rchitecture
of that social order under whose security you live, simple, yet firm,
a model for other communities in its principles, and a blessing to
ourselves in the protection it extends over us,--all the protection
(but no more) that a freeman needs. And when you have filled your
contemplation with the spectacles presented by your own beloved
Republic, then bless the Lord for his goodness and his wonderful
loving-kindness; for it is He who has given us this ample heritage. If
ever men were bound to own that God is good, it is the people of these
United States. If ever a community on earth should be distinguished by
religious sensibility, it is this of which we are a part.

With this recognition of the Divine power and goodness must be united
a sense of the responsibleness under which every one lies before God.
These privileges--many and great--of which we have spoken are
entrusted to us by One, the righteous principle of whose government it
is, that to whom much is committed, of them will much be required. Our
political advantages lay on us a peculiar weight of obligation. We are
accountable, we shall be held accountable, for the use we make of
freedom and of power. What is freedom? It is liberty to do
right--nothing more than this; what more could an honest man desire?
But mark, the liberty imposes the duty. The freeman must do right, or
his immunities will enhance his guilt and deepen his condemnation. The
power which is committed to the hands of every citizen of this
Commonwealth--the power of controlling public sentiment through his
speech and of directing the public affairs through his vote--the power
of national sovereignty in which he participates as one of the
sovereign people--is a solemn trust. He by whom it is abused sins; he
by whom it is neglected sins. His guilt may never come under the
notice of his fellow-men, but it will be established before a higher
tribunal than any which they can erect. Every political act is a moral
act, in view of the principle which we have expounded, that whatever
we do, all must be done to the glory of God. Through the force of this
principle it acquires a religious or an irreligious character; is
clothed with a fearful significance, as it indicates the condition of
the inward life; and is linked to everlasting consequences, as it
forms part of the history of an immortal being. Whatever is done,
whether in public places or in secret chambers, is done in the sight
of God. And