ORATION. Meeting to keep the anniversary of our Nation’s birth in this time of the Nation’s trial, — assembled to renew our allegiance to the flag, dearer to us in its hour of peril than when it waved in unchallenged dominion over half a continent, while the varying fortune of war “ half conceals, half discloses ” that beloved symbol, — how shall we approach our theme, except by reverently lifting our eyes toward Him who holds the destinies of nations in his hands, and beseeching him, that as He was with the fathers, so He may ever be with us? In more peaceful times it would be pleasant to linger among the grand events that heralded the advent of Independence, — to trace the growth of Liberty through the stormy times of the Stamp Act and Tea Tax; through all the agonies and glories of provincial and colonial life, back to the day when the wearied Mayflower furled her sails within the protecting sweep of Cape Cod, and when the woods of New England first rang with the anthems of our Pilgrim Fathers. And while you will agree with me that the day is
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