He alone who governs himself by the laws of God will act consistently ; while he who follows the ever-varying monitions of party policy will often be found wandmng in tortuous paths.
History and daily observation compel the conviction, that patriotism is more frequently professed than prac- tised, and that much which assumes the name, and passes current with the world, is utterly spurious. Yet it is also true, that the patriotism which seeks the public good, in obedience to the Divine will, and in accordance with the precepts of the Gospel, far from being an imaginary, is a real and active virtue. It is, indeed, to be found in camps and senates, but these are not its exclusive nor its favorite haunts. This patriotism inspires many a prayer for the peace, virtue, and happiness of the nation, and prompts innumerable efforts and costly sacrifices of time and money for the temporal and spiritual welfare of our fellow-coun- * Speech of Mr. Marsh, Feb. 18, 1848.—Con. Globe.
trymen. Were we permitted to trace effects to their causes, in the moral government of the world, we should doubtless