Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-02-28
GRAFTON


Delivered at the request Of the Washington So
cietv of Alexandra, in the lst Presbyterian
Church, BY THOMAS SiMMEs, Jr. Esq.
Were other inducement requisite, Fellow
Citizens, for the celebration of this dav, than
the obvious recoIiectiOns which its very name
must elicit, we should find it not only in the feel
in-s of gratitude and generation which those re-
collections excite. but in causes which first i'm.
preston may not convince are obligatory for
us observance. Ii is not only as the birthday OF
one who bore an Important part in effecting our
political regeneration. that we are to view it
Together with that day on which our dearest
rights were chartered, It is one OF the small mum
ber which. while they affogd opportunity for 'ua-
nlias,ing our thankfulness TO the source Of life
and power for the blessing. we enjoy, and are
fitting occasions for the expression of liberal sen
timerts and the gratitude we owe our fathers who
have guaranteed as their free exercise, ma, be
considered as resting places in the flight Of Time
from whence to date new epochs OF Llberty-as
proper SEASONS for giving watchword to the na-
ons, that they NAV IA y IN support vt f., edorn in
opinion, IN speech, and IN con-, i5Uc | becomes
Us not "a great and peculiar peope, after hav-
ing accomplished our own disenthralment. to limit
our agency in disseminating free principles TO the
scribe our attachment to free institutions within
the bounds Of an aspiration for freedom at home;
the cause of freedom is the cause Of man; as
such must we regard il. Let. therefore, the an
nual recurrence Of this dav carry assurance to
every portion Of the world, which has become
conscious Of its moral end political degradation.
Of our cordial sympathy in its efforts consequent
on that knowledge; and of earnest cooperation
through the medium of our great franchises-the
freedom Of speech and Of the press. And as
suredly our exh0rtatioD, to $50 and do like
wise,'' will find more value in their eyes when
it IS known that our privileges are not nomi-
nal: that, when We nav our Orisons at the shrine
at Liberty we are ollsring not up incense 10 an
'.unknnwn god What more appropriate ne-
thnd. then, can we adopt TO effectuate our pur-
pose, than to exhibit the principles which just-
fled our detection from the mother country; to
show iE our own persons that man is capable Of
sef,govefnment: and " the greatest happiness of
thessreatest number" resulting from republican
INSTRUCTIONS, to deduce the corollary that such
are most in conformity TO those mmutable prin-
ciples OF right and justice, whose sseat is the
bosom Of Godl'
Revelation is the most important era in the
history ola people. Whether we look at the world
with reference to its political division into states
and principahties and powers. or view it in con.
nex,on with mans individual situation, facts
evince that il has great Influence on his happiness
Resulting. as some revolu tons have. from the am
bi,ion Of a single person, or from consciousness
of nppI essinn in whole people and consequent
determination to recover liberty--the glorious
bilthrisht of man,-they have been as different
IN their effects as the objects they were intented
to accomplish, or the means employed in their
execution. 1t would not repay the time | might
occupy in narrating, nor would il be sufficient
consideration for the attention you would give it,
were to undertake summary Of the many re-
voluiions in mans political affairs. which at times
have agitaled the world. 1t can be If little i'm.
portance to know whether a revolution had arisen
from an excess Of fanatcal enthusiasm, or an
ebulition Of popular feeling; whether ITS results
were the usurpation of a military Lealot, or the
licentious power Of regicide Convention And
although It might be well to learn, for the sake
of example. that some revolutions have happen.
ed, whose exciting causes having originated in |
thirst after freedom and equality, have mater ia-
ly improved the moral and social condition of
mankind; aud although il might be equally ad- |
vantageuus to know, tor the sake of wholesome |
warning TO avoid like errors) that others have |
proven futile, owing To a misdirected course, or |
an object not worthy their undertaking: yet time |
forbds such an experiment on your patience -
Without going into abstract speculations ON the |
theory of government, to discover if the consent !
Of the governed form an essential to the authority
Of the ruler. or whether the power Of one and |
the subsection of another part of community
derend contingent and fortuitous circum
stances; it is enough for To ne cunvinc ed that
the primar, maxim OF natursl law is true-name.
". that all men are born tree and equal, and
have certain rights. the enjoyment of which
on,ybt IN he secured them on heromino m rt;os /
to the social compact. such .'IIfe. liberty and
the pursuit Of happiness" it Is enough for US to
know. that when the rod Of tyranny is exercised
bv ruler, the people have right to throw off
tn shackies of oppression; that. then, revolu-
lu;ion becomes justi6able
Causes, the origin Of which it were often need.