28 Sep. 1809

Parl y Reform

B.I. Necessity

Tests

15

Is mendacity a vice? is veracity a virtue? If to both these questions the answer be in the affirmative, then observe the consequence.

Here is an institution by which in as many instances as those in which the object of it is attained, vice is rewarded, virtue punished.

Being a vice, has mendacity in any degree any such effect as that of rendering a man the less fit for the situation in question - the situation into which he thus gains entrance? If so, then {moreover} here is /we have/ moreover one institution of which in as many instances as those in which the object of it is attained, viz by the exclusion of persons reputedly unfit it not only fails in respect of that object viz. by giving admission to persons thus reputed unfit, but it renders them more unfit than they /otherwise/ would be otherwise.

In fine, on this supposition so far at least as the [...?] result alone is considered an institution of this description, a /the[?]/ probationary test has no better title to the appellation of an instrument for the exclusion of unfit persons from the situation in question than it has for the appellation of an instrument for the remuneration and encouragement of vice, and for the punishment and discouragement of virtue.

By the word for it may be objected, intimation is given not only of the tendency of the institution, but of the design and intention on the part of the authors.

True. - but in the instance of the institution, if the tendency of it be as above, is it natural or credible that the design and intention of the authors and /or of the supporters/ should be materially different? in such a tendency, in such a result is there any thing mysterious, any thing that might not reasonably be expected? any thing, to any degree, diverging from the ordinary course of human nature /nature/ for[?] the universally known institution /character of the species/ of the human frame /character/, that a result to this effect should not have presented itself to view in the character of a probable one?