580 EUROPEAN AGRICULTURE. 



severe and terrible. We may hope something from advancing 

 and extending education. This education may improve and 

 enlighten public opinion ; and, in the present wide and con 

 stantly-extending influence of the press, public opinion seems to 

 present the strongest barrier against the abuse of power, and to 

 be the great exciter to justice and to philanthropic exertion. In 

 proportion as public sentiment is strong, and based upon and 

 controlled by the principles of Christian equity, alas! so little 

 understood, we may hope for some substantial amelioration in 

 the condition of society ; but this seems at present distant and 

 uncertain. 



One is consoled in this case by looking at the amount of good 

 which may be effected by such men as the Swiss peasant whom 

 1 have described. Suppose him successful in rescuing from 

 wretchedness, and in forming to habits of industry, frugality, and 

 good conduct, only the eighteen children, whom, like an affec 

 tionate shepherd, he has taken like lambs in his arms. Imagine 

 these children going out into the world to multiply the good 

 which he has done, and to spread its influences through the vari 

 ous ramifications of society. What a rich harvest will arise, and 

 be the precursor of other and richer harvests from the small seed 

 sown by this disinterested and noble, but poor and humble 

 peasant ! 



I fear my readers will think me straying from my proper duty, 

 and I have, therefore, cut short these reflections. I could not 

 pardon myself if I could look at the condition of the laboring 

 classes in the old world without the deepest concern. At pres 

 ent, the farmers of the United States have the greatest reason to 

 congratulate themselves, to say nothing of the higher duty of 

 religious gratitude, for the circumstances in which they are 

 placed. There is at present land enough there for all, and open 

 to the acquisition of even the humblest man, who is willing to 

 nbor. and to unite with this labor temperance and frugality. 



