ining
valuable knowledge. To those, who with the writer, believe that
ignorance is the parent of vice, and that the civilized is preferable to
the savage state, our situation, in the above particulars, demands the
gratitude of every heart.

Our constitution and government are perfectly free, and our laws are
mild, equitable and just. To the truth of this position there is the
most ample and unequivocal proof.

1. Those who seek to revolutionize the State declare this to be the
nature of our government with few exceptions.--Such testimony cannot be
doubted--it is the testimony of a man against himself. Ask your
neighbour to point you to the evils under which he labours--ask him to
name the man who is oppressed except by his vices or his follies, and if
he be honest, he will tell you that there is no such man--if he be
dishonest, his silence will be proof in point.

2. Strangers who reside here a sufficient time to learn our laws,
universally concur in their declarations on this subject. They will ask,
with surprize, why the people of Connecticut should complain? They see
every man indulged in worshiping God as he pleases, and they see many
indulged in neglecting his worship entirely--They see men every where
enjoying the liberty of doing what is right--and such liberty they
rightly decide is the perfection of freedom.

3. The experience of a century and a half, affords irresistible proof on
this subject. During this long period convulsions have shaken many parts
of the earth, and there has been a mighty waste of human happiness.
Empires and Kingdoms have been prostrated, and the sword hath been
devouring without cessation. This state too hath been threatened--
clouds have gathered and portended a dreadful desolation, but we have
been defended, protected and saved. No essential changes in our
government have ever taken place--formed by men who knew the important
difference between liberty and licentiousness, it has been our shield--
our strong tower--our secure fortress.--To the calls of our country we
have ever been obedient--No state hath more cheerfully met danger--no
state hath more readily or effectually resisted foreign aggression.
Washington while living was a witness to this fact, and tho' dead he yet
speaketh. While plots, insurrections and rebellions have distressed many
states and nations, Connecticut hath enjoyed an internal peace and
tranquility, which forcibly demonstrates the wisdom and equity of her