Oration on the Power and Value of National Liberty (p. 5).
What would you think of that farmer who should bestow the greatest labour in cultivating his fields, and yet pay no regard to his fences—take no pains to prevent the inroads and destruction made among his harvests? what would you think of the inhabitants of that city, who, though in continual danger of being attacked by a cruel enemy, should yet let their gates stand open, and their walls go to ruin? Liberty, is this strong fence, that protects and secures to you the fruits of your labour. Liberty is that wall, those gates and ramparts, that surround and defend you from the merciless fury of Tyranny, who for ever raves around them, bellowing for entrance, and thirsting for blood. It is, therefore, your deepest interest, as well as duty, to be vigilant and watchful of the motions and designs of this prowling enemy of your peace; your prosperity, religion, and happiness. Acquaint yourselves minutely with the true principles of liberty, on which the different State governments, and your great federal compact is founded. Read books of authentic history and travels. They will inform you of the fatal consequences of the loss of liberty to the different nations of the world. Contrast the want and wretchedness experienced by your fellow-creatures in other countries, with the peace, plenty and felicity you enjoy in this. Remember, that for all these, under Providence, you are indebted to liberty,—infuse these ideas into your children. Cultivate their minds, and enlarge their understanding by education and reading. Set before them, in your own persons, examples of firm patriotism and genuine piety. Inure them to habits of industry, economy and virtue, love of country, and gratitude to the Great Giver of all good. Then may the storms of aristocracy roar, and the fury of foreign or domestic enemies swell and rage around you. Your liberty, founded on this immovable rock, its structure adorned, and its energy directed by that incorruptible Republican, who on this ever-memorable day, has ascended into the chair of State, shall roll back all their meditated mischief on their own heads, and your country rise in strength, grandeur, and prosperity—the seat of learning and of arts—the abode of plenty and of peace—the asylum of the persecuted, and the pride and glory of the world. Is this hope great and elevating? Who, then, that so lately beheld the surrounding glooms of aristocracy descending in dismal darkness, and threatening to blast and bury for ever from our view this glorious prospect—what republican I say, who eyed with a throbbing and indignant heart, the evil genius of despotism breaking into this our western paradise, to plunge us into a world of woe, but feels now a flood of joy swell his overflowing heart on this triumphant day, at the defeat and expulsion of this archfiend, and the universal overthrow of his fallen associates. The majesty of the people arose, and their enemies were hurled to the regions of despair and ignominy. The clouds are now dispersing, the prospect brightens with more splendour than ever, and every patriotic heart welcomes this happy era.