with our own souls, but we are hastening those mighty results, on which depend the fate of governments. may Men smile at these auguries — but just as surely as effects follow causes, the preponderance of selfish policy will destroy the republic; for in this manner, ever since the beginning of time, has glory passed away from the nations. Neither the strength nor the subtilty of man can prevail against the justice of God. Our mothers were help-mates indeed; and so are many of their daughters; but it is well to be on our guard, lest the household virtues become neglected and obsolete. I shall be asked, with a smile, what I hope to do to alter the current of public feeling, and change the hue of national character? Truly, I expect to do but little. My efforts remind me of a story often repeated by a valued friend: "When I was a small boy," says he, "I often plunged my little hoe into a rushing and tumbling brook, on the borders of my father's farm, thinking, in the childish simplicity of my heart, that I could stop the course of its impetuous waters." Gentle reader, I have put my little garden-hoe into a mighty stream and perchance the current will sweep it to oblivion. BOSTON, JAN. 1833. |