PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAP,\.RTE LAMAR 581 ings of freedom. Independent of the wide field of practical expe- rience before us in the 10ld world and the new, the subject of just and equitable government has for a long time been one of intense interest in both hemispheres; embracing in ·its investigation and .dis- cussion all classes of society and all orders of intellect, and sending fol'th a flood of light, ·such as the world has never experienced before, and which will not permit the plainest individual to wander far in the maze~ of error, who diligently seeks after truth and fearlessly and inflexibly obeys its dictates But in availing ourselves of the wisdom and experience of other nations, we cannot too carefully guard against the abject spirit of mere imitation. It should be our study, not servilely to copy, but to imprnve upon the h;1b9rs of others, by reducing to practice such salutatary truths as stand susfJ!incd by philosophy and reason, and by repudiating those· forms and principles which are known to be false and pernicious, but which are still retained in old established governments because of their antiquity or of the danger and difficulty of eradicating them. Whatever may be our respect and ven~:ation for any, it should not be forgot that ,ve owe it to ourselves, to the world and to the Great Father of nations, to establish· and preserv:e a character of our own-..!.a national, not a provincial character- founded upon the great lights which are continually brightening hefore us. Peculiarly favored as we are by a kind and all-bounteous Providence, it would be criminal in the highest degree, if like the unprofitable servant, we should bury our talent unimproved. It is our bounden duty to increase it; and by being faithful over the things entrusted to us, we have every reason to believe that many more and larger blessings will be added as the reward of fidelity. Such another opportunity of doing extended and permanent good to mankind can never occur to us again, and to pass it by unimproved would be a wrong to our fellow creatures and ingratitude to God. .Let it then bo our chief study and glory to contribute our due share to the improve- ments of the age, and to repay in kind our obligation to other nations for the benefits derived from their wisdom and experience. 'The task gentleman before you is an arduous and difficult one, but not unattended with soul-inspiring considerations calculated to cheer the patriot on in the midst of toil, perplexity and sacrifices. Conscious of the impox:tance of your acts, and the magnitude of their conse- qnences, you may tremble at the deep responsibility of your situation, yet a laudable and noble ambition may well be proud _of the destiny that confers the power of laying the foundation of a great nation and forever securing the liberty and happiness of its pcopie. Surely gentlemen, we have, all of us, every reason to be proud of our country; for her beauty is unrivalled and her wealth un-. bounded. The richest gifts of Providence are here-all that nature ean bestow, or the heart should desire- a climate delightful and in vigorating-water as pure as the springs that sparkle from the Rocky l\Iountains-a soil prolific and diversified, adapted to the full maturity of every production of the temperate zone-and what is better still, a virtuous and enlightened population; a hardy race of enterprising men who appreciate the blessings they enjoy, and stand prepared to• maintain and protect them.
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