280 JouBNAr- [Part III. 



their religious creed (" restraining clause," a Chan- 

 cery Lawyer would call it) requires restrictions on 

 the propagation of the species ; it orders such regula- 

 tions as are necessary to prevent children coming but 

 once in a certain number of years ; and this matter 

 is so arranged that, when they come, they come in 

 little flocks, all within the same month, perhaps, like 

 a larmer's lambs. The Law-giver here made a lia- 

 mously " restraining statute" upon the law of nature ! 

 This Avay of expounding law seems to be a main point 

 of his policy ; he by this means keeps his associates 

 from increasing to an unruly number within, while 

 more are sure not to come in Irom without ; and, I 

 really am al'raid he will go a good way towards se- 

 curing a monopoly of many great improvements in agri- 

 culture, both as to principle and method. People see 

 the fine fields of the Harmonites, but, the prospect 

 conies damped M'ith the idea of bondage and celibacy. 

 It is a curious society: was ever one heard of before 

 that did not wish to increase I This smells strong of 

 policy; some distinct view in the leaders, no doubt. 

 Who would be surprised if we were to see a still more 

 curious society by and hye ! A Society Sole ! very far 

 from improbable, if the sons of Rapp (for he has chil- 

 dren, nevertheless, as well as Parson Malthus) and the 

 Elders were to die, it not being likely that they will 

 renounce or forfeit their right to the common stock. We 

 should then have societies as well as corporations 

 vested in one person ! That would be quite a novel 

 kind of benefice! but, not the less fat. 1 question 

 whether the associated person of Mr. Rapp Mould not 

 be in possession of as fine a domain and as many good 

 things as the incorporated person of an Archbishop : 

 nay, he would rival the Pope ! But, to my journal. 



523. Arrive at Princeton in the evenisig ; a good 

 part of our road lay over the fine lands of the Har- 

 monites. I understand, by the bye, that the title deeds 

 to these lands are taken in the name of Rapp and of 

 his associates. Poor associates: if they do but rebel! 

 Find the same store-keepers and tavern-keepers in 

 the same attitudes that we left them in the other day. 

 Their legs only a little higher than their heads, and 



