20 MR. S ALTON stall's ADDRESS. 



providential care extends to all his works ? And where 

 shall we learn our dependence on divine providence so 

 effectually, as in an occupation where his visible pres- 

 ence seems manifest, in his imparting the influences of 

 the sun and of showers in such succession as to crown 

 with success the labors of our hands — who withholds 

 the needful blessing only so long as is necessary to make 

 us feel, that " it is God who giveth the increase." 



Farmers of Essex — You cannot render a greater ser- 

 vice to your country, than by disabusing the public mind 

 of any prejudices which still remain as to the true char- 

 acter and influence of your pursuits. 



" Sucli themes as these the rural Maro sung 



To wide, imperial Rome, in the full height 



Of eloquence and taste, by Greece refined. 



In ancient times the sacred plough employed 



The Kings and awful fathers of mankind ; 



And some, with whom compared, your insect tribes . 



Are but the beings of a summer's day. 



Have held the scale of empire, ruled the storm 



Of mighty war ; then with unwearied hand. 



Disdaining little delicacies, seized 



The plough, and greatly independent, lived." 



Man was made to labor. His physical constitution 

 shows it as plainly as if this law of his existence was im- 

 printed on his forehead. This beneficent decree has 

 united his duty and his happiness. And yet — how 

 strange ! — labor has, in almost all ages and nations, 

 been considered as dishonorable, and has been left to 

 serfs and slaves ! It is quite time to correct the preju- 

 dices as to the true dignity of labor, which have come 

 down us from remote and dark ages. We trust the 

 time is not far distant, when it will no longer be thought 

 in the old world, that the army, the navy and the 

 church — strange union — furnish the only suitable 

 emplovment for the sons of the rich and great. More 

 correct opinions are spreading. All civilized nations 

 are beginning to learn that war is the worst of evils. 

 The peace, which, blessed be God, has prevailed for 



