For even at a much
later period there were men of exalted attainments who doubted the
applicability of the republican principle to large sections of
territory, and who would have sough in the division of the country, or
in the establishment of what was then deemed a stronger government
that security which they did not expect in an American republic.
The revolution through the town governments had three principal points
of support. First, _popular intelligence;_ secondly, _the influence of
the clergy;_ thirdly, _the possession of land._
The age of the Revolution was an intelligent, thinking age. It cannot
be considered as one of refinement, but there was a great deal of
original, independent, manly, intellectual activity. It was an age
of great men, both in this country and England. It could boast of the
Pitts, Burke, Fox and Sheridan; of Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, the
Adamses, Patrick Henry and the Lees. It was an age of useful
intelligence, of eminent practical wisdom. The leading minds of a
country to some extent represent its general characteristics. A
popular sentiment which sustained with fidelity the measures of non-
intercourse, of resistance and of war; which gave a generous,
affectionate, intelligent support to the leaders of the Revolution,
must have been liberal, sagacious and honest.
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