Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1839-07-18

distinction /; and the means 10 suece,s are
Inyigorated by The apprehension and sb-
horrenec OF vice. Or IL this faih our
laws are so well pointed. and our press
so ably directed, that the ignominy OF de.
lection and punishment, would Tighten
the Oldest offender from the preparation
Of his crimes.
Our career since the acknowledgment
Of our Independence. has been one OF un-
exampled success: Iiisory furnishes
no parallel instance Of advancement in
wealth. power. influence and glory. Soon
tho whole American domain, in all its
waste and wilderness places, will blossom
as the rose-will exhibi, the evidences Of
our redeeming industry: And should
our Liberty be preserved, and our Union
sustained. we must attain the most ex-
allied position, and exert 4 commanding
moralsnd political influence over,hc con-
dilion and desiinies Of mankind through
out the earth. Survey for moment tho
vast extent Of our Dominions-our Ma.
honai resources--our physical force-and
tia, dsuniless spirit Of enterprise which
IS carrying Improvements into our iarthest
limits, converting waste places into fruit.
ful plains. and covering our Territories
with populous cities. numerous villages,
and iuxuriant landscapes. which is climb
ing the peaks OF our remotest bills, and
penetrating the seclusion OF our remotest
vallies, which is every where multiplying
the facilities Of intercourse and iranspor-
ia,ion by roads and canals. Connect with
this thought the brief time in which these
developments have been made. and you
may form some faint conception Of the
prospects OF these Uniied Siaies.-pro,id-
ed Intellectual force, virtue and educated
minds continue 10 be the guides Of her
future progress.
What then are finally the duties ineum-
bent on us as men, as christians, as phi
ianthropIsts, living m an age and in n
country where the leading feature Of the
government Is The principle OF Liberty (;
l answer-to encourage the diffusion of
knowledge, 10y Sunday Schools, or in
any other mode, and 10 extend the prac.
teal inllueRces OF Religion. Where every
citizen exercises IN person a portion Of
The political power of tho State, IL is es.
seniial that every citizen should, as far
as may be practicable, possess tho jnior.
nation which will qualify him TO exercise
II with discretion and discernment.-
Where the positive checks on individual
action. resulting from .he direct operation
OF the Government, is comparaliye-
ly weak, it is essential that the indirect
restraints which are imposed by the in
f!oences Of Religion, should be proper.
ilonabiy powerful. Religion, which is
the only basis oil morals, is in free States
the only possible check Gil the abuse of
Liberty. The profound and sincere re.
spect for Religion, entertained by the first
settlers OF this country, and Transmitted
by them TO their descendants, has been
the main cause Of our success. Whilst
the absence OF Religion in France, and
us corrupt state IN Spanish America, have
been the main causes OF the cxcesseswhich
IN both those countries have disgraced the
very name OF Liberty.
The time fails ire TO enlarge on this 10.
! pic, nor Is II necessary before an audience
so deeply impressed with its imp ,r,ance.
Should the influence of this Divine prin
cIPle ever be materially enfeebled among
us, the Liberty We boast will be a curse,
and we shall be given over 10 Anarchy,
Civil War, Military Despotsm, and ulii-
mate National ruin. While we preserve
our respect for Religion, we shall pursue
our course with safety, and shall recover
with facility from the temporary aberra-
lions !ha, are incident to the happiest Gen.
diiion OF human affairs.
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