casion; an occasion providentially offered for future security and happiness If a royal army, though weak in its number, can thus insult us unpunished, the most slender imagination can easily foresee what must be the effects of a still greater force. I wish that the present generation, I wish that posterity may not feelingly reproach our inactivity.

threatning, with all the pomp of expression, to freedom, let us attend to this most pressing ocspread havock, desolation, and ruin around him; to see such a soldiery and such a general, yielding to an hardy race of men, new to the field of war; while on the one hand it exalts the character of the latter, convincingly proves the folly of those who, unter ? tence of having a body of troops, bred to war, and ever ready for action, adopt this dangerous system, in subversion of every principle Shall the frequent calls of our EXALTED GENERAL, of lawful government. Here, if, after having de- who seems to have been raised up by heaven, to pictured scenes of so distressing a nature, it may show to what an height humanity may soar; who not appear too descending, I could not forbear generously sacrificing affluence and domestic ease, smiling at the British general and his troops who, wishes to share with you in every danger and disnot willing to reflect on their present humiliating (tress, shall his frequent calls be in vain? remember, condition, affect the air of arrogant superiority. my countrymen, the eyes of the good and great, in But Americans have learnt them that men, fight- every clime, are upon the present contest. Liing on the principles of freedom and honor, despise berty, disgusted at scenes of cruelty and oppresthe examples that have been set them by an ene- sion, has left her ancient altars, and is now hovermy; and though, in the field, they can brave every ing to fix her last residence in America. Our exerdanger in defence of those principles, to a van- tions have hitherto been great and successful. Let quished enemy they know how to be generous; but not the ashes of WARREN, MONTGOMERY, and the that this is a generosity not weak and unmeaning, illustrious roll of heroes, who died for freedom, but founded on just sentiments, and if wantonly reproach our inactivity and want of spirit, in not presu-ned upon, will never interfere with that na-completing this grand superstructure; the pillars tional justice, which ever ought, and lately has been of which have been cemented with the richest properly exerted

blood of America. May that same ardor, which But while, with the warmest gratitude to heaven, has rendered America famous, still continue, and we view our late successes, and are at a loss to exlooking forward to those happy days of liberty and press our acknowledgment to the illustrious hero, peace, which our posterity shall enjoy, let us exult who was the instrument, and whose name to remotest at the thought, that future generations, while they ages will be ever dear to these New England states, reap the glorious fruits of our struggles, will rise

up

and call us blessed.

ORATION DELIVERED AT BOSTON, MARCH 5, 1779,
BY WILLIAM TUDOR, ESQ.
-Sed et illa propago
Contemptrix superum sævæque avidissima cedis
Et violenta fuit.
Ov. M. L. I. F. 5.

let us not forget our situation. There is an army, and a very powerful one, still existing in the heart of America. Methinks the reputation of past successes should animate every inhabitant of America to fly to arms; and by one general exertion utterly expel this last, this only remaining power of Great Britain on the continent. Ye, to whom the sacred, the important system of government is committed-ye men of sense and virtue-ye patriots, who feel an affection for your country born to delude and be deluded; to believe whatand posterity, let me conjure you to seize the present opportunity, happier than we could ever have expected, and which once omitted may never be again in our power.

Whatever secondary props may rise
From politics, to build the public peace,
The basis is, the manners of the land.—YOUNG.
Fathers, countrymen, friends-"That man

was

ever is taught, and bear whatsoever is imposed," are political dogmas which have long afforded matter for exultation and security to dignified villains, from the sceptered tyrant, to the meanest minion of power. But however confirmed they I would not pretend to insinuate, that this is the may have been by the passive conduct of the only point which ought to be under immediate con- greatest part of mankind, you, my fellow-citizens, sideration, by a wise people or their delegates. But thank Gon, you are an exception to their truth. this I will venture to affirm, that unless this is the The numerous, the respectable assembly which governing sentiment, in every deliberation, every now croud this hallowed temple, are an exalted other thing is superfluous. Let us then rise su- exception to maxims as disgraceful as they are perior to every private local attachment. As we general. Ever vigilantly attentive to the sacred, are embarked on one broad bottom of universal unalienable rights of man; equally studious in the

glorious princi: les of liberty, as intrepidly de pursuits, and the gratification of voluptuous wishes, termined to preserve inviolate the inestimable a ready sacrifice is made of the general good at previleges she bestows; you are now convened, he shrine of power. Then slumbers that virtuous not merely to commemorate this anniversary, bu (jealousy of public men and public measures, which solemnly to renew the resolves, which freedom, was wont to scrutinize not only actions bu mowisdom, virtue, honor inspire: and not barely to tives: then nods that active zeal, which, with eagle resolve, but I trust, steadily to pursue the execu eye watched, and with nervous arm defended the tion of resolutions which have resulted from constitution. Every day new inroads are made deliberate investigation and full conviction. upon public liberty, while encroachments, like

To so intelligent, so well informed an auditory, temptations, grow more frequent and more danit must be unnecessary to deduce the origin of civil gerous in proportion as the power of resistance society, which, founded in reciprocal advantage, decreases. Thus, before a nation is completely and springing from social virtue, on the combined deprived of freedom, she must be fitted for slavery necessities and assistance of individuals, built the by her vices. general happiness—a happiness thus instituted, Generally, but not always, for we have known a nothing but public spirit, and a union of force and people ruled by a despot, who, fron a private of council can preserve: I must therefore request station, rose to uncontroled dominion, at a time your indulgence, whilst I rather point out those when they were sternly virtuous. And this mode evils which the concurrent experience of ages and of introducing bondage is ever to be apprehended nations prove to be subversive of every good pro-at the close of a successful struggle for liberty, posed from civil compact. Little solicitous of when a triumphant army, elated with victories, rhetorical applause, I shall offer you my sentiments and headed by a popular general, may become as they arise warm from a heart devoted to the interests of this my parent country, in language that becomes a freeman to use when addressing a free assembly.

Similar causes will forever operate like effects, in the political, moral, and physical world: those vices which ruined the illustrious republics of Greece, and the mighty commonwealth of Rome, and which are now ruining Great Britain, so late the first kingdom of Europe, must eventually over turn every state, where their deleterious influence is suffered to prevail. Need I add that luxury, corruption, and standing armies are those destruc. tive efficients?

more formidable than the tyrant that has been expelled. Witness the last century in the English history! witness the aspiring CROMWELL!

This audacious citizen, entrusted by his country with the command of her armies, to chastise the man whom previous folly had enthroned, and who soon presumed to treat his subjects, as all kings are wont to do, with contempt and injury, had no sooner despatched the foolish, imperious monarch, than he attempted to succeed him: with a little management, he soon found his army as disposed to regify him, as they had been to depose Charles. With these mercenary associates at his heels, he appeared in the synod of the state, and dared with Luxury, no sooner finds admittance into a state force displace the most glorious band of patriots than she becomes the parent of innumerable evils, that ever led a tyrant from his throne to a scaffold. public and domestic; her contagious influence is Not content with this enormous outrage upon the soon felt in society, and her baneful effects dis- constitution, this annihilating stroke upon the covered by a general dissipation of manners, and a tottering liberties of his country, for a time to declension of private virtue, which begets effeminate keep up the form of a popular government and to habits, and by a natural gradation, a base pliability bring parliament into contempt, he convened an of spirit. house of commons, constituted entirely of his own Luxury is ever the foe of independence, for at covered that they were utterly unequal to the posts creatures. They met, and in a few months dis

the same time that it creates artiñcial wants it precludes the means of satisfying them. It first makes men necessitous, and then dependent. It first unfits men for patriotic energies, and soon teaches them to consider public virtue as a public

jest.

At such a period, corruption finds an easy access to men's hearts. To the promotion of interested

*If a man in private life finds his oldest son an is other children: but if the heir apparent (in ideot or a rascal, he may dispose of his estate among hereditary monarchies) to a crown, an inheritance head or a villain, stili he must be the king, because in which millions are interested, turns to be a blocksuch is the line of succession established by law.Hence the few princes who have not been either the scourge or disgrace of the kingdoms they bave ruled.

they were raised to, they therefore petitioned their But why do I keep your attention fixed on remote master to dissolve them. Cromwell granted their request, and became sole tyrant of three kingdoms. Tyrant-for of what consequence is it by what style or under what modification despotism operates to the public wrong--dictator, king, protector, it is not the appellation we reprobate, though even that we should guard against, but the thing. Who but must own that Cromwell, under the name of pro tector, was as absolute a despot, as he could have been with any other title?

ceased to reverberate the insidious accents of his The first Cæsar affords us another instance among inauguration speech, whilst yet the venerable reprethe thousands which history holds up to our view, *This speech is inserted at large, not only beto teach us what bold and unprincipled spirits have cause it is fraught with excellent advice, but also effected by the aid of armies. This ambitious sub-to shew how little reliance ought to be placed on coro ation speeches.

sentatives of their country were fondly anticipat- and in wealth. Not a corner of the earth but had ing the blessings that would arise from the reign witnessed her achievements. Wheresoever she of so wise, so gracious a king-The unblushing directed her armies, victory and conquest attend. parricide surrounded, with an armed host, the ed; whilst her irresistible navy, thundering over temple in which the senate was assembled, planted every ocean, not only subdued, but annihilated the his cannon against the gates, and with the swords fleets of her enemies. of his guards at the throats of the senators, demand. Triumphant in war, not less distinguished in ed immediate absolution from his coronation oath, peace. In many of the polite, in most of the useby which he had most sacredly bound himself to preful arts and sciences, superior to her neighbors. serve inviolate the laws and liberties of the Swedes! In commerce unequalled; not a sea but bore, not a astonishing that a strippling, whose language wind but wafted her countless ships, laden with breathed the glowing sentiments of enthusiastic the riches of the earth, and made her crowded generosity, so natural to youth, could, with such ports the marts of the world. Late glorious nafacility, set at defiance all that is held sacred, tion, how art thou fallen, how lost! from so envied, honorable, and obligatory among men! but the lust so stupendous an height, by the perverted will of of domination, so natural to human nature, will thy infatuated monarch, and the pernicious counever prove too hard for the checks of conscience sels of his nefarious ministers. Driven to the and the dictates of right, when a favorable op fearful edge of ruin, we now behold thee tottering portunity presents to gratify it. Gustavus, know o'er the gulph of annihilation, whilst France and ing that the army were ready to assist his iniquitous her allies urge thee over the irremediable steep! designs (as all standing armies are to promote despotism, because under such a system of rule, soldiers must be necessary and consequently favor ed) the barriers raised by justice and his plighted faith to Sweden, became slight indeed. Force backed inclination, and Gustavus changed circumscribed authority, for unconfined sovereignty,*

When we consider the capital defects in the English constitution-the character of her present weak and ambitious monarch-the luxury, dissipation and venality of her influential men, we shall cease to wonder at her declension and present cir

cumstances.

In a limited monarchy, where the prince, as supreme executive magistrate, and first branch of the legislature, is invested with the important prero

Let us now turn our eyes to that nation whom we once did love, and with whom we had yet been friends, had not an unparalleled series of folly and cruelty, compelled us to renounce the pleasing gative of making peace and war, is constituted the relationship. A short retrospect of whose public conduct, subsequent to the last war, will afford many and important instructions.

In 1763 peace was restored after a war of seven years, successfully waged in every quarter of the

globe. At that period what an unrivalled figure did Great Britain stand amongst the nations! great beyond all former example, in arms, in commerce

tions, frugal living, and moderate gain, which lead to sure and certain wealth.

Good men of the worthy order of peasants, May piety, diligence, temperance, and old Swed ish faith and modesty, be the strongest confirma tion of the honor always due to that order which gives subsistence to all the others; an honor which the Swedish peasants have at all times attained.

This is all I ask of you, when you observe this, you perform in the best manner, that duty to me, and your country, which, according to the Swedish laws, I now call upon you to confirm by oath."

*For an historical account of this revolution, vid. Gentleman's Magazine for 1772, page 397, &c. For the Swedish constitution, vid. the abbot Vertot.

For a complete system of despotism, see the lex regia of Denmark, constituted by Frederick 3d, in 1665, and published by Christian 5th, in 1683.

sole fountain of honor, and becomes the exclusive disposer of every lucrative and honorable appointment, civil, ecclesiastic, and military, his influence becomes too enormous to be compatible with the public liberty: but if to such extravagant powers hands of the prince) he should superadd a detesta(by a fatal error in the constitution, placed in the ble system of corruption to bribe the representatives of the people (a system which, during the reign of his present Britannic majesty, hath been urged to its utmost possible extent) the worst species of vassalage must ensue. That equipoise between the respective branches of the legislature (in which the seeming theoretic excellence of the English constitution consists) will be totally de-. stroyed; the executive will involve the powers of the legislative, and whilst the letter and formalities of the constitution are retained, its spirit and intendment will be totally lost. An absolutely arbitrary, with the forms of a free government (that worst and surest of all tyrannies) will gradually succeed, and be finally established, unless a total revolution is happily effected by timely exertions

comes imperceptibly consented to. Thus doubly (adherence to the spirit of their constitution, and armed, together they pursue their morning route to those glorious principles from which that spirit to satisfy those demands only which nature reminds originated, we find them attaining real glory-we them of, and while the ingenuity of the one is find them crowned with every blessing that human exercised to ensnare, the strength of the other is, nature hath ever known of-we find them in the perhaps, employed to subdue their vigorous op possession of that summit of solid happiness that ponent. universal depravity will admit of.

Patriotism is essential to the preservation and

Their little family soon increases; and as their social ring becomes gradually enlarged, their well being of every free government. To love obligations to each other are equally circular. one's country has ever been esteemed honorable; Honest industry early teaches them, that a part and under the influence of this noble passion, every only is sufficient to provide for the whole, and that social virtue is cultivated, freedom prevails through a portion of their time may be spared to cull the the whole, and the public good is the object of conveniences as well as appease the wants of nature. every one's concern. A constitution, built upon Property and personal security appear to be among such principles, and put in execution by men the first objects of their attention, and acknow. possessed with the love of virtue and their fellowledged merit receives the unanimous suffrage to men, must always insure happiness to its members. preside guardian over the rights and privileges of The industry of the citizen will receive encouragetheir infant society. The advantages derived are ment and magnanimity; heroism and benevolence in a moment experienced. Their little policy, will be esteemed the admired qualifications of the erected upon the broad basis of equality, they age. Every, the least invasion on the public liberty, know of no superiority but that which virtue and is considered as an infringement on that of the subthe love of the whole demands; and while, with ject; and feeling himself roused at the appearance cheerfulness, they entrust to his care a certain part of oppression, with a divine enthusiasm, he flies to of their natural rights, to secure the remainder, obey the summons of his country, and does she the agreement is mutual, and the obligation upon but request, with zeal he resigns the life of the his part equally solemn and binding to resign them individual for the preservation of the whole. back, either at the instance and request of their sovereign pleasure, or whensoever the end should be perverted for which he received them.

Without some portion of this generous principle, anarchy and confusion would immediately ensue, the jarring interests of individuals, regard. Integrity of heart, benevolence of disposition, the ing themselves only, and indifferent to the welfare love of freedom and public spirit, are conspicuous of others, would still further heighten the disexcellencies in this select neighborhood. Lawless tressing scene, and with the assistance of the ambition is without a friend, and the insinuating professional pleas of tyrants, ever accompanied by the magnificence and splendor of luxury,* are unheard of among them; but simple in their manners, and honest in their intentions, their regula tions are but few and those expressive, and with out the aid of extreme refinement,† by a universal

selfish passions, it would end in the ruin and subversion of the state. But where patriotism is the leading principle, unanimity is conspicuous in public and private councils. The constitution receives for its stability the united efforts of every individual, and revered for its justice, admired for its principle, and formidable for its strength, its

fame reaches to the skies.

A mode of living above a man's annual income Should we look into the history of the ancient weakens the state, by reducing to poverty not only the squanderers themselves, but many innocent and republics, we shall find them a striking example industrious persons connected with them. Luxury of what I have asserted, and in no part of their is above all pernicious in a commercial state. Shall profits satisfy the frugal and industrious, but the Progress to greatness, producing so many illustri. Ixurious despise almost every branch of trade but ous actions, and advancing so rapidly in the road what returns great profits. to glory, as when actuated by public spirit and the

Home's hist. of man, p. 113, vol. 2. In the savage state man is almost all body with love of their country. The Greeks in particular a very small proportion of mind. In the maturity of civil society, he is complete both in mind and head of social affections, and so high in our esteem, *The amor patriæ, or patriotis, stands at the body. In a state of degeneracy by luxury and that no actions, but what proceed from it, are roluptuousness, he has neither mind nor body.

Id. 114.

termed grand or heroic. It triumphs over every selfish motive, is a firm support to every virtue, and wherever it prevails the morals of the people are found to be pure and correct.

Elements of Criticism.