stands upon its own basis, where truth is vindicated by its own weapons, and conquers by its own evidence. Here light without a veil emanates from the sun of righteousness, and salvation, without a mixture, flows pure and unrestrained from its sacred source the gospel.

Such is our situation, and such our privilege. "This is indeed the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes."

Is our present situation marvellous? It will appear more so, if we consider the means by which we have been exalted to it.

The manner in which these colonies have been preserved from savage barbarity, from French usurpation, and finally delivered from British tyranny, is little less than miraculous.

While it was in the power of the natives to have swallowed us up, they were mercifully restrained : afterwards, when they attempted it, they were deliv ered into our hand.

Against the French, God fought for America. In this warfare he enlisted the elements, marshalled the thunder, and commissioned the pestilence.

The fleet which was fitted out in 1746, at vast expence, for the sanguinary purpose of conquering Nova Scotia, destroying Boston, and ravaging the whole extent of our defenceless coasts, was providentially defeated in its object. After this mighty armament was ready to put to sea, it was shut up for weeks

in the ports of France, by an embargo from heaven. When crossing the Atlantic, its ships were so tossed by the waves and shattered by the tempests, that like the chariots of Pharaoh, when the Lord looked upon them through the pillar of fire, they moved heavily. A part only of this fleet ever reached our shores. The admiral, to whom this work of death was committed, disheartened by those disasters, fell into an apoplexy, or drank poison and died. The second in command, struck with sudden terror from the Almighty, put an end to his own life. The third accomplished a landing at Chebucto. But no sooner had he pitched his camp than the Angel of the Lord smote it with pestilence, and it became, like the camp of Assyria, full of dead men. Thus the Almighty laid his veto upon their arms, and compelled them to return by the way they came, without so much as lifting a spear or shooting an arrow against the cities they were destined to destroy. Our fathers stood still and saw the salvation of God.*

The same providential care was extended to these colonies during the revolutionary war.

An event so great as the dismemberment of this country from Britain, was not to be accomplished without struggles and contests. The issue was awfully dubious. Human probability declared against the attempt. The decree, however, was passed in

For a more particular account of these disasters, sec Trumbull's history of the last century.

24

heaven. In the eighteenth century, America was to shake off the yoke and become free and independent ; and already had God prepared the instrument by which this was to be accomplished. Was Moses formed to rescue ancient Israel from bondage? So was Washington, to rescue this western and modern Israel of the Lord.

The glory of furnishing protectors belongs to God; and who does not see his wisdom and goodness in raising such a character at such a crisis? His equal had not existed for ages, and probably will not for ages to come. like the celebrated leader of Israel, he was great in the sight of all his people and all their enemies. Great with respect to the energies of his mind, the resources of his genius, and great with respect to that divine efficacy which stamped victory on his arms, and crowned his exertions with success.

He was providentially fitted for the part he was called to act, and providentially introduced upon the theatre of action.

"His education was such as favored the production of a sound mind and a vigorous body."* The early habits of his youth prepared him to endure the toils and fatigues of after life.

The part he acted when the unfortunate Braddock fell, brought his character into view, made him known to his country, and was justly considered as a presage of his future greatness.† Thus God prepared his ser

*

Ramsay's history.

† See Davies' sermon, delivered soon after Braddock's defeat

vant, and at length when matured by age, and furnished with experience, a vast scene opened before him, where all his talents might be displayed, and all his energies exerted.

Already was America invaded. The roar of British cannon was heard from our harbors, and a martial band was parading on our shores. Every thing was in jeopardy. A secret sigh now escaped from the patriot's bosom.* The sage worn out with toils and bending upon his staff shook his hoary locks and said, "my sons your cause is good, I wish you success, but I fear your undisciplined valour will be overcome in the unequal contest." The hearts of many fainted within them, and many said, "Who is able to go up and fight against this people? for they be mightier than we." At this eventful period the guardians of our liberty looked round with trembling hopes, to find a man who was able to bear his country's shield and who might be trusted to wield her sword. Every eye fixed on Washington. The exploits of his youth now rose in grateful recollection. Their choice was unanimous, and the event proved that it was decided by Heaven. He obeyed the mandate of his country, submitted himself to her disposal, and looking up to God for guidance and protection, went forth and stood in the very front of her dangers. Awful was his responsibility-immense

See Ramsay's account of the doubts entertained in 1775, by many of the truest friends of America, concerning the war with Britain.

his duty; in the discharge of which, no one, since the leader who went before Israel through the wilderness, ever had greater difficulties to encounter, or met them with greater magnanimity.

For eyery event he was prepared. In battle he was terrible; skilful in retreat.

In

prosperity he was Not like Saul who When he was un

humble; in adversity unshaken. slew himself on mount Gilboa. successful he submitted to the decree of Heaven, and still trusted in the God of battles.

He knew how to brook disappointment. He could bear with the murmurings and jealousy of the ignorant. Opposition only increased his firmness, danger strengthened his fortitude, and amid all the perils and disasters of the revolution his steady eye never once lost sight of its object-his country's welfare. At length Heaven interposed, lent him the aids of a foreign army, and led him to victory and glory.

Such an instrument of good to mankind, bears on itself the divine impression.

In the achievements of Washington if nothing was miraculous, every thing was providential. The winds and the sea contributed to his victories, lingering night covered his retreat.†

and the

In the midst of danger, and in the face of death, his

eye

life was protracted to a good old age, "and yet his was not dim, nor his natural force abated." He led

* When Cornwallis was captured.

From Long-Island.