YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

An Oration. , .
( Hempstead, 18;50)

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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

1944

AN

ORATION

PRONODNCEp IN THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUUCH,

.HEMPSTEAp, JULY 5, 1830,

BEINK THE 64'fH ANNIVERSARY OF A,ME11ICAI( INBEyENBENCI.

B7 EDWIXr WEBB, la. S.

PRINTED AT THE OJFICE OF THE IONS IStAN0 TEIESRAPK 1
BY LE FEYRE & HUTCHINSON.

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Edwin Webb, M. D.

Hempstead, July 9, 1830.

Sir — The undersigned Committee of_ Arrangements for commemorating,
in a suitable manner, the fifty-fourth anniversary of American Independence,
embrace this opportunity of assuring you of their high admiration of the patriotic
sentiments contained in the Oration pronounced by you in this village on the 5th
instant, and particularly of requesting you to furnish a copy thereof for publication.

RespectfiiUy, Your Oo't. Serv'ts:

B: P. Thompson,
G. N. Seaeing,
Thomas Carman,
Isaac Snedekeb,
Joseph Mott,
Benj C. Lockwood,
Daniel Bedell,

Samuel Shemiak,
Henry J. Hacner,
John H. Hektz,
Hen-rt a. Burt is,
Edward Hendhickson,
Noah Jackson,
John Rushmohe,

To the Commitlee of Arrangements :
Gentlemen — I have received your polite request for a copy of my Oration for
publication: The high terms in which jou have been pleased to speak of it, is the
more unexpected when the pecuHar circumstances attending its production are
taken into consideration. The time allowed me was unusually short, which, con
nected with my professional duties, together with other embarrassments must be
an excuse for its imperfections. I theretore cheerfully comply with your
request. With sentiments of great respect, Yrs. E. WEBB;
Hempstead, July 10, 1830.

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Fellow-Citizens —
This day completes fifty-four years, which have rolled
away in the great ocean of eternity since the birth-day of Amer
ican freedom. The children of our forefathers, the first born
of American freemen, have arrived at a good old age, having
lived to witness the perils, the sacrifices, and sufferings of their
devoted parents, not made in vain.
This day we meet to celebrate the blood bought privilege of
American Independence. This day we have united to com
memorate its blessings.
If we take a retrospective view of our country during the
American Revolution, we shall find it not unworthy our par
ticular notice.
There was a time when this populous place slept in the si
lence of the desert, when the savage enjoyed the undisturbed
right of possession, when the howling of the wolf, or the war cry
of the Indian, was the only voice to be heard. The noble At
lantic, on whose bosom we may now see the crowded canvass.
of our ships, once rolled in silent majesty, and the only barque
that ruffled its course, was the rough hewn skifFof some native
savage. Here nature pursued (its wonted course, and the wild
products of the earth, served only to support some vicious
reptiles. Then it was that amid all this gloom, a little band of exiles,
driven from their native homes, by proscription and persecu
tion, a distance of three thousand miles, landed on this then in
hospitable shore. They were the willing exiles of a dangerous
voyage, in pursuit of a land, where they might enjoy unmolested
the right of civil and religious liberty. They were in fact the
exiles of liberty, and of conscience, and had parted with kin
dred and country, to seek an asylum from oppression. In this

barren region, did these children of freedom first establish the
cross of Christ, and to them are we indebted for the sacred priv
ilege of worshipping our Creator according to the dictates of
conscience. The jJrivations to which they were subjected, from
the fury of savage wari a^id, the gna wings of famine, no tongue
can tell. Nature had endowed them with fortitude and strength,
and by industry and perseverance, they prospered. The desert
was made to smile — the forest became a garden, and the earth
yielded a rich support.
, ,W,ho can contemplate the state of our country at that time,
and contrast it with the present without emotions of gratitude
lathe great iSiver. of all good? Who can be so cold hearted,
as.ppt to fe^l tJie blood within him redouble its current when he
views the dispensations 0!* Providence in this happr !arid ?
"We see a surface of one hundred millions of square miles,
cultiva,ted and inhabited by civilized beings, governed by natu
ral laws, framed in, the, spirit of freedom and equity. If we
trace the progress of the settlement of this republic from its in
fant state, we find that the tyranny and persecution which drove
this little band frpm their native homes, increased their num
bers, sp that after a sjiort time they became an object of profit
to tTie merciless eyes of Europe.
,5ut, my friends, the germ, of liberty had been planted in this
wilderness — it h^d been nursed with tender cafe, and the
wee4p..„offacti9n plucked from aroimdit. In this soil it took
rapt,, and spread over the whole territory, and the ctima"te was
Co;ige;nial to its growth. The people had' sworn to protect it
by.thfii^ lives, and no threats could deter them. Its jiifliiehce
sppp began to exqite the jealousy of Great Britain, and the fame
,whicl>4^ acquired, was lopked upon as dangerous to her Inter
ests.,; She therefore claimed the right of dominion, and in con
sequence of the disproportion in power, the people of these
colonies accepted charters from the British Government. But
t)ie:rigl),t qould npt be claiined on any just principles — not on
the grpun^, of her iaaviiig supported orj)rbtected them, for' they
•were left dfstitut^' and unprotecte^. Frond the earliest period,
the mother worl4 had treate«i,&em with neglect, harsh'iiess,
and injustice. , Their charters had often been disregarded and
yiolated-TT^their commerce restricted" and shackled— meir fht'er-
eats wantonly pr spitefully sacrificed, so that the liand of 'the
•parejit had Ijeeij but, the hand of oppression. Not content.with
all these abuses, and in defiance of all principles of natural equi-

(y, the British Parliament, wilhout coii&t-nt, undeitook to levy
TAXES upon the people of America, for their benefit. It could
not be considered in any other light, than a public robbery, and
no sooner was it attempted to be enforced, than it produced a
general burst of indignation. It was abandoned for a short
time, and then resumed ; and threats of force were heard,
and fleets appeared. The people of these colonies had also
suffered repeated insults from the representatives of the British
Government, who were appointed to rule over them, and the
tyranny and persecution which they experienced under their
new masters, served to quicken their resentment. Our nation
at last began to feel the impulse of her increase, and the united
voices of the people cried, " liberty."
Now arrived that auspicious day we celebrate — noi\' arrived
the happy period when the people of these United States threw
off the yoke of despotism — now arrived the day when our na
tion began its existence. —
" Day of glory ! ! — welcome day !
Freedom's banners greet thy ray,
With thy morning sun."
It was a day pregnant with danger, and none but the champions
of a holy cause would engage in a contest so unequal. It was
the cause of heaven, and the desire of serving the living God,
nerved them with Almighty power. What that day cost, has
been written with an ocean of blood, and it remains for the- de
parted spirits of the signers of. the Declaration of American
Independence to estimate^ A struggle ensued, attended With
battle and inurder, desolation and ruin. The scenes on Long
Island, the battle at Bunker Hill, at Saratoga, the treachery of
Arnold, and the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, are among the
memorable occurrences of that conflict. It was a] struggle for
the rights of man, and to throw off an allegiance no longer saife
nor sufferable, and it has ever since been the subject of wonder
and astonishment to surrounding nations. The victory obtain
ed over the enemies of our country, afforded examples of bravery
not excelled by any Grecians or Romans ever born. Our coun
try has equalled the bravest in times of danger, and excelled the
wisest in the construction of civil governments.
Fellow-Citizens —
Heaven had provided a Father for thi.s country, just in-timr
to rescue her from the jaws of lyranny. The name of AVash-

ixoTox is known throughout the world as the legitimate father
of this country. His was the redeeming spirit, to rescue the
.¦sinking hope of freedom. He gave consolation in battle, and
chrered the drooping spirits of his followers, nnd finally gave
our confederated republic a place among the luitions of the
earth. Many other names deserve to be mentioned as the
defenders of his failh. A Franklin, an Adams, a Lafayette, a
Paine, are among his sons. Lei it not be considered impious
at this lime, to mcniion the name of Paine. 1 am aware that
bis valuable labours are almost obliterated from the memory of
our counlrymen, but when we take into consideration the im
portant services he rendered as a writer, and politician, during
the struggle for our independence, we must forget his errors in
religious matters, and )ield to him the credit of having pro
duced a very important cri.sis in American history. He was the
public defender of a free govenimeut, and was instrumental in
converting thousands of lukewarm citizens to the side of free
dom. Generiil Washington has declared him to have been as
powert'ul with his pen, as llie army he commanded. He con
tended not only for liberty of political sentiment, but for liberty
of religious opitiious, one ol'the fundamental principles of a free
government. naving noticed the oriciu of this republic and the success ob
tained over her foes, it was evidence of great infatuation with
her rulers, that Great B.titain should risk another combat. —
She had expended nearly a hundred millions of money, and
sacrificed a hundred thousand lives, and yet the insatiable
thirst of dominion or revenge induced her to commit hostilities
upon our conmieK e, and theieby pro\oke another war. Only
twenty-nine years had elapsed, after peace was declared, before
the fijiiial for battle v.as again hoisted. America during the
revolution, vtas comparatively an infant nation, and had been
assisted b\ other powers, but now from lapse of time and indus
try, she had acquired suflicient slrenjtit to defend herself from
future inviisiou.
H the ^ ictoi y obtained in the ilrst coiilesl was not satisfactory
to Gnat Biilaiu, surely the last war must carry coiwiciion of
it. Let the battles on Lake Krie, Champlain, and Ontario — let
theengagements of the Constitution, I'nited States, and Hor
net, or lastly let the battle of ^e^v-Ol¦lcalls be told. and v ho will
not respect the proof of Vineriean valour ? In proportion as
our nation acquired strength, ilid she lesson the duration of
Mar. On)} ihrcc years were required to bring the haughty

spirit of Britain to bow to peace. It is worthy of observation,
that America had always acted on the defensive. She had
never embroiled her people in a useless cause, nor subjected
her countrymen to the toils of war, except in danger. —
Then what American is there who does not feel proud of his
country ?
The conclusion of the last war brought the consolation of
another victory, and made us the undisputed lords of our terri
tory, but it found us diminished in wealth, and our government
disabled. It was the first care of the Patriots to bind up the
wounds of their country, and to strengthen the ligaments of her
union, which was done skilfully, and since her recovery she
has enjoyed tranquility ; agriculture and commerce have gone
hand in hand, and every day advances her wealth and pros
perity. The present state of our affairs is indeed flattering to
the most sanguine friends of American interests. A nation
risen from obscurity became sovereign and independent, with
a population of twelve millions, and enjoying the fruits of lib
erty is a subject deserving the gratulation of every human be
ing. Our government is based on principles conducive to
peace and good order, subject only to the will of the people —
securing the rights of the most humble citizen. The blessings
of liberty, religion, and justice, are here dispensed over the
largest republican empire known. Our constitution unfurls
the broad banner of its protection over every class, complexion
and degree, and gathers under it with equal favour, the domes
tic citizen, the wandering mariner, and the wild, untu
tored child of the woods. What can afford more sublime
reflections than the beauty, harmony, and excellence of such a
system ?
Since the declaration of American Independence, our Con
stitution has been modified and improved, and through all the
vicissitudes of war and peace with other nations, never have
the principles read this day been renounced or violated. Amer
ica since her admission among the assembly of nations, has
abstained from interference in the c oncerns of others, even
when the principles which she inculcates have been at stake.
She can feel, and be the well wisher of all, but prudence for
bids her enlisting in the controversies of other powers, lest she
involve herself beyond the power of extrication.
If we turn our attention for a few moments to the J.-iprove-
MENTs which have been made in our country since peace, we

%hi\l perceive ample proof of her greatness. The means of
iNSTRtrcTioN are among the signal blessings which adorn pur
land. Here we have an extended system of education em
bracing nearly, the vvhole extent of our territory, and affording
advantages to all classes and descriptions of people. A diffii-
sion of knowledge not only by public schools, but by an en
lightened press, eminently tends to render the people intelli
gent and happy. We can boast of some of the greatest scholars
that adorn and illumine the walks of science and literature. —
The rough untutored son of the forest has here obtained access
to the foxmts of learning; our national assemblies have re
sounded with the eloquence of native orators, and afforded
specimens of the most exquisite composition in any language.
Our literary institutions have become celebrated abroad, and
have encouraged other nations to attempt the diffiision of knowl
edge in a similar manner. To this liberal extension of the
means of information, we must associate the name of De Witt
Clinton. He was in reality the founder of our present ad
mirable system of education, and to him belongs the honour of
having produced a renovation in the plan of instruction, par
ticularly in this State. The periodicals published in our coun
try, are abundant, and supplied with original matter, equal to
the best productions of a similar kind in Europe, all combining,
to distinguish the learning, genius, and ambition of our coun
trymen. The next great improvement worthy our particular notice is
the POWER OF steam. For although discovered long since by
the Marquis of Worcester, it remained dormant until brought
into operation by the genius of Fulton. It has since arrived
at great perfection in the hands of our countryman, Perkins,
and has been an immense saving of labour and wealth. By it
we navigate our waters with a rapidity heretofore unparallelled.
We travel a given distance with greater precision, and it is in
fact the only power by which we can subdue the elements, and
overcome many obstacles in nature. The application of it to
land carriages, affords a conveyance at the rate of thirty miles
an hour, and these improvements have just been made, when
the discovery of immense mines of coal must render it of infi
nite value.
The treasures of our country are not fully discovered, being
hidden by nature in the recesses of the earth, we remain igno
rant of her wealth, and it remains for scientific menhereafter to
•explore, and ascertain how much wc possess, i^ufiicient how-

¦ever has already been developed, to make us: grateful, and
every day advances the belief that ere long we shall be able
to supply all our wants without foreign aid. Another improve
ment deserving notice, is the creation of artificial water courses,
for by means of canals we not only lessen animal labour, but
find an easy market for our produce. The great western ca
nal is a monument of human discernment and perseverance,
and reflects credit on its enlightened projectors, as contributing
to the wealth and independence of our highly favoured land. —
The arts and sciences are not in the rear of other improvements,
but are progressing with rapid strides to the summit of per
fection, and ere long our fame will stand unrivalled among the
nations of the earth.
But while basking in the sunshine of prosperity, we should
not be unmindful of the means of preserving it. We should
learn from history the causes of the decline and overthrow of
other nations, and thereby be enabled more certainly to avoid
the fate of imperial Rome. That our country may hereafter
be endangered by a race of degenerate men, whose false hearts
may tremble at the name of resistance, and prove recreant t»
the holy cause of freedom, is a mournful possibility.
" By the patriot's hallowed rest.
By the warrior's gory breast.
Never let our graves be prest
By a despot's throne ;
By the pilgrims' toil and cares.
By their battles and their pray^ers,
By their ashes, let our heirs
Bow to thee alone."
In a government like ours, whose vital principle is the mutual
dependence of all, on each, we are bound as well by duty, as
by interest, to sacrifice our convenience, and sometimes our
feelings, to the general welfare. We see that it has become
an asylum for the oppressed, of all nations. Every day our
population is increased by the spirit of emigration which per
vades Europe. Great Britain is throwing off, portion after
portion, and we are receiving the wretched surplus of her
crowded towns. The distress experienced under a monar-
chial government, where the majority are made subservient to the
minority, must ever he a source of civil discord, and the op
pressed will seek a more congenial climate, or rise in the majes
ty of justice, and demand redress. Under such circumstances,.

10
¦we are bound to teach the ignorant, the means by which they
may live happy, and it especially becomes the duty of every
American, to keep alive in the minds of the rising generation,
the great and inestimable blessings they inherit, and cherish a
grateful remembrance of the toil, and fvuffering, and- bloodshed,
endured for their sake. The germ of our great republic, plant
ed by our forefathers, and bearing the fruits of independence,
should be guarded with a jealous eye. We should watch over
our rulers — teach our children to love their country, and instil
into their minds the precepts of our polici . Our children's
children in endless succession should be taught to keep stead
fastly in view the bright e.xample of the lieroes of the Ameri
can revolution.
That some national sins have been cominitted by our
government, cannot be denied ; but at the same time, we must
confess the number few and trivial. Our laws have been oc
casionally disregarded, by a few unprincipled individuals,
who, by assuming a disguised character, have cast a momentary
shade over the iialo of American glory. That slavery, in
any form, should exist in a country of freemen, is revolting to
human reason. Yet it is not only permitted in the Northern
States, but is advocated in the Southern. Has it ever been
disclosed or proved to any human being, that the white man
received the peculiar favour of heaven, or anv authority bv
which he might buy and sell his fellow-creature ? No ! I It
is repugnant to the laws of God and nature. To see a human
being fettered by his fellow-creature, and degraded below the
brute, is a libel on creation. In vain will' vou look for such a
right in the law of God or natuie, and so long as the name of a
slave shall be heard among us, so long w'ill our country labour
under se\'ere and deserved reproach.
But, fellow-citizexr, another species of slavery, vet more
dreadful than that just spolven of, exists to a certain extent. I
mean the slavery of the mind. Are there not mental slaves
who dare not express their seutiinents on some subjects par
ticularly in relation to politics, and to the most important of
allsubjecls, that ofreiigiou, tmls,^s forsooth their opinions should
happen to accord with some of the popular doctrines of the
day > And wliy is it, fellow-citizens, that one man or class of
men should be entitled to the privilege of express! ntr their
opinions more than another? If there be any who do not
enjoy this freedom, what is it but mental slaver:' '. The right
iifpriiMtc judgment in matters of religion, a? well as politics.

11
is the inherent and unalienable right of mankind. What: does
it avail a man to possess the riches of a Crossus — the fame of a
Caesar, or the genius of a Shakspeare, if he must be deprived
of the right of expressing his opinions in relation to his future
happiness ? It should be preserved unshackled, and every
attempt to restrict it should be considered an invasion of pri
vate rights, and inimical to a free government. That the Hght
of truth will one day overcome all mental darkness, and mental
subjection, is the anxious hope of every liberal and candid
mind. Among the sins which have beset our country, we can trace
many from the days of that eventful period, which tried men's
souls. During the struggle of '76, some of the inhabitants of
our country were of a disguised character — some were disaf
fected, and some were avowed enemies. The conduct of such
injured the cause freedom, by spreading dissentions, and by
fostering dispositions hostile to our government — and I regret
to add, that the finger of scorn has been pointed at this place,
as having contained in those days many such characters. Do
we not have indications of the same spirit at the present day,
and are not the great body of the people annoyed by the con
duct of such persons ? Shall it be said, that contrary to the
established order, a few individuals, enjoying all the blessings
a free government can bestow, shall refuse to unite in the voice
of public gratitude and thanksgiving ? Shall it be said that a
spirit of opposition is prevalent in any portion of our union,
and will not such dispositions be crushed beneath the power of
public resentment ? The perfidy of such, pretending to be the
friends of this country, is deserving our indignation, whatever
their char^ters^av be in other respects. "The man^wlio can
abuse the p*HteipS&s we enjoy, and be lukewarm in 4ij«^defence,
is unworthy the name of American.
By a comparison of the relative condition of our country and
Great Britain, (and it is by comparison only that we can judge
of things that address themselves to the reasoning faculty,) we
shall be able to form some conception of the privileges we
enjoy in this land of freedom. At the period which gave being
to the American nation as an independent people. Great Britain
reigned preeminent, the bold mistress of the seas. She pos
sessed the means of marshalling nations in array against each
other, and intoxicated with the extent of her dominion, she
flattered herself with the hope of controuling this new born peo
ple. She considered the power of resistance too feeble and

insignificant to respect, but notwithstanding the poverty of
her citizens, and scanty resources of her treasury, a resolu
tion to, assert her rights, and separate the bonds of union be
tween her arbitrary mistress, proved successful. If we. re
flect on the magnitude of British power, and contrast it
with the American, at the time of this separation, we perceive a
difference so great, as to make it appear almost like madness to
have attempted it. But the issue has proved how successfully a
few worthy heroes may contend in a just cause, and under the
approving smiles of heaven. The experience of history will
shew, that some nations have been selected by heaven as the
depositories of truth and knowledge — others have been marked
by special favour, as the chosen channels through which civil and
religious liberty might be conveyed to posterity. Thus by the
arm of the Almighty, and not by their own strength, they suc
ceeded. Look at the petty republics of Greece, how were
they supported against the gigantic power of the Persians ?
How did Switzerland and Holland contend w ith the arts and
arms of Spain, Austria and France? And lastly, how did
America triumph over British power, but by the all protecting
arm of heaven? The contest for our independence is now but
a record of history. The resentments then entertained are
buried in oblivion, and the people of these free and indepen
dent states are enjoying the calm of peace. A citizen of our
republic is not exalted merely from wealth or profession. He
is governed by laws originating from the people, and conse
quently protected by all. Here the husbandman may enjoy the
fruits of his labour — here the light of the gospel may be ob
tained without money and « ithout price, and here the houseless
child of want may find a welcome home. Liberty is our motto,
it sweetens every enjoyment of life, and is the friend of equal
rights, to learning and the sciences, '¦ to domestic and general
economy, and to all the blessings which spring from the con
jugal, paternal, filial, or social affection. None but tyrantsneed
fear her reproach, naught but ignorance, bigotry, superstition,
and despotism, need flee before her sceptre. She is the hand
maid of genius, and the twin cherub of philanthropy." Let
all those then who have ever tasted her sweets, or who can
realize her enjoyments, inscribe this motto on their hearts —
" LIBERTY OR DEATH." Do w c find the inhabitants of Great
Britain enjoying all these blessings ? Do they not receive their
freedom as a donation from their sovereign, and hold their title
to liberty like their title to land? Ave they not bound in spir
itual fetters, and deprived of the fruits of tlicir labour ! And
are they not endangered bv the tottering state of their finances,

13
and sinking b'eneatli an accuinulating debt which can nKver lit
resuscitated f
The propriety of national festivals, held by the sons of free
dom, in remenibrahce of the goodness "of God in casting their
lot in pleasant places, cannot be doubted. Tinally, my friends,
may we not fondly anticipate, that in this country, far removed
from the devastation of thewars of "other nations, with the
most free and liberal government known, it may become the
SANCTUARY in which the models of republican institutions may
be preserved and perfected, until the whole land shall be filled
with one race of freemen.
Before our separation, I have a few words to address the
soldiers present.
Citizen Soldiers —
The cause of freedom is no longer upon trial — it has
passed the highest court on earth, and the sentence is recorded
in Heaven. The star-spangled banner of American Indepen
dence has been waving in triumph for the last half century, and
you are now enjoying its peaceful shade. But you are not to
forget that we are friends only in peace, and how soon you may
be called to the field of battle, and be required to rally around
the standard of freedom, is not to be presumed. Our country
no longer requires a standing army — she will rely on the
spirit and fidelity of her yeomanry, and I charge you to re
member it. To you is entrusted the care of this great repub
lic. To you will our country look in danger, and when the
black cloud of invasion shall lower above us, the spirit-stirring
drum will call you to arms. Think then of the charge com
mitted to your care — think of the heroes who bled, and died,
to preserve your freedom, and see that you redeem the pre
cious TRUST. That you may ever continue to enjoy the
present state of political peace, and domestic felicity, is my
fervent prayer. But if the course of human events should
again find our country endangered, may we not hope that
another Washington will arise, to lead you in securing her
welfare ?
That wc may long be permitted to celebrate this national
festival, and unite in the spirit of freemen — that our country

14
¦niay continue, to progress in virtue, wisdom, and valour —
that our nation may be blessed with health, and happiness, let
us implore. Then join ye sons of freedom's birth.
To celebrate its liberty,
And swear, while on your native earth.
Its name shall be Ambrica.

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