THE FARMER'S CALLING. 49 



our liands in support of our country — once beloved, united, 

 happy, glorious Union — that we may preserve and transmit it 

 unbroken to our children, as it was transmitted to us by our 

 fatliers, — and, I think, I know, I speak your sentiments in say- 

 ing that you will give your aid, and your strength, in aid of a 

 government ; that you will never yield your rights ; that you 

 will defend your birthplace, honor your fathers, and protect 

 their tombstones ; that if necessary, will lay down your life for 

 your country, that you may transmit to your children the bles- 

 sings of liberty, which have been transmitted to you by your 

 fathers ; that tlie soil, enriched by their blood and watered by 

 their tears, shall forever be consecrated to freedom and equality ; 

 that you will regard it as good husbandry, not only to cultivate 

 your farms but to defend them to the last, and guard well the 

 spot where your fathers lie buried ; and should it be necessary 

 that the musket and sword should be added to the list of agri- 

 cultural implements, I trust you will show yourselves accom- 

 plished, courageous, and brave, if compelled by necessity to 

 bring them into actual service. 



