American independence, intelligent liberty, right obligation, and the Union restored. The theory of the compilation has rested upon three simple ideas. First, Human history is a Unit; and all events bear relations, B. C. or A. D., and illustrate corresponding thought and action. Hence, Hebrew, Roman, Grecian, and all other records are invited to testify of the universal trend of patriotic aspiration, and of one invariably constant factor, that of the recognition of one Supreme Creator, Benefactor, and Guide. Second, Home must stand as the nursery of those pure emotions which expand into patriotic exercise; so that the domestic affections and true patriotism must develop exactly in proportion as home is honored, and responsibility to one Almighty Father enters into the mastery of individual life. Third, Peace is the essential condition of rational happiness; and permanent honors belong only to heroes, who, like Joshua, Gideon, and our own Washington, have made war tributary to peace, refusing all transitory rewards of personal aggrandizement and power. Acknowledgments of hearty co-operative sympathy and endeavor are elsewhere tendered. A sense of responsibility for impressions sought to be made, inspires the hope that this contribution to the patriotic sentiment of the times will be accepted in the spirit of its preparation, and be attended with the divine blessing. Henry Bloomingto HYDE PARK, MASS., May 30, 1894. |