es),
ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the
conduct of the government in making it, and for a spirit of
acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue which the
public exigencies may at any time dictate.

23. Observe good faith and justice towards all nations;
cultivate peace and harmony 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 which 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?

24. 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
towards all should be cultivated. The nation which indulges
towards another an habitual hatred or an habitual fondness is in
some degree 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