light with me, however zealous they may be for amend-
ments, must agree in the propriety of a previous adop-
tion, as the most direct road to their own object.
The zeal for attempts to amend, prior to the estab-
lishment of the Constitution, must abate in every man,
who is ready to accede to the truth of the following
observations of a writer, equally solid and ingenious :
" To balance a large State or society," (says he,) " wheth-
" er monarchical or republican, on general laws, is a
" work of so great difficulty, that no human genius,
'• however comprehensive, is able by the mere dint of
"reason and reflection, to effect it. The judgments of
" many must unite in the work ; Experience must
"• guide their labor ; Time must bring it to perfection ;
The Federalist. 615
" and the feeling of inconveniences must correct the
" mistakes which they inevitably fall into, in their first
" trials and experiments." * These judicious reflections
contain a lesson of moderation to all the sincere lovers
of the Union, and ought to put them upon their guard
against hazarding anarchy, civil war, a perpetual alien-
ation of the States from each other, and perhaps the
military despotism of a victorious demagogue, in the
pursuit of what they are not likely to obtain, but from
TIME and EXPERIENCE. It may be in me a defect of po-
litical fortitude, but I acknowledge that I cannot enter-
tain an equal tranquillity with those who affect to treat
the dangers of a longer continuance in our present situ-
ation as imaginary. A Nation, without a National
Government, is, in my view, an awful spectacle. The
establishment of a Constitution, in time of profound
peace, by the voluntary consent of a whole People, is a
PRODIGY, to the completion of which I look forward
with trembling anxiety. I can reconcile it to no rules
of prudence to let go the hold we now have, in so ardu-
ous an enterprise, upon seven out of the thirteen States;
and after having passed over so considerable a part of the
ground, to recommence the course. I dread the more
the consequences of new attempts, because I know that
powerful individuals, in this and in other States, are
enemies to a general National Government in every
possible shape.
PUBLIUS.
* Hume's Essays, vol. 1, page 128. — The Rise of Arts and Sciences. —
Publius.
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