professed, few are more imperfectly apprehended, and few are more rarely practised, than patriotism. From the time of Absalom to the last electioneering meeting, patriotic professions have been the ch^ap materials from which demagogues have attempted to construct their fortunes.
Counterfeits imply an original. There is such a virtue as patriotism, acknowledged and inculcated by both natu- ral and revealed religion ; and it is but a development of that benevolence which springs from moral goodness. To do good unto all men as we have opportunity, is an in- junction invested with divine authority. Generallj'- our ability to do good is confined to our families, neighbors, .
and countrymen ; and the natural promptings of our hearts lead us to select these in preference to more dis- tant objects, for the subjects of our kind offices. Our benevolence, when directed to our countrymen at large, constitutes patriotism ; and its exercise is as much con- trolled by the laws of moraUty, as when confined to our neighbors or our families. ^ voice from Heaven has for- bidden us, '' to do evil that good may come." The sen- timent, " our country right or wrong," is as profligate and impious as would be the sentiment, " our church, or our party, right or wrong." If it be rebellion against God to violate his laws for the benefit of one individual, however dear to us, not less sinful must it be to commit a similar act for the benefit of any number of individuals. If we may not, in kindness to the highwayman, assist him in robbing and murdering the traveller, what divine law permits us to aid any number of our own countrymen in robbing and murdering other people ? He who engages in a defen- sive war, with a full conviction of its necessity and justice, may be impelled by patriotism, by a benevolent desire to save the lives, and property, and rights of his country- men. But, if he believes the war to be one of invasion and conquest, and utterly unjust, by taking part in it, he assumes its guilt, and becomes responsible for its crimes.