When we invite danger from a confidence in defensive measures, we ought,
first of all, to be sure that it is a species of danger against which
any defensive measures that can be adopted will be sufficient. Next, we
ought to know that the spirit of our laws, or that our own dispositions,
which are stronger than laws, are susceptible of all those defensive
measures which the occasion may require. A third consideration is,
whether these measures will not bring more odium than strength to
government; and the last, whether the authority that makes them, in a
general corruption of manners and principles, can insure their
execution. Let no one argue, from the state of things, as he sees them
at present, concerning what will be the means and capacities of
government, when the time arrives which shall call for remedies
commensurate to enormous evils.
It is an obvious truth, that no constitution can defend itself: it must
be defended by the wisdom and fortitude of men. These are what no
constitution can give: they are the gifts of God; and He alone knows
whether we shall possess such gifts at the time we stand in need of
them. Constitutions furnish the civil means of getting at the natural:
it is all that in this case they can do.
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