MVx. proctor's address. 45 



er ; the merchant transports their commodities from 

 one to the other ; and the surplus, if any, where it is 

 most needed. In the body politic, as in the natural 

 body, — no one part can say to the other, I have no need 

 of thee ; but the united and harmonious co-operation 

 of all is essential to entire success. If one is sick, 

 the others will faint ; if one languishes, the others will 

 decay. 



Whatever may have heretofore been thought, it is 

 now admitted by all, whose opinions are of any value, 

 that the vocation of the farmer is as honorable and re- 

 spectable, as any other in the community. 



" Worth makes the man." 



Our most distinguished and valued citizens have been 

 farmers, and esteemed it their highest honor to be con- 

 sidered such. Instance the farmer of Mount Vernon; 

 the farmer of North Bend; and may I not add, the far- 

 mer o{ Ashland; to complete a trio, of which any nation 

 might be proud. 



To be an honest, worthy, and intelligent farmer, is 

 the highest grade of nobility ever to be desired in this 

 land of equal rights. When other titles shall tower 

 above this, then will our liberties be in danger. In the 

 "times that tried men's souls," to whom did we look 

 but to the substantial yeomanry of the country for suc- 

 cor and support. Our main reliance for the protection 

 of our rights, under the Providence of God, will ever 

 be on the independent tenants of the soil. The home 

 of the farmer is on the soil he tills ; — there he desires 

 to live ; — there he expects to die ; — there he hopes will 

 abide his descendants for many generations. How 

 direct then his interest in the welfare of his coun- 

 try ! — How ardent his hope that she may continue to 

 prosper ! 



Remember that our rational enjoyments do not de- 

 pend so much upon the bounties of nature, as upon our 

 personal exertions to procure those enjoyments. 



Our necessity for labor is the surest protection against 

 the allurements of vice. 



