

LAW AND POLITICS. 191 



seem the main business of man to repine at all 

 government, yet there is manifestly no real equality 

 either in nature or society. 



Ultraism. 



Whenever an irrational ultraism in politics has be- 

 come so popular as to prove a dangerous epidemic, 

 Providence produces a state of adversity, such as 

 compels the re-agency of reason. 



It is a blind policy that admits of no distinctions, 

 and which would apply the same rules and maxims 

 at all times, and under all circumstances. 



Comparative Efficacy of Laws. 



With respect to efficacy of human laws, their 

 direct power to inspire men with the love of probity, 

 diligence, and contentment, by positive command, is 

 small ; their power to restrain the opposite vices is 

 far greater ; their power to discourage or hinder good 

 Jiabits of character, by mistaken institutions, greatest 

 of all. 



In the case last mentioned, they operate at an ad- 

 vantage ; because the institution, and the bad part of 

 human nature go together; whereas, in the other 

 cases, they are opposed, and the enactment has to 

 force its way against the grain.* 



Legislation. 



To suppose that legislation is a specific remedy 

 for moral and political grievances, is a very prevalent 

 error of the age. 



Property. 



The laws of nature dictate to man the establish- 



Virtus rectorem ducemque desiderat; vitia sine magistro 

 discuntur. Virtue requires the aid of a governor and director; 

 vices are learned without a teacher. 



