170 



lation and gross flattery of those wlio secretly are held in 

 the utmost contempt. Under limittd monarchies, the first 

 step to its attainment, is a seat in the legislative assembly, 

 which indeed to the opulent is seldom a matter of much dif- 

 ficulty, and the second is connexion with a party, and adop- 

 tion of all its measures whether right or wrong ; this princi- 

 ple is now generally received ; but when acted upon, must, 

 to a virtuous mind, be frequently productive of the most 

 painful feelings ; obstinate resistance from the opposite party 

 must be experienced ; the contest frequently lasts many 

 years, embittered with unceasing vexation, and during its 

 continuance, counterballanced by no pleasure, but fallacious 

 hopes constantly disappointed. 



But secondly, supposing the efforts of a party finally 

 crowned, with success, and its leader invested with the ple- 

 nitude of ministerial power, still its duration is precarious, 

 attended with anxiety, misrepresentation of its views, calum- 

 ny and abuse, often unmerited, forced compliances with the 

 desires of the sovereign, often unreasonable, and even with 

 his favourites, if he has any, and a heavy responsibility for 

 failures of success of measures however wisely planned. 



The only compensation of all these evils is the intoxicat- 

 ing pride of superiority, and that of rewarding with places, 

 pensions and honours its most active supporters, toge- 

 ther 



