AGREEABLY to arrangements made on the last anni­versary, by a committee of patriotic gentlemen, we are now c [...]nvened to celebrate the auspicious day that gave b [...]rth to the liberty of Ame­r [...]ca. Seventeen years have this day elapsed since the declaration of her INDEPENDENCE.

From the multiplicity of objects, which, upon this interesting occa­sion, force themselves upon the imagination, what choice for your en­ [...]rtainment shall be made by the speaker? Shall he trace the more hid­den and remote, or point out the immediate causes of the event, which we celebrate? Shall he pronounce a panegyric upon the ardent and he­roic spirit of our countrymen, who were the immediate actors? Shall he recapitulate the consequences which have resulted from the revolu­ [...]on, or, with a prophetic enthusiasm, anticipate those which yet may ensue in the future happiness of our country?

When I look around upon an audience so numerous and respectable [...] when I consider the novelty of my own situation, and the arduous task assigned me, I feel a diffidence, which I cannot conceal. When I re [...]flect that the INDEPENDENCE of America has annually been th [...] [...]eme of the learned orator, and experienced Statesman, shall I not de [...]ir of furnishing any thing, either new or entertaining? But I am re­ [...]eved from this embarrassment, by a reliance on the candor of the au­ [...]tory, who will reflect that the performance is designed for their grati­ [...]cation: I am encouraged by a belief that the emancipation of our country, and the freedom of man, will never be too often the subjects of popular applause, nor ever bec [...]e uninteresting to the PATRIOT and PHILANTHROPHIST.

If we consider the [...] to the establishment of American INDEPEND [...] [...] not overlook the character of our ancestors, or the [...] their emigration from Europe. The rage for [...] the reign of the first JAMES, resulting from his bigotted att [...]hment to the hierarchy, and the penal laws made against non-conformists, were the immediate causes of the [Page 6] first settlements in America. Men, whose minds had but just been libe [...]rated from the shackles of the Papal tyranny, and whose hearts wer [...] impressed with the awful dignity and sublime simplicity of the sacre [...] writings, (not long before committed to their hands,) were fired wit [...] indignation at such severe restraints. Unable to escape the l [...]sh of th [...] penal laws, and ardently desirous of establishing a pure church, the [...] formed the adventurous project of withdrawing from their native coun [...]try, and of settling in the wilds of America.

Perhaps there is no passion, which rouses the human mind to such [...] height of magnanimity and heroism, as the indignation, which religio [...] enthusiasm feels, under the scourge of oppression.

The love of religious and civil LIBERTY is intimately, and necessaril [...] allied: Our ancestors, who first settled in America, keenly felt thei [...] united force; and, during the progress of their arduous undertaking [...] stood in need of all their inspiration.

The very great equality in the circumstances of the first emigrant [...] and the natural independence inspired by a situation at the distance o [...] three thousand miles from the pa [...]ent country, were favourable to civi [...] liberty. The same period, too, which, during half a century, saw a vio [...]lent contest between the rights of the people and the prerogatives of th [...] Crown, furnished new emigrations to America. These consisted o [...] men, who were universally the partizans of LIBERTY.

The forms of government which were established by the colonists were in a high degree democratical. A division of the legislative pow [...]ers, in imita [...]ion of the British Constitution, was very generally and judi [...]ciously retained. At the same time an hereditary order of nobility, an [...] the unequal, unnatural, and absurd arrangements for the election of th [...] members of the British House of Commons were, from obvious causes with equal propriety discarded.

In addition to the circumstances already mentioned, calculated, w [...] may observe, to inspire our ancestors with rational ideas of Liberty, an [...] preparing the way to INDEPENDENCE, some of their civil institutions [...] covered the highest wisdom, and conduced directly to the same illustriou [...] event. As a proof of the justice of this remark, need I mention th [...] parceling the country into small towns and districts; giving to the inh [...]bitants of each corporate powers and privileges; obliging them to est [...]blish [Page 7] and support SCHOOLS for the education of youth, and to settle and maintain teachers of morality and religion? These institutions, which obtained more especially in New-England, diffused among the whole body of the people, a greater degree of useful, moral and political know­lege than, perhaps, ever before existed among the people of any other coun [...]ry.

The war, which broke out in the year 1755, and which was com­promised by the treaty of Paris hastened on this gl [...]rious EVENT. Dur­ing th [...]t war, the principal seat of which was in America, the number and ex [...]rtions of the colonial troops gave the parent country an exalted opinion of our wealth, population and resources. The conduct of that war, under the auspices of the immortal CHATHAM, was the most glori­ous in the British annals; but its conclusion left the nation emcumbered with an immense addition to her debt. Hence originated the system of American taxation—To carry this system into execution, there ensued a black catalogue of oppressive measures, taken up injudiciously and upon slight consideration, la [...]d aside upon the appearance of opposition, ca­priciously reassumed, and eventually, with a fatal blindness and obsti­nacy, pursued, from the era of the Stamp Act to the final di [...]u [...]ion of the empire.

Upon this occasion, and before the gentlemen who are now present, a ju [...]ification of the opposi [...]ion of America to that iniquitous system, would be unn [...]cessary, pe [...]haps impert [...]nent—The claim on the part of Great Britain of a parliamentary power to levy taxes without the consent of the Colonies, and to bind them in all [...]ases whatever, was a palpable devia­tion from every principle of reason and justice, and a pointed violation of the chartered rights of the Colonists, and of the spirit of the British consti [...]uti [...]n [...]. To have made such claim▪ required the unprincipled wantonness of power, to have acquiesced in it, the baseness and timidity of slaves. These belonged not to Americans. They opposed every appearance of the exercise of that claim, with a firmness and unanimity, which n [...]thing but the most enlightened attention to their rights, and a sacred regard for their prese [...]vation, could have ensured.

More than eighteen years have now circled through the heavens, since the blood of brethren was first spilt in the guilty contest that ensued; since [...]ate withdrew the gilded curtain from the villain despotism, and [Page 8] pointed the indignation of astonished man against the author of his poli­tical misery! —Upon thy clouded b [...]ow, O LEXINGTON, on that event­ful day, hovered the G [...]NIUS of EMPIRE, and the DESTINY of MAN! The remembrance of that day, when thy green bosom was sprinkled with the blo [...]d of thy sons, is like the shock of the lightning, like the inspiration of a divinity!

The commencement of hostilities animated the freemen of America, with one soul. Whilst imagination fails in the attempt to paint that ar­d [...]r of enthusiasm, which from Saint-Croix to St. Mary, agitated the bosom of America; PHILOSOPHY will forever, with exultation, re­collect the dignifi [...]d proceedings of the American CON [...]ESS, and with a sacred pride, hold them up, for the imitation of future ages—So great fortitude in the midst of dangers, such cool and temperate fi [...]mness in the m [...]st alarming and tumultuous periods, such candor and sob [...]iety triumphing over the phrenzy of passion, in no deliberative bodies, of other ages or countries, were before ever exhibited!

The situation of America, from the commencement of hostilities to the public declaration of INDEPENDENCE, was a solecism in the history of political revolutions. The whole continent rung with the din of arms hostile to the invading troops; but the people had not yet contemplated the idea of a separation from Great Britain. The Congress pursued the most spirited measures for the prosecution of a defensive war; and y [...]t they presented to his British Majesty a humble and loyal petition for the redress of grievances.

This petition, to the perpetual disgrace of British politics and huma­nity, was treated with indignity. Contracts were entered into for [...] hire of German mercenaries. Measures the most irritating and alarming were adopted by the British administration. The consequence was such as might reasonably have been expected; the eyes of America were opened to see the natural issue of such a contest, and the dream of re­c [...]nciliation was dispelled. The idea of petitioning with one hand, whilst the o [...]er brandished the sword of defiance, was finally di [...]carded. The propriety also of streng [...]hening the cause of America, with foreign alliances, early occurred To negocia [...]e these with any probability of success, required a renunciation on the part of America of all political connection with Great Britain.

[Page 9]The ERA had now arrived, for the establishment of the EMPIRE of LIBERTY, in the NEW WORLD.

The GENERAL CONGRESS, on the ever memorable fourth of July, in the year 1776, "appealing to the SUPREME JUDGE of the world for the rectitude of their intentions, solemnly published and declared that the United Colonies were, and of right ought to be, free and INDEPEN­DENT STATES; and that they were absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm re­liance upon the protection of Divine Providence, they mutually pledg­ed to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor."

The remembrance of that august transaction we now celebrate. This day, this glorious day, by the united voice of the millions of America, is dedicated to the exultations of PATRIOTISM, the triumphs of LIBERTY, and to gratitude to HEAVEN!

The sacred " pledge" of American " honor" was not forfeited; her "reliance upon the protection of Divine Providence," was not in vain; and the Supreme Judge of the world, to whom she had appealed, justifi [...]d "the rectitude of her intentions," by accomplishing, after an eight years war, the object for which she had fought!

The most illustrious actors on that theatre of honor, have survived the storm of war; they enjoy the rewards of patriotism, in the highest offi­ces of the government; they still continue to bless their country.— Whilst the names of WASHINGTON, ADAMS, and HAMILTON, give a lustre and dignity to virtue; dear to America, and forever sacred be the memory of THOSE, who fought and bled in so righteous a cause.

Are not the spirits of MERCER, MONTGOMERY, and WARREN, from the regions of immortality, looking down, with the sublimest transport, on the present felicities of their country? Do I not hear a celestial choir chanting that consolatary Ode "Tis delightful, tis honorable, to die for our country." ^(a) Others, who lived to see the cause of Liberty crowned with glorious success, have since taken the highest stand in the TEM­PLE of FAME. There a splendid wreath of military honor encircles the brow of GREEN; and SCIENCE, rejoicing in the acquisitions of her em­pire, and HUMANITY, brightening with new irradiations of benevolence, minister to the immortal spirit of FRANKLIN.

[Page 10]The magnitude of the American revolution, and the consequent hap­piness of our country, deserve our attention—America, from a state of undefined dependence on Great Britain, has assumed an illustrious rank among the nations of the Earth. Her trade, no longer the monopoly of a single foreign nation, has extended itself to every quarter of the globe. Mercantile enterprize, no longer restricted, has penetrated the remotest regions. The Baltic and the Mediterranean, the Brazils and the Bay o [...] Hudson, China and the Indies, the immense Eastern and Pacific Oceans, are witnesses of our commerce.

Whilst our citizens have enriched themselves, by their commercial industry, the means have been furnished, by the most imperceptible spe­cies of taxation, to establish funds adequate to all the objects of national justice and policy. The permanent resources of our country, constitut­ing the common stock of the happiness and enjoyments of our citi­zens, in their hands rema [...]n untouched: These await her call, if any great occasion should render them necessary.

America, from her fortunate situation, and from the mild spirit of the government, is a stranger to that system of war and taxes, of ambition and misery, which is the scourge of Europe, and which subjects to the ex­tremest wretchedness nine tenths of her inhabitants:

To a system so replete with debasement and misery, may America for­ever continue a stranger!

The encrease of our population, and the extension of our settlements, have been still more considerable than the growth of our commerce. The circumstances relative to this subject, which will not fail to astonish posterity, can neither pass unnoticed, or unadmired by the present ge­ [...]eration. History furnishes us with nothing similar to the amazing oc­ [...]urrences which in this regard are taking place in America. That a [...]ountry of such extent as the United States, should, in a period little [...]onger than a century and an half, be converted from a wilderness co­ [...]ered with forests, into the busy haunts of men, is a spectacle never be­ [...]ore presented to human observation. The enquirers into the ancient [...]opulation of Europe, have doubted whether the number of her inhabit­ [...]nts have greatly increased within the last two thousand years. The small [...]epublics of Greece were founded many ages before the time of Solon [...]nd Lycurgus; Italy also saw a long period intervene between the build­ [...]ng of Rome and the establishment of the consular power: And yet [...]any cen [...]uries elapsed after the times last mentioned, before those mi­ [...]ute regions became generally occupied by the genuine Greeks and Ro­mans. In America, since the commencement of the wa [...], a million souls [...]ave been added to our population; within the same period a country [...]s extensive as the Island of Great Britain has been covered with people! The eastern counties of our own Commonwealth, the northern counties of New-Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, the western districts [...]f New-York, and the back country of the Southern States, will amply [...]rove the truth [...]f this remark.

Within the last eighteen years the GENIUS of CULTIVATION [...]as explored his way over the appallachian hills, descended into the fer­ [...]le regions on the Ohio and Mississipi, and conducted to the bosom of [...]hat delightful wilderness more than SEVENTY THOUSAND inhabit­ants—In consequence of the American Revolution, political knowledge has emerged from her state of pupilage, and directed her attention to its most deserving object, the equal happiness of all men.

The doctrine of an equality of rights, as founded in nature and the reason of things, has been vindicated. The system of representative [...]overnments, ground [...]d on the choice of the pe [...]ple, as the legitimate [Page 12] source of authority, has extended itself, and been more firmly establish [...]ed. The right of a people to alter the forms of their governments, o [...] to establish new ones, whenever it becomes necessary to their politic [...] happiness, has received the fortunate [...]anction of American experience.

The animating principles of civil Liberty have not been confined [...] America. The FIRE that was kindled here, and which spread its sal [...]tary light over the NEW-WORLD, has beamed its rays on the EAST [...]ERN HEMISPHERE, and burns in Europe. During the last ag [...] a spark was struck out by the collision of the Parliaments and Clergy [...] France: This had not become extinct at the period of the America [...] war. The French troops, who fought in America, returned to Europ [...] the advocates of freedom. PHILOSOPHY too raised her piercin [...] voice, and despotism trembled for his fate. A new order of things com [...]menced in France, and we have seen the immense fabricks of religio [...] superstition and civil tyranny, swept away with the besom of destruction.

Whilst the enlightened sons of FREEDOM, and the children [...] BENEVOLENCE have compassionated the groans of their oppresse [...] brethren, whilst with transport they have seen the debasing corruptions [...] the old world shirink at the regenerating touch of LIBERTY, and a ne [...] vista opening into future times, for the happiness of men; Ah! [...] h [...]ve their souls been sickened with the sad reverse! How weeps HU [...]MANITY the outrages she endures!

O, LOUIS! thou mildest monarch of a race of Kings, the SWOR [...] which thou heldest out for the defence of American Liberty, hath pier [...]ed thy generous heart! LIBERTY is wounded by the atrocity of th [...] unworthy fate—INDIGNANT JUSTICE has flown from the unha [...]ow [...]ed scene—and anarchy and assassination are prowling o'er thy tomb!

The flame of Liberty, which in America was mild and benign, i [...] France has become a Volcano of fire, that threatens to bury in one pr [...]miscuous ruin the monuments of despotism, and all the works of civiliz [...]tion.

In America, justice, moderation, order and religion disdained not [...] follow in the train of Liberty: in France—But perhaps I am entering [...] dangerous ground: Perhaps a revolution from the ext [...]emes of Arbitra [...] Power, to the fair mid-way region of temperate LIBERTY, without vibration towards Anarchy and Licentiousness is imp [...]ssible. Whilst [...] [Page 13] our speculations are confounded amidst the contradictory variety of Eu­ropean information, there is perhaps but one point at which it is safe to rest. If the renovation of France be the design of heaven, it will not ultimately be defeated, neither by the crimes of the daemoniacs of Paris, nor by the efforts of a confederacy, the most extensive and formidable, that ever astonished mankind.

Whilst Europe is involved in the horrors and devastations of war, AMERICA is reposing in the calm sunshine of PEACE; her prosperity, the envy, and her GOVERNMENT the ambition, of the eastern world. To trace the vestiges of so unparralleled a progress in the career of glory [...]nd happiness, is beyond the scope of the present address. A single [...]ketch is all that can be expected.

The dissolution of the Colonial governments, at the time of the de­claration of Independence, was followed by the establishment of Con­stitutions chosen by the citizens of the respective Colonies—Each Colony became an independent republic—To combine these in one general union, articles of confederation were adopted—By virtue of these arti­cles, the federal representatives were invested with little more than a mere nominal power, or the authority of recommendation—The pres­sure of the war, and the enthusiasm of Liberty, produced a patriotism and unanimity which superseded the necessity of energetic laws, and conceal­ed the weakness of the Federal Government. Upon the conclusion of the war, the debility of this system became palpable.

America was threatened with a universal disorganization. The dis­sentions and jealousies, the interested politics, and wild anarchy of the Gre­cian Republics, were about to be repeated on the great theatre of Ame­rica. In this gloomy eclipse of the hopes of our country, a light sprung up from the midst of darkness. The CONSTITUTION of the Unit­ed States was formed by a Convention of the most illustrious characters, and adopted by the citizens of the respective states. To this source, we trace the present happiness of America. This event forms another glo­rious ERA, in the history of our country. The leading speculations of gloomy politicians, on this subject, have been convicted of sophistry, by the irresistable light of truth and experience—Under the AUSPICI­OUS ADMINISTRATION of this CONSTITUTION, have we not seen the accomplishment of all the great [...]bj [...]ct [...], for which it was de­signed? [Page 14] Have we not seen a more perfect union formed, justice established, domestic tranquility ensured, and the general welfare [...] pro­moted?

YES! all America, in the particulars I have men [...]ioned, realizes the most important blessings— Disorder and confusion have fled beyond the Atlantic Ocean—The daemon insurrection, divested of his savage nature, has assumed the mild virtues of humanity, and become a pa [...]tiz [...]n of ORDER—PUBLIC CREDIT has obtained a glorious resurrection; and the hearts of the war-worn soldier, and of the destitute widow and orphan, have been made to sing for joy.

An Eulogy upon the FISCAL ARRANGEMENTS, and other great and wise measures of the Congress, since the adoption of the CON­STITUTION, is superfluous;—Their highest praise is written in the most SPLENDID CHARACTERS, on the WHOLE FACE of our country; it is painted in the most amiable colours, on the HAPPINESS and PROSPERITY of all our citizens!

Yes, my respected auditors, amidst the convulsions and miseries of Europe, every true friend of America finds new motives of attachment to his country—Where shall we find a region blest with so great natu­ral advantages? Where shall we discover so much useful knowledge and information so equally, so universally diffused, amongst all classes of the people? look thro' every quarter of the globe, examine the history of all past ages, where shall we find an example of equal happiness and prosperity enjoyed by any other people on the earth?

Whilst the face of our country, under the improving hand of agri­culture, brightens with smiles, and the wilderness blossoms like the rose; whilst industry is sure of the reward of opulence, and enterprise opens a thousand avenues to wealth; whilst the hearts of all our citi­zens are filled with food and gladness, and the cherub health, with that rosy bloom which "Nature's fair and cunning hand laid on" ^¶ Gives the highest relish to every enjoyment; have we not reason to love our country?

Whilst the fabric of our government unites with the bl [...]ssings of LI­BERTY, the dignity of ORDER, and the energy of POWER; whilst [Page 15] impartial justice administers the laws, in protecting innocence, and guard­ing the acquisitions of industry; whilst the rights of nature are secured from the ravages of anarchy and the grasp of oppression; have we not rea­son to venerate that government?

YES, my fellow citizens, we LOVE our COUNTRY; we GLORY in her CONSTITUTION; and we HONOUR her illustrious AD­MINISTRATORS!

Let haggard envy calumniate those virtues which she cannot imitate: Let anarchy, under the semblance of PATRIOTISM, bellow his ap­prehensions of the dangers of L [...]BERTY, whilst he conceals a poignard to stab her to the heart: We know their false and hollow voice; their malice shall not disturb our tranquility: We respect those VIRTUES which have dignified our COUNTRY▪

Whilst, on this occasion, we celebrate the commencement of AME­RICAN LIBERTY, to secure the perpetuity of HER reign, let us rally around the standards of order, stability, and obedience to the laws. Let PEACE and GOOD WILL towards men be the scope of HER ambition, and the badge of HER distinction, and we may hope that her EMPIRE will be IMMORTAL▪