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founded in justice, for relinquishing it; for prosperity founded ininjustice is never lasting. But should it, on reconsideration, bedeemed founded in justice, there would still be reason for solemndeliberation, whether in the present state of Europe and of Ame­ rica it might not be more expedient for us to consent to somemodification of it, or even to give it up entirely, than to risk ourexistence as a nation by maintaining it. Nations as well as indi-viduals often promote their interests more fundamentally by abandon-ing than by enforcing their rights. To persevere in a sameness ofconduct when a change of circumstances (such as the annihilationof the balance of power in Europe ; such as a combination of allthe powers of Europe against us ; such as the rise of a new powerin America , which in less than a century will be superior to allother powers,) renders a change of conduct expedient, is a greatpolitical error.

“ This error often proceeds from a want of discernment, in notseasonably observing the change of circumstances, and foreseeingthe consequences likely to attend it; and often also from an illjudged notion of there being a degree of dishonour in a change ofconduct. The idem manebat, neque tamen idem decebat, is an un-perceived rock on which the fortunes of kings, as well as ofprivate persons, have been often shipwrecked. It was the rockon which Charles the First perished. He did not perceive that,though he governed the same people nominally that his ancestorshad done, their understandings, manners, principles, were essen-tially changed. It was the rock on which Britain split and lostAmerica : we did not advert to the difference between young colo-nies which wanted our protection, and grown up colonies whichwere able to protect themselves.

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