as the only means of gratification. This peril is increased by the spirit of our times, which is a spirit of commerce, industry, internal improvements, mechanical invention, political economy, and peace. Think not that I would disparage commerce, mechanical skill, and especially pacific connexions among States. But there is danger that these blessings may, by perversion, issue in a slavish love of lucre. It seems to me that some of the objects which once moved men most powerfully, are gradually losing their sway, and thus the mind is left more open to the excitement of wealth. For example, military distinction is taking the inferior place which it deserves; and the consequence will be, that the energy and ambition which have been exhausted in war, will seek new directions; and happy shall we be if they do not flow into the channel of gain, So I think that political eminence is to be less and less coveted; and there is danger that the energies absorbed by it will be spent in seeking another kind of dominion,-the dominion of Property. And if such be the result, what shall we gain by what is called

the progress of society? What shall we gain by national peace, if men, instead of meeting on the field of battle, wage with one another the more inglorious strife of dishonest and rapacious traffic? What shall we gain by the waning of political ambition, if the intrigues of the exchange take place of those of the cabinet, and private pomp and luxury be substituted for the splendor of public life? I am no foe to Civilization. I rejoice in its progress. But I mean to say that, without a pure Religion to modify its tendencies, to inspire and refine it, we shall be corrupted, not ennobled by it. It is the excellence of the Religious Principle, that it aids and carries forward Civilization, extends science and arts, multiplies the conveniences and ornaments of life, and at the same time spoils them of their enslaving power, and even converts them into means and ministers of that spiritual freedom, which, when left to themselves, they endanger and destroy."*

We lack space to make an application of

* Works, vol. iv. pp. 82-85.

our subject to Government. We must remark, however, in conclusion, that on no class of men is the injunction of steadfastness in Christian Liberty more imperative, than on Rulers and Statesmen. In no place is the spirit of Religion more necessary than in those governmental bodies which inspire the political action of nations. To their keeping is confided the great interests of their times, and on their faithfulness to their high trusts depends, in an important degree, the moral complexion of Society. They are the directors of great emergencies, whose effects pervade continents and create epochs; and on the nature of the Influence they reflect upon these, depend the moral rectitude, enlightenment and peace of many succeeding Generations. If the power of unprincipled men is justly dreaded, when confined to humble positions and private circles, consider with what well-grounded alarm a people may behold such power, when exalted to the solemn seat of national supremacy, fortified by the entire sum of national resources, and deliberately subjecting every agency to the fulfill

ment of its rapacious and remorseless pur

poses.

Government, as it is the nearest approach to the omnipotent power of God, should be pervaded by His pure and expansive spirit, by His liberal and impartial magnanimity, by His immovable and transforming rectitude. As it is the chief dignity of the people, it should be their example in unwavering adherence to the right, in fearless vindication of the oppressed, in honest mindfullness of the welfare of all classes, and in reverence of God as the Eternal Example, whose throne is the habitation of Justice and of Mercy. As it is the medium of Progress, it should carefully guard its dominion from unjust enactments and tyrannical precedents, from ruthless spoilation and pernicious axioms; while it extends a fostering protection to social virtue, to moral improvement, to intellectual refinement and beauty, to religious fortitude and perfection-to everything which tends to expand the powers of Humanity into the Liberty of the Gospel of Love,

VIII

THE FOES OF SOCIETY.

* *

Every

* Vast sarcophagi rose on every side. sarcophagus showed many bas-reliefs-bas-reliefs of battles, of battlefields; of battles from forgotten ages-of battles from yesterday; of battle-fields that, long since, nature had healed and reconciled to herself with the sweet oblivion of flowers-of battle-fields that were yet angry and crimson with carnage.

THOMAS DE QUINCEY.

The Physical derangements of Society are but the image and impress of the Spiritual; while the heart continues sound, all other sickness is superficial and temporary. False Action is the fruit of false Speculation; let the Spirit of Society be free and strong, that is to say, let true Principles inspire the members of Society, then neither can disorders accumulate in its Practice; each disorder will be promptly, faithfully inquired into and remedied as it arises. THOMAS CARLYLE.

IN nothing, perhaps, is the fallibility of human wisdom more distinctly manifested, than in the class of offences which our legislators have selected to wear, exclusively, the brand of criminality. And in no act is our boast of justice more openly belied, than in our rigo