onthe recom undertaking experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people. Instead of particular mmendations in which I could be guided by no lights derived from official opportunities, I shall again give way to my entire confidence in your discernment in pursuit of the public good: for I assure myself that whilst you carefully avoid every alteration which might endanger the benefits of an united and effective government, or which ought to await the future lessons of experience, a reverence for the characteristic rights of freemen, and a regard for the public harmony, will sufficient influence your deliberations onthe questions, how far the former can be more impregnabls fortified, or the latter be safe and more advantageously promoted. Having thus imparted to you my sentiments, as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the human race, in humble supplication, that since he has been pleased to favour the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimits a form of government for the security of their union, and the advancement of their happiness; so his divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations and the wise on which the success of this government must depend. on measures |