25# THE GOVERNMENT OF ENGLAND. 



over the itnderstanding, and too often the heart, with a dis- 

 mal, chilling influence. It gives perpetuity to error, defies 

 the weapons of argument and reason, and is impassive even 

 to the keen sword of eternal truth. To bring into salutary 

 action these two great instruments of human happiness, mo- 

 rals and religion, nothing is of so much importance, as to 

 multiply the facilities of education, and quicken the spirit of 

 enlightened inquiry. 



Through the medium of education the government may 

 give a stronger impulse to the arts, and help to build up the 

 empire of the sciences. Before men can invent, or make 

 profound discoveries, they must be taught to think. Savages 

 never advance a step Hirther in inventions and discoveries, 

 than they are compelled by their wants. The external com- 

 forts of civilized life depend on tlife useful arts, which an 

 improved state of the intellect has brought to light. In the 

 sciences, and in literature, we have a vast uncultivated field 

 before us. In the arts of traffic, and the mysteries of gain, 

 we may perhaps be contented with the skill we possess. 

 But to be contented with our progress in the sciences and 

 literature, and all tho.se attainments, which chiefly dignify 

 and adorn human nature, would argue . an obtuseness and 

 apathy altogether unworthy of a people, who are blessed with 

 so many political, civil, and local advantages of various kinds, 

 as the inhabitants of the United States. 



North American Review. 



Questions. — 1. What are some of the advantages of knowledge 

 with regard to rulers and the people ? 2. What are some of the ef- 

 fects of ignorance ? 3. How may government aid in establishing 

 morals and religion ? 4. How does intellectual improvement promote 

 devotional feelings ? 5. What will be the effect of studying the or- 

 ganization of society ? 6. What is the effect of ignorance in regard 

 to religion ? 



LESSON 115. 



The Government of England. 



The government of England, which has sometimes been 

 called a mixed government, sometimes a limited monarchy, 

 iis formed by a combination of the three regular species of 



