On WAR. 
119 
With regard to ourfelves^ in general, let ns do our duty ; let 
him who has no fword, buy one, and refolve to poffefs his foul 
in fortitude, and freedom from difmay, tho’ France, by any 
hard deftiny to us, were to land a potent army. But whatever 
principle or rule of condudl we may adopt, be it the effedt of 
national pride, or fear, ambition or avarice, if we are not vir- 
tuous in reality, we muft endevor to appear fo. There is a 
time when the appearance of national virtue is effentially necef- 
fary to the fupport of a free Hate. The love of money, and of 
pleasure, are ruling paftions with us ; but can we gratify them 
equally in war, as in peace ? when the Bate is in danger, and our 
foes contriving our ruin, as when we enjoy an undid urbed fe- 
eurity ? Is not this inconftftent with thefe very palTions ? We 
muft first confider what is properly called the main chance, 
for even that may be at ftake* 
But not to attempt to prove what ought to be done upon' 
motives of pecuniary interest, let us confider what is our 
duty, on thofe of national honor, fafety, and the moral obliga- 
tions of individuals. This indeed requires a degree of zeal 
which is not much in fafhion ; but we have occafton for it, and 
we muft not fuffer it to be extinguished, for that would ruin 
us in the end. He who would have it thought that he has 
the welfare of his country at heart, and does not demonftrate 
that he has, when the occafton requires, but negle.dts the op- 
portunity, or looks on it with indifference, offends againft his 
own felf-love. Can he exped! to be conftdered as a good fub- 
jedl, or a good man ? Can he, with a good countenance, in- 
treat for protection on extreme emergencies ? Can he exr 
pedt 
