[clxiv. 104]

1820 June 21.

Emancipation Spanish

?. Corruptive instrument

4. Instrument operating

Its modifications. See above

4. Instrument operating - sometimes /upon occasion/ directly employed on the operation; always operating of itself.

Of this instrument, and of the several shapes in which it has place and operates, a view has been given already. It is the matter of good - the external matter of good in all those shapes in which it is either in the possession or at the disposal of the ruling few in a /the/ state - the matter of which in one or other of its shapes all external instruments of felicity are composed: with scarce an exception, all external objects of desire.

In possession, it is the source of enjoyment: in expectancy, in proportion as it is the object of desire, the prospect of it operates in the sort of situation in question, in the character of the instrument of corruptive influence: so /as does also and with still greater/ if it is in possession, but /and at the same time/ liable to be lost, the fear of losing it.