Page:Conciones ad populum. Or, Addresses to the people (IA concionesadpopul00cole).pdf/31

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originates not in the man, but in the surrounding circumstances; not in the heart, but in the understanding; he is hopeless concerning no one—to correct a vice or generate a virtuous conduct he pollutes not his hands with the scourge of coercion; but by endeavouring to alter the circumstances would remove, or by strengthening the intellect, disarms, the temptation. The unhappy children of vice and folly, whose tempers are adverse to their own happiness as well as to the happiness of others, will at times awaken a natural pang; but he looks forward with gladdened heart to that glorious period when Justice shall have established the universal fraternity of Love. These soul-ennobling views bestow the virtues which they anticipate. He whose mind is habitually imprest with them soars above the present state of humanity, and may be justly said to dwell in the presence of the Most High.

————————————would the formsOf servile custom cramp the Patriot's power?Would sordid policies, the barbarous growthOf ignorance and rapine, bow him downTo tame pursuits, to Indolence and Fear?Lo! he appeals to Nature, to the windsAnd rolling waves, the sun's unwearied course,The elements and seasons—all declare

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