Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1849-07-21

my hand and heart TO this vote.n ls isti5-
Fellow Citizens, in remembrance Of these
things let us celebrate this day ina becoming
manner, seeing the high hand of an all-wise,
experimenting Providence in this all impor
tant manner. Let us keep in grateful re-
membrance such men as jefferson, Adams,
| Hancock, and others. Let us remember
with grateful hearts, the noble Chieftan and
Father of his country, George Washington,
and those brave men of the revolution who
bled and died in the conflict for indepen-
dence.
2d, This day should be celebrated as a day
of Thanksgiving. ......
The independence of the United States
was achieved by war of seven years, S.
Sacrifices were made of the most precious
kind, and above all, many Thousand lives
were lost; yet a valuable crown was obtain
ed: civil and religious liberty, blessing of
all earthly blessings the most valuable. And
when we consider the manner in which these
! blessings were obtained, we are constrained
to say where else do they all come from but
| from the source of all good-from the father
of light, &c. Although our fathers were
poor and unprepared for war with such a
powerful nation as Great Britain, there was
higher hand to help, mighty friend above.
The God of lsreal was our fathers God, aud
crowned their efforts with wonderful success.
1t was God that gave wisdom and courage TO
our officers, commanders and soldiers He
approved their motives, favored their move
ments. He approved of the resistance they
made against the king, and usurpation and
oppression of Parliament 1t was God that
impressed on the minds of our people hope
of success. 1t was he that pointed out to
them the great reward that would be gained
for them and their posterity. The rich and
the poor received from the hand of God, a
government under which all can enjoy liberty
and independence alike Let us then to-day
give thanks 10 our God for this inestimable
gift, end show TO the world that we are all
united in this great matter, that we cele-
bra,e this day in love, harmony and gladness
of heart, giving God all the praise One
prayer ought to swell on the breeze from
every tongue on such day as this: and this
is emancipation &c every enthralled people
of the world.
3D., This day should also be celebrated as
a day of rejoicing. 1t is truly festive occa-
sion that deserves to be honored by the over
flowing raptures of a grateful people. ]
know no way of celebrating the 4th of July
more nationally than by a cheerful enjoy
ment of all the pleasures of life, in spirit of
reason, temperance, hilarty and love. Po-
ltical party bitterness, and factious slang
must be forgotten to-day. Welcome good
nature, welcome the smile of mirlh, the song
of Joy, felicitous Joke, the happy wi,ticism.
Let US forget all sour dissentions in the plea
sures of the day, and for once in the year
enjoy the benevolent emotions of band of
brothers-a family of free men. And why
trimony, it makes us one flesh Away, then,
with all discord, all angry passions, all un-
worthy strife on a soil made sacred TO union
and love. The cannon's roar, the ringing
blast of the shril trumpet, the spirit stirring
drum, the smile Of pleasure, and the laugh
of Joy, ate all appropriate concomitants of an
event which determined the fate of nation,
and exalted the destnies of people. Plea
sure thrills through the veins, and quickens
every throbbing pulse with unmeasured rap
ture at the recollections of freedom achieved,
chains of CALLING weight rent asunder, op-
preston of degrading cruelty thrown OFF, and
the iron hand of the tyrant palzed by the
energetic blow OF brave freemen. If liberty
is dear TO the heart, the memory of It's glo-
ries is not less source of vivid pleasure 10
the mind, susceptible of the highest emotions
of virtuous intellect.
4th, This should also be day of instruc-
tion to the rising generation.
We should inform our children that they
live in the land of freedom and liberty, for
which we have TO thank God, and our an
cestors. We should endeavor to impress
pure republican principles upon their youig
and tender minds. Teach them to be wise,
industrious aud useful in whatever station of
life they may be placed, to love education
and knowledge, and thus fit aud prepare
them to aid preserving our independence.
when their fathers have descended TO the
tomb. Yes, children, remember that the
privileges we enjoy, are not enjoyed by any
nation on the face of the earth Therefore,
remember that God our creator was Out faith
er's God. 1t was him that gave us victory
over 6tr foe, the king Of England, and grant
ed liberty to us. Remember thai the same
God has preserved these liberties up to this
moment. Yout fathers will soon depart this
present life, and yon will be in their stead.
Therefore be instructed Of the importance of
preserving our freedom, endeavor to imbibe
early the principles of our pattiotic forefaih-
ers, and learn 10 be wise in electing good,
honest and fsithful citizens to offices of i'm
por,ance. Let morality and religion guide
you in the affairs of your life. Remember