The Merry Past 



individuals, are discussed as being great measures of 

 national regeneration by politicians who do not 

 hesitate to borrow from the phraseology so dear to 

 dissenting ministers. 



There seems to be no finality about their legislation, 

 for in spite of the increase of restrictions, more are 

 constantly being proposed — a doubtful tribute to the 

 success of the system in general. 



Human nature is the same in all ages, states, and 

 stages ; and however we may attempt to alter its 

 essential characteristics by injudicious coercion, so 

 surely will this all-powerful law overreach us in the 

 end. We may, indeed, proceed for a time on our 

 maddened way, like unto an impetuous and hot horse, 

 without immediately being pulled up ; yet as surely 

 as the steed in question shall we experience the effects 

 of our headlong course, and be eventually brought to 

 a standstill. 



Whenever or wherever ill-considered laws, out of 

 harmony with the general trend of human nature, 

 stop up one source of public demoralisation, they never 

 fail to open many others, which rush with redoubled 

 violence through all the walks of life upon the com- 

 munity. If we could by Act of Parliament begin the 

 world anew, remodel society, and alter the present 

 nature and propensities of man, lawgivers might in 

 one week do as much good as they have since the 

 world was created done mischief. If we wish to 

 augment the sum of national vice (and thereby 

 misery), we must drive it to take refuge in holes and 

 corners, where it will ensconce itself, make nests, and 



15 



