INTRODUCTION. 



IN the wide range of political economy, there 

 is perhaps no subject exciting so deep an interest 

 as the unexampled prosperity of the United 

 States. The theory of self-government, so ob- 

 noxious to the advocates of legitimate rule, seems 

 destined to shake to its centre the established 

 dynasty of Europe, where systems, which for 

 centuries have mingled with every relation be- 

 tween the ruler and the governed, seem fading 

 before a Liberty that at no distant day shall es- 

 tablish her fane on the ruins of the sceptre and 

 the throne. 



The experience of fifty years has confirmed 

 in the history of the Republic the predictions of 

 the warmest friends of freedom, which, like the 

 types and shadows of ancient prophecy, year 

 after year unfolds to view ; as in the civil and 

 political institutions of the country, we see the 

 happiest accomplishment of the promised bless- 

 ings. 



Religion, the corner stone of the social fabric, 

 unfettered by protecting legislation, dispenses 

 around us the blessings which attend in her train; 

 B 



