Observe good faith and justice towards all
Nations ; cultivate peace and harmony with
all. Religion and Morality enjoin this con-
duct; 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 mag-
nanimous and too novel example of a people
always guided by an exalted justice and
benevolence. Who can doubt, that, in the
course of time and things, the fruits of such
a plan would richly repay any temporary
advantages, which might be lost by a steady
adherence to it ? Can it be, that Providence
has not connected the permanent felicity of
a Nation with its Virtue ? The experiment,
at least, is recommended by every sentiment
which ennobles human nature. Alas ! is it
rendered impossible by its vices ?

[103]



THE AMERICAN IDEA

In the execution of such a plan, nothing
is more essential, than that permanent, in-
veterate antipathies against particular Na-
tions, and passionate attachments for others,
should be excluded ; and that, in place of
them, just and amicable feelings towards all
should be cultivated. The Nation, which in-
dulges towards another an habitual hatred, or
an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave.
