nature in every nation. Those who speak of a new Constitution, and of
thorough reforms, should recollect that the promoters of these schemes
in France, constantly amused the people with the idea that a new order
of things--new rights--new principles, were to arise. Who does not
recollect to have read of the perfectability human nature--of the
enlightened age of regenerated France? She boldly proclaimed herself the
example of the world, and all nations were invited to see her glory, and
enjoy her blessed liberty and her glorious equality. But mark the issue
--Not twelve years have elapsed before she has returned to an inglorious
despotism--She has exchanged her Capets for a foreign usurper, with an
incalculable loss, and here her history ends. Such is the constant
termination of such revolutions, and shall we claim to be an exception?
How do we judge as to the propriety of any course of life except by
observation, experience or history? We see industry and integrity
rewarded with competence or wealth--we see intemperance and sloth
followed with disease, loss of reputation and poverty. These are sure
grounds on which to predict respecting our neighbors, and by which to
regulate our own conduct. On similar principles a wise people regard the
conduct of other nations, and are solemnly admonished by their example.
Let not then the projector persuade us to adopt his theories with proofs
of their danger thus glaring before our eyes. Look at the conduct of our
revolutionists for four years past, and see if you do not discover the
genuine principles of the Jacobins of France--Recollect also that they
had first a Convention--then an Executive Directory--then a Consul for
years--then a Consul for life, and then an usurper with an hereditary
descent in his family. At each successive revolution the people were
courted--were flattered--were promised transcendent felicity. The people
swore eternal hatred to Monarchy, and eternal fidelity to Constitutions,
till, heaven, weary of their perjuries, sent them a despot in his wrath.