of the marriage covenant, and the pus rityjof the domestic relations, is indispensableto the best interests of society. Next to the church of God, the family institution is the most important organization in the World, Without which the church and the World could not long exist. The morality, good order and happiness of a community will depend upon the legiti-I A mate operation of the domestic institution and the rela- y tions to which it gives rise. Wfithout those influences which are enjoyed in a Well-ordered family, no plants of purity can flourish-—--no flowers of Virtue bloom. If licentiousness prevail here, it will be as a fatal disease at the heart, which will soon extend its ravages thro’ every fibre of the body; a fountain of pollution and death, Whose fatal streams will pervade every depart» ment of social life. M Wliere can be found a substitute for parental and filial afi’ection,--——-f'or the support and moral education of the young? What influence can be secured, of equal efficacy to that of" family government, for secur-» ing the decorum and decencies of life‘? The domestic afiections, moreover, give rise to the love of country, and constitute essential elements of true patriotism. If we trace to their source those pleasurable feelings connected with the idea of country, we will find that they originate in the associations of home,, and are strengthened and sweetened by the influence of the t relations and afiections of friendship and kindred. It is not the character of its climate, nor tlietertility of its soil, nor the variety and grandeur of its scenery, nor even its civil and religious institutions, which chiefly bind our attachments to our couttltrygit but it is because l “i” it is the land of our birth----the place of our home----the abode of the objects of our earliest and warmest love. Now, what is the state of public sentiment in rela- tion to this sacred institution‘? Is there attached to it generally that high importance, and that sacred regard paid to its relations and obligations which justly belong to it‘? Is tsuflicient care exercised to guard the purity of this hallowed Fountain which God has formed for the preservation and happiness of man? Is there manifested a disposition in the community to frown upon every thing calculated to impair in the eyes of men the sanctity of this institution? Alas, is it not the fact that men, and Women too, have been found publicly advocating principles subversive of all moral obligation, and all individual and social virtue; treatm- ing domestic purity with derision, and the marriage covenant as a relic of superstition‘! Is it not the fact that literature and talent, poetry and music, sculpture and painting, are often laid under contribution to cor- rupt the morals, and inflame the passions? VVhat is the character and tendency of many of those books and newspapers and pictures which are scattered over the country, and eagerly grasped by all classes, espe«- cially by the young‘? Are they not licentious in their nature and influence, and yet, arethey not forming the character of thousands of ‘our youth of both sexes? Is it not the fact that such books as our mothers and grandmothers would not have read even in secret, may now be seen lying open on the tables of their daugh- ters, Who yet would be shocked at the slightest imputa- tion on the delicacy of their minds or the purity of their morals“! Is itnot, the fact that the indelicate and flit) ence of designing men, as to destroy the liberties of our country? 7th. Closely connected witli the evil just mentioned, and indeed the principal occasion of it, is the spirit of party----an evil of wide extent and dangerous tendency, in our country. It has been called the disease of re» publics; for it hasinvariably entered them and proved fatal. They are peculiarly open to its invasion, and afford the Widest scope for its ravages. It has hitherto always existed in our country; but never has it appear- ed in a character so formidable as at the present time. It is essentially evil, and must prove a curse Wherever it exists. It excites and fosters the Worst principles and passions of the human heart. Let me urge you, my young fiiends, to guard against the influence of this mean, vile spirit; endeavor to fortify yourselves against its insidious arts. Aim to be independent. Stand alone, rather than go with the multitude to do evil. Seelt; to be like the beautiful portrait of Abdiel, drawn by the hand of Milton: “ 4* it it . it “Faithful found Among the Faithless;-~f'aitl1ful only he; Among innumerable false, unmoved, i Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified, V His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal; Nor number, nor example, with him Wrought To swerve from truth or change his constant mind, Though single.” In order to be proof against the spirit of party, you must rise above the agitated region of clouds which it infects, and learn to breathe the pure atmosphere of truth, and to hold communion with the high and holy. In relation to all questions, let your motto be,---~“ln new fill cessariis, unitas; in none necessariis, libertasg in omniu bus, charitas.” 8th. There is one other evil, which I cannot with propriety omit to notice on this occasion. It is one which, though local, is not the less a national evil and calamity. It has unhappily occasioned much had ex- citement, on which account it is thought by many that it ought on no public occasion to be named aloud; and some would be Willing" totgoeven so far as to place an interdict upon the liberty of speech in relation to this subject. But it is equally idle and wicked to think. of imposing any legal restraints upon the tl101lghtS. or lips of the people of this country. If slttoery be an evil----a national evil,---«then it is our privilege and duty calmly to look at it, and candidly and kindly to consult in re- ference to the best means of its removal, It is not my intention to advocate, at present, any favorite scheme. I am wedded to no particular project, and have none to recommend, or even to stiggest. Tile suhject is, to my mind, involved in deep darkness and difliculty. All that I now aim at, is to inspire you with thatspirit of" independence, wliich will lead you to contemplate this subject as you would any other, in all its aspects and consequences, and then to form an int;elligent judgment and deliberate purpose 1'especting it. It is in vain for us, to close our eyes to the subject; for it already forces itself, and will continue to force itself upon the atten- tion of the nation. You Inigltt as well attempt to bind the Hellespont with chains, as to keep down the dis» cussion of this subject. It involves questions which will be agitated, until‘ they are finally settled. Now, as you, my yotttig friends, will be called to “M5? W my my take part in the discussion, and perhaps the ultimate decision of these exciting questions, i feel anxiously desirous that you should he prepared for the crisis. in regard to this, as Well as every other suhject, endeavor to free yourselves from the blinding influence of preju- dice and passion; and whatever interest or inclination may prompt, let it be your first desire to know your duty, and your first purpose and act, to perform it:—-—- “Fiat justitia, ruat cmlurn.” We now proceed to inquire in the third and last place, whether there is any remedy for the evils that are found in our country. Must infidelity and vice ex» tend and perpetuate their dominion over our popula- tion, and gain a complete triumph‘? Must all our civil and religious institutions be swept by the hood of error and iniquity’? Must all we hold dear be sacrificed on the altar of ambition and lust, or bartered in the sham- bles of avarice“? A grand and sublime experiment is in progress in this countryman experiment of incalcu-- lable importance to ourselves and the whole world--—- the experiment whether men are capable of self-gow ernment,--——wl1ether they can live permanently and peacefully under rulers of their own choice and laws of their own formation---or whether they are destined perpetually to vibrate beptrreen anarchy and despotism. In this experiment are involved some of the dearest hopes of the human race. if it fail, these hopes will be turned into despondency. The report of the awful catastrophe will he as the knell of death echoing over the nations. Our repuhlic, new freighted with the precious hopes of the world, will then he a mighty ‘WI'eCli on the ocean of time! or like an island once fair and inviting, now turned into desolation by earth»- qualtes and volcanoes,-—--another Tenedos: “Insula dives opum Priarni, dum. regna manebant; Nnnc tantum sinus, et static malefida carinis.” lt is a truth confirmed by the experience of all nan tions and ages, that an ignorant and corrupt people cannot enjoy freedom. Ignorance and vice can he ruled only by the strong hand of despotism. Let an ignorant and vicious people attempt the experiment of self-government, and anarchy and violence will be the consequences. Hence the unsuccessful efl"orts to es- tahlish free governments in the Southern continent and in various parts of Europe. We have great reason to be tliankful that our national independence has been maintained so long. But it becomes us still to regard our government in the light of an experiment, and not to be too confident of its ultimate success. If we con- sult history, vve will find that nations, and republics too, have risen and flourished for a season, and then have perished. And although we believe that our gov»- ernment was originally based upon better principles than any one that has ever before existed, yet we also believe that she is not proof against corruption, and that if she ever so far forgets God, as to confide in learning, or Wealth, or power, or wisdom, or political skill, then has begun her decline, and the sun of her glory and prosperity shall soon go out. b There are some who imagine that education, and the general difl"usi.on of knowledge, will secure the per- manence of our free institutions. N ow, we would not depreciate the value of knowledge. Its ~difFusion- is immensely important; but it is not all-suficient. It is fill a power that is often misapplied and misdirected. It is a useful Weapon in the hands of Virtue; but otherwise it is a dreadful curse. lts influence depends upon the character and intentions of the agent who wields it. No spectacle can be more melancholy and fearful than that of a powerful and well educated mind, bent on purposes‘ of mischiefl Mere knowledge cannot control the Will, nor regulate the affections and passions.-— Learning alone cannot cahange the heart. The popular idea that universal intelligence will secure universal peace and prosperity, is not only un-- scriptural and unphilosophical, but contrary to histori- cal fact. Look, for example, at Athens. There We see the insuficiency of intellectual cultivation to sustain morality and liberty. Athens was the eye of Greece—-- the University of the world! She had an almost perfect system of intellectual education. There, every scene, every edifice, was an impressive exhibition of elegance and erudition. There, was the venerable grove in which Plato unfolded his sublime mysteries; There, the Lyceum in which Aristotle anatomized the springs of human intellect and action. There, the stately porch of Zeno; and there, the garden of Epicurus. There, were the monuments of every thing great and glorious, dignified and refined. There, were libraries, scientific lectures, and unrivalled schools of philosophy, in which the most distinguished sages were the teachers. Now, what was the consequence‘? Did learning rnalte the Athenians virtuous, and secure their liber- ties? No. They were a very vicious, profligate people. Gambling, drunkenness, and all forms of licentiousness prevailed, and increased with the growth of knowledge A K; ‘ Kin?‘ ilii will i‘., end political inse- eoriiiy, ere iifliliill io l"iEW@ been eo-evel. i .z.igiiiii: l.»ooli oi lliiiiioei ‘Wee igoereiiee ilie cause ofilie i”i0i‘l"®l’"§1-35 eiiieitiee and eiimes oi” liei: i"8V0lUti0l1°.2 Heal eeieiiee eiiil liiei"iiiiii'e been ei'eviooely eimiliileieid in tlmt eoLieii“y‘? No“ "l"lie gierioil eieeeiliiig that ter- rible Cfiléli-Jliwplilfi liee iieeii Cfliiflfil, by way oi“ eminence, “me Aiigoeiee ege of lliieiieel” ’"i‘lie oils eml sciences flouiislied, mid ili®l"l;'lilLll"@ was pe'.‘lil"€.illiZGd9 and yet lib- erty wee @l”l“lSlf"l®£i.. Wiiy iliil iioi lmowledge prevent that revoliiiioii, Oi.“ oi leiiei, its oxeeseee‘? did not linoxvleclge ziml ieiioeineiii eoilo the eioi*m of human p:;isssioi'i, iiml eoiiiiol ilie violeiiee of eeiioiiel ei'1a1'chy‘l? T Ail! “'l_A'EiVi£lil’lill'i ie iioi time iiimeil.” ll ie voiii io ilepeiiil iiiioii Elie gene ‘oi intelligence of line people, iii; iiii eileeleol .3lE3mLll."li;y for civil lilierty. In-no tolligeiiee iiiiiel; lie eoiiiiolleil liy moral piinoiple, to be of any awziil; eiiil tliie iimel lie based upon religion. lVit.l1oiil llio lielief oi” religious truth, it can have no eiiisteiiee; oiiil Wlilimlli the emotion of religion it can liawe no ellieecy. And by religion? we mean the re» ~lig;icm i»;f' (:lii*ietieiii:,y., ii ie this alone that can purify 26 the heart-mcurh the vioience of’ pussion—-«restrain from vicious indulgence, and icon to the practice of virtue. But while some iooii: to the influence of general edu- cation, as the means of preserving our free institutions, there are others who confide chiefly in the powe1* of the laws, for securing this end. Now it is impossible, untier any form of government, for the laws to exercise any other than a. partial and negative influence. Laws are external. They cannot reach the secret springs of action in the heart. Tiiey may partially suppress, but cannot ezsztinguish the unhaliowed fires that burn with- in, They only take cognizance of a few overt ofiences, which they seek to restrain hy penalties that have no seiutary influence upon the character of the culprit. Besides, human virtue does not consist in conduct proéaced by the mere fear of penal infiiotions; but it consists of feeiings and actions, which human laws are neither competent nor intencied to govern; and which it is the prerogative of religion alone, to generate, to foster one to aifihse. The influence of laws, then, must always he very iitnited. But in a government iihe ours, where the peopie make the iaws---~where they depeno for their existence and enforcentent, upon the will of the people, no ioea can he more preposterous, than that of trusting to the laws for the protection of our rights and iiberties egainst the dangers that may arise to threaten their destruction. ’ Our government is entirely destitute of inherent strength. it is whoiiy depenéent upon the will of the people. This is its basis-—---this its animating spirit---its very life. This is the power thut moves itsmachinery, 2*?’ that controls its operations. As the streams cannot rise higher than its fountain, so the measures of our gov- ernment in regard to their moral character, can never rise higher than the source from which they emanate---- the will of the people-—-—-Without the application of a a power foreign to the genius of our government. When- ever a majority of the people become corrupt, they have the power in their hanols, and no laws can be ex- pected to emanate from thern, which will condemn the practices in which they delight. It is obvious, then, that our only sure expedient is to promote and preserve moral purity among the people. But to what influence shall we look for preserving that general morality which alone can sustain our free in— stitutions‘.? We have seen that it is not to be found in any system of mere intellectual education; nor in any system of human legislation. Our schools of learning and halls of science and courts of justice tell us, that it is not in them. Is it in the freedom of the press ‘E? Alas, both the political and religious press are at present too much under the control of cupirlity and party-spirit, to pron'iise.the influence which is needed. ls there, then, no redeeming influence,-—--no conservative potver?--~ There is! i We hail it from heaven; it has come down from the throne of God; it is the law of Got/l-—-——the in- fluence of gospel-truth. Nothing but this can ever so- cure to us that ipervasion of pure principles which is indispensable‘ to the permanence of‘ our civil institu- tions. The principles of the Bible must not only be transcribed upon our statute-boolts, but upon the hearts of the people. These alonecan prepare men for self?- government. “It is in ms gwincipins ni" nin°istinnii.y,'” says Haitian hitnseif, “tmnsininsd by the Pnriinii iiiii1€i“'.“:-39 that the World is indebted for nny mnioiini iibnmy WiiiCi”i exists on earth.” We have nntiiingg on Wiiicii in ieiy with Safety, but the instiiniinns nf fiiirisit, nnii inn piii‘G spirit of the gosgsl nf fiinist, '"ii‘i‘iiiins is iiin inst? inn nniy iiope of our cnnmiy anii the iW0i‘i{i. “§i2iii'niini'i iininiigetn unto the Lord g.” nnai iiiis snivniinii nizieiidnni Ei"ii°®Ugi"i. the inswumeniniiiies of ii’i®I£“J£‘ii p©n=*ei" Winnii he nns or» dained for the pnnpnsn. “Win :g@$i}£3fl9 E;iLCi":®'i”i.’I1§Cmi”ii@£i by the promised iniinnnces nf tins (iivinn @nii*ii.9 Wiii nxsri a connniiingg nniisfni"iniiig., nLn“ifyiin:g; iniinnncn npnn A the hearts nf men; nnd in iiiis n/n.j;v ninnn can they be» coins nnnlifinii inn‘ siaiii-»g*niTni‘nii*n2iii, ‘Min &g,®£%%:p@}$ if ale» lowed in @}i'.Bi°i. its E3.M.i1‘Opi‘”iEii;@ iniinnnnn, nrniiiii ina.i«:n us pennaneni,iy fins and iinimy. its iiniiiggigii inifiunnce would be “as inn new of i3=iei°iiinm nini inn iinw that descendsai nnnn inn mountains nfliinii, wivinnn i,i:n3iJo1'(i cmfnmnmied his binssing, nven iifn fni nvni'nnn°e.'*’” Tins” tshen, is oj:.n* hope. if DEM‘ cnnnny is snvnd, iiin goslwei must be innifn W~’iMi&'i%i:V @Xi®iZ'i€i€‘.€.Ii9 nnrzi iin Emfiafiwiiiipéiiiiflti xwvith the iiniy ifiiinsi snni iinwii ii'nifn ifi®3,W”@i‘i. We tikiernfom cnii- nnnn nii nxini fnni nn in inn ii;imi"’(-3 destinies nf inn ifnn;ini.n in iiiinii‘f“ii3€ii.i’i nini niginini inn }:nn*i-~ fyiiagg &‘~ipii“i’i, ni" i;i’i® gm-snnii Win nnini iipflii ynn nsniiciniiyg ynnng innn, “iinnnnsn yn inn sn'nng.,” nnii iM3€=‘Eii.if¢3»i3 in yen wiii swan he eininntnii inn ini.ni*nsi;s ni’ inn i'i€ii.i0iL We nnii npnn _‘§é’®u in im iiii.iiii'ni in ynni“, nnsi in (in yam‘ dnty. Ei"i(iiE‘%&‘Wm‘, by ynni ezxniiiiiin nnezi iiiiinnncn, to raise the tone ni itnnini snniinnenn i?i»iiii5i*ni*ni° yon see vice, finwn nnnn ii, nndfi int "‘i7ii“'iii@ ninrnys receive your countenance nnd snppnii. if ynn iinis Eiiifififlis?-(“i in ‘iii? stemming the torrent of‘ ioitptity, tittttt'e generations wilt rise up and caii you hiessed. Arid iet me beseech all to prey for divine itifltteeee upon our hmti. If God poets out his thee eh Wiii he gseiped. Our cotmtty Wiii heeome the 0'ttt'tieh of the Lord. “The Getitiies shttii see heir t'ig:>;i‘tt<80‘ttSt1@St5 and tztii hinge her giety. Shite shttii he ti etowh of glory in the hands of the Letmi, and Et royeti tiititiettt in the hand of our God.” Let us not then: tiesptm of the petptetiept prosperity of em‘ eooittty; hut iet its encourage ourselves in the Lot-ti out God. Let us rejoice, that amid ah the clouds V of t:hthge1° and pfttiit thet titttit.ett em‘ poiitietti prospects, the star of hope anti the t'e,ihhoW of ptopeise may still he seep tégtimiy giidittg opt COt.1t'ltt"y9S hoi'i:tot't. Let us then tttite ettcout'eg;ettiettt to pet thtth our efforts to StTtV@ out heioveti eottetty. itet out hope and prayer respecting her ever he, “Esto pet'pettte.” Titien, if she is saved, it will be 21 stttiicieht t‘@VV&.Ttt‘(i for sit out exeru tions and seetifiees, to he petthitteti to witness her ris- ing prosperity, and to ifhipgie iii the rejoieihgs of her glorious juhiiee. if, on the ether itttttti, the t"iEtt“i{ cloud of adversity shottid g'tti;i”t@t“ over her, seat tiehtge all her dearest hopes, we shttii httvo the eoesoietiop thttt, away from this tepfipestoops state of iittttittp. t.hinp;s, tmd be- yomii the stotpts oi ii,i'e"s tttmttitttotts oeezth, there is an- other eottptty, whete, as f@iiO‘W~CitiZ@t1;"», we they meet tmti ttiittgio om‘ i“tttiieit,tu]ih,it£3 for evet and evei‘. §%ttSiEt'il"tt':Z‘~(i ttttti tmitmttoti by such tt prospect, we simfl rise superior to the feet‘ of dz.tpggei' ttitti of tieeth. Then, thrtmgh Whtttevet scenes of etive2'sity we mtty he cttlied to pass, we can say--—-—~ “Per varies casus, per totydiscriminu. 1'c1'u11t, Tendimus in czcelum, ubi Deus sedos quietzts, 0stemiit.” 30 But while we this day rejoice in the ezizperiemze of such rich and nmnerous blessings, slid seek and prey for the prosperity of our country, let us not overloolc the claims of’ a. benighted world. A Let us resolve to laborané prey for the extension of our civil ancl reli- gious privileges over all the earth. This isthe grand- est, noblest enterprise. that can enlist your feelings and energies. The Whole Wfifld is to he brought under the éomieion of the gospel. iThis is to be accomplished by human instrumentelity. Emmanuel has erecteo his standard, and is mustei*ihg his forces for ‘W’i':‘tl‘. This is the day of his power; Let us all be found willingly consecmting ourselves to his service; and let us resolve that “for Ziorfs sslsze we will not hold our peace, and for J e1'osalem’s‘sal~:e We will not rest until the right- eousiiess thereof‘ go forth as hrightness, and the salve.- tion thereof as :3. lamp that lournetli; and until the kingdoms of this world shall have become the king- doms of the Lord and of hisCh1'ist..” “ Come then, and added to thy many crowns, Receive yet one, the crown of all the earth; Thou who alone art worthy! Thine it was By ancient covenant, ere Nature’s birth; And thou l'l8.St made it thine by purchase since, And overpaid its value with thy blood?’