I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/'^ Chap. _._£: 3 1 2- I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, f] AN ORATION, IN COMMEMORATION OF THE BIRTH OF OlTR ILLUSTRIOUS WASHINGTON, PRONOUNCED AT WINDSOR, FEBRUARY 24, IBl'Z, BEFORE Tits BY JOSIAH DUNHAM. * W.k Wl'BR SBi.lI. tOOK trPO» HIS LIKB AGAIN." J^UBLiaHED AT THE REQUEST OF THE SOCIETY^ ^VINDSOR, Vt. ?JJI\TED BT THOUA9 M. POMBOX- 1812. At a Regular Meeting of the VfKsiM^O'iO's Benevolent Society of the County of Windsor, holden at Pettes's Hall, Hon. Jonathan H. Hubbard, Vice President, in the Cbair, — thefolloviing KESO- LUTION luas read, and unanimously adopted ; — and Horace ETerett,Esq. Hon- Lewis R* Morris,and Capt. ^Villiam Tileston, tuere appointed a Cotntnittee to carry the same into effect. " Resolved^ That the thanks of this Society be presented to their President^ for his excellent ORATION, delivered at their request,on the Anniversary of our beloved WASHINGTON ; — and that a Copy be requested for the Press." Attest— THOMAS M. POMROY, Sec'ry To an application Jroni the above named Committee, in pursuance of the foregoing Resolution, the President returned tbefolloiving answer- Obntlemen, I hope I duly appreciate the partiality, with which the per- formance in question was received, as well as the polite manner, in which the sense of the Society has been communicated. The Oration is truly, a hasty piece of patchwork. — and was intended solely for the ear- It is, however, deemed a duty to submit it to your disposal ; — and that too, for certain good reasans, without alteration, or amendment With sentiments of respect, I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, Your Obedient Servant, J. DUNHAM. H. Everett, Esq. ~^ Gen. L. R. Morris, ^Committee. Cs-t.W. Tileston, 3 Alf ORATION. Friends and Feilow-Citizens ! IF ANCIENT republics were proud of their heroes and law- givers, surely Americans may be proud of the Father of their Country. If Greece gloried in the names of Solon, of Lycurgus, of Th E MIS TOOL Es ; — If RoTue gloried in the names of Romulus and Numa, of Fabius and her Scirios ; SI! (ly Americans may glory in the name of WASH- INGTON. If the Greeks and the Romans celebrat- ed the memory of those immortal leaders and found- ers of their republics, by eulogies and orations, by festivals and games, for the purpose of stimulating their countrymen to a grateful recollection & zealous emulation of their virtues, then surely Americafison^i ever to commemorate the name of W a shington. Tho' the Hero now sleeps with his fathers ; the' his bones are now mouldering, with those of his compatriots, in the bosom of that country, for whose liberties they toiled and suffered ; yet the heart, which is grateful and good, will cheerfully yield the tribute, due to his memory. History may, possibly, do justice to his merits.' Columns and mausoleamay yet, one day, be erected to his memory : but even this would not be enough. We ought to dwell, with delight, on every trait of his venerable character ; — to admire that brilliant constellation of inestimable qualities, which constitute the Hero, the Statesman, and its ingredient was Despotism : — presented too, by that government, to which we owed allegiance, and which, in turn, was bound to protect us. Where was the high-minded, free-born, true American^ that would drink of such a cup ? — Not one ! — It was spurned from the touch, and indignantly dashed in the teeth of our oppressor. But the sordid minions of governmental power were now actually thriving and happy yOn this dreadful system, — so ruinous to the people, — so fatal to our liberties. They supported, of course, and commend- ed this system. It was clearly their interest, and they, possibly, thought it their duty, to applaud, in- discriminately, every act of the Administration. — Nay, they went farther ;~they even dared to de- nounce, as reb;?ls, and traitors to their country, all who could even doubt the wisdom, or expediency, '"^ Executive measures. In their estimation, ** affairs were never more prosperous^'' ! With the silver- smith at Ephesiis, they could say — '* By this craft, Tve ha'ue our wealth .-"—and thus, while these pand- ers of office were picking up the crumbs, which i'eli from the royal table ; while they could retain their places, their influence, and emoluments ; they could neither see nor feel the calamities of their country. Hence, the whole herd of petty tyrants, of civil .and military officers, of spies and informers, of tools and tories, with Governor Hutchinson at their head, set up, at once, the hue-and-cry of treason and rebel- lion ; the sword was drawn by government against us ; — the-Gordian-knot was cut ; — and we, the peo- ple, were compelled to assert our rights, and to main- tain tiiem ; — or to perish in the attempt. What a lesson to tyrants ! What a dreadful lesson to any government, that dares encroach on the sacred rights of Freemen ! Now arrived the solemn crisis, — the hour, *' that tried men's souls." What could be done ? We were an infant nation; but just arising from the cradle of parental care : — Like a dutiful aggrieved child, we looked up to Britain, with tears of humility and res- pect, for protection. Our voice was not heard . We remonstrated ; we demanded justice. Instead of the mild whispers of peace, or the soft soothings of ma- ternal love, we were answered with the blazing of can- nen and the thunders of war. We were then feeble, and there was none to help. Where should we look for a leader ? — Who would go up to fight against the enemies of Liberty ?T^The" finger of Heaven was pointed to WASHINGTON --who in the affair of Braddock, had already exhibited tal- ents of no ordinary cast, by bravely rescuing the mangled skeleton of an army, from a merciless French and Savage foe, and by almost snatching the laurel from the brow of exulting Victory. Yes — in this dark hour, when hardly a gleam of light, or a ray of hope, could be discerned, thro' the impenetra- ble gloom, which enveloped our country ; when Despair had become our secret companion ; — then, as a nation, we leaned on the only Arm, that could save. — "In our distress, we cried unto the Lord; and he heard us, when there was none to deliver." The Star of Divine Wisdom, which once stood over Bethlehem, now rested upon Mount Vernon ; — and the Sages of the West were conducted to the abode of our political Savior. " Where beauteous Vtrnon blooms in rural pride, And broad Potoivmac's shoalless waters glide, Great Washington, in ease and wealth reclin'd. Mid every charm reposed his godlike mind ; Reai'd in embattled scenes and born to dare, Each varying danger of the chanceful war ; The lengthened line to break, the height command, To force the camp, and free the fetter'd land ; His was the first of Fortune's gift to claim, And his the triumph of unbounded fame. Indulgent Nature, emulously kind. Gave to his fnrm the graces of his mind, While his bold stature towers supremely high, And, like his genius, claims the lifted eye ; The kindly features, peace and'truth impartj Calm as his reason, open as his heart ; For him the bleeding States united call, On him, the Iiopes of varying: millions fall ; With grief and praise, his melting soul assail, And breathe a prayer in every gliding gale. " Touch'd by the view of dark impending woes, From scenes of bliss, the patriot Champion rose i Disdained the meed his peerless perils claim, His trophy freedom, and his guerdon fame ; Could, with firm mind, luxurious peace despise, And scorning wealth, to every glory rise. At night's mid hour, to lead his hardy train, Oe'r the bleak height and thro' the murky plain, From the burnt shores, where Carolina glows. To the deep winter of Canadian snows ; He quits the lap of ease, the bower of love, The peaceful mansion and the vocal grove. Braves the dark scene, where cold Misfortune loweris, And meets the rage of yet unconquerM powers ;— . Powers, — that his blooming youth to battle led ; For whom he triumph'd, and for whom he bled ; On those the Chief his patiiot falchion turns ; And Friendehiji slumbers, — while his country mourns.** Such was Washington, when called, by the united voice ot his country, to the post of duty, diffi- culty, anddani^er. And who else, without the weak- nesses which depreciate, or the vices which disgrace, human nature, could have displayed all the virtues, and exerted all the talents, which ennoble man, or a- dorn the Hero? — Who, but Washington, amidst the contending elements of our revolution, with mod- est dignitv and unbaffled skill, could have " rode up- on the whirlwind and directed the storm" ? — Always calm and serene, always firm and inflexible, always prompt and decided ; in short, always himself — he was found prepared for every event, and adequate to every trust. It was his wisdom, his prudence, his circumspection, his moderation, which turned, at last, the fortime of the day, and crowned us with vie- torv. Shall we compare the character of General ^Fashington, with that of other Generals & iieroes, cither ancient or modern ? — Alas ! — no parallel can be drawn. Their characters will be found .^s vari- ous, as their respective motives of action, and as the objects for which they severally contended ; as dif- ferent, as sordid ambition from true gloVy ; as self in- terest from honest patriotism ; as vice from virtue. CpvOMwell, — C^sAR, — Alexander, — were dis- tinguished Generals. But their most splendid ac- tions may be traced to the most sordid sehishness, or the most i^^noble passions : false ambition, love of power, cold hypocricy, or cruel revenge. Not so with Washington : — the good he aimed at was his couniry's ; — the glory, to which he aspired, was that of having done his duty J Cromwell, with the zeal of a fanatic, with the tant of a hypocrite, and with tlie syren song of " Lib- trty^'''' could subvert a throne to enthrone himself. C^sar could subdue nations — but "• Caesar was ambitious : — he could not subdue his own heart. Flushed with the laurels of victory abroad, he could not brook a superior at home.-^He had vanquished the enemies of Rome : — why could he not vanquish Romans ? — It was done. He crossed the Rubicon^—' triumphed at Pharsalla^- — i,iezed upon the govern- ment, — and gave chains to an empire. Alexander — the Great — he was a Conqueror. He conquered th.e world. Nay — he concjuered him- self ! — After having wantonly overrun ihe world, laying waste, with hre and sword, the luirest portion of humanity ; and, with the fury of a Demon, crying *' havoc P'' among the noblest works of God ; after having shed more blood, and produced more human misery, than any other inhuman being, (if we except *' Napole^jN Le Grand") he fella victim to his anv bition ; — the poor, pitiful ambition, of having it to say, that he could swallow more wine, than au}^ other krids in his armv ! ! !— -He did so, indeed— -and r/?Vi/ 10 m a debauch ; — while his revelling companions pro- nounced the following Hie Jacety over his wretched remains — ICT'HERE LIES — THE CONQUEROR OF THE WORLD— «' Shrunk to 'h-i sorry iiieasure" ! ! -'J^ Not so with W.. oHiNGTON : — liis ambition was of nobler stamp ; and his glory, like rho Christian's hope " was founded on a rock." He fought, not for himself, but for his fellow man ; — not to conquer, but to defend ; — not to ruin a foe, but to protect a people ; — not to enslave a country, but to free, to bless, to build up a nation ; — to establish it on the broad basis of ec^ual rights, in the enjoyment of liberty, and under the protection of liw. Such was the object, which led Washington to the field ; — and-, when his work was done, when he found the name of Columbia inscribed on the list of independent Empires, he sheathed his sword ; threw down his laurels, at the feet of that country, for which he had so gloriously triumphed ; and, great, like Cin- ciNNATUs, returned to the Plough ; — to the bosom of his dear delighted fcunily ; — to the exercise of the domestic virtues ; — and to the cultivation and enjoy- ment of the sofi arts of peace. Wonderful man ! Like the Hero of Ossian, " he was terrible in the battles of hisstee'. j- — his suord Vv^aslike lightning in the field ; — his vjice like thunder on the distant hills : — many fell by his hand ; they were consumed in the flames of his Vv rath. But, when returned from the war, how peaceful was his brow ! — His face was like the Sun after rain ; — like the moon, in the silence of the night ; calm, as the breast of the lake, when the loud wind is laid !"' — " Thou Hero ! once Columbia's proudest boast, * In peace our council, and in war our host, — As erst when Pharaoh.^ 'nealh his tyrant band, lleltntles", crusli'd the ciiosen Patriarch band ; j^IosES, "with pious care, the people led. 11 And pourM destruction on the guilty head ; Guided them, dauntless, thro* the wat'ry waste, And the bold path thro* trackless deserts trac'd ; Reviv*d desponding hopes, and calm'd iheir fears. While all Mount Sinai thunder*d in their ears, Till the poor pilgrim tribes, each danger past. Saw the bright Land of Promise rise, at last ; So stoodst thou once-, — our shelt'ring cloud by day, Our fiery pillar in the midnight way ; — Led'st, thro* Oppression's pathless wikis along, Thy tainting bands, and soQth'd the murm'ring throng ; Blest with thy smiles and with thy bounty fed, Turned rocks to vva^.c i, and the dew to Drc;ad ; The wearied p'lgrim cheer*d wiih prospect sweet, And crush*d the Tury serjicnt, at thy feet, — Till Freedom rose — with beaming splendors bright, And all Canaan's glories, ghdden'd on the sight." The character of the General^ of the patriot- ^cro, is now consummated. But the spleiidid flibric of Washington's fame is but half completed. Like M SEs, he has led us forth from the land of bondage and, thro' a wilderness of dangers and a Red Sea of blood, has introduced us to a view of the promised land of peace and independence. But here the par- allel fails. Mosfcs was not permitted to enter that CaTiaan, which he could only behold, at a distance. to Joshua, at whose command " the Sun stood still on Gibeon, and the Moon in the valley of Ajalon ;" — To Joshua it was given, to cross the mighty Jor- dan, to take possession of the promised land, and to lay the foundations of the empire o^ Isi'ael. Wash- ington was both our Moses and our Joshua : — He crossed the Jordan of Anarchy, which succeeded the Revolution ; took possession of this goodly land ; and established the Ark of our political covenant, in the adoption of the Federal Constitution. Nay — he did more : — like David, he drave out the Savage Phi- listines before him, established peace in our borders, and silenced the Absalom of sedition, who had erected the standard of rebellion, m our political Hebron, in the west. He exhibited also the wi.don 12 of Solomon, in the Administration of our govern- mem ; — in his skill to do justice and judgement, be- lore the peoijle ; — in making a league of amity and commerce with powerful nations ; — in patronizing industry and enterprizc, agriculture and the arts : — And. like Solomon, he too eree'eda TEMPLE — i the majestic temple of our rights .tnd libiihties, — on the favorite spot, which he himself had cnosen, and consecrated, for that great national object ; — and which his grateful countrymen have since honored and rendered immortal, by calling it — " the City of WASHlNGiON." i^t the close of our revolutionary war, we were found, indeed, \\'i;iQ and independent ; but without governraent, without union, and almost without re. sources. It was soon found, that in the hour of per- il, a sense of common danger had proved alone our common bond of union. Different states had differ- ent interests ; and the old Articles of Confedenition had no longer any power. Like the cords, with which Sampson was bound, they became as flax, which had been scorched in the fire ; and for the ordinary pur- poses of government, or for promoting the general welfare, ihey were but a mere " rope of sand." 'i'he country was deeply involved in debt, a scene of an- archy ensued, and general distress prevailed. We were in possession of the ground, we had a broad basis, and had, indeed, collected the materials, yor a mighty empire ! But where was the Architect, vv here the political Hiram, \vho could place the corner stone, complice the foundation, connect the various parts, adjust the symmetry and proportions of the whole, and erect the superstructure ; — the grand, the stu- pendous fcibiic of a Republican Government ? Again the 6nger of Heaven was pointed to Wash- ington. — The Star ^A'lW ^\oodiO\cr Mount Vernon: — and he was again called forth, as the strength of our national hope, and the rock of our political salva- tion. A convention had been formed, with Washing- ton at its head, for the purpose of establishing a ra- tional system of government, the best possible adapt- ed to its only legitimate object, the freedom and secu- rity of the citizen. Such a system, it was correctly believed, must be an elective republicanism, of the mixt kind, equally remote from Despotism and De- mocracy. Such a system of government had long been the grand desideratum of political writers; and the great question was, how far the individual must sacrifice to the public ;— how far natural liberty must be surrendered, and how far retained ; so as to secure the citizen from lawless depredation, on the one hand, and, on the other, from tyrannic sway. Mankind, ever terrified into submission by a rod of iron, have, without jesistancc, either bowed the neck to the yoke, or have been flattered and betrayed by the blasphe- mous mockery of designing Demagcgues ; who, like Cromwell, or R0BE.P1ERIIE, or Napoleon, under the plausible pretence of being ^h^ friends ofthe people, with the sacred name oj LIBERTY on their tongues, and xvith //le tyranny of hell in their hearts, have been, unsuspectedly, engaged, in riveting the chains of galling Slaverj'. The unstable nature of the Republics of antiquity, and the precarious tenure, by which the rights cf the people were secured, arose, no doubt, from a want of the principle, to which we allude ; that nice balance of authority, which can be produced only by throw- ing such a quantum of power into the different De- partments, as will, by die operation of checks, e^ <]ually secure individual liberty and the public weal. A monarchical despotism is a tremepdousevil ; nor is the wild misrule of a fierce democracy scarcely less to be dreaded. It is too often a government of passion, prejudice, and injustice ; and is equallv remote from the mild empire of reason and truth. Hence the ne- cessity of guarding, as well against the evils of licen- tiousness, as the grasp of tyranny ; of so constituting 14 a government, as to give the most ample security for the enjoyment of Hfe and property, with the greatest possible degree of personal liberty and rational free- dom. In constructing a Constitution for our country, to all the other difficulties necessarily attendant on so nice a calculation for the general good throughout, what Mr. QuiNcY calls a congregation of empires, were now superadded the obstacles,almost insurmount- able, resulting from our extended territory ; fr( m the variety of our climate, and productions; from the dif- ference in our local habits and customs ;— and from the necessary collision of local interests. Such was the Herculean task, which Washing- ton and his Compatriots were destined, by Heaven, to perform for their Countrv. — Audit was done. The FEDERAL CONSTITUTION is a "stu- pendous fabric of human wisdom." It was projected by Washington, and had infused into ithis whole soul. It WMS the most perfect model of government ever exhibited to the world. It combines all the wisdom and experience of ages ; and is better cal- culated, than any otheryet known, to guarrantee to the citizen freedom and security ; prosperity and happi- ness. Is it possible, that such a Constitution, an instru- ment so wisely planned, could have enemies ? — It had — ind they were denominated, of course, Anti- Federalists.* In some of the state conventions, this Federal Com- pact met a powerful opposition : but at length, the voice of wisdom was heard ; the Constitution was a- dopted ; and its administration vvas entrusted, by the unanimous call of a grateful people, to its principal Projector, the only legitimate "Father of cur Country." After the loud tempest of the Revolution had ccas- * A name aPterwarcIs exchanged for that of Democratsyox Democratic liefiudUcans, 15 ed to roar, when the dark storm of Adversity had passed over our heads, and the flittin^^ clouds of An- archy had disappeared, to behold WASHINGTON once more at the helm, was, indeed, " as the appear- Unceof the Sun after rain'''' : it dissipated the gloom, that surrounded us, and enkindled new ardors in the breast of the desponding patriot. Is seemed the har- binger of many and great blessings to our country. Faction shrunk before him, and hid its malignant head. Confidence and hope were restored, even to the war-worn Soldier, when he could thus again look up to his illustrious Leader, and, in his face, behold a pledge that he should not, in his old age, be forgotten by his country ; nor be doomed, at last, like the aged and blind Bellisarius, to — *' Beg bitter bread, thro' realms, bis valor sav'd.'* The ground work of JVashin^ton^s policy : both at home and abroad, was A SACRED REGARD TO PUBLIC JUSTICE : and in relation to the two great Belligerents, a policy, which necessarily grew out of this principle, AN honest, impartial, and DETERMINED, NEUTRALl I'V. To extend to them our Commercial relations, but to have with them as little political connection, as possible ; *' constantly keeping in view, that it is folly, in one na- tion, to look for disinterested favors from another." And, upon this ground, it is, that he so solemnly warns us, against indulging an inveterate antipathy against the one, or a passionate attachment for the other; but to cultivate just and amicable feelings to- wards both. Because, said he, " the nation, which indulges towards another an habitual hatred, or an hafeitual fondness, is, in some degree, a slave. It is a slave^to its animosity, or to its affection — either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest." In pursuance of this wise, this just, this 'magnani- mous policy, a regular yet free government was or- ganized ; — 16 The foundations of a revenue were laid, with that of a navy to protect it ; — Provision was made for the payment of the public debt ;— A small army was raised, and a Savage foe reduc- ed to peace and friendship ; — Treaties of amity and commerce were formed with European nations ; — The eround of an honest neutrality was taktn,^'ind SUPPORTED ;— Trade and agriculture, industry and the arts, again revived ; — The American name became known and respect* ed abroad ;— And, in short, at the fiat of Washington, socialand political order came forth out of a confused Chaos of national elements ; while its happy result was such years of domestic peace, individual happiness, and na- tional prosperity, as the world never before witnessed. Ill possession of the land, which flowed with milk and honey, we had literally, peace in our borders, plenty in our dwellings, and health in our habitations ! That such were the happy fruits of the Washing, toman, or Federal Republican y\-)o\\cy, will not be de- nied. We cannot open our eyes, without beholding evidence of this impressive fiict. The official records and Reports of our national government. The unex* ampled increase of our population and wealth ; the trade and extent of our seaport towns ; — the sudden growth of our country villages ; — the successful en* terprise ©four merchants ; — the thriving industry of our mechanics ; — the honest independence of our farmers ; — the almost palaces (as they would be called in Europe) in which ihey reside; — the numerous steeds in their stalls, — the flocks, that whiten their mountains— and the cattle that graze on their thousand hills, — all attest the correctness of Wash- ington principles, the superior excellence of his policy, and the consummate v.isdom of his measures. 17 But, if this were not enough, vre might appeal to the testimony of those, who sut:ceeded to the Admin- istration of our aftliirs, with the popular Expectation, that the condition of our country would, by this chan.^e of men, be rendered still more flourishing. 'When Mr. Jefferson was placed in the executive chair, he did a signal act of justice to his predecessors in office. He bore official testimony, strong and un- equivocal, to the excellence of our constitution and to the wisdom of its antecedent administration. For he declared, that our republican system was, then, " hi the full tide of successful experiment."*^ Never was more ample justice displayed in fewer words ; — for the whole annals of man do not exhibit any country, under so brilliant a prospect, or in so rapid a career, to the bright goal of individual happiness & of national glorj'. A twelve years' experiment had been made, and was crowned with success. And, if the profes- sions of our Friends 02^ the People had been sin- cere, and if their talents had been such, as ought to wield the destiries of an empire, had we not a right to expect, that the condition of our countr}' would, in their hands, be still farther improved? — that "the tide of success" would still continue to flow ? — that out* national felicity would still farther increase ? — and, in short, that the morning Sun of our country's great- ness, which rose with such unrivalled splendor, should have continued its majestic march towards the bright meridian of our hopes, and have been now seen bhed- ding abroad, upon our land, the bright ellulgence of . its beams, in unclouded day. How far this reasonable expectation has been real- ized, — let each individual, in this assembly, decide for himself Suffice it to remark, thatthe tivelve years of demo- cratic administration have now nearly expired ; — and let the Successor, whoever he may be, REr.\ y the COMPLIMENT, — if He honcstlij can, C In contemplating the durability of republican insti- tutions, if we search into the first causes of their de- cline, we shall always find it to proceed from a want of virtue in the people, manifested by their appoint- ing to office z/«/;n;?r;i/)/s too sensible of my defects, not to tl.iiik it probable, that 1 may have coir.mitfed many triois. Wkvitever they may be, I fer- vently besetcli llic Almighty to avert or nuiigate tin: evils to Mfhich tlifv 11) hv ^end. ) shall a'.-.vyys carry vith me the hope, that my country will never <:ease to view them with indulgence ; and that after forty five years of my life dedicated to its Service, with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as my&elf must soon be to the mansions of rest." And he is at rest. — He is now gone, to join the band of Christian patriots and heroes, who fought and bled by his side. Shaded with laurels of unfading green, crowned with a diadem of glory, he is now at ResT, in that world, where wars and toils can never come. Like Elijah, he has ascended to Heaven in the bright chariot of his glory ! Well may the Patriot exclaim.with the forsaken Elisha, — " My father ! MY Father ' — the Chariot of Israel !" — O my countrymen ! my countrymen ! — Is there no Elisha — Is there no Elisha, in our ylinerican Israel^ — on whom his mantle has fallen ? *. [CC/'Here a inovirnful Dirge, exquisitely plaintive and pathetic, from an unknown part of the gallery, at once arrested the attention of the au- dience ; and tbe rest of the Oration vias lost, except the following] ADDRESS. Gentlemen Officers, AND Brethren of this Societt ! IT was a favorite maxim with certain an- cient philosophers, that " truth is great and must PREVAIL." Out of a confidence in this maxim i^rew " f/ie JVashington Benevolent Society'''' ; — for upon this rock, the eternal basis of truth, was tlie Institution founded. Happy then am I to see it flourish ; — happy, indeed, in finding it established within your friendly walls ; and thrice happy, my Brethren, in being able to address you, on this joyful anniversary, as members of this extensive, this res- pectable, this growing Fraternitj'. Altho' politics are, by no means, the main object (as by some supposed^) of this Institution ; yet, i,it 22 M ill not be denied, that one important end contem- plated by its founders, was, by correcting the moral, to correct also the political sefiti?nent of our Fellow- Citizens ; and, in this way, to contribute tlieir mite, towards preserving our invaluable Constitution ; — towards perpetuating our republican blessings ; and towards enabling our countrymen to transmit, unim- paired, to posterity, that freedom and independence, that security and happiness, for which our Fathers fought, and bled, and conquered. We have already shown, that the policy of our il- lustrious Patron was founded in a sacred regard to justice, to virtue, to religion. And, on what other foundation, shall we look for real benevolence ? Where else shall we look for that true philanthropy, which contributes most to the happiness of our spe- cies ; and which is better promoted among oar fellov/- citizvins, by forming in their rainds true principles of morality and integrity, than even by relieving them with donations in money ? Tiiis was a benevolence, m which Washington excelled, perhaps, every other man ; and in which, of course, he more nearly resem- bled tiie beneficent Author of our holy religion. But the benevolence of Washington was not a speculative benevolence, so diiiLislve, as equally to embrace within its liberal range, the whole lumily of man ; nor of that cold and contracted stamp, \vhich rests nlone in morrj theorv, and is calculated only to ado! n die closet of the philosopher. No— it was a living fountain — an active principle, — which delight- ed in human felicity ; — in doing good, and commu- nicating. His private alms and humble deeds of charity, tho' not done before men, to be seen of them, were yet well known to be equally commensurate with his ample fortune and tiie benevolence of his heart. The public institutions, to which he so liberally contribut- ed, clisjyiay the munificence of his character, as the great Patron of all, that was useful to our country. 25 In addressing you, my Brethren, as the members of a social & Benevolent Institution, I need only ex- hort you to study his character and to copy his great example. In the various characters and situations, in which he was called to act, learn what Washing- ton did — theuy ^^ go ye^ and bo likewise." It was a maxim of Divine Wisdom,enjoined upon UvS by our blessed Saviour, and unquestionably the most correct criterion, by which, either to judge, or be judg- ed, — " By their fruits ye shall know them." — Let us embrace and follow this unerring guide. And w^ile we are silently marking the conduct of others^ and appreciating their motives, by this golden maxim ; let us not forget, that the avowed enemies of our Insti- tution, at least, if not the world at large, are at the same time watching w^, rigidly scrutinizing our con- duct, appreciating our motives, judging of our fruits ; — and, to speak mest charitably, we may venture to assert, that they will, at least, apply to us this same maxim, as the most liberal measure of our own per> fection. Let us then walk Vi^orthilv of our high vocation, as WASHINGTONIANS. ' Let us remember our various duties, as men, as citizens, and as members of this Society. Oar duties to our God, to our neighbor, to our Government, and to the woild at large. As citizens of a great Republic, our political max- ims are drawn from our illustrious Leader ; — from his life and example ; from his Valedictorv Address ; and from that magnanimous policy, which distin- guished his wise administration. We are to regard the Federal Constitution, as the ark of our po- Htical safety ; to guard against its invasions,from what- ever quarter ; & to cling to the Union, as the last sheet anchor, of our national hopes. We are to divest our- selves of all foreign prejudices and predilections ; & to be AMERICANS, in thought, word, and deed> u As members of this Institution, we are to cultivate harmony, friendship, and love, among the Brethren ; and to aid and assist each other, in our several lawful vocations, so far as we can do it, consistently with our own interest, and our duty to others. We are to cherish within our circle, and to exhibit before the world, BENEVOLENCE, CHARITY, & GOOD FRUITS; to do Jitstic j,