Ignorance being a fit soil for design to work in, tools are employed, which a generous mind would disdain to use; and which nothing but time, and their own puerile or wicked productions, can show the inefficacy and dangerous tendency of. I often think of our situation, and view it with concern.

1788.

GOOD SENSE AND HONESTY.

These are qualities too rare and too precious, not to merit particular esteem.

THE MOST ENVIABLE OF TITLES.

I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough, to maintain, what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an "Honest Man.”

COMMON SENSE AND COMMON HONESTY.

It appears to me, that little more than common sense and common honesty, in the transactions of the community at large, would be necessary to make us a great and happy nation; for, if the general government lately adopted shall be arranged and administered in such a manner, as to acquire the full confi

dence of the American people, I sincerely believe they will have greater advantages, from their natural, moral, and political circumstances, for public felicity, than any other people ever possessed.

POLITICAL EQUITY.

In all matters of great national moment, the only true line of conduct is, dispassionately to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the measure proposed, and decide from the balance.

CONVENIENCE AND FRIENDSHIP.

I can never think of promoting my convenience at the expense of a friend's interest and inclination.

CONVENIENCE AND DUTY.

Whilst I am in office, I shall never suffer private convenience to interfere with what I conceive to be my official duty.

HUMAN IMPERFECTION.

It is to be lamented, that great characters are seldom without a blot.

If the enlightened and virtuous part of the community will make allowances for my involuntary errors, I will promise, that they shall have no cause to accuse me of wilful ones.

SENSE OF HONOR.

I feel every thing that hurts the sensibility of a gentleman.

1778.

TREASON.

This is an event, that occasions me equal regret and mortification; but, traitors are the growth of every country, and, in a Revolution of the present nature, it is more to be wondered at, that the catalogue is so small, than that there have been found a few.

1780.

THE TRIAL OF VIRTUE.

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.

DECEPTION.

I hate deception, even where the imagination only is concerned.

Arnold's treason.

PALLIATING FAULTS.

I shall never attempt to palliate my own foibles, by exposing the error of another.

INGRATITUDE.

Nothing is more a stranger to my breast, or a sin that my soul more abhors, than that black and detestable one, of ingratitude.

Ingratitude, I hope, will never constitute a part of my character, nor find a place in my bosom.

PROMISES.

I never wish to promise more, than I have a moral certainty of performing.

SECRECY AND DESPATCH.

Secrecy and despatch may prove the soul of suc

cess to an enterprise.

AGREEMENTS.

Loose agreements are seldom rewarded, to the mutual satisfaction of both parties.

PRIVATE VIRTUES, AND MILITARY GLORY.

The private virtues of economy, prudence, and industry, are not less amiable, in civil life, than the more splendid qualities of valor, perseverance, and enterprise, in public life.

THE PASSIONS.

The various passions and motives, by which men are influenced, are concomitants of fallibility, and ingrafted into our nature.

CONSCIENCE.

Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark

of celestial fire, called Conscience.

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