THE RICH AND THE POOR. 441 



they have done, not that they have got ; and thus a way has been 

 paved for the introduction of better feelings on both sides, through 

 the connecting link of the half-selfish virtues of gratitude on the one 

 side, and the self-approving pride of good deeds on the other. Cer- 

 tainly we were much deceived, if any one of the speakers at that 

 meeting were not actuated, or fancied themselves at least so for the 

 time, by a spirit of pure disinterested benevolence, unalloyed by any 

 grosser considerations ; nd if all the bishops had always spoken in 

 the House as the two representatives of that body did there, there 

 Would be no propositions made for relieving them of their parlia- 

 mentary labours, or, at least, it would not have met with so favour- 

 able a reception from a large party within the House, and the almost 

 unanimous support of the press out of it. 



But interesting and edifying as this sight was in itself, it was still 

 more so from the reflections and hopes to which it was calculated to 

 give rise. Several of the persons present did indeed observe the 

 pleasure they felt from being able, in this instance, cordially to co- 

 operate with persons from whom they were obliged to differ, and 

 even to oppose on most occasions. But the reflection is capable of 

 being extended much further. It is not indeed to be expected that 

 that unanimity which here so happily prevailed, and which it were 

 to be wished should exist on all important questions, will ever exist, 

 even on such, although we may perhaps hope yet to see it in a much 

 greater degree than at present. But one thought presents itself very 

 strikingly. If persons opposed on many points can yet bring them- 

 selves to unite on some, why may they not also differ and oppose 

 each other without bitterness or animosity? This may be at once 

 attained if they can only bring themselves to believe that their oppo- 

 nents are acting conscientiously. This would be at least drawing 

 the sting of political hostility. And be it observed that this would 

 be doing much even towards clearing the way for positive agreement 

 in opinion and action ; not of course absolute, but to a much greater 

 extent than hitherto, so as at least not to hear any person giving, as a 

 reason for voting against a measure, that another had voted for it. 

 And thus might we reasonably look forward to a nearer realization of 

 that which Lord Anglesea designated " a union of all that is good 

 against all that is bad." 



The moderate party possesses one signal advantage over both the 

 extremes, even though it were inferior in numbers to each : namely, 

 that by occupying the middle ground between two irreconcileably 

 hostile extremes, it can throw its weight into either scale if it thinks 

 proper, and gain many deserters, too, as it has done, from the two 

 extremes ; but then it should never be forgotten, as it very often is, 

 that this enviable position can be kept only by a steady course, mo- 

 derate because consistent; not vascillating and doing things by halves, 

 which some of those who act, but very few of those who look on, 

 mistake for moderation. Another advantage which they possess in a 

 most signal and incontestable degree, but which they seem infatuated 

 to neglect in the most unaccountable manner 



" Fortunati nimium sua si bona norint!" 

 is that alluded to above, that their real ultimate objects (and theirs 



M. M. No. 100. 3 L 



