82 On the Institution of Literary 
portant knowledge, which otherwise would never 
have been committed to writing. By honorary 
premiums, if they are comprised within its plan, or 
by the more honourable reward of admission among 
its members, it will add vigour to exertion and cre- 
dit to success. 
From the wise purpose of Providence (that every 
period of life and every plan which we undertake 
shall form a part of the grand scheme of moral pro- 
bation) it results, that every good, attainable on the 
present stage of being, is liable to be accompanied 
by evil. Hence every human institution, from the 
political arrangement framed for the government of 
an empire to the humblest local association, of what- 
ever benefits it may be productive, will also bring a 
train of attendant disadvantages. And however in- 
ferior in magnitude the latter may be to the former, 
they will yet be such as to render conscientious vi- 
gilance to obviate them, a strict and important duty. 
It is therefore material to enquire, what are the dis- 
advantages not unlikely to be annexed to the valu- 
able institutions now before us. I do not speak of 
disadvantages which may be nearly or altogether 
precluded by the fundamental rules of the society 
properly executed. If political contention and the 
spirit of ministerial or antiministerial attachment be 
suffered to embroil the periodical meeting; if local 
disputes and private animosities, instead of being 
mitigated by the concurrence of all the adverse par- 
