1821. April 26.

First Lines

Constitutional Finance?

II. Remains to be shown how it is, and whence it is, that the state of moral

aptitude with relation to the functions in question being in the exacted

situations in question such as has been described, the conception, commonly

entertained in relation to it, has commonly been so opposite to

the state of things as thus described, and thereby so incorrect and

opposite to truth. The cause of this delusion may

be seen in the influence exercised by the high alliance — by

the confederacy of power, factitious dignity and the excessive

opulence partly through the medium of corruption,

partly through the medium of force and intimidation on those discourses,

written as well as oral, particularly those

presenting themselves constantly to view in the written form by

which information is conveyed respecting this quarter

of the field of thought and action in which instruction is

sought, and by which opinion and affections are moulded.

Take, in the first place, opulence even in that minor degree of of force

with which it operates when the field of its operation is confined to

private life. Proportioned to the quantity of the matter of opulence which

a man has at his command will be the quantity in which those who

are in habits with him, or entertain a prospect of being in habits with

him, may expect to share. Proportioned to the intensity of their respective

appetites for such share will naturally be their endeavours to procure for

those appetites their appropriate qualification according to all

such actions and discourse together means safe and not

disreputable as they see within their reach. Proportioned to the success of

such their endeavours will be their non self-satisfaction and that aptitude

as towards the author of it can scarcely fail, in some way or other, to be

the accompaniment of it. In action as well as discourse, more particularly

in discourse as being the cheaper article, will this gratitude, real and

feigned together, find expression and give itself vent.