suppress the various forms of iniquity. Permit me to add; you may do still more to effect these great objects, by your example. The wisest and best laws, if disregarded by those who make them, will prove but a feeble barrier against the encroachments of licentiousness and vice. But there is a beauty, a majesty in virtue, especially in Christian virtue, which overawes, while it attracts; and which, while it gives confidence to truth and goodness, irresistibly frowns vice out of countenance. True it is, indeed, that after the best laws, and the purest examples have spent their force, there will remain a mass of disorder and wickedness over which the patriot heart will bleed. But you serve a kind and generous Master-a Master who will reward the intention, and the effort, though the accomplishment should fail. If you are faithful, nothing shall deprive you of his life-giving, everlasting smile. You shall live, too, in the memories and the hearts of all the good on earth; and having been the ornaments of the present age, you shall be the blessings, even of a distant and grateful posterity.

May the Almighty Ruler of the world look down, with a benignant eye, on our beloved Commonwealth and Country.

May the land of the pious pilgrims-the land visited by their enterprise, reclaimed by their industry,

and hallowed by their prayers-the land in which they planted the tree of religious and civil liberty— remain the abode of genuine liberty, and pure religion, while the world shall stand. May the rights, the privileges, the invaluable institutions which they have left us, be transmitted, a fair and unimpaired inheritance, to the latest posterity.

May the Infinite Being encircle in his protecting arms these United States. May the soil which has been wet with the tears of patriots, and moistened with the blood of brave defenders, be fruitful in every thing which dignifies, adorns and blesses a community. May our Country attain the distinguished honor of instructing the nations in the mysteries of a chastened liberty, a well regulated government, and a pure religion. Here, may myriads and millions be trained to the joys of a brighter world; and hence, may beams of heavenly light be reflected through the earth, till the PRINCE OF PEACE shall come, and bless the nations with his holy and bloodless sway.

SERMON

DELIVERED BEFORE

HIS EXCELLENCY EDWARD EVERETT,

GOVERNOR,

HIS HONOR GEORGE HULL,

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR,

THE HONORABLE COUNCIL,

AND

THE LEGISLATURE OF MASSACHUSETTS,

ON THE

ANNIVERSARY ELECTION,

JANUARY 3, 1838.

BY RICHARD S. STORRS, D. D.

Pastor of the First Church in Braintree.

Boston:

DUTTON AND WENTWORTH, PRINTERS TO THE STATE.