Cautionary but Encouraging

Washington spends most of his farewell address giving the American people some sage advice, despite his self-professed incompetence. That means he sees something is wrong and thinks he's got some good ideas, but he also isn't brazenly shouting them from the rooftops. He always tempers the advice with solid logic and a bit of flattery toward his audience.

That flattery also serves as a way to make his American audience feel that they are fully capable of rising to the occasion and doing what Washington asks. Otherwise, why bother trying?

Take, for example, the moment where he transitions into talking about parties and factions:

The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth. (9.1-3)

Look how great the government (which you voted for) is—but also, it's at risk. So, they should be wary but also know that they have something worth protecting. That theme continues throughout the address, like when he talks about foreign alliances:

Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests. (35.3-4)

He confidently tells his audience the risks but gives options for "real patriots" to stop the worst from happening. When there's a will, there's a way!