and splendid victories. The eras when their existence commenced and the achievements of their bold warriors and stern patriots were, at stated seasons, brought freshly to their remembrance by the monuments of antiquity and the festivals of their religion. England has her days of song and chivalry, of humiliation and prayer, commemorative of wonderful events in her history. But what nation on the globe has greater reason to rejoice than the one, the anniversary of whose independence we this day commemorate. The deliverance of this country from foreign aggression, and a long-continued train of evils, is the theme of our rejoicing. The recollection of this proud event brings up around each heart a host of the most interesting associations. We are at once thrown upon the day that tried men's souls. The story of that day's suffering and wrong, peril and death, defeat and victory, written as it is in the blood and tears, the privations and sorrows of the patriotic men who dared to do, or die, is unfolded to their children's children; and we have come hither to gather strength and courage over the glorious record. The orator for God, the statesman and the scholar, have made it the subject of their theme, and the burden of their song. And each revolving year it has been received with renewed feelings of joy and acclamations of pleasure. But have we not, too often, while doing homage to the patriots of the revolution, forgotten the Almighty hand that preserved this country in the terrible conflict, and conducted us in safety through the storm of war, and the desolations of an overbearing foe! The song of praise has not always

been of God. The voice of rejoicing seldom rose higher than the rugged passes that frown defiance to the world.

We are here-not to be forgetful of what God, by our fathers has achieved for this land of promise-but while we would give the events, to which this day more immediately belongs, their legitimate place in each heart, we would be reminded of the interest Heaven has always taken in our affairs, and indulge in reflections intimately connected with the sublime occasion.

The pilgrim fathers were conducted to these shores by an Almighty hand. They might have passed to other lands, far from the agressors, and been safe. There were countries nearer home that would have gladly welcomed them to their shelters. But a mysterious influence rested upon their minds; and, although it was a hazardous enterprize, teeming with danger, they rallied their broken spirits, braved the winds of heaven, the storms of the angry deep, and, in hope against hope, in the very depth of winter, sprang upon the ragged rock of Plymouth, bearing with them the seeds of a holy religion and a vast empire.

Their origin and national character, form a striking circumstance in the history of the country. They were of no plebian race, neither were they all of high patrician birth; but generally selected from that class, which, in England especially, constitutes the very best and most enterprising of her citizens. They were inflexible, brave and true. Independence of mind, a fearless spirit, with an unparalleled strength of purpose were characteristics by which they were distinguished. Another and a far

different race might have been our fathers; but God had high and important purposes in view, and he therefore selected men who possessed the power and were furnished with the materials to lay the deep and broad foundations of a nation, destined to be unexampled and glorious.

They were pious-the followers of the meek and lowly Jesus. Had they been the disciples of Mahomet or the worshippers of idol gods, their children would not have stood where they do this day, nor their country present, after the lapse of centuries, such a sublime. spectacle to an admiring world.

The nature of the constitutions and laws they framed and adopted; the moral tendency, the strictness of their religious sentiments, all give evidence of an overruling Providence. Had the laws by which they were governed been less rigid and severe, their morals more pliable and their faith cast in a more polished mould, it is a question whether their children would have retained, for so many years, customs and manners, which, though antiquated and ridiculed by the refined and sceptical, have contributed in a great measure to preserve the American citizen as yet, from many of the glaring absurdities and extravagant notions of his trans-atlantic brethern. On the whole we may consider the character of the pilgrims, their conduct and views, as not only beneficial, but absolutely necessary, in a religious, moral and political point of light, in forming the basis of a great and highly intelligent community.

Their preservation from the scalping-knife of the savage and from the sword of France, is another mark of divine favor. No personal bravery, no tower of

strength could have secured them from the accumulated dangers that beset them. The country was then covered with thousands of the red warriors, armed and on the watch for their prey, urged on by Frenchmen who thirsted for blood. Early in their history we also mark a gracious interposition of Divine Providence in the discomfiture and defeat of a powerful armament. Ere it had reached these shores, the Lord commissioned the elements to fight against it, and the proud fleet was scattered, dismasted, and broken by the four winds.

And when the seeds of war sprang up in the breasts of the revolutionary heroes, were not the councils of Great Britain strangely perplexed? The voice of wisdom forsook the senate and council chamber, and the spirit of her king, her nobles, and people cowered to a base and palpably ignorant policy. With haughty indifference to the cry of oppression and a vain reliance upon the puissant arm of her soldiery, she flung down the gauntlet, crossed the rubicon, and recklessly plunged into an inglorious war, which she imagined would result in the chastisement and humiliation of the men she insultingly termed boys,-rebels to her crown and dignity. She had not counted the cost when she dared her colonies to the combat; and sore and bitter was her repentance.

At this period, big with the destinies of millions, when all that is dear and valuable to man was at stake, and the hopes of America were on the point of being blasted forever, the IMMORTAL WASHINGTON appeared on the arena of battle. A mysterious and all-wise Providence seemed to designate him as the ANGEL that was to lead

the American armies to victory and conquest. He soon redeemed the pledge his opening campaign gave to a deeply anxious and troubled people. His course was brilliant and successful. He met the veterans of a hundred hard-fought fields, wearing the laurels of victory, and they were beaten and slain; the country rescued from the invader's sword, and its rights and privileges confirmed and acknowledged by the voice of nations and the wisdom of our fathers.

The framing of the constitution, that great pillar of our country's glory, is not among the least of the blessings by which these United States are distinguished.

But who can read the page that opens upon the fiftieth anniversary of our independence, and not be struck with astonishment at the death of the two venerable patriots, Jefferson and Adams, who were both on the morning of that auspicious day, basking in the sunshine of a nation's smile; but, ere the sun had set, were gathered with their fathers?-who can pass over this imperishable mark of divine interference, and not feel the full force of our observations?

The prosperity which has always crowned this country -more especially since her independence was established, is further proof that God is with us. She has increased in territory and in population, in riches, in enterprize, and renown. Her religious, literary and political institutions will bear a proud comparison even with those of Great Britain, France and Germany.

From what has been said, we may fairly infer, that America is destined, at no distant period, to take a more