( 497 ) 



PUBLIC OPINION. 



IT would appear from all we have seen and heard, that education, 

 and a proper religious sentiment and civilization, render individuals of 

 all countries more alike, and that the difference between communities 

 arising from climate, soil, or language, becomes less. How strikingly 

 exemplified has this self-evident truth been and under our own eyes, 

 too as regards France and England, within the last twenty years ? 

 But to continue the same reasoning and the same conclusions that have 

 been applied in the foregoing observations, to trace the origin and pro- 

 gress of public opinion in England, hold, with a little variation, when 

 applied to any other country in Europe. On taking a retrospective 

 view of the state of improvement, of information in short, of civiliza- 

 tion, of public opinion, and the extension of the " middle class" of 

 society, we have only to consider the former state of mankind, and then 

 to ascertain their present, as compared with their past condition; the 

 difference is apparent ; the causes by which it is occasioned are obvious, 

 and accounted for from the principles laid down. That a very great 

 amelioration has taken, and is taking place, in the condition of mankind 

 in general but especially the MIDDLE CLASSES is the inevitable con- 

 clusion. Some disadvantages may arise from the increase of luxury 

 and abundance of capital ; selfishness may be increased, and wealth may 

 be courted by the mass of the people, even more than formerly. That 

 such feelings are injurious to the finest sentiments of human nature, can- 

 not be denied ; that other results may arise from an unfavourable ten- 

 dency is probable : under every circumstance, however, much more is 

 gained than lost by mankind : the religious sentiment, civilization, en- 

 joyment, and happiness of individuals, and of communities, is increased. 

 Formerly, the " industry" of man seems to have been dormant : indi- 

 viduals and communities did not possess those advantages which late 

 improvements have enabled them to obtain. Man, it seems, has the 

 power of obtaining a certain degree of civilization and enjoyment, if his 

 moral and physical energies are properly directed, of which in a savage 

 state he is not able to avail himself : in proportion as the former are 



M.M. 12. 3 S 



