_The Pilgrim Fathers_
The physical daring and hardihood with which amidst the times of savage
warfare, the Pilgrims laid the foundation of mighty States, and subdued
the rugged soil, and made the wilderness blossom; the vigilance and
firmness with which under all circumstances they held fast their
chartered liberties and extorted new rights and privileges from the
reluctant home government, justly entitle them to the grateful
remembrance of a generation now reaping the fruit of their sacrifices
and toils.—JOHN G. WHITTIER.
_Independence Day_
It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of
devotion, from one end of the continent to the other.—JOHN ADAMS.
_Our Country_
A goodly heritage.—Psalm xvi.
Upon this land a thousand, thousand blessings.
SHAKESPEARE, “Henry VIII.”
On thy brow
Shall set a nobler grace than now,
Deep in the brightness of the skies
The thronging years of glory rise.—BRYANT.
The materials by which any nation is rendered flourishing and prosperous
are its industry, its knowledge or skill, its morals, its execution of
justice, its courage, and the national union in directing these powers
to one point, and making them all centre in the public benefit.