For you will remember that the first anniversaries of this Republic have passed away: and the warm exuberance of new-born nationality has given place to care, to thought, to the consciousness of burdened duty, the weight of national responsibility, and the heavy cares of citizenship and government. And, therefore, we may more properly, at this time, think about our duties and our obligations, as a Christian State, and ponder the responsible future now coming quickly upon us.
Moreover, this, I should judge, would be the thoughtful tendency of all thinking men among us. The burdens of State are increasing every day. Deep and weighty questions are constantly arising. More and more are we brought into relation with foreign lands. And young as we are, the future begins to loom upon us with import and solemnity.
Such questions have much filled my own mind since my residence in this country. And during the few days which I have sjient in preparing this address, no subject has seemed more deserving of notice than this:—"The duty of a rising Christian State to contribute to the world's well-being and civilization; and the means by which it may perform the same."And this is my subject for the day.
"With respect to this point of obligation, fortunately for the speaker, as well as for the apprehension of his audience, the idea of duty and obligation is one so common and so manifest that it needs but be mentioned to be felt. The truth comes in upon us from different sources, and in divers streams. The simple details of common culture, the inobtrusive
