Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-08-10
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ADDRESS,


Rev. ARCHIBALD n. LAMON,
Delivered before the citizens Of Evansville,
Indians, at the Sabbath School Celebration,
ga the 9Th Of July, 1897.
How memorable and illustrious IN The
annals OF our country. is the day which
has now damned upon US in such love-
illness aud beauty! At this hour, thou
sands OF our countrymen arc engaged
in celebrating American liberty and
American indePe ndence. With Joyous
and grateful hearts, they are calling to
remembrance the noble daring Of our
iorefathers. and the inyincible valor
which led them 10 throw Off the CALLING
chains OF foreign oppression.
Others, with far more Joy Gus feel
ings and more lively gratitude, are
looking beyond the influence oil second
causes, to Him who doe,h according
TO his will ia the army OF heaven. AID
anon. he inhabitants Of earih'-Io
han NiiO fought our battles. aud Sc
cured /" ~ The liberty and blessings " e
now enjoy. They are ready to adopt
the language OF David. ia reference TO
Israel, Ii 1t had not been the Lord
who was on our sider-when men rose up
against US. they had swallowed us up
quick. when their wrath was kindled
against US"
Through the interposiiion of kind
Providence. in the interesting event
which is this day commemoraied, we
have secured to us all the blessings OF
civil and religious liberty. As a PEG.
pie, we have been highly favored, and
distinguished far above every other ma
ton upon earth. While the inhabitants
OF other countries have been dragging
out wretched existence under the
CALLING chains Of tyranny and dsspo.
iism. we have been enjoying all the
sweets Of civil liberty. While others
have been developed in ignorance and
superstition, we have lived within the
Influence Of that religion which can
soften every heart and enlighten every
mind. While others have inhabited
regions covered with perpetual SHOWS,
or parched and barren deserts, we have
been blessed with country remarka.
bic for lts fertility Of soil, for its beauty
and valuable productions. Here edu-
cation Is patroniscd and encouraged by
the press and by the people-bere the
arts and sciences exert an extensive and
widespread inhuence-here, as a ge-
neral principle. men arc respected a..
cording 10 their deserving andIhe poor.
est m the community. by industry. per-
severance. and correct department.
may grasp those civic honoTs which are
the reward of merit A. an evidence
q: this fact. ] need but point you 20
some Of the most distinguished men
that have filled the high places of trust
and honor ~ our government. Truly.
"ihe lines have fallen 90 ~ ~ pleasant
places. and we have gOodly heritage
We engage IN all the smployments ri
lite we lie down and rise up IT, thi,
happy laad. and like Israel Of old We
dwell safely. every man under ~,
vine and under his 6g tree, and none
10 make us afraid"
IN this land Of liberty. the gospel
shines 18th Ill the glory Of md day
splendor. dispelling the dark clouds OF
ignorance and sin. and filing the hum.
bic and oontriie heart, With righteous.
ness. and peace, and JOY. ~ the Holy
Ghost" Here the song Of redeeming
love may be sung 10 every dwelling
snd The power n divine grace be feii N
every hear. Al these blessings and
privileges have been made ours by
Him IN vhom our fathers trusted. and
Who sustained and prosperrd them IN
the mighty struggle Of the Revolution.
Bot a. she most lovely objects often
times fail 20 excite attention. because
We have been long accustomed 10 look
upon them. 90 our nstIonsl, civil. end
religious blessings. which have excited
the wonder aud admiration q the
world. have eca-ed IN great me- assure
n excite feelings ~ gratitude IN onl
bosoms. We have said " the pride
Of oug hear, my mountaia is strong
and who can move ni"
We are BOT e shoss Who are uilliaf