Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1840-08-18

W. IT, By DR.. E. G. DYER.
DELAvAN, July 4ih, 1910.
FRIENDS AND CITIZENS:
The IS In anniversary of our independ-
ence has THIS day arrived. Sixty-fve years
ago, this day, those rcvered patriots, with
Hancock In the chair, were in Congress
convened, and severally signed the impor-
tant document, which briefly but clearly set
forth the grievances, and soIemnly pledged
lhe Hves, the fortunes, and the sacred ho-
nors' of those mighty geniuses,to the inter-
ests ofAmerican independence. They re-
solved that not one jOt or title of that
pledged faith should be surrendered; and,
that not one item, in that solemn Decara-
ton, which was essential to their freedom,
should be lost, without first selling their all
in its defence. That Declaration, my
friends, UdS maintained, although at the
price of treasure, and sacrifice, and lives
and blood Patriotism, craftsmanship, and
horoism, stood side by side, and shoulder to
shoulder, in defence of their rights, until
their oppressOrs gave up the contest, and
the sword of England returned to lis scob-
bard. The principles Of civil and religious
liberty, constituted the prize which nerved
the arm, and moved the heart Of the pa
triot to this uneven conflict; and it is natu-
raj, it is rational that an event, which gave
triumph to such mOmentous principes,a
laid the foundation of free government,
should be commemoratcd; so long, at least,
as such principles shall remain unshack-
led, and such government preserved. 1t
is natural, it is rational, that we should this
lay express our gratitude and Joy, for the
liberties which we enjoy, and rcfrcshen cur
rccolIcctions, by recurring to events and
characters, which were so deeply concern
ed in their obtainmcnt. With a laudable
pride, We may recall to mind the scenes of
Bunkcr-hill, and Yorktown, and Saratoga.
We may revert to the brilliant and illustri-
Gus career of that great and good man,
Washington and pass our encomiums
upon his whole corps of fcllow-oflicers;
and even extend our praises to the inlet
tered, but patriotic soldiers, with feelings
repleto with gratitude and affection. We
may contemplated with high emotions, the
elevated character Of the colonial congress;
and indulge the pleasing recollection, that
were oar fathers; and, that their unrjval-
led Oratory, was the natirc irresistible elo-
qucnco Of American Patriotism.
All this is right and commendable but
there IS point which we should not over
look; we should keep the fact in constant
remembrance, that our supreme regard for
this precious boon, should be placed on a
hIOhpP hn
Master-buldcr of this mighty Temple Of
civil and religious freedom.
If we trace and consult the history of
the colonial settlements, from the first dis
cmbarkation of the Pilgrims, on Plymouth's
rock; up to the end of their bloody strug
gle for liberty, and the contamination of
their Independence; we shall observe the
most unequioOcaI eridenccS Of Gods Proyi-
dcnco in opening their pathway TO victory,
and IN establishing a government, where
the holy principles of HIS Religion, might
be taught and cherished, untrammcled by
the devices and mockeries of corrupt ty
rants, and undisturbed by the unhallowed
lntrusIons of national idolatry.
Who first put it into the hearts of those
prosecuted individuals in England, of en-
gaGlng in SO hazardous an enterprise, as
the settlement of a foreign wilderness, a.
midst the terrific yels of untutored sava-
gcs! viii any one reply, that they were
obliged so to do, from fear Of public exc
cutlon! Why did they not abandon their
principles and manner Of Worship they
would then, have escaped the intolerance
and persecution of papal superstition.
The reason is obvious. The small still
voice Of Almighty Wisdom, instructed them
to rel on his mercy and aid and boldly
and reSolutcly to embark their all, upon the
Atlantic S bosom, and plant the tree of Lib
erty in American soil; and dig around its
precious roots, and cultirate and cherish its
infant growth, until it should become a
mighty trce-unt!l its branches should eX-
lend from the River ST. Lawrence, to the
HuIt of Mexico; from the Atlantic ocean,
to the wilds of the West; and, until its de-
llcouS fruit should be tasted in every cline.
What was il that so often afforded en-
enlargement to our anxious, half-shod and
destitute army, when despair was depicted
on the countenances of the brave and
& when defeat followed defeat in multiplied
: succession, until dependency and blighted
hopes, seemed TO porterd nothing but utter
ruaF How universally was it the case,
under such circumstances, that some I'M
Joreseen event, some prorideRtial occur
renee, would burst forth, and a ray Of hope
would again cheer their responding hearts,
ana revive their dropping spirits-and a
'ouSe ana concentrate their cnfeebled en-
'rg'~ Tor rodoublcd clIo,t What, but a