Excerpt from An Oration, Pronounced, on the Fourth July, 1816, Before the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, at the Request of the Selectmen The return of a period which has given birth to interesting objects, reminds us how indispensable they are to our happiness. We live surrounded and protected by the highest political blessings: enjoying a security in our persons and property, with a certainty of the duration of it; which leaves us nothing to fear, and almost nothing to desire. Hence a deep insensibility to the value of our extraordinary privileges habitually pervades the community. But the return of this anniversary awakens, in the wise and the grateful, a consciousness of their rich possessions: Americans on this day contrast with pride their nation's freedom, honour and security: New-England's sons and daughters rise in prayer and praise to that goodness and mercy which preserved their fathers: Bostonians with gratitude review the feelings, principles and manners of their ancestors, which produced and transmitted the freedom of their country. Survey the happy condition that distinguishes you above every other people. On the first institution of your national government, some alarming discrepancies of opinion on questions of principle did indeed exist. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.

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