The history of democracy; or, Political progress

Front matter

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Preface

History is the science of knowledge. Science is nothing without knowledge, but there may be much knowledge without science. It is only by the aid of science that knowledge is made practically useful. Science not only comprehends the knowledge of things and principles, — but the supreme skill of the understanding in discovering the natural system of their development.

The History of Democracy, is a history of principles, — as connected with the nature of man and society. All principles centre in God, — the eternal source of Truth, "Wisdom, Justice and Love. As the infinite attributes of Deity give existence, order and direction to the universe of being, so the, faculties of man are the ordained agents of the divine will, as made known by Providence, and within the limits of humanity. In the sublime truths of Christianity is to be found the high standard of human conduct and endeavor.

From these relations of mind turn to the physical world. Contemplate all external objects, in themselves and in their relations. This outward view comprehends all the great interests of the world. It embraces thought, labor, inventive genius, and skill, — industry in its beneficent rewards and necessities ; commerce, in its enlarging enterprise and influences ; science, with its keen and patient discernments of the natural laws ; the arts, in their beautifying refinements ; society, and nations, under the conditions of success, or failure, peace, or war ; government, with its collective power and authorized agencies; the theories of human agency, the unnumbered ways and methods of doing the same things, — which are the perpetual sources of inquir^^, discussion, experiment and action. The record of this vast activity, of its mean-

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ing and uses, is history. Every subject in its simple elements has its basis in principle, and its record in progress. In all this diversity truth demonstrates harmony.

The events which illustrate political freedom in America, for the elucidation of principles, may be divided into three periods, — from the first settlements to the separate formation of the Colonies ; from the distinct organization of the Colonies to the Revolution and the formation of the American Union ; and from the date of the Constitution of the United States to the present time. This subdivision has not been formally observed in this work, but practically, it will be.

All events, identified with the growth of a nation are more or less important, as they serve to illustrate principles. They may be classified according to their origin, nature and tendencies. They are of a transient or permanent nature. Some end almost with their beginnino-, while others discover elements of perpetual influence. A fact, is the record of truth, and can never be obliterated.

Every period of a nation's growth has its standard in principle. The colonists, in America, as subjects, had theirs in Monarchy. As men, they found it in Republicanism. "When they found that they could not defend their principles, either as colonists or men, they united as citizens to form a union that would secure the distinct and extended benefits of national existence. The laws of national transition permit no break in the illimitable chain of cause and effect. The links that belong together will be brought together, though centuries intervene. As space gives locality to matter, so time gives opportunity to mind. All the events of these succeeding periods are to be attentively observed in their nature, studied in their tendencies, and measured in their unlimited relations.

The monarchist and the republican ; the tory and the democrat ; the papist and the protestant ; the puritan, and the great family of dissenters ; the quaker, the pioneer, the adventurer, the fanatic and the theorist, — all, at one time or another, in some way, have been identified with the beginning and the growth of the American Republic. It is the purpose of this work to review their varied and combined labors

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and infiuences, and humbly to gather wisdom from their experience to serve as a guide to future endeavor.

If what the author has written shall tend in any degree to encourage inquiry, to enlarge and strengthen the patriotic resolves of manhood, to quicken and deepen the spirit of duty that dignifies citizenship, and recognizes the rule of God in the government of nations, he will have just occasion to congratulate himself that his labors have not been without some reward.

Mount Ida, Boston, September, 1874.

Contents

INTRODUCTORY.

Principles of Party. What party is. A world without party incapable of progress. Arkwright and Fulton. Party a manifold moral power. All great truths opposed. Man agent of power, and subject of want. Early trained as a partisan. English, free thinkers in politics. Whig and Tory, names familiar to all. Creeds ^nd Cliques. Men governed by motives. D'Aubigne, quoted, respecting a childhood party in England,

* Switzerland and Germany. Animals, Birds and Fishes combine. Froude, quoted, respecting the elements. Sir James Mackintosh, quoted, respecting property. Equity insured by law. Objects of law pp. 1-4