\ 
/ 
19925 on the constitution. ‘ 273) 
Since we never can be certain that we ourselves are 
free frum the influence of prejudice, sound sense 
surely requires that we fhould treat with tendernefs 
the opinions of those who differ from us, while we 
also have a just claim toa similar indulgence from 
them with regard to our own. What circumstance ; 
can be adduced as an infallible proof that the rea~ 
soning which is in vogue, in our own country, or 
during the age in which we live, is better than the, 
reasoning adopted by another people, or at a former 
period? If ‘all mankind are born equal,’’-have they | 
net an equal right to claim pre-eminence as we 
hive ? 
Since abstract reasoning, then, is so extremely fale ; 
lacious, let us be exceedingly cautious how we rely 
upon it; let us rather be guided by facts in the 
judgements we are to form of man, and the circum-. 
stances that influence his conduct. By adhering to 
this rule we observe, from invariable experience, that 
power, with whomsoever it be intrusted, degenerates 
into insolence and opprefsion. But as, in matters of 
government, power must be intrusted somewhere, the 
the great question to be solved is, in whose hands 
may power be. intrusted with the least chance of 
being abused? or to what modifications must it be 
subjected, so as to guard against the evils to which 
these abuses give rise ? 
In the present age, when the contagious phrenzy 
runs upon the ** natural unalienable rights of men,” 
it is not impofsible but some may ask if it be necefsary 
to intrust power in the hands of any of the executive 
departments of government? Though this question ap- 
VOL, ix. MM t 
