Pass /"^ . 
 Book._L>_S2- 
 
Mv. CHEST¥.U^s 
 
 4^ m 
 
 <i 
 
A 
 
 na5am(DS?, 
 
 '9 
 
 IN COMMEMORATION OF THE LANDING, 
 
 BELIYEBEO IN THE 
 
 2d. Presbyleviaw C\\\\ve\\, Mbany^ 
 
 DECEMBER 22d, 1820: 
 
 GN THE COMPLETION OF THE 
 
 SECOND CEKT\]K\, 
 
 SINCE THAT EVENT. 
 
 BY JOHN CHESTER, 
 
 Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, Albany, 
 
 ** QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET." 
 
 A L B A N Y: 
 PRINTED BY E. AND E. HOSFORD. 
 
 :^. 
 
 
 1820. 
 
♦#^> ; 
 
 "^8 
 
 /^- 
 
 L-i 
 
'< The Committee of Arranwtnents" Cor the colebralion of the 
 Second Cent urial Era of the Landing of the Pilj^rinis of New- 
 Eii<j;land. present to the Reverend John Chester, their warm 
 thanks for the very int.Testii;g and eh)quent discourse delivered 
 by Iiiin, at their request, on the occasion, and respectfully solicit 
 a copy for publication. 
 
 By order of the Committee^ 
 
 JOSEPH ALEXANDER, 
 
 EBENEZEli BALDWIN. 
 
 Albany^ December 23d, 1820. 
 
 Albany, 26th December, 1820. 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 I have the honour to acknowledge your polite note 
 of the 23d inst. I send you a copy of the Sermon, agreeably to 
 your request, and submit it to your disposal. 
 
 I am, with affectionate regard, 
 
 your Friend and Servant, 
 
 JOHN CHESTER, 
 Joseph Alexander, Esq. 
 Ebenezer Baldwin, Esq. 
 
ii ^mm. 
 
 JEREMIAH, Vr. 16. 
 
 TTius saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways, and see, a?ul ask 
 for the old paths, where is the good ivay, and walk there- 
 in, and ye shall find rest to your souls, 
 
 boME of the most delightful and improving emo- 
 tions, that the heart ever experiences, spring from 
 recollections connected with our Fathers' sepul- 
 chres. We cherish with the tenderest interest the 
 memory of our departed Ancestors. The places, 
 where they lived and toiled, where they wept and 
 prayed, where they fought and conquered, are dear 
 to the sweetest efibrts of memory, and the most sa- 
 cred and most noble affections of the heart. Who, 
 that has been long estranged from the venerable 
 mansion of his birth, where his parents lived, where 
 he began his first steps, does not find a thousand ob- 
 jects that produce the liveliest emotions of melan- 
 choly pleasure. The tlioughts rush back to the mo- 
 ment when "life was young," and the warm tears 
 
 of our childhood bedew the cheeks of maturity. 
 
 Ko virtuous mind is ashamed of these feelings; they 
 are always honourable, as they are powerful. Many 
 a prodigal has wept in the bitterness of remorse up- 
 on that threshold that he left rich in innocence, and 
 rich in paternal blessings, and sighs as he remem- 
 
6 
 
 bers the counsels he has neglected and the anguish 
 he has caused to the heart of his Sire. What the 
 remonstrances of conscience and the warnings of 
 truth could not effect, the nie:nory of home has ac- 
 complished. " I will arise and go to my Father," is 
 the first promise of penitence — he rises and goes, 
 are the first acts of duty. — To cherish these emotions 
 is a wise dictate of religion, and they are often sanc- 
 tified to the higliest purposes of practical piety. 
 
 "Our Fathers, where are they?" They spent 
 their years " as a tale that is told," and they have 
 passed away like the mountain shadow. The land 
 they conquered is ruled by their Sons. Their fields 
 spread their beauty to other eyes, and give their har- 
 vests to other generations. That narrow spot is all 
 they possess. The stone that marks it is already 
 hoary with moss, — the foot of time has worn out the 
 inscription that filial affection had written. As in- 
 dividuals, few of them have any memento; — thouo;!! 
 as a community the history of their self-denial and 
 valour, their wisdom and patriotism, will he cherish- 
 ed as long as their descendants shall inherit their 
 spirit, or grateful affection shall exist. Their monu- 
 ment is neither brass, nor marble; but it is formed hy 
 churches and schools, by wise and noble institutions; 
 by halls of public justice, — by intelligence, and vir- 
 tue, and liberty. 
 
 Two Centuries are this day completed since the 
 Puritan Pilgrims of New-England landed on the soil 
 of the new world. What wonders have been eflfect- 
 ed! This wilderness, which they found filled with 
 savages, and destitute alike of civilization and cul- 
 ture ; where the worship of God was unknown, has 
 
become joyful with improvement, and vocal with 
 praise. More tlian ten millions ol" inhabitants occu- 
 py these regions. It is a land of " every land, the 
 pride." It ranks high on the catalogue of Nations. 
 It is fdled with noble institutions — it is blessed with 
 liberty — it is governed by laws. 
 
 And can it be uninteresting to the descendants of 
 that people, who contributed so much to the settle- 
 ment of this country ; and whose wisdom and valour 
 have had so happy an influence upon the prosperity, 
 and the learning, the liberty and religion of iheir pos- 
 terity, to remember and celebrate the event, which, 
 while it is so honourable to us, is under God the cause 
 of our independence and hippiness.'* 
 
 Simple gratitude would place tliis retrospection 
 among our duties, but we have here a deep personal 
 interest. As the children of christian parents, as the 
 posterity of patriots, of wise statesmen and brave and 
 valiant Sires, we owe it to public happiness, to the 
 service of truth, and to our posterity " to stand in the 
 way and see^ andaskfoi the old paths, where is the good 
 way and walk therein.'^'' This is peculiarly necessary 
 in an age of enterprize and improvement, when the 
 love of novelty is giving perpetual activity to re- 
 search, and vigour to enterprize ; wijen there is great 
 danger of sacrificing important principles and safe 
 and pure manners, for seductive and ruinous errors, 
 and for vain and licentious courses. 
 
 The landing of the Puritan Pilgrims in New-Eng- 
 land, is one of the most interesting and important 
 events that has ever occurred on this Continent. 
 The establishment of the Plymouth Colony, had a 
 deeper connection with the prosperity and glory of 
 
8 
 
 America, than any occurrence that ever existed. 
 Cause and effect are ahke under the supreme con- 
 trol, of Almighty Jehovah. He does his pleasure ev- 
 ery where, and works according to the counsel of his 
 own will, — but under him, the event which we this 
 evening celebrate, was intimately connected with all 
 this country is, or promises to be. The twenty se- 
 cond of December holds as high a rank in our Na- 
 tional calendar as the fourth of July. Without this, 
 Washington would have been born in vain, and Feb- 
 ruary and July would have passed in the circles of 
 the months, without notice, or celebration. 
 
 This country was discovered at the close of the 
 i.'ith century. It opened upon the old world when 
 the cup of her abominations was full, — when her 
 population was too numerous for her territory : at a 
 period when letters were revived, when the art of 
 printing was discovered, when men began to discern 
 their natural rights, and the light of liberty and learn- 
 ing was beginning to shine upon a long benighted and 
 jo-norant world. Events of the most important char- 
 acter succeeded the discovery of Columbus. The 
 Reformation soon followed, and made an impression 
 upon the nations that nothing could obliterate or re- 
 sist. The progress of the Reformation was slower 
 and more partial in England than in any other land 
 where it finally triumphed. The Monster who dis- 
 graced the throne when it commenced, became its 
 friend that he might gratify his revenge, and indulge 
 his lusts. His descendants, with but a single excep- 
 tion, were hostile to every thing like religious liberty 
 or tolerance, until his family was driven from the 
 throne. 
 
The PuRiTAXs, from whom the Pilrr'm«? sprang, 
 rose about the year 1,555, and received th --appella- 
 tion by way of reproach on account of ihesoHcitude 
 which they manifested for tliey??/nVj/of the laws, or- 
 dinances and worship of God. It has lon<]j been con- 
 secrated as a title of respect, and will be con- 
 sidered honourable, as long as the true history of those 
 who bore it shall be known. During the reigns of 
 Mary, Elizabeth, and James 1st. the Puritans made 
 every exertion to obtain their natural and inherent 
 light of religious liberty. They were loyal sub- 
 jects, and holy men ; but all their efforts were vain. 
 'J heir last hope was in James, who not only disap- 
 pointed, but ,'Corned them. Notwithstanding all his 
 fair and voluntary promises, he was zealously devot- 
 ed to the Hierarchy, and lent his talents and his pow- 
 er to persecute and destroy. 
 
 The Puritans, whose love of truth, whose desire 
 for freedom, and whose determination to worship God 
 according to the dictates of conscience, nothing could, 
 repress or destroy, at length resolved to abandon a 
 country from which liberty was exiled, and a govern- 
 raent whoPe " tender mercy was cruelty," — and w hich 
 determined to crush them. 
 
 They fled from every port. The christian inhab- 
 itants of Germany and Holland received them with 
 open arms. They cherished tlie Pilgrims with the 
 most afTcctionate hospitality. Their lands were 
 changed into cities of refuge. In those consecrated 
 regions the Reformers and Protestants of every na- 
 tion were welcoi; e. Here were the followers of Lu- 
 ther^ and Calmn ; the Puritans of England, — the 
 
 2 
 
10 
 
 Presbyterians of Scotland, and afterwards, the Hu- 
 guenots* of France. They met and mingled here, 
 and here was laid the foundation of the greatest bles- 
 sings to the Church. Their union was cemented by 
 principle and sympathy. — The benefit and benevo- 
 lence of the Dutch hospitality can never be forgotten 
 while religion endures. 
 
 Among the emigrants to Holland, in the beginning 
 of the 1 7th (Century, was the Congregation of the 
 Rev. Mr. Robinson, some of whose direct lineal de- 
 scendants are in this house this evening. They ar- 
 rived in Amsterdam in 1609. They had suffered 
 much from the jealousy and power of the Archbish- 
 op of Canterbury, who had made the utmost exertion 
 to prevent their emigration. Their intentions were 
 often defeated ; but after much toil and suffering, af- 
 ter " bonds and imprisonment," they succeeded in 
 leaving England for ever. 
 
 After a few years spent in their retreat in Holland, 
 they resolved to accomplish their original design of 
 forming a settlement in America. Their object from 
 the beginning was liberty of conscience and the glo- 
 ry of God. They intended to lay the foundation of 
 a Christian Empire, and give Freedom and Religion 
 as an inheritance to their children. 
 
 Purer motives never influenced men, and had not 
 religion supported them, ihe United States had still 
 been the land of Vassals and savages. 
 
 * The Huguenots obtained this appellation by. way of reproach. 
 It is supposed to be derived from Huguon, a word used in Tour- 
 aine, to signify Persons that walk at night, in the streets. (See 
 Moshiem.) They were engaged with zeal in the cause of religion, 
 and used to meet frequently in the evening for sacred worship. 
 
11 
 
 A part of Mr. Robinsoirs church left Holland in 
 the year 1620, — after a tedious and perilous voyage^ 
 they found Cape Cod at the close of that year. 
 Their destination was the mouth of the Hudson, but 
 the season was too far advanced to attempt the pro- 
 secution of their voyage.* They continued on that 
 coast, to seek an habitation, until thev ao-reed to fix 
 their dwelling in Plymouth. Here ihey landed on 
 the Twenty Second of December, 1620. 
 
 It would require volumes, to recount their toils, 
 and sufferings — their wars and conquests — their va- 
 lour and institutions. God cast out the Heathen be- 
 fore them, and gave them a rich inheritance. The no- 
 ble, holy objects which made them Pilgrims, engag- 
 ed all their ardour, and success rewarded all their 
 toil. For many years they struggled for existence ! 
 Famine and pestilence raged in the midst of them; 
 on every side the jealous savages were watching the 
 opportunity to destroy them, "//c who transplanted 
 sustained them ''^ He had smoothed the waves of the 
 ocean, and hushed its tempests. On all its storms 
 he had planted the bow of his covenant, and his still 
 small voice of love was heard amid the roar of wa- 
 ters and the thunders of the storm, saying ^'-fear not 
 for I am with thcc^be not dismayed, for lam thy Gody 
 He was a wall of defence round about them, and his 
 arm was their shield and their hope. The causes 
 
 * It seems to be admitted that tlie Captain of the ship had been 
 bribed by some interested persons, to land them far north of the 
 place they intended. After they had found Cape Cod, they 
 would have gone to the Hudson, but the Captain would not pro- 
 ceed, and in a short time the severity of the season made it impos 
 sible. 
 
12 
 
 which led to their removal, aud the success which 
 atteiuled their establishment, induced multitudes to 
 follow them, to share their toil and partake of their 
 blessings. Great accessions of numbers, and supplies 
 of comfort and wealth continued to arrive until the 
 Colonies became permanent, prosperous and safe. 
 
 This settlement at Plymouth, although clearly 
 the most important, was not the first that was made 
 in this country. Previous colonies were establish- 
 ed in Virginia and New-York.* This city was found- 
 ed some years before the landing of the Pilgrims. 
 But the event, which we this evening celebrate, 
 
 * In 1609; Henry Hudson entered New-York bay and discover- 
 ed ihe river that bears his name. The most respectable Dutch 
 writers declare, that the hostility of the Manhattan Indians was so 
 great, that no land cnuld be purchased on that Island ; and for 
 some time the Dutch traders were discourag:pd from attempting 
 to make any settlements there. This also, is the reason assig^ned 
 for the erection of the Fort and Trading; House on the Island 
 just below this city (Albany) in lGl4. When Hudson discovered 
 Manhattan Island, he was sailins under a commission from King 
 James ; he, however, sold his right of discovery to the Dutch. — 
 The Fort below this City, was built by the " Dulch West India 
 Company," and called Fort Aurania. The English protested 
 against Hudson's sale, and soon after Sir Thomas Dale, Govern- 
 or of Virginia, sent to the Dutch and demanded a relinquishment 
 of their claim, and they submitted to the King of England. I 
 have not the means of staling precisely the date uf the commence- 
 ment of the City ; but it niust have been some years after the 
 Fort, on the Islai d below, was erected. The present City of 
 Ntnv-York was commenced at the close of the year l6l4. Fort 
 Orange which is supposed to have stood on the scite of the house 
 occupied by the Hon. Simeoti De Witt, in South Market-street; 
 "Was erected some years later. 
 
 Tide Dr. JMit.ler''s excellent Discourse before the JVe-o-York Historical 
 
 Society, 1809. Dr. TrumbuV's llistorn of Cor.necticvt, and Smith'' s 
 
 Hiatorii of ^\e-a'-York. 
 
13 
 
 was that which s^ave cncourajyenicnt to their perse- 
 cuted friends in England to follow them ; it was that 
 which adbrded slubillfi/ and vifrour to all the other set- 
 tlements, and which in its progress and consequen- 
 ces led to the most interesting and important events, 
 connected with the history and independence of this 
 great empire. 
 
 The principles, which governed such men. their 
 motives and supports, can never be subjects of indif- 
 ference. The patriot, the philosopher, and the chris- 
 tian, cannot want interest and curiosity to examine 
 the history of the New-England Pilgrims. No other 
 men ever attempted to form an empire for the honour 
 of religion and the glory of God ; — for the abode of 
 liberty and for the protection of the oppressed of the 
 whole earth. Others have explored new countries 
 in quest of wealth — to gratify the lust of conquest 
 and dominion. These alone, in the fear of God, that 
 they might find a place for his temple, and an altar 
 for his worship. Much as they have been ridiculed 
 by frivolous pretenders, their history furnishes abun- 
 dant proofs of their holy, dauntless spirit, which ac- 
 complished their benevolent objects, in as perfect a 
 manner as can appertain to men. The results 
 of their wisdom, patriotism, and piety are matters 
 of history. They produced the independence of 
 these United States. In giving this just praise to the 
 New-England Fathers, it is not intended to detract 
 from, or deny the merits of other colonies, but it is 
 certainly true, that their spirit and wisdom led to the 
 most important events that are connected with the 
 history, independence, and glory of this great em- 
 pire. 
 
14 
 
 " Thus salth the Lord stand ye hi the way, and see, 
 and ask for the ohl paths, where is the good way, and 
 walk therein, and ye sliall find rest unto your souls." 
 
 My brethren it is a solemn duty to " remember the 
 " days of old, the years of many generations.'''' If we de- 
 sire the most important information upon subjects 
 connected with all that is venerable in the human 
 character, all that is desirable in public ielicity and 
 order, all that is blissful in holiness and salvation — 
 "^o ask thy fathers and they will shew thee, th^ i:l- 
 '* DERs and they will tell thee," 
 
 May we not employ this occasion to advantage in 
 contemplating ^'- the good old ways'''' of our Fathers, 
 that we may be induced to walk in them, and thus 
 secure the object for which they toiled and suffered 
 — " rest to our souky 
 
 In almost e\ery thing relating to personal or pub- 
 lic happiness, there is much need of obeying this in- 
 junction. Men may improve modes ; — but never 
 principles. We may extend religion in its influence 
 upon multitudes that have never received it, — we 
 may and ought to grow in grace and in the know- 
 ledire of our Lord Jesus Christ, but truth is uniform, 
 principles are eternal ; and surely those which relate 
 to natural rights and to salvation cannot be improv- 
 ed. They are independent of time and of circum- 
 stance, and are fixed by him with whom there is no 
 "shadow of turning." No persons understood the 
 doctrines of grace and the plan of salvation better 
 than the primitive church. The revelation which was 
 to be the foundation of their faith and the guide of 
 their conduct was perfect and complete. The whole 
 system was finished ; — sealed with the blood of its 
 
15 
 
 Lord, and reduced to (he most delightful experience. 
 There will be no new communications upon this 
 subject, there is no other name given under heav- 
 en whereby we can be saved. Every fancied im- 
 provement is a real deformity. The pride of rea- 
 son and philosophy have uniformly darkened the di- 
 vine counsel and led to heresy and infidelity. We 
 are to stand and enquire for the good old ways and 
 walk therein In religion, they had an infallible 
 guide : and their views o( civil liberty were nearly, if 
 not altogether, perfect. Our fathers understood its 
 principles and brought them into as happy and suc- 
 cessful practice as any community that ever existed. 
 It is questionable whether any people ever did, or 
 ever will enjoy more perfect freedom, with so much 
 security, so simple a government, with such wise 
 and salutary restraints, as they enjoyed, until the 
 light of millennial glory shall dawn upon the na- 
 tions, as the morning on the mountains. Well may 
 their children stand in the way and ask for their 
 good old paths and walk therein. 
 
 The same remark may be applied to general man- 
 ners. The good old way, if it had less of modern 
 refinement, and of modish form, had less of hollow 
 hypocrisy and unmeaning professions. If it had 
 more bluntness, it had more sincerity, — and if it was 
 less polished, it was more sound. If it wanted the 
 image and superscription of modern coin, it was ster- 
 ling bullion, whose value w as more than its appear- 
 ance. 
 
 A spirit of bold and licentious innovation, which 
 prevails to an alarming degree in the world, is hos- 
 tile to that humble, uniform course which true policy 
 
16 
 
 and duty unite to demand. The fire of the imagi- 
 nation, the boldness ot enterprize, the ardour of hope, 
 are all enlisted against the caution and safety of es- 
 tablished principles and settled forms. In a young 
 country, there is so much seductive stimulous for in- 
 novation — where change is so flattering — where every 
 thing promises so fair, and almost every vigorous etfort 
 is successful, there is peculiar danger of neglecting 
 courses, opinions, and principles, merely for the sake 
 of novelty and experiment. Nothing chastens this 
 love of chancre but the experience of age, and this 
 has often to lament errors which it has no power to 
 reform, to weep over the recollection of privileges 
 and advantages it once possessed, but which it can 
 never recal. 
 
 In the humble hope that a view of the good old 
 ways of our fathers, may save us from useless re- 
 grets, and a guilty abandonment of the true princi- 
 ples of religion, morality, and liberty, we proceed 
 to attempt an examination of their characters and 
 history. 
 
 They were distinguished for their Religion. 
 Nothing but a deep and sincere conviction of the 
 truth of evangelical piety ; — a heartfelt experience 
 of its power; — nothing but faith in its promises, and 
 the support of its grace, could have induced them 
 to leave their homes, their friends, and property, for 
 a wilderness, for want, and for suffering. Had they 
 not counted all things lost for Christ, they had never 
 attempted a project which no human motive could 
 either have dictated or sustained. 
 
 The love of truth, zeal for the honour of God, de- 
 votion and obedience characterized them in every 
 
17 
 
 thing, connected Avith the cstahlishment and pro- 
 gress of the New-England Colonies. The Bihie was 
 not only their text-book, but the foundation of their 
 creeds, and the rule of their conduct. Their vene- 
 ration for the Scriptures was sincere and profound. 
 They received them as the inspired record of the 
 will of God, and as an infallible guide in truth and 
 duty. Every thing was subservient to their authority, 
 and it was their constant effort and supplication to 
 be conformed to their sacred precepts. 
 
 Their views of truth were uncommonly vivid and 
 correct. They enjoyed the best opportunities to 
 acquire a profound knowledge of the Scriptures. 
 They were well acquainted with the writirjgs and 
 the disciples of the Reformers. They lived in a pe- 
 riod when the ministers of the Protestant Churches 
 were among the most learned and acute scholars 
 and critics, that ever preached the Gospel. They 
 were sound and able men. They brought with 
 them the most valuable libraries, — they were fa- 
 miliar with the fountains of knowledge which all 
 must seek, and at which, the distinguished divines 
 of this day must be furnished, and instructed. The 
 Gospel was preached " in the demonstration of the 
 Spirit, and with power," Its great truths were as 
 ably stated, — as well defended, — and as powerfully 
 enlorced as they ever were, or can be, by mere un- 
 inspired men. 
 
 They did not deal in the refinements of metaphy- 
 «ical speculation, but they contended in the humil- 
 ity, and simplicity of truth, "/br the Faith osce de- 
 livered to the 6'a/y</6." They did not view theoretical 
 error with indifference. They had none of that li- 
 
 3 
 
18 
 
 berality that led them to sacrifice to convenience, 
 or fashion, the essential glory of truth, or to confound 
 the distinctions of right and wrong, — evil and good, — 
 truth and error. They resisted infidelity^ as well in 
 the odious deformity of its proper shape, as when 
 it assumed the form of an angel of light. Their 
 charity was neither " sounding brass nor a tinkling 
 cymbal." " It rejoiced not in iniquitij^ but it rejoiced 
 in the truth.'''' The good old path, in which they 
 travelled and found rest to their souls, was the 
 " strait and narrow way," which the Saviour had 
 marked, which was worn with the feet of the apos- 
 tles and martyrs, and which led to duty, holiness, 
 and heaven. 
 
 They were distinguished for their love of the di- 
 vine cause of religion, and for the honour of God 
 their Father, Saviour, and Sanctifier. This absorb- 
 ed their affections. They were borne away by the 
 love of Christ. To promote the glory of his name 
 and his kingdom, they devoted all they were, and all 
 they possessed. This was their first, their chief 
 object in all they designed, and all they performed. 
 It was neither wealth, nor honour, that they sought, 
 — they renounced both, that they might glorify God 
 ill the gospel of his Son. 
 
 Their bold and irrepressable desire for liberty 
 was consecrated to the service of truth. They con- 
 sidered freedom as an unspeakable blessing to reli- 
 gion ; for this they valued it, — for this they sought 
 it at the price of their sufferings, at the expense of 
 ease, and treasure, and blood. When they had se- 
 cured it for themselves and their children, they con- 
 secrated it to its Giver, and employed it for the dif- 
 
19 
 
 I'usion of truth, as a means of personal improvement, 
 of more profound luimilitv, of more faithful obe^ 
 dience. 
 
 They loved the doctrines of grace, their freencss 
 and sovereignty, — the purity of God's worship, and 
 the order of his house, with holy fervour. For these 
 they sacrificed all that this world holds df»ar. In 
 perils of waters, — of enemies, — of savages, — of pes- 
 tilence and famine, they could say, " none of those 
 things move us, neither do we count life dear if w© 
 may finish our course with joy." 
 
 They were distinguished for the good old ways of 
 Scr'ipinval morality. Beheving, they were carelul to 
 maintain good works. Their virtue sprung from the 
 only true fountain — faith. They entertained the 
 strictest regard to the preceptive will of God. The 
 purity of their morals gave them a name, which their 
 enemies intended as a reproach, but w.hich they re- 
 ceived as an honour. Their whole history vindicates 
 their claim to this appellation. 
 
 They were remarkable for their sanctification of 
 the Sabbath. With them it was a day of sweet and 
 sacred rest. It was wholly devoted to reading, me- 
 ditation, and prayer, in private, and to family instruc- 
 tion, and social worship, in pubhc. No secular em- 
 ployment disturbed its repose, nor interrupted its 
 devotion. No traveller alarmed their peacelul vil- 
 lages. They rested irom their labours, and blessed 
 him, who " sanctified the Sabbath day and hallowed 
 it." One of the reasons which induced our Father 
 to leave England, w^as the gross and universal pro- 
 fanation of tliis holy day. The licentiousness of 
 that period, had left no trace of regard for the Sab- 
 
20 
 
 bath. It had become a day of pleasure and dissi- 
 pation, when fashion lent its power to corrupt the 
 vulgar, and united all its seductions to bring reli- 
 gion into contempt. The Puritans well knew that 
 when the Sabbath was overthrown, or disregarded, 
 the citadel of religion, — the last defence of piety, 
 would be destroyed. They would not leave their 
 children to be educated in the midst of corruption, 
 and they braved the ocean's tempest and its " moun- 
 tain wave," — the wilderness and its savage inhabi- 
 tants, to '•'"find rest for their souls^ 
 
 Oh, may their descendants, in whatever clime 
 they make their home, stand in the way, and ask for 
 this ;o-ooc? old path of duty, and, like their Fathers, be 
 distino-uished for their sacred regard to the Sabbath 
 of the Lord, — to its hallowed rest, — to its delightful 
 duties. 
 
 Another remarkable fact in their history, was their 
 dev otion to the interests of Education. The church 
 and school-hoi se rose together, and were mutual 
 supports. No where, on earth, are the benefits of 
 common education so widely enjoyed as in New- 
 England. On this subject she is a wonder, and a 
 model. Her wise systems, her noble appropria- 
 tions, have brought education to every farm-house 
 in her territory, and spread the Bible, with all its 
 treasures, before the eyes of all her children. Pa- 
 rents felt their responsibility, and they endeavour- 
 ed to " bring up their children in the nurture and 
 admonition of the Lord." Their object was to make 
 their ofTspring Christians ; to give them sound prin- 
 ciples of holiness, while they gave them information 
 of letters and business. They knew nothing of thai 
 
21 
 
 iatal indnl2:oncc, which now ruins such multitudes 
 of ouryoutli, A2;o aaus venerated; — thorc was true 
 subordination. Tlie distinctions of society were not 
 broken down. Children did not atTect to be men; 
 they were not permitted to hsp in blasphemy, and to 
 mino;Ie oaths and imprecations with their sports. 
 They were not left to the guidance of their passions. 
 Our Fathers knew the evil propensities of the heart, 
 and governed by the advice of" the wisest men, they 
 brought the povver of the rod to aid the gentler mo- 
 tives of affection and remonstrance. Then there 
 was some meaning in the terms master and servant. 
 Subordination and obedience vvere common in the 
 family and school-room, the shop and the counting- 
 liouse, and order and happiness, were the conse- 
 quences. 
 
 The head of each family was a priest in his own 
 house. 1 he domestic altars were numerous as the 
 families. The morning and evening incense con- 
 stantly ascended from these Betliels, to their preserv- 
 er and beneflictor. The influence of family order 
 and piety, was diffused through the community. ]Ma- 
 sistrates were venerable and venerated. The child 
 rose and stood uncovered before the antient. They 
 walked in the good old way of" rendering unto all their 
 '• dues, — HONOUR to ichoni no.vouR," and if they wanted 
 the etiquet of courts, they did not want that true re- 
 spect, which makes office honourable and efficient. 
 
 Those were times of discipline in the family, — the 
 church and the state. Authority was exercised with 
 great moderation; but with great firmness, impartial- 
 ity, and vigour. There were fevv' crimes; but those 
 were rigorously punished. There were but few to 
 
22 
 
 connive at iniquity, and of course, the guilty seldoiii 
 escaped. Public opinion was uniformly on the side 
 of virtue, and operated as an immense restraint up- 
 on the wicked. Their laws were simple and intelli- 
 gible, and they were executed with a promptness and 
 a certainty, that made them terrible to the guilty : — 
 of course public morals were pure. That there was 
 an uncommon degree of order and submission, is 
 evinced by the fact, that public crimes were extreme- 
 ly rare, and no w'icre did public punishment produce 
 such disgrace and dread. It was the general opin- 
 ion that gave such severity to the executed law ; it 
 was the universal detestation, that branded the guilty, 
 and made its mark more intolerable than Cain's. 
 
 On the subject of education, in its higher branch- 
 es, their uniform conduct deserves praise and ad- 
 miration. The attention which they paid to this sub- 
 jest, was wonderful, considering their circumstances. 
 They were in a desert, struggling for existence. 
 They were obliged to employ their implements of 
 husbandry as weapons of defence. One would think 
 that their safety would have occupied all their 
 thoughts, and absorbed all their energies, flad they 
 not been extraordinary men it would, — but they nev- 
 er neglected the true interests of learning; provision 
 was soon made to establish an University.* As the 
 colonies multiplied, their attention to this subject 
 increased, and three respectable Colleges were 
 founded, in the first century after they landed. The 
 interests of learning have steadily advanced, and 
 
 * The first TTiiiversity that was established on this continent, is 
 Harvard, in Cambridge, Massachusetjs — the second; Yale; in New- 
 Haven, Connecticut, 
 
23 
 
 •multitudes of men, of the tirst eminence, in every 
 part of tlie United States, and in every department 
 of civil and professional life, have been educated in 
 New-England. Her inhabitants have expended for 
 several years past, more tiian one million of dollars 
 annually, in educating men who have left her terri- 
 tory, to devote their acquirements to the service of 
 the inhabitants of other states. Her efforts upon this 
 subject may be forgotten and treated with ingrati- 
 tude; but she deserves great credit, and will secure 
 it from the wise and candid. The foundation was 
 laid by our Fathers, and the effects of their noble 
 exertions have been felt, and will continue to be felt, 
 through every portion of our country. 
 
 They were equally distinguished ibr their Love of 
 LIBERTY. They had tasted the bitterness of tyran- 
 nical power, — they had been crushed by despotic 
 fury. The sufferings of the Puritans, in England, 
 can scarcely be credited ; they could not be endured. 
 Exile and want, were favours in the contrast. They 
 fled to the wilderness, and enjoyed in the woods, and 
 amid savages, that which civilization and refinement 
 had denied them. Their views upon this subject 
 were wise and practical. Their liberty was as free 
 as the mountain breeze ; but it was the very opposite 
 of licentiousness. It was not freedom from the salu- 
 tary restraints of law, conscience, or the bible. 
 They yielded all that was essential to the general 
 order and safety ; but nothing more. No man was 
 so low, as not to be protected in his rights; none so 
 high, as to be safe in his guilt. Public morals and 
 general information, those corner stones of republi- 
 can freedom, were "the stability of their times." 
 
24 
 
 Perhaps no government ever exhibited so perfect an 
 example of pure democracy. The free institutions 
 of the United States, and tlie Magna Charta of the 
 Federal Government, owe some of their best provis- 
 ions to their wisdom. They made the experiment, 
 and settled the bounds of rational liberty, and to the 
 astonishment of the world, exliibited a model of sim- 
 ple government, weak in its theory, but powerful and 
 efficient in its operations. They shewed that sacri- 
 iice was compatible with freedom; — and that no ty- 
 rant might assume a throne and sway a sceptre, they 
 established the principle and acted upon it in every 
 thing connected with government, — that the source 
 of political power is in the people alone. 
 
 They were distinguished for personal bravery. It 
 required no ordinary courage to resist the torrent of 
 persecution in their own country. They withstood 
 the power of their enemies with a martyr's firmness. 
 In their flight from England, they met obstacles that 
 would have discouraged any thing but the courage of 
 principle and faith. They left Holland under cir- 
 cumstances that would have appalled any hearts but 
 their own. They met the tempest in the commence- 
 ment of their voyage, — all the vessels were disabled 
 and returned, but the single one in which they came. 
 Before them was a trackless ocean, — they were 
 leaving their friends, their homes, and their temples ! 
 If their courage did not perish under these discour- 
 agements, what must it have been to resist despair 
 and prompt to exertion, when they reached our 
 coast .^^ Deceived in \\\^ situation.,\\\Qy enter, in their 
 "' tempest-tosl bark," a bay unknown, and unexplored ! 
 The shrouds glitter with ice, the shore is desolate 
 
25 
 
 with winter, — yet they leave their ship with praises, 
 an J land on the rock with prayer ! Here was the cour- 
 age of self-denial and holiness, that may challenge 
 the wreath from the hero's brow. Here was no ex- 
 ternal excitement, no inspiring trumpet, no pennon 
 streaming on the wind, — all without was bleak and 
 desolate ! — within all was calm, — they rested on an 
 arm that was never weary, and '•'• found peace for their 
 *« souh:'' 
 
 7'his spirit has distinguished the inhabitants of all 
 the colonies in every generation. It resisted the op- 
 pressive acts of the British cabinet, — it animated the 
 resolutions of the colonial government ; it was seen 
 in their councils, and in the field, and led to the rev- 
 olution, and to our independence. 1 he blood, that 
 was shed at Lexington, and on the heights of Charles- 
 town, was the evidence of what that spirit could 
 clare and achieve, and subsequent history has shewn, 
 that it was as wise as it was dauntless. 
 
 In review of this rapid sketch, — 
 
 We learn the true sources of national prosperity 
 and glory. " The Jcar of the Lord is the bcgiiming of 
 *' wisdom^ and to depart from evil is vnderstandingr 
 " Righteousness exahcth a nation^ but sin is the reproach 
 " of any people.''^ " Pure and iindefled religion'''' is the 
 true basis of all lasting freedom. ^* Where the spirit 
 " of God ^s, there is liberty. ''"' 
 
 If their posterity would send down to their 
 children, the rich and blood bought inheritance 
 which has been entailed upon them, — they must 
 walk in the good old paths of tlieir Fathers. They 
 must venerate the bible, the sabbath, and the sanc- 
 
 4 
 
26 
 
 TUARY. They must maintain a life of godliness, — • 
 grow in grace and in the knowledge of their Lord 
 and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 My brethren, we mu stattend, with uninterrupted 
 fidelity, to family discipline and family prayer, — two 
 duties which are dreadfully neglected. We must 
 cherish a spirit of subordination. There is no free- 
 dom in licentiousness; — it is the gratification of the 
 few^ at the expense of the many. He who cultivates 
 personal religion, and obeys the gospel, is the best 
 friend to his country. Christian piety is practical 
 patriotism. It is the good old patriotism, which com- 
 mends the cause to God in the closet, which it advo- 
 cates in the senate, and for which it bleeds in the 
 field. Our Fathers acted up to profession, they 
 promised little., they performed mwc/i.' 
 
 If we neglect religion, — if children are suffered to 
 grow up without discipline and restraint, — if the fam- 
 ily altar is forgotten, and the sanctuary deserted, — if 
 we despise the principles of our education and for- 
 sake the old ways of our fathers ; — oh ! then this 
 "goodly heritage" — this land " flowing with milk 
 " and honey," — this asylum for the oppressed — this 
 last and favoured abode of liberty, will become des- 
 olate ! The city full of inhabitants will be deserted ! 
 This enterprize will be palsied under the scowl of a 
 tyrant, and this prospeiity and freedom will be ex- 
 changed for poverty and servitude ! ! 
 
 Holiness is the path to rest, — it leads to happiness, 
 — it has the promise of the life that now is, and of 
 that which is to come. We must pursue it if we 
 would find peace for our souls, and secure their sal- 
 vation. 
 
27 
 
 Be assured, my brethren, when the inhabitants of 
 this country shall become the advocates of immoral- 
 ity, of loose and infidel opinions ; when the bible 
 shall be the subject of lawless criticism, and is aban- 
 doned to liberal and fashionable heresy, — when the 
 discipline of the fire-side and the church is relaxed, 
 or omitted, and " the people love to have it so,"-*« 
 then anarchy will follow as the herald of despotism, 
 and national felicity and freedom, will be exiled and 
 destroyed. 
 
 This review teaches us to admire and adore the 
 HOLY providence OP GoD, as it has been manifested in 
 the settlement and progress of the United States. 
 
 All the causes which led to it were ordered in 
 great wisdom, with a view to the learning, religion, 
 and independence of this country. Every thing was 
 directed in mercy. The discovery of America pre- 
 ceded the reformation. The knowledge of this 
 country was for many years, very limited, and had 
 the politicians of Europe understood its value, it 
 would have been any thing now, but a {vee republic. 
 Their ignorance was essential to the project of our 
 Fathers. They themselves knew little more of it, 
 than that it was too little valued to arouse the cupid- 
 ity, and too distant to provoke the notice of th eir 
 government. They had the greatest difficulty in 
 leaving England. The providence of God was sig- 
 nally displayed in their escape. They found much 
 in Holland to improve and prepare them to settle this 
 country, and every thing to excite their gratitude, 
 and that of their posterity. The Dutch were the 
 sincere friends of the New-England Pilgrims, audit 
 must be the desire of every feeling heart, that a 
 
28 
 
 friendship so sacred in our Fathers, may ever be per- 
 petuated in their descendants. 
 
 Another remarkable thing in their history, which 
 illustrates the kind and peculiar interposition of pro- 
 vidence, was the place on which they landed. 
 
 To those who are acquainted with our coast, at 
 this day, it would seem that no place could have 
 been more unfortunate. But here corn had been 
 cultivated, and was actually stored, which they 
 found, and which contributed to their support when 
 threatened with famine. Many of the savages had 
 lately been swept off by a mortal sickness, and all 
 the tribes Wf re much reduced. In this vicinity the 
 Indians were more gentle and kind than in many 
 places on the coast. The name of the amiable and 
 faithful Massasoit, is a volume of testimony on this 
 point. 
 
 Had they accomplished their intentions, and 
 reached the mouth of the Hudson, they would have 
 found insuperable difficulties. In that region there 
 was no provision. There was a dense population of 
 fierce warriors. They cherished a deep animosity 
 against the white men, and they were determined to 
 drive them from the country. Had they settled any 
 where, between the Connecticut river, and the capes 
 of the Delaware, this Jubilee would not have been 
 Celebrated, and their children would have wanted a 
 name, and a country, as well as an existence. 
 
 What Christian can contemplate the history of his 
 country without adoring its Benefactor ? The more 
 we examine its origin and progress, the more we 
 shall wonder and praise ! Its present situation is 
 most propitious. The inhabitants, of all the north- 
 
29 
 
 em parts of the Union, are at this moment distin- 
 guished for ihe\r hatred of slavery, — for their compara- 
 live good mora/^,— for their love of liberty, — for their 
 attention to education, — and for their effhrts to spread 
 ihe Gospel. And how is this population compos- 
 ed ? — For the most part of the descendants of Per- 
 secuted Protestants. Besides the children of the 
 Jsew-England Pilgrims, and of the Reformed Dutch, 
 We have many of the sons of the French Huguenots. 
 Their Fathers fled from their country, at a time 
 when a spirit of the most cruel persecution prevailed 
 in France, under the direction of Louis XIV. impel- 
 led by the Cardinals. In 1685, in violation of all 
 the faith of treaties, — all the obligations of truth, — 
 and all the principles of justice and humanity, the 
 Edict of Nantes was revoked. This act, which is 
 the very blackest in the history of France, not ex- 
 cepting her awful revolution in 1793, threw a health- 
 ful and excellent population into our country. — 
 Among the descendants of the Huguenots, may now 
 be traced, some of the most distinguished of our 
 citizens. They were among the very best subjects 
 that ever lived under any government, and the act 
 that drove them from their country, was one of the 
 most impolitic, as well as cruel, that ever disgraced 
 any power. 
 
 Scotland has also contributed to our character, 
 by her salutary manners, and her sound religious 
 knowledge. 
 
 The generous spirit of the Irish will also enrich 
 our national character. Romantic and brave, — cap- 
 tivating and gpnuine, — the children of Erin will im- 
 prove the nation that they have adopted, and benefit 
 themselves by aiin<^ling with us. 
 
30 
 
 Almost all the nations of Europe are contributing 
 to our enlargement and strength, our wealth and 
 glory. These different people, as yet peculiar and 
 distinct, will soon melt down into one mass, possess- 
 ing the good qualities of all, and form one character. 
 Local prejudices will vanish, and we shall all sur- 
 render sectional and peculiar names, for the proud 
 distinctive appellation of Americans. 
 V In the present prosperity, — in the future prospects 
 of our beloved country, what heart can be unmoved, 
 or ungratefi:!. How^ much occasion is there for de- 
 vout thanksgiving to the Author of all our mercies. 
 To him who has been our Counsellor in peace, and 
 our Shield and Buckler in war. He brought our 
 fathers by the good old way, into a land of " streams 
 and broad rivers," — he gave them and their children 
 this rich, this blest inheritance. 
 
 Oh ! hearer, if you are a lover of your country's 
 true glory, — if you appreciate your happy lot, — if 
 you value your precious privileges, " stand in the 
 way, inquire for the good old path, and walk there- 
 in." Let me again exhort you to cherish the simple 
 manners, the ardent love of liberty, and the fervent 
 piety that distinguished our immortal Ancestors. 
 Let us love, obey, and adore their covenant God, 
 and live to his glory. Let it be the sacred patriot- 
 ism of free Americans, to love their country, and pro- 
 mote its fame, by knowing and performing His/>/ea- 
 sure, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords, 
 
 Let us ever continue to be the firm friends and 
 patrons of the true interests of education and learn- 
 ing. On this subject we have much cause for con- 
 gratulation. The noble funds, devoted to the diffu- 
 
31 
 
 sion of common education, for the establishment and 
 endowment of academies and colleges in this state, 
 are honourable, in the highest degree, to its wisdom 
 and patriotism. 
 
 Let us cherish a generous love of true Liberty, 
 and walk in the good old ()ath of subordination and 
 obedience to the laws. Let us guard our freedom 
 from the approach of licentiousness. " Happij is lie 
 " who condemneth not himself in the thing which he al- 
 " bwethy Public immoralities have led on to ruin 
 every free republic that ever existed. Vice is the 
 parent of despotism ! Nothing will preserve us, but 
 the fear of the Lord. 
 
 Above all, then, let us cleave to the good old path 
 of Scriptural Religion, unseduced by the specious 
 sophistry o^ infidelity on the one hand, and heresy on 
 the other. We must love the Lord our God, with 
 all our hearts, and live by faith on the Divine Sa- 
 viour. We must " do justly, love mercy, and walk hunt' 
 " bly with Gody " In simplicity,, and godly sincerity.^ 
 " and not withjleshly wisdom^ wc must have our conversa- 
 " tion in the world.-'' 
 
 Soon we shall sleep with our fathers. The inte- 
 rests and cares, which now occupy, and sometimes 
 agitate and divide us, will pass into other hands. 
 But if we are faithful to our privileges, our *• children 
 " ivill rise up and call us blessed.'''' This favoured Innd 
 shall contain a ^vee and happy people to tho latest 
 times. Our souls, redeemed, shall unite with the 
 spirits of our Saixted Sires, while our graves shall 
 be made in the land of songs and joy, of fr<'<^dom 
 and happiness, and be watered by the tears of 
 grateful posterity. 
 
Tlie following Hymns mere, composed for tin occasion. 
 
 Father supreme of lieaven and earth, 
 
 Creative source of all ! 
 Whence infant nations spring to birth, 
 
 And empires rise and fall .' 
 
 Thy throne, above the circling spheres, 
 
 Shall stand, while cent'ries roll; 
 Nor boundless space, nor endless years. 
 
 Can limit thy control .' 
 
 To Hira from whom our blessings flowj, 
 
 Who all our wants supplies, 
 This day the choral song and vow 
 
 From grateful hearts shall rise I 
 
 ^was he who led the pilgrim ba.vj> 
 
 Across the stormy sea ; 
 nrwas He who stay'd the tyrant*s hand^ 
 
 And SET AN EMPIRE FREE I 
 
 When shivering on a strand unknovm. 
 
 In sickness and distress, 
 Our Fathers look'd to God alone, 
 
 To save, protect, and biess ! 
 
 Be Thou our nation's strength and shield, 
 
 In mauhoo'l, as in youth; 
 Thine arm for our proiection wield, 
 
 And guide us by thy truth I 
 
 When IsraeFs God had marked the way. 
 From persecution's fiery sway, 
 Our Fathers left their native land, 
 Sustaiii'd by his Alinighty Hand. 
 
 His Providence, their trust and guide, 
 S^^ itrely, tlTOUgh the deep they glide : 
 A world unknown, their hopes explore j: 
 By faith, tliey reach the prorais'd shore* 
 
 Fervpfit the Christian Pilgrims raise 
 On heathen soil, their shouis of raise j 
 With thankful hearts, aloud proclaim.. 
 In Eieathen lands, Jehovah's name. 
 
 Jehovah's name ! the hills rejoice, 
 Glad nature owns her Maker's voice j 
 The wiJdi^rness breaks forth in songs. 
 To HitH, to whom all praise belongs* 
 
 'h.ft all their children rise, and hrltig 
 Tiieir grateful incetije. to our Kmgj 
 Iiv hit fair courts their voices rai^e. 
 And fill the land with songs and praise.