Oh the Treatment of Dccat/al. Putatues, he 
565 
as far as I think I am warranted by the circumstances in endea- 
vouring to lead you. I might have indulged theories and specu- 
lations^ but this would have been worse than useless when we 
have to combat with a great practical evil. I have endeavoured 
to show you what is best to do at present, and what prudence 
points out as the proper course for the future; and, above all, I 
have been anxious to convince you that it now lies in your power 
to convert this national curse into a national blessing, and to 
make great good spring out of great evil. 
