But now, out of this European civilization, the result itself of the breaking up of the Roman semi-pagan, semi-Christian empire, and the multiplied interminglings, changes, and reconstructions of the Roman, the ecclesiastical, and northern barbarian elements--out of this European civilization, with its movements toward large nationalities--its progress toward religious and political freedom, and toward the acknowledgment and recognition of human rights; the substitution of constitutional monarchies for absolute, and the creation of representative bodies from the people as part of the government--out of all this, there springs as the fruit of all the long turmoil, the wars, the blood and treasure, the groans and tears, the martyrdoms of countless human lives, that during these long ages have, apparently in vain, been offered up in the cause of liberty, of order, of national peace, unity and freedom, of the right of man to the full and legitimate use of all his God-given faculties--there springs, we say, as the fruit, the result of all this suffering, our glorious American republic! our sacred--yes, our sacred Union! The fairest home that man has ever raised for man! To lay violent hands on which, should be deemed the blackest, most unpardonable sacrilege. It is the actualization of a dazzling vision, that may have often glowed in the imagination of many a patriot and statesman of olden times--which he may have vainly struggled to realize in his own age and nation, and died at last, heart-broken, amid the carnage of civil strife. Our republic, we repeat, is the fruit of European struggles. If Europe had not passed through what she has, the United States would never have arisen. The principles of religious and political liberty sprang to birth in Europe, but there they have been of tardy growth, because surrounded and opposed by habits and institutions of early ages. They needed transplantation to a new and unoccupied soil, where they could enjoy the free air and sunshine, and not be overshadowed by anything else. Here then we have our American civilization, formed out of what was good in European, combined with much else that has had its origin upon our own shores--the result of free principles allowed _almost_ unobstructed play. Let us survey the many elements of unity which we possess. First in large measure, a common origin, viz., from England--that country of Europe farthest advanced of any other in religion, in politics, in freedom, and in science and industry. Next, a common birth, as it were, in the form of numerous colonies, from the mother country; planted almost simultaneously, it may be said; possessed of common charters, which differed but slightly--containing systems of colonial administration, full of the spirit of popular rights and representation. Next, a common language, a common literature, a common religion, and common interests, that should bind us together against all foes.