of the United States; but now at the beginning of the nineteenth century, there are twelve hundred, which include about eighty thousand members, among whom are between eleven and twelve hundred preachers.

I have not documents sufficient to state the number of communicants belonging to any other order among us precisely; but very much question whether the Presbyterians and Congregationalists together, throughout the nation, can produce an equal number of churches, members or ministers, notwithstanding what Dr. Styles has published in his election sermon, and Dr. Morse hints at in his geography. I mean not to boast of numbers, but love to see truth published.

Finally, gentlemen, we have great cause of thanksgiving on this public fast; what wonders has nature's God been doing in America, in the course of twenty-five years. A vast empire, of sixteen United States, has risen out of a number of feeble, depressed colonies. These states, from being in a feeble band of confederacy, have formed one national government, which, like a Colossus, is above the whole; at the same time guaranteeing to each its proper sovereignty. But ah! the lust of power and importance! Designs to screen men and measures from public animidversion; forsaking the good old simple maxims of republicanism, and adopting the maxims of monarchical courts, have crept into our councils. During this period, the genius of America has been slumbering and sleeping, while from the presses and pulpits, we have been alarmed with the undescribable hobgoblins of illuminatism. But heaven above looked down, and awakened the American genius, which has arisen, like a lion, from the swelling of Jordon, and roared like thunder in the states, "we will be free; we will rule ourselves; our officers shall be honorable servants, but not mean masters."

This exertion of the American genius, has brought forth the Man of the People, the defender of the rights of man and the rights of conscience, to fill the chair of state; who, in his inaugural speech, cries out, "America, be free, be happy, guard your own rights, and leave them not to the disposition of officers."

Pardon me, my hearers, if I am over-warm. I lived in Virginia fourteen years. The beneficent influence of my hero was too generally felt to leave me a stoic. What may we not expect, under the auspices of heaven, while Jefferson presides, with Madison in state by his side. Now the greatest orbit in America is occupied by the brightest orb: but, sirs, expect to see religious bigots, like cashiered officers, and displaced statesmen, growl and gnaw their galling bands, and, like a yelping mastiff, bark at the moon, whose rising they cannot prevent.

Let us then adore that God who has been so favorable to our land, and nation—praise him for all that is past—trust him for all that is to come, and not ascribe that to man which is due to God alone.

AN

ORATION,

DELIVERED AT

CHESHIRE, JULY 5, 1802,

ON THE

CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE:

CONTAINING

SEVENTEEN SKETCHES,

AND

SEVENTEEN WISHES.

33

ORATION, &c.

GENTLEMEN :

The creation of the world, the deluge of the earth, the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the founding of Rome, the birth of Christ, the flight of Mahomet, and other important events, have given rise to certain eras, from which dates have been fixed, ceremonies instituted, and days appointed to perpetuate the remembrance of those interesting events.

The revolution of America has been an event which, (simply as a human revolution,) has promised more for the cause of humanity, and the rights of man, than any revolution that can be named.

The revolution of France yet hangs in awful suspense; whether that enterprising people are to gain anything at last, after all their unparalleled exploits, except the change of riders, either in the civil or ecclesiastical department, is very uncertain, according to present appearances. Should it finally terminate on the side of liberty, and right, still the change in America, may be considered as the first vital spring of that reform. Their alliance and communication with Americans, enkindled the spark of liberty among them, which had long been covered with the ashes of despotism, and superstition.

The American revolution, therefore, may be justly esteemed the returning dawn of long lost liberty, and the world's best hope. Here the people decide their controversies by their voices, and not by the cannon's awful roar—by small pieces of paper, and not by the instruments of death. Here our chief magistrate resides in his house, and rides abroad without a guard of armed soldiers; being shielded by the affections of the people. Well may the day be celebrated on which the iron bands were broken, and liberty to America was proclaimed. Well may the man be viewed in an endearing point of light, who drew the declaration, and fills the highest post of honor and trust.

To-day this august assembly have convened to reflect on the past and the present condition of this growing empire; and in order to assist that reflection, I shall submit the following sketches.

First. When the much admired policy of Britain had sunk the nation into a debt of two hundred and eighty millions sterling, she claimed the right of governing the trade of America for her own profit, and of taxing the American colonies at pleasure, without the consent of colonial repre