THUS saith the Almighty to his peo­ple Israel, by the mouth of his ser­vant Moses, whose faithful records, in Exodus xii. 14. have preserved it as a heavenly statute to them, and a useful motto to after generations.—To him, Israel's God had com­mitted the care of their deliverance from the hands of the oppressive and haughty Egyptians.

SUCH had been the severity of their bondage that God interposed in a special and extraordinary [Page 8] manner for them.—Their cries had risen up unto heaven.—Moses and Aaron poured out their unavailing prayers and tears before the haughty Monarch for the relief of their injured and distressed brethren.—From an earthly Potentate they appeal to "the King of Kings."—He appears for them, and, in a remarkable manner wrought their entire deliverance from that tyrannical power.

THE day of their marvellous deliverance is to be held in grateful rememberance, with decent ex­pressions of joy, "by an ordinance forever."—"A feast unto the Lord"—"A day for a memo­rial unto them" during their political existence.—A day never to be forgotten—never to be over­looked by that nation.—And when their chil­dren should inquire, "what mean you by this service?" they were to be made acquainted with the great event, and its attendant circumstances.—They were to tell it to their children's children "throughout all their generations."

WAS there a fitness in transmitting the know­ledge of their deliverance from bondage, to suc­ceeding generations, by observing a day in com­memoration of it? And does not the same hold [Page 9] good with other nations?—Whoever attends to the similarity, in several respects, between their history and ours, will not think the application of this passage to this christian nation, and the glori­ous revolution we this day recognize, at all strain­ed or unnatural.—"This shall be a day unto you for a memorial."

To congratulate each other on this joyful occa­sion, is the office of philanthropy.—To echo the grateful acclamations of Independence and Peace around the festive board, in limited and decent strains, may not be unsuitable expressions of plea­sure on this important era.

BUT to unite in the warmest expressions of ado­ration, and praise to God.—To mingle hearts and voices in ascribing "Alleluias to the Lord God omnipotent" who ruleth among the nations, is the office of religion.—It is a reasonable service;—most suitable and honourable for dependent crea­tures;—and most acceptable to God.

AND as there are a few minutes assigned for a religious offering unto God, let us, with senti­ments of piety, blend some reflections suitable to the present occasion.

[Page 10] As the belief of one perfect, independent being lays at the foundation of all religious worship, so all religious gratitude proceeds upon a belief of a superintending providence which concerns itself in all the affairs of men; and is continually afford­ing them fresh motives of gratitude and praise.

THEREFORE it would be equally ungrateful and impious not to acknowledge the hand which has often appeared; and renewed in our favour, the wonders which were wrought for Israel of old.—The duty of acknowledging, with gratitude, the interpositions of divine Providence, is pointed out by our dependent state.—The book of God is crowded with examples of it.—It is a noble and worthy employment.—It has been the practise of good men in all ages.—Is in a peculiar manner the duty of Christians, and will be their delightful, as it is their reasonable service.

SHALL we forget to celebrate the praises of him "who rideth in the heavens, in his excellency for our help?"—Shall we be silent in his praises who hath appeared for us in our troubles; who hath turned our mourning into joy, and put songs of praise into our mouth?

[Page 11] THE truth of a governing providence, to which we are to ascribe our salvation, stands written, in the fairest characters, in the memorable events which have filled up the history of the revolving ages of the world;—In the rise and fall of States and King­doms;—In crowning their virtues with prosperity, and following their vices with just corrections.

THE whole history of the Jewish nation is preg­nant with instances of the supreme influence of an invisible power; and of the different effects of vir­tue and vice upon the national welfare.—If they murmur against Moses in the wilderness, and wor­ship idols of their own making, their carcases fall there, and none of them are allowed to enter the promised land.—If they avariciously and contrary to the command of God, keep the spoil of their heathenish enemies, they are conquered in the next engagement.

BUT when they attack their enemies in full con­fidence of divine strength, they conquer.—If one King sets up the worship of idols, the divine ven­geance punishes him and his people.—If another destroys the high places, where these infamous rites were celebrated, all goes well in his time.— [Page 12] From their history, in connection with sever­al great and powerful kingdoms around them, which were overturned for national wickedness, one of the noblest and most important morals may be drawn, viz.—That nations may expect to prosper or sink, according as they are favour­ed by divine Providence or the contrary; and therefore, that virtue is the only foundation of national happiness.

THE antient Persian empire rose, under the good government of Cyrus, to great glory and respectabi­lity—and notwithstanding they became the object of the envy and jealousy of great and ambitious nations around them, they grew to be the glory and terror of all the east.

THE Roman empire felt the happy effect of a system of laws, founded in equity;—observed ge­nerally;—and executed strictly—under this au­spicious influence, she rose from the most contemp­tible beginnings, till her glory filled that part of the world—The fate of kingdoms depended on the voice of her Senate, and her Legions triumph­ed in the extremities of the earth—she was the ac­knowledged mistress of the world.

[Page 13] THE same may be observed of all the kingdoms and nations which have appeared, flourished and declined on the theatre of this earth—their public character ever determined their political state and condition—their virtues and their vices ever formed their prosperity and adversity.

THAT "righteousness exalteth a nation, and that sin is a reproach to any people," and tends to their ruin, are maxims in which all Lawgivers—Philo­sophers—and Moralists have agreed—and which the experience of all ages hath confirmed—we find that as long as Temperance, Righteousness, and a serious regard to Religion, have been cultivated, things went well with them—but when they grew dissolute, luxurious, despisers of Religion, and did not regard public justice, they have fallen into confusion and ruin.

BUT we need not break up the records of old time, nor pry into the secret history of modern States for instances of the different effects of virtue and vice—we need not go abroad for specimens of a divine influence extending to second causes, producing effects agreeable to the designs of a wise system of government;—laying [Page 14] the people under the strongest motives to gra­titude and praise.

THE nearer home we bring our observations—the more attentively we consider the series of events which fill the history of our own land and times, the more forcibly is the mind struck with the evi­dences of a divine government;—and the more abundant reason have we to adopt the language of the Psalmist—"Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give the glory."

THE same hand which guided our ancestors through the trackless ocean, to the pathless wilds of America, was their guardian and protector a­gainst the savage bands who combined against them—nurtured by their divine protector, through a series of extraordinary events, which indicated the future patronage of heaven, they increased with great rapidity, in numbers—wealth—and glory; until by their increasing wealth and pow­er, they became the object of avarice, envy and jealousy—measures were formed to drain them of all the fruit of their labour and industry, upon principles totally subversive of the rights of men—the poison, though slow in its operation, was sub­tile [Page 15] and certain in its effect—it must have infec­ted the whole frame, and left us in a weak, con­sumptive state.

BUT the evil was too alarming and detestable to pass unnoticed.—The genius of America, roused by reiterated and atrocious acts of tyranny and oppression, called forth the generous efforts of her sons, to oppose the destructive system; yea, to re­sist unto blood, rather than part with their freedom—Liberty, fair daughter of heaven! inspired every soul with a pure flame, and glowed in every face.

ASSAILED at a variety of points, and prepared for defence in none—almost destitute of arms, ammunition, and every military requisite, they determined, by the last resort of States, to be free. They implored the interposing aid of heaven, and submitted the event to the decision of arms.

THIS northern continent, though different in its government, manners, and interests, as though in­spired by one soul, greatly rose in arms—and un­der all disadvantages, against every military pro­bability, began a contest which she has nobly sup­ported—It was not for fame nor glory, nor for ex­tending her empire, but for freedom she fought; [Page 16] and divine Providence hath smiled upon efforts resulting from motives so laudable.

THE revolution by which these States have been raised to be numbered among the nations of the earth, is one of those great events, which, while it displays the hand of God, claims the attention of all the powers on earth.—"You present to the world, the noble sight of a community which, founded in equality and justice, secures to the in­dividuals who compose it, the utmost happiness that can be derived from human institutions.—This advantage, which so many other nations have been unable to procure, even, after ages of efforts and misery, is granted by divine Providence to these United States" after a struggle only of eight years.

THE steps which led to, and the circumstances attending [...], have been so combined as to mani­fest that no human skill or power could have di­rected them.—The variety of scenes which have checkered the rise and progress of the late contest;—The many and surprizing interpositions of di­vine Providence, with their various windings and happy consequences, will swell the historic page—and, rolling down the tide of time, will fill the [Page 17] reader with astonishment! He will be ready to cry out as the Heathen did of the Jews—"The Lord hath done great things for them."—Let us, with grateful Israel, echo the sound in thankful strains—"The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad."

SURELY the eye must be blind that cannot see the hand of God in these operations—the heart must be hard that does not feel some emotions at a recognition of what God hath done for us!

To attempt a recital of them at this time, would far exceed the limits assigned to this exercise.—To pass them wholly unnoticed on this occasion, would be scarcely pardonable.

THE glorious event we this day commemorate, took place in the depths of war—invaded by a large veteran army—defended by a promiscuous multi­tude of temporary, undisciplined troops—without ally—alone and unfriended, America determined to be free—to be independent!

LET the fourth day of July seventeen hundred and seventy-six, be a day for a "memorial unto you forever!" Let it be distinguished among the days of the year as the commencement of the important era [Page 18] of our glorious Independence! This is the day, the every-memorable day, in which the full blaze of Liberty shone refulgent on Columbia's sons!

THAT well-timed, manly resolve of our august Congress, which astonished the world, secured its friendship and attention.—The brave will al­ways have friends!—The memory of those noble assertors of our freedom and Independence, be per­petuated forever! their names be revered to the latest generation by all who love or deserve to be free!

THIS year was signalized more by the firm and independent spirit of its councils, and the bravery of its troops, than by their discipline or the success of their unequal encounters—though they were successful in many less noticeable instances.

OVER POWERED by superior numbers, our army was dispersed and much reduced on Long-Island;—dislodged from New-York;—pursued through the Jersies;—Fort Washington with twenty-three hundred men taken;—the northern army retired from Canada, worn out with fatigue, and wasted with mortal sickness and unavailing actions—The gloom gathers thick and heavy!—Rhode-Island invaded;—the period of inlistment almost expired; [Page 19] —the field soon to be deserted, afford but a mel­ancholy prospect for the approaching winter!

BUT these dark shades are only to give the brighter lustre to the future fame of America.—Nor is the first year of her Independence to be in­velloped wholly in a dark cloud—It is not to close without a brilliant victory at Trenton and Princeton, which equally displayed the address and magnanimity of our General, and the har­diness of his troops!—The drooping spirits of the people revived—the army is recruited—and on the following spring take the field with re­newed spirit and vigour.

THIS year is still more remarkable for the va­riety of its military occurrences, and astonishing deliverances from the most threatening and truly alarming appearances—Fire and sword, devasta­tion and death present their haggard forms with the dawn of spring, and open the way to a train of very extraordinary events!

THE evacuation of Ticonderoga, and rout of our light troops at Hubbleton—The loss of all our posts on the North River, and the destruction of several towns, wantonly burnt—The defeat of our [Page 20] army at Brandywine—The enemy's gaining Philadelphia—The failure in the action at Ger­mantown, and many other unsuccessful events, were amply balanced by the bravery of our troops, even when smiling success did not crown their efforts;—the obstinate defence of Mud­Island and Red-Bank;—the successful actions of Bennington and Behmus's heights; all crowned by the conventional surrender of the whole British army, which poured down from the north "in the full powers of health, discipline, and valour."—Their victories proved our gain.—Their prosperi­ty, like that of fools, proved their destruction.

So capital a loss as that of the northern army, and the timely alliance with France on the gener­ous principles of amity and mutual defence, over­ruled the succeeding operations, and induced the evacuation of Philadelphia in the Month of June, 1778, which was performed with the utmost se­crecy, but not sufficient to elude the vigilance of our ever-watchful General; who by a circuitous march of three times their distance, came up with them on the burning plains of Monmouth, where, to the excessive heat of the day was added a warm [Page 21] engagement, the issue of which brought new ac­cessions of glory to our arms, and decided the fate of that campaign.

THE enemies councils were carried headlong, and they were taken in the snares they laid for us—plots—treason—and cruelties, were answered by the utmost fairness, humanity and generosity: The pusillanimous attack upon, and wanton de­struction of, defenceless towns and unarmed peo­ple, by the magnanimous escalade and reduction of Stony-Point ^*. Nor is less merit due to those who nobly dared to check the enemy's progress at Springfield, in Jersey, and warmly engaged a num­ber far superior to themselves, to whom no ground was yielded but at the highest price.

THESE promiscuous sketches have been confin­ed to the departments where this corps has been most conversant, except the glorious capture at York-Town, in which they bore an active part.

IT would lead us into undue length even to name the various accounts of loss and gain at the south­ward [Page 22] which led to the last mentioned glorious e­vent, which disposed our enemies to be at peace with us—sufficient be it to say, that, after a long and gloomy night of trouble and sorrow, peace dawned upon our land, and opened to our view, bright and glorious prospects.

How must our hearts exult with joy when we take a review of the dangers and distresses from which we have escaped? Who can reflect on the difficulties and hazards we were in, from the open violence and secret machinations of our enemies; and consider the ways by which they have been baffled and defeated; without adopting the senti­ment and language of the Psalmist—"If it had not been the Lord who was on our side when men rose up against 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 over our soul. Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our [...] is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we are escap­ed. Our help is the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Ps. 124.

[Page 23] AND now, if the people of these States make a wise improvement of this glorious event, they may secure to themselves and posterity, every blessing which can arise from human institutions.

THESE blessings are now proffered to America—it is with her to realize or reject the heaven-born gift—much, very much, is depending on the pre­sent generation! the fate of ages depends on the wisdom of its councils and the virtue of the peo­ple! The consequences of their present conduct will be carried down into future generations, and materially affect the well-being of those who shall come after—Yes! The present critical moment is teeming with the happiness or wretchedness of millions yet unborn!

SHOULD the present inhabitants of these confed­erated States be so wise as to cultivate the arts of peace;—encourage industry, frugality and oeco­nomy;—promote agriculture, mechanic arts and commerce;—cultivate learning, morality and re­ligion—and pay the strictest attention to public and private justice—they might anticipate with utmost certainty, the future grandeur and magnificence of America.

[Page 24] How would she rise superior to all her enemies, and extend her hospitable arms for the reception of the oppressed every where? How would the in­exhaustible sources of agriculture be continually pouring into her lap, wealth and opulence; open­ing every avenue to commerce, and extending it from pole to pole? How would the rapidity of her population cover the vast tracts of uncultivated lands, now the rendezvous of wild beasts, with vir­tuous and useful inhabitants? Behold, "the wilder­ness," by the hand of industry, "blossoming as the rose," yielding in plentiful exuberance every rural enjoyment; and "the desert becoming vocal with the praises of God!"

"BEHOLD her exalted to noble heights of im­provement in every useful art and science;—mounting on the strong pinions of virtue, learn­ing, eloquence, religion, philosophy and other sublime intellectual accomplishments, above Greece and Rome in their zenith of glory!"—These are not creatures of imagination, but bles­sings which America may realize, if the present generation make a wise improvement of this in­teresting moment!

[Page 25] PERMIT me, my Brother Soldiers, with all the sensibility of lively joy, to felicitate you on the re­turn of this anniversary.

"THIS day shall be unto you for a memorial."—To look back on the varying scenes through which you have passed in freedom's glorious cause—to recognize the dangers and escapes, the suffer­ings and successes which have attended your exer­tions for the establishment of the Liberty and In­dependence of your country, must afford a luxury of pleasure—and while you look, with conscious delight, upon the successful issue of your gallant deeds, you cannot refuse a generous tear to the memory of your worthy brethren, who fought—who, courageous, stood by your side amidst sur­rounding dangers—who rushed fearless on, and were just seizing the palm, when, Oh!—let the falling tear blot the page that speaks the rest!

THE distresses of many of their widows and or­phans are so many tongues in every deadly wound to bespeak your compassion—I might here enlarge upon the excellence and utility of that institution, which was designed to perpetuate the friendship of those who had lived together in the strictest ha­bits of amity, through the various stages of a war unparalleled in many of its circumstances, and to assist the unfortunate: On these two original pil­lars, Friendship and Charity, stands that institution, which, founded in benevolence, holds together a band of patriots through the continent, and greatly contributes to render the confederation a sure and permanent band of union in the States—whatever prejudices may have arisen against it, sure I am, that it is enviable only for the generosity of its principles.

MAY your bravery in war be exceeded only by your virtue and extensive usefulness in peace!— [Page 27] May you never tarnish the bright lustre of mili­tary fame, by any conduct unworthy the character of citizens! and especially, let no shade be cast upon the glory of this day, by any conduct incon­sistent with the sobriety, oeconomy and simplicity of Republicans.

LET not the hilarity of festive mirth betray an indiscretion which might reproach the institution of your Order—but may you ever prove yourselves the worthy sons and true disciples of Cincinnatus, by that prudence, industry, frugality and virtue, which marked his character!

YOU have an excellent model in our great A­merican Cincinnatus, who, at his country's call, exchanged the domestic scenes and rural walks of life for the jargon of war—and, having delivered it from oppression, he nobly retired to usefulness in private life.

MAY we all live and act in character, as men, formed in the image of God, and capable of being happy only in his favour;—as republicans, whose political existence depends on knowledge and vir­tue;—as the disciples of Jesus Christ, whose name we bear! let us study and practise all those vir­tues [Page 28] which nature inspires, religion enjoins, or so­ciety makes necessary.

REGARDING our superior obligations to the Deity, let us cultivate Justice, Benevolence and Charity, and all the beautiful, harmonious train of social virtues—These are essential to our hap­piness as individuals, or as citizens—Hence arises the pleasure of conscious approbation—Hence al­so springs the peace and prosperity of society, as from her native soil!

AND as the practice of these virtues upon reli­gious principles, forms the mind for happier life here, so they prepare it for superior pleasures of that grand community where every discordant note shall cease, "and universal love smile on all around."—Their congenial souls, fired with the celestial flame of love, cease not to unite in the swelling note of praise to God their eternal King.