[clxvii. 256]

1821 Aug. 6

Rid Yourselves

Lett. 5. Adopters justified

3. Codifiers apologized for The task imposed by circumstances and national prejudice on the framers of the Code was a task the execution /performance/ of which was physically impossible. As soon could the Moon and the Earth be comprized under a government, as the greatest happiness of the greatest number in both or either be effected by a government comprizing Spain and her Ultramaria. Those constituents would not endure the thought of separation, and under the new lights no human power could give continuance to union. Under the former darkness, yes: to the oppression and torment of both the union could be and was continued: and but for the weakness /weakness/ which was however at the same time the inevitable consequence of that darkness, might no one can say how long been continued: but under that darkness that weakness was inevitable. Under the new lights no. In that one phrase the greatest happiness of the greatest number behold the Sun.