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not say. Mr. Van Buren has never been accused of immorality—never been reproached for keeping a Black Sail, or murdering five militia men; but has been perpetually represented as a great intriguer—an arch magi. cian. No particular action is specified in his whole life, and for want of units they take a universe, and loudly proclaim, "the little regent is a great magician." When I go into an orchard for fruit, I bend my course to the tree that has the most clubs around it, expecting there to find the best.

Fellow-citizens, we are drawing to the close of the revolutionary age. When Jackson shall have finished his course, there will be no man living, but who will be too old and obscure to fill the presidential chair, who had any hand in the Revolution. Others may arise with as clear views of the rights of man and the nature of government, but can never have the same feeling. What course the next generation may take with respect to the constitution and code of laws, I know not; the right will be theirs to alter or destroy what now exists. That our constitution is susceptible of im•provement, there exists no doubt: but it is greatly doubted whether a change in its radical features, would not lead to anarchy, "which is the licentiousness of little men, or tyranny, which is the licentiousness of great men."

Our liberty and independence cost seven years war—much destruction of property—one hundred thousand lives, and after all the taxes of various kinds, to support the army, there remained a debt of more than seventy millions of dollars. Immense purchases of territory have been made. The last war continued one hundred and thirty weeks, and cost as many millions of dollars as it lasted weeks; and yet since the Federal government was established, all the debts have been paid, and the inhabitants have increased from three to twelve millions. Those who wish for a dissolution of the Union, and the establishment of a government of a different kind, either at the present time or when another generation shall succeed, will do well to ask themselves, whether a government of different features gives them assurance, that the people under it will be more happy or wealthy than they are at present. Those who wish to crush the present government, (from their attachment to aristocratical principles, or because the people do not gratify their ambition,) ought to be marked as enemies to the liberties of men; and while common feeling wishes them nothing better than degradation and detestation, the pious Christian will pray for them, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do."

The freedom of speech, and of the press, cannot be too highly appreciate nor the licentiousness of either of them too much lamented: both should be employed as vehicles of truth to convey information, and not as a talisman to mislead and bewilder. Let gentlemen of the type and press observe the following rules, viz:

1. Never publish, of your own composition, any article that you do not

conscientiously believe is true, and that a communication of it will be of service to others.

2. Never extract from other papers any articles which do not contain in themselves some internal evidence of their veracity.

3. Never pollute your columns to blacken one man for the promotion of another. Be not puffed up for one against another, and be very cau tious of holding up any man to public contempt, unless the public safety calls for a hue and cry.

4. If, for want of information, you have published that which proves to be false, hasten to retrace your steps and correct the error.

5. Let Truth be your pole star, which will give your consciences the greatest pleasure—increase the character of your paper, and finally bring the most money into your coffers.

6. Never condescend to the mean artifice of impressing the minds of others by publishing great and false things from abroad, under the fiction. of "I have it from undoubted authority—my information may be reliedon," etc. Your faith we leave with yourselves; but our faith is that the wondrous things related, came from a distance no farther off than your own brains, and as they generally prove to be false alarms, you had better keep them at home.

Instinct in beasts, in some of its operations, exceeds the reason of man; but on a broad scale men are the noblest work of God in this lower world, and the power of speaking, and logical reasoning, are the items of that superior glory. The tongue is the organ of speech, and though a little member, does great things: therewith bless we God, and therewith curse we men. It is such an unruly member, that no man ever has, or ever can tame it: and, therefore, it should always be kept in bridle; for when it runs at large, it sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire of hell. A false tongue wounds like sharp arrows of a mighty warrior, and burns like the coals of Juniper. Very frequently cases occur in which men, by saying or doing something, are brought into a sad dilemma. A little lie will offer its services to give relief. By saying that which they know is false, or denying that which they know is true, they seek to extricate themselves. As wicked and preposterous as this course appears, yet some good men have tried the experiment to their sorrow. When Peter had commit. ted an overt act in cutting off the ear of Malchus, to prevent an arrest, he made lies his refuge, to escape punishment; but afterwards he wept bitterly, and I presume he never forgave himself. The plain path of speaking the truth runs thus, "let your conversation be without covetousnesslet every one of you speak the truth to his neighbor—lie not one to another," etc. For want of talent to enlarge, I shall sum up in saying that my object is, to persuade editors to publish nothing but truth, and for speak. ers of every grade to observe the same rule.

We are now risen to a point which forty years past I did not expect to live to witness—the liquidation of all our debts. Yes, the United States present a picture to the world, of thirteen millions of inhabitants, enjoying a government which stands firm in peace and war; securing the rights of men, both civil and religious, (excepting the slaves,) and yet owe nothing for the whole. So far as pride is excusable, I feel proud that I am an American. If ever the time shall arrive when our black brethren shall enjoy the same, and I am living, my joy will be unspeakable.

The public debt being now off our hands, the question is, how shall the revenue be disposed of. The revenue arising from the sale of public lands is somewhat permanent, but the greatest part of it arising from imposts is, in its nature, and will be in its course, var able and somewhat contingent. The rate of impost, I judge, must vary to meet the duties, with which other nations, with whom we have treaties of commerce, may see cause to burden their wares.

My project is as follows: let the rate of duties be reduced equitably on all articles, regarding every class of citizens, to a standard of revenue that will reasonably support the government in all its constitutional measures. Whenever the revenue shall leave a considerable surplus in the treasury, let the surplus be divided among all the states, according to their numbers, and let these sums, in the several states, be inaccessible to all applicants the interest only to be distributable, and that only to aid in payment of state taxes.

By this, or a similar appropriation, the property of all will be distributed among all, and colleges, railroads, etc., be erected and supported by individuals or self-erected associations.

I have not to read history to know that the main-spring in the revolution was, "Liberty, and the sole disposal of our property; deducting as much of both, as will be necessary to protect the main, and no more." And this I consider the true standard of democracy, let the names and professions of men be what they may.

As for those men who wish to make the government and the people two parties who wish to limit the right of suffrage—who advocate monopolies and privileged orders—who are seekers of offices—who are seeking more after national splendor than national tranquillity—who are constantly exposing the measures of government to scorn, unless they themselves are the agents who wish to have Christianity established by law, to make amends for their being destitute of the spirit, and opposed to the practice of it-from such turn away. For they that are such, serve not the Lord Jesus, nor their country, but their own bellies; and by good words, fair speeches, and sleight of hand, deceive the hearts of the simple. From all such withdraw yourselves, and place no confidence in them. But honor those men

with your suffrages and confidence, who honor your rights and seek your

wealth by their measures. In selecting a man for public trust, ask the questions, does he understand and appreciate the rights of men? Is he honest? Has he confidence to vote against a majority? And from among those of this description, prefer the man who has the brightest talents and most information.

The redemption of the soul from the curse of the law, and the dominion of sin, is an object of the first magnitude, for the loss of the soul, the whole world, in exchange, would be no equivalent. This has been an object of the highest solicitude with me for nearly sixty years: but I have to confess that my ardor to gain the object, both for myself and others, has not been equal to its merit.

Next to the salvation of the soul, the civil and religious rights of men have summoned my attention, more than the acquisition of wealth or seats of honor. To see a great part of the human family tricked out of their rights and liberties by the other part—chained down to lasting subjugation, without any regard to those rights which are inalienable, has stimulated what little benevolence I have, with the small talents that I possess, to burst the prison doors, and proclaim liberty to the captives. Many meetings, like the present, I have attended, and many pieces have I written, with a view of pleading the rights of man against the claims of aristocrats. And now after a life of almost four-score years, poorly spent, I am like an old weather-worn sailor, yet on deck, in a boisterous sea, not at the helm steering the ship, but before the mast, sounding the deep with a short linewatching the winds and pirates—fearing the rocks and looking out for the breakers—bearing at mast head, "free trade and sailors rights," deducting from their profits an equitable tax to pay for their security.

Gentlemen, your object is my object, and your joy my joy in the late triumph of democracy, which begins its operation to-day. Perhaps, while I am speaking, the President and Vice President elect, are taking the oaths of their offices for the four ensuing years. May the now begun presidential term be full of the same wisdom and justice of the last term, and free of the scum of the ambitious pot that has boiled over in shameful froth. I am highly gratified in seeing so many young men in this assembly, for it is for the rising generation to control the future measures of governA common voter, with a sound judgment and liberal mind, will legislate better for the cause of humanity and self-government, than the high pampered statesman, who considers himself of the genü order of be ings, born to rule over man.

ment.

Fellow-citizens, I wish you all a happy fourth of March. I hope we shall never have cause to regret that we have placed confidence in the two distinguished citizens who are raised to the two highest offices in the United States.

A DIALOGUE.

JUSTICE.

Sinner, I'm come with power to let you know
How much to God, for sinful debts, you owe:
Ten thousand talents now against you lie,
And payment must be made or you must die.

SINNER.

Have patience with me and I'll do my best;
Accept good will and cancel all the rest;
My prayers and alms and what I mean to do
Will partly pay the sum I owe to you,
And where I fail let pity pay the rest—
That pity which your sov'reign has profess'd.

JUSTICE.

The law is holy, just and clear as light,
And claims no more of you than what is right;
That law you've broken twice ten thousand times,
And all your debts assume the rank of crimes.
The law knows neither pity nor respect,
Justice is all the culprit can expect:

Your prayers and alms and what you mean to do
Will not secure you from eternal wo;

The righteous law can no abatement show.
Prepare to meet thy doom and take the blow;

Behold God's executioner I stand,

Array'd in vengeance with my sword in hand!

REFLECTION.

At this the trembling sinner stood amaz'd,

The heavens grew black! the forky light'nings blaz'd!
The mountains shook! the sun and moon grew pale!
The whole creation mourn! the angels wail!
Stern Justice then, with flaming sword in hand,
Stepp'd forward to perform the dire command;

But, ere he gave the blow, a voice was heard,
"Hold! hold your hand! the sinner shall be spar'd!
Deliver him from going to the pit;

I've found a ransom which will him acquit."

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