He careth alike for angel and for man; and
therefore nothing that he has made is too mean to be the object of his
salvation. The word is comprehensive; in one sense it may signify our
redemption from sin and death by the coming of the Lord of Life into
this world; and in another, it intimates the different means b which
Providence decrees the ultimate happiness of men. Happiness can only
be found in virtue; virtue cannot exit without liberty; and the seat of
liberty is good laws! Hence when Scotland is again made free, the
bonds of the tyrant who corrupts her principles with temptations, or
compels her to iniquity by threats, are broken. Again the honest
peasant may cultivate his lands in security, the liberal hand feed the
hungry, and industry spread smiling plenty through all ranks; every man
to whom his Maker hath given talents, let them be one or five, may
apply them to their use; and, by eating the bread of peaceful labor,
rear families to virtuous action and the worship of God. The nobles,
meanwhile, looking alone to the legislation of Heaven and to the laws
of Scotland, which alike demand justice and mercy from all, will live
the fathers of their country, teaching her brave sons that the only
homage which does not debase a man, is that which he pays to virtue and
to God.
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