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J BY JOHN LATHROP, D. D. PASTOR OF THE SECOND CHURCH IN BOSTON. PDBLIBMED XT THE REQUEST OF THE HBARBRSt BOSTON : PUBLISHED BY J. W. BURDITT. 4813. (I A ■V -m^- fc-^R*"" ^V^MMRI mm SERMON. 1st BOOK OF CHONICLES, XVI. 8, 9. " Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, *^ make known his deeds among Ihe people. Sing *^ unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk you of all " his wondrous worksP NEVER, my friends, did we assemble with more cheerful hearts to offer praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God, than we do on the present occasion. Never have r/e witnessed joy more universal, than the joy expressed by the American people at the re- turn of peace. This event, like the sun breaking from a cloud, hath scattered the darkness which hung over our afflicted country, and given new spirits and new life to many who were " bowed down to the dust," and " covered with the shadow of death." On such an occasion, it is highly proper, that peo- ple professing the christian religion, do assemble in places of worship, and offer praise and thanksgiving to Him who ruleth over the nations, and turneth the hearts of the kings, and of the mighty men of the earth, as the waters are turned. Not only the people of our country, but the great- est part of the christian world, have been in deep af- i action. Modern history presents no period to our recollection, in which the miseries of war have been more generally felt, than during the last few years ; and it is with great pleasure that we hear, peace was no sooner restored to the bleeding nations of Europe, than the temples of the Most High were filled with praises and thanksgivings. As the American people were the last to take the cup of affliction, which the Sovereign of the world hath caused to pass from one nation to another, so are they the last, but, we trust, not the least, in sincere and humble gratitude, to the Giver of all mercies, for granting salvation to many millions of people, by a general peace. The text points out to us a course of exercises, proper on the present occasion. We are called upon by a sense of gratitude ; by a recollection of the bene- fits which a merciful God hath bestowed upon ns,— we are called upon to give tljanks,— to worship Him, — to talk of all his wondrous works. It would be pleasant, and it would be useful, to talk of those wondrous works which proclaim the Eternal Power and Godhead ; and which have call- ed forth the reverence and love of the wfse and good, in all parts of the world. By the things which our eyes behold, we have convincing evidence, that a Being of infinite perfection, presides over the universe, and guides all the movements of it, according to his pleasure. But on the present occasion, we feel dis- posed to talk more particularly of the loving kindness, and of the mercy, which God was pleased to show to the Fatliers of ouv Country ;— of the protection grant- ed to them jind their children, in seasons of weakness nnd danger, and when they were exposc^d to the sav- ages of the wilderness, and to other powerful cue. mies ; — of the wars in which our country has been engaged ;— of the late war, and of the peace which God hath now given to us. — From a review of the wondrous works of mercy and goodness, " which were done in the times of old," and w hich have been done in later years, we will endeavour to excite those grateful and pious feelings, which alone can render our publick expressions of thanksgiving acceptable to a gracious Benefactor. When we speak of the Fathers of our Country, we have respect to those Europeans, who early adven- tured to this quarter of the world, and made settle- ments in various parts of the extensive region now called, The UiJiTviD States of America : but when we speak of the Fathers of New England, we have re. spect to those protestant christians, who, having been oppressed and persecuted by a race of despotick sove- reigns, and by an intolerant hierarchy, left " the pla- ces of their fathers sepulchres," and made the first permanent settlements, in the region which we in- habit, and which still bears the name of the country from whence they emigrated. The views of the early adventurers to North Amer- ica, even from Columbus in 1493, to the time when the pilgrims landed at Plymoutli, in 16S0, were ex- tremely various. The object of some of them was, discovery — Men best acquainted, in those times, with the principles of geography, expected to find a passage to India, by the Western Ocean. Others \l were exciteil to tiie hazaiilous undertaking, and made voyages to this quarter of the world, with the expecta- tion of wealth : reports were spread abroad, that on the islands and on the continent there was plenty of silver and gold. But it was for the express purpose of securing for themselves and for their children, the rights of freemen, and more particularly the rights of conscience, that the Fathers of New England exchang- ed their dw elling places, in a country abounding with the means of subsistence, for a wilderness, where wants and sufferings were to be expected. The first christian pilgrims approached these north- ern shores at an inclement season of the year. At their landing they found no shelter from the cold and from the tempest. They were in want of those re- freshments which would have been peculiarly grate- ful after the fatigues and dangers of a long voyage. By reason of the privations aud tha sufferings, which were unavoidable in their miserable habitations, they soon became sickly ; and before the opening of the spring, forty -five of the one hundred and one, who laud- ed on the last of the preceding December, were dead. Although the first cbristian pilgrims had been brought to this northern region, contrary to their in- tention, and contrary to the contract which they had l)een careful to make before they left their native country, divine providence seems to have prepared a place for them, in which they might plant themselves without any immediate opposition. The Indians, who had before inhabited the ground on which they landed, and the wilderness bordering on them, were nearl y extinct. They had some time before been beaten in bloody wars with other savage nations j nnd, to complete their destruction, an awful pestilence had raged among them, sweeping away both the old and the yoang, until it might be said, " The land was left without inhabitants." With great propriety we quote and apply, a part of the XLIV. Psalm. — " We have heard with our ears, O God, our fath- " ers have told us, what thou didst in their days, in " the times of old. How thou didst drive out the " heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them : how " thou didst afflict the people and cast them out. For " they got not the land in possession by their own " sword, neither did their own arm save them ; but " thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy " countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto "them." The feeb'ie pilgrims, at the fii-st, had indeed no en- emy to oppose them. None of the original lords of the soil came to protest against their landing. The first visit made them by an Indian, was in the month of March. One of the chiefs of a tribe, living at a considerable distance, appeared, unexpectedly ; and in their own language, which he had imperfectly learned from some Europeans, who had before visited the country, he addressed them, saying, <' Welcome. Englishmen ; Welcome, Englishmen !"* The fathers of New England were not, however permitted to continue many years unmolested. The tribes of Indians, who inhabited the vast wilderness, observing the increase of English settlements, and " Holmei's Annals, Vol. i. p. 807. Samoset, it may be supposed, obUined some knowledge of the English lan- guage from Capt. John Smith and others, who visited this eountry »nd began » commerce with the Indians in the year- 16U and 1615. \| mm hearing of the arrival of new adventurers, iiuliil!;- ed suspicioRJi, that the strangersi, who were not only Bpreading along on the sea shore, but were extending into the country, would, ere long, compel them to re- linijuish the possessions which their fathers had en- joyed, from time immemorial. Jealousies and apprehensions, such as we have now mentioned, were greatly strengthened by the in- tercourse which the natives of the wilderness had af- terwards with the French, whose settlements were progressing in Nova Scotia and in Canada. The most dangerous wars in which the fathers of Ne" Englanu were engaged, are traced to the sour- ces which we have now mentioned. Phili/py son and successor of Massasoiet, the histo- rian observes, " could not bear to see the English of "New Plymouth, extending their settlements over *< the dominions of his ancestors ; and although his " father had, at one time or other, conveyed to them " all that they were possessed of, yet he had sense " enough, to distinguish a free voluntary covenant, " from one made under a sort of duresse ; and he " could never rest until he brought on the war, which " ended in his destruction." The same historian adds ; " The eastern wars ^' have been caused by the attachment of those Indians " to the French, who have taken all opportunities of " exciting them to hostilities against the English."* During the wars with FhJiipf and with various tribes of Indians, after the death of Philip, assisted by the French from Canada and Nova Scotia, the New England Colonies, more especially Massachu- • Hutchinson's Illst. Vol. i. p. 170 and 283. seits and New Hampsliiie, were exposed to great suf' feringa. Such was the influence which Philip had over his OWM tribe, and over many other tribes of the savages, that he was able to send the calamities of war to al- most every town in New England. Many innocent peop!e were killed while labouring in their fields ; many women and children were killed in their hous- es ; many were taken and carried into captivity. Between the month of June, I675, when this noted warrior began hi? vork of murder and depredation, and the month of August, 16; 3, when he fell in battle, many of the town* in this, then colony, which are now beautiful and opulent, were visited by savage inva- ders, and either in whole, or in part were destro; d, I will mention some of them. — Brookjield was am^ ag the first, wholly destroyed ; one house only excepted. JDeerfieldf seven days after was laid in ashes. Spring- field, partly destroyed. Groton, wholly destroyed. Lamaater, and Medfield, and Warwick, and Sud- bury, and Marlborough, and Chelmsford, and Wey- mouth, and Bridgewater, and Scituate, and Middle- borough, and Plymouth, and several other towns, were attacked, and in most cases, some of the inhabitants were killed, and some carried into captivity; and many of the buildings left in flames. Nor did the work of devastation and murder end with the death of Philip.* Expeditions were made from Canada, and from Nova Scotia. Saco, and Wells, and Fork, and Dover, and Berwick, and oth- er places, were invaded by French and Indians from the east. Many people were killed, and many hous- es were destroyed. Several towns, which were de^ • See Note A: \| stroyed in the time of Philifs war, were again vis- ited and destroyed by parties of French from Canada, and the Indians who united with them. So late as 1701, Beerfield was again invaded and burnt ; many of the people were killed, and their minister, Rev. Mr. Williams was carried into captivity. And four years after, Haverhill was attacked, and in part burnt ; Rev. Mr. Rolfe the minister of the town, and thir- ty or forty of the people were killed. During tlie long reign of Lewi» XIV. king of France, great exertions were made by that monarch to gain an ascendency over the powerful kingdoms of Europe, and, in the end, make all the nations of the world bow to his authority. He found the English were making settlements on tha atlantick coasts, and rapidly extending their borders into a country capa- ble of higli cultivation, and promising a lucrative commerce. He, too, had colonies in North America.; but he had an impression, that his colonies would be of but little advantage to him, unless he could pre- vent the growth, and the commerce of the English col- onies : his ambition, therefore, put him or. devising means, which, if fully eyecuted, would not only have prevented the growth of the English colonies, but eventually, would have extirpated tliem. We find a plan for the purpose now mentioned, adopted by the court of France, as early as I687.* The French project, to obtain, and to hold the do- minion of all North America, was simple, while it was deep. It was to secure the great rivers at the north east, and at the south west, viz. the St. Law- rence, and the Missisippi, as well as the inland seas, • llolroeb't Annals. Vol. i. i>. 472. 11 which complete the line of water communication, and which give facility to an immense commerce. They very well knew, that the power, which shall be able to command on those waters, will be able to command and to direct the numerous tribes of savages who inhab- it the vast wilderness between the English colonies, and the French settlements. To carry this plan into effect, we find the French exploring the vi'aters of the Missisippi, in the year 1687. Some years after, we hear of them making settlements on the borders of that river. We hear of them erecting forts, at the most commanding places, near the lakes, and other navigable waters at the west ; and at the same time, making unreasonable demands of territory at the east.* Having thus prepared, the French lost no time in attempting to carry their plan into execution. They availed themselves of the jealousies which already existed in the minds of many of the native Indians, that the Erlglish would take from them their hunting grounds, and destroy them. In this state of jealousy and irritation, they wer^ excited to deeds of savage craelty. They not only invaded the frontier settle- ments, and penetrated the country, laying waste atid destroying, as has been already related ; but formi- dable fleets were sent to attack the whole extent of sea coast. In l697j the historian informs us, ** an *^ invasion was every day expected for several Aveeks '^ together ; and news was brought to Boston, that a " formidable French fleet had been gcen upon the *^ coast.'' The reality of a plan to destroy the English colo- nies, and particularly New England, is stated by m • A» far as the river Kenn.cbeck. aetts. Vol. ii. p. II J. HiUohinKon's History of Massaohu- i» h .t^ ChavUvoiXy in the account given by him, of the above mentioned expedition. A powerful army from Can- ada, was to meet a fleet from France early in tlie sea- son at Penobscot ; and, " as soon as the junction " was made, and the troops embarked, the fleet, with- « out loss of time, was to go to Boston, and that town " being taken, it was to range the coast,— destroying " the settlements as far into the country as they « could".* — This projected expedition, had it been executed, might have been fatal to our country ; but, by reason of contrary winds, the fleet did not arrive in season, and the plan wks frustrated. Another projected invasion is within the recollec- tion of some of us. The elderly people have not yet forgotten their fears and ap^rehensionvS, when the strong force under the Duke IfMville, was expected in this harbour ; nor have they lost a remembrance of the joy they felt, when that fleet was scattered, and many ships Mere destroyed by the winds and the waves. Such of us, as are advanced in life, remember our fears, during a course of years, while the French sur- rounded us, except on the atlantick ; and on that side also, they were threatening to invade us : — when our armies were defeated, which were sent to protect the frontiers ; when the young Washington found it necessary to capitulate.f Washington, who, about fourteen months after, by skill and bravery, saved the broken remains of an army, late commanded by Gen- eral Braddock ; and who, by the providence of God, was preserved to be the Saviour of his Country. • Hutehinson's Hiit, V. ii. p. 103. t Holmes'* AnnaU, V. ii. p. 199. 13 p. 199. But I will weary you no longer with the sad detail of wars, in which the Fathers of New England suffer- ed from the French and the savages of the wilderness. In short, they had but little rest from the time of Phil- ip" s war, until Quebeck was^aken by the immortal Wolfe, and the whole country was ceded to Great Britain in 1763. Having talked as long perhaps as may be proper, of the mercy which God was pleased to show to thft Fathers of our Country ; and of the protection granted to them and to their children in seasons of weakness and danger, and when exposed to the savages of the wilder- ness, and to other powerful enemies ; we are prepared to talk of like protection and favours granted to the American people in later times : — of their dangers .nd sufferings during a severe conflict for the security of their most important interests ; a conflict which termi- nated in the establishment of a new state of things in this quarter of the world, — a new empire, which, in process of time will probably be equal in extent, in power, and in wealth, to any nation in the world. But should we talk of the tc volution ary war, — of the causes which produced it, — of its pmgress and im- portant events ; and of the honourable terms of peace, obtained by the plenipotentiaries of the United States at Paris in 1783, our discourse would not only be un- reasonably long, but we should have no time left, to talk of the late war, in which our country has been engaged, — of the peace which is again restored to us ; and to indulge in pleasing anticipation, the comforts and blessings which, not only the American people, but, we hope, the world may enjoy, in a state of tran- quillity. JCtnw*'' i ■'"ll^s!^^. I'i u As the events of that war which procured the inde- pendence and the sovereignty of the United States of America are within the recollection of such of you as have passed a little over the middle of life ; and the history of it is in almost every family, I shall omit any farther conversation with respect to it, and go on to talk of the late war, and of the peace, which we on this day celebrate. It would certainly be attended with very little pleasure, and probably with very little profit, now that the war is ended, to talk much about the reasons as- signed for it when it was proclaimed, or of the impor- tant objects which were to be secured by it. We re- member the many unpleasant feelings occasioned by the contentions of men of different opinions, concern- ing the origin, and the manner in which the late war was conducted. We hope such uncomfortable feel- ings may now wholly subside, and that no restless people among us, may hereafter, by rash speeches, or inflammatory publications, again revive them. Al- though we have not yet learned that the objects for which the late war was declared, have been obtained or secured, we rejoice that the conflict is at an end. We do sincerely rejoice at the return of peace. Wc will therefore talk of the wondrous goodness of God, both in conducting the American people through the war, and in giving the rulers of the late contending nations pacifiek dispositions. Should the peace continue, which is now establish- ed amoug the christian nations of the earth, opportu- nities will offer for the execution of the most benevo- lent purposes of the human heart. A state of peace is favourable to the propagation of the gospel,^-to the TOBpr- - id ♦ iidvancemcnt of science and all the useful aits, — lu commerce, — to every thing which gives true dignity to man, and tends to qualify him for the rank which he is designed to hold in creation. Divine Providence seems to have been preparing the way for the spread of truth, and the farther estab- lishment of the kingdom of Christ. That Being who superintends the changes and revolutions which take place among the nations of the world, will always bring good out of apparent evil ; and therefore while we mourn over the late sufferings of a great portion of our fellow men on the continent of Europe, we find consolation in the belief, that good will result from those sufferings. In the dark ages of ignorance and superstition, when the religion of Jesus was awfully corrupted, and civil liberty was poorly understood, combinations were formed by the rulers of the church, and by the princes of this world, to support each other in the most shameful acts of tyranny and oppression. Al- though much had been done at the time of the refor- mation, and at succeeding periods, to lessen the pow- er, which kings and priests had usurped over the worldly estates, and over the spiritual concerns of the people, much remained to be done. Bigotry and su- perstition may still bluster and threaten, but they can no longer hold the minds of a great part of mankind in bondage ; they can no longer prevent free inquiry. Such is the power of truth, that it will prevail. " Many shall run to and fro ; and knowledge shall increase." At no period since the great opposition to popery by Luther, and the reformers who followed after him, 16 have christians of all denominations been so well uni- ted, as they are at the present time in laudable en- deavours to extend the knowledge of salvation. Within a few years, societies have been formed in England and in various parts of Europe, consisting of members of great respectability, liaving for their object « the distribution of the Bible." Societies for the same purpose have been recently formed in the principal cities and towns in North America. The wonderful union of christians of all denominations, and of all orders of people, from the highest to the lowest, in this noble work of charity, affords the high- est encouragement to the friends of ^ion, and is, we trust, a presage of that happy condition of the world, which we are taught to expect, when " All shall know the Lord." ^'* As the most benevolent purposes of God are brought to pass, by means adapted to the ends which are to be accomplished, wise observers may perceive a fit- ness in the means, and in the workings of Providence, to accomplish such purposes. If there is to be a time, when " the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord," we shall have reason to think, God is preparing the way for a condition so desirable, when kings and mighty men,— when high and low,— when christians of every creed, and of every mode of wor- ship, unite their labours and good wishes to extend the only effectual means of religious knowledge to all countries, and to all regions. There are other circumstances in the present state of the civilized nations of the earth, favourable to the propagation of truth, which have not heretofore exist, ed to the extent in which thoy nov, exist. Civil lib- 4? erty, and the rights of conscience, are better under- stood, and will no doubt, be moi'e respected, than heretofore. Well informed christians have more moderation, more candour, more charity for one anoth- er, although still differing in opinions, and in modes of worship, than have been exercised at any former period, since the church and the world were united^ for the support of each other. Under circumstances such as we have now men- tioned, and on which we might enlarge with great pleasure would the time admit, under such circum- stances, aided by peace, and by the intercourse now opened, and more widely opening among the different nations of tiie world, we indulge a pleasing hope, that the gospel shall be carried to every part of the globe ; that the light of divine truth shall be as exte isive aa the light of the sun ; and " people of all kindreds, and tongues, and nations, shall walk in the light.'' The peace which we this day celebrate has opened the American ports, not only to the nation with which we have been at war, but to a great part of the nations of the world. The commerce of our country, which had been languishing until there was scarcely an ap- pearance of life, hath sprung up at the voice of peace^ and is beginning to assume its wonted cheerful ap- pearance. We again hear the noise of the axe and the hammer. " Zebulon is beginning to rejoice in his ^* going out, and Issachar in his tents." Peace is highly favourable to science, to the us©- fa\ arts, to agriculture, and to all the social connex- ions of life. In a time of war the mind is disturbed ; the thought* are divided } it ii impossible to give 3 ii^l 19 Ihat application to study, which is necessary to tU. acquirement of extensive knowledge. In a time of war, multitudes are called from their usual occupations, and from domestick enjoyments, exposed to privations, to dangers, and to death. War is an evil ; a judgment which God inflicts on the sinful nations of the earth. During the late war, our nation has suffered a variety of evils. Many lives have been lost. Vast property has been taken, and carried away, or destroyed on th« s^^s^^^ Z*^;* sums have been expended, and a vast debt hath be6n contracted. Towns have been invaded,--village8 have been burnt,— the capitol has been laid in ashes. We are glad to set down in peace, under circumstan- ces, no doubt, less eligible, than the friends and sup- porters of the war expected. We have reason to be thankful that our sufferings have not been greater :— that the conflict was no longer continued. Truly we may say, " If it had not been that the Lord was on our side," when a powerful enemy in- vaded our coasts,—" if it had not been that the Lord ^^as on our side," when men of renown, of uncommon strengtli and sluU in war, and men accustomed to conquer by sea and by land,-" if it had not been that the Lord was on our side," when such mea with powerful fleets and powerful armies came a^ainst us,-" then they had swallowed us up "quick, when their wrath was kindled against us ! << then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream " had gone over our soul. Then the proud waters " had gone oveB our soul. Blessed be the Lord who ^' hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our "soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the " fowlers : thje snare is broken and we are escaped. ry\ 19 to ill* DA their rmentSy deatb. licts on te war, Many I taken; : vast ith be6n villages Q ashes, umstan- ind sup- on to be tater : — that the tiemy in- the Lord icommon, tomed to not been iich men ies came 1 us up ainst us ! le stream id waters Lord who ith. Our are of the escaped." In a review of the wondrous works of God, as they relate to the fathers of our country, and to their chil- dren, and their children's children, to the fifth and the eixth generation, we see many things which call for our gratitude, and many things which call for sober reflection and humiliation. Towards the American people, while they were under the government of Great Britain, and since they have been free and in- dependent states, the dispensations of Providence have been merciful, and they have been afflic- tive. As the children of Israel were marvellous- ly protected when they went out of the land of Egypt, but were afterv ards corrected for their faults, and grievously afflicted ; so were our fathers protected ; but the first generation had not passed away, before the heathen brake in upon them, and they were af- flicted. The history of our country, is a history of its pros- perities, and of its adversities ; of its happiness in times of peace, and of its sufferings in seasons of war. On this day, we are invited by the supreme Mag- istrate of the United States, to assemble in our place of worship, and unite our hearts and our voices, *^ in '* a free will offering," of thanksgiving and praise to our Heavenly Benefactor for his great goodness, man- ifested in restoring to us " the blessings of peace,*' '^ No people," the president observes in his procla- mation, <* No people ought to feel greater obligations " to celebrate the goodness of the Great Disposer of " all events, and of the destiny of nations, than the " people of the Uuited States. His kind Providence << originally conducted them to one of the best por- 20 1' I " tiona of the dwelling place allowed for the great ^' family of the human race. He protected and cher- « ished them, under all the difficulties aud trials to " which they were exposed in their early days. Under " his fostering care, their habits, their sentiments, and " their pursuits, prepared them for a transition, in due " time, to a state of independence and self-govern- " ment. In the arduous struggle by which it was at- *^ tained, they were distinguished by multiplied to- " kens of his benign interposition. And to the same *' Divine Author of every good and peiiect gift, we " are indebted for all the privileges and advantages, ♦< religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoy- " ed in this favoured land.'\ While making our offering of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, for the peace which he hath been pleased to ordain for us, many circumstances occur to our minds, which render the event which we now celebrate, peculiarly grateful, and which call for the exercise of our best affections. Had the war continued another season, it would have become more fierce and cruel. A disposition to plunder y and to retaliate injuries, on both sides, had been for some time increasing, aud we have reason to fear, that a continuance of the war would not only have afforded opportunities, but excitements to still more shocking deeds ; in which, not only men in arms, but unoffending citizens in the peaceful walks of life, would have been subjected to inexpressible sufferings. Had the war continued another season, the forces of the enemy in the Canadas, on the lakes, and on our sea. coasts, would have been greatly increased : I 31 much greater exertions therefore would have been re- quired OQ the part of the United fetates. What ways and means could have been devised for the support of such armiu^ as must have been called out to defend an extensive sea coast, and an equally extensive fron- tier, those publick men may, perhaps, be abk to say, who had the management of the finances during the two last seasons. Had the war continued, multit'ides must have been called from the flekls mi nusbandry, from manufactur- ing establishments, and other useful apd necessary employments, and hurried away to exposed parts of the country, to suffer in camps and to die in battle. Had the war continued, the spring would have opened upon us with gloomy forebodings. In the winter season, the ice and the snow were our best de- fence. With the returning sun, our fears would have returned : the increase of day, would have increased our apprehensions. But with the peace, which God in mercy hath granted us, the whole scene of things is changed. We hail each lengthening day with the smile of cheerfulness. We behold the vernal skies, and we receive the vernal showers, with unmingled pleasure. " We will now give thanks unto the Lord ; ''^ we will call upon his name ; we will make known *' his deeds among the people ; we will sing unto him ; "we will sing psalms unto him ; we will talk of all " his wondrous Avorks." That our offering of thanksgiving and praise, may be acceptable to God, let it be accompanied witii klad affection towards all our fellow citizens, and towards the peo|)le whom we lately considered as our en- emies. i ' » 1 « I !i(l SB " Whatever differences of opinion may have exist' « ed," with respect to the origin of the late war, or any of the measures in which it hath been conducted, all now rejoice, in that the conflict is at an end. " All « good citizens will unite in providing still farther for fi our external security, as well as internal prosperity « and happiness, by fidelity to the union, by reverence << for tl»e laws, by discountenancing all local and oth- « cr prejudices, and by promoting every where, the " concord u.d brotherly affection becoming members ^ of one great political family."* As we are again at peace with the government and people of Great Britain, let us suppress, as much as possible, the feelings of resentment which are apt to rise from a recollection of sufferings and injuries. The brave are always generous : they are the first to forgive and forget. K we have suffered, our ene- niy too has suffered. Let the balm of peace now heal every wound. If the acar remain, lest us be careful, lest hy fretting, the blood be made again to appear. As the brave are always generous, the brave will never exult, when a powerful enemy has been beaten. We are to remember, the race is not always to the swift, nor is the battle always to the strong. While the American arms have, without question, secured immortal fame, it must be confessed that little else has been secured, for the United States, by a vast cx- ^lense in biood and treasure.f It is now devoutly to be wished, that all ill will, and all party spirit may be put away. Why should party spirit and party feelings continue, when, it is 1 I 111' • Set Note B. t Bee Note Cr presumed, there can now be no foreign influence to support a party ? Whatever there may have been in times past, at present there can be no particular at- tachments to foreign nations, to influence American citizens. If any internal contentions be kept aiivc, they must be such as are found to a c in degree, in all elective governments : a contention for power, for places,— for " the loaves and fishes." A man surely can have very little modesty, who seeks fi>r honours and preferments which the publick is n^t willing to give him. In an uncorrupted state of society, men will not be seen making interest for pieces of honour and profit. Men well known to be qualified, men of approved integrity and uprightness, will be sought for, and solicited, to accept offices of high responsibil- ity. God grant that we may live to see a return of something like that golden age of purity and simpli- city, which our country once enjoyed ! My beloved people, although I have now talked with you a long time, I feel unwilling to close my discourse, without offering my very particular, and most affectionate congratulations, on the present joyous occasion. On a like occasion I once before addressed some of you. The peace of 1783, after a severe contest for independence and sovereignty, was a glorious peace. It is to the highest degree improb- able, that I shall again, at any future time, address you on a similar occasion ; or, on any political sub- ject. Four seasons of distressing warfare are within my recollection. The war of 17*5? the war of 4755? the war of 1775, and the late war declared on the part of the United States June 18, 181JS. I have seen important changes and revolutions in my own 3* n country, and among the nation of the world. I have seen one generation pass awE ,/, and another genera- tion come forward. I have seen a nation rise up m this quarter of the world, powerful in men and m arms, and taking rank among the other nations ot tha earth. Such changes I have seen ; but my days of vision on eartn are drawing to an end. My country, now at peace, I hope will continue in peace long, very long after it shall please God to take me to that " better country," where wars are unknown. My heart's desire and prayer has been for the pros- perity and peace of our Jerusalem. May those al- ways prosper who seek her peace ! It was for the love which I had for my country ;— the country in which I was born-in which my friends live-in which the people live with whom 1 am connected by ties which have made, and which still make my abode pleasant to me ; for the love which I had, and which I still have for this country, I have discoursed to you several times on its rights and its liberties-'on its dangers and its suffenns8^ I have rejoiced with my country when in prosperity ; and mourn jd when in adversity. As the comforts which we enjoy in the peace and prosperity of our country, are as truly the gifts of God, as the comforts which we hope to enjoy in a future life, we should be unjust to ourselves, and ungrateful to our heavenly Benefactor, did we not endeavour to defend and se- cure them, when men of violence att«-mpt to take them away from us ; I therefore thought, and still think, it was my duty to give warning when the im- portant interests of my country appeared to be in dan- ger. When llKJse inii)ortant interests were actually 9?1 I have genera- se up ill aud in as of the days of country, »ng, very to that the pros- those al- antry ;— fhich my whom I id which • the love 3 country, its rights wfferinga, rosperity ; i comforts ity of our e comforts should be heavenly nd and se- pt to take t, and still en the im- be in dan- re actually invaded, I thought, and still think, it was my duty to say and to do what I was able, to support them. In this I thought, and still think, I had great and good examples, in the prophets and apostles. Jesus Ghrist also, with the perfect feelings of a perfect man, loved his country, and wept over its capital, when he kflew its destruction was approaching. In my youth I was taught to regard dvil and religious liberty, with a kind of reverential respect. That sort of de- votion I strengthened afterwards, by reading and me« of M^'trP:.^^^ « ^ -'-^^^^ « was voted to be communicated to the l-resioeui, of peace." Feb. 23, 1815. Note C. See p. 22. Hon. Wman^ G».«^ member of -'-^^^."^u'^ thus : " Some time must jet elap.e before « """"J"" ' j^ >. ty the adclition the war ha. made to our pubh* debt Cham. " are e.en now brought V«fore congress which had "-eir »r.pn in " Z war of tho revolution . and A« which h« just pa.., Aort ^ S8 .■ ,,nr« has given rise to many more than otir revolu- « was its continuance, nasgivc *♦ Americaua, Ju,uuw. o.^ « 150,000,000." Note D. See p. 26. end of the discourse. .,H,f.,,i„„, the cases in which your -"^'^'^Tc^X^^^^'-^^'' Itaaoe Society,) ..benevolent "*""'";•. *'^J, ,„„e of our fellow creatures, "has been instrumental in recalling ,„d has liren occa- .. a. U were, from beyond the gate, of eterntV, >»d ha g ^^^ .. .ion for the >>7! f^^r* - - ^ rhish,; Livable <.nrovUionsmadeforship»recKcoma ,„j ™aay consolatory . L the view of every philanthrop.c mmd. ^^^ ,.„ ,„„ .. ,0 that suirerius par, of the immunity. Th^J;" J^, t,„.„ ..„ponyou,heb.e.a^sof.ho«,hower^^^^^^^^^^ .. work, of charity and good »■" '°*"°' " ' ,„ era of .till far- .. tion, great lustre upon the authors, ffj^^'^l^ ^^ „„,. .. ther improvement.. How pruful m the r. ol ^^ ^^ :ri:;;r";:st:i:ts:tr;;^^^^^^ « them to be ! ... sentences is no more Nowthe wUerof the -^;«. ^^7;!f l^uT^^^^^^ .nong the living, .e .nay ^^^'^^^^^^'^^iLnlrs and the " and religion," ave ^^^^^^^^^ ^^Us, the Henries, and C«;.srtr.s the Pomptcs; the Uiar(m.v, ^^^ all «ho have " ■ ^s^^ggtSF^^ItSP-*'^^