The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-12-28
THE PILGRIM CELEBRATION.


The landing of the Pilgrims was celebrated
at Middlebury on Wednesday evening, by the
observance of the usual order Of exercises. In
vocation and reading of the Scriptures, by the
Rev Mr.. Coe, Prayer by Rev. Mr.. Robinson
and an address from Rev.J. D. Butler.
To the address the large and intelligent au-
dience who gathered upon this occasion, listen
ed with great apparent delight. Those high
and holy motives which induced the Forefath-
ers' of New England to leave their native land,
and seek home in an unknown country, the
dangers which they encountered, the long sue
cession of disappointed hopes and bighted an
ticipations which attended their first endeavors,
and the brilliant destines Of which it seems at
last they were to be the glorious instruments,
were portrayed with that ease, elegance, and
vivacity which SO peculiarly characteristics the
distinguished author of the lectures on Europe.
1t was indeed, precious literary gem, bear
ing the stamp of genius, original in its designs,
rich in historical facts and classical illusions,
and highly instructive of the motives, the prin-
ciples and the manners peculiar to our progen-
itors. Among their peculiarities the orator did
not forget to display the beauties of that ref
ned humanity, which (Heaven spare the mark
at the present momenO lets fall the battle axe
in appeals to the tribunals of conscience and
religion, and spurns the dictation Of that san
culinary monster BigOtry, who has kindled all
the fires ofpersecution which have disgraced
the pages of modern history.
While dwelling upon this celebration, We
must say that we should rejoice to hear that in
every county in New England, yea in the u
Mon, every one of which enjoys the blessings Of
these institutions which four millions of the de-
cendants of the Pilgrims ofthe rock, have every
where disseminated, there should be annually
a forthcoming eloquence which should deeply
impress upon the popular sentiment, the puri-
fying influences of those exalted virtues, that
enlightened patriotism, and that noble spirit of
civil and religious freedom, which have secu-
red at least to one nation on the globe, an a.
bode of liberty and law, free from that moral
leprosy of Romish superstition and bigotry,
which has more or less debased every nation of
cid Europe for eighteen centuries.
But to return to the observances on this oc-
casion, the music discoursed by the well known
voices of several of our best vocalists, after sol
long suspension was truly refreshing to Mid
dlebury audience.
The festivities ofthe intellect were succee-
ded by the festivities of the table which mine
host of the VERMONT HOTEL, had spread
with rich variety of the luxuries of the sea-
son, and which lacked nothing but the five ker-
nels of corn, and a few tat clans, to be adapted
completely to the tastes of the most jealous ad
mirers of the starved and weather beaten ad-
venturers of the May Flower. President Lab
arce presided. Several appropriate sentiment,
were given, and many which called forth hear
ty applause and much merriment.- The alb
sence of wine, and even of glasses, created no
perceptable embarrassment. No artificial slim
ulants would have added strength to the senti-
ments offered, or the vivacity with which they
were received.
The ceremonies Of the evening, were closed
at a seasonable hour. The best feelings were
manifested throughout the whole proceedings,
creating stronger conviction than ever, of the
utility, as well as the rational pleasures atten
ding this celebration, and determination to
sustain it as anexcellent holiday for the people
for all coming time.