36 GENERAL VIEW OF 



So foon as the great concerns of the nation fhafl 

 be put into this happy train, Britain may be confi- 

 dered as out of,danger> and in a hopeful way ; ef- 

 pecially fo, if we, initead offtimulating thejealoufy, 

 and irritating the paflions of mankind, enjoy our 

 fuperlative advantages, in humble gratitude to the 

 Author of thofe gifts, and with moderation and hu- 

 manity towards mankind, of whatever country or 

 complexion. 



This rule of conduct will allay the jealoufies, dif- 

 fipate the refentments, and fecure the friendfhip of 

 an offended world. It will accelerate commercial 

 intercourfa, give permanency to old channels of 

 trade, and open new ones, whereof there yet re~ 

 main an unbounded field, efpecially with France, 

 and the northern part of our ifland ; countries, of 

 which we have in many refpects loft the benefit, by 

 labouring to crufh the one, and by cramping the 

 exertions of the other. 



Such is the arduous work allotted for thofe who 

 are, or fhall be, entrufted with the management of 

 public affairs. They have to undo the miftakes 

 of almoft a century, and to lead the nation into 

 that direction which nature, experience, and the 

 circumilances of the times, point out as its proper 

 line of action. 



The embarraffments to be encountered, and the 

 difficulties to be furmounted, in reftoring a fallen 

 empire, prefent a noble field for the exercife of Ro- 

 man patriotifm \ that fpecies of virtue which elevates 

 the mind, fuperfedes all felfifh or frivolous confide- 

 rations, and perfeveres, with enthufiaflic zeal, in 

 whatever is great, ufeful, and benevolent. It is 

 pleafing to obferve, that as our former fyftem was 

 fallacious in its principle, and ruinous in its opera- 

 tion to ourfelves, and to mankind; the meafures 

 referved for the prefent day will produce the mod 

 falutary, healing, and beneficial effects, wherever 

 our influence extends. That plan of action, which 



is 



