132 MEMOIR OF THOMAS BEWICK. 



from the influence of which there can be no doubt 

 that the English language will be spoken over the 

 whole Globe. Were kings to endeavour to follow 

 his example, and ever to keep in mind that they 

 and their ministers ought to consider themselves 

 as a royal society for the promotion of arts and 

 sciences, and of everything that can enlighten the 

 minds and ameliorate the condition .of mankind, 

 they would do right. Kings would then reign in 

 the hearts of the great overwhelming mass of the 

 people, and no confederacy or conspiracy of nobles 

 or others could ever upset their rule. But, while 

 they continue to suffer themselves to be surrounded 

 by flatterers, sycophants, and selfish knaves, no 

 good need be expected ; for they are thus brought 

 up like petted children, and have not the same 

 chance of becoming wise as other men. Thus 

 situated, they are to be pitied. One would think 

 that the respectable part of the old nobility, or 

 other opulent men of great abilities, might be 

 found with patriotism enough to perform the 

 offices of the ministry gratis, scorning high 

 salaries, and only looking to honourable distinc- 

 tion. This would of itself put an end to corruption. 

 Justices of the peace take the very great trouble of 

 acting their parts gratuitously ; churchwardens 

 and overseers do the same ; and why do not the 

 great and rich men of the land follow the praise- 

 worthy example r 



In turning back to take another look at the 

 American war, one may reckon to a certainty of 

 its having been made the subject of debatings, 

 and of furnishing matter for the thinking part of 

 mankind, over the whole of the civilised world. 

 George the Third and his advisers did not, per- 



