T7Q2~ on the constitution. 27%: 
sequences, as never to have for once obtained a no- 
minal permanency in fact, or even in idea, in any 
_ gountry on the globe. Such ideas are too absurd to 
excite any alarm. Ifthey fhould spring up, they re- 
quire no other refutation than to leaye mankind to 
the free influence of their own understanding. Be-; 
fore this tribunal they must quickly sink and disap- 
pear. 
_ The natural inequality that takes place among 
mankind, from that original diversity of talents with, 
which they have been endowed, is still farther aug~ 
mented by education and the habits man acquires in 
society, from the circumstances in which he may be 
accidentally placed. The influence of these extrinsic,» 
er, as we usually call them, moral causes, are such as, 
make a wonderful differeace in the natural powers, 
of man. It is te the influence of these moral causes, 
that we are to attribute that species of uniformity, 
which we so often observe among bodies of men ; and. 
which constitutes, what we call, national character. 
It is to the influence of the same principle that we 
must refer those local perversions of the human mind,. 
which have at times led whole nations into the most 
extravagant absurdities of conduct. We now con~ 
demn our predecefsors for the crusades and persecu- 
tions,for conscience sake, which devastated the world 
for so many centuries: We are astonifhed at the 
weaknefs of our forefathers for humbling themselves 
before the pope of Rome, and submitting to his ar- 
bitrary decrees as to the voice of the Deity. We 
laugh at the weaknefs of whole nations, who at pre~ 
shot bow with reverential adoration before an infant, 
7 
