It may be added, and it is due to the colonist to add, that they were not unmindful of their obligations to that Being by whose fostering care they had been preserved during so many and so severe trials and privations. They had put their trust in Him, and he had saved them from the hands of their foes. Many had indeed fallen--many had suffered; but now, relieved from foreign invasion and savage butchery, they united in giving God thanks on a day set apart for the purpose, and went on their way rejoicing. [Illustration] FOOTNOTES: [25] Holmes' Annals. [26] Holmes. [27] Holmes. IV.--REVOLUTION. [Illustration: THE REVOLUTION] I. CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. OBJECTS proposed in the Settlement of America--Forms of Government conducive to Independence--Influence of Expenses--Colonies obliged to defend themselves, and to defray the Expense of their own Wars and those of the Mother-country--British system of Taxation commenced--Writs of Assistance--Stamp Act--Formidable Opposition to it--Non-importation Act--Arrival of British forces--Boston Massacre--Destruction of the Gaspee--Destruction of Tea--Boston Port Bill--Arrival of General Gage--His obnoxious Measures--Meeting of Congress--Preparations for War--Obstinacy of the King and Parliament--Crisis arrives--Determination of the Colonists. The Revolution of America was an extraordinary event; and at the time of its occurrence was unlooked for, both by the government and nation of Great Britain. That the colonies had long been dissatisfied with the measures adopted towards them by the parent-country, and that this dissatisfaction was gradually increasing, was well known; but the statesmen on the other side designed, and doubtless supposed, that they should be able to secure the submission of the colonies to whatever line of policy they might please to adopt. But they little understood the American character. Had they reflected upon the circumstances in which the colonies originated, and their steady progress in wealth and population, they might well have anticipated the final result. Certain it was, that oppressive and coercive measures would only tend to weaken their affection for the parent-country. Kindness and conciliation might have preserved the bond of union--indeed, it was possible to have confirmed the colonies in their regard for the land of their birth; but the line of policy which could alone have effected that object, was overlooked or disregarded by British statesmen; and through their infatuated counsels, they hastened the very event which they so much deplored. Let us advert to some of the remote and proximate causes, which brought about this Revolution: * * * * * 1. Objects proposed by the colonies in their settlement of America.--