542
Interpreting and Preserving the Constitution
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man
claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great
pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and
Citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections
with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in
courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that
morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded
to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can
prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of
popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force
to every species of free government. Who, that is a sincere friend to it,
can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the
fabric?
Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the
general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion
should be enlightened.
As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public
credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible;
avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering
also that timely dis