in Ancient and Modern Times* 103 



tween the nations of ancient times and the countries of modern 

 Europe. Between the former and present state of Asia and 

 Africa, every parallel is in favour of antiquity. That the an- 

 cient wars were more bloody and destructive, must indeed be 

 admitted ; but this makes very little for the general argument. 

 It is found by repeated experience that population advances to 

 its habitual standard, after any casual waste, with surprising ra- 

 pidity. A permanent decline can only be produced by the 

 influence of causes which uniformly operate. 



If then, as was observed in the beginning of these remarks, 

 the progress of nations in the arts of wisdom and happiness is 

 usually concomitant with the increase of their people, we are 

 forced upon a conclusion of a very saddening aspect. At first 

 sight we should be induced almost to despair of the fortunes 

 of the human race. The sanguine speculations of philosophers, 

 it would appear, have, thus far, proved illusory, and instantly 

 sink before the sober contemplation of facts. From the rapid 

 march of a few countries, in a remote corner of the world, in 

 science and humanity, we are apt to receive an impression that 

 the human race has reached an advanced post beyond all the 

 attainments of former ages. 



Assuredly our exultation has begun too soon, but there is, 

 however, little to appal, and much to cheer us in the prospect 

 of the future. The great discoveries and inventions of modern 

 times, which have given to some parts of Europe such an im- 

 mense superiority over all other ages and nations, and which 

 secure us for ever from the return of barbarism, are yet in the 

 first stage of their operation. Every thing will be accomplished 

 in the fulness of time. The machine which is to raise the 

 world has found a fulcrum, and though, like the mechanical 

 powers, it may lose in time what it gains in force, its work is 

 steady and un intermitting. The tyranny of ignorance and 

 prejudice is not easily broken, but we may be satisfied that its 

 overthrow is progressive and ultimately inevitable. 



