ON THE MORAL POWER OF THE PRESS, 



BY WM. CAREY, H. CM. A.R. B. A., H.M.A.N.Y. &C. 



The prodigious advance of Europe in all the arts of war and 

 peace since the discovery of typography in 1441, is a proof of 

 the vast importance of that art to mankind ; it, also, inculcates 

 the wisdom, wherever an opportunity occurs, of actively employ* 

 ing the press to promote local advantages and the general 

 welfare. The wonderful influence of this mighty engine extends 

 to the interests of every class, from the King to the peasant. 

 The sound and free exercise of its function is as necessary for 

 the security of the throne and the prosperity of the community, 

 as the free circulation of the blood and breath of the lungs, are 

 to the health of the body. The various diurnal, weekly, monthly, 

 and quarterly publications have greatly multiplied and diffused 

 its benefits. The information, which they so rapidly convey from 

 county to county, and kingdom to kingdom, of every new 

 improvement and invention, extends the action and sphere of our 

 agriculture, manufactures, trade, commerce, navigation, and 

 every department in which human genius, ingenuity, enterprise, 

 and industry can find room for exertion. The members of all 

 professions however learned, have it in their power to increase their 

 funds of knowledge from these epitomes of science and amuses 

 ment; and the humble cottager or mechanic in his lodging- 

 room, finds hints in them to render his daily labours more speedy- 

 and profitable; and lessons to instruct him in his rights and 

 duties. 



The history of the last four centuries furnishes a succession of 

 memorable proofs that the press possesses a power, when honestly 

 and ably exerted, to exalt, and, when abused, to degrade and 

 subvert, whatever it steadily advocates or denounces. Almost' 

 all the gradual changes, in that period, which have produced an 

 improvement of manners and customs in England, and on the 

 continent of Europe, have been either wholly wrought, or mainly 

 assisted by its influence. Those countries, where it was earliest 

 introduced, and most freely used, have received the greatest ad- 

 vantages, of which England, though late in receiving it, is a 

 signal instance. No extreme of bad taste, error, or ignorance, 

 can long withstand its well-directed energies. 



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