[xxxvi. 43]

1821. May 14.

First Lines

Constitutional Instruments

Delusion

/Ch. Incorporeal instruments

2. Delusion/

In every case, the false conception or false judgment, whichsoever be the word produced, is the concepton or judgment of appropriate aptitude in its several shapes, with relation to the business of Government, as having existence in the hands by which the power in question is possessed and exercised. Conception may be the word in consideration of the rapidity with which the delusive effect is produced: judgment, in consideration of the permanence of the effects which, by this means, are produced.

On this occasion as on others, aptitude is to be considered with reference to the end: with reference to the production of the effect the production of which is the end in view. In the present instance, Government being the means, the greatest happiness of the greatest number is the only defensible end. On the part of the person or persons in question, aptitude, then, is aptitude for the producing - thence probability of their producing the greatest happiness of the greatest number, as above.

On this occasion as on every other, of this aptitude there will be three distinguishable shapes, elements or branches: viz appropriate moral aptitude, appropriate intellectual aptitude, appropriate active talent.

Under a Representative Democracy, the probability of consummate aptitude in every one of these shapes is at its maximum.

Under an absolute Monarchy, the probability of appropriate aptitude in these several shapes is at its maximum.

Under a limited monarchy, the probability of appropriate aptitude in these its several shapes is at a middle point betwixt the maximum and the minimum as above. The delusive effect /conception and judgment/ endeavoured to be produced, and but too extensively produced accordingly, is this - viz. that in an absolute Monarchy, and so in a limited monarchy, on the part of the possessor and possessors of power, appropriate aptitude, if not with relation to the only defensible end as above, at any rate with relation to the proper business of Government, whatsoever it be, is consummate.