One thing was aimed to be shown, that a firm reliance on providence, however the affections might be at war with its dispensations, is the only source of consolation in the gloomy hours of affliction; and that generally such dependence, though crossed by difficulties and perplexities, will be crowned with victory at last.] "Afflictions all his children feel, Affliction is the Father's rod; He wounds them for his mercy sake, He wounds to heal." [James Montgomery: The Grave. In _The Wanderer of Switzerland_ (1806). Stz. 1: A bruised reed he will not break, Afflictions all his children feel; He wounds them for his mercy's sake, He wounds to heal!] The clear, calm sunshine of a mind illumined by piety, and a firm reliance upon Supreme wisdom, crowns all other divine blessings. It irradiates the progress of life, and dispels the evils attendant on our nature; it renders the mind calm and pacific, and promotes that cheerfulness and resignation which has its foundation in a life of rectitude and charity; and in the full exercise of Christian principles we may find still increasing happiness. [_NY Weekly_: Chearfulness (quoting Dr. Blair): It is the clear and calm sunshine of a mind illuminated by piety and virtue. It crowns all other good dispositions, and comprehends the general effect which they ought to produce on the heart. ... A chearful temper irradiates the progress of life, and dispels the evils of sublunary nature.] CHAPTER IV. Still may the soaring eagle's quenchless eye, Watch o'er our favour'd country, brave and free, Where the bright stars and stripes in honour wave, The sacred emblems of our liberty. [M. W. Beck: "The Ballot-Box" (song). Here quoted from _The United States magazine and Democratic review_, Volume 5, 1839. Last verse: Let your eagle's quenchless eye, Fixed, unerring, sleepless, bright, Watch, when danger hovers nigh, From his lofty mountain height; While the stripes and stars shall wave O'er this treasure, pure and free, The land's Palladium, it shall save The home and shrine of liberty.] Many disagreeable circumstances now combined to disturb the happy tranquillity of the American government. "A war had for some time existed between France and England. America had endeavoured to maintain a neutrality, and peacefully to continue a commerce with both nations. Jealousies, however, arose between the contending powers with respect to the conduct of America, and events occurred calculated to injure her commerce and disturb her peace. [_Interesting Events_: Second War: