Page 381 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

380 THIRD BOOK OF
ances; or, if no redress llowed, their justi cation r standing on their de nce. Britain ould not re­ lent, and all that remained to America was submis­ sion or resistance. The election was soon made: every one prepared himself r the aw l contest, and all eyes and hopes were turned towards Washington. With universal approbation he was summoned to place himself in tlrn ont of danger, and assume su­ preme military command. The possession of such a citizen at a moment so critical, was an invaluabletreasure, and an animating presage of the vourable issue of the great contest.
4. But r other thoughts absorbed his attention.
Modest, as he was eminent in valour and wisdom, he contemplated with mingled emotions of self-di ­ dence and generous resolution, the important stake placed in his hands; the subjection or independence: . 11 the vassalage or freedom of an immense territory, destined to be the habit ation of countless millions. · i When, there re, in obedience to the voice of his country, he placed himself at the head of her army, \ the expressions of his dependance on Providence , h should never be rgotten. Claiming no personal , merit, apprehensive of injuring the public interest : e:
through some misconduct; yet trusting to the justice o_f his cause, and consious of tle. purity of his mo- 1 tives, he called upon his llow-c1t1zens to remember · that he depended r success, not on his own military skill, but on the God of battles to whom he made his
solemn appeal.
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5. Washington, now at the period of his highest • ia
elevation, drew on him the attention, not only of this western c?1tinent, but of every European nat_ion. ci 0 llow-citizens! what days and years of anx10us
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