And hast thou then no law besides thy will, No just criterion fix'd to good and ill?
Futurity is wisely concealed from our view; but of this solemn truth there can be no question,--VICE and OPPRESSION _will not always go unpunished_. Almost unconscious of it, the unjust bias, above alluded to, had in some degree taken possession of my mind; but was, it is hoped, almost entirely removed, by an attentive and thorough examination of his doctrines. He, as well as LOCKE, contemplates true philosophy in the elevated character of a hand-maid to Revelation. One of his leading objects is, to establish, by a course of fair and manly reasoning, the veracity of the Mosaic account of the creation.
When I sat down at my desk, I had intended to consult a few of the pages of our early history, for the purpose of finding some profitable lessons for the instruction of the present generation; but, by indulging a _desultory_ propensity, the original purpose has almost been lost sight of. The salutary effect, which results from frequently ascending to first principles, has been long known and acknowledged. There is many a prodigal spendthrift among us, who would do well, in various respects, to imitate the example of his industrious and unostentatious ancestor, from whom he has inherited the means of indulging his extravagant desires. He should remember, that the highest privilege of wealth is to aid the meritorious who stand in need of assistance; and that industry, properly directed, does, even to the man whose necessities do not require such exertion, always bring with it an ample reward. "Health and length of days are in her right hand, and in her left riches and honour!"
The corner stone of this Commonwealth was laid in immutable justice; and the hands of her founders were never stained by the blood of an Indian. Our primitive annals, therefore, solicit, and will endure, the closest and most rigid scrutiny. The first settlers were plain in their habits, and simple in their manners. They laboured indefatigably with their own hands, and their lives were distinguished by pure morals, and unaffected piety. The blessing of Providence followed them; and their descendants have become a great people. But how long will this prosperity last, should their maxims of economy, simplicity, and temperance, continue to be utterly disregarded? Necessity, it is believed, is at the present time, teaching some of them with effect. WILLIAM PENN, whose amiable and great qualities furnish an opulent subject, on which, if the narrowness of my page did not forbid, I should delight to dwell, was one of those bright luminaries which, at distant intervals, have cheered and irradiated a benighted world.