EIGHTH DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. 421 



One thing of late years has pleased me very much, the increase of 

 selfrcsj^ect among the cultivators of the soil. Though tliat occupa- 

 tion has not been the business of my manhood, I was born on the 

 farm, and for several years the only money I earned was in follow- 

 ing the plow. I would not be afraid to compete for a straight furrow 

 to-day. Ilence I naturally took to the Grangers. They honored me 

 with the chaplaincy when the Grange was organized in our town. I 

 saw in that society a bright future for farmers, husband and wife, 

 son and daughter. And in a few months, no city society could num- 

 ber as many good singers, or more sensible speakers, or a better look- 

 ing company of ladies and gentlemen than the Grange. Farmers 

 have a greater number of important subjects to talk about than mer- 

 chants or mechanics. They have occasion to consult more books, and 

 during all the year have more time to read them than the shop- 

 keepers. The farmer's son is less confined than the clerk; and when 

 with talents and education, the political weathervane points in the 

 right direction, the farm is quite a good place from which to go to the 

 Legislature or to Congress. 



If I could say or do anything to improve and add interest and 

 attractiveness to this annual exhibition I would gladly do it. May 

 I suggest one thing, that we sing its praises, in song give glory to Him 

 who makes such an exhibition possible; who built these mountains; 

 who veined them with gold and silver; who gave these metals their 

 fineness and quality; who created the sun, without whose light and 

 heat darkness and death would reign supreme over all the land; who 

 created these fruits; who flavored them to man's taste, making them 

 so delicious; who formed and fashioned the horse in his majesty and 

 beauty and strength, and made him man's servant; who gave us 

 sheep and cattle. Think how generally we are united in what answer 

 we should give to these questions. How little of real atheism there 

 is in the minds of the people. Is it wise or fair to rule God out from 

 an agricultural and horticultural exhibition? The grandest music 

 ever written was composed in honor of God. The most celebrated 

 melodies of all antiquity were the songs of Zion. Many nations 

 were curious and eager to hear them. These songs all honored God 

 for his works, and praised Him for His wonderful works. AH classes 

 of religionists could join in this exercise. Atheism has little place 

 in the thought of the American people. 



But if we would put God in the place of honor we must do what 

 we can to put away what dishonors him — all forms of betting and 

 gambling. 



Then let us introduce a real harvest home exercise. We have the 

 fruits and minerals here before us. The sight of them fills our minds 

 with admiration. There are words and music to give the sublimest 

 expression to this admiration which we all feel. We have the players 

 upon the instruments with us. We are delighted with their liquid 

 music. Let also the singers come here, all the players upon instru- 

 ments, and all the singers, and let all the people praise God for the 

 gold and silver and precious stones, and for the grains and the fruits. 

 We feel like it. This is the time and place to do it with the grandest 

 effect. Such an exercise might become one of the great attractions 

 of the occasion. Thousands would enjoy it, and all who should enjoy 

 it would be benefited by it. It would be the true climax, the fitting 

 culmination of this exhibition of man's skill and industry, and of 

 the wonderful works of the Almighty. 



