The elements of which character is composed have been combined in
the various nations of the past in different proportions. And if we
continue our remarks in relation to the Greeks and Romans, as partially
representative of them all, we cannot fail to see that the passion
for the cabinet or the field has been predominant in proportion as
either has commanded the most of these elements. But it appears as
if it were left for the American to combine into a perfect character
all the elements of which it is composed, and to hold that character
up an improvement upon the past, and as a guide and pattern for the
future. And that this perfect character is not yet fully developed
in a national point, is most clearly certain. When it is, the world
will look upon what it has not yet seen; a nation combining in right
proportions the elements which make man a social and religious being,
with those which make him a patriot. Then may the man be regarded
as the representative of his nation; and the elements of which the
character of his nation is composed, will be found to centre in
himself.