324 Danger of augmenting the PUBLIC DEBT, 
the year. On this point feems to hang the welfare of our 
country. It is now a long time fince we have raised contri- 
butions on the Bate, by the large fums we have received in 
interest, and our expences have been proportioned to our 
income : but we do not find that private vices are public be- 
nefits, or that by this expenfive way of life, fuch advantages 
have reverted to the ftate, as to increase its power, or even 
to enable it to fupport itfelf on the same plan. On the con- 
trary, the public is poor, therefore we muft abridge our ex- 
pences, and pay contributions to the ftate, inftead of receiv- 
ing them. If the ftate is not relieved, it muft be undone : 
and in that cafe will individuals be able to fupport their 
affluence and fplendor ? Both muft fall from that pinnacle 
of earthly felicity to which it has pleafed heaven to exalt us. 
Whether you efteem my advice or not, you muft acknowledge,, 
that necessity is the mother of invention : it teaches us to. 
call forth our virtues, and to exercife our paftions in the no- 
blest manner: it inftruds the politician to agree with the 
divine, in the practice as well as in the theory of virtue :: 
in a word, it points out to us how to recover the vigor of our 
conftitution, and to regain our reputation as a wife and virtu- 
ous people. 
Let us liften to the voice of reason ; and if we do bleed, 
grant, O gracious heaven, our blood may not be fpilt in vain f 
What could a meftenger from heaven, with all the energy of 
feraphic zeal, do more than addrefs himfelf to our reason ? 
Shall we not be induced to ad fairly and honestly towards 
each other ? Ought not all parties to unite for their mutual 
defence, 
