were entirely composed of such infamous wretches. In the one case, there would be no such thing as property-in the other, no truth, or dependence of one man upon the words of another; and in the third, viz. a society composed of drunkards, universal wretchedness must be the inevitable consequence.

From these observations, Gentlemen, we cannot but perceive the destructive tendency of vice, in its very nature; and how utterly incompatible it is, with the interests of society. It is at the same time agreeable to reremark, the coincidence, the perfect harmo ny, between the precepts of heaven, and the necessary consequences of human actions.

1

The laws of God forbid the indulgence of our passions only in such cases, where their gratification would be injurious to ourselves or our neighbours, and enjoin the performance of all those duties, that are calculated to improve the heart, or promote the welfare of others. The Christian religion is in fact the surest basis of morality, and consequently, of order and good government.

Of this heaven-born religion, it is the peculiar characteristic, that while obedience to its commands constitutes the highest felicity of the individual, the practice of its benevolent precepts, is, at the same time, the firmest foundation of social happiness, and public prosperity. In the elegant language of holy writ, "her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace," even in this world.

Righteousness exalts a nation; (that is,. makes it flourish) but sin is a reproach to any people ;" and by slow, but sure steps, under any form of government, inevitably leads to mational misery and destruction.

EXTRACTS FROM A CHARGE ON PATRI

OTISM.

DELIVERED BEFORE THE GRAND JURY IN
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, APRIL, 1799.]

IT cannot then be denied,

that the public prosperity of our land, depends upon the virtue of the people, and that the practice of vice, like a cancer in the tural body, will at last extend itself to the vitals of the country, and cut off our national existence. If this be the case, we may safely assert, that no man loves his country, who lives in the habitual violation of any rule in her moral code; because by so doing he contributes his aid to accomplish her destruction. He may call himself a federalist, or an antifederalist—a republican, or a democrat or whatever else he pleases; it is certain, he is but a pretender to the character of a

It is impossible he can love his country, whose life and actions are hostile to her true interests. Party and personal prejudices he may possess in abundance, which, to the world, and perhaps to himself, he may cover with the mantle of zeal for the public good. But the love of his country is a stranger to his heart) Examine for a moment, Gentlemen, the force of this observation, by your own experience in private life. Suppose one of your neighbours, to profess a regard and affection,

for

you, and at the same time to make a practise of thwarting your views, and defeating the plans you had laid to promote your happiness or your interest. There is no doubt you would despise his professions, and call him a hypocrite, Nor can he be pronounced any thing better, who tells you he loves his country, and is at the same time habitually infringing those laws, on which her salvation and prosperity essentially depend. Away with such patriotism! It is "Hail Master !" with. the lips, and at the same instant a stab to the heart. I call that man a disorganizer, let his political principles be what they may, who is spreading through the moral world, the seeds

of disorder and vice, and thereby sapping the foundation of all government. Our country may well expostulate with the immoral man in language used of old time" If you love me, you will keep my commandments-Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (In short, Gentlemen, as in Christianity, so it is in patriotism-Obedience! is the unerring criterion, the sole decisive mark of affection. If you really love your country, you will observe her laws, and her statutes, which are framed to promote and to perpetuate her welfare. Believe, and forgive ̧ me- -a gambling, lying, drunken or swearing patriot, is as great a contradiction, as a whoring, swearing or drunken Christian; though in the practical estimation of the two characters, mankind have made a wide difference. The hypocritical pretensions of the patriot are too often successfully played off, while those of the pretended Christian are sure to exclude him from the character. When we urge the necessity of supporting government by means of religion, something more is expected than a cold assent to its principles and its doctrines.