with all. Religion and Morality enjoin this
conduct; and can it be, that good policy does not equally enjoin
it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant
period, a great Nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too
novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and
benevolence. Who can doubt, that, in the course of time and things,
the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary
advantages, that might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it
be, that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a
Nation with its Virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by
every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered
impossible by its vices?

"In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential, than
that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular Nations,
and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded; and
that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings toward all
should be cultivated. The nation, which indulges toward another an
habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some decree a
slave. It is a slave to its animosity, or to its affection, either
of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its
interest. Antipathy in one nation against another, disposes each
more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight
causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when
accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence frequent
collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. The Nation,
prompted by ill-will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the
Government, contrary to the best calculations of policy. The
Government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and
adopts, through passion, what reason would reject; at other times,
it makes the animosity of the nation subservient to projects of
hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and
pernicious motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty,
of Nations has been the victim.

"So, likewise, a passionate attachment of one Nation for another
produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite Nation,
facilitating the allusion of an imaginary common interest, in cases
where no real common interest exi