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up from nothing to be a mighty nation, but also in the events of our history, which thou hast overruled for the advancement of our interests and for the increase of our fame.
As thou didst with Thine ancient people, in raising up prophets and princes, and leaders in times when their services were needed, so hast Thou done with us in providing us with men for the emergencies and trials through which, as a nation, we have had to pass. It was Thy wisdom that directed the great discoverer of modern years in his search after the shores of this western world, and it was by Thine arm of power that his adventurous band were protected during their perilous journey over the ocean, and preserved among the savages of the wilderness. It was through Thee that the daring efforts of those adventurers were successful in revealing unknown treasures to the world, and in giving an almost limitless territory to the industry and enterprise of man.
By Thee our fathers were directed to the land of beauty thus disclosed. Encouraged by Thy smiles and favor they colonized upon these shores. They spotted them over with flourishing cities, and converted the gloom of the wilderness into the habitation of happy multitudes. In peace Thou wast their Protector; in war, their firm, unfailing Friend. When the yoke of servitude was presented to their necks. Thou didst break it in the hands of the oppressor. When the fetters of tyranny were forged to enslave them, by Thee they were snapped asunder before they were bound upon their arms. It was under the notice of Thine approving eye that they hurled resistance to the tyrant's law, and in the face of the Revolution, determined to be free. In a day of peril they declared their independence, and proclaimed their Federal Constitution to the world. That Declaration and that Constitution they manfully sustained at the risk of fortune, life, and sacred honor; and in sustaining them they presented gloriously before the powers of the earth the anomaly of nations—a free republic.
Fiercely and swiftly upon the decree of revolution the storm of war came down. When clouds and darkness hung upon the shores of Columbia, amid the lightning's flame Thy hand was seen—amid the thunder's peal Thy voice was heard. It was Thou, the Almighty King of Heaven, that didst lead Thy favored people of the earth in safety through the storm. It was Thou that didst conduct them through the gloom of their dark and bloody trial to the place of honor and renown.
In that time of trouble Thou didst provide men for the performance
