18 Jan y 1810

Parl y. Reform

Note

Ch.18 Sp.

'.3. Friendship continued

3 or 2

36

13

Hence it is that to that common-relative and highest and most powerful of public functionaries by whom to a certain degree the services of a father are always rendered to his people - in the greater degree and to the greater perfection in proportion as he renders /shews/ himself worthy of that name, the general character and disposition of a father are attributed /ascribed/, that so in virtue of the relation borne by him in common to them all, viewing in his person the central point and common bond of their affection, two subjects may be engaged to bear /nourish as/ towards one another some portion at least and that the amplest /largest[?]/ possible, of that sort of affection which is so natural and so happily frequent among brothers.

Hence it is that {foreigners} under the name of aliens, men of other countries /the subjects of other states/ in the pictures drawn of them in their political costume, are so often placed as it were at an exaggerated distance, that fellow subjects /children of the same father/ may with reference to one another be drawn as it were so much the closer and the nearer.

Hence it is that through the medium of praise in aid of that social affection the comparative weakness of which, particularly in that divided and diluted state in which it bears the names of patriotism and public spirit is felt so generally and so sensibly, the aid of the stronger affections notwithstanding the opposition, the irresistible opposition which in the character of rivals they are continually giving to it is under the pressure of necessity called in, and by all the contrivances which such necessity can suggest, endeavoured to be enlisted in its service, through the medium /by the instrumentality /mediation/ /intervention// of praise and honour, the love of reputation, and by the instrumentality of rewards even the self-regarding affections {are called in}. For in whatsoever degree it is insufficient of itself /how great soever may be the weakness under which it labours/ it is only from these its rival affections /other affections though its rivals/ that the more refined and generous affection can receive assistance.