wavering, to encourage the irresolute, and to imbue the minds of all classes with the intelligence and public spirit, without which their generous exertions must have terminated in defeat. When your Independence was acknowledged, still the great work was but half completed. The same agents who had produced this event, were to be again employed in consolidating the interests of the infant republic; in forming and establishing civil and political institutions, designed not for a temporary continuance, but for perpetuity; in adjusting the checks and balances of the new, and in a degree, complicated mechanism of government, and in giving to all its parts that beautiful proportion, that exact harmony, and that indistructible compactness, which render it the admiration of the wise and liberal of all nations, and will prove the means of extending its blessings and consummating its glory. How well the illustrious Adams and Jefferson fulfilled these arduous duties, the deep solemnity of this audience, the exercises that our municipal authorities have called us to attend, and the tone of mournful feeling which is heard from all parts of our country, will most satisfactorily declare.

In what manner, my friends and fellow-citizens, shall we hallow the memories of the departed worthies, to whose arduous services we owe our political privileges, the exercise of our civil and religious rights, the exalted station that our country holds, and the excellence, the strength and permanancy of our public institutions? These public services may express our sensibilities; the slow and solemn procession, the mournful dirge, the funeral gloom in which this house of prayer is enshrouded, may indeed form associations in our minds, which may prove friendly to patriotism, and induce the action of generous and ennobling principles. May we realize all the good, that an occasion like this can produce. But let us not imagine, that these transactions, or even others more imposing, will cancel the debt of gratitude due to the fathers of our nation. We may erect statues to their memories; but the unsparing hand of time will decompose the sculptured

marble. We may build splendid mausoleums over their remains; but they will fall into decay, or their monumental inscriptions become effaced. We would have a more imperishable record. Our nation's gratitude to her most valued and venerated citizens, her highest honors for the sages who toiled, and the heroes who bled in her defence, must be founded in the heart, and exhibited in the practice of national virtue. The great examples we have had before us, should be closely imitated, and transmitted to posterity. If we would defend and maintain the liberties we now enjoy; if we would support the constitutions of our government, which are at once our security and our boast; if we would perpetuate our national character, we must ardently cherish the great principles of the revolution, and labor to preserve them from infringement or perversion. The strength and durability of our government essentially depend on a wise improvement of the means of instruction; and with these we are favored above other nations of the earth. Let it be considered our duty, our interest, our pleasure, to accomplish our part of the important work, which others commenced, and have prosecuted with such astonishing success. Let our children learn from us to revere and love the institutions which are designed to make them good men, good citizens, and enlightened patriots; and let us give evidence to the world, that we have reached that elevated point, "when wisdom and knowledge form the stability of our times.”

37

EULOGY,

PRONOUNCED AT NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE,

August 3, 1826,

BY FELIX GRUNDY.

FELLOW-CITIZENS--This is no day of joy. Amidst peace, plenty, and prosperity, the whole land mourns: and, my friends, we have much cause of grief-the sage of Monticello and the sage of Quincy, are no more! On the great day of America―a day rendered glorious by their own illustrious deeds a day on which a nation of freemen was born: yes on the first American Jubilee, when all hearts were rejoicing and all tongues sounding their praises, these mighty spirits took their departure. What day so fit for them to die! Well might each exclaim, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen the salvation of my country." I have seen her in trouble and distress, in peril and in danger; but now she is safe. The principles laid down in the Declaration of Independence have been tested by half a century. In peace, the march of my countrymen has been prosperous and happy; in war, suc cessful and victorious. The great truth, which makes tyrants and despots tremble, is at length demonstrated, "that freemen are capable of self government."

To private friendship, we relinquish the pleasant duty of dwelling on their social and private virtues : we know them only as great national benefactors.

The British government had, on various occasions, asserted the right of taxing the American colonies, and exercising over them, an absolute control in all cases whatsoever. To

be taxed-to be governed without a voice in the government, was a doctrine too inconsistent with the rights of man to be tolerated. l'etitions and remonstrances had been employed to obtain redress of grievances, and all had proved unavailing. At length the Congress of 1776 convened in Philadel phia. where the most serious subject that ever occupied the thoughts of man, with regard to earthly things, was proposed, discussed and decided upon.

On Friday. the 7th day of June, Richard Henry Lee, a delegate from Virginia, moved the following resolution, "That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and Independent States; and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is, and ought to be totally dissolved." This motion was seconded by Mr. Adams, who afterwards supported it with all his powers of eloquence. On the next day the resolution was discussed in a committee of the whole House. On the Monday following, the discussion was continued, the resolution reported to the House, and the following order taken: "That the consideration of the resolution be postponed to the first Monday in July next, and in the meanwhile, that no time be lost, in case the Congress agree thereto, a committee be appointed to prepare a Declaration to the effect of said resolution."

The Committee elected by the Congress, consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and R. R. Livingston. Mr. Jefferson received the highest vote, and was of course chairman, Mr. Adams the next highest number being but one vote below Mr. Jefferson. The duty of preparing this important instrument was confided to Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Adams, to commemorate whose deaths we have this day met together.

Here, fellow-citizens, at this eventful period, the great work of liberty was formally and fully begun. The conscript fathers had met in counsel-they held their sessions in secret -the genius of liberty had taken her flight from the old, she had no resting-place but in the new world-she presided