C ai2 ] 



Ibcial comfort of a large proportion of inconfiideratc 

 and impotent perfons, is a ftiidy highly worthy of 

 the philofopher and the Chriftian. 



In this country, pofTefling as it does, in an emi- 

 nent manner, various local advantages, the lights 

 of knowledge, the freedom of religion, and com- 

 .paratively happy in the freedom of its government; 

 fiich men are peculiarly called on to exert their ta- 

 lents for the prevention of mifery, and the promo- 

 tion of general order and happinefs in the fubordi- 

 nate clafles of Society. The perfect attainment of 

 theie ends, by national laws and regulations, is not 

 to be expedled. Human laws, the fchemes of hu- 

 man imperfedion, and which are neceflarily in fome 

 degree theoretical, mud ever be inadequate to the 

 production of perfedl virtue, and confequent felicity. 

 It is fufficient if they be the bell that human pru- 

 dence could devife, to anfwer the befl ends. Such 

 laws will at leaft ferve as general fecurities of order, 

 union, and profperity. But after all which the 

 wifeft policy can enadl, a large field will remain 

 open for the more private offices of the adlive and 

 benevolent citizen; and whatever can be privately 

 done, by plans of local oeconomy, moving on the 

 provident principles of morality and virtue, will be 

 fo much in aid of the wifeft laws of the (late; or 



rather 



