104 Extracts from the Journals. [Jan., 



been profited, to the fullest extent, by the advantages afforded by 

 our peculiar frame of government? Do we, in our various rela- 

 tions — social, 'political and educational — observe the full develop- 

 ment and exercise of those principles of action necessary to the 

 highest enjoyment of civilized life? It is to be regretted that 

 these questions cannot be answered affirmatively. To a certain 

 extent we have been profited — resulting more as a necessary con- 

 sequence from the inherent principles of our government than 

 from any meritorious exertion on the part of our citizens them- 

 selves, — but beyond that we have not. It is true, that excellence 

 in human institutions is rarely to be found in the infancy of a 

 government, and can be attained only by patient persevering 

 effort. But it occurs to me that we have not done all that we 

 might have done, and ought to have done, in carrying ourselves 

 forward to that high distinction, as a nation and a people, to 

 which, sooner or later, we are destined. It is to be feared that 

 we have lost sight of the objects of our lofty mission, and have 

 too far neglected to profit by the advantages so lavishly spread 

 before us. 



Have we, in our social relations, attained to those sentiments 

 which should characterize an age of advanced civilization? Are 

 we, as individuals, governed by those principles of virtue, morality 

 and honor, that prepare us for refined social enjoyment, and that 

 fit us to become useful citizens? Sorry am I that these things are 

 not so; for it is only necessary to cast our eye over the super- 

 fices of society, to discover a multitude of pernicious influences 

 contaminating the sources of genuine feeling, misdirecting our 

 aims, and restraining, if not destroying, the enjoyment which 

 springs from a free, social intercommunication of our sentiments, 

 of whatever nature. 



This state of things is to be attributed, partly, to the utilitarian, 

 self-aggrandizing spirit of the age; and, partly, no doubt, to the 

 democratic, too democratic, tendency of our institutions in their 

 effects upon individual conduct. I admire, and am an advocate 

 of democracy, properly directed and restricted. So, also, do I 

 admire a rich, fertile loam for a garden; but it is important, in 

 the former, as in the latter case, that the noxious weeds produced 

 by that very fertility should be carefully cut down, lest their 

 poisonous influence extend to those whose growth is desired. 

 The evils which spring from the democratic tendency of our in- 

 stitutions must be gotten rid of, or the numberless blessings spring- 

 ing from the same source, can never be realized to the fullest 

 extent. 



This utilitarian spirit, above alluded to, has, I fear, made us 

 almost a nation of Shylocks — each seeking the substance of the 

 other — all eager for the acquisition of lucre. Not all, perhaps; 



