d6 



most effeminate and cbrruptedr' from the same cause, a 

 mind vacant of ideas, incapable of good, devoid of ele- 

 gance and refinement, wholly engrosses the mind, to the 

 exclusion of other objects: or, if room is spared for other 

 enjoyments, they are the jileiasures of the table, idle ex- 

 pense, fantastic extravagance, and tasteless magnificence. 

 Dress, toys, baubles, gluttony, now consume the sums, 

 which were formerly expended, by a national opulence, 

 under the control of taste,; on the valuable productions 

 of paiiiting, sculpture, and arclntecture. Even the go- 

 verumeiits of countries take a lead in these frivolities; 

 and, by following and flattering the miserable and child- 

 ish; folly of the times, render the evil progressive. Thus, 

 in ancient., agesj a statue, a bust, a superb sepulchral 

 monument, used . to be the reward of heroic acts and su- 

 perior merit; which at once perpetuated an emulation in 

 moral excellence, and a taste in the Jitie arts. Now, the 

 reward of virtue or heroism, is a red or a blue string, fit 

 for a child's whistle; a festino, or a fire-work, which eva- 

 porates in smoke, and leaves no trace behind. 



It is equally obvious, that peculiar forms of government 

 must have very different, and distinguishable effects, on 

 the human mind, from another consideration: that, in va- 

 rious forms of ^ government, there are peculiar passions, 

 which they tend to call forth; peculiar talents and exer- 

 tions, which they demand, and put in action. There are 

 in peculiar forms of government, appropriate and peculiar 

 forms of conduct, suited to each; and each has a ten- 

 dency 



