power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, is
sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position.  The necessity of reciprocal
checks in the exercise of political power; by dividing and distributing it into
different depositories, and constituting each the guardian of the public weal
against invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and
modern; some of them in our country and under our own eyes.  To preserve
them must be as necessary as to institute them.  If, in the opinion of the people,
the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular
wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the constitution
designates.--But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one
instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which
free governments are destroyed.--The precedent must always greatly overbalance
in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit which the use can at any time
yield.

    Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion
and morality are indispensable supports.--In vain would that man claim the tribute
of patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great pillars of human
happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.--The mere
politician, equally with the pious man ought to respect and to cherish them.--A
volume could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity.
Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life,
if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of
investigation in courts of justice?  And let us with caution indulge the supposition,
that morality can be maintained without religion.  Whatever may be
conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure;
reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail
in exclusion of religious principle.

    'Tis substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular
government.  The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of
free government.  Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference
upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?

    Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general
diffusion of knowledge.--In proportion as the structure of a government gives
force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.

    As a very important source of strength and security cherish public credit.
One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible; avoiding occasions
of expence by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements
to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to
repel it; avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions
of expence, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the
debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing
upon posterity the burthen which we ourselves ought to bear.--The execution
of these maxims belongs to your representatives, but it is necessary that public
opinion should co-operate.  To facilitate to them the performance of their duty,
it is essential that you should practically bear in mind, that towards the payment
of debts there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes; that
no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant;
that the intrinsic embarrassment inseparable from the selection of the proper objects
(which is always a choice of difficulties) ought to be a decisive motive for a candid
construction of the conduct of the government in making it, and for a spirit
of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue which the public exigencies
may at any time dictate.

    Observe good faith and justice towards all nations, cultivate peace and harmony
with all; religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that
good policy does not equally enjoin it?  It will be worthy of a free, enlightened,
and, at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous