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The remedy was harsh but powerful, as whatever is meant to work a moral reform

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must be required to be, and I firmly believe was much the least evil of the two, however melancholy some of its consequences might prove to individuals.

After all, I desire that what I have delivered, may not be misinterpreted. I am an enemy to War as much as you are yourself, unless undertaken on just grounds. Self-defence is the only proper apology;* though this may in contests between states, and always does imply a right of attacking. "The right of War" says Montesquieu,† "is derived from necessity and strict justice. If those who direct the conscience or councils of Princes, do not abide by this maxim, the consequence is dreadful. When they

* Defensive War is just, when made against an unjust aggressor. This requires no proof, self-defence is not only the right, but the duty of a nation, and one of its most sacred duties. Vattel, b. III, c. 3, §. 35.

† Sp. of Laws, b. X, c. 2.

proceed on arbitrary principles of glory, convenience and utility, torrents of blood must overspread the earth."

I shall finish what I have to say, with the words of Dr. Parr,* who, in addressing the people of the country at large, expresses the sentiments I adopt, with greater energy, and more elegant language, than is in my power to use.

"Were your governors, indeed, employed in romantic and adventurous schemes of conquest, you might pause a little before you added approbation to obedience, and spontaneously tendered your aid to annoy those who had not offended you, to plunder those who had not injured you, and to crush those who cannot resist you. But when your country is invaded, there is no room for hesitation in your judgment, as there can be no plea for slackness in your actions. Every ear must be open to the general and

Parr's Fast Sermon, on the Fast Day, Oct. 19, 1803.

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awful summons; every heart must be inaccessible to fear; and every hand must be uplifted for resistance. You are called upon to defend your liberties, your laws and your religion. You are sharing a common danger, and promoting a common interest,

with your governors, with your equals, and

with your inferiors. You go forth to the combat, not as savage destroyers, not as ambitious conquerors, not as insatiable plunderers, but as self-preservers, as Englishmen, and as Christians. You are encouraged, in the support of a just cause, by the example of the brave, the arguments of the wise, and the exhortations of the good. You are preparing to bequeath to your posterity those blessings, which the foresight, or the heroism, or the virtues of your great progenitors procured for them, and for yourselves. You are contending, not for unsubstantial renown, but for solid security; not alone for national honour, which indeed may be often precarious, or merely ideal, but for national independence, which always is intelligible, and which always must be inestimable. You are avenging

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the blood of the innocent, the honest, and the valiant. You are protecting your Neighbours from oppression, your Families from poverty, your Sovereign from injury and insult, and your Country from disgrace and perdition.

"In the pursuit of ends so justifiable, by means so meritorious, you may without impiety, look up for succour to Almighty God! And whether ye perish in the struggle, or whether ye survive it, the approbation of that God, will be the sure, and most ample reward of your loyalty, your patriotism, and your fortitude co-operating with your benevolence."

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