328 Danger of augmenting the PUBLIC DEBT, 
their juft apprehenftons of common advantages arifing from a 
general fupport of a particular community, reftrains them from 
any meafures deftrucftive of their fellow-citizens and fubje<fts. I 
hope this nation will never depart from fuch principles, nor 
adopt a doctrine, as fome private perfons have done in their 
writings and difcourfe, as if national policy ought to predomi- 
nate, and that moral obligation is out of the queftion ; taking 
it for granted, in this cafe, that the community in general 
would derive great advantages from the bufferings of individuals. 
Whether they are serious in this argument, or not, we ought 
to guard againft the evils which may really happen. 
As a free people, we maintain the rights and properties of 
every member of the community. The time was when we en- 
gaged in a bloody war, for the hike of a few individuals, found- 
ed, perhaps, upon a well-told tale ; which by touching our 
native generosity, roufed us to arms, tho’ we were fure it 
would coft us millions of money, and a great effufion of blood. 
And fhall we now adt fo inconftftently with our character, as 
to negledt the means of fupporting fo many thoufands of our 
fellow-fubjeds, and probably with them, ourfelves, that is, the 
whole community? — Do not imagine I am afraid; whether 
the fhip finks or not, I am but a passenger ; but methinks 
it wo.uld be glorious to have the prophet’s fate, if like him I 
could ward off the danger from others. Security is man’s 
greateft enemy : the events of my life have taught me to think 
fo : and I cannot fupprefs my concern for the welfare of my 
country ! Farewell. I am yours, &c. 
LET- 
