Ch. vi. the principal Cause of Poverty, S^c. 321 



would fall powerless to the ground. The poor 

 are by no means inclined to be visionary. Their 

 distresses are always real, though they are not 

 attributed to the real causes. If these causes 

 were properly explained to them, and they were 

 taught to know what part of their present distress 

 was attributable to government, and what part to 

 causes totally unconnected with it, discontent and 

 irritation among the lower classes of people would 

 shew themselves much less frequently than at 

 present ; and when they did shew themselves, 

 would be much less to be dreaded. The efforts 

 of turbulent and discontented men in the middle 

 classes of society might safely be disregarded, if 

 the poor were so far enlightened respecting the 

 real nature of their situation, as to be aware that 

 by aiding them in their schemes of renovation, 

 they would probably be promoting the ambitious 

 views of others, without in any respect benefiting 

 themselves. The country gentlemen and men 

 of property in England might securely return to 

 a wholesome jealousy of the encroachments of 

 power ; and instead of daily sacrificing the liber- 

 ties of the subject on the altar of public safety, 

 might, without any just apprehension from the 

 people, not only tread back their late steps, but 

 firmly insist upon those gradual reforms, which the 

 lapse of time and the storms of the political world 

 have rendered necessary, to prevent the gradual 

 destruction of the British constitution. 



All improvements in governments must neces- 

 sarily originate with persons of some education ; 



VOL. II. y 



