men's minds are becoming more enlightened, would
open an extensive field among the higher ranks of
society, for diffusing those blessings which would be
conferred upon mankind by good laws, and useful
regulations in civil polity. Much as has been done,
it is yet but little in comparison to what is still
required to complete this great work. I would wil-
lingly flatter myself, when the happy period of peace
arrives, that the improvements will not be confined
to the British dominions, but will extend over all
Europe, and the civilized world.

The lower orders of the people, from whose labour
we derive all that we possess, have never been
proper objects of attention in any country. Much
might be done to render them better subjects and
citizens—to extend to them greater comforts, by a
stronger sense of religious and moral duties; and to
add much to the means of subsisting themselves and
families in a better manner. The wise and benevo-
lent rulers and statesmen in every country, have much
in their power in this respect; whereby a nation
may be rendered happy and contented with its
government, indisposed to changes and revolutions,
and prone by industry and sober habits to add to the
state of national happiness. Perhaps, at no period
in the history of this country, has there existed so
great a disposition among the well educated ranks
to promote these benevolent views. But war—fatal
war—checks the progress of every thing that is good.
Let me hope so great a calamity will never afflict
the United States. The efforts of individuals are
useful in promoting all benevolent purposes: but the
aid and countenance of the State is necessary, to give
permanency and consistency to all measures tending
to ameliorate the condition of the labouring people;
and to check, where it is necessary, the zeal of indi-
viduals, when not accompanied by good judgment.
Hence the immense sums bequeathed in England

for
benevolent purposes, under circumstances often so