their researches, till a general comprehensive view of the world be gained by them. With the aid of science they can look at the other planets of the solar system, and at the heavenly bodies, "which rule by day, and give light by night." This would be the natural course of things. But should they shut their eyes on the objects immediately before them, and neglect to examine the records of their own state, and monuments on which are written the names and deeds of their progenitors; and cultivate an acquaintance first with the events of other states and nations; the transactions of other generations and deeds of past ages and remote antiquity; and with regions separated from them by seas and oceans, their course would be preposterous and unnatural. But this doing violence to nature and congruity, is often witnessed many neglecting what is of easy access and most valuable, for that which is difficult and remote, and less useful when reached. In estimating the value and excellence of a thing, many are prone to inquire first, if it is of foreign production, from what quarter brought, and at what expense and hazard! Whatever is of native growth and production, they hastily conclude to be of little value and neglect to examine; and turn their pursuit after that which is far distant, and associated with names of greater celebrity. This is somewhat characteristic of Americans; particularly as it regards the productions of the mind, works of literature and science. In some measure also, it is the case relative to history. The history of other countries and ages must be read first, and our own historians and writers

last, and reluctantly, as we submit to wear home-spun clothes when we can afford no other. This anti-patriotic spirit will, it is hoped, be of short duration; and counteracted, especially by the youth of the green mountain state.

What would you say of a man placed providentially in the midst of beautiful scenery, but who should close his eyes upon it, and fatigue himself in vain to find better views and landscapes in some far distant and unknown regions? Who from a hasty glance at what was around him, should conclude that the Maker of these things had done better in some other place; and therefore pay no regard to what he saw, till he had made thorough search for something more excellent, somewhere to be seen? Who should neglect to gaze at the lofty mountains and beautiful vales before him; overlook the rivers and streams, flowing majestically along their channels, or dashing down in torrents from the neighboring hills; blink at the variegated hues of the forest; and stop his ears against the music of birds flitting through woodlands and across his path? Who should spend his early and best days in search for more elevated mountains; mightier rivers, more pleasant meadows and vallies; and sweeter notes from nature's songsters in some other parts of the earth? Would he not seem to you infatuated; running counter to the order of nature, and making himself anxious to little purpose, seeking far for that which was near and within his

reach?

Would it not be equally incongruous for you to neg

lect and undervalue the rural scenery of your native state; its variegated, endlessly diversified views and prospects, its majestic mountains and beautiful rivers, and its forests cheered with the notes of their own songsters; and seek an acquaintance with familiar things in other countries, or study first the writings of foreigners, and those, whose opportunities have enabled them to write of far distant places from personal knowledge?

The peculiar circumstances attending the establishment of Vermont, as an independent state, claim the early attention, and should excite the interest and curiosity of her children.

The acquisition of American Independence is a noble and perpetual theme for the orator and patriot. Vermont state sovereignty was an achievement little less glorious; and ought by her citizens to be viewed as such, and cherished by her latest posterity as an honorable distinction. She can show on her banner what no other state in the union can not only freedom from oppression in common with her sister states; but the badge of her own Independence, established against the conflicting claims of neighboring Republics, and the long interference and interdiction of the national councils. Vermont is indeed small compared with the whole Union, and the measures which resulted in her maintaining a place in the Republic; and the circumstances attending them may be forgotten, or unknown by the citizens generally of the nation. Their interest in them was always comparatively small, and has been growing less and less since the settlement of the difficulties.

Her success, or failure in her struggles for justice periled the welfare of few, compared with the issue of the war of the Revolution. But the principle was the same, and numbers can never effect the principles of right and justice. In common with their countrymen, Vermonters rejoice in freedom from foreign tyranny as a nation; and for the smiles of Providence on their own cause in rendering them a free and sovereign state. This fact, then, that of her individual State-Independence should be kept in perpetual memory. Her youth should be emulous to make themselves early and well acquainted with the singular complexion of their origin and being; the manner of their gaining a name and standing on a level with the other republics which form this great empire.

It is always an interesting inquiry relative to any state, nation or important enterprise, what was the character of its origin? What was the cause which gave rise to it; what circumstances had a controlling influence on its subsequent destiny? Battles the most bloody, and events the most important have resulted from trifling incidents that the hand of God in them might be more visible. The wife of Marshal Ney in a thoughtless moment was reproached by the wives of the ancient Bourbon peers of France as upstart nobility. She complained of it to her husband. He vowed revenge. He prepared the way for the return of Napoleon from Elba ; and this led to the flight of the Bourbons: and the reascending of the throne of France by the exile; the mustering of a powerful army, and the celebrated battle

of Waterloo; the dethroning of Bonaparte and confinement on St. Helena; the condemnation of Ney, and his being shot down by a file of his own men, and his wife distracted. The most loathsome reptile must be the instrument of our parents' fall: and the eating of the forbidden tree the origin of the knowledge of good and evil, and of the overwhelming ills which have deluged the earth. The flooded, ruined, depopulated earth was to be re-peopled with man, animal, and insects of every kind, from an ark prepared by Noah. The hollow, defective trunk of an oak in Hartford, was the place of deposit for the Royal Charter of Connecticut liberty, and which thus escaped the searching eye of tyranny, to blot out the articles of her rights and privileges. The cupidity of a Dutch Sea Captain led to the settlement of New England; being bribed to land the pilgrims from Holland at a point northeast from that stipulated; leaving the mouth of the Hudson for the Hollanders to occupy. Thus in causes apparently trivial, the foundation was laid for New England's greatness and glory. A hardy, intelligent, and enterprising people, and many of them devoted to the fear of the Lord, sprung from the small band of persecuted pilgrims, who came from England by the way of Holland, and more than two hundred years ago. commenced the settlement of New England.

The cupidity of a few land-jobbers over-persuading the government of New York to give permission to demand of the first settlers of this territory, either to re-purchase, or quit their farms, gave rise to Vermont as