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purchased with blood; which has hitherto been the object of Heaven's special care; which furnishes such rich advantages both for improvement and enjoyment; and which is to exert such a powerful influence on the destinies of the world. Let these be the purposes for which we come, on occasions like this, to the sanctuary of God, and not we only, but our country, will have occasion to say, that it was good for us to be here.'

2. Let the anniversary of our independence be celebrated, by religiously noticing the passing dispensations of Providence towards our country.

There are seasons when it is peculiarly proper for individuals to make the dealings of God towards them a subject of serious reflection; and there is no period, perhaps, which is more favorable to such recollections, or to which they would seem better fitted, than a birth day. And what is true, in this respect, of individuals, is true of nations also; especially, when the commencement of their existence is, like ours, strongly marked. Yes, my friends, it is right that, on this day, we should devoutly trace the dealings of God towards us, as a people, ever

since we had a distinct existence; especially, that we should call up events of recent occurrence, whether prosperous or adverse, and let them have their legitimate influence upon our feelings and conduct. Nations, as well as individuals, are subject to a providential discipline; and to the former as well as the latter, may the inspired declaration be applied-He that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

I pause here, my hearers, for a moment, to direct your attention to that act of God's providence, which has excited the astonishment of the world, during the past year, but which I fear has been contemplated with more of wonder than profit-in removing, on our national jubilee, two of the most illustrious of our revolutionary patriots. I do not introduce the subject for the sake of eulogy;-for of that, however well deserved, it must be acknowledged that there has already been an overwhelming surplusage: but I introduce it simply to remind you that there are religious reflections suggested by this event, which, as a people, we are bound to cherish. It preaches to us most eloquently

concerning the vanity of human distinctions. It tells us that, however great man may be in the present life, he carries none of his greatness to the tomb. It tells us that, in the affair of our salvation, those splendid achievments which most attract the eyes of the world, are lighter than air ;—that the statesman and the hero, if they enter the kingdom of God, must go through the same straight and narrow way of faith and holiness, which is trod by the obscurest christian. I would leave to the Searcher of hearts the province of judging the characters of my fellow men; but, as a Christian minister, I would protest against that faithless dealing in respect to the dead-even the most illustrious deadwhich substitutes heroism for piety; which enthrones a man in heaven, not because he has repented of his sins, and believed in Christ, but because he has guided the counsels, or bled in the battles of his country.

3. Let the anniversary of our independence be celebrated, by special efforts for the benefit of our nation.

It were well that there should be a public feeling in favor of devoting this day to objects of

national importance; that it should be a day sacred to the projection or accomplishment of great and good enterprises. It were well if every person would associate with the dawn of this anniversary a strong impression that, however he may work for himself on other days, on this day he must labor for his country. If he has a mind capable of projecting some great plan for the intellectual or moral improvement of his countrymen-some project that will tell on the destinies of future generations, let that be his work for this anniversary. Or, if there be institutions already in existence which demand his aid, let him cheerfully put forth his hand for their support. Or, if his be a less gifted mind, and adapted to a humbler sphere, let him do what he can with the powers which God hath given him; and let him remember, for his encouragement, that the most splendid deeds are not always the most useful. If he goes out into his neighborhood to try to persuade the drunkard to cast away his poison, he is laboring for his country; for intemperance, more than almost any other vice, threatens to entail upon it the curse of God. If he goes into his closet

to intercede with the God of nations, still he is laboring for his country; and, no doubt, far more successfully, than many a blustering orator, who talks loudly of patriotism, and boasts much of national glory, without seeming to remember that there is a God or a Providence. In short,

I would say, let every man labor on this day, for the benefit of his country, according to his several ability. Choose the sphere in which you can do most, and do best, and there let the spirit of patriotism have its perfect work.

4. Once more: Let the anniversary of our independence be celebrated, by expressions of sympathy towards the oppressed.

We are strongly reminded by this occasion of the days in which we were ourselves an oppressed people; and of the succour which was extended to us from abroad, when our own resources were exhausted or cut off. And now, in the midst of peace, and plenty, and rejoicing, when our independence is gained, and we have grown up to political manhood;-now, especially, that we have come together to commemorate the birth of our country's freedom, is it not a dictate of reason-of humanity-of religion,

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