Conclusion




MEMOIRS

OF

GENERAL LAFAYETTE

* * * * *

Among the many great men who have distinguished themselves in the present
age, for their attachment and devotion to the cause of civil liberty,
general LAFAYETTE is one of the most eminent. During the last fifty years,
great changes have been made or attempted in human governments, highly
favourable to political freedom and the rights of mankind. In some cases,
indeed, revolutions have not been conducted upon just principles nor by
prudent councils; and the immediate results have been disastrous rather
than beneficial. Changes have taken place without direct and visible
improvement; and efforts to meliorate the condition of man have produced a
reaction in the adherents to patient arbitrary systems, which have given
occasion to much suffering and great excesses.

The struggle for freedom by the patriotic citizens of America, towards the
close of the last century, was successful; and has proved most auspicious
to human happiness. We have reason to hope, that its blessings will not be
confined to this western continent. A spirit of enquiry, indeed, has gone
abroad in the world. It is spreading in Europe: and though we devoutly wish