of the new empire of freedom rapidly rising up under the guiding influence of a comprehensive Providence. It was the patriotism of a new Christian nation: it must, therefore, be a strong defence of the national life.

PATRIOTISM IN OFFICE.

We have seen the discriminating and energized character of American patriotism among the people: let us now inquire what were its manifestations when exalted to rank and power. The great leaders of resistance to oppression rise

up before us as men of giant intellects and astonishing wisdom. Their statesmanship was bewildering to the representatives of despotism, who began by despising them. Their State-papers and forensic discussions are to-day the admiration of the world; but their love of country rises high above all other qualities of greatness, and must stand foremost in the explanation of success.

It must be remembered, that, if the Americans failed to vindicate their rights, every member of the Continental Congress would be found guilty of treason. When these great men calmly took their seats to organize resistance to the British army, each one of them knew that he put his life in jeopardy; that failure in the contest would require the sacrifice of responsible leaders in what must be regarded as a grand conspiracy against the British crown. Diplomatic agents, and officers of state, would be involved in the general ruin. And yet what manly firmness, what self-abandonment, do these representative men reveal! Their country rose above all selfish considerations; and for eight long years they stood in the breach, to rise or fall with the rights of freemen.

True, all were not reliable. Men who at first promised well showed weakness of mind and nerve when the grand crisis came on. The numbers of men who were at their posts in the periods of extreme peril sometimes seemed

exceedingly small; but this made no difference with Washington, Jefferson, and Adams, with Franklin, Livingston, and Witherspoon. When the immortal Patrick Henry cried, "Give me liberty, or give me death," he uttered the sublime sentiment of these great statesmen and their compatriots in rank, as well as of the American people generally.

Treason to liberty tested the strength of this patriotic devotion. Poverty and suffering made the blaze burn all the more brightly. The blandishments of baffled power had no influence against its calm assertion and unflinching vindication. History is slowly bringing to light the wisdom of Providence in the elevated Christian leadership of the American struggle for liberty.

In the army, the dreadful sufferings of the rank and file were shared by their officers. Men whose exalted position would have entitled them to comforts, if not luxuries, endured long and weary marches, slept on the ground, ate their half-rations, or suffered with hunger, all with uncomplaining dignity. To save their country, no sacrifice was too great, no suffering too hard to endure.

Washington, the grand type of American patriotism, was not merely a cool and skilful commander, was not merely willing to risk his life as the most distinguished chief of what England regarded a treasonable revolt from the authority of the crown; but he was "the father of his country." He came forward at the call of Congress, when there was no army to command, no treasury whence to draw the support of an army if he should be able to organize one; when the art of war and the ability to command must be learned and acquired. He took the position of commander-in-chief, and held it through the war, refusing all pay, standing firm amid jealousy, slander, and treason; and, when all earthly hope seemed to be dying around him, he was found on his knees, calmly lifting up his tearful eyes to heaven, praying to God to save his bleeding country. This was patriotism: this was the embodiment, in a single man, of the feeling and determination and hope of the American nation.

THE TRUE INSPIRATION OF AMERICAN PATRIOTISM.

To understand the strength and patient endurance of this love of country, we must refer to the evidence, already developed, of a divine plan to constitute an empire of freedom. on the Western continent; we must recall the deep religious devotion of our chivalrous and Puritan sires; we must appreciate the moulding power of reverence for God, and consecration to his holy service and worship; and, finally, the new, divine inspiration of ideas and principles. These great facts were everywhere present as the struggle came on; and they imparted an exaltation to the patriotism of the Revolution which atheism could never give, nor infidelity comprehend. Controlling public acts recognized it; deep humiliation and fervent prayer revealed the dependence of the nation upon it, and the faith which inspired the masses of the people with unconquerable energy.

On the 6th of July, 1775, the Continental Congress concluded a public manifesto in the following memorable words:

"With an humble confidence in the mercy of the supreme and impartial Judge and Ruler of the universe, we most devoutly implore his divine goodness to protect us happily through this great conflict; to dispose our adversaries to reconciliation upon reasonable terms, and thereby relieve the empire from the calamities of civil war."

The twentieth day of the same month was, by order of Congress, observed as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, in view of "the present critical, alarming, and calamitous state of the colonies." Let us now see how this proclamation was received by the immortal Washington and the brave army under his command. In the American archives, vol. ii., page 1708, we find the following order:

"HEADQUARTERS, CAMBRIDGE, July 16, 1775. "The Continental Congress earnestly recommend that Thursday next, the 20th inst., be observed by the inhabitants

of all the English colonies upon this continent as a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer, that they may with united hearts and voice unfeignedly confess their sins before God, and supplicate the all-wise and merciful Disposer of events. The general orders that day to be religiously observed by the forces under his command exactly in manner directed by the proclamation of the Continental Congress. It is therefore strictly enjoined on all officers and soldiers (not upon duty) to attend divine service at the accustomed places of worship, as well in the lines as the encampments and quarters; and it is expected that all those who go to worship do take their arms, ammunition, and accoutrements, and are prepared for immediate action if called upon. If, in the judgment of the officers, the work should appear to be in such a state of forwardness as the utmost security of the camp requires, they will command their men to abstain from all labor upon that solemn day."

Solemn day, verily. A struggling nation, with their little army of heroes mangled and bleeding, under authority of Congress and their glorious military chief, all prostrate before God, confessing their sins, and imploring help; they who feared not the face of clay, who could bare their bosoms to the storm of war, and would bow to no tyrant upon the face of the earth, all humbly and reverently kneeling before the great Jehovah,- this was the heroism of the Revolution, the patriotism which demonstrates a sustained national life.

CHAPTER V.

THE DECLARATION ASSERTS AN INDEPENDENT NATIONAL LIFE.

"You will think me transported with enthusiasm; but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain the declaration; yet, through all the gloom, I can see that the end is more than worth all the means, and that posterity will triumph in that day's transaction.” — JOHN Adams.

"Jefferson poured the soul of the continent into the monumental act of Independence."-PRESIDENT STILES.

WRITTEN Words must represent facts or principles, or they are powerless. Many declarations of independence have been promulgated with great rhetorical display; but they have perished with the subsidence of passion and the men who gave them origin.

In like manner, a premature announcement of American independence would have brought only disgrace upon her suffering people, and ruin to her cause. The declaration could only be potential when sustained by great underlying realities. It was because the people of these colonies had sufficient reasons for separation from Great Britain; because Providence had allowed the institutions of tyranny to exert their legitimate influence on minds formed for a higher, nobler life; because, amid the mind-battles of more than a century, the shackles of the soul had been so far shaken off, that a real independence was felt and lived everywhere from Maine to Georgia, from the Atlantic sea-board to the Alleghanies; because God had led the people to real self-protection, and to all the high functions of government, that it was safe and right to make the declaration. Said Samuel Adams, "Is not America already independent? Why not, then, declare it?"