300 _ © gheanings of hterature. June 27. 
ject of infimtely higher importance than an inquiry into 
the causes cf the wealth of nations? which might deserve 
the title of 4n inquiry into the causes of the happinefs of 
nations! Such a work, if executed with equal integrity, 
wisdom, and abilities, would entitle its author to the 
name of the Benefactor of the human race: ; 
It would embrace, in its scope and argument, the 
health, morals, education, industry, good order, and polis 
tica] sentiments of the people. 
It wovld fhow that no object of revenue to a state} 
fhould induce the legislative power to encourage the use 
of such food cr drink, or such habits and employments, as 
have a tendency to hurt the, bodily organs, or to lower 
the faculties of the mind, as im the case of tea, tobacco, 
and ardent spirits ; but above’ all, jt would proscribe every 
branch of businefs that had a tendency to pervert the mo- 
yals, or corrupt the heart of the people. ‘The acquisition 
of wealth, when contrasted with the lofs of virtue, fhould, 
im no case, be put in competition. 
That a modification of laws and. political’ institutions, 
that have a continued’ tendency to promote venality, in- 
temperance, and perjury, whether: in electing the legisla 
tive body, or in attempting to evade the payment of taxes, 
' ought to be changed, in such a manner as to remove the 
temptation or opportunity for such immoralities as have 
an immediate tendency to: corrupt the whole man, and to 
destroy the moral sense, the force of parole evidence in 
thé detection of crimes, and to produce an aptitude to 
universal corruption. of manners, which goes to the difso- 
lution of society itself. 
"That no institutions ought to be favoured by the state: 
that have a tendency to keep youth in ignorance, or to 
expose it to such occupations or neglect, as must prevent 
% from being imbued. with talents suited to ther good of 
