This Discourse was delivered at Hebron on July 4, 1799 by Cyprian Strong, Pastor of the First Church in Chatham, Massachusetts:
"Such is our civil constitution, that the security of liberty, property and every natural right, is left at the election of the people; so far as will consist with a proper degree of energy in government.
Our rulers, or those who stand at the head of our national government, will be just such men as we are pleased to elect. That we have and ever shall have, men of talents and abilities to legislate and govern, we have no reason to doubt. And it will be our own fault, if we have not such men at helm.
Our danger arises from sloth and inattention on one hand, and from prejudices and lusts on the other. It is in the power of the people, to have just such men and just such an administration as they please. If electors are without information, and will give in their suffrages at random - if they will suffer themselves to be wheedled by designing men and artful demagogues, they may forge their own chains and rivet them.
But, it is in their power, with proper care, to secure to themselves a government and administration, which will render them prosperous and happy."
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