, 1876-06-10


its power, Willie the wisdom of the
wiSr-t consists in little else than proper
ly understanding the spirit OF thcr
times, and in knowing how tn direct it
into such channels as they mly deem fit
and proper,
The mass of the community ohcyng
that silent but almost irresistible ten
dency towards social organization where.
in each one contributes to general re-
suit unforeseen by all except those who
have observed the laws of human pro-
grcss,
Thus, at one time we see the nations
intent oa military glory, and the fame OF
the conqueror. The blood stained rec
ords OF Assyria, of Egypt, of Greece and
Rome absorb our attention, and Caesar,
Hannibal and Alexander appear for "A
time to be the idols Of the world.
An out cast race, oppressed for centu-
ries 10y these contcnding nations, suffers
so severely under their iron yoke, where
it can find no chance OF escape from its
burdens-learns to dispair Of this lite,
and to fix its hopes upon II lite beyond
the grave.
The virtues upon which it builds are
so many, its pleadings are so earnest,
that the vicrors by the yanquishcd are
subducd. Those who dispaired of this
life, and became so absorbed in the iu-
turc, when they acquired the control OF
affairs, looked upon the graccs and cour-
tesics OF life as temptations to be battled
against, while all the triumphs and
achievements of the human intellect ap-
pcarel so contcmptiblc rs compared
with the Joys OF heaven, that the learn
ing of by gone days was neglected, no
new requirements added to its exhausted
stock. until finally nearly all of ancient
civilization was destroyed. This lite
became in their hands fully as contcmp-
tiblc rs tney had pictured it in their
hermit retreats
The darkness of thousand years set
tied over the world. The hopes of our
race appeared buried forever, until final
ly the spirit of fanatic enthusiasm took
possession OF the nations. They burned
with desire to redress the wrongs OF
their religion. The spirit OF adventure
hurried them -oa. Europe was decima-
ted of her chivulry, who p riohcd IN her
Cmsades; but the survivors were led
into unknown lands, they saw new
sights, were placed in new and strange
relations.
They began to observe, tn consider, to
reflect. The CluSades against the Sar-
accn and the Turk served but as all in
PRODUCTION to II long conflict between the
awakening intellect of Europe, and the
traditions of the past, that 50 long had
kept it chained.
The conflict is still going on, each gen
Grafton gains some advantage over the
traditions of ignorance and superstition; :;
wider and still wider extends the field
of knowledge. Hand in hand. with the
struggle for mental and religious free.
dom, is fought the battle of civil liberty.
We inherit the results OF all these strug
giles. They all have left their impress
upon us.
Men oil science claim that instincts are
but inherited habits, Thus our present
actions, in measure, may be toretold
by the struggles of our ancestors, and
VIC become the children of the past, as
well as the parents of the future.
In view of these facts, it becomes
proper to ask, what do we inherit from
our ancestors 2 What habits Of theirs
are liable to be instructive in us; and
what do we transmit to our SUCCESSORS,
to mold their characters, and to leave
our impress upon them:
We are children Of ancestors who have
battled for thousand years for civil
liberty, and free thought, who have
always managed their own local
affairs; who have leaned to think,
and investigate Tor themselves upon all
subjects presented to their minds; who
have spread the influences Of civilization
across the whole American continent,
and defended it against all assaults upon
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