16 THANKSGIVING SERMON. which should be alike indifferent to the smiles or the frowns, the caprices or the passions of the people; which ought to be independent of every thing but an enlightened and honest conscience, and which ought to be blind to every thing except to “ the law and the testimony,” pays tribute to the shrine of Mammon. That mischievous maxim that “ to the victors belong the spoils,” has become embodied in the creed of the nation, and even now threatens to give the death-blow to the republic. These are humiliating admissions; but such, to a lamentable and ill-boding extent, is the character of the American people. We 11 have made gold our hope, and said to the fine gold, thou art our confidence.” Yet Who does not see that “riches can not save us in the day of wrath T Gold can not harmonize our counsels; can not bring back lost opportunities; can not rectify our blunders ; can not tell us when, and where, and how to strike the heaviest blow; can not shield us from treachery; and can not impart either the ability or the integrity which the nation calls for. Rather does it stimulate that egotism and peculation which excite suspicion and disturb the confidence of honest men.
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