Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1866-06-29
The Christian Patriot.

The storm Of the American Revo-
luton had long been gathering; the
dark cloud of British vengeance was
already above our horizon, and had
assumed a fearful aspect.
News of the Boston Post Bill had
sounded the alarm through the nation,
and large cOncourse Of the citizens
of New York had assembled in Ma
lures great Temple" to consult upon
measures for the common safety and
the preservation of their rights.
In that busy crowd stood John Jay,
as ket unknown beyond the circle OF
his own immediate neighborhood, but
destined to act a conspicuous part in
.rescuing our liberties.
The cloud Of war which had OBJ
scured the sun Of our freedom and
uttered its fearful thnders over our
heads, was Just ready to burst upon
US. The sons of the pilgrims rallied
around their standard, prepared tol
the desperate conflict about to cnsue
At this fatal crisis, young Jay, with
mind already matwed by years Of
quiet, academic and professional
study, stepped forth to guide the
storm, and detect Its mingled ele
ments-not through seas Of blood tc
| lead on to victory and death, but tC
guide in the noiseless and bloodles,
battles of principle and right, against
the selfish spirit Of tyranny.
The portals here open which admit
US to the active scenes Of jays public
life. These may serve as the portrai
tme of our hero's character, the pic
ture Of the living man, presenting tC
us in bold relief the features of his
noble mind, composed Of many parts
vet constituting one complete whole
wearing many colors, but these beauti
fully blended.
Whether we view our statesman a
Judge, Legislator and Governor in hi
own country, or negotiating at th
Courts Of Madrid, Paris and London
it is but the same image, reflected b.
different mirrors.
As man, Jay ranked high anon,
| the greatest heroes Of our Revolution
! In point of influence he had one supC
Irior; in power of intellect there wa
one greater, but in practical wisdol
and stern integrity, he had no 8up(
ri0rs.
John Jay was a patriotic state;
man. His patriotism called him frol
the peaceful shades Of retirement t
publication, and this alone kept hin
in the service of his country. But
was not the passion Of enthusiasm
ruled by selfshness: it was prime
pie governed by conscience-a pur
flame burning like vestal fires on til
alter of his heart. AS a patriot, sin
plicity of purpose characterized a
his plans and efforts. In the couns'
, halls of his own nation, and among til
B. shrewd diplomatists Of Europe h
labored for his nations honor and i
dependence, and these gained, he We
: satisfied. He never courted populf
P favor, nor deviated from the path
duty for fear Of public censure. IL
plans were laid in wisdom, mature
: by reflection, and executed with enc
gy. Hence he was cautions, bold al
always successful.
If But jays great worth, as a state
man, lay in his moral excellence. {
brought into public life professed
t and practically, the pure principl
of Christianity. These ruled in t
bosom Of the man, and by them t
man ruled the nation. Jay loved /
country more than himself, and |
70 God mord tn an his countr
d, He served her with tt
A zeal Of patriot and the fidelity ol
in Christian. He fought her create
n battles, and achieved her most clio
a. 3e our conquests. And we may safe
conclude that the secret of all his
" " fuence and success lay in his unco
ps p omising Christian integri
In this point of view, Jay does /
suffer in comparison with his C
= leagues in professional life. He /
the talents and learning OF Burr, Wi
Us out his intrigue, selfshness and me-
ness; the wisdom of Franklin a
:. Jefferson, without their infideli1
the patriotism Of Hamilton, with'
. his ambition. In word, Jay v