brought forth only to point a moral or illustrate the fame of
contemporaries whom they regarded not. [Applause.] Do I err in supposing
this an illustration of the supremacy which belongs to the triumphs of
the moral nature? At first impeded or postponed, they at last prevail.
Theirs is a brightness which, breaking through all clouds, will shine
forth with ever-increasing splendor.

I have often thought that if I were a preacher, if I had the honor to
occupy the pulpit so grandly filled by my friend near me [gracefully
inclining toward Mr. Beecher], one of my sermons should be from the
text, "A little leaven shall leaven the whole lump." Nor do I know a
better illustration of these words than the influence exerted by our
Pilgrims. That small band, with the lesson of self-sacrifice, of just
and equal laws, of the government of a majority, of unshrinking loyalty
to principle, is now leavening this whole continent, and in the fulness
of time will leaven the world. [Great applause.] By their example,
republican institutions have been commended, and in proportion as we
imitate them will these institutions be assured. [Applause.]

Liberty, which we so much covet, is not a solitary plant. Always by its
side is Justice. [Applause.] But Justice is nothing but right applied to
human affairs. Do not forget, I entreat you, that with the highest
morality is the highest liberty. A great poet, in one of his inspired
sonnets, speaking of this priceless possession, has said, "But who loves
that must first be wise and good." Therefore do the Pilgrims in their
beautiful example teach liberty, teach republican institutions, as at an
earlier day, Socrates and Plato, in their lessons of wisdom, taught
liberty and helped the idea of the republic. If republican government
has thus far failed in any experiment, as, perhaps, somewhere in Spanish
America, it is because these lessons have been wanting. There have been
no Pilgrims to teach the moral law.

Mr. President, with these thoughts, which I imperfectly express, I
confess my obligations to the forefathers of New England, and offer to
them the homage of a grateful heart. But not in thanksgiving only would
I celebrate their memory. I would if I could make their example a
universal lesson, and stamp it upon the land. [Applause.] The conscience
which directed them should be the guide for our public councils. The
just and equal laws which they required should be ordained by us, and
the hospital