In
a settled order of the state, these things are not to be slighted, nor
is the skill in them to be held of trivial estimation. They are
good, but then only good when they assume the effects of that
settled order and are built upon it. But when men think that these
beggarly contrivances may supply a resource for the evils which result
from breaking up the foundations of public order, and from causing
or suffering the principles of property to be subverted, they will, in
the ruin of their country, leave a melancholy and lasting monument
of the effect of preposterous politics and presumptuous,
short-sighted, narrow-minded wisdom.
The effects of the incapacity shown by the popular leaders in
all the great members of the commonwealth are to be covered with the
"all-atoning name" of liberty. In some people I see great liberty
indeed; in many, if not in the most, an oppressive, degrading
servitude. But what is liberty without wisdom and without virtue? It
is the greatest of all possible evils; for it is folly, vice, and
madness, without tuition or restraint. Those who know what virtuous
liberty is cannot bear to see it disgraced by incapable heads on
account of their having high-sounding words in their mouths. Grand,
swelling sentiments of liberty I am sure I do not despise. They warm
the heart; they enlarge and liberalize our minds; they animate our
courage in a time of conflict.
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