Jenks's Portland Gazette

THOUGHTS ON POLITICS.
[From the best writers.]

Charity, humility, and a pacific temper of mind, were characteristics of the divine author of the Christian religion; and without a humble imitation of his example, in these things, a nation cannot be happy.

The foundation of national policy should be laid in private morality.

If individuals be not influenced by moral principles, it is in vain to look for public virtue: and therefore, it is the duty of legislators to enforce the utility and necessity of these, both by precept and example.

The superstition, that morality can be maintained without religion should be indulged with caution.

The private virtues of economy, prudence and industry, are not less amiable in civil life, than the more splendid qualities of valor, perseverance and enterprise are in the field.

Promising theories are not always confirmed by experience, and it is found that new laws, however carefully formed, have sometimes proved to be less salutary than was expected, and even to be productive of greater inconveniences than those against which they were intended to provide.

The maxim that every nation ought to be constantly prepared for self defence, is founded on the experience of all ages.

That government cannot cease to attract and to preserve confidence and attachment, which leaves no rights without protection, no grievances without redress.

If no attention is paid to supplying the people with ministers of the gospel, there will soon be found cause to increase the number of constables: and if the churches are not employed as places to hear God's law, there will be need of them, as prisons for the breakers of the laws of men.

There are two things by which God supports the societies of mankind, which he will certainly maintain and preserve, as long as he suffers the world to last, and men to live in it; and these are Government and Religion.

It is considered as a rule to which there are few exceptions, that when a law is treated with manifest and general disrespect & disobedience, it should either be repealed, or more competent means to enforce it to be devised: a tolerated violation of one law naturally leading to and encouraging the infraction of others.

To the honor of modern times, and particularly to the honor of Christianity itself, there is much more generosity and humanity in the manner of carrying on war than formerly.