instead of coalescing into great nations*. But if they had always been contented with this, would the arts and improvements of mankind, which easily go on when once originated, have ever been called into existence? There are many things, not absolutely good, which have been good temporarily and under given circumstances. Perhaps luxury, that luxury which is incompatible with a pure and elevated morality, is an instance of this t.

us.

But, granting for a moment that the coalition of mankind into great nations ought never to have taken place, this does not alter the question before This coalition actually exists. It constitutes, a state exceedingly artificial. It is at war with the strongest propensities of individual man. It therefore requires great caution and extreme vigilance to maintain it. There is probably however not a political theorist in existence, who would say, that it ought to be totally and immediately destroyed. There is not a sober man in the world, with nerves strong enough calmly to face the tremendous issue.

The advocate of establishments says, We have already gained much; the spectacle of human society exhibits much that is admirable; I cannot consent that all this should be put to hazard for

* Political Justice, Book V, Chap. XXII, octavo edition. † Political Justice, Book VIII, Chap. VII, octavo edition.

the sake of an untried experiment: Let us be aware of our true interest; let us be contented with the things that we have. Surely this man may be eminently both honest and philanthropical.

The rational advocate of new systems of government, would touch actual institutions with a careful hand. He would desire further changes and fresh improvements; but he would consider the task of innovation as an arduous business, nor is there any thing that would excite more the apprehensiveness of his mind, than a precipitate and headlong spirit.

There is nothing perhaps that has contributed more to the introduction and perpetuating of bigotry in the world, than the doctrines of the Christian religion. It caused the spirit of intolerance to strike a deep root; and it has entailed that spirit upon many who have shaken off the directer influence of its tenets. It is the characteristic of this religion, to lay the utmost stress upon faith. Its central doctrine is contained in this short maxim, He that believeth, shall be saved; and he that believeth not, shall be damned *. What it is, the belief of which is saving, the records of our religion have left open to controversy; but the fundamental nature of faith, is one of its most unquestionable lessons. Faith is not only necessary

* Mark, Chap. XVI, ver. 16,

to preserve us from the pains of hell; it is also requisite as a qualification for temporal blessings. When any one applied to Jesus to be cured of any disease, he was first of all questioned respecting the implicitness of his faith; and, in Galilee, and other places, Christ wrought not many miracles, because of their unbelief*. Never were curses poured out in a more copious stream, or with a more ardent and unsparing zeal, than by the meek and holy Jesus upon those who opposed his pretensions +. The short and comprehensive description bestowed upon the refractory to the end of time appears to be this, They have loved darkness, rather than light, because their deeds are evil ‡.

There is a vulgar error closely connected with the subject of this essay, which on account of its extensive influence, deserves to be noticed; I mean the demerit of inconsistency. It is wonderful how great a space this topic occupies in the debates of the English parliament. The greatest luminary of the present house of commons, Mr. Fox, will sometimes occupy one half of a speech upon the

* Matthew, Chap. VIII, ver. 13; Chap. IX, ver. 28, 29; Chap. XIII, ver. 58: Mark, Chap. V. ver. 36; Chap. IX, ver. 23; Chap. XI, ver. 23, 24: John, Chap. XI, ver. 40; Chap. XX, ver. 29.

+ Take as an example, Matthew, Chap. XXIII, ver. 33. John, Chap. III, ver, 19.

most interesting question, with a defence of his own consistency.

It is scarcely necessary to remark, that an argument upon an interesting question, is always much degraded, when it is suffered to involve with it a personal discussion.

Of personal discussions, that of consistency is one of the most frivolous.

Inconsistency is as unfortunate a test of a man's insincerity, as can be imagined.

If by inconsistency we understand some contradiction between one branch of a man's creed and another, this is undoubtedly a defect.

It proves that he is imperfect, not that he is dishonest.

But, if by inconsistency we understand, that he does not believe now what he once believed, that his character is changed, and his conduct regulated by different principles, this is scarcely any argument of present defect. Yet this is the sort of inconsistency, the charge of which is most frequently and vehemently repelled.

It is obvious that the man, who, in adjusting accounts with his own mind, is influenced as to the opinions he shall now receive, by the consideration of what it was that he formerly believed, is so far a vitiated character. He ought to be ready to receive the truth, however unlike it may be to his former habits of thinking.

But we are entitled to go further than this, and ́ to affirm that inconsistency, in the sense last explained, is glorious, instead of being shameful. Who is it that is likely, through Shakespear's seven ages of man, to think always alike? The slave of prejudice, or the slave of idleness. The active and independent mind, the genuine lover of and enquirer after truth, will inevitably pass through certain revolutions of opinion.

It may be alleged in behalf of those who are eager in the vindication of the unalterableness of their opinions and principles, that great stress is laid upon this point by the vulgar.

But then, on the other hand, it is to be remarked that, when great and illustrious characters lend their aid to the prejudices of the vulgar, they add much to the vigour of prejudice, and are so far the enemies, not the friends, of the improvement and happiness of mankind.

ESSAY X.

OF POLITENESS.

SECT. I.

BENEFITS OF POLITENESS.

IT has been no unfrequent profession among men of a bold temper, and who are smitten with a love