The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

Extract from an Oration on "Progress."

Can we neglect without ingratitude to speak of the progress of Christianity, our glory and our salvation? What proof more striking, what argument more convincing can be offered to establish its truth and excellence, than the consideration, that nothing has yet been able to obstruct its heavenly course? It has stood as the rock of ages, and will forever stand
"Unhurt amidst the war of elements,
"The wreck of matter, and the crush of worlds."

If its destruction was sought, ere it rose from the manger, an Angel appeared to preserve it from harm. If it was despised and rejected of men, Angels came and ministered unto it. If it was tempted on the mountain, its spotless integrity disdained the bribe of worlds. If it was betrayed with a kiss, its spirit was strengthened in the hour of trial by the arm of Heaven. If its sun was darkened on Calvary's mount, it soon recovered its splendour. If it bled and was mangled on the Cross, a physician was nigh to wash away the stain, and heal the wounds. If the door of the Sepulchre was guarded, the Angel of the Lord rolled away the stone, and it "burst the bar of death and triumphed o'er the grave." If it has suffered, and almost died a martyr at the stake: if persecution with unrelenting and ruthless vengeance has pursued it for destruction, its shield, more invulnerable than brass, has defied the raging of the flames and repelled the shafts of cruelty and violence.

The enemies of Christianity have found their exertions to destroy its progress, as idle as their breath to divert the course of the wind, or the strength of a babe to overturn a mountain. It has gone on, conquering and to conquer, leading captivity captive, and bringing its foes under grateful subjection. Idolatry has bowed its knee to acknowledge its power. Superstition has thrown off her mask to behold the effulgence of its countenance. Infidelity has trembled at the majesty of its truth, and skepticism has blushed to own a doubt.

It has run and been glorified, and we have every reason to believe, its light will yet pervade the darkest corners of the globe; that the savage and the infidel, wherever they may be found, will rejoice at its beams, as the only guide to future happiness; will hail the sound of its voice, as the only accents, that can speak peace and comfort to an immortal soul.