ABSTRACT
The transition from the present state of things to another founded upon a balance of power, and leading to a permanent amelioration of the political system, and to durable order and tranquillity, intelligent men have long perceived cannot be brought about, without strenuous exertions and sacrifices of every sort. The system which our ancestors had organized, has been decomposed and annihilated by an abuse of Form, and by languor of Spirit. The first care from its very nature belongs to the governments. The second care, that of rousing the public spirit, is the common duty of us all; but here also the governments must lead the way. A conviction of necessity, and a sense of the excellence of a federal system, will always accompany the existence of true patriotism. Let this sentiment only be cherished and cultivated; and projects of universal dominion will be banished from the earth.
