The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-01-01

hand, and submission on the other. Blu
the science of government becomes mor'
complex and more perfect as man ad
vances in the scale Of refinement and civ
iIization. His progress, in this respect
multiplies his wants and amplifies his re
lations. Accordingly, he must have tht
duties and obligations which pertain Il
this widening sphere matter Of well.de
fined legislation. He must know what tt
expect from others; and what others have
right to expect from him. This compli
Gates the science Of government just in
proportion to the increasing relations
which exist in vast and misunderstanding
community. Glance at the ponderous
tones. embodying the laws which grow
out of our municipal, state, and CONNER
cial relations, and you will perceive how
vast as well as intricate is the machinery
OF government in highly civilized con-
dition. ss.6r 4Bls.aeR aIiEZ
In oil Christian countries the aim un.
doubtedly is to reach so far as possible
the point Of governmental perfection--tc
ensure at least an equitable adjustment Of
the claims which mutually subsist between
man and man, and also between the sub.
ject and the sovereign. | use the word
sovereign as the representative not OF re-
gal merely, but of popular rule. II must
be admitted, however, that such perfection
is scarcely possible even where Christian
ity has done most to enlighten and purify
the social state. a Fl a.g gusss 54s
In no community, probably, on the face
of the earth, has the science Of govern
ment been applied with better adaptation
to the wants of men than in our own. OF
comparatively recent origin, this nation
had the advantage Of adopting into its
Constitution whatever was seen to be good,
and of rejecting whatever was fnanifestly
evil and injurious, in the governments Of
the old world. So that, without indulging
in any undue national vanity, we may
suppose that the framework of our Consti.
tuition is nearer to perfection than that of
any other previously established. At any
rate, it seems to be just such as agrees
with the genius Of our people. II is, in
fact, but the embodyment of their own
will-the symbol Of their own sovereignty.
1t was adopted by them, not forced upon
them, and is susceptible of any alterations
or amendments BY the majority which
time and circumstances may demand.
We do not, Of course, claim for our
Government absolute perfection. It was
framed, we know, originally in spirit Of
compromise, allowing of certain evils
which could not be excluded, and deiec.
i've in points where, perhaps, if sectional
jealousy had not prevented, higher tone
Of justice might have been maintained.
But such as it is, and somewhat imperfect.
as we admit it may be, il is, nevertheless,
one Of the best legislative and Judicial
platforms under which nation could
wish to have its existence. Thankful
should we be, this day, that wise and
good men-patriots of the purest stamp,
now dead and gone-originated this sys-
em, under which their descendants have
iourished and prospered until now. We
awe them an immense debt Of gratitude;
and we owe still higher gratitude to him
who inspired them with the requisite wis
lom 10 produce it. Considering the null
lfarious interests which had to be taken
nto view, and the extent of country over
which the Federal jurisdiction was to ex-
srt its sway, it is surprising that it has
worked so well, and experienced so little
friction. To me It is marvellous, that, in
he unexampled expansion of our power
and progress as a nation, it has, with a
sort Of prophetic wisdom, adapted itself to
every new phase in our history, and ex-
srted control as efficient over the most
remote as over the central and older Sec
ions. ;rf,f.. XXI s,.,;f7esb ann
But it was not my design to eulogise
he Constitution, nor TO apologize for any
lefects which it may contain, nor to de-
end it from rude attacks by men Of oppo-
ute temperaments and principles This
S not my province, 1t has its defenders
N the halls Of legislation, and its support
srs in the wise and good over the whole
ength and breadth Of the land. But, as
4 Christian, / find that my religion has
something to say on the SuD]ect OF gov
and duties to enjoin in relation
10 ',the powers that be-" am mainly
concerned as to the naturesof these du-f
lies, what they are; how extensive or how
limited; whether they conflict with any
other dutiesa Il wish to ascertain wheth-.
sr, in obeying the laws Of the land, shall
be recreant to the higher obligations to
my God. 5Fg SIN 7ss b "a suo.
These are questions which, at the pres
snt day, and amid an apparent conflict Of
opinions, good men are seriously ponder
ing. There is christian sentiment in
his nation, very extensive and pervading,
that wants to be satisfied on these points;
which cannot rest in the vague idea merely
that it owes allegiance to the Government,
but must be informed to what extent that
is due; and where, or under
what circumstances, if under any, il may
be withheld. r,sNis8 sci4se sa0 ts
III am persuaded that II this point were
made subject Of more frequent consid-
~rof;on and candid discussion. minds