49 



" was displayed at Venice, on stated days, Avas calculated 

 " to flatter the feelings of the people, to reconcile them 

 " to the government, and persuade them, that every thing 

 " was managed for their advantage. The riches, which 

 were thus exhibited, were understood to be the riches 

 " of the state." 



This spirit of moderation, in an aristocracy, has the 

 same effect, to many purposes, as the spirit of equality in 

 a democracy. It gives the mass of the people some idea 

 -of their own importance; and thus contributes to produce 

 that elevation of mind, and grandeur of sentiments, Avhich 

 are the parents of excellence in all the nobler branches of 

 art. It tends to generate a love of country, which disposes 

 men of talents to continue and reside on the parent spot, 

 even under some disadvantages, rather than to emigrate in 

 search of better fortunes; and engages them to exert their 

 talents, to embellish the place which gave them birth, 

 with the monuments of genius. The spirit of moderation' 

 like the spirit of equality, requires a spirit of frugality, 

 and sumptuary restraints, which preclude gross and sen- 

 sual indulgences; and, as a resource and substitute, lead 

 men to mor& elegant and refined gratifications, such as 

 the fine arts bestow. The spirit of frugality, by retrench- 

 ing expense, in the sensual enjoyments, hoards the meanf? 

 and funds, not only of the state, but the individual; and 

 reserves a greater mass of wealth, to be employed in the 

 encouragement of those arts, and the completion of works 

 of magnificence. In support of this opinion, let us recur 

 VOL. x. o to 



