ON THE PHILOSOPHY OF SPORTS. 3 



force extends to the labourer as well as to his 

 lord ; the former having an equal right to fuch 

 wages as the times demand, and will admit, as 

 the latter has to the labourer's fervices, or to 

 the enjoyment of his own pofifeflions. This is 

 -what I underftand by the modern doftrine of 

 equality. But even under the heavieft pref- 

 fures, no juft charge can lie againft nature, the 

 common mother, fince (he has impartially com- 

 mitted the vindication of their own rights to 

 the arms of all her children in common. 



There is a certain proportion of the enjoy- 

 ments of life due, not only to the labouring 

 clafl'es of mankind, but even to the beads them- 

 felves, which are engaged in the fervice of man ; 

 and whoever unfeelingly wears out thefe laft, 

 as he does the foles he treads upon, with un- 

 merciful and inceffant toils, withholding from 

 them that degree of repofe neceflary to their 

 comfort, and the cheerful performance of their 

 labour, commits great and crying injuftice, 

 whatever brute and favage cuftom may urge in 

 his behoof. 



To the rich, the purfuit of pleafure becomes, 

 in a certain degree, an important occupation, 

 and' the diffipation of a part of their accumu- 

 lated wealth a public duty. Their leifure mull 

 be neceffarily employed, to prevent a ftagna- 

 tion in the current of life, or the aHivity of their 

 minds indulged in thofe occupations which 



B 2 produce 



