1819 Aug. 15 9

Fallacies Ch | | Logical Highfliers

3

In all these several cases two objects may be distinguished: one which may be termed the foul spot; namely, according to the extent of it, abuse in this or that particular shape, or the whole system of abuse: the other, the cloak: the cloudy appellative employed as a cloak or cover for the abuse.

As to the foul spot it may be determinate and thence apparent, or indeterminate, and thence unapparent and undistinguishable.

So accordingly, on the other hand the cloak may be either a general or a special one: a general one, applying to abuse in all its forms; a special one, applying to abuse in this or that particular form, more particularly or even exclusively with reference to all others.

For example, turn to the above list. For cloaks, you will see, the words Government, Law, Constitution (meaning the English Constitution) English Institutions, Forms, Order, alias Good Order and Social Order, Religion. Among the works of Government are all the good arrangements that can be seen any where established; as /so/ likewise /and along[?] with them/ all the bad ones. By the undiscriminating eulogy bestowed on Government, the word Government is made or endeavoured to be made, to serve as a cloak to the bad ones: and no sooner does a man bring to view any of the badness of any of the bad ones, than he becomes an enemy to Government.

Among the works of Law in like manner are all the good laws that can be seen any where established, so likewise all the bad ones: here then are laws another cloak for the bad ones: and another of the sacred things to which the reformist is an enemy.