Formerly this great contest was carried on upon paper.  The conspirators against the rights and liberties of our country left no art untried, to induce the people to submit to their unrighteous claims.  But they were circumvented by our watchful patriots.  They were, if I may use the expression, out-reasoned by some, and laughed off the stage by others; and we will never forget those steadfast and persevering friends, who forever prov’d themselves incapable of being brib’d by the soft whispers of flattery, or awed by foul-mouthed calumny and the threats of power.  Afterwards the contest became more serious and important.  The people of this country were not driven to take up arms, they did it voluntarily in defence of their liberty.  They properly considered themselves as called by god, and warranted by him, to encounter every hazard in the common cause of Man.  We have had for several years past a well-appointed Army.—­An Army of which both Officers and Privates are daily increasing in discipline—­An Army inferior perhaps to none at this time on the face of the earth and headed by a commander, who feels the Rights of the Citizens in his own breast, and experience has taught us, he knows full well how to defend them.—­May Heaven inspire that Army yet more and more with Military Virtues, and teach their hands to war and their fingers to fight!  May every citizen in the army and in the country, have a proper sense of the deity upon his mind, and an impression of that declaration recorded in the Bible, “Him that honoreth me I will honor, but he that despiseth me shall be lightly esteemed.”—­“God helpeth those who help themselves,” says an eminent writer.  Perhaps the sentiment is better expressed in holy writ, where, when we are bid to work out our own salvation, we are told that “It is god who worketh in us.”  It seems to be the Divine Constitution, that success shall generally crown virtuous exertions.  We have seen this verified throughout this glorious Struggle.  The Military skill and prowess of our Army have kept us from being overwhelmed by our powerful enemies; and the political exertions of the congress have, by the smiles of Heaven, obtained for us an Alliance with the most illustrious Nation in Europe; and the warmest wishes of other Powers.  Our affairs appear to be approaching to a great crisis.  As momentary visits did not entirely fulfill the purpose of our generous ally, we may daily expect from him a naval and land force, designed to co-operate with our own troops; and by a longer stay on the coasts of this continent, to give the United States the opportunity of employing all their resources to the greatest advantage.  Congress has called upon the several States to make ready for this great crisis, and the several States have seconded the call of Congress.  The people, the people must, under god, give energy to this all important call, and enable the combined