unperverted understandings can best determine on subjects of a
practical nature. The positions and plans which are said to be above
the comprehension of the multitude may be always suspected to be
visionary and fruitless. He who made all men hath made the truths
necessary to human happiness obvious to all.

Our forefathers threw off the yoke of Popery in religion; for you is
reserved the honor of leveling the popery of politics. They opened
the Bible to all, and maintained the capacity of every man to judge
for himself in religion. Are we sufficient for the comprehension of
the sublimest spiritual truths, and unequal to material and temporal
ones?

Heaven hath trusted us with the management of things for eternity,
and man denies us ability to judge of the present, or to know from
our feelings the experience that will make us happy. "You can
discern," they say, "objects distant and remote, but cannot perceive
those within your grasp. Let us have the distribution of present
goods, and cut out and manage as you please the interests of
futurity." This day, I trust, the reign of political protestantism
will commence. We have explored the temple of royalty, and found
that the idol we have bowed down to has eyes which see not, ears
that hear not our prayers, and a heart like the nether millstone. We
have this day restored the Sovereign to whom alone men ought to be
obedient. He reigns in Heaven, and with a propitious eye beholds his
subjects assuming that freedom of thought and dignity of
self-direction which he bestowed on them. From the rising to the
setting sun, may his kingdom come!

Having been a slave to the influence of opinion early acquired, and