Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1849-07-21
AN GRAFTON
DELIVERED BY TIE REV. j. p. sHINDEL,
ON THE 4th OF JULY, 1s49.

FELLOW CITIZENS The day of the year
hath returned, which, since the year l776,
has been proud day to the American peo-
pie; day which has ever since been cele-
brated by republicans, more or less, as a day
of remembrance----as a day of rejoicing----as
a day Of instruction for the rising generation,
and as day for admonition. 1t is therefore
with emotions of joy tina, meet with num-
Der Of my fellow citizens, and the members
of our Sabbath school, on this glorious day.
OH this pleasing OCCASION; an occasion where
it may be expected unanimity of sentiment
and feelings prevail, among the assembled
people, with respect to the great subject of
American independence. Let us then cele-
brate this day as day of remembrance.
Let us remember that on the 4th of July, '76,
a band of pure patriots, then assembled in
Congress as representatives Of the people, in
Philadelphia, declared themselves indepen-
dent of Great Britain. These North Ameri-
can colonies were previous to that time sub
ject to the crown of England, and, as our
Declaration or Independence assures us that
they suffered abuses in,oerable from the
King and his Parliament, and amidst all the
reasonable representations and petitions for
redress, by the good people of our land, no
attention was paid TO their cries and entrea-
ties, but burden after burden heaped upon
them, until like the Ismaeltes of old, in the
land of Egypt, our foretathers were pitied by
the God Of nations, and impressed upon the
minds of our most patriotic and wise men, to
shake off the yoke under which they groan-
ed. But withal, an attempt was made against
the king with much reluctance. While the
public mind was balancing upon this event
full subject, several writers placed the advan-
tages of independence in various points of
view. Among them, Thomas Paine, in a
pamphlet under the signature of Common
Sense,n held the iiiost digniied rank. The
style, manner and language of this perfor-
nance, was calculated to interest the pas
sons, and arouse all the active powers Of hu-
man nature. The absurdity of shbjecting to
little island, such an immense continent,
on the opposite side of the globe, was exhibi-
ted in such forcibe language as to interest
the pride and honor Of the colonists in re-
nouncing the government of Great Britain
and the many thousands, who, but few
months previous, viewed the measure with
adherence, were now convinced, and de-
termination fred their hearts to have liberty
or death. A declaration of their intentions
was now necessary. The motion for declar;
ing the colonies free and independent, was
made by Richard II. Lee, Of Virginia, and
when the time arrived for taking the SUBJ
iect in consideration, much learning, inge,
nuity and eloquence were displayed on both
sides Of the question.
The discussions were continued with great
animation for some time. In these, John
Adams and John Dickinson took leading and
opposite parts. Mr.. Adams strongly urged
the immediate dissolution of all political con-
nection with Great Britain, and when that
noble instrument of writing, the Declaration
of Independenee, which was penned by the