Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-01-20
THANKSGIVING DISCOURSE

THANKSGIVING DISCOURSE:
by REV. MR.. DUDLEY OF oUEECHE VILLAGE
Extracts furnished by request for publication.
"Tmr LoRD HATH BEEN MINDFUL OF us."--Ps. lis, l2.
OUR CONDITION AS A STATE.
Our abundance presents an affecting
contrast to the widespread destitution
which has swept over so great a part of
Europe. Famine and pestilence threat
en- again poor Ireland, already stagger-
ing beneath her heavy woes. But the
Lord is mindful Of us": and what is
still more cause ofunfeigned gratitude,
there are, at present, no indications of
distress. The purchaser is at our doors
for our surplus, and the demand, at least
for the present, is permanent. True,
the local cause Of this demand, and the
high price, may cease when our railroads
shall have been completed, but these
consumers are opening an easy and
cheap communication to the great mar
kets. Boston is already within few
hours of us. She will want all we can
spare. Her population is increasing
with the same rapidity and in the same
ratio with her extended railroads. We
shall have a fair competition with the
West. Vermont will soon be conscious
of her ability to do so. The capabilty
of her soil seems not to be realized yet,
but it will soon be known.
The last census presents our little
state in position, compared with the
others in the Union, truly honorable to
her soil and the industry of her people.
With a population of 26l 900, her
agricultural productions are put down
worth $43, 1927 ,OOO annually, giving to
each individual the handsome sum of
$l48 for his labor.
Massachusetts, with her population of
1877 ,999, which is 475,85l more than
that of our state, has but s29, 100000
worth of productions, being fourteen
millions OF dollars less than of Vermont.
Vermont, in the value of her produce
tons, stands ahead of all the New-Eng-
land States; and according to her terri
ritory and population, is certainly equal,
if not in advance of any State in the
f Union. AS State the capacity of her
soil has no parallel.
If true to ourselves, and the rich and
beautiful heritage which Providence has
allotted to US, and with His blessing, our
prosperity may be considered perman-
ent, as much so at least as any part of
, our country.
This should be said with no spirit of
Boosting and self-dependence, but with
, grateful acknowledgements to Him who
hath reared these verdant mountains
and spread out these vallies Of fairness.
We are blessed of the Lord, who made
{ heaven and earth, and setteth the bounds
I of the nations for them TO dwell in"
. If there be people in this fair coun-
try, who should be grateful to the
Disposer of all things, it is the people OF
. the Green Mountain State. In salu-
brity of climate, purity of water, rich
ness of soil; in variety, beauty and
grandeur Of scenery; in location best
adapted to promote the general good Of
man, Vermont has no equal. In con-
= venience for market she need not long
. be envious of her sister states. won.
. der that the owners of her soil should be
: disconnected. | have been in most oil
!. the other states, and unhesitatingly say
: that limo part Of our Union are the
good things of life so equalized, or more
easily procured, than in this state.
= would say, let her sons remain in theil
;. goodly homes. Let them pursue qui'
: ct and contented industry, and with the
q smiles of Providence, they should seek
for no happier lot. would that could
}, write the sentiments of pious gratitude
h upon every heart. Surely we may say
6 The lines are fallen TO us in pleasan
o places; we have goodly heritage"
n CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.
J. This blessing has become so common
) and is enjoyed so easily, that we are il
danger of losing il, because we do no
d sufficiently value it. The commonnes
of this peculiar, and may say in refer
ence to our race, this rare gift, is lead
g ing US to forget hoiO rare it is, how n.ucl
it cost and the price we must pay if w
:, would enjoy it.
II Next to The gift of Christ, is the gil
'e of civil and religious freedom. Our ia
J. theirs, because they had it not, knew it
k worth and willingly paid the price of it
Or purchase.
Gogaze on that foundsre fleet, whicl
~ had borne those high spirits far from
Is their native soil, their homes, their fire
y sides, and their churches. They are
- landed on an UNEMPLOYED and rock-boun'
&c coast, on the eve of bleak and desc
g. late winter behind them vast ocean
"a separating them forever from their ma
,e tive country; before them, boundles
T. forest, filled with wild beasts and untu
ored sayages.
v "what sought they here
TO Froodoml Freedom TO worship God"
rs And while yet their ship was hoverin
Sc on the barren coast Of Plymouth, an
r before they disembarked, they appointe
n a day of thanksgiving to that God VIII
u had guided them safely amid the storms