The leading feature in the character of men, in all ages of the world,
has ever been self-interest; and when this is not kept within due
bounds, by a just sense of morality and honour, their bad passions
are let loose, and money, power, or dominion, are the chief objects
they keep in view. When men thus depraved, have long soared above
restraint, and their numbers and power become predominant in a nation,
the accumulation of their wickedness hurries them blindly on to break
out into offensive wars with other nations, on the most frivolous
pretences, and rapine, plunder, and innumerable murders succeed, by
which humanity is outraged, and the fair face of nature is deluged
with blood. “Peace is the natural happy state of man, and war is his
disgrace.” The mighty among the Frogs and Mice attend not to this: they
strut and exult for a time; but their pride, tyranny, and injustice,
will have an end: for opposed to these vices are the attributes of
Omnipotence, and they are eternal. It often happens (as in the case of
the combatants in the Fable) that when national depravity has attained
its height, the Kites and Ravens of other regions are invited forth,
and made the instruments of a just retribution.
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