fjai. on the constitution , 237 



adverted to, gradually to overt arn that goodly fabric 

 we so miich adnire. Though it now appeareth to 

 be strong, " and the height thereof reacheth unto 

 heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the 

 earth ;" yet if its basis be not firm, the foundation b2- 

 gins to give way, and the fabric itself must ultimately 

 fall to the ground, however beautiful the superstruc- 

 ture may appear. Without, therefore, trenching so 

 near as to be in danger of undermining it, or heed- 

 lef=ly pulling out any of those important pegs on 

 which it now materially rests, our aim is, merely to- 

 take a narrow and circumspect view of these foun- 

 dations ; to mark those parts that are evidently 

 decayed, and mouldering to dust; and to have these 

 repaired in the best manner that the situation of 

 things wrir admit of. These are the objects we have 

 in view ; and if we ihall act up to these principles, 

 who can deny that we Ihall be well entitled to the 

 name we have afsumed to ourselves, that of '* the 

 friends of the people'."' 



We are sufficiently aware of the delicacy of the 

 undertaking in which we are engaged ; and there- 

 fore we have resolved to proceed with the utmost 

 caution. Weknow that, to external view, a particu- 

 lar part may appear rotten and decayed, which is still 

 sound and entire within ; and that if these parts were 

 hastily removed, the whole, might tumble down 

 at Ouice, and crufh not only ourselves, but many 

 others in the ruins. Wc know also, that if we 

 Were to attempt to lay open all the sores at 

 onc.», the sound parts, by being left destitute of 

 support on several sides, at the same time, would 

 be in in the most dangerous state. To avoid these 



