The essay's first paragraph adds to the author's argument mainly by…

( the paragraph) In my last address upon the proceedings of the Federal Convention I endeavored to convince you of the importance of
the subject, that it required a cool, dispassionate examination, and a thorough investigation, previous to its adoption -
that it was not a mere revision and amendment of our first Confederation, but a compleat System for the future
government of the United States, and I may now add in preference to, and in exclusion of, all others heretofore adopted.
- It is not TEMPORARY, but in its nature, PERPETUAL.

A. suggesting that whatever happens, the laws and proposals are likely to be temporary
B. explaining that laws should never be changed or amended
C. stressing the importance of forming an effective and complete system of government
D. downplaying the necessity of the Constitution as a binding agreement