A humble tribute to my country

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Preface

Born and cherished in a land of civil and religious light and liberty, and feeling grateful for such a distinguished privilege, and anxiously solicitous for the preservation of those rights and blessings so richly bestowed upon us, the Author, for the sake of his children, his country and the world, has occasionally noted down, and now offers to the public some practical, and, he trusts, useful hints and instructions upon the duties and practices of men in the various relations of life. This work, in this respect, differs from the exciting and fashionable productions of fiction and fancy, by which intellectual amusement is often consulted at the expense of general utility and solid improvement.

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The reader of this little volume will find much political, legal, moral, and general information to reward his patient attention. And although it is designed to aid the cause of sound moral, religious and political improvement, yet nothing will be found of a bigoted, narrow, sectarian, or uncharitable cast, even on the agitating topics of slavery, temperance, religious controversy, or on the subject of amusements, and the regulation of the temper and habits of the young, and even fashionable circles. For the author has participated in the scenes of youth and the gay world, as well as those connected wuth practical duty and experience in the trying periods and circumstances of life.

The only topics in the least calculated to wound the feelings of any correct minds, are the remarks upon election and baptism. But the reader should bear in mind, that the author's view of the one represents our Creator as always acting and superintending, not, as heretofore, having done all things. And of the other, gives in candor much to his opponents, and simply disapproves of their exclusive theory.

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It may be objected, that too many subjects Lave been touched upon, and even some disputed and difficult points in religion. But the reader will find no intricacy, confusion, or virulence here. He will be led directly to the point, and not be wearied with speculation and elaborate disquisition. The disbelievers in the sovereignty of God and the holy religion of his Son, will be told at once — and kindly, too — of their error. The Catholics (so called) will be shown, in plain and laconic style, that their mother church is wrong and must mend her ways ; — and so with the Perfectionists and Mormonites. To all these, the author at once discloses their errors without any tedious apology, or the least indulgence in acrimony or ill manners.

Preserved, as he has been for more than half a century, under a variety of vicissitudes, he has had the advantage of much personal observation to aid his undertaking. Through early, middle and advanced life ; through the recklessness and poverty of the one, and the complicated domestic cares, trials

and afflictions, as well as public responsibilities of 1*

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the other periods of life, he has endeavored to keep a tender conscience towards God and man ; but like other sojourners in this vale of terrjptation and sin, he has nothing to boast of, but much to regret. And now, before he goes hence to be here no more, he affectionately leaves this little Volume, in hoj)e that i it may j3rove useful and acceptable to his friends and i countrymen, upon whom, and also upon this work, he imj)lores the guidance and blessing of Heaven.

Brattleboro', Vermont, ) Januat-y l..i, A. D. 1842. \

GENERAL INDEX.

[FULL TABLE OF CONTENTS AT THE END OF THE VOLUME.]

Chapter I

Politics — our government — constitution — laws — exhibiting some useful views and reflections upon each ; and a full view of our national constitution, with explanations and comments — historical, political, legal and admonitory.

Chapter II

Useful and practical hints, and views in relation to the most prevalent crimes and offences, and penalties attached to them, with remarks upon moral and legal obligation, and upon the influence of habit, early impressions, popular errors, false delicacy, sensibility, &c.

Chapter III

General views and suggestions on national justice and policy, and our political and business concerns and prospects, and various relations in life ; and also upon some deeply interesting points in religion, morals, education, temperance, slavery, &c.

Vlll GENERAL INDEX.