The evil designs of men made subservient by God to the public good; particularly illustrated in the rise, progress and conclusion of the American war. : A sermon preached at Lexington, on the nineteenth of April, 1783; being the anniversary of the commencement of the war between Britain and America, which broke out in that town on the 19th of April, 1775. / By Zabdiel Adams, A.M. Pastor of the Church in Lunenburgh. ; [One line from I. Kings]

A SERMON, &c.

GENESIS 50th Chap. 20th Ver.

"But as for you, ye thought evil against me, but GOD meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

THE story with which the text is connected, is one of the most affecting tales to be found on sacred record. Taken in all its circumstances, it is beyond a parallel. It contains such a number of surprising incidents, and all, at last, so overruled by the providence of God, for the good of the eastern world, that it is not only one of the most entertaining, but also the most instructive pieces of history. It gives an illustrious character to Jehovah, as a being of such sublime perfections, that the most unpromising events are, by him, made sub|servient to his own glory, and the good of his people. It teaches the malignancy of the passions of envy and

hatred on the one hand, and the strength of natural affection on the other; and when these are set in con|trast, as in the case of Joseph and his brethren; when the events are so unexpected, so interesting, and at last terminate so well, the story becomes too impassioned to be read with stoical insensibility. A man of senti|ment and of piety can never read it with an unaffected ••eart, or with eyes unsuffused with tears.—From it w•• farther learn that guilt is fearful and suspicious.— Thus, the brethren of Joseph, are under fearful ap|prehensions (since their father was dead, who was the centre of union,) left Joseph, now in power, should take deserved vengeance upon them who had designed, and really, for a time, brought him into most unhap|py circumstances. From these suspicions they sent messengers to him, informing that it was the dying injunction of their common parent, that they should confess their fault, and ask forgiveness; hoping from the benignity of his disposition, that he would in consequence thereof, restore them to his favor.— They were not mistaken. The injured brother, al|ways generous, humane and god-like, most heartily forgave them, assigning this particular reason for his conduct, "you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good," &c.

The occurrence to which my text alludes, has a near affinity, in its origin and final issue, to the tragical event, which eight years ago took place in this town, destined, by divine providence, to be the stage on which a most memorable scene was acted. The instances are not, indeed, in all respects, parallel; and who could expect to find, even in the bible, that copious book, an instance exactly similar to that which then happened in this place; which ushered in the American war, and gave rise to this anniversary, which

has been so worthily conducted and laudably con••••|nued to this day. * 1.1

Were we to trace the similitude, it would be no difficult matter to point out a striking one in several particulars, though not in all. It must be confessed there are some discrepant circumstances. Thus, a sin|gle family was concerned in the banishment of Joseph; whereas, a whole nation meditated the subjugation or ruin of the American States.

In the case of Joseph no murder was committed, though originally intended; but murder has been per|petrated here, with every circumstance of cruel barba|rity.—In these two instances they differ, but agree in many others.

Joseph's brethren through fear of his future exalta|tion and aggrandisement, first intended to murder, and afterwards sold him into Egypt. Envy was the moving cause. And what greatly different excited the British king and his parliament to meditate and stir up against us, a severe civil war of near eight years conti|nuance?

They were jealous we should one day revolt, become independent states, and rise to liberties superior to their own.

The elder brethren of the family meditated his ruin; and who but our elder brethren attempted to despoil us of our liberties, and reduce us to a state of vassalage? Again, Jacob's sons advanced Joseph to honor and distinction, by the very means they made use of, to humble, depress or destroy him. So in the present case, the measures made use of by Britain to enslave the in|habitants of this country, have accelerated their inde|pendency, sovereignty and honor. Farther, as the great Jehovah overruled the malice and envy of Joseph's brethren for the good of the whole family and Jewish nation; so the unprecedented massacre of this day, and the subsequent ravages of the British troops, through the country, though "meant by them for evil, yet the great Jehovah has overruled for good," not only to this and the United States of America, but also to some other kingdoms of the world! And may I not add, that since the causes were so similar, and the ef|fects also, we in this country ought to resolve as Jo|seph did, not so to remember the injury done and de|signed, as to ill treat or forbear acts of kindness to the people of Britain; from whom our ancestors de|scended, to whom we are consequently related, and with whom we symbolize in religion, language and laws.

Before we proceed to point out the happy effects of the war just concluded, to this and other parts of the world, it may be proper to make some strictures on the d••••trine that is held forth by the text.

This and some similar passages of scripture have been much quoted of late by a certain new and upstart ••••ct to prove that God is the efficient cause of sin.— In support of this novel doctrine, they quote not only my tex••, but such passages as the following—"I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create evil; I the Lord do all these things". And again; "Is there evil in the city, and the Lord hath not done it?" These passages, methinks, are greatly wrested. For they refer not to moral but to natural and penal evil, as has been the confession of the wise and learned in former ages, a very few only excepted. They are now pressed into the service of a particular sect, who would make the wondering world be••eve, that they are the authors of new discoveries, and have unraveled a difficulty which has nonplused the brightest geniuses in former and latter times! But, pri••e apart, who could suppose that the above-mentioned passages coun|tenance any such sentiment? a sentiment repugnant to the moral character of the Deity, which subverts the order of nature, and makes an holy GOD very like to his grand antagonist, the Devil! To suppose that GOD cannot effect his designs without bringing sin upon the stage, or influen••ing moral agents to the perpetration of it, is to imagine that all powerful and perfect Being to be weak and impotent, and altoge|ther such an one as ourselves!

It is true, the great Jehovah has certain plans of providence which he carries on, and never wants means to effect. But is it not contrary to the true meaning of Scripture, and the common sense of man|kind, to assert that he is the efficient cause of sin, and that he influences men to commit it, in order to effect his designs? There is no need of this; for if good must be brought about by the wickedness of men,

there is forever a sufficient number of moral, free agents, who, prompted by the devil, and their own hearts lusts, are ready to do that, which under the superin|tending providence of God, is overruled and finally terminates, either to the general good of the system, or to a particular part of it.

The brethren of Joseph, filled with envy and ambi|tion, could not brook his dreams, nor bear his party-colour'd coat; and therefore conceived a design to murder, or some way get rid of him: But the great GOD, known unto whom are all his works, from the beginning of the world; whose counsel shall stand, and who will do all his pleasure, made these same passions subservient to his particular purpose. They intended to gratify their malice, but He to indulge his bound|less philanthropy and benevolence. Now I would ask. Is there not a mighty difference between GOD's permitting these brethren the gratification of their hearts desire, and governing it to the public good, and his being the efficient cause of their behavior? The latter opinion makes men machines; the former is consistent with that freedom which is essential to ra|tional beings—to moral agents.

I have observed, that GOD has general plans of providence, which he is ever carrying into execution, and which he some times accomplishes through the lusts and passions of men.—I will mention a few in|stances out of very many.—It was the will of heaven that a seven years drought should come upon the eastern world, and that the posterity of Abraham, then in Canaan▪ should be preserved from the fatal influ|ence of it. This could not be better effected, in the common course of things, than by having a prudent man of their own number sent before them into Egypt,

that garden of the world, who, having a foresight of the impending scarcity and through a variety of ad|verse fortune, being raised to distinction and power, should cause the erection of granaries, by stores sea|sonably accumulated in which, the posterity of Jacob, as well as others, should be preserved from the sad consequences of a severe and long continued scarcity. This scheme was executed by the malice and envy of Jacob's sons, who sold their brother with no other view than to be rid of his pretended, haughty and im|perious temper. Now, through whose efficiency was this barbarous banishment brought about? God's? or Satan's? Let scripture and common sense decide.

Indeed, some persons pretend that God influences to the opus operatum, to the outward action, but not to the sinfulness of it. This appears to me, a lame ac|count of the matter. It will not quadrate with the case referred to in the text. How can we, in that in|stance, separate the action from the obliquity of it? To kill, or to banish persons, under some circumstan|ces, is a virtuous action, a laudable deed, when they have forfeited their lives or merited exile. But how can the same be done to innocent persons without guilt? And if there was guilt, to whom is it to be imputed? To God, or to Jacob's sons? Let God be holy, but every man a sinner.

In after ages, the Jews were to be redeemed from Egypt by an out stretched arm. The great Jehovah, in that idolatrous country, and emporium of the world, chose to display his wonderful w••••ks, and his evident superiority to the false gods of the Heathen. Nothing gave a greater scope for this, than the obstinacy of Pha|raoh, the reigning prince, who refused to let the chil|dren of Israel go out of his dominions, till the most

astonishing judgments were sent, and miracles wrought in the land of Ham! But we are not from hence to conclude that God by his efficiency produced this pra|vity of disposition, in the Egygtian king. All that was necessary, was to raise to the throne, and cause to stand there a certain man, whose avarice, ambition and tyranny prompted him to detain the posterity of Israel in his kingdom, till Jehovah demonstrated himself to be the true God of the universe. There is one ob|jection to this account of the matter: the scripture as|serts, in direct and positive terms, that God hardened Pharoah's heart. It also says in other places▪ that he hardened his own heart; nothing more, therefore, can re••sonably be intended thereby, than that God permitted him to follow the evil dispositions of his heart, left him exposed to the temptations of the world and the devil, took from him his holy spirit, and brought him into such trials, as meeting with a perverse temper, render|ed it more so; not that he used any positive influence in the production of this event.

Farther, it was the will of heaven, a scheme in pro|vidence, that the people of Israel should be planted down in the land of Canaan. To this end the antient inhabitants must be exterminated. They were left there|fore, to fill up the measure of their iniquity, that so the Jews might be justified, in the destruction of them. To suppose God made them wicked by his own effi|ciency, is to imagine that he was reduced to the hard necessity of justifying one sin by the production of another, than which nothing can be more injurious or absurd.

Again; The Jews after being sometime planted in Canaan become extremely vile; so that, agreeable to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nature of the divine government, it was ne|cessary

they should be punished by captivity. There were those who were ready to carry this design into execution. Senacharib undertook the service: but it was far from his intention, to fulfill the designs or exe|cute the plans of heaven; all that he meant was to gratify his lust of domination and conquest. According|ly we find the Almighty thus declaring, I will pu|nish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria. He meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy, and to cut off nations not a few.

Once more: It was the scheme or plan of provi|dence, to redeem the fallen world by the advent and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In order to accomplish this benevolent plan, the Saviour of the world must be put to a cruel and ignominious death. Judas and the people of the Jews stood ready to accomplish the deed, which, though nefarious in itself, was productive of the happiest consequences to the world. The per|petrators were actuated by the worst of principles. Sa|tan▪ through the door of avarice, entered into Judas, and St. Peter declares, that his murderers in general were moved by an evil spirit, and practised with wick|ed hands.—Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain."—From these examples it plainly appears, that though there be gene|ral schemes of providence which will be executed; yet we are by no means obliged to recur to the blasphe|mous assertions of some late dogmatists, who tell us, that as the plan was from heaven, the evil principles by which it was accomplished were from God.

These instances being previously mentioned, and commented on, we shall apply the whole to the me|morable

revolution that has lately taken place in this country.

It was the will of heaven, and agreeable to his gene|ral plan, that the principal part of America should be|come separate and independent of Britain.

This separation must be brought about, like most other events, by the agency of men. America ••••st revolt; and some incidents must take place, to induce or excite them thus to do. The avarice and tyranny of Britain soon led them to this. Instigated by those restless desires, they imposed heavy burthens grievous to be borne; revoked our charters, shut up our ports; changed the mode of criminal prosecution; quartered a body of armed men upon us, who insulted the inha|bitants; and finally, to complete the system of oppres|sion, excited the dogs of war, the sons of violence, to butcher innocent and unoffending men. The first at|tack was made upon the militia of this town, who, on|ly because they appeared in arms, and thereby demon|strated that they would not be tame spectators of every outrage, insult and abus••, were, in a most inhuman manner, cut down, and eight of them had their souls instantly dislodged from their bodies. As soon as the fame of this barbarous deed had reached the distant colonies, all America rose as one man to arms, to avenge the wrong done to their fellow-countrymen! The British troops, indeed, marked their progress through this and the neighbouring towns on that memorable day, which we now solemnize, with such characters, of un|heard of barbarity, that all to whose ears it came, were ready to say, that no such deed had been done in Ameri|ca since its first settlement to that time.† 1.2

And having their souls filled with an extrem•• abhor|rence of it, were ready to cry out in the language of Jacob, when he reflected on the cruelty of Simeon and Levi; "O my soul, come not thou into their secret, unto their assembly, mine honor, be thou not united; for in their anger they s••ew a man, and in their self will digged down a wall. Cursed be their anger for it was fierce, and their wrath for it was cruel." From this wanton and unprovoked massacre, the American war

took its rise, and barbarous rage effected what no other consideration could have done; it combined a large nation in arms, though of somewhat different customs, laws, religion and manners; and what is still more wonderful, combined them against a powerful and war|like kingdom, nearly related by blood▪

The war thus commenced, went forward with tedi|ous progression, and with various fortune, till▪ under the conduct of a kind providence, it has at length ended in independency and peace! Now, though the general plan was evidently of God, to emancipate America from the bondage of Britain, who deprived their fore|fathers of liberty of conscience, under the intollerant spirit of a persecuting Land, and in this way caused them to seek an assylum in this then howling wilder|ness; and who with the same spirit pursued ••s their sons over the ocean, and had they not been obstructed, would never have desisted from their attempts, till they had made us hewers of wood and drawers of water, to haughty and imperious taskmasters: yet the evil spirit which induced them to these measures, can not be im|puted to God▪ but to Satan and to their own corrupt hearts —"As God cannot be tempted of evil, so neither doth he tempt any man; but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lusts, and enticed: surely the wrath of man shall praise him, and the remainder of wrath he will restrain" It is his prerogative to e|duce good from evil; to reduce the greatest excentri|ci••ies to order, to frustrate the deepest laid schemes, to turn the wisest counsels into foolishness, and to make wicked men, quite beside their own intentions, the ex|ecu••••oners of his pleasure! "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how un|searchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding 〈◊〉〈◊〉!" This ••••••lamation of the Apostle is remarka|bly

verified in the rise, progress and conclusion of the late war. The king of Britain meant one thing, but the KING of HEAVEN another. The former intended to b••ing us to his feet, and extort a revenue from us, to maintain a band of idle pensioners, the tools of go|vernment; but the latter meant to bring about as at this day, to make a great and numerous people (cor|rupt indeed, for which we have been severely chastised) the depositaries of that liberty which is the incontestible birthright and peculium of man; of that liberty which has forsaken the greater part of the world, flown over the Atlantic and now domesticates itself with us.

I shall in the last place observe, that as God mean•• these evil things for good; and great good has already resulted therefrom, and there is much greater in rever|sion; the consideration thereof should, as in the case of Joseph, reconcile us to our brethren of Britain, di|vest our breasts of all emotions of resentment, or re|venge, and induce us, upon their return to a pacific temper, to maintain a friendly intercourse with them. * 1.3

At least, we ought to forgive them, bear them no ha|tred, and pray to God that none of the evil they have done us, may finally be laid to their charge. This I know is a hard duty, but it is such as we are bound to comply with. As a preacher of the gospel I am obliged to recommend it to whomsoever I have the honor publicly to speak. If we feel the smart of the blows inflicted, the duty of forgiveness is still more difficult. Now this is our case. The sufferings of America by the hands of Britain are still felt, and they have been cruelly severe. A little recollection will soon convince us all of this. You my brethren

of this town, want no monitor to stir up your minds, nor lively description to affect your hearts at the do••e|ful tragedy which was here perpetrated. Though eight years have since rolled away, yet your souls have a lively remembrance of your affliction and misery, of the wormwood and gail that were contained in that bitter cup, of which yo•• were compelled to drink large draughts!—Those missive ba••ls which felled eight or ten of your number to the ground, and which were discharged without provocation, ushered in a scene of havock and destruction through that dreadful day which, when brought full to view, still harrows those bosoms that are softened with compassion, and causes the cry|stal, briny tears to flow! Well may you all shed a tear over the mouldering urns of your murdered friends on this anniversary, especially when you call to mind the tragical circumstances attending their exit, the cause in which they fell, and the glorious events that have resulted from their deaths! —On this occasion, you may be allowed to shed both the tears of sorrow and of joy; of sorrow, when you consider how dreadful it was to have your relations and friends sent instantane|ously, and perhaps unexpectedly, to the righteous bar of God! How lamentable! how affecting the sight! to see husbands, sons and fathers lying in their gore, pale and breathless, s••••ched away, without opportu|nity of going through the parting ceremony, or so much as bidding the long farewel; at once deprived of their company, their support and solace; and abandon|ed to all the wretchedness of wo••! I•• this had hap|pened in the common course of providence, and after the usual premonitions, it would have been a mighty mitigation. But to have the atrocious deed unexpect|edly perpetrated, and that not by a common enemy, but by those who were relations and pretended friends, with whom heretofore we have had sweet communicati|on

and now had no sufficient cause to hurt, much less to kill, how aggravating the circumstance, how pun|gent the grief! For these reasons you are excited, on this occasion, to shed tears of grief; and also, that your friends had not lived to share with you the im|portant blessings of independency and peace, to which they so greatly contributed.—But then, on other ac|counts, you are called to shed the tears of joy: In particular, that your friends and townsmen died in so good a cause, that they fell the first victims, and were made a sacrifice for the good of their country. Every generous and disinterested soul, forgetting the ties of blood, is prompted thus to do. Even the mothers of heroic youths, among the Romans▪ though of the ten|der sex, have been known to rejoice that their sons were slain in battle, and died in the cause and for the honor of their country! Quam dulce et decorum est, pro patria mori, was a principle with them. It is also a maxim of reason and no less so of the gospel, that it is better that one man, nay that many men should die, than that the whole nation should perish. Since then, the murder here committed by the British troops, has been followed with happy consequences, has preserved this country from slavery or destruction, the consideration thereof should cause townsmen, and even relations to dry up their tears of sorrow, and excite them to weep tears of joy.

But when I have mentioned the death of your friends, I have told but a part of the bitter tale. Not content with killing your townsmen, they were prompted by Satan, to burn your houses and destroy your property, Those who in the morning of that fated day, arose and blessed themselves that they were possessed of com••••••••ble 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the fruit of for|mer toil▪ were▪ 〈…〉〈…〉 deprived of their

accommodations, had not, like our divine Redeemer, where to lay their heads, saw their dwellings consumed to ashes, and the smoke ascending to darken and in|sult the face of day! And this which happened to you in the first instance, has been the bitter portion of ma|ny others on the continent. Need I tell you of the towns, fair and populous, that have been consumed by fi••e in the wantonness of British rage? What num|bers of our brave men, the young, the healthy and robust, the boast of their country, the pride of their parents, and the flower of the army, have miserably perished in jails and prison-ships, through neglect and studied cruelty, for want of wholesome provision and fresh air? Should I paint in proper colours the dread|ful scenes of carnage, the horrid tortures which, with more than diabolical malice, were inflicted on our countrymen, and women and children, in some of our new-settled plantations, it would renew your grief, ex|cite the tenderest emotions, and wring your breasts with the keenest anguish! How many women have been ravished and maids debauched in the course of this unhappy war? What enormous taxes have been l••id upon us, and how oppressive the load we have borne in defence of our liberties and lives.* 1.4

But notwithstanding all this, it is certainly our duty to forgive, if not to forget. To forget, indeed, I know is not our duty. Sooner may our right hands forget their cunning, than forget thee and thy unpa|rallelled sufferings, O my country! Indeed, whilst the vestiges of learning▪ and the force of the English lan|guage remain, it is impossible they should be forgot|ten. For such writings have been composed, and such monuments erected, as will perpetua••e the dis|tresses of this country, and the mighty exertions they have made for their liberties, to the last period of time. The annals of America will stand distinguished among all the nations of literature, till "the angel, with one foot on the sea, and another on the earth, shall lift up his hand to Heaven, and swear by him that liveth forever and ever, that time shal•• be no longer! Even our tender offspring, in future times, will stand around the knees of their parents, and with faultering accents ask, what meant the military exercises, and the yearly meetings, on the nineteenth of April, at Lexing|ton? Their fathers, under the operation of various pas|sions, will inform them, that then began, in that place, those hostilities, which, in progress of events, brought on the present happy settlement; the great privileges they now enjoy. The children, satisfied with the

pleasing narration, will bless the memory of their vir|tuous ancestors, and sacredly hand down the impor|tant tale, from generation to generation, till children shall be no more!

But though it be impossible to forget the late trans|actions on the stage of America,—yet certainly the laws of Christianity oblige us to forgive. The duty of forgiveness Heaven does not extend so far as to oblige us to make the offenders our confidents and friends— to trust them for the future, or receive them into our intimate communion: it only requires, that we bear them no ill-will— take no steps for revenge—and re|commend them to the mercy of God. We must bless them that curse us, and pray for them that despitefully use and entreat us, if we would be the children of our Father in Heaven, who causes his sun to rise on the e|vil, and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just, and on the unjust. If we are his children, and possessed with a humane and benevolent heart, we shall bitterly la|ment those wars and fightings, which the lusts of men create. Great allowances are to be made for the weak|nesses and follies of mankind. As we are human, and know our own frailties, we ought to be indulgent to the follies and vices of others.—Homo sum, et nihil hu|manum a me alienum puto,—was the modest saying of an ancient sage. On this principle, we ought ever to ••ct.—Reason requires it, and scripture demands it▪ Joseph, educated in the Jewish religion, teaches us, that in consideration of the great good that resulted from his brethren's envy, he should overlook and forgive the most aggravated personal offence.—But a greater than Joseph is here. St. Stephen, when just expiring under the cruel attacks of his enemies, breathed out this benevolent prayer, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge! And a greater than Stephen, even the Lord Jesus▪

just before he was put to a cruel death by his persecu|tors, preferred this petition to God, which contained the only excuse that could possibly be made for them;—Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do! Let us go and do likewise. Shall we, who profess ourselves Christians, and are assured, that unless we forgive men their trespasses, our heavenly father will not forgive our's; which are greatly aggravated and daily committed, refuse to forgive▪ or retain our resentment against the people of Britain? God forbid! May we honor the manes of our departed friends who died in the war, and most cordially at the same time forgive the perpetrators of those evil deeds, in consideration of the great good that has arisen there|from, not only to this but to some other parts of the world.

Now, would it not be deemed impertinent or super|fluous, I could easily point out the great advantage that has accrued to some other countries as well as to this from the late American war. Before the contest with this western world, the spirit and the idea of li|berty, was almost lost from Europe, as it had been long before from Asia and Africa. This dispute aroused it in Ireland, who before were fettered in chains of severe bondage. Poverty and oppression reigned in that island. Their trade was most invidiously re|stricted; pensioners were saddled upon them; their taxes were heavy, and their rents from landlords who lived in England, enormous; by means of all which, the common ranks of people became excessively poor, and from the greatest industry could scarcely procure a mouthful of meat for themselves and family more than once a week. But seeing the spirit raging in America, they caught the heavenly fire, and with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in their hands made a bold demand of their

rights, & never desisted▪ till England granted their request, unfettered their trade, and now permit them to live upon terms of reciprocity with themselves! A glorious ef|fect of the American war! Farther, the king of France has given free toleration to his Protestant subjects, and al|lows them to build their churches, undisturbed in any part of his kingdom! The king of Spain has put an end to the Inquisition; and from the ratified articles of peace between these two latter kingdoms and Bri|tain, it should seem, that it is made upon more liberal principles than commonly has been between Protes|tant and Popish kingdoms. But what is the most considerable, the confederated States of America have in consequence of our struggles, become free, sove|reign and independent Independency and freedom are the wish of all men. Freedom, indeed, may be abused to purposes of licentiousness, and what other blessing may not be abused? But, if it be not our own fault, we may now be the happiest people upon the face of the globe! Instead of being controuled by others, at three thousand miles distance, we now have it in our power to rule and govern ourselves, to im|pose our own taxes, choose all our officers, regulate our internal police, and rise under the influence of our virtues, to eminent distinction and renown!

We have at present a happy constitution of go|vernment, framed by wise men and accepted by a majority of the people at large. If we adhere to the spirit of it, and labor to give energy to the laws, and dignity to the governing authority, by electing wise men and true, and then submitting chearfully to their commands, we shall doubtless taste the sweets of that liberty for which we have bled at every vein.

It is not only natural for nations to wish to be in|dependent, as the minor pants for twenty-one; but

it must be highly eligible and advantageous to be sepa|rated from Britain. Whilst connected with them our peace and virtue would ever have been in danger. Their examples would have had a pernicious influ|ence on our morals. Their extensive comme••ce has given them wealth, and wealth by a natural causality has produced luxury; and luxury, effeminacy. These vices are extremely contagious; and if we had been connected with and dependent on them, should have been very prone to have aped them in their vices as well as in their virtues; and such vices as those above-mentioned, would have been highly detrimental to an infant country. May God long preserve us from them.

Besides, being in connection with them, we must frequently have been embroiled in their broils; which we know in time past have been frequent and nume|rous; and probably will be so for the future.

Monarchies are often in war, with a view to extend the domains of a single man, whilst Commonwealths are na••urally pacific; because the benefit resulting from conquest, being divided among the ruling body, which is numerous and often shifted, or among the commu|nity at large, is not a sufficient stimu••us to war.— Hence Holland, Switzerland, and other republican states are never, except through necessity, engaged in national disputes; though the latter republic, it is well known, furnishes a plenty of the best soldiers, who are often the mercinary troops of crowned heads.

Having therefore assumed republican governments, and being now separated from Britain, and not obli|ged to follow her inc••ination or her fortune, there is the highest probability, that we shall enjoy a lasting, if not a perpetual peace; and that this would be a preci|ous

boon, a glorious advantage, we must needs be convinced from the late long continued horrors of war; for if war be a judgment (which by sad experience we all know to be fact) doub••less peace is a blessing. If we are in peace we shall be at leisure for the noblest purposes; for the service of God; for being deliver|ed out of the hands of our enemies, we may serve him without fear, in righteousness and holiness all the days of our lives;—for the cultivation of the arts and sci|ences, which never flourish in a time of war;—for the extension of commerce and a lucrative navigation";— for the improvement of agriculture; and the diffusion of the blessings of good government, and liberty to all around us.

When rapt into future times, we contemplate the great things which will be acted on the stage of Ame|rica; how she will bless her numerous sons; how pro|duce legislators, politicians, orators and poets, equal to the most renowned of antiq••ity, and how she will rise to opu|lence, fame and glory; unless it be her own fault, we must feel ourselves not only willing to forgive the people of Bri|tain, who by the infatuation of their councils, have been the undesigned instruments of so much good; but can also bless God, most heartily, that he has been so ki••d to us, whilst in pleasing gratitude we can adopt the words of the prophet, and with but a little alteratio••, say, "Happy art thou, O America! who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thine excellency!"

I cannot, with decency, conclude without addres|sing myself to the gentlemen now in arms:—

RESPECTABLE SIRS,

WHILST we revere your character, as soldiers, we cannot but lament those lusts and passions of men

which make your profession necessary, and entitle you to deserved esteem.

In the present state of the world, no body of men is more important than that which is acquainted with the dexterous use of the instruments of death, and has studied the arts of killing! A well regulated militia is the glory and defence of every country. They are a greater security than standing armies, who, though necessary in time of war, are ever dangerous in peace. The liberties of Athens, of Rome, of Sweden, and of many other places, have been destroyed by them. Our rulers, knowing their pernicious influence in other parts of the world, have resolved they shall not be maintained here in times of peace. Soon, there|fore, may we expect to hear that our army is dis|banded, and then our dependance will be altogether on the militia. And indeed on whom can we rely for safety better than on them? Memorable have been their exploits in former times. It was by the militia that England anciently penetrated to the gates of Pa|ris, took their fleurs de lis, and almost conquered that great and potent kingdom. And what noble feats have they not performed during the progress of the war but lately finished? Principally by their exer|tions Burgoyne and his powerful army were captiva|••ed, and lost their power to hurt.* 1.5 Considering,

therefore, gentlemen, the importance of your charac|ter and the expectations of the people, you will be persuaded to persevere in measures for the acquire|ment of greater military capacity to do good. Peace will justify no relaxation in this regard. As the country, for ought we know, may soon be attacked, and need your assistance, so we trust you will labor to be qualified and disposed to give it. To your con|duct, under GOD, we are much indebted for the present independent station we hold among the nations of the earth; for here the corner stone thereof was laid. As you early stept forth, lent your aid to your country, and made a sacrifice in her cause, at a time when she needed the assistance of all her sons; so we trust, should there be any future call, you will be prompt in obedience to it. How glorious to be hailed, like Camillus, the saviours of your country!

The deaths of those who from your body were slain, as on this day, by British cruelty, have been suitably noticed and resented; and that you have not yet for|gotten them is evident from your appearing in hostile array in the house of God.

You have acted a laudable part in observing this an|niversary to the present day. It has answered a most

valuable political purpose, as well as demonstrated a decent respect to the memory of those who first bled in their country's cause. What may be the line of propriety for the future, I shall not take upon me to say, and for this reason, because I do not particularly know. This, however, I may be permitted to ob|serve in general, that the ends of this institution being chiefly secured, the call for its continuance cannot be great. To you it belongs to determine, and to you it is left. But if you continue the solemnization of the anniversary, yet you will not perpetuate your resent|ment against the inhabitants of Britain. It is unbeco|ming the character, both of ch••istians and soldiers so to do. As the good soldier is brave in war, he is no less humane and gentle in peace. "Better is he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." Whilst, therefore, you bless the ashes of your departed friends▪ you will eradicate from your breasts the spirit of re|venge, and all forbidden resentment to the living; and exert yourselves so to pass through life, that when death shall lay its cold hand upon you, and call you hence, you may be ripened for, and through grace in the divine Redeemer, be admited to that glorious world, where wars and fightings never enter, where harmony and love perpetually reign!

And now turning myself to this numerous assembly, I would, in the fulness of my heart, congratulate you on the return of peace with its olive branch, after the toils and perplexi••ies, the strates and horrors of mo••e than a seven years war! Hail my happy countrymen, at length emancipated from the slave••y that was de|signed for you! The shackles are knocked off; the chain that was to have bound u•• in perpetual bondage, was marr••d in the forge, the snare is broken and we

have escaped! And not only escaped, but are placed on the stable rock of independence, and are brought to an honorable and advantageous peace. * 1.6

That we may perceive in the most lively manner, the blessedness of our present situation, and keenly relish the joy of the day, we need only recollect the horrors of that dreadful day, when the war first broke out in this place,

and contrast them with the present smiling aspect of di|vine providence. That was a day of darkness and of gloomi|ness, a day of clouds and thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains; when the people were much pained, and all faces gathered blackness. Many of you heard the sound of the trumpet, and the alarm of war; and saw the doleful spectacle of garments roll'd in blood! you saw your friends pale in death, and heard their dying groans! Distressed at what had already happened, you were no less anxious for the future. Sadness sat brooding on every face, and sorrow penetrated deep into every heart. But now the scene is mightily reversed—the incumbent gloom is dispelled, and the brightest pros|pects open to view. That never to be forgotten morn, was ushered in by the discharge of musketry, loaded with the instruments of death! But this opened with the feu de joye, which diffused agreeable sensations thro' the soul. On that day, the British standard erected, presented a sickening prospect to the free born sons of Massachusetts: but on this, the thirteen stripes of the Ame|rican flag, waving and wantoning in the wind, exhilirate the heart, and cause the pulse of freedom to beat high. On that doleful day, the floor of this sacred house was crimsoned with the blood of our murdered friends, and spread over with their mangled corpses; but on this, it is trod by the feet of devout worshippers, who come hither in crouds to express their gratitude to that God who has beheld us with a propitious eye, ap|peared for our help, and turned this anniversary from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day! That day saw some of the best characters of the pro|vince proscribed, doomed to destruction, and hunted like partridges on the mountains; but this auspicious one beholds them advanced to the first seats of the go|vernment, and enjoying the confidence and reward of

an obliged people. * 1.7 Thus the stones which the British builders refused, and designed to break to pieces, have, in our political edifice, become the head stones of the corner! This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes! This is the operation of that God who appeared for the Jews, when destined to slaughter, promoted Mordecai to the highest post of the king|dom,

and inflicted on an haughty Haman, the punish|ment due to his crimes —Thus by the kind provi|dence of that God who disposes the fate of nations, and causes kingdoms to rise and fall at his plea|sure, we are b••ought to the summit of our earthly wishes, and have lived to see what many others disired, but were not permitted to behold, by reason of death. Since our lives are lengthened out to this glorious epoch; since we have seen the blood here shed, cleansed by that God, who abominates murder and all acts of cruelty; let pious gratitude rise from the altar of our hearts to the King of kings, and the most substantial obed••ence to his laws adorn our ex|ternal conduct. Let us all, now laying aside every other contention, strive only to do most for that Being who has saved us from slavery, redeemed our lives from destruction, and crowned us with loving kindness and tender mercies. As the war is brought to a conclusion, let us attend to the arts of peace, for which we have so blessed an opportunity.

Since we can now sit under our own vines and fig-trees, having none to disturb us, or make us afraid, let us diligently cultivate the soil which has been watered by the blood of our countrymen; and beg of God that he would cause the earth to yield her increase, and the trees their fruit; that he would give us friutfu•• seasons, and plentiful crops: for then soon will our scarcity be followed with redundancy, and America supply the deficiencies of others. May navigation, trade and commerce flourish; and by an attention to every source of wealth, may we have such streams flow in upon us, as shall enable us to discharge all our dues, and give us distinction among the nations of the earth. Above all things, may we seek after true repentance, and peace with God, which, alone, will

stand us in stead, when the revolutions of kingdoms and empires shall cease; "when the sun shall grow dim with age, and nature sink in years." Nothing, on this side of eternity, can give us lasting content, if we have not peace within;—little shall we be bettered by peace with a foreign enemy. In the revolution of a few years, we must follow our departed friends, and be unconsci|ous to terrestial scenes. Let us, therefore, seek peace with God through Jesus Christ, the great peace-maker; who has made both Jew and Gentile one, and made peace by the blood of his cross; —that so when we are called away from the enjoyments of American citizens, we may be made free of the city of the New-Jerusalem, and become the denisons of the Zion that is above.

AMEN.

Notes

• * 1.1

  As hostilities first began in the town of Lexington, it was thought proper by the worthy and patriotic minister of that place, with the entire approbation and concurrence of his res|pected hearers, to institute a solemn annual commemoration of that important event; on which the militia has been un|derarms, military exercises performed, and a sermon preached to crouded auditories. The whole has been conducted with great decorum, and to universal acceptance. The Rev. Mr. Clark preached the first sermon, in which is contained a par|ticular narrative of the whole transaction; Mr. Cooke, of Cambridge, the next; then Mr. Cushing, of Waltham; Mr. Woodward, of Weston; Mr. Morrill, of Wilmington; Mr. ••ummings, of Billeri••a; and Mr. Payson, of Chel••••a.
• † 1.2

  I am sensible, that acts of greater barbarity in themselves considered, have sometimes been committed against the Ame|ricans by the aboriginals of the country. But still, when all circumstances are duly considered, the affair at Lexingt••n may be pronounced cruel beyond a parallel. This will appear, if we for a moment reflect upon the cause and the author•• of this detestable deed. The indian•• acted no otherways than might reasonably be expected. ••ntut••red and destitute of civiliza|tion, they always made war with every circumstance of fer••|city; it was their nature and agreeable to their modes and habits of life. Besides, they were p••culiarly incensed against the English inhabitants, because they ousted them from their old possessions, and interrupted their fishing, ••u••••ing, &c.— But nothing of this sort can be ple••d in extennation of the crimes of the Britons, in ••iring on the Militia of Lexington. They value themselves on their polite••••ss and humanity, and certainly had no provocation thus to behave▪ except it be a provocation for others to hold arm•• in their fight. The Americans were never indebted to Britain for the soil they now possess; they purchased it with their own money, and cultivated it with their own hand••. It was extremely cruel, after they had driven our forefathers from Europe into the wilds of America, to pursue their sons, and slaughter them in heap••, for no other crime than ten••ciously adh••ring to their liberties and inheritance, which were transmitted to them from their ancestors. Upon a review of these several p••rticulars, we may be justified in saying, "no such deed had been done in this country since it was inhabited by emigrants from Bri|tain, to that time." Heaven, it seems, resented it, together with their other barbarous conduct towards this people; for when the appeal was made to him, and the dispu•••• wa•• to b•• ••••cided by the sword; he has given the cause to AMERICAN
• * 1.3

  This part of the Sermon may probably be excepted against, as not being fully understood. To prevent mistakes, therefore, let it be observed, that the pre••••her had no inten|tion to recommend the reception of the Refugees, or to per|suade the people of the Massachusetts so far to overl••ok the vile conduct of those persons, who went out from u••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up against u••, and did all in their p••wer to ruin and ••ve us, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to receive them into their ••os•••••• —This was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••om hi•• design. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not conceive t•••••• the preli••••••arie•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 peace oblige them so to do. From ••rusing those article▪ he is persuaded 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is finally 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the option of the different Stat•••• This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 therefore depend on the sentiments of the pe••ple at large, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the several Legi••|••ature••. It is to be hoped the•• will be ••••vinely directed. It the•• p••each••r may be permitted to express his own sentiments on a matter so differently thought of, be should certainly say, that many of the Absentees have conducted so ill, so effensively to the people of the United States, that it is, by no means reasonable, that they should ever be permitted to return to their former poss••ssions, even though they should be willing to pay the bona fide price which was paid by the present possessors. This, however, must be the subject of free dis|cussion in our several Legisl••tures. To them I trust, the people at large will be willing to refer it, and acquiesce in their determination.

  As to the people of Britain, the proper inhabitants before the war, there can be no kind of difficulty. They certainly ough•• to be forgiven, and rest••red to our charity, as they have virtu••lly acknowledged their fa••les in conceding to reasonable terms of peace. How far an intimate conne••ion with them in trade and commerce, will be advantageous to this country, is left to time and wiser head•• to determine. Such is the nature of mankind in general▪ that they soon overlook the greatest▪ ••••ri••••, when th••se who perpetrated them cease their offences; and there is no doubt thi•• will be the case i•• fu••ure times between Britain and America. But sopp••sing it should, this one thing may with truth be affirmed, that the copious consumption of their luxu••ies ca•• never be profitable to America. Though with a••l the world we may ••de, yet let i••••••stry prevail, and our exports 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our imports, ••ise we shall ever be poor and miserable.
• * 1.4

  That there is no exaggeration in the above representa|tion is well known to all who have registered the events of the war in their memories. Five or six large towns have been burned by the enemy, with an immense quantity of va|luable effects. Among these were Charlestown, Nor••olk, Falmouth, Danbury▪ Esopus and its environs, &c. besides a number of private buildings in many o••her towns.

  The sufferings of our people captivated and imprisoned by the enemy, have been severe beyond example. Witness, particularly, those who were carried into New York, and especially those that were captivated at Fort Washington, of whom eight or ten died every day. The dreadful sufferings of the people on the Susqu••hannah, are still fresh in our memo|ries, and the recollection causes the blood still to run cold in our veins! Of the•••••• and rapes New-Jersey and the Caroli|••a•• had large and sorrowful experience; though none of these things disheartned them! And of taxes, which have been incredibly heavy on all, none have paid a larger propor|tion than the inhabitants of Massachusetts. When the hea|vy debt contracted by the war will be paid, the wisest po••••••+••••••n cannot tell.
• * 1.5

  When I thus commend our militias, I certainly mean no reflection on our standing army. Great is their merit and much have they done, under Washington one of the wisest and best of generals towards bringing forward the present happy aera. Their toils and labors, their patience and perseverance, under peculiar discouragements, are unexampled in history! To such an height of discipline and skill, of bravery and prowess, have they arrived, that we should not fear to have them meet in the open field, an equal number of the best vete|ran troops in the world. A large British army was cooped up by them, and with the assistance of the French, Cornwal|lis, with his numerous host, fell an easy prey to their ma|noeuvres and undaunted courage. Now that they are about to leave the camp, with their brows encircled with the lau|rels of victory, may they cheerfully return to the peaceful walks of life, and by the several States who employed them, have equal justice done, and a reasonable compensation for all their former sufferings.
• * 1.6

  The Parliament of Britain seem to be discontented, and murmur at the peace, as being made, in their view▪ on terms ingl••rious to the nation. But be this as it will surely we, of this country, have the utmost reason to acquiesce in it, and with a mixture of joy and astonishment, take notice of the hand of Providence in accelerating this important event, and establishing it on terms so honorable to America. Our most sanguine wishes are gratified, and expectations out done! Who could have thought, when the object in dispute, was of such magnitude, that Britain would so soon desist from her claims, consent to the dismemberment of the empire, and make so large a proportion of it, independent! That we possess a share in the fishery, both in the gulph of St. Laurence and on the Ba••ks of Newfoundland; —that a moiety of all the great Lakes to the Westward, falls within our limits, which gives us the advantage of a lucrative in|land navigation, and an interest in the furr trade;—that our boundaries are so extensive—and that the British troop•• are to evacuate every part of confederated America, which they possessed during the war, New York. Long Island and Peno••scot, is under GOD▪ to be ascribed to the valor and heroism of our army, to the wisdom and unwearied exertions of our ambassadors. This event plainly demonstrates, that we can shine in the cabinet, as well as in the field; that we are wise in council, as well as mighty in war. This country will, I doubt not, retain a lasting and grateful remembrance of those worthies▪ both in civil and military departments, through whose vigorous and persevering efforts, we enjoy so glorio••s a peace, and so pleasing a prospect of future good▪
• * 1.7

  When the British troops came from Boston, it is belie|ved that one part of their business was to seize, if possible, his Excellency John Hancock, Esq our present Governor, and the honorable Samuel Adams, who, by their opposition to British tyranny, had rendered themselves obnoxious; and were known then to be in Lexington. They happily esca|ped out of their hands. For having, by private posts, dis|patched from Boston, received intelligence of the movement of a detachment of the troops, with the probable object of their view, those gentlemen arose from their beds in the dead of night, decamped, and thus escaped. They were re|served to a better end, even to govern and bless that people with their counsels, to whose deliverance from slavery they so greatly contributed. Truly laudable was the conduct of his Excellency in making his appearance in the house of GOD on this day. His presence increased the general joy, as it gave us an opportunity of sharing it with one, who had large|ly partook in the distresses of his country, lamented in all their sorrows, and administred to multitudes the balm of consolation. There was also a great propriety in his co|ming up to the house of GOD with others, to testify his thankfulness to Jehovah, on this occasion, as this was the town where his pious ancestors lived; as he was upon the spot when hostilities were first commenced; as he was de|signed to have been one of the first victims to their rage; as they came partly in pursuit of him, and he experienced the divine favor in his signal preservation on that day. The example was such as ought ever to be set by those in power, under similar circumstances. May his Excellency long live to taste the sweets of that liberty, for the obtainme••t of which he has made a great sacrifice; and this Commonwealth neve•• want a Governor to animate them to the worship of God by his own example.