6964. PRINCIPLES, Not men.—
Two
facts are certainly as true as irreconcilable.
The people of Massachusetts love economy
and freedom, civil and religious. The present
legislative and executive functionaries endeavor
to practice economy, and to strengthen
civil and religious freedom. Yet they are disapproved
by the people of Massachusetts. It
cannot be that these had rather give up
principles than men. However the riddle is
to be solved, our duty is plain, to administer
their interests faithfully, and to overcome evil
with good.—
To John Bacon.
Ford ed., viii, 228.
(W.
April. 1803)
