Gazette Of The United States

THE TABLET.-NO. LXX.

"Honest measures will be most apt, in the long run, to gain the concurrence of the public opinion."

WE need not have recourse to any abstract notions of moral obligation to furnish a reason, why mankind have generally approved of truth and fair dealing. Whatever may be the original bias of the human heart with respect to good and evil, or whether it naturally has any bias either way, is not material in elucidating the subject of this speculation. It is sufficient for my present purpose to attend to facts, without looking into the origin of principles, or estimating the merit of motives. On this ground, if on no other, we may venture to pronounce that justice and veracity assimilate so readily with the common sentiments of men, that whoever does not observe these duties, hazards the loss of his influence and happiness. In a tumultuous state of society, it is true, these virtues seem to be disregarded; but they will soon gain their accustomed estimation, when order and tranquility are restored. It is only in those situations, where people cannot reflect calmly and act soberly, that falsehood and injustice do not meet with public indignation. Declarations that are false, and actions that are unjust may assume such a disguise as to gain popular approbation, under the idea that they are true and just. The opinions of men may be so distracted, and their tempers so agitated with new and difficult circumstances, that they may be utterly at a loss in what their duty or their interest consists. Under such embarrassments, people commit errors, while they suppose they are acting wisely; and suspend the practice of the moral duties from an ignorance of the comprehensive nature of morality. But as no society can be long held together, in a state so convulsed as to dissipate ideas of moral rectitude, we must conclude that a restoration of government will awaken anew the sentiments of moral obligation. There never can be a long period when men can cease to perform their obligations without sustaining private inconvenience and public reproach. The existence of society pre-supposes some controlling influence of virtuous attributes. Whether they are the effect of fear of punishment, or love of duty, I still call them virtuous, because they are useful. If these reflections are just, they should inspire us with caution against imbibing the opinions or imitating the actions of those who avail themselves of disordered times to bewilder and pervert the public ideas of veracity and justice.

The truth of my motto is amply illustrated in the fate of the leading characters who have conducted us to independence and government. It is worthy of remark that those men, who are now held in veneration and employed in public service, are principally the men, who have all along delivered the same opinions, and recommended the same measures, that have finally coincided with the public opinion. But when we look on the other hand, and behold characters of an opposite description, how are they neglected and fallen! There was a time, when the friends of disorder and injustice beguiled the public mind into a belief that they were the friends of freedom and virtue. Such delusions however can never have a long continuance. Opinions, that cannot bear the test of a strict examination, much less of a fair experiment, must be renounced, when the people are left to cool reflection. Men averse to good government can never long hold an ascendency in society, unless the objects of human happiness, and the feelings of the human heart undergo an alteration.

It should encourage our patriots and legislators to persevere in a course of honor and justice, by contemplating that they have gone through the most hazardous and difficult trials, to which our affairs will probably be exposed. The objects of legislation that will now rise into view are so great and extensive, that honest minds may be alarmed at their magnitude and variety. This circumstance may deter some people from venturing to adopt those systems that wear the face of intrinsic propriety and excellence. When men have long been accustomed to temporary expedients and partial arrangements they cannot at once collect fortitude to embrace measures, that shall have a general, permanent operation. But it must be concluded that plans founded in wisdom are not to be rejected because they are great; and those founded in honesty should be recommended, notwithstanding they may be new.