influence of governments are controlled, and counteracted, 

 by collateral causes; in such a degree, that reasonings, 

 from general principles, are opposed by facts; and no rule 

 can be drawn from abstract reasoning, to which history 

 does not instantly suggest some striking and remarkable 

 objection. These collateral controlling causes are climate, 

 religious and moral institutions, the temper, genius, and 

 characters of particular individuals. 



Thus it may happen, that a despotic government, un- 

 favourable in itself (as we shall see, in the sequel of this 

 Essay) to every species of cultivation, and liberal improve- 

 ment, may be adorned, in the most eminent degree, with 

 the fine arts, and become the residence of opulence, ele- 

 o-ance, and commerce. But this eft'ect must be ascribed 

 to the influence, and peculiar character of individuals; as, 

 for instance, of- Augustus Caesar; of some dynasties of the 

 Eo^yptian, Persian, and Moorish princes; of Pope Leo X., 

 and of Lewis XIV. While the inductions, which might 

 be drawn from histoi-y, may be, sometimes, at variance 

 with the conclusions of general theory, and the conclu- 

 sions of general theory may be opposed by objections, 

 drawn from history: yet, when the subject comes to be 

 duly examined, this seeming contrariety will demonstrate 

 a perfect uniformity of principle; and the theory will be 

 confirmed by the very circumstances, which, at first sight, 

 seem to be exceptions. 



I shall endeavour to maintain the aflfirmative of the 

 question, by considering what is meant by the expres- 

 sions, 



