368 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
remembered, that all institutions, to be extensively 
beneficial, must be altered and modified to suit 
that progressive improvement which is the conse- 
quence of good government. So plain a truth as 
this, none can be found to deny in the abstract ; 
but the moment we come to apply it in its particu- 
lars, —to single out any one case which, for assigned 
reasons, would appear to warrant timely but effectual 
amendment, — our prejudice against innovation re- 
turns with its former force; we either forget the 
general assent to the axiom, that all human insti- 
tutions should be adapted to the national state of 
civilisation, or we are prone to contend, that although 
moderate reformation is in the main beneficial, yet, 
in the particular case pointed out, it is uncalled for, 
and therefore unnecessary. But the ingenuous 
mind, anxious to discover truth, will not suffer 
predilections to turn it aside: it will calmly and 
patiently investigate arguments opposed to its own 
impressions ; it will concede such points as appear 
supported by sufficient evidence, and if, on ma- 
ture reflection, it- rejects others, it will give to 
its opponent the credit at least of being actuated 
by a pure and honest spirit of dissent against the 
thing complained of. Where these feelings are 
mutual, controversy, in all matters, will be denuded 
_ of those baser passions with which human infirmity 
has clothed it. Truth, unchanging truth, would 
be the only object sought, and an honest and a 
good mind will receive almost equal satisfaction, 
if the treasure is found by another, rather than by 
himself. It is to such minds, and such only, that 
we now appeal. For, however warmly we may feel, 
