nent interest. This is true both in respect to our own country, and the world.

In respect to our own country-this event has led to the establishment of a government, which is already beginning to be regarded by the civilized world, as an improvement upon the best models, whether of ancient or modern times;-a government, which, while it knows nothing of hereditary thrones and privileged orders, on the one hand, is yet equally remote from the strife and tumult of a pure democracy, on the other. It would seem, indeed, as if those who framed our national constitution, had incorporated into it whatever was great and noble in all previous political systems; while they left out all those materials which, in other governments, have constituted the elements of disorder and decay. But, without attempting what would better become other hands-to analyze our political system, and thus show its tendency to promote public happiness, I will only refer you to the fact, that our government actually has exerted a more benign influence on all the great interests of our country, than was ever exerted by any other government, of human

origin, on any country below the sun. Compare the progress of the American people, during the last half century, in numbers, in wealth, in learning, in political importance, with their progress, during any preceding period, and after you have given due weight to the operation of other causes, you will find that there is a vast amount of improvement that remains to be set down to the account of our government. Or you may arrive at the same result, by comparing the condition of our country during the same period, with that of of the present tributaries of Great Britain. Or you may even search through the annals of nations; and, if I mistake not, the result will be a full conviction that our country, during the period to which I have referred, stands completely unrivalled in the march of improvement. It is fair then to conclude-for it is in view of actual experimentthat our government is pre-eminently adapted to foster the highest interests of our country.

any

But, the event which we commemorate, was too great to be confined in its effects to a single people its influence has extended over the world, To say nothing of the direct influence which

was exerted upon other nations by our revolution, it admits of no question, that the influence of our government is felt, at this hour, in a greater or less degree, by every civilized people. It is a little leaven gradually pervading the whole lump. Time was, when it was laughed at abroad as a visionary experiment; even now, there are those who will have it, that it contains within itself, the principle of its destruction: but every thing indicates the contrary; nay, every thing seems to say that it is probably destined, in its general features, to be the model of the best governments, in the best days of the world.

I have spoken chiefly of what has been; but I must not forget to add, that this great event is probably yet to exert its greatest influence. We know-for God has told us-that there is a period of universal moral renovation approaching; and there is much in the aspect of Providence, which seems to indicate that our country is to have a prominent-may I not say—a principal instrumentality in the introduction of that period. And this instrumentality is no doubt to be exerted, in a great degree, through those institutions which are more or less nearly con

nected with our government. We look back to the event which we commemorate; and its influence, originally, appears no more than a rill; but already it has expanded into a majestic river, and will hereafter, as we believe, swell into an immense ocean, whose waters shall be for the refreshment and health of the world.

And what say you, my friends, in view of this consideration, as to the propriety of celebrating this day? Is there a day, upon which God has not left the special impress of his authority, in the annals of any country, that better deserves it? If the event which it commemorates has been followed by such consequences, both to our own country and the world, and if its benign influence is to be felt by all future generations, will not every heart and tongue exclaim, 'let the public observance of the day be perpetuated.'

II. But if the day is to be celebrated, the inquiry naturally suggests itself, IN WHAT MANNER IS IT TO BE CELEBRATED? I have already said that it should be celebrated RELIGIOUSLY : But, more particularly,

1. By a devout acknowledgment of the providence of God, in procuring our independence,

We

It is manifestly proper that we should, on this day, enter the courts of the Most High, with our offering of thanksgiving; that we should bow before Him who sitteth King among the nations; that we should celebrate His most worthy praise in view of the deliverance which He has wrought for us. We should endeavor to gain a deeper impression of His agency in this wonderful event, that our reverence and gratitude towards Him may be proportionably increased. should devoutly recognise our dependance on God for the continuance of our freedom, and all our national blessings; should commit our country, anew, with all its interests, to His special protection. We should look to Him as the author of all just counsels, to endue our rulers with the spirit of wisdom and the fear of the Lord, that they may devise the best measures for the promotion of our public prosperity. We should humble ourselves in view of our national sins, for which we so justly deserve the frown of the Almighty. And with these acts of religious worship we should mingle a deep sense of our personal responsibility;-our responsibility as citizens of a country, whose freedom has been