148 Notices respecting New Books. 
peculiar danger which literary men run of overlooking this ¢on- 
Sideration, from the familiar acquaintance they acquire, in the 
eourse of their early studies, with the ideas aud sentiments of 
the ancient classics. : 
«* The remark of Bacon on the systematical policy of Henry 
Vil. was manifestly suggested by the same train of thinking. 
© His laws (whoso marks them well) were deep and not vulgar 3 
not made on the spur of a particular occasion for the present, 
but out of providence for the future ; 3 to make the estate of his 
people still more and more happy, after the manner of the legis- 
lators in ancient and heroic times.’ How far this noble eulogy 
was merited, either by the legislators of antiquity, or by the 
modern prince on whom Bacon has bestowed it, is a question of 
little moment. I quote it merely on account of the important 
philosophical distinction which it indirectly marks, between 
€ deep and vulgar laws ;’ the former invariably aiming to accom 
plish their end, not by giving any sudden shock to the fdbaoe 
and interests of the existing generation, but by allowing to na- 
tural causes time and opportunity to operate; and by removing 
thase artificial obstacles which:eheck the progressive tendencies 
of society. It is probable that, on this occasion, Bacon had an 
eye more particularly to the memorable s/atute of alienation ; 
to the effects of which (whatever were the motives of its author) 
the above description certainly applies in an eminent degree, 
_. §* After all, however, it must be acknowledged, that it is rather 
“in his general views and maxims, than in the details of his po-. 
litical theories, that Bacon’s sagacity appears to advantage. His 
notions with respect to commercial policy seem to have been 
more peculiarly erroneous; originating in an overweening opi- 
nion of the efficacy of law, in matters where natural causes ought 
to be allowed a free operation. It is observed by Mr. Hume, 
that: the statutes of Henry VII. relating to the police of his 
kingdom, are generally contrived with more judgement than his 
commercial regulations. The same writer adds, that ‘the more 
simple ideas of order and equity are sufficient to guide a legis- 
lator in everything that regards the internal administration of 
justice; but that the principles of commerce are much mure 
complicated, and require long experience and deep reflection to 
be well understood in any state. The real consequence is there 
often contrary to first appearances. No wonder that during 
the reign of Henry VII. these matters were frequently mistaken ; 
and it may safely be affirmed, that even in the age of Lord Ba- 
con very imperfect and erroneous ideas were formed on that 
subject.’ 
«© The instances mentioned by Hume in confirmation of these 
general remarks, are peculiarly gratifying to those who have a 
pleasure 
a 
