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for me, at once, to meet their Approbation, & to render it honorable to myself,; nor, when I reflect upon the Character of the Men under whose immediate Influence & Example this particular settlement, which will probably give a Ton [e] to all that may succeed it, will be formed, have I much Reason to fear a Disappointment -- Men who duly weigh the Importance to Society of a strict Attention to the Duties of Religion & Morality; - in whose Bosoms the Love of Liberty & of Order is a masterly Passion; - who respect the Rights of Mankind, & have sacrificed much to support them --& who are no strangers to the De- cencies & to the Elegancies of Life. I esteem it also a singular [end of preceding line] Happiness, to you & to me, that the Gentlemen appointed to the judicial Department are of such distinguished Characters & so well known to you -- On one Side the Respect which is due to their Stations is secured; Whilst on the other it will be yielded with the most perfect good Will. - You will observe Gentlemen, that the System which has been formed for this Country, & is now to take Effect, is temporary only - suited to your infant Situation, & to continue no longer than that State of Infancy shall last: -- During that Period the Judges, with my Assistan are to select from the Codes of the Mother States such Laws as may be thought proper for you. - This is a very important Part of our Duty, & will be attended to with the greatest Care -- But Congress have not in- trusted this great Business wholly to our Prudence or Discretion; & here again you have a fresh Proof of their paternal Attention, -- We are bound to report to them all Laws that shall be introduced, & they have reserved to themselves the Power of annulling them - so that if any