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 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
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 http://www.archive.org/details/hampdeninninetee02morg 
 

 Sliellev- 
 
HAMPDEN 
 
 IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY; 
 
 OR, 
 
 COLLOQUIES ON 
 
 THE ERRORS AND IMPROVEMENT 
 
 OP 
 
 SOCIETY. 
 
 " The Rebel Hampden, at whose glorious name 
 The heart of every honest Englishman 
 Beats high with conscious pride." 
 
 IN TWO VOLUMES. 
 VOL. II. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 EDWARD MOXON, DOVER STREET. 
 1834. 
 
Printed by Richard Taylor, 
 Red Lion Court, Fleet Street. 
 
u 
 
 '¥J^ 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 VOLUME II. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Hampden succeeds to a title and a considerable estate, — 
 takes his seat in the House of Peers. — Bertrand and 
 
 Vela solicit the patronage of the Countess of E , 
 
 a relative of Lord Hampden, to a model Infant 
 School * 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Fitzosborne visits Dr. Southey at Keswick. — His remarks 
 on the manuscript of " Sir Thomas More, or Collo- 
 quies on the Progress and Prospects of Society.". ... 26 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Dr.Bathurst, with his daughters, visits the South of France, 
 in consequence of the declining state of his health ; — 
 his alarming indisposition. — Lord Hampden, with 
 Henry Western, whom he had appointed his private 
 secretary, depart for the Continent;— their reflections 
 
 *_j j-^y f^ 
 
 /53C)3 
 
IV CONTENTS. 
 
 Page, 
 upon St. Catherine's Hill at Rouen. — Riot at Lyons. 
 — Deatli of Dr. Bathurst. — The dauglitcrs return with 
 Lord Hampden to England 51 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Remarks on the progressive improvement of society. — 
 Account of Mr. Owen's establishment at New Lanark, 
 — his public meetings in London, — his memorials to 
 Congress, and proceedings in Ireland and America. — 
 Moral union proposed for advancing useful know- 
 ledge 74 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Lord Hampden's interview with the Lord Chancellor 
 Brougham, for the purpose of suggesting improvements 
 in education. — The public schools. — London Univer- 
 sity without a Professor of Moral Philosophy ...... 12t 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Miss Martineau supports the Malthusian theories and 
 other errors of the political ccconomists. — Mr. M'Cul- 
 loch compelled to discontinue his Lectures at the Lon- 
 don University. — Bertrand meets Messrs. Hume, Att- 
 wood, Malthus, and M'Culloch. — Conversazione, 
 where some of Miss Martineau's " Illustrations " are 
 discussed 162 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Bertrand and Vela visit the manufacturing districts ; — 
 their rencontre with a Doctor of Divinity, a member 
 of the Society of Friends, and an Oxford student. — 
 
HAMPDEN 
 
 IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 " Let the man 
 Whose eye regards not his illustrious pomp 
 And ample store, but as indulgent streams 
 To cheer the ban-en soil and spread the fniits 
 Of joy, — let him by juster measures fix 
 The price of riches and the end of power." 
 
 Akenside. 
 
 We must now return to Hampden, whom we 
 left still lingering in the neighbourhood of the 
 vicarage. About a week after that interview 
 with Dr. Bathurst which has been already de- 
 scribed, he received letters announcing the death 
 of a distant relative ; an event of which be most 
 probably would not have been informed, had it 
 not been attended with some unexpected and 
 
 VOL. II. B 
 
2 AN UNEXPECTED OCCURRENCE. 
 
 highly important consequences to himself; for 
 the dissolution had taken place many months 
 since. This relative had been a member of the 
 House of Peers ; and as he had two sons in India, 
 and three in England, besides several daughters, 
 some of whom were married, the inheritance of 
 the title and estates excited no interest beyond 
 their own family, or their more immediate con- 
 nexions. It so happened that this nobleman had 
 had a protracted lawsuit with a party, regard- 
 ing the boundary of one of his estates. It had 
 been carried on for several years, and was still 
 in progress at the period of his death. The 
 executors not being sufficiently circumspect for 
 the interests of the family, or, rather, having no 
 other object in view than the just administration 
 of their office, gave, in their own presence, free 
 access to the deeds belonging to the deceased 
 nobleman, and which he had always secreted 
 with peculiar vigilance. The writings were ex- 
 amined with reference to the matter in dispute ; 
 but it was soon discovered that the title to the 
 estate itself was extremely questionable : and 
 what rendered the inquiry more alarming to the 
 family, it was from the possession of this estate 
 that the title as well as the right to the other 
 estates were derived. Further investigation was 
 prosecuted ; and without entering into the legal 
 and tedious niceties of the question, it may be 
 
HAMPDEN SUCCEEDS TO THE PEERAGE. 3 
 
 sufficient to observe that, after much Htigation, 
 John Hampden was finally pronounced the le- 
 gitimate heir, and would accordingly take his 
 seat in the House of Peers with the title of Lord 
 Hampden. 
 
 The intelligence was announced to Hampden 
 a few days after his arrival in town, and on the 
 day after the decision. The parties who made 
 the communication were not a little surprised at 
 the singular apathy with which he heard the 
 tidings of his splendid inheritance. Though 
 unable to controul at all times his rising spirit, 
 and liable to forget the principles of his favourite 
 philosophy, when goaded by ignorant presump- 
 tion, or inflamed by pertinacious opposition, yet 
 in his retired moments his resentments were sub- 
 dued, and the strength of his principles re-ani- 
 mated by reflection. The truths he had studied 
 were engraven deeply on his mind. His first 
 impressions upon receiving the intelligence of 
 his fortune, were similar to that of an individual 
 who had been invited to join a party where he 
 expected to find not a single visitor whose 
 thoughts and pursuits were congenial with his 
 own, and where he could of course expect no 
 sympathy. The next and most important con- 
 sideration was, in what manner he could make 
 the event subservient to the great object of his 
 existence ; and he revolved it long in his mind 
 
 B 2 
 
 3^5303 
 
4 VARIOUS COXJFXTURKS. 
 
 before lie formed his resolution. Hampden's 
 principles, while he remained in seclusion, were 
 disregarded by some, and despised by others ; 
 but now that he was destined to act his part 
 upon a conspicuous theatre, he became an object 
 of general attention. That he would renounce, 
 or at least suppress his opinions, was the general 
 decision, rather than forgo the proud and digni- 
 fied station to which he w^as called. Others 
 imagined that the extent of his patriotism would 
 not exceed the patronage of education and of 
 liberal opinions, when they w^re not carried too 
 far; that is to say, so long as they fell short of an 
 inquiry into the justice of his own peculiar pri- 
 vileges*. So industrious was conjecture, that 
 Hampden was perpetually assailed by indirect 
 endeavours to ascertain the course he intended 
 to pursue. He put on more than his usual re- 
 serve. The soi-disant friends who thronged about 
 him, all anxious to render him some essential 
 service, were beyond number. Many had seen 
 him at places he had never visited. He was 
 remembered when a child by others who, upon 
 
 * " We tliink of the poor in the way of charity, for to deal 
 out charity, gratifies not only benevolence, but jjride ; we think 
 much of them in the way of chai'ity, but we think little of them 
 in the way of justice ; justice, however, ranks before charity, 
 and they would need less charity, if they had more justice." — 
 An Essay on the Free Examination of the Laws of England, by 
 Lf.man Thomas Rede. 
 
THE COUNTESS OF E- 
 
 coinparing notes, were younger than himself. 
 While some, professing a desire to protect him 
 from the importunities and impositions incidental 
 to his high station, betrayed their own deep-laid 
 schemes. Had additional facts been necessary 
 to confirm Hampden's opinion of the demora- 
 lizing results of a system of rivalry, he was now 
 in an excellent school. Wearied with their press- 
 ing soHcitations, he resolved, as soon as his affairs 
 would permit him, to retire to his estate in Suf- 
 folk until the meeting of Parliament. 
 
 Among the distant family connexions of Hamp- 
 den who had courted his acquaintance with an 
 assiduity exactly proportioned to the utter neglect 
 of him prior to his accession to the peerage, was 
 
 the Countess of E . Her fortune was ample, 
 
 being little short of twenty thousand a-year, which 
 was settled upon her on her separation from the 
 Earl, to whom she had brought a fortune nearlv 
 double this income. The marriage was solem- 
 nized on her part to obtain a title, and on that of 
 his Lordship to repair his shattered fortunes. A 
 separation took place in less than two years from 
 the period of their marriage ; and her Ladyship, 
 at this time, was about forty years of age. Her 
 favourite amusements were to caress her dogs and 
 feed her parrots, of both of which she had a consi- 
 derable number, as also a variety of other animals 
 and birds, at her country seat. It may be easily 
 
b EVILS OF EDUCATION. 
 
 imagined that this lady was no very interesting 
 acquaintance for Hampden. It was, however, 
 necessary for him to see her frequently regarding 
 his new property ; and as she pretended that he 
 was a great favourite with her, she would some- 
 times seem to listen to his Utopian projects. 
 Occasionally he obtained from her considerable 
 contributions to the societies which he himself 
 largely patronized, — such as the Deaf and Dumb, 
 the Indigent Blind, and several Pension Societies. 
 He had, however, some difficulty in persuading 
 her to encourage Infant Schools, although he was 
 particularly desirous of obtaining her support, as 
 it would be a considerable aid to them in the 
 country. Her Ladyship's estates were wide of 
 each other ; and it had been found impossible to 
 establish any infant schools in parishes where her 
 property lay, in consequence of her repeated 
 refusals to countenance such institutions. The 
 Countess was of opinion that a great mistake 
 had been made in imparting education to the 
 poor ; and recent circumstances had often re- 
 minded her of the predictions of her father, who 
 many years had foretold all that has since come 
 to pass. No servants could now be relied upon 
 for honesty or industry. Instead of reading their 
 Bibles only, according to the original intention, 
 they filled their heads with novels and romances, 
 aped the manners of their betters, and wrote love- 
 
MODEL INFANT SCHOOL. 7 
 
 letters. So far from promoting their education 
 at an earlier period, she was for deferring it to a 
 later, or suppressing it altogether. 
 
 Soon after Hampden's arrival in town, Ber- 
 trand introduced Vela to his acquaintance ; and 
 as a model infant school was about to be esta- 
 blished in London, in which Bertrand and Vela 
 were taking an active part, Hampden determined 
 upon introducing them by letter to the Countess, 
 for the express object of soliciting her aid. He 
 strictly enjoined them to be there at a particular 
 hour on a certain day, having previously ascer- 
 tained when it would suit her Ladyship to receive 
 them, neither informing her of their object nor 
 apprising his friends of her character. They 
 waited upon her Ladyship at the appointed time, 
 and were shown into a spacious ante-room, in 
 which were several parrots chattering away, a 
 poodle dog, and an Italian greyhound, with nu- 
 merous China jars, and other articles of virtu. 
 
 After waiting about a quarter of an hour they 
 were ushered into the drawing-room, where they 
 found her Ladyship attired in the extreme of 
 fashion*, sitting upon a sofa feeding a parrot. 
 
 * " Is it sufficient that the clothes we wear be of the kind 
 best calculated to protect the person, to secure bodily health 
 and comfort, and to exhibit the real elegancies of the human 
 form ? No : a thing called fashion, better named folly, is the 
 grand desideratum ; — no matter how little the dress be calcu- 
 lated to protect the person ; no matter how inconvenient in iX.^ 
 
8 ILLNESS OF A FAVOURITE POODLE. 
 
 She looked sorrowful, and appeared to have been 
 shedding tears. As soon as they were seated she 
 apologized for having detained them, — but one of 
 her iavourite poodles had been taken suddenly 
 ill, and, notwithstanding all the care and atten- 
 tion that had been bestowed upon it, there was 
 scarcely any hope of recovery ; — such was the 
 melancholy report of the doctor, who had just 
 left her. She then read the letter of introduction 
 which mentioned the object of their visit. After 
 which her Ladyship could not help expressing 
 her surprise, mixed, however, with many senti- 
 ments of respect, that Lord Hampden should 
 have given them the trouble of applying to her, 
 as he had so frequently heard her opinions upon 
 the subject of pauper education, and, more espe- 
 cially, the earlier commencement of such perni- 
 cious institutions. Bertrand was about to com- 
 mence an explanation, when the door was opened, 
 and a servant entered with an elegant basket, 
 with open lattice- work, through which could be 
 
 structure, or how much calculated to injure health ; no matter 
 how absurd in its a2)i)earance, provided it be fashionable : and 
 consequently (for it is a necessary consequence,) to introduce 
 a new mode, is the summit of human achievements. 
 
 "How much longer will beings, capable of becoming rational, 
 by an early direction of their faculties to pursuits calculated to 
 repay their toil with real pleasure, be thus the dupes of a never- 
 failing cheat, whose rewards to her devotees are perpetual 
 renewals of her former promises .''" — Gray. 
 
A CURIOUS ANIMAL. 9 
 
 seen a light blue silk lining. It was fastened 
 with a silver lock. The servant said that a re- 
 spectable-looking female had just left it with 
 strict injunctions that it should be delivered to 
 her Ladyship instantly, with the accompanying 
 letter, which contained the key. The female 
 went away hastily. 
 
 The Countess opened the letter, and observed, 
 in large letters, the following line : — 
 
 "It is respectfully solicited that this letter be 
 read before the basket is opened." 
 
 Having read a few lines, and perceiving its 
 tenour, she handed it to a young lady, her 
 companion, requesting her to read it aloud, at 
 the same time apologizing to her visitors. 
 
 ' ' A traveller recently arrived from a distant 
 voyage, and hearing of the uncommon care and 
 
 attention bestowed by the Countess of E 
 
 upon her valuable menagerie, requests the honour 
 of her acceptance of a remarkable animal brought 
 from one of the remotest islands in the South 
 Seas, and which the first naturalists of the day 
 have pronounced to be the most curious and 
 wonderful of any yet discovered. It is not pre- 
 tended that the animal is particularly rare ; on 
 the contrary, it has been found in most of the 
 habitable parts of the globe ; but, what is very 
 remarkable, its valuable properties have been 
 impeilectly known even in the most highly civi- 
 
10 A WONDERFUL ANIMAL. 
 
 lized countries, and entirely overlooked in others. 
 Though born in a more helpless condition than 
 almost any other species, yet, properly trained, 
 it surpasses all others in power, and is inferior 
 to none in beauty. To the constructiveness and 
 industry of the beaver and the bee, it unites the 
 sagacity and the docihty of the elephant ; and 
 when acting in concert, according to its nature, 
 it possesses a power superior to the united force 
 of the most ferocious animals in the world. 
 There have been endless discussions as to the 
 best mode of treating this animal, but still much 
 ignorance on the subject prevails. Some main- 
 tain that kind treatment renders it less docile ; 
 others that kindness should be administered with 
 judgement, in order to produce a good effect. 
 Certain it is that the animal possesses most ex- 
 traordinary faculties, and approaches very near 
 to the reasoning powers of the human species. 
 Some naturaUsts have gone so far as to predict, 
 that when these faculties shall be properly exer- 
 cised, it will surpass any attainments that man 
 himself has yet acquired : and others were long 
 puzzled to ascertain what faculties it really pos- 
 sessed, and whether its actions were wholly in- 
 stinctive. Many philosophers in Scotland com- 
 posed laborious and most intricate treatises upon 
 this curious (question, and afterwards wrote an 
 account of each other's lives and labours ; but 
 
NATURALISTS PUZZLED, II 
 
 since an eminent naturalist, about a century back, 
 discovered that its impressions were received 
 through the medium of the eyes, the ears, and 
 the feehngs, very Uttle real knowledge has been 
 contributed. 
 
 ' ' This noble but perplexing animal has also 
 attracted the notice of the French Academy, by 
 whom its nature and capabihties appear to have 
 been better understood, and in which school some 
 admirable rules for its treatment were prescribed. 
 Some of the naturaUsts attempting to subject 
 it to these rules, were opposed by others, who 
 stood firmly by some ancient records giving a 
 different description of its qualities. Although 
 these records could not alter the facts connected 
 with its nature, and which were obvious to the 
 senses, yet such was the violence of the two con- 
 tending parties, that confusion ensued ; and a 
 third and ferocious party, totally regardless of 
 the subject in dispute, took advantage of the 
 tumult, and set aside both parties. Then the 
 poor animal was treated for some time worse 
 than ever, until the two former parties, becoming 
 reconciled, resumed, and in some degree im- 
 proved, the management. 
 
 " One philosopher has taken alarm lest this 
 animal should increase in number too rapidly, 
 and overrun the whole earth, eat up all the 
 beasts, birds, fish, fruit, and vegetables, and then 
 
12 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 die of hunger. Now, although it is found capa- 
 ble of subsisting upon very small quantities of 
 food, and requiring less in proportion as its 
 higher faculties are cultivated, yet has this phi- 
 losopher many followers, who are equally terrified, 
 and are busily occupied in striving to increase 
 the quantity of food, and circumscribe their 
 numbers within a geometrical ratio. 
 
 " Some members of the Zoological Society 
 have lately turned their attention to this inter- 
 esting creature, and are devising plans for placing 
 it in situations most congenial with its nature, as 
 its wonderful properties are daily becoming more 
 manifest. 
 
 " Not to be too tedious, it may yet be neces- 
 sary to give your Ladyship the most ample in- 
 formation regarding this extraordinary animal. 
 It has proved in this country of late rather de- 
 structive to game and poultry ; and although 
 means have been adopted to take it alive, and 
 even to domesticate a number of them together 
 in certain districts, yet it seems to dislike this 
 novel treatment as much as would one of your 
 Ladyship's Italian greyhounds the occupation of 
 a turnspit. Those who promote this plan of 
 herding them together, like many others, over- 
 look its superior faculties; and as long as they 
 can be kept quiet, a bare existence is all they 
 deem necessary : but its better facidties having 
 
AN IMPROVING ANIMAL. 13 
 
 been awakened, the animal has now other desires, 
 and pines if they are not gratified. 
 
 " It must not be disguised that this little 
 visitor will demand your Ladyship's utmost so- 
 licitude and care, even from its most tender 
 years ; for it is sensibly alive to every external 
 influence, so much so that even the very looks, 
 as well as the treatment it receives, will produce 
 some eftect for good or for ill. But, with dili- 
 gent watchfulness, it will amply repay you by its 
 grateful kindness and surprising sagacity and in- 
 telligence ; and, what is still more curious and 
 astonishing, will communicate, when full grown, 
 its good qualities to other young animals of the 
 same species, besides influencing all that may be 
 near it. When it arrives at maturity, it will never 
 degenerate, provided it be attended throughout 
 life by the same judicious treatment and well- 
 regulated circumstances ; and your Ladyship will 
 have too high a regard for its superior faculties, 
 which never could have been designed by the 
 Creator to lie dormant, to permit it to lose the 
 superintending care of your Ladyship." 
 
 The Countess was all impatience to unlock the 
 basket, and frequently indicated an intention of 
 satisfying her curiosity while the letter was being 
 read, but was restrained by the suggestions of her 
 companion. It was at last opened ; and, after 
 lifting up some light muslin, there was seen lying 
 
14 THE INNOCENT STRANGER. 
 
 underneath, on a bed of roses, with outstretched 
 arms and laughing eyes, a beautiful infant. 
 
 As the letter was read, Bertrand began to 
 suspect Lord Hampden of a ruse de guerre, and 
 guessed what were the contents of the basket. 
 Vela and her Ladyship were surprised ; the latter 
 was evidently disappointed, and expressed dis- 
 pleasure. She was about to ring for the servant 
 to inquire more particularly after the person who 
 brought the basket ; but her companion having 
 taken the child out, it was all animation; and, 
 as if to deprecate her wrath, extended its Uttle 
 arms towards her Ladyship with such irresistible 
 smiles, that she w^as compelled to take it and 
 welcome the innocent stranger with a kiss. The 
 whole party were lavish in their praises of the 
 beautiful animal ; and Bertrand informed her 
 Ladyship that the model infant school would 
 accomphsh all that the writer had promised. 
 The Countess was so beset by her companion 
 and all present, that she avowed a determination 
 to attend to this one school herself; and as an 
 earnest of her intention, she presented Charles 
 with her first contribution of one hundred pounds. 
 
 Her Ladyship then requested them to step into 
 an inner apartment, where there were a number 
 of beautiful birds, chiefly Oriental ; but what 
 chiefly attracted their notice, was a cage con- 
 taining cats, mice, and rats, an owl, rabbits, a 
 
THE POWER OF EDUCATION. 
 
 15 
 
 hawk, doves, and small birds, all dwelling har- 
 moniously together, — affording a striking proof of 
 the power of circumstances and training in sub- 
 duing an original ferocity of character. It was 
 purchased of John Austin, who has for many 
 years been engaged in forming similar collections. 
 Bertrand, a few days afterwards, obtained leave 
 to sketch a drawing of this interesting collection, 
 for Vela, of which this is a copy. 
 
 Her Ladyship said, she had been induced to 
 send for_this man in consequence of seeing a 
 picture of the collection in the "Menageries," 
 published by the Society of Entertaining Know- 
 ledge. Bertrand inquired if she had read the 
 
16 THE LION LIES DOWN WITH THE LAMB, 
 
 remarks upon it : she replied, that it is possible 
 she might, but she only attended to the address 
 of the man. Bertrand rejoined, that they were 
 very short, and if her Ladyship would permit, he 
 should be much gratified in the honour of read- 
 ing them. The Countess assented, and the book 
 having been brought trom the library, Bertrand 
 read as follows : — 
 
 *' Upon the Surrey side of Waterloo Bridge, 
 or sometimes, though not so often, on the same 
 side of Southwark Bridge, may be daily seen a 
 cage about five feet square, containing the quad- 
 rupeds and birds which are represented in the 
 annexed print. The keeper of this collection, 
 John Austin, states that he has employed seven- 
 teen years in this business of training creatures 
 of opposite natures to live together in content 
 and affection. And those years have not been 
 unprofitably employed ! It is not too much to 
 believe, that many a person who has given his 
 halfpenny to look upon this show, may have had 
 his mind awakened to the extraordinary effects 
 of habit and of gentle discipline, when he has 
 thus seen the cat, the rat, the mouse, the hawk, 
 the rabbit, the guinea-pig, the owl, the pigeon, 
 the starling, and the sparrow, each enjoying, as 
 far as can be enjoyed in continement, its respec- 
 tive modes of life, in the company of the others, 
 — the weak without fear, and the strong without 
 
THE FORCE OF HABIT, 17 
 
 the desire to injure. It is impossible to imagine 
 any prettier exhibition of kindness than is here 
 shown : — the rabbit and the pigeon playfully con- 
 tending for a lock of hay to make up their nests ; 
 the sparrow sometimes perched on the head of 
 the cat, and sometimes on that of the owl — each 
 its natural enemy ; and the mice playing about 
 with perfect indifference to the presence either of 
 cat, or hawk, or owl. The modes by which the 
 man has effected this, are, first, by keeping all 
 the creatures well fed ; and, secondly, by accus- 
 toming one species to the society of the other at 
 a very early period of their 11 /es. The ferocious 
 instincts of those who prey on the weaker are 
 never called into action ; their nature is subdued 
 to a systematic gentleness ; the circumstances by 
 which they are surrounded are favourable to the 
 cultivation of their kindlier dispositions ; all their 
 desires and pleasures are bounded by their little 
 cage ; and though the old cat sometimes takes a 
 stately walk on the parapet of the bridge, he duly 
 returns to his companions, with whom he has 
 been so long happy, without at all thinking that 
 he was born to devour any of them. This is an 
 example, and a powerful one, of what may be ac- 
 complished by a proper education, which rightly 
 estimates the force of habit, and confirms, by 
 judicious management, that habit which is most 
 desirable to be made a rule of conduct. The 
 
 VOL. II. c 
 
18 UNIVERSAL EDUCATION. 
 
 principle is the same, whether it be applied to 
 children or to brutes." 
 
 " I understand your motive," said her Lady- 
 ship archly, " in reading this : but suppose you 
 were to train up children after this method, how 
 can you insure the continuance of the same fa- 
 vourable circumstances around them when they 
 are out of the cage — the circle of society in which 
 they move?" " If," replied Bertrand, " this 
 mode of training was generally adopted, children 
 and adults could not move out of their own cir- 
 cles, but into others where the same kind dispo- 
 sitions and high intelligence would prevail." 
 
 About a week after the interview, Charles sent 
 the following verses to the Countess. 
 
 EDUCATION. 
 
 A spirit upon chaos came 
 
 And said, " Let there be light," 
 And instantly the living flame 
 
 Illumined vale and height. 
 Life came with light, the voice and breath 
 
 Of countless beings broke 
 On waters, woods, and wild and heath. 
 
 Till every atom woke. 
 
 And thus might education shine 
 
 Upon the human soul. 
 Search every source, exalt, refine. 
 
 And fill and form the whole. 
 The pulses of the heart awake 
 
 With warm and vivid glow. 
 And teach the light of love to break 
 
 On all that breathe below. 
 
HENRY WESTERN ARRIVES IN LONDON. 19 
 
 Not thus has Education shone 
 
 With genial equal light ; 
 O'er some its partial gleam is thrown, 
 
 The rest are left in night. 
 And under cover of the gloom 
 
 The vulture vices glare, 
 Man vfwcs w^ith man unto the tomb. 
 
 And even hates him there. 
 
 Yet meaner creatures have been taught 
 
 To know^ the bond of love. 
 The owl and ravening hawk been brought 
 
 To nestle with the dove ; 
 The timid mouse, devoid of fear, 
 
 To couch beside the cat ; 
 And in the self-same home appear 
 
 The rabbit and the rat. 
 
 O woe to ye who will not form 
 
 The rising race to love ! 
 Behold each breathing bosom warm 
 
 And gentle as the dove. 
 They only ask a genial power 
 
 To give the pure impress, 
 To bid each budding infant flower 
 
 In light and happiness. 
 
 So multifarious was the business requiring 
 Lord Hampden's attention, that nearly four 
 months elapsed before he was enabled to leave 
 London. Previous to his departure, he requested 
 Henry Western to come to town. He wished his 
 presence earlier ; but hearing from Dr. Bathurst 
 that he was rapidly improving himself, and was 
 particularly useful at the school, he had been 
 unwilling to disturb him. The style of the let- 
 
 c 2 
 
20 henry's great improvement. 
 
 ters, also, which he had requested him to write 
 once a fortnight to report the state of the school, 
 and to give an account of his own studies and 
 pursuits, fully confirmed Dr. Bathurst's informa- 
 tion. His attainments far exceeded expectation ; 
 and it w^as now desirable to find for him some 
 permanent occupation. It has before been men- 
 tioned that Henry, prior to the misfortunes 
 of his family, had displayed a remarkable pre- 
 cocity of talent ; and since he had been planted 
 in a genial soil, his powers of mind had been 
 more fully developed. Happily for him, those 
 misfortunes, although they had for a time soured 
 his temper, had not led him into any bad habits 
 which could not with a little effort be discarded. 
 Although he had been a frequenter of the public 
 house, discussion was the object of the village 
 politicians ; and, how^ever erroneous their specu- 
 lations, their minds were exercised. But the 
 management of the infant school had proved an 
 admirable training for himself; and Hampden, 
 when corresponding with him, continually stimu- 
 lated his exertions, being anxious to exhibit in 
 his reformation a striking example of the force of 
 circumstances in altering his character. He so 
 contrived, that the proposition of any plan he 
 desired him to adopt, should originate with Henry 
 himself. This made him appear to be in a great 
 degree the architect of his own fortune. Such 
 
HENRY PRIVATE SECRETARY TO LORD HAMPDEN. 21 
 
 treatment, besides imparting an alacrity to 
 Henry's progress, so endeared Hampden to him, 
 that he always concluded his letters with the 
 warmest expressions of gratitude. Hampden 
 was sensibly affected by these heartfelt acknow- 
 ledgments ; for he was reminded of the certain 
 destruction from which he had rescued him, and 
 was delighted to observe his expanding and esti- 
 mable qualities. 
 
 If Hampden was gratified with the evident 
 advancement of this youth in mental acquire- 
 ments, he was no less pleased, when he arrived 
 in town, with the amenity of his manners. This 
 was partly the result of his studies, of his visits 
 at the houses of the curate and doctor of the vil- 
 lage, who had, at the suggestion of Dr. Bathurst, 
 noticed him, and, also, in consequence of attend- 
 ing the Miss Bathursts and the frequent visitors 
 when inspecting the school. Upon his waiting on 
 Lord Hampden, they had a long conversation re- 
 specting the infant school, Dr. Bathurst, and the 
 neighbourhood ; after which Henry was requested 
 to return on the following day. Lord Hampden 
 then informed him that he intended to offer him 
 the appointment of his private secretary. Henry 
 renewed his expressions of gratitude, but added 
 that he feared he was not qualified for such an 
 undertaking. Lord Hampden replied that he 
 had already made considerable progress, but, in 
 
22 FIRST INFANT SCHOOL IN LONDON. 
 
 order to acquire more general knowledge, he 
 could apply himself exclusively to study for the 
 next six months. 
 
 Before he departed for his country seat, he 
 placed him in a highly respectable boarding- 
 house kept by a French family, and where the 
 French language was generally spoken. It w^as 
 scarcely possible that Hampden could have found 
 a youth better qualified to assist him, or one more 
 hkely to continue the poor man's friend. 
 
 With all his advancement in knowledge and 
 in station, Henry retained his regard for the 
 class from which he sprung ; and there were 
 several circumstances that contributed to this 
 feeling ; — the benevolent character of Hampden, 
 to which he was indebted for his improvement ; 
 the good feeling, which is generated in a w^ell- 
 conducted infant school ; and his subsequent in- 
 timacy with a gentleman of superior character 
 he had met with wdien visiting the infant school 
 at Vincent Square, Westminster. This school 
 was originally formed at Brewer's Green, and 
 was the first experiment of the kind in London. 
 It is still managed by Mr. Buchanan, a patient 
 and kind-hearted teacher, who came from New 
 Lanark, where the system originated, wdien the 
 Brewer's Green school was established in the 
 year 1818. 
 
 The gentleman whom he met at the school 
 
MR. J. P. GREAVES. 23 
 
 was Mr. J. P. Greaves, at that time Honorary 
 Secretary to the Infant School Society, and a 
 most active and disinterested promoter of the 
 system. He had resided for three years with 
 Pestalozzi, who set greater value upon right 
 feelings and rectitude of conduct, than upon 
 the acquisition of languages. A collection of 
 highly interesting letters, addressed to this gen- 
 tleman by Pestalozzi on the subject of educa- 
 tion, has been published. Among the nume- 
 rous advocates for various improvements, there 
 was not one who exceeded him in personal 
 sacrifices to what he esteemed a duty. At the 
 same time he had some peculiar opinions, re- 
 sembUng the German mystical and metaphy- 
 sical speculations*, hard to be understood, and 
 to which few, in general, are willing to listen, 
 and still fewer to subscribe ; but his sincerity 
 and the kindness of his disposition always se- 
 cured for him a patient hearing. Such was 
 the individual who, perhaps, more than any 
 
 * The "Works of John Paul Richter were unintelligible to 
 any but Germans, and even to most of them. A worthy 
 friend, just before Richter's death, edited a complete edition 
 of his Works, in which one particular passage fairly puzzled 
 him. Determined to have it explained at the source, he went 
 to John Paul himself, and asked him what was the meaning of 
 the mystic passage. John Paul's reply was characteristic : — 
 " My good friend, when I wrote that passage, perhaps God and 
 I knew what it meant ; it is possible that God knows it still ; 
 but as for mc, if I knew it ever, I have totally forgotten it." 
 
24 henry's mentor in town. 
 
 other, contributed to preserve Henry from the 
 dangers of sudden prosperity ; for, notwithstand- 
 ing all his advantages, his rapid advancement 
 had almost overpowered his imagination, and 
 made him too sanguine in his projects. Hence 
 the value of a kind and parental monitor to 
 warn him of the new temptations that assailed 
 him. Henry's disposition strongly inclined him 
 to the calm contemplation of religion ; for, even 
 when he fell away from the right path, he mani- 
 fested no turbulence. His errors would have 
 partaken of the same quiet character, so far as 
 his personal conduct was influenced by them. 
 Had he followed up the career from which he 
 had been so happily withdrawn, he would pro- 
 bably have become a scribbler for radicalism, 
 and an abettor of violent resistance in others, 
 rather than a conspicuous actor in the scene. 
 Not that he would have shrunk from an equal 
 participation in danger, when his duties, real or 
 imaginary, demanded a bold and open defiance. 
 Convinced, by the authors he had read, of the 
 injustice of society towards its poorer members, 
 he was not equally convinced of any effectual 
 remedy. This incertitude produced a degree of 
 apathy, and might soon have deadened his best 
 feelings ; for he would often remark to his com- 
 panions, that, if the disaffected could produce a 
 revolution, power might be usurped by worse 
 
THE RELIGION OF CHARITY. 25 
 
 characters than those by which the country is 
 governed. 
 
 Until he had been in London several weeks, 
 he was ignorant of the opinions of Hampden, 
 who often repeated that his was the religion 
 of charity. The schools being under the im- 
 mediate direction of the Miss Bathursts, Henry 
 taught those opinions which he had imbibed 
 in his earliest years ; and they returned to him 
 with the most pleasing associations, strength- 
 ening his attachment to religion. His constant 
 attendance at church, where the unaffected piety 
 and benevolent zeal of Dr. Bathurst roused the 
 attention even of careless listeners, together with 
 the task of transcribing his improving manu- 
 scripts, contributed to give all his thoughts the 
 same direction. Aware of the scepticism of 
 Hampden, Dr. Bathurst had contrived to have 
 such books put into Henry's hands by the cu- 
 rate, at whose house he visited, as would coun- 
 teract any sentiments of infidelity he might de- 
 rive from that quarter. Wordsworth's " Excur- 
 sion," his favourite volume, now taught him to 
 connect all the mild and beautiful scenes of na- 
 ture with piety and love. Extracts from this 
 work supplied his pocket-book with hints for 
 reflection, in lieu of Southey's early poetry ; for, 
 although in a milder spirit, it deplores the wrongs 
 and injustice of society with a deeper feeling. 
 
26 FITZOSBORNE VISITS WALES. 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 " Away ! nor let mc loiter in my s^ong, 
 For we have many a mountain path to tread, 
 And many a varied shore to sail along. 
 By pensive Sadness, not hy Fiction, led : 
 Climes, fair withal, as ever mortal head 
 Imagined in his little schemes of thought ; 
 Or e'er in new Utopias were read. 
 To teach man what he might be, or he ought ; 
 If that corrupted thing could ever such be taught." 
 
 Lord Byron. 
 
 My health having been impaired by too much 
 excitement and over-exertion, I was induced to 
 revisit my native country in the autumnal sea- 
 son. After making an extensive tour, both in 
 North and South Wales, and ascending the 
 highest mountains, I was prevailed upon, by 
 letters from Charles Bertrand, to extend my 
 excursion into Cumberland, where I should enjoy 
 the scenery of the Lakes, and have an opportunity 
 of conversing with an individual eminently dis- 
 tinguished in the literary world. Charles was 
 the more anxious that I should make this at- 
 tempt, because there was much sympathy be- 
 tween his own views and those of Dr. Southey. 
 Although the opinions of the poet laureat had 
 
VISIT TO DR. SOUTHEY. 27 
 
 undergone some change, they had not, in the 
 estimation of those most intimately acquainted 
 with his private Ufe, justly subjected him to the 
 imputation of interested motives. His sentiments 
 had varied less on the subject of religion, than 
 upon the possibility of effecting any important 
 changes in human polity. A work had for a 
 long time been announced as preparing for pub- 
 hcation from his pen, entitled " Sir Thomas 
 More, or Colloquies on the Progress and Pros- 
 pects of Society," and of which Charles was par- 
 ticularly desirous that I should, if possible, know 
 something before publication. There was no pro- 
 bability that, in such a work, the social system 
 would be passed over in silence. If it was ap- 
 proved, the authority of Dr. Southey could not 
 fail to have great weight with a numerous class ; 
 and if any part was condemned, it would afford 
 opportunity for canvassing objections. The 
 plans had nothing to fear but neglect ; opposition 
 would excite inquiry, and elicit truth. The an- 
 nouncement of the work all at once ceased ; — and 
 whether it was merely suspended, or altogether 
 abandoned, was left to conjecture. Charles sent 
 me a letter of introduction, written by one of his 
 most intimate friends, and which went so far as 
 to recommend a communication regarding the 
 work. 
 
 I took my seat in the CarUsle mail ; and, on 
 
28 MONTESINOS. 
 
 the day after my arrival, sought the retreat of 
 the Muses among the delightful scenery of Kes- 
 wick. Great was my astonishment, upon in- 
 quiring of the peasantry in the neighbourhood, 
 to find that no individual of the name of Dr. 
 Southey was known ; but they told me, pointing 
 to a gentleman walking beside the lake with a 
 volume in his hand, and whose name was Mon- 
 tesinos, that he could probably give me some 
 intelligence regarding him, as he was known to 
 all the principal residents in the neighbourhood. 
 I approached him, and having mentioned the 
 object of my inquiry, he surprised me with a 
 frank invitation to his house, which was at a 
 short distance, where he could acquaint me with 
 many particulars regarding the individual of 
 whom I was in search, and with whom no one 
 was better acquainted than himself. ' ' Few men , ' ' 
 said he, as we turned towards his house, " have 
 been more calumniated than Robert Southey. In 
 the hilarity and ardoar of youth he had looked 
 forward with sanguine hope to the probabihty of 
 realizing more equitable forms of society, and 
 had, in common with many others, despaired of 
 success, after experience had taught him how 
 difficult it was to apply his crude theories to 
 practice. Then he became a warmer advocate 
 for those civil and religious bonds which held 
 society together. As he failed in his efforts to 
 
THE LIBRARY. 29 
 
 construct a new and more complete edifice, con- 
 sistent in all its parts, did he err in strengthening 
 the supports by which the existing structure was 
 sustained?" I replied, that I had read most of 
 his early productions in poetry, and although he 
 expressed himself indignantly in defence of the 
 oppressed, and in condemning the injustice of 
 unequal distribution, yet was he always the ad- 
 vocate of religion. While censuring many of its 
 forms, he professed to be animated by its spirit. 
 It was the discrepancy between general profession 
 and practice that provoked his satire. " Tme," 
 said Montesinos ; " but you shall soon judge for 
 yourself whether any material alteration has 
 taken place in his opinions, for I have at present 
 in my possession the manuscript of a work he is 
 now preparing for the press, and which you shall 
 peruse." 
 
 It struck me as somewhat singular that Southey 
 should entrust his manuscript to a friend who 
 scrupled not to offer it to an entire stranger. I 
 surveyed Montesinos attentively, and I thought 
 he resembled the description that had been given 
 me of Southey's person. When I entered his 
 library and looked around, it had all the indi- 
 cations of the studio of a literary character. 
 Upon many of the pamphlets on the table were 
 written the words, "To Dr. Southey." I had, 
 upon first encountering him, mentioned the ob- 
 
30 southey's "sir thomas more." 
 
 ject of my visit ; and as it was unsealed, I showed 
 him my letter of introduction. The strain of the 
 letter, coming from a friend whom he informed 
 me he highly valued, together with the warm 
 interest he lelt in the subject of my inquiries, 
 induced him to insist upon my sojourning at 
 Keswick for a few days ; "for the manuscript I 
 proposed lending you," said he, " is the work of 
 which you are in search, and you can then exa- 
 mine it at leisure. This evening I have engaged 
 to accompany my family to an intelligent neigh- 
 bour's ; and if you will join us, I can insure you a 
 hearty welcome." The promise of the manuscript 
 was too tempting to be relinquished for any other 
 object, and I had no desire for the company of 
 strangers. I hesitated; when Montesinos added, 
 " Perhaps you are desirous of a secluded evening, 
 and would prefer the hbrary ?" I replied, that as 
 my time was limited, if he would excuse me, I 
 would devote the evening to the object of my 
 journey. " Then," said he, " you shall have the 
 manuscript and the library to yourself." The fire 
 was lighted, the candles brought in, and the cur- 
 tains drawn. I sat down to my repast with eager- 
 ness ; but how great was my astonishment, upon 
 turning over the leaves, to find dialogues carried on 
 in the name of Montesinos and Sir Thomas More! 
 It seemed mysterious ; and upon reflecting upon 
 all the circumstances, I came to the conclusion 
 
SOUTHEY S SIR THOMAS MORE." 31 
 
 that my host could be no other than Robert 
 Southey himself. However, as he had assumed 
 the name of Montesinos, for what reason I could 
 not divine, I resolved to address him by no other; 
 and particularly as it would enable me to speak 
 of Southey as a third party. 
 
 I saw nothing of my host that night ; and it 
 was late before I finished the first volume, al- 
 though I passed over much that related to the 
 local scenery, and other topics not bearing upon 
 the future improvement of society. I was grati- 
 fied to find an almost unqualified approbation of 
 Owen's schemes, as applicable to the relief of the 
 destitute and unemployed of the working classes, 
 although accompanied with an imperfect know- 
 ledge of the formation of character, and a total 
 absence of that enthusiastic admiration which 
 a comprehension of the potential philosophy 
 of the system was calculated, more especially 
 in a poet, to inspire. Nevertheless there was 
 quite sufficient commendation to rescue the sub- 
 ject from that oblivion into which it was ap- 
 parently declining. I was also well pleased to 
 observe, that a report, drawn up by some in- 
 telligent printers, was quoted from rather co- 
 piously, as its practical details were better cal- 
 culated to instruct than any more elaborate 
 treatise. 
 
 The clock had struck eight, on the following 
 
32 WALLA CRAG. 
 
 morning, when a gentle tap at the door roused 
 me from my slumbers. I sprang from my bed, 
 and in a few minutes had undrawn the curtains, 
 and was opening my window upon a most beau- 
 tiful morning. At that moment Montesinos was 
 approaching the house, and, looking up, inquired 
 how I could forgo the attractions of nature in her 
 freshest hours. "Because," I replied, "I had re- 
 signed myself till a late hour to the attractions of 
 Montesinos and Sir Thomas More, who had ap- 
 peared again in my dreams, and prolonged their 
 Colloquies. I fear that all our Utopias cannot be 
 so well located as this delightful residence. " " We 
 will discuss these questions," replied Montesinos, 
 smiling, "after breakfast, when I will conduct 
 you to Walla Crag — the scene of that portion of 
 the 'Colloquies' which chiefly interests you." 
 
 Nothing could be more gratifying than to ob- 
 serve the warmth of affection that reigned in the 
 family of Montesinos, as well as his own amiable 
 conduct and simplicity of character. 
 
 " What is there," said I, as we set out on 
 our walk, " to prevent that happiness, which I 
 have witnessed in your dwelling, being diftused 
 throughout society?" "The spread of infide- 
 lity," replied Montesinos promptly. " Say, ra- 
 ther," 1 rejoined, " the prevalence of ignorance ; 
 for, if infidelity were the cause of misery, how is 
 it that so much benevolence and happiness is in 
 
THE LAWS OF NATURE. 33 
 
 the manuscript accorded to Robert Owen, than 
 whom no one has spoken more decidedly against 
 faith. True knowledge is the source of happi- 
 ness ; and ignorance, of misery. Permit me to 
 return for a selection of the manuscript." — " I 
 have it with me," said Montesinos archly; " and 
 when we arrive at our destination, it shall be 
 quoted freely." 
 
 I had been so long estranged from the moun- 
 tainous scenery of my early youth, that, notwith- 
 standing the interest which a favourite subject 
 excited, I could not suppress an occasional invo- 
 luntary expression of admiration as the varying 
 prospects successively opened upon us. "Alas!" 
 said I, " that Nature should have done so much 
 for man, and man so little for himself." 
 
 Montesinos. — Say that God has done so much 
 in revealing salutary laws, and rebellious man 
 yielded so little obedience. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — I can discover no difference be- 
 tween the laws of Nature and the laws of God ; 
 they must necessarily have the same origin : the 
 philosopher and the divine, when both sincere, 
 appear to be disputing about words. Two books 
 are spread before us — the book of nature, and the 
 book of revelation : the former appeals to the 
 evidence of our senses ; and in proportion to the 
 extent of our investigation will be the accuracy 
 of our knowledge. The book of revelation rests 
 
 VOL. II. D 
 
34 WALLA CRAG. 
 
 its claims to authenticity upon the traditions ol 
 mankind, at all times liable to error; and it is pos- 
 sible, — nay, it is generally admitted, — that some 
 portion is allegorical and some historical ; what 
 portion is either one or the other, still remains 
 a subject of controversy. But in what manner 
 can its truths be tested, but by their correspond- 
 ence with the unerring truths revealed in the 
 book of nature, and which are not, and cannot 
 be doubted? I come, therefore, to this conclusion, 
 That intelhgence is the source of virtue and hap- 
 piness; and ignorance, of poverty and vice. The 
 former can be acquired, and the latter dispelled, 
 only by free inquiry. 
 
 When we reached Walla Crag, Montesinos, at 
 my request, seated himself upon the ash- tree, 
 while I took my station upon a small projecting 
 rock on his right. The situation was no less 
 beautiful than the vivid description in the manu- 
 script had led me to expect ; and already, to me, 
 it presented itself invested with classical interest. 
 " And now," said Montesinos, " favour me with 
 your comments." — " I have," I replied, " but 
 little to remark beyond that part of the work 
 relating to the social system, for in truth I have 
 scarcely read any other portion ; and here I will 
 observe that the author must have misunder- 
 stood, some of the communications of Sir Thomas 
 More, who, declaring that he was acquainted with 
 
THE MANUSCRIPT. 35 
 
 the discoveries of science, since he dwelt in these 
 sublunary regions, sometimes reasons as though 
 he were ignorant of them ; and, besides, his 
 remarks are below the standard of intellectual 
 character assigned to him in history. I am of 
 opinion that if Sir Thomas More had been our 
 contemporary, his powerful mind would have 
 extricated his country from her numerous and 
 afflicting difficulties." — "Apply your free inquiry 
 to the manuscript," said Montesinos, "and show 
 me where the author has fallen short of the truths 
 of Utopia." 
 
 Fitzosborne. — I presume it was not the inten- 
 tion of the author to confound religion with mo- 
 rality, or to infer that the absence of one neces- 
 sarily implied the loss of the other ; because, I 
 again repeat, he describes Owen, the avowed op- 
 ponent of faith, as " the happiest and most bene- 
 ficent and most practical of all enthusiasts ;" yet 
 I find Sir Thomas More imitating interested and 
 ignorant defenders of the faith, who, in order to 
 render irreligion odious, uses the terms immo- 
 rahty and irreligion synonymously. 
 
 Montesinos. — Refer to the passages, and com- 
 ment upon them as you proceed. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — I will read, then, the colloquy 
 upon Owen of Lanark. 
 
 " The connexion between moral truth and po- 
 " litical wisdom is close and indissoluble ; and 
 
 D 2 
 
.30 GIBBON, IIOBBES, &C. 
 
 " he wlio shows himself grievously erroneous 
 " upon one important point, must look to have 
 " his opinions properly distrusted upon others. 
 " To maintain that the state ought not to con- 
 " cern itself with the religion of the suhjects, is 
 " the greatest and most perilous of all political 
 " errors ; and to regard religion with indifference, 
 " is the most dangerous of all moral ones." 
 
 Are not moral truths and political wisdom one 
 and the same ? If it be immoral to regard religion 
 with indifference, then were Hume, Gibbon, 
 Hobbes, Helvetius, Condorcet, &c., &c., immoral 
 characters,— but this would be giving a new in- 
 terpretation to the word : according to the ge- 
 neral acceptation of the term, they were all moral 
 characters, distinguished by exemption from the 
 more glaring vices of the day, and occupied in 
 endeavours to advance the happiness of mankind. 
 Religion enjoins duty towards God ; morality, 
 our duty towards man. 
 
 " Away with such systems ! Where there is 
 " most love of God, there will be the truest and 
 " most enlarged philanthropy. No other foun- 
 " dation is secure. There is no other means 
 " whereby nations can be reformed, than that 
 *' by which alone individuals can be regenerated. 
 ** In the laws of God, conscience is made the 
 "basis of policy: and in proportion as human 
 " laws depart from that groundwork, error and 
 *' evil are the sure result." 
 
CONSCIENCE. 37 
 
 There appears to be much confusion of ideas in 
 this paragraph. If by the love of God be meant 
 the love of truth, I admit that it is the only se- 
 cure foundation for enlarged philanthropy ; but if, 
 as I suspect, by it is meant an adherence to a par- 
 ticular creed, then must I declare that such belief 
 circumscribes the bounds of philanthropy, and is 
 too frequently the greatest hindrance and check 
 to the exercise of genuine and universal charity. 
 Human laws, the result of wisdom and expe- 
 rience, must be as much the laws of God, and 
 more unquestionably such, than any traditionary 
 revelation ; for the most indisputable and uni- 
 versally admitted laws of God are the laws of 
 nature. The conscience, by education and train- 
 ing, can be rendered instrumental in securing 
 obedience to any laws. The Hindoo, when he 
 lays himself down to be crushed beneath the 
 wheels of his great idol, is influenced by con- 
 scientious motives. The Peruvian, prostrate be- 
 fore the rising sun, yields an equal obedience to 
 the dictates of conscience. The observation be- 
 trays an ignorance of the nature of conscience, 
 which is not the test of truth, although it ad- 
 monishes the individual when his conduct is at 
 variance with that which he believes to be true. 
 But what grounds are there for supposing that 
 conscience was to be excluded from the social 
 system ? 
 
38 REDUCTIONS IN PARAGUAY. 
 
 In reply to a question regarding a community 
 of goods, I find the following : — 
 
 "Theory and experience are aUke against it. 
 " The Jesuits are the only persons who ever 
 " made the experiment upon an adequate scale ; 
 " and, well as they succeeded in Paraguay, the 
 *' result did not induce them to establish their 
 " later missions upon the same foundation." 
 
 How can it be said that theory and experience 
 are alike against it, while it is admitted that the 
 Jesuits in Paraguay succeeded well ? Their suc- 
 cess proves the pre-eminent superiority of the 
 principle, which, in spite of opposing obstacles, 
 manifested its efficacy in banishing almost all the 
 evils that afflict society. Mankind derive benefit 
 in proportion as they draw near to the principles 
 of justice and of mutual aid ; and they sustain in- 
 juries, and encounter difficulties, the further they 
 depart from them*. AVhen it is asked, why the 
 
 * " The rights of the poor man must be estimated by the 
 sacrifices he has made, or acquiesced in, for the benefit of so- 
 ciety : — He has resigned to his landlord all his share of the 
 ground, which his hands cultivate, not reserving to himself as 
 much as will bury him ; he has lent to the merchant and ma- 
 nufacturer the use of his limbs, as an engine to procure them 
 wealth, at a rate much below their real value ; he has relin- 
 quished, to those who are called his betters, all claim to rank, 
 power, title, and respect, and is content to swell the pomp 
 of state by the contrast he exhibits of meanness opposed to 
 grandeur, without which comparative relation neither of them 
 would exist. What, then, in such an unequal distribution, is 
 
DESIRE OF HAPPINESS. 39 
 
 Paraguay reductions were not imitated ? the an- 
 swer must be, — that, in Chiquito, there was a 
 deficiency of means, or of practical knowledge, 
 on the part of the managers. And it is probable 
 that the Jesuits feared that the Indians them- 
 selves might become too well acquainted with 
 the principle that held them together, and thereby 
 be enabled to achieve their own independence, — 
 as will soon be the case, when sufficiently enlight- 
 ened, with the people of this country. To say 
 ' ' that the disposition to have and to hold is the 
 main spring of all improvements in society," is 
 erroneous. The desire of happiness is the mam 
 spring ; and the direction in which the gratifica- 
 tion of that desire is sought, depends upon edu- 
 cation and the institutions of the community. 
 Why did not ' ' the disposition to have and to 
 hold" obstruct the designs of the Jesuits in Pa- 
 raguay ? and why was that disposition destroyed 
 in Si^arta? Simply because the people were taught, 
 
 left him ? Surely the security, at least, that his condition shall 
 not become still worse, and that, like the bee, which resigns 
 his treasures to man, he may remain unmolested in his hive, 
 and be fed with a portion of that honey he collects for his 
 masters : if this be denied him, will he not be apt to call for 
 a fresh division of the common property?. . . . 
 
 " . . . . It is not enough to provide for the poor by keeping 
 their souls and bodies together in the cheapest manner possi- 
 ble ; they ought to be maintained in their comforts ; and which, 
 as they lie in a very narrow compass, should be the more sa- 
 cred." — Rede. 
 
40 SECTS COMMAND ATTENTION. 
 
 and felt, that greater advantages were derivable 
 from the principle of mutual aid and of equitable 
 distribution, than from that of private property. 
 
 The reasons given for expecting that sectarian 
 agency only can carry the Owenite scheme into 
 effect, are as follows : — 
 
 " Because a degree of generous and virtuous 
 ' ' excitement is required for overcoming the first 
 " difficulties, which nothing but religious feeling 
 " can call forth. With all Owen's efforts, and 
 " all his eloquence, (and there are few men who 
 " speak better, or who write so well,) he has not 
 " been able, in ten years, to raise funds for try- 
 " ing the experiment: while, during that time, 
 " the Bible Society has every year levied large 
 " contributions upon the public ; and more than 
 *' once, a larger sum within the year than he has 
 " asked for. Had he connected his scheme with 
 " any system of belief, though it had been as 
 " visionary as Swedenborgianism, as fabulous as 
 " Popery, as monstrous as Calvinism, as absurd 
 '' as the dreams of Joanna Southcote, or perhaps 
 " even as cold as Unitarianism, the money would 
 " have been forthcoming." 
 
 No individuals of the present age have displayed 
 so much virtuous excitement as Robert Owen, 
 Abraham Combe, and Frances Wright ; none 
 have made such personal sacrifices, or evinced 
 such unwearied perseverance and undaunted ar- 
 
FRANCES WRIGHT. 41 
 
 dour ; and yet they have all considered the reU- 
 gion of faith as pernicious. Behold Owen, after 
 expending an ample fortune in renovating so- 
 ciety, neglected by his own country, travels 
 from clime to clime, to improve the condition of 
 humanity. 
 
 Abraham Combe*, overcome by bodily exer- 
 tion in carrying these moral combinations into 
 practice, with assistants destitute of the requisite 
 qualifications, after exhausting his pecuniary re- 
 sources, sinks into a premature grave. 
 
 Frances Wright, notwithstanding she was as- 
 sailed in New York by every species of obloquy, 
 and driven from one edifice to another in seeking 
 a place for the development of her views, at last 
 purchased a church, which she denominated the 
 Hall of Science, and dedicated it to the gratuitous 
 instruction of the rising generation!. 
 
 * See Appendix A. 
 
 t " Fain would I see my felloAV-creatures in pursuit of that 
 truth which is around, and about, and within us. Fain would 
 I see them burying their opinions in their own bosoms, and 
 uniting for the study of facts and a knowledge of themselves. 
 Many evils are abroad on the earth, and never did supineness 
 threaten greater dangers than at the present moment. Old 
 superstitions are shaken to their foundations. The false re- 
 straints, imagined in ages of primeval ignorance, are loosened 
 from the mind. What then must ensue, if, while old things 
 are passing away, we seek not to discover new ? If, while the 
 chains of superstition are falling from the mind, we build not 
 up therein a moral bulwark, nobly to replace the Gothic bar- 
 
42 TRUTH UNMIXED WITH ERROR. 
 
 Never, never let us beliokl the social system 
 indissolubly united to any sect. Are not the 
 sects here described as visionary, fabulous, mon- 
 strous, absurd, and cold, the result of ignorance? 
 And shall he who has dispelled that ignorance 
 degrade and neutralize his truths by seeking to 
 unite them with those errors that have paralysed 
 the good in other systems ? Such a union indeed 
 might lead to a revival of the Paraguay reduc- 
 tions, but Avould never yield an example for uni- 
 versal adoption. 
 
 riers that are withdrawn, nor apply ourselves to lead, by per- 
 suasion and conviction, that nature which may be no longer 
 cowed by superstition, nor mastered by force ? Man is no 
 longer in leading-strings, nor submissive to the rod. He is at 
 this hour too knowing to be driven, and too ignorant to walk 
 alone. Let a free people look to it in time ; nor, waiting till 
 law and religion are alike under foot, they shall have to devise 
 remedies in the midst of confusion, and to school the human 
 mind and the human heart in the depths of their corruption. 
 Enough hath been said : the path lies clear. Virtue and truth 
 dwell only with knowledge ; and as, when a people shall pos- 
 sess knowledge, they will form on fdl subjects just opinions, so 
 will they also, in all the relations of life, as citizens, parents, 
 and fellow-creatures, discover and pursue a just practice." — 
 Miss Wright's Lecture in New York. 
 
 I have been informed by two individuals, who were pre- 
 sent at these Lectures, that none but those who have heard 
 Mrs. Siddons read, can form an adequate idea of the impressive 
 manner and dignity of Miss Wright's elocution. It was cal- 
 culated that, at the second Lecture, ten thousand persons went 
 away, unable to gain admission. The Lecture lasted, in ge- 
 neral, about an hour ; during Avhich time, she was heard with 
 the most profound attention. 
 
THE MORAL ARCHIMEDES. 43 
 
 " Say, rather, that what is spiritual, affects 
 * men more than what is material ; that they 
 ' seek more ardently after ideal good, than after 
 ' palpable and perishable realities. This is ho- 
 ' nourable to your nature : and no man will ever 
 ' be ranked among the great benefactors of his 
 ' species, unless he feels and understands this 
 ' truth, and acts upon it. Upon this ground it 
 ' is that the moral Archimedes must take his 
 ' stand : we must take wider views of the sub- 
 'ject." 
 
 If the moral Archimedes should ever take his 
 stand upon the hollow ground and baseless as- 
 sumptions of mere spiritual reformers, regardless 
 of physical phaenomena, — his efforts will be as 
 fruitless as theirs. It is because he has sought 
 the improvement of the species where alone all 
 knowledge has been found, and other sciences 
 perfected, that he has surpassed all his contem- 
 poraries in detecting the causes of vice and mi- 
 sery, and in discovering a system as incontro- 
 vertible as the laws of nature*. His ideal good 
 
 * " For some thousands of years the people of the earth 
 have been listening to the same admonitions — to the same 
 precepts from all kinds and classes of orators, sacred and se- 
 cular, who seem, like Demosthenes, to have been talking to 
 the waves. Even the Messiah was sent in vain to teach uni- 
 versal charity. Mankind seem, by common consent, to refuse 
 to recognise the only principle consistent with human happi- 
 ness. The effects of this fatal perversity appear to be ap- 
 
44 EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES. 
 
 is an imperishable reality that will survive the 
 shock of ages, and terminate only with the ex- 
 tinction of mankind. The moral Archimedes 
 must maintain his high and commanding station, 
 and not descend to speculative opinions, or blend 
 his irrefutable truths with erroneous or doubtful 
 conclusions. With the rock of science for his 
 fulcrum, his power is irresistible, and moves the 
 moral world. 
 
 Those who flatter themselves that they are 
 taking wider view^s of the subject, have aban- 
 doned the paths of legitimate inquiry ; and, in 
 the present downward progress of society, have 
 in vain attempted to show us any good. Theirs 
 has indeed been an ideal good, totally devoid of 
 all support from fact and experience. 
 
 "Can you deny," said Montesinos, " that Owen 
 confines himself solely to the consideration of ex- 
 ternal circumstances?" — "Yes," I replied, "I 
 must, with deference but with confidence, assert, 
 that no one has studied more deeply the nature 
 of man, or is better acquainted with his capabili- 
 ties and the springs of human action. This has 
 been tacitly accorded by the general adoption of 
 his system of infant schools, the efficacy of which, 
 
 preaching a climax that threatens to j)rovoke some vast con- 
 vulsion — some new deluge, to sweep away the accumulated 
 corruptions of selfishness, that have been piled, like Ossa upon 
 PeUon, till humanity throughout the earth groans beneath the 
 burden." — Mrs. Gbimstone. 
 
SOUTHEY AND OWEN. 45 
 
 however, is too often impaired by a mixture of 
 the old leaven. His 'Essays on the Formation of 
 Character' also corroborate this. That work, how- 
 ever, is but little known, although it contains the 
 fundamental principles of his moral system. The 
 world is most familiar with his speeches, which 
 refer chiefly to his proposed institutions, without 
 an adequate description either of the rudiments 
 or general principles of the science." — "Are 
 there," said Montesinos, "no other portions of 
 the manuscript that have attracted your notice?" 
 " I have endeavoured," I repUed, " to ascertain 
 the reason why Robert Southey and Robert Owen, 
 two individuals whose talents and benevolence I 
 hold in the highest estimation, should not take 
 the same view of the means of re-modeling so- 
 ciety." "Well," rejoined Montesinos, "and 
 have you discovered the cause of this disagree- 
 ment?" " I think 1 have ; and I will read the 
 passages which appear to be contradictory ; first 
 premising that the writer has not once touched 
 upon the position Owen assumes as the basis of 
 his system, viz. that ' the character is formed /or 
 and not by the individual.' There are, indeed, 
 some passages which greatly favour that opinion, 
 while there are others equally at variance with it. 
 First, it is stated — 
 
 " But ignorance and misery and vice are al- 
 " lowed to grow, and blossom, and seed, not on 
 
46 CAUSES OF MISERY. 
 
 " the waste alone, but in the very garden and 
 " pleasure-ground of society and civilization." 
 —vol. i. p. 108. 
 
 " Many thousands in your metropolis rise 
 *' every morning without knowing how they are 
 *' to subsist during the day; or, many of them, 
 ' ' where they are to lay their heads at night. 
 *' All men, even the vicious themselves, know 
 "that wickedness leads to misery; but many, 
 " even among the good and the wise, have yet 
 " to learn that misery is often the cause of 
 " wickedness*." — p. 109. 
 
 " There are many who know this, but believe 
 " that it is not in the power of human institutions 
 *' to prevent this misery. They see the effect, 
 " but regard the causes as inseparable from the 
 " condition of humanity." — p. 109. 
 
 " Moral evils are of your own making; and 
 
 * " The stern proscription under which the majority of the 
 human family suffers, the small encouragement given to their 
 virtues, and the great severity extended to their vices, places 
 the transgressing victim of the severe and partial institutions 
 of society in the situation of Cajsar when he had passed the 
 Rubicon. There is nothing left for him but to go forward, 
 sword in hand, and cut his Avay through his kind : for he must 
 seize everytliing, where it is vain to ask anything ; he must 
 build his miserable security on the destruction of those leagued 
 to destroy him. Such is the state of the thousands of wretches 
 who wander in degraded vagrancy, who herd in common pri- 
 sons, or fill the loathsome haunts of infamy and misery. Our 
 churches are crowded every Sabbath with people petitioning 
 
FORMATION OF CHARACTER. 47 
 
 ** undoubtedly the greater part of them may be 
 " prevented." — p. 109. 
 
 "If the author had not halted between two opi- 
 nions, he would have discovered that all might be 
 prevented. He seems to think that the character 
 is formed in part hy the individual, and in part 
 for him ; and thus he neither approves the exist- 
 ing state of society, nor understands a better. He 
 attributes the crimes of individuals to adverse 
 circumstances, and still he is the advocate of 
 punishment, and a beUever in the doctrine of 
 free-will. 
 
 " Impossible as it may be for us to reconcile 
 " the free will of man with the foreknowledge of 
 " God, I nevertheless beheve in both with the 
 " most full conviction. When the human mind 
 " plunges into time and space in its speculations, 
 "it adventures beyond its sphere: no wonder, 
 " therefore, that its powers fail, and it is lost. 
 
 for that mercy to themselves which they fail to show to each 
 other, and breathing i:)rofessions in direct contradiction to their 
 practice. Can the rich man, sated to repletion, conceive to 
 what extremity privation has power to drive the poor man, 
 who only knows that he has senses by their unsatisfied cra- 
 vings ? Can the educated and protected guess the force of 
 temptation, and the inefficacy of precept on the uncultivated 
 and exposed ? Or the honoured and respected imagine what is 
 the natural indifference of the outcast that has neither name 
 nor estimation } Yet are the first everywhere the judges of the 
 last, awarding penalties and punishments in cases in which 
 they are incompetent to decide." — Mrs. Grimstone. 
 
48 FREE WILL AND NECESSITY. 
 
 " But that my will is free, I know feelingly ; it is 
 " proved to me by my conscience." — vol. i. p. 28. 
 
 "Here is another instance where conscience is 
 erroneously made the test of truth. I am con- 
 scious that my will is not free, according to the 
 acceptation of the term here implied. I am free 
 to determine whether I shall depart from Keswick 
 tomorrow or the following day, but my determi- 
 nation must be governed by the preponderating 
 motives, as all actions are ; and this is what is 
 meant by necessity, in contradistinction to //Te 
 7vill, by which is generally understood the power 
 of resisting the most influential motive, which is 
 a palpable absurdity. 
 
 " As the author before condemned, by censo- 
 rious epithets, various sects, while he retained his 
 own peculiar though perhaps more refined dog- 
 mas, so does he now condemn speculations in 
 which he himself indulges. It is because his own 
 mind ' adventures beyond its sphere' that his 
 powers fail. After investing a Deity with human 
 attributes, he is unable to reconcile with the image 
 in his mind the successive discoveries of science. 
 It is evidently his speculations regarding super- 
 natural existences that intercept his views of the 
 most im])ortant truths, and deprive mankind of 
 the aid they would otherwise derive from his 
 unrivaled talents. If he had clearly seen that 
 the character is formed for the individual, such 
 
DEMORALIZING CIRCUMSTANCES. 49 
 
 expressions as are found in the following para- 
 graph would not have disfigured his work." 
 
 " I have never confounded such men as your- 
 '* self and Tonstall with Gardiner, Bonner, and 
 " the pack of hell-hounds whom they hallooed 
 " to the chase." 
 
 "What!" said Montesinos, "would you pre- 
 vent the strong reprobation of vice ? How can 
 our indignation be suppressed at the recollection 
 of deeds of enormity and sanguinary violence ?" 
 
 " By the remembrance that individuals form 
 not their own characters. In the manuscript it 
 is very justly remarked, — 
 
 " Alas ! that so many are born in sin, and the 
 " children of wrath, is the consequence of human 
 " misgovernment, not of Divine appointment. I 
 " know not any consideration more mournful 
 " than that there should be whole classes in ci- 
 " vilized society, whom all circumstances tend 
 " inevitably to degrade both in their moral and 
 " physical nature. This is the sore disease which 
 "seems inherent in civilization; and for which 
 " even you, and those who have followed you in 
 " planning ideal commonwealths, have been able 
 " to devise no better remedy, than by supposing 
 " that even a perfect society would afford crimi- 
 " nals enough to perform all employments of this 
 " kind."— vol. i. p. 127. 
 
 This passage convinces me that the author, 
 
 VOL. II. E 
 
50 CESSATION OF CRIME. 
 
 like all the principal writers of the day, has not 
 devoted much time to the examination of the ci- 
 vihzation proposed by Owen, who has not merely 
 declared, but irrefutably proved, that crime may 
 be entirely abolished. Should this manuscript 
 be published in its present state, it will effect 
 some good ; but it would yield far greater benefit 
 to mankind, if, previously to this being done, the 
 author should re-examine the plans now before 
 the world." 
 
 "The manuscript," said Montesinos, "must 
 go forth as it is, because some portion is already 
 sent to press ; but, if a second edition should be 
 called for, the author will avail himself of any 
 approved suggestions which may arise from criti- 
 cism or friendly communications." 
 
 I left Keswick much gratified with the kind 
 feeling and hospitality of my host; but, upon the 
 whole, I was disappointed in finding in his forth- 
 coming w^ork so little practical advice for mankind, 
 at a period when it was so much required. 
 
MARY BATHURST DEJECTED. 51 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 " Yes, I remember her ; I saw her first 
 In the sweet prime of womanhood — the rose 
 Of health, in young and dewy freshness, bloom'd 
 Upon her cheek ; and from her dark blue eye 
 The spirit of each new-born thought look'd out 
 In undisguised expression, and diffused 
 Over her face its own pure loveliness : 
 A change came o'er her. 
 
 Ere yet 
 The sun had kiss'd away its dew, we saw 
 The loveliest flower morn ever smiled on, droop." 
 
 New Harmony Gazette. 
 
 From the period of Henry Western's departure 
 for London, Mary Bathurst experienced a visible 
 dejection of spirits. She had strove, from the 
 first, not only to conceal, but to discourage her at- 
 tachment ; the rising virtues of Henry, however, 
 rendered all her endeavours at suppression ineffec- 
 tual : at the same time, while he remained in the 
 neighbourhood, the manifestations of that attach- 
 ment were not such as to excite the particular 
 attention of her friends. The interest which her 
 father and sister, in common with herself, had 
 taken in the progress of Henry, served to cherish 
 the flame ; and when she most flattered her- 
 
 E 2 
 
52 DR. bathurst's declining health, ^f'*^ 
 
 self that she was subduing, she was cherishing an 
 imprudent aftection. In the most indirect man- 
 ner she contrived to have such books thrown in 
 his way as might facihtate his improvement ; and 
 these secret contrivances stimulated her regard 
 even more than an open avowal of kind inten- 
 tion and a corres})onding demeanour. In two 
 or three months her health began to decline, 
 and her indisposition assumed the form of a 
 pulmonary complaint. Her father's constitution 
 was also much shattered, — and in fact had never 
 been completely restored since that indisposition 
 which first introduced Hampden to the vicarage. 
 His physician strongly recommended, both for 
 his own sake and that of his daughter, that he 
 should try a change of scene. He therefore 
 resolved to make such arrangements as would 
 enable him to spend a year upon the Continent. 
 The place which, by the advice of a friend, he 
 had selected, was a small village in the immediate 
 neighbourhood of Montpellier, 
 
 The anticipations of the change to a girl who 
 had as yet scarcely quitted, except to the extent 
 of a few miles, her parental roof, together w4th the 
 necessary preparations for the expedition, so far 
 occupied the mind of Mary as materially to di- 
 minish her dejection ; and even before their de- 
 parture, her father and sister beheld with affec- 
 tionate gratification the symptoms of conva- 
 
VISITS THE SOUTH OF FRANCE. 53 
 
 lescence. This, however, did not hinder them 
 from prosecuting their journey ; for the vicar's 
 ill-health having been brought on by too close 
 and unremitting application to his duties, he had 
 been strenuously advised by all his friends to yield 
 to the recommendation of a temporary absence. 
 They went by Paris to the South of France. 
 The variety of novel scenes so diverted the atten- 
 tion of Mary, that her mind, though still subject 
 to occasional relapses, w^as much relieved. 
 
 In the village of Lunel, the place chosen for 
 their retreat, resided several English families. 
 Among the visitors sojourning there for a short 
 time were Mr. and Mrs. Sidney, with whom the 
 Bathursts became intimate, — not from any par- 
 ticular congeniality of mind, but in consequence 
 of a distant relationship between the vicar and 
 Mr. Sidney. 
 
 Delightful as was this retreat, it was not of a 
 character the best calculated to divert the mind 
 from any single object that had taken possession 
 of it. Amid the romantic scenery in the neigh- 
 bourhood of Lunel, Mary cherished, in spite of 
 her repeated resolutions to forget him, the re- 
 collection of Henry Western. Often would she 
 seek seclusion, and dwell upon the happiness she 
 could have enjoyed in the society of one possess- 
 ing a mind so much in unison with her own. 
 Her secret remained still undivulged ; and she 
 
54 DR. bathurst's alarming illness. 
 
 was fast sinking again into despondency, when 
 she was roused to exertion by the visible altera- 
 tion that was taking place in her father : his 
 fainting fits had returned, and his debility was 
 rapidly increasing. The solicitude she now felt, 
 led to attentions the most exemplary. The 
 Doctor's infirmities were such, that he required 
 the incessant care of his daughters, either in 
 walking with him in the garden, or reading to 
 him his favourite authors. He apprehended that 
 Mary's indisposition must have arisen partly from 
 some mental affection, as he had remarked her 
 improvement whenever she was much occupied. 
 Several times he had been about to speak to her 
 on the subject, but as often postponed it ; and 
 when his illness became more severe, and her 
 mind was more occupied, he was unwilling, as it 
 appeared unnecessary, to advert to it. 
 
 Lord Hampden, since his succession to the 
 peerage, had kept up an occasional correspond- 
 ence wdth Dr. Bathurst, who had received a 
 letter from him just before his indisposition had 
 excited alarm. The vicar being unable to write, 
 requested his friend Mr. Sidney to become his 
 amanuensis on the occasion. After finishing the 
 letter, Mr. Sidney, at the instigation of Miss 
 Bathurst, added a postscript of his own, to the 
 purport that the physicians considered the Doctor 
 in imminent danger. 
 
LORD HAMPDEN ON THE CONTINENT. 55 
 
 This letter reached Lord Hampden about a 
 month after the prorogation of the session of 
 Padiament. He had not taken his seat more than 
 three weeks, and was now meditating a visit to 
 Paris dm'ing the recess. He resolved therefore 
 to set out immediately. Western had by this time 
 become his regular attendant. He had previously 
 intended that he should accompany him in his 
 continental tour, and waited only the completion 
 of some important matters he had intrusted to 
 his management. Lord Hampden procured ad- 
 ditional assistance to finish them, with which aid 
 they were soon enabled to depart. They went by 
 the steam-packet from Brighton to Dieppe, and 
 reached Rouen on the following day. Here they 
 were compelled to remain one day while the 
 carriage, which had broken down within a short 
 distance, was repairing. Henry had been de- 
 lighted with the novel scenery since he landed 
 at Dieppe; and he was particularly struck with 
 the magnificent city of Rouen, the long avenues 
 of stately trees through which it was approached, 
 and the noble boulevards surrounding it. 
 
 On the day after their arrival they traversed 
 the city the chief of the day, purposing to enjoy 
 an evening view from St. Catherine's Hill. In 
 ascending, they wound slowly round the hill, fre- 
 quently pausing to recognise the various churches 
 and public edifices, the spires and ornaments of 
 
56 ST. Catherine's hill, iiouex. 
 
 which were now gilded by the rays of the setting 
 sun. When the summit was gained, they had a 
 complete panoramic view of the whole city ; 
 while on the left lay an extensive plain of mea- 
 dows and cultivated fields, watered by the mean- 
 dering Seine. It was altogether a most enchant- 
 ing sight, and Henry was in raptures. 
 
 After Lord Hampden had pointed out to him 
 the different parts of the city and the various 
 edifices, he seemed all at once to be rapt in 
 contemplation, which Henry observing, retreated 
 a few paces. At length Lord Hampden beckoned 
 him, and said, "Henry, observe this immense 
 assemblage of houses, churches, and public build- 
 ings, all pressed so close together as scarcely to 
 leave room for the inhabitants to inhale a whole- 
 some atmosphere ; while we see on the other side, 
 extending far, a fine champaign and luxuriant 
 country, watered and fertilized by a beautiful 
 river. The mind naturally inquires what could 
 have induced mankind to crowd together in un- 
 healthy cities ? Although too wide a separation 
 of dwellings might have proved equally inconve- 
 nient in other respects, why not adopt a plan of 
 building that should give the inhabitants suffi- 
 cient contiguity for the purposes of mutual as- 
 sistance, and yet admit a free circulation of 
 wholesome air, and the cheering prospect of 
 trees and gardens ? The answer is plain : — mark 
 
CHURCH REVENUES. 57 
 
 those magnificent turrets rising amid the old and 
 ruinous houses ; a striking emblem of the opulent 
 few, towering over the impoverished many. These 
 solemn temples are consecrated by selfishness to 
 Him who renounced selfishness, and who went 
 about doing good ; — consecrated by those who 
 amassed wealth, to Him who gave all he had to 
 feed the poor ; — consecrated by those who secured 
 to themselves every luxury, to Him who knew 
 not where to lie his head. How melancholy to 
 witness such a perversion of the truly divine 
 principle of love ! — for if there be one principle 
 more divine than another, it must be that which 
 is ever fertile in peace and harmony. Thus it 
 was that selfishness, in depriving the people of 
 the fruits of their labour, sought the aid of 
 superstition, by offering to its ministers a division 
 of the spoil." 
 
 " I had understood," my Lord, replied Henry, 
 " that the revenues of the Church were in early 
 times specially devoted to the maintenance of the 
 poor." " Some portion," rejoined Lord Hamp- 
 den, "was so applied; but the Church first of 
 all sanctified, and participated in the monopoly 
 which occasioned poverty*. Many ecclesiastics 
 
 " The hospitality and charity of the clergy too, not only 
 gave them the command of a great temporal force, but in- 
 creased ver\' much the weight of their spiritual weapons. Those 
 virtues procured them the highest respect and veneration among 
 all the inferior ranks of the people, of whom many were con- 
 stantly, and almost all occasionallv, fed by them. Evcrythins: 
 
58 THE DARKER AGES. 
 
 surpassed even princes in the extent of their 
 revenues, and in the pomp and grandeur of their 
 private establishments. In the darker ages men 
 crowded into towns and cities to escape the 
 oppression of the lords and l)arons; but if they 
 fled from tyranny under one form, they were soon 
 subjugated under another. That there have arisen 
 in the Church great and illustrious characters even 
 in the worst of times I am ready to admit ; and 
 that to their energies cooperating with others 
 whose motives were less pure, many of our best 
 institutions owe their origin : But let me ask, 
 whether, through ignorance or design, there has 
 not existed a perpetual hostility between the ad- 
 vance of science, and what are falsely deemed 
 the interests of religion ? By whom has the pro- 
 belonging or related to so popular an order, — its possessions, its 
 privileges, its doctrines, — necessarily appeared sacred inthe eyes 
 of the common people ; and every violation of them, whether 
 real or pretended, the highest act of sacrilegious wickedness 
 and profaneness. In this state of things, if the sovereign 
 frequently found it difficult to resist the confederacy of a few 
 of the great nobility, we cannot wonder that he should find it 
 still more so to resist the united force of the clerg}' of his own 
 dominions, supported by that of the clergy of all the neigh- 
 bouring dominions. In such circumstances the wonder is, not 
 that he was obliged sometimes to yield, but that he was ever 
 able to resist." — Smith's Wealth of Nations. 
 
 " At the table of the Emperor Maximus, Martin bishop of 
 Tours received the cup from an attendant, and gave it to the 
 presbyter his companion before he allowed the Emperor to 
 drink ; — the Empress waited on Martin at table." — Gibbon's 
 Decline and fall. 
 
RICHES AND POVERTY IN FRANCE. 59 
 
 gress of truth been more resolutely retarded than 
 by sectarian zealots ? some influenced by honest 
 conviction, others by alarmed selfishness, seeking 
 every aid for the security of their possessions. All 
 truths, whether presented to us under the name 
 of philosophy, science, or religion, have one com- 
 mon origin, and their nature must be essentially 
 the same. Had those truths relating to the forma- 
 tion of character been freely canvassed, the force 
 of public opinion would ere now have compelled 
 the establishment of such institutions only as 
 would have conduced to a general participation 
 in the means of happiness. As we passed along 
 the streets of that city in the morning, did you 
 not mark the same abundance of the necessaries 
 of life, and the same instances of abject poverty, 
 as in England? similar contentions, courts of 
 justice, and prisons ? Travel where you will in 
 any part of the globe, you find that the first use 
 that is made of knowledge, which is justly called 
 power, is to aggrandize the individual at the 
 expense of the community." 
 
 Henry, in the early poetry of Southey, had 
 found a reprobation of tyranny and oppression, 
 suited at that time to his taste ; but he *was 
 entirely unacquainted with those practical means 
 of emancipation of which Lord Hampden was the 
 persevering advocate. He had therefore since 
 fallen into the general persuasion, that many of 
 
60 henry's apprehensions. 
 
 the evils of society were inseparable from the 
 sublunary condition of humanity. After Lord 
 Hampden had summoned him to London, they 
 had been so much occupied in his private affairs, 
 that no time was left for speculative discussions; 
 and now, when he discovered in his Lordship's 
 opinions any principle that appeared to contra- 
 vene his religious sentiments, he endeavoured to 
 avoid them, and shrunk from further investiga- 
 tion. He trembled in entering upon what he 
 deemed unhallowed ground. His feelings and 
 imagination w^ere now so warmly enlisted on the 
 side of the religion of his childhood, and he had 
 so constantly strengthened these feelings for the 
 last two years by fervent prayer and thanksgiving, 
 that they had returned to him with increased 
 vigour. He had thanked his God for recalling 
 him from the error of his way; and one of his 
 most calm and delightful pleasures was in com- 
 munion with his own heart, and in silent grati- 
 tude. In Lord Hampden he beheld the instru- 
 ment of his conversion, and his sincere affection 
 and respect w^ould induce him to overlook great 
 mistakes. Still it was painful for him to hear 
 the 'expression of opinions which he was unable 
 or unwilling to controvert. Had he gone boldly 
 forward in his inquiries he would ultimately 
 have discovered consistent truth ; but halting 
 between two opinions, a painful conflict arose in 
 
LORD Hampden's prudence, G1 
 
 his breast. He saw sufficient to cast a doubt over 
 his own system, but not sufficient of Hampden's 
 views to discern their consistency. He could 
 not entirely resist the truth of the position re- 
 garding the formation of character ; but to give 
 it unqualified admission would be to destroy the 
 very foundation of his own superstructure. 
 
 Lord Hampden discovered this feeling; and, 
 contrary to his usual practice, he felt unwilling 
 to urge the subject precipitately, or except at 
 the most favourable juncture, and always through 
 implication rather than by any formal discussion. 
 When he observed the serene delight which 
 Henry derived from his views of religion, and 
 consulted his own feelings, he could almost envy 
 him his tranquil joys, and ask himself whether 
 he might not dissipate that cheering hope, 
 without imparting an equally powerful pleasure. 
 Had he been assured that at the same moment 
 he removed error he could have substituted 
 truth, he would have had no hesitation in pro- 
 ceeding: but he was so well satisfied with the 
 change he had already been the means of effect- 
 ing, that he was apprehensive of incurring the 
 risk of sacrificing Henry's peace of mind, until 
 he could have ample leisure to enlighten him by 
 a juster estimate of the nature of man. 
 
 Tlie travellers had loitered so long upon St. 
 Catherine's Hill, that the shades of night were 
 
62 THE HOUR OF VESPERS 
 
 falling when they reached the city gates. Di- 
 verging from curiosity into a narrow street they 
 soon lost their way, and passed through many 
 obscure lanes, where scenes of distress and 
 misery were exhibited not less appalling than are 
 to be found in some of the most wretched parts 
 of London. Emerging from one of the darkest 
 alleys, they at last found themselves suddenly in 
 an open space crossed by an avenue of trees, at 
 the extremity of which rose in solemn majesty 
 the venerable towers of a cathedral ; they were 
 agreeably surprised to find the western door open, 
 — and they entered the abbey of St. Ouen. It was 
 the hour of vespers, and nothing could exceed the 
 striking solemnity of the scene. A feeble light 
 glimmered in various parts of the abbey: and as 
 they crept softly up the nave, they now and then 
 disturbed a pious but scarcely visible devotee. 
 The profound silence was at intervals broken by 
 the gradual swell of the organ, which recalled the 
 wandering thoughts to holiness, and raised the 
 devout aspirations to Heaven. There was some- 
 thing peculiarly sublime in these movements, 
 resembling the prelude to a voluntary, which 
 suddenly dying away, left all in silence. Henry 
 was entranced, and his thoughts were heaven- 
 ward. Hampden was deeply affected ; but in 
 him the scene gave birth to different emotions : 
 and after he had been compelled to yield to an 
 
m^jT f.u^jw/^f ^f. -y ^ C^^: ^f /^^/^^ 
 
IN THE ABBEY OF ST, OUEN. 63- 
 
 influence which to have resisted he must have 
 been devoid of all sensibility, — he began to 
 ruminate upon the combined eflect of music and 
 the solemn grandeur of the scene ; and he thought 
 of the objects by which the imagination and the 
 senses were so deliciously captivated. 
 
 Not a word had either of them spoken; but 
 when they passed the portal, Hampden passion- 
 ately exclaimed, " Would that truth had the 
 same advantages as error ! that this music, and 
 all the powerful means of persuasion, were de- 
 voted to the cause of unadulterated truth ! that 
 to its natural attractions were united the most 
 refined gratification of the senses ! that the useful 
 maxims of morality, its endless benefits and para- 
 mount obligations, and the bland but powerful 
 influence of love, were enforced beneath these 
 sublime towers by the empassioned eloquence of 
 elders who had in their lives exhibited the most 
 striking examples, and were thereby endeared to 
 their fellow citizens ! ' What a divine religion 
 might be found out, if charity were really made 
 the principle of it instead of faith*!'" Henry 
 scarcely heard what was said; his feelings were 
 too deeply absorbed in what he had just witnessed, 
 to admit the thought of any other subject ; and 
 he either aflected not to hear the remark, or it 
 actually passed unheeded. 
 
 * The words of Shelley, in the cathedral of Pisa. 
 
64 OVER-PRODUCTION IN FRANCE. 
 
 On the following day they pursued their route, 
 and in two days reached Lyons. As they entered 
 this city their carriage was impeded by an im- 
 mense crowd, and it was with some difficulty 
 that the gens d'armes, who were assembled, 
 opened for them a passage. On arriving at the 
 hotel they learnt that a serious disturbance had 
 broken out, in consequence of great numbers of 
 the workpeople having been recently thrown out 
 of employment, and the wages of those who were 
 employed having been materially reduced, and a 
 further reduction contemplated. Those who ex- 
 pected this alteration were much incensed, and 
 proposed uniting with the unemployed, to en- 
 deavour by intimidation to resist any further 
 change. Lord Hampden occupied the following 
 morning in inquiring into the actual condition of 
 the working classes; and was fully satisfied that 
 they had ample reason to complain, although, 
 like the English artisan, they were ignorant of the 
 real cause of their aggravated privations. They 
 were prepared to inflict summary vengeance upon 
 their employers, who were compelled by competi- 
 tion to adopt the most economical means in the 
 production of their fabrics. Everywhere ma- 
 chinery in its progress was mischievous, — instead 
 of producing its natural consequence under a 
 truly social system, that of unmixed good. 
 
ARRIVAL AT LUNEL, G5 
 
 Our travellers were happy to escape from the 
 confusion at Lyons, and on the following day 
 they reached Montpellier. They had not arrived 
 an hour, before their dresses were changed and 
 they had set out for the village of Lunel, which 
 was distant only two miles. Dr. Bathurst knew 
 nothing of Lord Hampden's intentions of visiting 
 the Continent. The latter had addressed a letter 
 to Mr. Sidney from Rouen, announcing his ap- 
 proach ; but that gentleman having gone with 
 his lady a short excursion to the Pyrenees, the 
 letter remained unopened. 
 
 The house occupied by Dr. Bathurst stood in 
 the centre of a large garden. The young ladies 
 relieved each other in their attendance upon their 
 father, who was contined to his bed-room. At the 
 moment the travellers reached the outer gate, 
 Mary (with a book in her hand) was crossing 
 the avenue that led to the house. She mistook 
 them for two neighbours, and turned down the 
 avenue to meet them: but no sooner had she ap- 
 proached near enough to discover who they were, 
 than her countenance betrayed the utmost con- 
 fusion ; and such was her agitation, that if Western 
 had not caught her in his arms, she would have 
 fallen. Upon being relieved of her bonnet, the 
 coolness of the air soon revived her, when she 
 made many apologies for her feelings of surprise, 
 not having the slightest expectation of seeing 
 
 VOL. II. F 
 
66 AN INTERESTING MEETING. 
 
 friends whom she had concluded were at a remote 
 distance. The scene and the apologies were rather 
 puzzling both to Lord Hampden and Henry: the 
 latter, who had saved her from the fall and sup- 
 ported lier for a short time, was so much interested 
 in the circumstance, that it dwelt on his mind for 
 the remainder of the day. Wlien they reached 
 the house, Mary recommended to them a walk 
 round the grounds, to allow her time to break the 
 intelligence of their arrival to her friends. The 
 ladies thought it better to defer an interview 
 with the vicar, who had experienced a favour- 
 able change, until the following day. Miss Bath- 
 urst came down as soon as Lord Hampden and 
 Western entered the house. The meeting was in- 
 teresting to all ; and Elizabeth perceived, that if 
 she could be reconciled to Lord Hampden's re- 
 taining his opinions on a momentous subject, his 
 sentiments with regard to her, notwithstanding 
 his elevation to the peerage, remained unchanged. 
 They continued only half an hour, as the bell an- 
 nounced the want of some attendance up stairs. 
 
 Lord Hampden was highly gratified with his 
 reception: and as for poor Western, the scene in 
 which he had been an actor was so unaccount- 
 able, that he revolved it over and over in his 
 mind, without being able to solve the difficulty. 
 Besides the pleasure experienced in meeting his 
 former friends and benefactors, he now felt an 
 
HENRY AGAIN PERPLEXED. 67 
 
 emotion to which he was before a stranger. Lord 
 Hampden's mind had been so much occupied with 
 EHzabeth, that the effect of their sudden appear- 
 ance upon Mary had been almost forgotten ; and it 
 was not until Henry, (by the most remote allusion 
 to the circumstance which his ingenuity could 
 devise,) awakened his remembrance, that it re- 
 curred to him. Then indeed he began to look 
 out for the probable cause of so great a manifesta- 
 tion of feeling ; — and for a moment he thought 
 that an attachment must have subsisted between 
 Henry and her: but it was for a moment only, as 
 he banished the idea when he recollected that 
 he had been known to the family only as the 
 teacher at an infant school ; and he then attri- 
 buted her agitation to the delicate state of her 
 health. As for Henry, he was not so soon quieted. 
 He remembered her conduct towards him at the 
 school ; and he called to mind a variety of in- 
 teresting circumstances, many of which were 
 perhaps totally unconnected with the inferences 
 he now deduced from them: but while support- 
 ing her on his arm, and sympathizing in her re- 
 vival, he found her an object of deeper sympathy 
 than he before experienced. 
 
 On the following morning she received the 
 visitors with an animated countenance that be- 
 spoke returning health, and was the more cheerful, 
 in consequence of the further improvement of her 
 
 F 2 
 
G8 MARY BATHURST MORE CHEERFUL. 
 
 father. It was evident that she felt emotions 
 which she deemed it a duty to suppress, or to 
 conceal ; — and she might have been successful, 
 had not her unsophisticated feelings betrayed her 
 on the preceding day, which awakened the suspi- 
 cions of Lord Hampden, and the warmer sym- 
 pathy of Henry. The latter scarcely knew what 
 manner to assume : for besides the recollection of 
 the distance between them formerly, and of w^hich 
 he was constantly reminded by the subjects of 
 their conversation, he was now perplexed by new 
 feelings. This was the first time he had been 
 with the family upon an equal footing: he feared 
 to be guilty of presumption even in considering 
 himself their friend ; — a feeling that would not 
 have arisen in any family he had not known in 
 former times. This apprehension was however 
 soon dissipated by Lord Hampden, who, tracing 
 it to its origin, took more than his usual pains to 
 raise him to a level with his friends. During Lord 
 Hampden's interview with Dr. Bathurst, which 
 lasted about an hour, Henry continued in con- 
 versation with the ladies; and his remarks con- 
 vinced them that he had been diligent in his studies, 
 and observing in his intercourse with society. 
 
 Lord Hampden was grieved to observe the 
 wasted appearance of his good friend Dr. Bath- 
 urst, who gave him a most kind and hearty wel- 
 come, and was delighted once more to shake hands 
 
ALTERED APPEARANCE OF THE VICAR, 69 
 
 with his pupil, as he jocosely called him. Allu- 
 ding to his title, he asked significantly, if he 
 might be allowed to congratulate him on his 
 advancement. ' ' I understand your question, my 
 good friend," rephed Lord Hampden ; "I am ready 
 to lay down my title whenever the public mind 
 is sufficiently prepared to estabhsh even one com- 
 munity upon a sohd basis." " Still as sanguine 
 as ever !" said Dr. Bathurst, while a faint smile 
 hghted up his countenance;—" Well, I wish you 
 success, — always hoping, however, that you will 
 form correct and consolatory opinions regarding 
 our final destiny." 
 
 Although Dr. Bathurst had kept up a corre- 
 spondence with Lord Hampden, he had not been 
 desirous of reviving the warm intimacy that 
 formerly subsisted between them, as he wished 
 to discourage the idea of a union between him 
 and his daughter, notwithstanding the splendid 
 rank he had attained ; feehng assured that no 
 substantial happiness could be gained, unless the 
 former could have been prevailed upon to dis- 
 card his sceptical opinions. The good and 
 amiable Dr. Bathurst seemed doomed to experi- 
 ence a conflict between his sense of duty and his 
 regard for Lord Hampden. This conflict was re- 
 newed by the journey to Lunel : and although 
 delighted to see him, he was almost disposed to 
 blame Mr. Sidney for adding the postscript to his 
 
70 CONFLICT BETWEEN DUTY AND REGARD. 
 
 letter. He foresaw the impossibility of confining 
 their intercourse to an occasional visit ; the few 
 English at the village rendered them more imme- 
 diately dependent on each other for society, and 
 compelled a close intimacy. He was not, how- 
 ever, destined to experience either the joys or the 
 cares of life for any long period. The flattering 
 appearances of convalescence were of short con- 
 tinuance ; they were the prelude to his dissolu- 
 tion. 
 
 On the fifth day after the arrival of his friend, 
 the good vicar became much weaker, and was un- 
 able to rise from his bed. Early in the morning 
 he requested his daughter to send for Lord Hamp- 
 den : who soon arrived ; and sitting down by the 
 bed-side. Dr. Bathurst extended his hand, and 
 warmly grasped that of his lordship. For a time 
 the good vicar was too feeble, and the latter too 
 much agitated, to speak. At length, in faltering 
 accents he addressed him as follows : " In a short 
 time my earthly career will be terminated. I have 
 not sent for you, my young friend, with the same 
 object that Addison requested the Earl of War- 
 wick to witness his death-bed scene, — as a reproof 
 for his dissolute habits, and to awaken in him a 
 sense of duty. I must do you the justice to ad- 
 mit that your moral conduct has been excellent ; 
 and your zeal in behalf of oppressed humanity, 
 although in some respects misdirected, exceeds 
 
A DEATH-BED REQUEST. 71 
 
 that of any individual I am acquainted with. 
 Convinced, however, that the promulgation of 
 certain opinions may inflict greater injury upon 
 society when imbibed by others of more selfish 
 pursuits, I entreat, as my dying request, that you 
 will seriously re-consider the grounds upon which 
 you have formed those opinions. Sustained by 
 religious hope, I await with tranquillity the 
 approach of death. That religion which was the 
 guide of my youth has proved my best safeguard 
 in riper years, and a solace and comfort in de- 
 clining life. It is from a heartfelt conviction of 
 the sweet enjoyments of a steadfast faith, that I 
 am anxious your mind should be imbued with the 
 power of religion. It will mitigate the pain of 
 this temporary separation from my friends who 
 still sojourn upon earth, if you promise to return 
 once more, with that sincere desire to discover 
 truth which I believe generally actuates you, to 
 the unbiassed investigation of this all-important 
 subject, — one indeed that involves your eternal 
 happiness." While uttering these words he still 
 held Lord Hampden's hand, and affectionately 
 pressed it. The latter was so much affected that 
 he could scarcely speak. He assured his dying 
 friend that, notwithstanding his repeated examina- 
 tions, he should, in obedience to his last request, 
 deem it a duty to return to the inquiry with more 
 earnestness than ever ; and he felt assured that if 
 
72 
 
 DEATH OF DR. BATHURST. 
 
 he should be biassed by prejudice on either side, it 
 would be on that to which his revered friend and 
 all those he most valued were inclined. The 
 vicar's efforts had been too much for him, and 
 he reclined on his pillow apparently insensible. 
 Lord Hampden rang for assistance; and on the 
 application of vinegar to his temples he revived. 
 Early on the next day his gentle spirit fled : his 
 composed features bespoke the serenity of his 
 departure, and resembled the tranquil slumbers 
 and innocence of childhood. 
 
 The death of Dr. Bathurst proved a severe 
 affliction to his daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney 
 had returned from the Pyrenees two days pre- 
 viously, and they proposed that the Misses Bath- 
 urst should, after the funeral, come and reside 
 with them until their departure for England in a 
 month, when they would accompany them. The 
 good vicar had given express directions not to 
 convey his remains to England, deeming it an 
 unnecessary expense, and adding that any part 
 of the globe was equally interesting to him in the 
 contemplation of death. The funeral was attended 
 by all the English in the place ; for he had resided 
 there long enough to secure their respect and vene- 
 ration, and had availed himself of many oppor- 
 tunities for the exercise of his benevolence. Lord 
 Hampden and his secretary joined the party in 
 their journey to England ; and the ladies found. 
 
RETURN TO ENGLAND. 73 
 
 in the kind attention of their travelhng com- 
 panions, some mitigation of the loss they had 
 sustained. Before they reached England, it 
 appeared probable that the Baron and his secre- 
 tary were hkely to become more intimately allied 
 to Elizabeth and Mary Bathurst. 
 
74 AN ENTHUSIASTIC REFORMER. 
 
 CHAPITER IV. 
 
 " A brighter mom awaits the human day. 
 When every transfer of Earth's natural gifts 
 Shall be a commerce of good words and works; 
 When poverty and wealth, the thirst of fame. 
 The fear of infamy, disease and woe. 
 War with its million horrors, and fierce hate, 
 Shall live but in the memory of Time, 
 Who, like a penitent libertine, shall start. 
 Look back, and shudder at his fonner years." 
 
 Shelley. 
 
 It may in part be attributed to tbe glowing colours 
 in which Mr. Owen had depicted the magnificence 
 of the ulterior and astounding result of his plans, 
 but which gave them a still more visionary 
 aspect, that the literary characters of the day 
 refrained from examining the details. But the 
 indifference of the intelligent may chiefly be 
 imputed to an opinion current among them, 
 that human affairs are destined to experience 
 perpetual vicissitudes. Historians tliemselves, 
 as has been observed before, are less devoted to 
 a philosophical investigation of the causes of 
 events, than to a careful examination of dates 
 and a faithful narration of facts. Hence it has 
 been a favourite idea with them, to compare the 
 
/^Z/^^-^L^ 
 
DAVID HUME, POTTER, AND DR. KNOX. 75 
 
 duration of states with the life of man, and to 
 assign to them a succession of youth, vigour, 
 and decay. They have overlooked the imperfec- 
 tion of the analogy, when contrasting a body tend- 
 ing, from the exercise of its functions, to decrepi- 
 tude, and doomed, like all other physical com- 
 pounds, to dissolution, with the structure of so- 
 ciety, — which when once formed upon true prin- 
 ciples, will, in consequence of the knowledge and 
 power now attained by man, be as eternal as the 
 laws of nature . Each generation will renovate with 
 youth, and add to the stability of the social order. 
 Among those who have considered the lot of 
 humanity as subject to never-ending changes 
 of alternate good and evil, is to be found a dis- 
 tinguished exception to those historians who are 
 too regardless of philosophical inquiry. Hume 
 has maintained that there is a period in every 
 empire from which its inevitable decline is marked : 
 this remark he may have applied exclusively to 
 the past records of time. " Such is the instability 
 of human greatness," says Potter in his An- 
 tiquities of Greece, " that the most splendid 
 successes and the mightiest efforts of mind often 
 pave the way for corruption of manners, deprava- 
 tion of taste, and laxity of principle." Dr. Knox, 
 in the Preface to his Work on Education, says: 
 " It is by continual efforts that human affairs are 
 preserved in a state of tolerable perfection. They 
 
7G LORD LITTLETON, PLAYFAIR, AND MURRAY. 
 
 have a natural tendency to degenerate." Lord 
 Littleton, in his Observations on the Life of 
 Cicero, says; "Among all the celebrated charac- 
 ters in the Roman history, there are none more 
 worthy our attention, than those great men who 
 were at the head of the Repubhc when she was 
 arrived at her highest degree of power and glory, 
 and by a natural consequence of excessive pros- 
 perity was fallen into those vices and corruptions 
 which soon after produced a change of govern- 
 ment, and brought her into an infamous slavery." 
 Burke also remarks, " I doubt whether the 
 history of mankind is yet complete enough, if 
 ever it can be so, to furnish grounds for a sure 
 theory on the internal causes which necessarily 
 affect the fortune of a state." And Polybius said, 
 " Carthage, being so much older than Rome, 
 felt her decay so much the sooner." In opposi- 
 tion to these we have Play fair, who, in the Preface 
 to his Fall of Nations, proves that the oscilla- 
 tion between prosperity and decline in nations 
 is to be attributed to accidental, and not to per- 
 manent causes. Murray, in his Inquiry into the 
 Character of Nations, has also successfully com- 
 bated the inevitable decline of nations, in his 
 chapter on the Oscillatory Tendency in Human 
 Affairs; of which he says, "It is only in the 
 imperfect and lloating state of a science, that it 
 is liable to be tossed up and down in this manner." 
 
FERGUSON, AND DUGALD STEWART. 77 
 
 Ferguson, in his Essay on Civil Society, ascribes 
 the fall of nations to their policy being directed 
 rather to maintain peace and repress the external 
 effects of bad passions, than to strengthen the 
 disposition of the heart itself to justice and good- 
 ness. But the writings of Dugald Stewart more 
 than those of any other author, excepting those 
 who have recognised the recent discovery of a 
 happier constitution of society, abound in con- 
 fident anticipation of the permanent influence of 
 true principles, when once they have acquired the 
 ascendancy. 
 
 "The science of legislation, too," says this 
 elegant writer, " with all the other branches 
 of knowledge which are connected with human 
 improvement, may be expected to advance with 
 rapidity; and, in proportion as the opinions and 
 institutions of men approach to truth and to 
 justice, they will be secured against those revo- 
 lutions to which human affairs have always been 
 hitherto subject. Opinionum enim commenta delet 
 dies , natura; judicia confirinat ." And again: "As 
 in ancient Rome, therefore, it was regarded as 
 the mark of a good citizen, never to despair of the 
 fortunes of the repubUc; — so the good citizen of 
 the world, whatever may be the political aspect of 
 his own times, will never despair of the fortunes 
 of the human race ; but will act upon the convic- 
 tion, that prejudice, slavery, and corruption, 
 
78 BIRTH-PLACE OF MR. OWEN. 
 
 must gradually give way to truth, liberty, and 
 virtue; and that in the moral world, as well as 
 in the material, the further our observations 
 extend, and the longer they are continued, the 
 more we shall perceive of order and of benevolent 
 design in the universe." 
 
 The uncompromising tone of Mr. Owen's lan- 
 guage, and the low estimate in which he held the 
 talents of his opponents, were calculated to in- 
 flame rather than dispel their prejudices. Self- 
 educated himself, and yet triumphant Avhere the 
 learning of the schools had failed, he brought 
 truths to light, which the erudite scholar, as well 
 as those most esteemed for arduous research, 
 were unable to comprehend. — As some of the 
 particulars of his life are interesting, the follow- 
 ing summary is formed from the few materials I 
 have been able to collect. 
 
 Mr. Robert Owen was born at Newtown, in 
 Montgomeryshire, in the year 1 771 . He came to 
 London when about ten years of age: soon after 
 he resided with Mr. James M'GufFog, at Stamford 
 in Lincolnshire, where he remained upwards of 
 three years. He then returned to the metropolis, 
 and was a short time with Messrs. Flint and 
 Palmer in the Borough. He went thence to 
 Manchester, and was some time with Mr. John 
 Suttersfield, whom he left while yet a boy to 
 commence business on a Umited scale, in making 
 

 x^ 
 
MR. Owen's early career. 79 
 
 machinery, and spinning cotton — part of the time 
 in partnership with Mr. Jones, and part on his 
 own account. He afterwards undertook to manage 
 the spinning estabhshments of Mr. Drinkwater, 
 at Manchester, and at Northwich in Cheshire, 
 in which occupation he remained three or four 
 years. He then formed a partnership to carry on 
 a cotton-spinning business with Messrs. Moulson 
 and Scarth of Manchester ; built the Charlton 
 Mills, and commenced a new firm in partnership 
 with Messrs. Borrodaile and Atkinson of London, 
 and Messrs. Barton and Co. of Manchester. 
 Some time afterwards, in conjunction with his 
 partners, he purchased the mills and establish- 
 ments at New Lanark of Mr. Dale, whose eldest 
 daughter he married on the 30th of September 
 1 799. He has had four sons and three daughters. 
 — In consequence of a dissolution of partnership, 
 the whole property, — comprehending the entire 
 village of New Lanark, — was put up to public 
 sale. Mr. Owen, being desirous of uniting with 
 him those individuals whose benevolence ex- 
 ceeded the desire of pecuniary gain, succeeded in 
 organizing a firm, consisting of the following in- 
 dividuals ; — Mr. Walker, formerly a Member of 
 the Society of Friends, who had three shares ; 
 the late Mr. Jeremy Bentham, one share ; Mr. 
 Michael Gibbs, member of the Church of En- 
 gland, one share; Mr. Wilham Allen (of Plough- 
 
80 NEW LANARK. 
 
 court, Lombard-Street), Mr. Joseph Fox, and 
 Mr. Joseph Forster, members of the Society of 
 Friends, one share each ; retaining five shares 
 himself, — making in all thirteen shares. Mr. Owen 
 was the highest bidder at this sale. Besides the 
 profits arising from his shares, Mr. Owen was to 
 be allowed one thousand a-year for his super- 
 intendance and management. 
 
 The objects which the partners, and more par- 
 ticularly Mr. Owen, had in view in forming this 
 connexion, was the power which it would give 
 them of controlling, to a great extent, the circum- 
 stances of a population consisting of two thou- 
 sand five hundred persons. Accordingly they 
 succeeded in a great degree in banishing vice and 
 crime, and in introducing sobriety and general 
 good conduct. It was here that the Infant School 
 originated ; and that first established in London 
 was the one in Vincent-square, Westminster, 
 still under the management of Buchanan, a 
 teacher from New Lanark. Full particulars of 
 Mr. Owen's progress and regulations at New 
 Lanark are to be found in his ' ' Essays on the 
 Formation of Character." — Many of the super- 
 ficial visitors to this establishment went away 
 with the impression that they had seen the social 
 system ; — as if the whole population were to 
 become cotton-spinners, and the children of the 
 poor be taught to dance (juadrilles. All that was 
 
EXTRAORDINARY POWER OF MACHINERY. 81 
 
 attempted at New Lanark was this,--to convince 
 society that by improving the circumstances 
 surrounding an individual, his moral character 
 is improved ; thence leading to the conclusion 
 that a combination of the best circumstances ex- 
 clusively would form the best general character. 
 Mr. Owen first attracted general attention by 
 an address delivered at Glasgow, at a public 
 dinner given to Joseph Lancaster, in the ^year 
 1812, in which he adverted to the wonderful 
 power of machinery, and the immense amount 
 of human labour which was thereby superseded. 
 His first estimate of this power, though it did 
 not amount to one sixth of the real total, was 
 considered so extravagant that he was called on 
 to furnish his data. In looking over these, he 
 discovered how much he had underrated this 
 power; and his subsequent statements on the 
 subject, though they still fell short of the reality, 
 astonished every one. 
 
 Soon after this he published his " Observations 
 on the Effect of the Manufacturing System : with 
 Hints for the Improvement of those partsof it which 
 are most injurious to Health and Morals." To the 
 third edition, in 1 818, were added— a Letter to the 
 Earl of Liverpool on the "Employment ofChildren 
 inManufactories*;" one to the Archbishop of Can- 
 terbury on the "Union of Churches and Schools;" 
 * See Appendix B. 
 VOL. II. G 
 
82 CHARACTER FORMED FOR THE INDIVIDUAL. 
 
 and an "Address to the British Master Manufac- 
 turers." The most important of Mr. Owen's works 
 is that entitled " ANew View of Society ; or Essays 
 on the Formation of the Human Character," first 
 pubhshed in 1813, and circulated among the 
 principal political, literary and religious charac- 
 ters in this country and on the continent, as 
 well as among the governments of Europe, Ame- 
 rica^ and British India. In this work he esta- 
 blishes his great and fundamental principle, "That 
 any general character, from the best to the worst, 
 from the most ignorant to the most enlightened, 
 may be given to any community, even to the 
 world at large, by the application of proper 
 means ; which means are to a great extent at 
 the command, and under the controul of those 
 who have influence in the affairs of men." He 
 proves also that with regard to the individual, 
 ' ' the character of man is w ithout a single excep- 
 tion always formed /or him ; that it may be, and 
 is, chiefly created by his predecessors ; that they 
 give him, or may give him, his ideas and habits, 
 w hich are the powers that govern and direct his 
 conduct. Man, therefore, never did, nor is it 
 possible he ever can, form his own character:" 
 and further, that " the wdll of man has no power 
 whatever over his opinions ; he must, and ever 
 did, and ever will, believe what has been, is, or may 
 be impressed on his mind by his predecessors, and 
 
PUBLIC MEETING IN 1817. 83 
 
 the circumstances which surround him." Thus he 
 asserts that both the feelings and opinions are not 
 at the control of the individual ; and the position 
 is maintained by the most convincing arguments. 
 
 In 1816 he delivered an excellent address to 
 the inhabitants of New Lanark, on opening their 
 Institution. 
 
 The year 1817 was a grand climacteric in 
 Mr. Owen's career. A more extraordinary sen- 
 sation was never before produced by the pro- 
 ceedings of any single individual so little known 
 to the public at large as was Mr. Owen at this 
 period. Those who attended the meetings at the 
 City of London Tavern in the autumn of this year, 
 or noticed the wide circulation of the Reports 
 of the meetings, can never forget the intense 
 excitement that prevailed. On the 14th and 
 2 1 st of August the first two meetings took place : 
 at the second he observed, "Were every shil- 
 ling of your national debt and taxes removed 
 tomorrow, and were the Government wholly un- 
 paid for all its services, — in a very few years, 
 either this or some other country must suffer 
 more than you now experience. Mechanism, 
 which may be made the greatest of blessings to 
 humanity, is, under the existing arrangements, 
 its greatest curse. Those who direct the affairs 
 of men, ought to make themselves masters of 
 this subject, and thoroughly understand all its 
 G 2 
 
84 MACHINERY MISDIRECTED. 
 
 mighty influence and consequences. They are 
 overwhelmed with the labour of picking useless 
 straws, while they ought to be engaged in gather- 
 ing the most precious and valuable of all products ; 
 and which they might collect in unlimited quan- 
 tities, with only the labour they now bestow in col- 
 lecting the veriest trash. Investigate this subject 
 now, or ere long dire necessity will compel you 
 to give due attention to it. We, and all countries, 
 are already so placed by it, that a very large 
 portion of human beings are thrown idle greatly 
 against their will, and they must be supported or 
 starve, or be so placed as to be enabled to create 
 their own subsistence. Something, therefore, 
 must be done for them, and done soon, or society 
 will speedily be in a confusion of which the human 
 mind can previously form but inadequate concep- 
 tions. That something, must be employment on 
 land. There is no alternative." The consequences 
 of the progress of machinery have been a longer 
 period manifesting themselves in the more aggra- 
 vated form here described ; but society is un- 
 happily verging with too much speed towards a 
 state of anarchy and confusion, in which it may 
 be difficult to secure attention to any truths. If 
 those who influence the public mind could be in- 
 duced to examine the subject thoroughly, and act 
 accordingly, peace, security, and happiness might 
 still be the portion even of the present generation. 
 
MR, OWEN IN GERMANY. 85 
 
 Mr. Owen had already said sufficient at the 
 pubHc meetings regarding his own opinions on the 
 subject of rehgion, to rescue him from the charge 
 of insincerity or of any compromise of principle, 
 when he deemed it necessary to put forth a paper 
 condemnatory of faith. The crowds that before 
 surrounded him departed, and nothing could in- 
 duce the large majority of mankind to listen to 
 any propositions, connected however remotely 
 with his name*. He purchased, at three different 
 times within one month, twenty thousand news- 
 papers containing accounts of these meetings, 
 which he sent all over the country, and to 
 various parts of the world, at a cost of fifteen 
 hundred pounds. 
 
 In 1818 Mr. Owen went to France, Germany, 
 and the Netherlands, and visited Fellenberg's 
 establishment at Hofwyl in Switzerland. It was 
 in this excursion that he dehvered his Memorials 
 
 * "But of all the prepossessions in the minds of the hearers 
 which tend to impede or counteract the design of the speaker, 
 party-spirit, where it happens to prevail, is the most pernicious, 
 
 being at once the most inflexible and the most unjust 
 
 If the speaker and the hearers, or the bulk of the hearers, be 
 of contrary parties, their minds will be more prepossessed 
 against him, though his life were ever so blameless, than if he 
 were a man of the most flagitious manners, but of the same 
 party. Tlais holds but too much alike of all parties, reHgious 
 and political ; violent party-men not only lose all sympathy 
 with those of the opposite side, but contract an antipathy to 
 them. This, on some occasions, even the divinest eloquence 
 will not surmount."— Campbell's Philosophy of Rhetoric. 
 
86 WEALTH AND INTELLIGENCE. 
 
 to the Congress assembled at tliat time at Aix-la- 
 Chapelle. These Memorials are at once so brief 
 and comprehensive, that I strongly recommend 
 them to general perusal; as they afford undeniable 
 proofs of the following results, which he stated he 
 had derived from long study and experience. 
 
 *'' First general Result. — That the period is ar- 
 rived when the means are become obvious, by 
 which, without force or fraud of any kind, riches 
 may be created in such abundance, and so advan- 
 tageously for all, that the wants and desires of 
 every human being may be more than satisfied. 
 
 "In consequence, the dominion of wealth, and 
 the evils arising from the desire to acquire and 
 accumulate riches, are on the point of termi- 
 nating. 
 
 ^'Second general Result. — Tliat the period is 
 arrived when the principles of the science are 
 become obvious, by which, without force or pu- 
 nishment of any kind, the rising generation may 
 be, with ease and advantage to all, surrounded 
 by new circumstances, which will form them into 
 any character that society may predetermine ; 
 and if any defect shall afterwards appear in those 
 characters, except what nature has made uncon- 
 trollable by human means, the cause will not be 
 in the individuals, but it will be solely owing to 
 the inexperience of the parties who attempt to 
 put those invaluable principles into practice. 
 * See Appendix C. 
 
MR, OWEN A PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE. 87 
 
 " In consequence, the dominion of ignorance, 
 of fraud and violence, is also on the point of 
 terminating. 
 
 ''Third general Result. — That it is the interest, 
 and it will soon appear to be the interest, of each 
 individual, in every rank, in all countries, that 
 judicious measures should be adopted, with the 
 least delay, to secure those beneficial results in 
 practice. It is, however, greatly to be desired 
 that they should be carried into effect by general 
 consent, gradually and temperately, in order that 
 no party or individual may be injured by the 
 changes which must necessarily arise. 
 
 "In consequence, any attempt to stop or retard 
 the introduction of these measures will be un- 
 availing. Already the principles and consequent 
 practice are placed beyond the power of human 
 assault. It will be found that silence cannot now 
 retard their progress, and that opposition will 
 give increased celerity to its movements." 
 
 In the spring of 1819 Mr. Owen was a candi- 
 date for a seat in parliament, but was not suc- 
 cessful. He also published about this time *' An 
 Address to the Working Classes," in which he 
 says, "Heed not what men with fanciful theo- 
 ries, and without practical knowledge, may say. 
 Many of them, I have no doubt, mean well; but 
 be assured, that whatever tends to irritation and 
 violence, proceeds from the most gross ignorance 
 
88 DUKES OF KENT AND SUSSEX 
 
 of human nature, and evinces an utter inexperi- 
 ence in tiiose practical measures by which alone 
 society can be relieved from the evils which it 
 has long suffered." — It was in this year, the 2Gth 
 of June, that the Duke of Kent, with the Duke 
 of Sussex on his left, presided at one of the pub- 
 lic meetings at Freemasons' Hall, convened by 
 Mr. Owen. — The Duke of Kent presided at an- 
 other meeting at the same place on the 26th of 
 July, for the purpose of receiving the Report of 
 the Committee, the substance of which was as 
 follows : ' ' That the Committee had met several 
 times under the presidency of the Royal Chair- 
 man, and had further examined Mr. Owen's 
 plans. That the concurrent testimony of all who 
 had visited New Lanark convinced them of the 
 efficacy of the plan there in operation for the pro- 
 motion of the comfort and morality of the persons 
 in that establishment. That though Mr. Owen's 
 proposed plan differed from that pursued at New 
 Lanark, still it resembled it sufficiently to induce 
 the Committee to recommend the foundation of a 
 single establishment as an experiment." It was 
 at this meeting that Mr. Thelwall said, in reply 
 to one who objected that the scheme would make 
 mere machines of men, "That if it did make them 
 machines, they would be machines of which in- 
 tellect would be the moving spring." 
 
 The Report was ultimately adopted, and reso- 
 
PRESIDE AT MR. OWEN's MEETINGS. 89 
 
 lutions entered into to raise a subscription of 
 100,000/. to carry the proposed measure into 
 effect. Several thousand pounds were subscribed, 
 and sufficient funds were obtained to induce the 
 parties to purchase five hundred acres of land at 
 Motherwell, near Hamilton ; but as an adequate 
 sum could not be raised, the design was ultimately 
 abandoned, and the land resold. — In furtherance 
 of the object, however, meetings of the principal 
 gentry of the county had taken place in 1 82 1 , 
 and committees of investigation were appointed. 
 It was on this occasion that Mr. Owen published 
 his " Report to the County of Lanark," in which 
 he proposed his plan of a Labour Exchange Note, 
 in lieu of the old circulating medium. This Re- 
 port is also valuable from the excellent remarks 
 on spade husbandry, and some other details con- 
 nected with an improved state of society. 
 
 In the early part of the year 1823 Mr. Owen 
 visited Ireland. His public meetings in Dublin 
 were numerously attended, and produced great 
 excitement. An account of the addresses delivered 
 at these meetings, as well as of the subsequent 
 discussions, were given in a small work, from 
 which the following illustrations of some of his 
 views are extracted. — He exhibited a brass plate, 
 of which the wood-cut is a representation : it 
 assisted in rendering the subject more clear. 
 
90 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF THE SLIDES. 
 
 1. Strength. 
 
 2. Courage. 
 
 3. Excitability. 
 
 4. Perception. 
 
 5. Reflection. 
 
 6. Memory. 
 
 7. Imagination. 
 
 8. Judgement. 
 
 9. Affections. 
 10. Self Love. 
 
 The wood-cut represents a block of metal or wood, in which 
 ten slides move in grooves, so as to push out laterally to any 
 proportion of their length, and thus represent any required 
 combination. The slides, as they now stand, represent human 
 nature in the inharmonious proportions produced by the pre- 
 sent mode of education. The dotted lines show the position 
 of the slides when human nature shall have justice done to it 
 by a rational education. Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 will then be 
 drawn out to the full extent of the horizontal dotted lines 
 which cross them, representing a compound proportioned so as 
 to produce the most delightful effects. 
 
 " In consequence of the universal error that 
 has hitherto prevailed, that the character is form- 
 ed by the individual, the attention of society has 
 never been directed to the consideration of what 
 those circumstances are, which are calculated to 
 call forth the best and most valuable parts of our 
 nature. Our arrangements have been so formed, 
 and they are now so combined, as to cherish and 
 encourage the growth of every bad passion and 
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE SLIDES. 91 
 
 propensity that can be implanted in our nature, 
 rendering even the best men very inferior beings, 
 and filling them with the worst feelings. 
 
 * ' The physical powers of the child, as represent- 
 ed on slides (Nos. 1,2), have been imperfectly 
 developed. His excitability (No. 3) , has been most 
 artificially cultivated, so as to produce irritation 
 and anger. His perceptive and reflective powers 
 (Nos. 4, 5), have been very partially called into 
 action. His memory and imagination (Nos. 6, 7), 
 have been stretched to the uttermost, the latter 
 being made the ruling faculty throughout society. 
 Judgement (No. 8), has been repressed or de- 
 stroyed, as far as human devices could effect 
 such an object, and in all cases made subservient 
 to imagination. The affections (No. 9), have been 
 contracted within very narrow bounds, and placed 
 under the influence of self-attachment or self-in- 
 terest (No. 10), which has been cultivated with 
 the greatest care and eftect. 
 
 "By this procedure human nature has experi- 
 enced every kind of disadvantage, and its true 
 character been hidden. Whenever justice shall 
 be done to our nature, the education of all will 
 be very different from anything which has been 
 known at any time, in any part of the world. 
 
 "The physical powers (Nos. 1,2), will be fully 
 develoj^ed — excitability will be repressed — per- 
 ception and reflection will be extended to their 
 
92 DESCRIPTION OF THE SLIDES. 
 
 utmost limits — memory will not be cultivated 
 independently of judgement — judgement will be 
 cultiv^ated with the greatest care, and be made 
 the ruling power of the mind, and the director of 
 all the faculties and propensities, 
 
 " The affections will be expanded, and, under 
 the guidance of the judgement, extended to every 
 human being, and to all the animated works of 
 the creation. 
 
 ''Self-attachment, or self-interest, in the com- 
 mon acceptation of the term, wull become extinct; 
 for although a desire of happiness will then be, 
 as it is now, our principle of action, yet we shall 
 know and feel that our own happiness can only 
 be found in the happiness of those around us, 
 extending from an immediate circle, even to those 
 who may be the most remote from us. 
 
 "So great is the difference, in regard to the edu- 
 cation of human nature, arising from two systems 
 of society, of which the one proceeds on the sup- 
 position that the character is formed by the indi- 
 vidual; and the other founded on the knowledge 
 that the character is formed for him ! 
 
 "The one is the source of all error and evil, — 
 the other the foundation of truth and happiness." 
 
 To be convinced of the melancholy conse- 
 quences of the ill-regulated excitements in the 
 present disordered state of society, arising from 
 false systems of education and from pernicious 
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE SLIDES. 93 
 
 institutions, we have only to inquire into the 
 history of the inmates of our Lunatic Asylums, 
 — the origin of five-sixths of whose maladies 
 may he traced to pecuniary distress, to disap- 
 pointed ambition, to wounded pride, or to re- 
 ligious enthusiasm*. 
 
 When the use of money shall be dispensed 
 with, it will cease to be the root of all evil; ambi- 
 tion will be displaced by the glowing sympathies 
 of humanity ; pride will have no pabulum to feed 
 upon; and men, taught to look through nature 
 up to nature's God, will be rescued from the ex- 
 travagancies of fanaticism: exploring the works 
 of creation, and enlarging their minds by philo- 
 sophy, they will form juster views of their relative 
 duties in society, and a more exalted idea of the 
 character of the Deity. 
 
 It was at the public meeting in Dublin that 
 Mr. Owen used metal cubes of the relative pro- 
 portions represented in the following wood-cut. 
 Nos. 1 to 8 represent the proportions which the 
 different classes in society bear to each other; I 
 have added another column to the description, 
 showing the proportion that each class bears to 
 the whole population of the British Isles, ac- 
 cording to the census of 1 8 1 1 . 
 
 * See Appendix D. 
 
94 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF THE CUBES. 
 
 at 
 
 -a 
 
 3 
 
 O 
 
 Description of Classes represented. 
 
 Heads of 
 Families. 
 
 Total Per- 
 sons com- 
 posing tlieir 
 Families. 
 
 O J, 
 
 = i= . 
 
 O ^ i, 
 
 £ « 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 C, 
 
 7 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 The Royal Family, the Lords Spiritual 
 
 576 
 
 1 2,-200 
 46,8Gl 
 
 1 no, 500 
 
 233,650 
 
 387,100 
 564,799 
 
 2,126,095 
 
 2880 
 
 61,000 
 234,.305 
 
 931,000 
 
 1,168,250 
 
 1,828,170 
 
 2,798,475 
 
 10,072,723 
 
 5936 
 
 280 
 72 
 
 18 
 
 15 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 s 
 
 Dignified Clergy (under the rank of 
 Bishops), Lawyers, Physicians, Mer- 
 chants, IVL-»nufacturcrs, Bankers, &c. 
 
 Baronets, Country Gentlemen, and 
 
 Ofiicers, Non-commissioned Officers, 
 Soldiers, Seamen, Marines and Pen- 
 sioners of the Army and Navy 
 
 Respectable Clergymen and Freehold- 
 ers, Lawyers, Merchants, &c. of the 
 second order, living on moderate in- 
 
 Paupers, Vagrants, idle and disorderly 
 Persons, Criminals, &c 
 
 Lesser Freeholders, Shopkeepers, &c. 
 
 Working Mechanics, Artisans, agri- 
 cultural and other Labourers, in- 
 cluding menial Servants 
 
 Aggregate of the above Total 
 
 3,501,781 
 
 17,096,803 
 
DIGNIFIED CLERGY, ETC. 95 
 
 •• No. \.~The Royal Family, the Lords Spiritual 
 and Temporal, S^c. 
 
 " It is to be doubted, whether the existing no- 
 tions and arrangements of society do not neces- 
 sarily inflict more misery upon the individuals 
 who are born in, or who attain to, this division, 
 than is experienced by those of any other class! 
 They cannot, however, from their situation, be 
 conscious of the injustice which they suffer from 
 the artificial circumstances in which they are 
 placed, or they would form other arrangements 
 more congenial to human nature." 
 
 It may also be observed, that this division, so 
 insignificant in point of number as to be about 
 a six thousandth part of the whole population, 
 had at one time almost the exclusive govern^ 
 ment of the country. From their position in 
 society they are exposed to every kind of tempta- 
 tion and flattery,— wretchedly educated, full of 
 factitious desires, and taught to regard them- 
 selves as superior to their fellow-creatures;— 
 imbecility of mind and inferior morals are the 
 inevitable consequence. Yet by such individuals 
 had the direction of the aff^airs of a great empire 
 been for a long period usurped until the Reform 
 in Parliament abridged their power. 
 
 No. 2.~The dignified Clergy {under the rank of 
 Bishops), Lawyers, Physicians, Merchants, 
 
9G ARMY AND NAVY. 
 
 Manufacturers, Bankers, 85T., of the first 
 
 order. 
 "These are the most fortunate, or successful, 
 out of the division No. 5, and are essentially in- 
 jured by being compelled to expend more than 
 can be beneficial to them physically or men- 
 tally." 
 
 No. 3. — Baronets, Country Gentlemen, and others 
 having large incomes. 
 *' The preceding observations apply equally to 
 this class." 
 
 No. 4. — The Army and Navy 
 *' are taken chiefly from the working classes. 
 They are thereby withdrawn from being pro- 
 ducers ; they become consumers only, and they 
 are often made to destroy what others have toiled 
 to create. In every point of view, war is highly 
 injurious. Its spirit proceeds from an error in 
 principle respecting human nature. It diminishes 
 production, not only by taking away the pro- 
 ducers, but by employing them, so withdrawn, 
 to consume, waste and destroy the productions 
 of others. It demoralizes the individuals who 
 compose an army, as well as the inhabitants of 
 the country which is the scene of war. It is, in 
 short, an evil of the greatest magnitude to the 
 human species ; and whenever we become ra- 
 tional, wars will cease." 
 
PAUPERS, VAGRANTS, ETC. 97 
 
 No. 5. — Respectable Clergymen and Freeholders, 
 Lawyers, Merchants, S^c. of the second or- 
 der, living on moderate incomes. 
 ' ' Many of these are occupied as much as the 
 working classes, and lead a life which requires 
 many sacrifices, and often for little comfort in 
 return. Some of them are uselessly, while others 
 are injuriously, employed ; but none of them are 
 occupied to produce the best results in their avo- 
 cations or professions." 
 
 No. 6. — Paupers, Vagrants, idle and disorderly 
 Persons, Criminals, 8fc. 
 "It is probable that the number of this class 
 has been greatly increased ; and the whole amount 
 of paupers, criminals, &c. forms at least one tenth, 
 many suppose one eighth, of the population. 
 This portion of the people is supported by the 
 industrious among the working classes ; including 
 the small freeholders who cultivate their own 
 lands Thus it appears, that in the present 
 system, one tenth at least of its subjects are 
 allowed to be trained and placed under circum- 
 stances so impolitic and unfavourable that they 
 must remain in ignorance, — often become de- 
 formed in body, and always in mind, — taught to 
 be vicious, and to be a burden to the community. 
 It is not that these form a heavy charge only on 
 the industry of the working classes, to give them 
 
 VOL. II. H 
 
98 LESSER FREEHOLDERS, SHOPKEEPERS, ETC, 
 
 a direct miserable support, but they also create a 
 much greater loss to society by making prisons, 
 courts of law, and all the endless appendages to 
 criminal justice, necessary; — and still more by 
 the incalculable expenditure of all the upper class, 
 — to protect themselves and property from this 
 irritated portion of their fellow-creatures." 
 
 No. 7. — Lesser Freeholders, Shopkeepers, ^c. 
 
 "The capital, skill, and labour of these per- 
 sons are employed in the most wasteful and in- 
 jurious manner to themselves, families, and the 
 public. The lesser freeholders hold so small a 
 quantity of land, that they cannot arrange a plan 
 of cultivation for it, which will not be very de- 
 fective. They are also usually deficient in capital, 
 education, and knowledge, and do little more 
 than vegetate upon their farms. The shopkeep- 
 ers expend large sums in fitting up their shops, 
 and consume much time in measures to distribute 
 the necessaries, comforts, and luxuries, through- 
 out society. Under other arrangements, this 
 object could be far better accomplished by one 
 twentieth the number, and one hundredth part 
 of the capital. There is no portion of the work- 
 ing classes, whose powers are so wretchedly mis- 
 applied, as those who are obliged to waste their 
 time as retail traders, and more especially in vil- 
 lages and small towns ; although the extrava- 
 
THE WORKING CLASSES. 99 
 
 gance of this arrangement, even in the largest 
 cities, greatly exceeds what any parties at present 
 imagine." 
 
 No. 8. — The Working Classes. 
 
 " With the exception of the small freeholders, 
 this is the class which produces all the wxalth 
 that is requisite for the well-being and happiness 
 of society. It is the class from which all the 
 others derive support, and is therefore the most 
 important. 
 
 "It is the interest of all, from the highest to 
 the lowest, that the largest amount of wealth 
 should be created by this class ; but yet so er- 
 roneous have been the ideas, which even now 
 prevail, that almost all classes seem engaged in 
 the most active measures to render their labours 
 of the least value." 
 
 To be convinced of the truth of this concluding 
 remark, we have only to observe the immense 
 numbers employed in useless fabrics, trinkets, 
 &c. ; cultivating the raw material, — if a vegetable, 
 transporting it, preparing it through all its variety 
 of processes, and vending it; — if a mineral, pro- 
 curing it from the mines, refining it, &c. : and all 
 this not merely to gratify a harmless, but an in- 
 jurious vanity, — injurious not only to adults, but 
 to the rising generation. 
 
 Tlie striking synopsis which Mr. Owen here 
 H 2 
 
100 CAPITAL AND LABOUR MISAPPLIED. 
 
 presents of the wasteful and injurious follies of 
 society, — if such a heterogeneous mass of error 
 and conflicting interests and feelings can deserve 
 the name, — must have arrested the attention even 
 of superficial observers, had not party and secta- 
 rian animosities entirely engrossed them*. 
 
 If all our capital and labour, — if the millions 
 of unemployed, half-employed, uselessly or inju- 
 riously employed people ; all our stores and trea- 
 sures, — some lying idle, some unproductively 
 expended, or not laid out to the best advantage, 
 and some hurtfully stpiandered away, — if all our 
 labourers, mechanics, manufacturing workmen, 
 — if all our servants, carriers, tradesmen, shop- 
 keepers, clerks and lawyers who could be spared 
 by the abandonment of large towns or cities for 
 communities of moderate size, which would con- 
 sume on the spot of production, by combining 
 the interests of all, and directing them to one 
 
 * " Where distinctions exist, many evils will be sure to 
 follow, as long as human nature is in an imperfect state. 
 Talents, or the power of fixing attention and raising admira- 
 tion, will be valued above virtues ; and the more popular talents 
 will occupy, in the estimate of ambition, a higher rank than 
 those that are useful. Consequently, we must expect, where- 
 ever opportunities present themselves, to see on the one hand, 
 pride, vanit)', arrogance, love of display, boasting, selfishness, 
 conscious superiority, and a susceptibility of offence; while on 
 the other, we shall witness an equally offensive exhibition of 
 envy, suspicion, imputation of evil, exultation over failures, 
 and a disposition to magnify and report offences." — James'^ 
 Chi-intian Charity explained. 
 

MR. OWEN VISITS AMERICA. 101 
 
 object ; — if all these were employed as oecono- 
 mically as such a union would occasion, in agri- 
 culture, gardening, planting; making and work- 
 ing machinery ; raising and furnishing useful build- 
 ings; constructing advantageous roads and com- 
 munications ; making articles of real use and or- 
 nament, and forwarding beneficial inventions, — 
 these islands, in the course of a few years, would 
 be adorned with palaces in the midst of beautiful 
 and luxuriant gardens and parks. — It was in con- 
 templating such a picture that a young artist 
 sketched a design for a community in Ireland, 
 writing beneath a line from one of Moore's stanzas : 
 
 "A beam of tranquillity smil'd in the West." 
 
 In the year 1824 Mr. Owen crossed the At- 
 lantic, to negotiate for the purchase of New 
 Harmony, the settlement of Mr. Rapp and his 
 followers. While in the United States, he de- 
 livered lectures to large assemblages in Philadel- 
 phia, and presented to the Government an ex- 
 pensive and elaborate model of one of the mag- 
 nificent edifices he had projected. 
 
 Latterly he has been engaged in organizing 
 Equitable Exchange Bazaars, which, however 
 they may afford some relief to a few artizans who 
 can work at their own houses, are not likely to 
 extend their benefits far, — still less to become 
 national, unless the Government were to sanction 
 them . But if the Ministers were disposed to render 
 
102 MR. owen's measures. 
 
 equity universal, they could, with equal facility, 
 form communities justly organized, beginning 
 with those who are now destitute of employ- 
 ment. In the mean time these bazaars are useful 
 in attracting attention to Mr. Owen's Works, and 
 to other proposed measures with which his name 
 is connected, — provided it is understood that they 
 form no part of the constitution of society he is 
 advocating, and that they are intended as allevia- 
 tions only of the misery resulting from an errone- 
 ous system. Mr. Owen would, however, be much 
 more usefully and more agreeably occupied, if, 
 leaving the formation of these bazaars to others, 
 he had travelled from place to place, and dissemi- 
 nated a knowledge of his truths by means of public 
 lectures. 
 
 Since his resignation of the management of 
 New Lanark, Mr. Owen has not been so success- 
 ful in any of his practical operations. His failure 
 most probably arises from the great attention 
 bestowed upon general principles not permitting 
 him leisure to watch the details of minor opera- 
 tions ; or to the loss of his habits of close applica- 
 tion, occasioned by a constant and varied inter- 
 course with society. It may also be partly as- 
 cribed to the greater excitement to which, of late 
 years, he has been subjected when appealing to 
 the millions in Europe and America. But, what- 
 ever mav be the cause, certain it is that manv of 
 
HE FAILS TO CONCILIATE MEN OF TALENT. 103 
 
 the measures adopted with the view of affording 
 immediate relief, or of securing the attention and 
 aid of the influential, or of society at large, have 
 failed in producing the contemplated effect. There 
 is a peculiarity, however, in his personal charac- 
 ter, which may have prevented him from deriving 
 assistance from those who, in consequence of 
 long-continued attention to the subject, were best 
 qualified to aid him. Successful above all his 
 contemporaries in detecting the real cause of 
 distress, and in developing the true principles 
 of society, and seldom finding congeniality of 
 opinion, he concluded that no one was competent 
 to the subject but himself, as no one besides had 
 had the same experience in practice. The con- 
 sequence of this impression was an apparent 
 egotism, notwithstanding his sincere disavowal 
 of the desire of fame, in the advocacy of a system 
 which professes to lose sight of the individual in 
 the species, and to recognise no one apart and 
 distinct from the rest. It has also led to a dis- 
 regard of the most intelligent in society, and 
 driven from him those who, from their acquire- 
 ments and merited reputation, might, after study- 
 ing the subject, have been greatly instrumental in 
 spreading a knowledge of truth far and wide. — 
 To assert that personal experience in actual prac- 
 tice is the only mode by which a knowledge of 
 true principles can be acquired, is to deprive the 
 
104 HE FAILS TO CONCILIATE MEN OF TALENT. 
 
 system of its character as a science. A knowledge 
 of the successful experiments of others is sufficient 
 to establish in our minds the truths of any science; 
 and a perfect theory may be understood, nay 
 must be understood, previous to its practical 
 confirmation. Besides, Mr. Owen was himself 
 destitute of experience in the application to 
 practice of the new combination of political and 
 domestic economy; for even to this day it has 
 had no palpable existence. Had he possessed 
 the skill to form and hold together a compact 
 body of some of those who were most in advance 
 of their age, he would have retained the power, 
 to which a cheerful obedience would have been 
 yielded, of directing the movement of all its mem- 
 bers to the good of society. Each individual gra- 
 dually, but inevitably, would have risen to the 
 comprehension of all his truths, and finally have 
 been able to go forth and form in another part of 
 the country, or of the world, a similar nucleus. 
 
 A still more important error than the repulse 
 of the influential was committed by Mr. Owen 
 and some of his friends, through an amiable but 
 injudiciously directed feeling. Conceiving that 
 their principles demanded an endeavour to ex- 
 ercise sympathy towards all, irrespective of con- 
 duct, they were not sufficiently careful by in- 
 cluding in their associations those only whose 
 characters were irreproachable; it was therefore 
 
PUBLIC LECTURES. 105 
 
 to be expected that all who had forfeited their 
 claims to respect, would be too happy to seek 
 shelter and obtain consideration in the midst of a 
 society which, had it been properly formed, those 
 most distinguished for talent and good feeling 
 would have been eager to enroll themselves as 
 members. Thus it was that when the dissolute 
 or the designing characters betrayed themselves, 
 their irregularities and vices were held up as the 
 consequences of the principles they professed, 
 and brought discredit upon those with whom 
 they had associated. 
 
 But the occasions upon which Mr. Owen's 
 abilities were exerted to the greatest advantage 
 were at the large public meetings, when his code 
 was proclaimed to the whole globe, and all its 
 inhabitants, as it were, composed his audience. 
 His premeditated language, as well as his ex- 
 temporaneous addresses, were pregnant with 
 irresistible truths, and delivered with a fervour 
 of eloquence rarely equalled. 
 
 However superior, in an extended view of the 
 subject, to many others who participated in his 
 opinions, there was an application of the principle 
 under existing circumstances which Mr. Owen 
 overlooked, — that of creating among his fol- 
 lowers a bond of mutual attachment and affec- 
 tion, similar to that by which, through a con- 
 geniality of mind, many sectarian congregations 
 
106 INTELLECTUAL MORAL UNION. 
 
 are held together. All sects appeared to co- 
 operate more cordially than professed co-opera- 
 tors ; and those who boasted a knowledge of truth 
 unmixed with error, exhibited, in this respect at 
 least, less of moral feeling than the advocates of 
 mystery. When Mr. Owen, ten years after the 
 promulgation of his views, lectured, during 1830 
 and 1831, at the Mechanics' Institution, the Sans 
 Souci Theatre, and at the room near Burton 
 Crescent, the meetings were very small, and the 
 majority of those who attended appeared to go 
 rather in a spirit of hostility to the Church and 
 to the Aristocracy, than from the attractions of 
 a system which promised to bury all past errors 
 in oblivion. 
 
 Society, in the true sense of the word, implies 
 a number of individuals united for the purpose of 
 promoting their physical, intellectual, and moral 
 improvement, individually and collectively, and 
 who are convinced that the surest way of securing 
 these advantages is, by each endeavouring to pro- 
 mote the welfare of all, — regarding himself as a 
 constituent part of the whole, sympathizing in 
 the sorrow, and participating in the joys of every 
 member. — Let us consider how two or three in- 
 dividuals, having their physical wants supplied 
 either by private fortune or professional pursuits, 
 convinced of these truths, and desirous of attract- 
 ing the attention of mankind to their efficacy, 
 
PICTURE OF TRUE SOCIETY. 107 
 
 would proceed. They would endeavour to realize, 
 as far as circumstances permitted, those pleasures 
 of sympathy which result from congenial feelings 
 and objects, and which must be infinitely more 
 grateful as those feelings and objects are the 
 more exalted. "Doing good," says Sir Philip 
 Sidney, " is the only certainly happy action of a 
 man's life." They would exemplify in their own 
 conduct towards each other, and to external 
 society, the happy result of true principles. 
 
 For their moral and intellectual culture, the 
 three friends meet two or three times a week, 
 or oftener if possible. They regard themselves as 
 forming one body. Is a fault committed ? it is 
 not considered by whom, but it is repaired in the 
 same spirit as if it were committed by each ; for the 
 cause is to be found either in a less perfect organi- 
 zation of that member, or in a deficient amount 
 of moral feeling in their body: — in either case the 
 remedy is to be attempted by striving to infuse 
 a larger portion of health or moral feeling into 
 the whole body, and this is effected by still more 
 arduous endeavours to strengthen their minds and 
 purify their hearts. In this manner would they 
 correct each other's errors, and share each other's 
 virtues. Such a procedure would be in strict ac- 
 cordance with the idea conveyed to the mind by 
 St, Paul: " So we, being many, are one body in 
 Christ, and everv one members one of another." 
 
108 INCREASING HAPPINESS. 
 
 And what is the consequence if one of our 
 members be afflicted ? In the case of an injured 
 arm for instance, the whole body suffers and 
 sympathizes; we not only refrain from greater 
 indulgence, but are more abstemious than usual, 
 and a more exclusive attention is devoted to the 
 afflicted member: it becomes the subject of our 
 constant attention and care ; and even when it is 
 restored to health and usefulness, we recollect that 
 it is more liable to be affected by future accidents 
 and contingencies than any other part of the 
 body, and therefore demands more vigilant pro- 
 tection. Thus would it be with a member of this 
 society afflicted with any moral evil, traced as it 
 would be to the mal-conformation of the individual 
 member or to the unhealthy state of the whole 
 body, in which greater care might have prevented 
 the aberration: the member becomes at once an 
 object of anxious solicitude; he is soothed by the 
 most tender attentions ; the kindest sympathy 
 alleviates his regret, and animates him to re- 
 newed exertions. 
 
 By such means they could not fail to increase 
 in intellectual power, in kind feelings, in general 
 usefulness, and most certainly in happiness. 
 Such a society would realize upon an extended 
 scale the idea of true friendship expressed by 
 Cicero in the following passage. "Whoever is 
 in possession of a true friend sees the exact 
 
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. 109 
 
 counterpart of his own soul. In consequence of 
 this moral resemblance between them, they are 
 so intimately one, that no advantage can attend 
 either, which does not equally communicate itself 
 to both: they are strong in the strength, rich in 
 the opulence, and powerful in the power of each 
 other. They can scarcely indeed be considered 
 in any respect as separate individuals ; and where- 
 ever the one appears, the other is virtually present. 
 I will venture even a bolder assertion, and affirm 
 that in despite of death they must both continue 
 to exist, so long as either of them shall remain 
 alive. For the deceased may, in a certain sense, 
 be said still to live, whose memory is preserved 
 with the highest veneration and the most tender 
 regret in the bosom of the survivor; — a circum- 
 stance which renders the former happy in death, 
 and the latter honoured in life*." Pursuing their 
 object in earnest sincerity, they would in a year 
 
 * The following affecting instance of a simUar devoted 
 friendship is related by D'Israeli. " Some unexpected event 
 occurs which gives the first great impulse to the mind of genius. 
 Mendelsohn received this from the companion of his misery and 
 his studies, a man of congenial but maturer powers. He was 
 a Polish Jew expelled from the communion of the orthodox; 
 and the calumniated student was now a vagrant, with more 
 sensibility than fortitude. But this vagrant was a philosopher, 
 a poet, a naturaUst, and a mathematician. Mendelsohn, at a 
 distant day, never alluded to him without tears. Thrown 
 together in the same situation, they approached each other by 
 the same sympathies; and communicating in the only language 
 
110 MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 form a collective mind of considerable power. — 
 Let us suppose that one were distinguished by a 
 tenacious memory, another were a good logician, 
 and the third gifted with a vivid imagination. If 
 a composition was wanted, such a composition 
 would receive the benefit of their varied talents, 
 and be at once copious and felicitous in its illus- 
 tration, clear in its reasoning, embellished by the 
 chaste ornaments of fancy, and elevated by an 
 expanded imagination. One of the leading ob- 
 jects would of course be to qualify themselves 
 for public speaking, and reading lectures in the 
 most impressive manner. 
 
 No period in the past history of the world 
 appears to have been so well prepared for the 
 reception of truth as the present. When Luther 
 preached, he could find few willing auditors but 
 
 which Mendelsohn could speak, the Polander voluntarily under- 
 took his literary education. 
 
 " Then was seen one of the most extraordinary spectacles 
 in the history of modem literature. Two houseless Hebrew 
 youths might be discovered in the moonlit streets of Berlin, 
 sitting in retired corners, or on the steps of some porch, the 
 one instructing the other, with an Euclid in his hand : — but 
 what is more extraordinary, it was a Hebrew version, com- 
 posed by the master for a pupil who knew no other language. 
 Who could then have imagined that the future Plato of Ger- 
 many was sitting on these steps ! 
 
 " The Polander, whose deep melancholy had settled in his 
 heart, died; — yet he had not lived in vain, since the electric 
 spark that lighted up the soul of Mendelsohn had fallen fi'om 
 his own." 
 
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. Ill 
 
 the ignorant: — now, it would be difficult to collect 
 an audience in which a considerable degree of in- 
 telligence did not prevail. In his days both 
 readers and books w^ere scarce : — now, they are 
 increased a thousand-fold. The minds of men 
 were at that time shrouded in darkness, and sunk 
 in torpor: — now, they are cultivated, conscious of 
 existing error, and eager to inquire. 
 
 To return to our triumvirate. — If, before the 
 public, they exhibited any irritability from the 
 annoyance of ignorant or sarcastic opposition, or 
 attempted to retaliate in the same style, this would 
 be a subject for correction; and by degrees they 
 would become attractive as public lecturers. 
 Their whole conduct would prove to the world 
 that they were not seeking a triumph, that they 
 were not endeavouring to expose the ignorance 
 of their opponents, — but that they were actuated 
 by a real desire to inform them, and advance 
 their happiness. They would deem it not only 
 unnecessary, but detrimental to their cause, to 
 attack a prevailing opinion, however wrong, — 
 satisfied that the exposition of an opposite truth 
 was alone sufficient for its renouncement. Some 
 have maintained that before error was destroyed, 
 truth could not be admitted; — as if the mind, like 
 a vessel, must be emptied of its contents ere new 
 propositions can be received. But the darkness of 
 
112 MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 error must remain until it is expelled by the light 
 of truth. To declare that to be a noxious weed 
 which has hitherto been esteemed a beautiful 
 flower, springing from a root containing healing 
 virtues, arouses the prejudices of men, who im- 
 mediately prepare to defend its excellence. But 
 if, on the contrary, you present them with a 
 flower obviously more beautiful and salutary, 
 they will examine for themselves, and discard 
 their former favourite: for it is flattering to the 
 mind to disabuse itself of its own errors. Those 
 who found out the truths of astronomy and 
 chemistry, did not employ themselves in exposing 
 the fallacies of the astrologers and alchemists, but 
 simply proclaimed their discoveries ; and in like 
 manner would those proceed, who advocated in a 
 right spirit the science of society. They would 
 display a conciliatory disposition and an elevation 
 of mind, more influential than eloquence itself. 
 For whatever ridicule * or neglect they met with 
 
 * " The man, who, resolutely divesting himself of habit and 
 prejudice, of the false impressions imbibed in early childhood, 
 resolves to know Truth, if haply she may be found, is sure to 
 be assailed, threatened, mimicked, and insulted, with abuse 
 the most pitiful and inane, with derision the most paltry, 
 stupid and futile, wholly unworthy of the exaltation to which 
 human attainment boasts to have arrived. ' His honesty is 
 decried as presumption, his avowal of nalced truth as sedition, 
 his exposure of existing abuse as demoralization.' It is dili- 
 gently whispered to timidity, ignorance, and bigotry, ' Take 
 
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. 113 
 
 in the world, they would always be sure in the 
 bosom of their little society of finding friendly 
 consolation, and they would thence derive fresh 
 courage and fortitude to sustain their conflicts 
 with those who mistook and misrepresented 
 their motives. "Tell me," said Bernado, the 
 father of Tasso, to his son, " of what use is that 
 vain philosophy upon which you value yourself 
 so much?" "It has enabled me," said Tasso 
 modestly, " to endure the harshness of your re- 
 proofs." And such would be one of the most 
 important uses of this application of a correct 
 knowledge of the philosophy of society. It would 
 enable each to endure with undiminished cheerful- 
 ness the harshness of the world's reproofs. In 
 the mean time they would look around for the 
 individual manifesting the greatest proximity to 
 them in opinion and conduct ; with him they 
 would often associate, and in due time succeed 
 in uniting him to their body. As they increased 
 in number, they would increase also in moral 
 power, and thereby enlarge their sphere of bene- 
 ficence. " But there is one way," says the most 
 powerful writer of the age, "of attaining what 
 we may term, if not utter, at least mortal hap- 
 piness ; it is this, — a sincere and unrelaxing 
 
 heed, beware of that man, he fears neither God nor devil;' or 
 some such sweeping clause of excommunication." — Citizen of 
 Nature. 
 
 VOL. II. I 
 
114 MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 activity for the happiness of others. In that one 
 maxim is concentrated whatever is nohle in 
 morality, sublime in religion, or unanswerable 
 in truth. In that pursuit we have all scope for 
 whatever is excellent in our hearts, and none for 
 the petty passions which our nature is heir to. 
 There — whatever be our errors, there will be 
 nobility, not weakness in our remorse; whatever 
 our failure, virtue, not selfishness in our regret; 
 and in success, vanity itself will become holy, 
 and triumph eternal*." 
 
 Now these would be more certainly advancing 
 their happiness than those few bands who, dis- 
 satisfied with the institutions of their own coun- 
 try, have occasionally emigrated to distant lands, 
 where they must have found a less extended field 
 of usefulness, and who have rarely perpetuated 
 among their descendants the good principles that 
 prompted their departure. 
 
 On the other hand, the union we are contem- 
 plating would contain within it a principle of 
 growth which it would be the constant and 
 sedulous care of all to cherish. In time, a fifth 
 and sixth member would be added, until the 
 number as well as their general influence became 
 considerable. Their meetings would then assume 
 a more important character, and one meeting 
 
 * Lytton Buhver. 
 
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. 115 
 
 during the week or month would perhaps be 
 open to the public. They would go on from day 
 to day increasing in affection for each other, and 
 enjoying the purest friendship. The sobriety, 
 order, good feeling, and high intelligence of the 
 parties would give them great power*. If the 
 mind is invigorated by exercise, so likewise the 
 feelings ; and a right method once begun, no Umit 
 can be assigned to the accession of strength which 
 a desire to improve would gain, or to the higher 
 dignity of conduct to which such a society would 
 rise; nothing within the reach of human attain- 
 ment would be too great for them to achieve 
 through the silent but irresistible influence they 
 would obtain over the public mind. Let those 
 who think there is anything chimerical in this 
 conclusion, observe in the example of the Society 
 of Friends, although restricted by some partial 
 
 * " But sobriety goes further. It comprehends the govern- 
 ment not of the bodily appetites only, but of the passions and 
 affections of the mind. The use of these is to stir up the soul, 
 and put it upon action; to awaken the understanding, to excite 
 the will, and to make the whole man vigorous and attentive 
 in the prosecution of his designs. He whose designs are right, 
 and who, being master of his passions, can direct their force 
 that way, proceeds like the mariner who understands his com- 
 pass, and commands the winds : he raises or sinks his affections 
 according to his judgement, and carefully adjusts them to the 
 nature of things; he applies them with all their energy to the 
 prosecution of his interest, and makes them militate, with all 
 their force, against whatever might obstruct it." — Homes 
 Sermon on Civil Society. 
 
 1 2 
 
116 MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 and exclusive views, how much improvement 
 results from their assembling themselves together, 
 and by striving to cultivate the better affections. 
 How much more would those gain who had no 
 prejudices to struggle with, no dogmas lying as 
 stumbling-blocks in their w^ay, and w^ho offered 
 the right-hand of fellowship to all mankind ! To 
 firmness of principle they would unite an un- 
 aflfected deference to those in authority; a con- 
 ciliatory manner to those from whom they differed 
 in opinion; and not only forgiveness of injuries, 
 but a disposition to overcome evil with good. 
 For, as Archbishop Tillotson says, " a more 
 glorious victory cannot be gained over another 
 man than this, — that wiien the injury began on 
 his part, the kindness should begin on ours." If 
 there are any who, above all others, should exhibit 
 in their demeanour that enduring charity which 
 beareth all things, they are surely those wiio re- 
 cognise in the acts of every individual the in- 
 fluence of the circumstances under which he has 
 been trained, and by which he is surrounded. 
 
 Thus would their conduct harmonize with their 
 professions, — unlike many of thosewhoavowsimi- 
 lar opinions, and yet condemn even with severity. 
 There is nothing more calculated to bring dis- 
 credit upon any system, much more upon one 
 which regards society alone as responsible for the 
 misconduct of its members, than the exhibition 
 
RESPECT FOR OPINIONS. 117 
 
 of feelings of antipathy by its advocates towards 
 any individual, or towards any class. After 
 witnessing the meekness, the anxiety to arouse 
 his hearers to a sense of duty, and the pious 
 deportment of a clergyman in his parish church, 
 there is something peculiarly revolting in hearing 
 such characters rudely denounced by one whose 
 vituperation and sarcasm create a reasonable 
 doubt of his own professions of sincerity, and 
 render the contrast between the calumniator and 
 the calumniated greatly disadvantageous to the 
 former. 
 
 If it be incumbent upon us to regard with in- 
 dulgence errors imbibed in childhood, and pro- 
 fessed by society at large, — how much greater con- 
 sideration is due to those who have not only been 
 subjected to the same general bias, but to other 
 influences of similar but more powerful tendency, 
 — upon whom it has been imposed as a sacred 
 duty, from the period of their attaining manhood, 
 to uphold the ordinances of the Established 
 Church, and whose lives have been spent in con- 
 scientious endeavours to strengthen their own 
 faith, and to impart confidence to others ! 
 
 The enlightened benevolence in the following 
 remarks demands the earnest consideration of all 
 violent Reformers, and more especially of those 
 who would assail with contumely and reproach 
 the ministers of religion. 
 
118 BE ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN. 
 
 "How deeply rooted in the human frame," 
 says Dugald Stewart, " are those hnportant prin- 
 ciples which interest the good man in the pros- 
 perity of the world ; and more especially in the 
 prosperity of that beloved community to which 
 he belongs ! How small, at the same time, is the 
 number of individuals who, accustomed to con- 
 template one modification alone of the social 
 order, are able to disting-uish the circumstances 
 which are essential to human happiness from 
 those which are indifferent or hurtful ! In such 
 a situation, how natural is it for a man of bene- 
 volence to acquire an indiscriminate and super- 
 stitious veneration for all the institutions under 
 which he has been educated; as these institutions, 
 however capricious and absurd in themselves, are 
 not only familiarized by habit to all his thoughts 
 and feelings, but are consecrated in his mind by 
 an indissoluble association with duties which na- 
 ture recommends to his affections, and which 
 reason commands him to fulfil. It is on this 
 account that a superstitious zeal against inno- 
 vation, both in rehgion and politics, where it is 
 evidently grafted on piety to God and good-will 
 to mankind, however it may excite the sorrow of 
 the more enlightened philosopher, is justly en- 
 titled, not only to his indulgence, but to his 
 esteem and affection." 
 
 To return to our interesting moral communion. 
 
ADVICE OF DR. WATTS. 119 
 
 — They would not only be all things to all men, 
 but they would be the same thing to all men ; they 
 would not only endeavour to win the good opinion 
 and sympathy of each, by falling in with his pur- 
 suit so far as consistency and rectitude of prin- 
 ciple would permit, but they would be kind and 
 courteous, and always ready to impart their 
 knowledge to every individual, of whatever sect 
 and denomination, or of whatever character. 
 Wherever they went their approach would be 
 hailed with rejoicing. Far from opposing the 
 errors of others, they would satisfy themselves 
 with recommending their truths by persuasive and 
 irresistible argument ; but they would never for- 
 feit esteem by unseasonable obtrusiveness : they 
 would be mindful of the advice of Dr. Watts, who 
 says, " Of all these different methods of curing 
 prejudices, none can be practised with greater 
 pleasure to a wise and good man, or with greater 
 success, where success is most desirable, than 
 attempting to turn the attention of well-meaning 
 people from some point in which prejudice pre- 
 vails, to some other of greater importance, and 
 fixing their thoughts and heart on some great 
 truth which they allow, and which leads into 
 consequences contrary to some other notion 
 which they espouse and retain. By this means 
 they may be led to forget their errors while 
 attentive to opposite truth ; and in proportion to 
 
120 LOVE AN UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLE. 
 
 the degree in which their minds open, and their 
 tempers grow more generous and virtuous, may 
 be induced to resign it. And surely nothing can 
 give a benevolent mind more satisfaction, than to 
 improve his neighbour in knowledge and in good- 
 ness at the same time." 
 
 It is a just observation of Lord Bacon's, that 
 ** there is in man's nature a secret inclination 
 and motion towards love of others, which if it 
 be not spent upon some one or a few, doth natu- 
 rally spread itself towards many." This natural 
 germ, if we may so term it, is planted in every 
 individual, and requires only a genial atmosphere 
 for its development. Such an atmosphere w^ould 
 these societies create, subduing every harsher 
 feeling wherever they extended. The universal 
 principle of love has been recognised and ap- 
 pealed to in all the systems of philosophy and 
 religion that have maintained any lengthened 
 existence; it is a sympathy for his species which 
 man possesses in common with all the animal 
 creation, but which under the guidance of reason 
 becomes a spring of perpetual and refined enjoy- 
 ment; — it is that which responds to the relation 
 of suflferings in our fellow-creatures, — which 
 sometimes, suddenly aroused by the affecting 
 eloquence of religious enthusiasm, is considered 
 as a divine illumination ; and when rightly 
 directed, it may be indeed regarded as the in- 
 
LOVE AN UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLE. 121 
 
 fluence of a holy spirit: it is the mystics of the 
 Germans, and what BufFon denominated the 
 sixth sense. " Whatever interest," says that 
 eloquent writer, " we may have to know our- 
 selves, I doubt if we do not know much better 
 those things which make no part of us. Provided 
 by nature with organs solely adapted to our pre- 
 servation, we employ them merely to receive 
 foreign impressions : all our care is to exist 
 without ourselves. Too much taken up in mul- 
 tiplying the functions of our senses, and in- 
 creasing the exterior extent of our being, we 
 seldom make use of that interior sense which 
 reduces us to our true dimensions. This is the 
 only sense by which we can judge ourselves. 
 But the difficulty is to give this sense its activity 
 and proper extent; to free our soul, in which it 
 resides, from every illusion of the understanding. 
 We have lost the habit of employing it; it has 
 remained in a state of inaction in the midst of the 
 tumult bred by our corporeal sensations." So 
 impossible is it to find a human being without 
 sympathy, that the privation was supposed by 
 the Romish Church to be endured only by Satan. 
 "He who is without affection," says Brown in 
 his Lectures on Moral Philosophy, "may exist, 
 indeed, in a populous city, with crowds around 
 him wherever he may chance to turn: but even 
 there he lives in a desert, or he lives only among 
 
122 THE FULLNESS OF TIME. 
 
 statues, that move and speak, but are incapable 
 of saying anything to his heart. How patheti- 
 cally, and almost how sublimely, does one of the 
 female Saints of the Romish Church express the 
 importance of affection to happiness, when, in 
 speaking of the great enemy of mankind, whose 
 situation might seem to present so many other 
 conceptions of misery, she singles out this one 
 circumstance, and says, "How sad is the state 
 of that being condemned to love nothing !" We 
 niay be assured, then, that no human being is 
 destitute of sympathy; and that it only requires 
 to be appealed to with an adequate feeling, to be 
 called into the most beneficial activity. 
 
 Thousands and tens of thousands have been 
 spent in the vain endeavour to construct com- 
 munities with the materials of old society: the 
 conviction of the understanding was deemed a 
 sufficient security for improvement of character; 
 but it was soon discovered that though the mind 
 was informed, the feehngs were undisciphned ; 
 that pretended converts gained admission; and 
 that many who could discourse wisely were still 
 found wanting. Henceforward the first practical 
 step to be taken must be in the path of moral 
 improvement ; this should be the beginning and 
 the end of the pursuit ; then perchance holier 
 desires will be cherished and gratified, and more 
 lasting happiness secured. 
 
UNIVERSAL HAPPINESS. 
 
 123 
 
 A brief sketch has been attempted of the 
 «mbryo of a society which, consisting of two or 
 three members only, would soon augment its 
 power and its numbers, and in the mean time 
 exhibit an epitome of a more comprehensive 
 moral and intellectual combination. Let these 
 incipient unions be formed in every village, — in 
 every neighbourhood: — as the knowledge of the 
 principle spreads, they will arise in different dis- 
 tricts of the globe ; they will gradually enlarge the 
 circumference of their circles, until coming in 
 contact with each other, they will be finally 
 resolved into one unbounded sphere of universal 
 harmony. 
 
124 LORD HAMPDEN VISITS THE LORD CHANCELLOR. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 " Slander not man ! he is a wondrous creature; 
 To each extreme of ill or good inclin'd. 
 As the first hias sways his ductile powers. 
 And after-circumstance confirms the same. 
 Say ! is he selfish, heartless .'' Bless the care, 
 The tricks, contrivances with which false art 
 And learned ignorance have clogg'd the mind, 
 And trammell'd all his actions ! Give him way; 
 Crush not, but guide the noble natui'e in him; 
 Raise him an equal among equals." 
 
 Economy of Human Life. 
 
 " Truth and Love are two of the most powerful things in 
 the world ; and when they go together they cannot easily be 
 withstood. Tlie golden beams of Truth, and the silken cords 
 of Love, twisted together, will draw men with a sweet violence 
 whether they will or no." — Cudworth. 
 
 Li PON the return of Lord Hampden from the 
 Continent, he resumed his seat in the House of 
 Lords towards the close of the session in which 
 the Reform Bill was passed. About a year pre- 
 vious Mr. Brougham had been raised to the office 
 of Lord High Chancellor of England : this ad- 
 vancement afforded Lord Hampden frequent op- 
 portunities of conversing with him on the sub- 
 ject of education, which occupied so much the 
 attention of both. For the i)urpose of entering 
 
EDUCATION. 125 
 
 more fully upon the examination of some of the 
 views of Lord Hampden, the Chancellor invited 
 him one morning to an early dejeune. He arrived 
 by mistake a quarter of an hour before the ap- 
 pointed hour ; but Lord Brougham was ready to 
 receive him, and the following dialogue immedi- 
 ately succeeded the customary salutations. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I am much gratified by the 
 honour of this interview with your lordship, as it 
 appears to me that a complete education can now 
 be adopted, and is the only means by which an 
 effectual reformation of all the abuses of society 
 can be brought about*. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — Much has already been done 
 to extend the benefits of education, and to dis- 
 seminate useful knowledge, and wider fields may 
 still be cultivated. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I am soUcitous to see the 
 present systems improved before further attempts 
 are made at extension. If the amount of good 
 feeling in society is a just criterion of success, I 
 fear that we have Uttle to boast of in all that has 
 hitherto been done for any class. 
 
 * " There are several ways of reforming men : — by the laws 
 of the chil magistrate, and by the preaching of ministers; but 
 the most likely and hopeful reformation of the world must 
 begin with children. Wholesome laws and good sermons are 
 but slow ways. Ilie most compendious way is a good educa- 
 tion; this may be an effectual prevention of evil, whereas all 
 after ways are but remedies." — Tillotson. 
 
126 LONDON UNIVERSITY. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — More attention is now de- 
 voted to the sciences, especially in the London 
 University, and a more liberal principle of ad- 
 mission has been established than exists at Oxford 
 or Cambridge*. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Its founder is so far entitled 
 to the gratitude of the country: but he has still 
 higher claims, inasmuch as he has drawn the 
 
 * " On sucli a topic as this of education, the injustice done 
 to our Catholic ancestors cannot pass unnoticed. WTiile their 
 noble monuments at Cambridge and Oxford exist, a comparison 
 may be drawn between the genius of Catholicism and Protes- 
 tantism, — not, assuredly, much to the credit of the latter. In 
 three hundred years the latter has added three colleges only 
 to the structures which it seized; and to the colleges at Oxford 
 not only is all access denied to those who persist in the faith 
 of their forefathers, but to those who have adopted Protestantism 
 in any form different from that which is favoured by Government. 
 Thus above two thirds of the inhabitants of the United King- 
 dom, and all foreigners, are excluded from the benefits which 
 these institutions are intended to confer. This proceeding has 
 a precedent, indeed, in the reign of JuUan the Apostate ; but 
 a House of Commons in the reign of Charles the First had 
 more enlarged views ; for uj^on their Minutes it is declared, 
 ' That the statutes made about twenty-seven years since, in 
 the University of Cambridge, imposing upon young scholars 
 a Subscription, according to the thirty-sixth Article of the 
 Canons, made in the year 1G03, is against the law and liberty 
 of the subject, and ought not to be pressed upon any student 
 or graduate whatsoever.' The Reformed House of Commons 
 will probably inquire, in no great length of time, upon what 
 grounds, and by whose authority, the Subscription, that had 
 been dropped in consequence of tliis Resolution for several years, 
 was revived." — A Plan of Universal Education, by William 
 Frend, Esq. 
 
THE CLASSICS, 127 
 
 attention of the first commercial metropolis of 
 the world to the importance of education. The 
 knowledge of Nature is real knowledge, and 
 one year devoted to that study will be of greater 
 advantage than four bestowed upon the Classics : 
 for who are less capable of showing us any good 
 in times of difficulty than classical scholars? 
 who more deficient in useful information* ? To 
 say nothing of the multitudes from the schools 
 and colleges, who after wasting seven or eight 
 years in studying the dead languages, are not 
 able to translate a single page correctly, — what are 
 the pursuits of those who have drunk deep at the 
 sacred fountains ? superadding to the advantages 
 of the Greeks all the discoveries of the intervening 
 period,— dothey manifest any of thewisdom of the 
 
 * A periodical in the year 1 825 makes the following facetious 
 remark on the defective education of the higher classes: "Tlie 
 peer despises the chemist, who teaches him whence comes the 
 colour of his blue garter; the metallurgist, who shows him how 
 to convert his barren hills to gold. A whole army of noble 
 and ignoble legislators meet annually to legislate, and it legis- 
 lates on the sciences and the arts; yet scarcely one ray of 
 science or art pervades the darkness of either House. Let 
 those who doubt it consult the debates, the reports, the journals. 
 Five Pariiaments have attempted to determine the best form 
 for the felly of a wheel ; and five Parliaments have not agreed 
 whether a pound weight exerts an equal pressure on one and 
 on two square inches of surface. But they have learnt to make 
 Latin verses, and the law peers can probably parse Re, fa, lo, 
 when the deficient syllables are supplied."— Westminster 
 Review. 
 
128 CLASSICS HITHERTO UNPROFITABLE. 
 
 sages of antiquity? are they animated with a 
 vehement desire to serve their country ? are 
 they foremost in the rank of those who are ad- 
 vancing mankind in knowledge ? are they press- 
 ing forward in generous sacrifices, or even with 
 the justice of an Aristides ? If these questions 
 could be answered satisfactorily, the dead lan- 
 guages would indeed claim the first consideration. 
 But what is the pursuit of the erudite scholar ? 
 He is busily occupied in antiquarian researches, 
 collecting coins, settling dates, or wiiiling away 
 his time in profitless philological speculations*. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — Are you for neglecting the 
 Classics altogether? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — By no means, my Lord ; but, 
 after having exercised the greatest discretion in 
 selecting the works to be studied, I would give 
 them a very subordinate place in every system of 
 education. 
 
 Loi'd Chancellor. — Some of the ancient authors 
 are certainly not adapted to the innocence of 
 youth. 
 
 * " This was of old," says Seneca, " the epidemical disease 
 for men to crack their brains to discover how many oars Ulysses' 
 galley carried ; — whether it were first written Ilias or Odyssea, 
 And a profound student amongst the learned Romans would 
 recount to you who was the first victor at sea; when elephants 
 came into use at triumphs; — and wonderful is the concern about 
 Caudex, for the derivation of Codices, Caudicarius, &c., GelHus, 
 or Agellius, Vergilius, or Virgilius ; with the like trifles that 
 make men idly busie indeed, not better." — Evelyn. 
 
UTILITY OF THE CLASSICS TO THE CLERGY. 129 
 
 Lord Hampden. — So thought Plato, even in 
 reference to those works the most esteemed by 
 us*". How the clergy can sanction a course of 
 education calculated to generate a spirit so hostile 
 to the genius of their own religion, I am at a loss 
 to discover. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — It is considered necessary 
 that the expounder of the Gospel should be ac- 
 quainted with it in the original text. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — But this does not apply to 
 the manner in which the Classics are taught, or 
 to an indiscriminate reading ; for without great 
 care and continual watchfulness it is impossible 
 to prevent a youth captivated with his studies, 
 from ranging freely over the fields of ancient 
 literature: far from this being attended to, even 
 the works appointed to be read tend to engender 
 licentious ideas, and sometimes to fill the mind 
 with false notions of military glory f. It would 
 
 * " Their education shall commence from their earUest years, 
 and the impressions which they shall then receive will not be 
 contrary to those which they must afterwards experience. 
 Care shall especially be taken not to amuse them with the idle 
 fictions contained in the writings of Homer, Hesiod, and other 
 poets." — Plat, de Rep. 
 
 t " We have paid too much deference to the Greeks and 
 Romans: we have sen'ilely followed a narrow and exclusive 
 method, wliich refers everything to the system of an insignifi- 
 cant people of Asia unknown in antiquity, or to the system of 
 Herodotus, the circumscribed limits of which exhibit only 
 Egypt, Greece, and Italy, as if that small space contained the 
 VOL. II. K 
 
130 NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. 
 
 be better tbat selections only should be studied, 
 and even those ought not to engage the earUest 
 attention of youth. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — But is not an early age the 
 best adapted for their acquisition ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — The age of twelve is quite 
 soon enough to commence them ; for by that 
 time the pupil begins to appreciate their value, — 
 not very highly perhaps if his knowledge is ex- 
 tensive, but aided by the improved facilities for 
 learning languages he is soon able to master them. 
 Natural philosophy should engage the earliest 
 years, for curiosity in childhood requires only to 
 be watched and satisfied with judgement to be kept 
 alive, and to yield continually increasing delight; 
 w^hatever is essential to a high intellectual and 
 moral character, nature has provided pleasurable 
 means of acquiring, although for ages she may 
 have hidden those means for the inventive genius 
 of man to discover. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — It has not yet been discover- 
 ed at our great schools*; as nineteen out of twenty 
 scholars detest their fagging, are heartily glad to 
 escape, and soon forget what they have learntf. 
 
 universe, or as if the history of those nations were anything 
 more than a small and solitary l)ranch of the history of man- 
 kind." — Volney's Lectures on Histoiy. 
 
 * See Appendix E. 
 
 t Making- allowance for the exaggeration of an electioneer- 
 ing address, I fear there was too much truth in the following 
 
PRINCIPLE OF THE INFANT SCHOOLS. 131 
 
 Lord Hampden. — In lieu of their systems of 
 coercion, I have to propose one which shall yield 
 gratification to the pupil from the commence- 
 ment of his career to its termination. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — I should be glad to see such 
 a system adopted at the London University. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — That noble Institution is so 
 much in accordance with the liberal spirit of the 
 age, that it deserves the generous support of 
 every friend to intellectual and moral improve- 
 ment. It might still exhibit the most perfect 
 model of scholastic education ever yet seen, by 
 a very simple process; and become the means, 
 at no distant period, of rectifying all the errors 
 of society ; for whoever understands the right 
 government of a school is acquainted with the 
 
 remarks on the House of Commons before the Reform Bill 
 was passed. " One half of our Members of Parliament have 
 hitherto consisted of great or rich men's sons, nephews, 
 cousins, and dependents, all on the look-out for sinecures ; — 
 and no wonder, when we consider how they have been chiefly 
 trained. Their education generally commences at Eton, or 
 some other public school in England, where, as fags to the 
 older boys, they are compelled to beg money, and to steal hens 
 and ducks for their masters' suppers, and to do every sort of 
 menial and degrading office for the bigger boys. In time they 
 become tyrants themselves in their turn, and impose the same 
 slavery on those under them. From Eton they go to Oxford, 
 where they learn the additional accomplishments of drinking, 
 gambling, boxing, and fox-hunting; and often without ac- 
 quiring one useful or rational idea." 
 
 k2 
 
132 PRINCIPLE OF THE INFANT SCHOOLS. 
 
 principles upon which the happiness of empires 
 could be achieved. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — Pray name the process. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — By adopting — be not sur- 
 prised, my Lord — the principle of an infant 
 school; by appealing to the affections of the pupils 
 primarily, or at least simultaneously with their 
 intellectual culture. That your Professors will 
 take the lead in the introduction of this, as of all 
 other important improvements, I infer from the 
 abolition of corporal punishment in the school, 
 which I rejoice to hear is rapidly increasing its 
 numbers. The oral instruction adopted for the 
 younger boys is also a great recommendation. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — You have heard of the dis- 
 agreements between the Professors and the War- 
 den, the insubordination of the pupils rendering 
 it necessary for one Professor to withdraw, and 
 thereby inducing others to resign ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — The Professors were brought 
 up like other teachers at public colleges, where 
 the cultivation of the moral feelings is disregarded, 
 and where coercion and strict discipline supply the 
 place of attraction*; such individuals could not 
 
 * " Speusippus caused the pictures of Joy and Gladness to 
 be set round about his school, to signify that the business of 
 education ought to be rendered as pleasant as may be: and 
 indeed children stand in need of all the enticements and en- 
 
EDUCATORS. 133 
 
 be expected to subject themselves to the caprice 
 and disorderly conduct of boys, and hold their 
 situations upon a tenure so precarious and hu- 
 miliating as the approbation of their pupils. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — How is it to be remedied, 
 seeing it is necessary to obtain Professors of the 
 highest reputation, who may not be willing to 
 attend to any other part of education than that 
 for which they are more particularly qualified ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — It is perhaps doubtful whether 
 it be indispensable to seek the most profound 
 scholars, for they are not always the best teachers ; 
 nay, they have sometimes proved the worst; for 
 their habits are frequently too abstracted to win 
 attention, and they are less able to appreciate the 
 difficulties of the student than those who are not 
 so far in advance. But even supposing it neces- 
 sary to have men of academical honours, there 
 might still be appointed another class of men 
 whose sole object should be to form the dispo- 
 sitions of the boys, and to inspire them with a 
 love of learning; they should become their con- 
 stant friends and companions; and in contradis- 
 tinction to the teachers they would be the educa- 
 
 couragements to learning and goodness. 'Metus hand diuturni 
 magister officii,' says Tully. Fear alone will not teach a man 
 his duty, and hold him to it for any long time; for when that 
 is removed, nature will break loose and do like itself."— Til- 
 
 LOTSON. 
 
134 QUALIFICATIONS OF EDUCATORS. 
 
 tors*; their duty should be to study the cha- 
 racter of each, to direct his moral feelings, and 
 aid the development of all his faculties ; he 
 should himself form one of the class when re- 
 ceiving a lesson ; and the influence of his example 
 would secure for the teacher, and all connected 
 with the establishment, the greatest attention and 
 respect. These individuals should be selected 
 from those who have naturally an ample share of 
 kind feeling ; sufficient knowledge they would 
 soon acquire to further their object; a trifling 
 salary would suffice them, as their greatest re- 
 compense would be found in the participation of 
 the happiness they were imparting. If they were 
 not more than from seventeen to twenty years of 
 age, provided their judgement were matured, it 
 
 * " The tendency to imitation so universal in children, is 
 not simply an effect of the love of the pleasures of sympathy, 
 but of the pleasures of activity combined with those of sym- 
 pathy. So strong is this principle, even in adults, that very 
 few persons thrown into a new society, though much differing 
 from their previous habits, can resist the good or the bad in- 
 fluence of example, can refuse to imitate what every one around 
 them practises. Great energy of mind, invincible habit, or 
 strong cidtivation of reason, are necessary in adults to resist 
 the whirlpool of example. What then can children, — whose 
 habits are to be formed, whose reason is to be cultivated, whose 
 plastic natures only pant for action, almost indifferent to the 
 direction or future consequences of activity, provided its imme- 
 diate mode of development be pleasurable, — what can children 
 do to oppose the all-surrounding currents of example ? how 
 can they refuse to imitate what they see done by all around 
 
SOCIETY COUNTERACTS EDUCATION. 135 
 
 would be preferable, as they would possess more 
 animation *=. 
 
 them, whether gentle or ferocious, whether reasonable or ab 
 surd ? Activity of some sort is incUspensable to their physical 
 temperament. A mode of exercising that activity is displayed 
 before them, the difficulty of finding out this mode is removed 
 the pleasures of activity are afforded, and they are rewarded 
 for joining in the common pursuits, not only by the pleasures 
 of activity, but by the approving sympathy of their companions 
 and the superior and controuUng sympathy of their tutors' 
 When aU these modes of influence are conjoined, their opera- 
 tion over the minds and conduct of children is irresistible 
 The teacher however, besides his sympathy with the useftil 
 and pleasurable development of the chUdren's active faculties 
 should feel a pleasure in what he teaches, and in the proffre.s 
 of teachmg. or he wiU lose half the effect of the power of 
 sympathy."— Thompson. 
 
 .h-V^f ?v''\"f ''^''°''^ " ^°^ ^'' P^^y^^S ^^'^ -^^ts, the 
 child said, 'You blame me for a trifle.' Plato replied, 'Custom 
 IS not such a trifle.' I obser^^e that our greatest vices are de- 
 rived from the impression made on us in our most tender yeir« 
 and that we are principally governed by our nurses. Some 
 mothers are delighted in seeing a child divert itself in hurt 
 mg a puppy or a kitten; and there are such silly fathers in the 
 wor d, as think it a happy presage of a warhke spirit when they 
 see their sons all foul of an innocent peasant or a lacquey! 
 hat dares not hold up his hand in their defence. And they 
 
 his play-fellow by some unlucky trick or knavery. Yet these 
 - the true seeds and roots of cruelty, tyranny, and treacher" 
 In these years they bud, and afterwards sprout up vigorously 
 and thrive amain in the hands of custom'- and "t T^^Z 
 dangerous eiror to excuse these vile inclinations by the tender- 
 
 TtT Nirr^ "" I''''' ^' ^'^ '^'^'^'- '^ ^^' fi-t plac , 
 It IS Nature that speaks, the voice of which is then more pur 
 
 and genuine, as it is younger and shriller. SeconcUv, the 
 
 deformity ot cozenage does not depend on the difleren'ce be- 
 
136 A UNIVERSITY BOARDING-SCHOOL. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — There is one serious impedi- 
 ment to your scheme, my Lord, — the counter- 
 acting influences at those periods when the boys 
 are at home, or at lodgings. If at home, they 
 witness perhaps scenes of dissipation, listen to 
 conversations on fashions, routes, horse-racing, 
 card-playing, &c. or on the rivalry, competitions, 
 selfishness, and quarrels of society*: if at lodg- 
 ings, they are without any restraint whatever. 
 
 tween crown-pieces and pins, but merely upon itself; and I 
 should think it more just to reason thus : ' Why would he not 
 cheat for a crown, since he does so for a pin ? ' than to argue 
 as they do who say, ' He only plays for pins : he would not 
 cheat if it were for money.' Children should be carefully 
 taught to abhor the vdces of their own contriving; and the 
 natural deformity of them ought to be so represented, that they 
 may not only avoid them in their actions, but hate them from 
 their hearts ; that the very thought of them may be odious to 
 them, what mask soever they wear. The plays of children are 
 not in jest, but must be judged of as their most serious actions." 
 — Montaigne. 
 
 * "Thus it is that the anxious years of parental care, and 
 the reiterated appeals of religion, are so nugatory in their effect, 
 since they are in direct variance with the principles and prac- 
 tice of society. A creature goes forth into the world informed 
 that he must speak truth, love and serve his fellow-creatures, 
 and regulate his actions by the principles of justice and charity: 
 the young theorist may have every desire to put into practice 
 the dogmas in which he has been reared, but he soon discovers 
 he is in a theatre where the language of truth is unknown, that 
 his fellow-creatures, so far from loving and serving each other, 
 are engaged in a continual struggle to injure and outwit each 
 other; that justice consists in acting according to laws often 
 directly opposed to it, and charity centres in a selfish regard 
 to individual interests. How long can it be expected such a 
 
INFANT BOARDING-SCHOOL. 137 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I have not overlooked the 
 difficulty, and I should propose that arrange- 
 ments be made to board and lodge a considerable 
 number, who should be educated separately from 
 the rest; the superiority these boarders would dis- 
 play would induce the parents of the day pupils to 
 desire the same advantages for their own children ; 
 but no new pupil should be admitted among the 
 boarders until he had been under the inseparable 
 controul of an educator, apart from the rest, for 
 a month. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — But at the age at which boys 
 are received they have already contracted bad 
 habits, and some unfavourable bias may have 
 been given to the mind. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — It would of course be more 
 desirable to have them earlier; but if we cannot 
 accomplish all we could desire, let us do as much 
 as we can; — Exempta juvat spinis e pluribus una. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — If children could be obtained 
 at the age of two years, and an Infant School 
 formed, in which they remained until they were 
 six or seven, to be then advanced to a higher 
 school, it would give great facility to your plan. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — That would render it com- 
 plete; and in fact no Infant School can be well 
 
 being will retain the impression with which he came forth ? 
 and who shall be hardy enough entirely to blame his departure 
 from them .^" — Mrs. Grimstone. 
 
138 INFANT BOARDING-SCHOOL. 
 
 conducted or quite successful, until the children 
 are entirely under the superintendence of edu- 
 cators, unless the parents themselves understand 
 well the principle acted upon, and pursue it at 
 home. I hope you will follow up this excellent 
 idea of an Infant School at the University, and 
 be careful that even all the servants exhibit no 
 counteracting feelings. In this way you will sur- 
 round the children with a moral atmosphere*. 
 Lord Chancellor. — After all, this moral feeling 
 
 * " Wlierefore, the same Reason which directs us to direct 
 our organs of respiration, (which, in some measure may he 
 obstructed or excited at the command of our will,) and the 
 other voluntary motions of our body, that we may always, as 
 far as in us lies, enjoy the use of wholesome air, will also teach 
 us to regulate all our inward affections and outward actions, 
 that regard other men, with that Humanity, that to the utmost 
 of our power we may cause them all to entertain and refresh 
 us with their Benevolence, so necessary to our hajjpiness. 
 
 "We are cautious not to fill the air of our houses with noxious 
 steams and vapours, but especially that this perpetual nourish- 
 ment, both of our own lives and that of others, may not be 
 corrupted mth pestilential and other contagious effluvia ; which 
 is a faint resemblance of Innocence, and teaches the necessity 
 thereof in all our actions. 
 
 "Tlie air which we have drawn into our lungs we immediately 
 breathe back again; or, if a small portion thereof be retained 
 for some little time, for the refreshing of our blood and vital 
 spirits, it is afterwards, along with the blood itself and \'ital 
 spirits, as it were with interest restored by insensible perspira- 
 tion to the common mass of air; this reciprocal natural motion, 
 which is intermixt with somewhat voluntary, thus resembles 
 Gratitude, and points out its necessity for the good of the whole." 
 — Maxwell's Laws of Nature. 
 
DIRECT APPEAL TO THE FEELINGS. 139 
 
 must be the result of an enlargement of mind, 
 which the spread of the sciences is promoting. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I am aware, my Lord, that 
 such was the opinion expressed in your Inaugu- 
 ral Address at the University of Glasgow, when 
 you made use of the words ' ' To diffuse useful 
 information, to further intellectual refinement, 
 — sure forerunner of moral improvement." 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — And can you doubt the fact? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Certainly not, my Lord ; but 
 I believe that moral improvement may be acce- 
 lerated more by a direct appeal to the feelings 
 before instruction is imparted ; — the smile that 
 awakens sympathy and attention is a moral in- 
 fluence, opening an avenue for knowledge. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — This difference seems to me 
 unimportant. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Indeed, my Lord, it is of the 
 highest importance to the interests of humanity. 
 There appear to be two parties contending for 
 the moral improvement of the people ; — the first 
 may be called the sectarian educators, who assert 
 that no morals can be stable but such as are 
 based upon religious doctrines; but as one sect 
 only can be right, all the rest must of course ad- 
 vocate some error. 
 
 The second are the philosophical educators, 
 who maintain that the morals of a people to be 
 pure and lasting must be founded on a knowledge 
 
140 PHILOSOPHICAL EDUCATORS. 
 
 of" nature generally, but more particularly of the 
 laws of human nature. 
 
 The sectarian educators, as I have observed, 
 are many of them necessarily wrong, but all ob- 
 tain currency for their opinions by appealing to 
 the affections of their hearers ; — the philosophical 
 educators neglect addressing themselves to the 
 feelings, and are consequently esteemed cold, 
 and labour in vain to excite attention, although 
 they may have incontestable truths on their 
 side. 
 
 Lo7'd Chancellor. — But do you not perceive that 
 the former appeal to the prejudices of their hearers, 
 while the latter are opposed to them ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Even w^hen a new sect arises, 
 numbers accumulate rapidly from the animated 
 warmth of the preacher. 
 
 Loi'd Chancellor. — But you would not have 
 science dealt out with the ravings of a fanatic ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — No, my Lord; but I would 
 have the science of human nature enforced with 
 the earnestness which a consciousness of the ex- 
 treme importance of the subject is calculated to 
 inspire in those who, deeply impressed with a 
 sense of the moral degradation of mankind, are 
 impelled by an ardent desire to subdue selfish- 
 ness, and to elevate the better feelings ; who re- 
 cognise in sympathy and love the surest guides 
 to happiness, and if not the " forerunners," 
 
INNOCENCE OF CHILDREN. 141 
 
 at least the handmaids of intellectual refine- 
 ment*." 
 
 * "Amid all the irrationalities that experience looks back to 
 regret, — and, let us hope, forward to remedy, — is the neglect of 
 children. They have been treated as little better than weeds; 
 they are, in fact, the fairest flowers of the creation. 
 
 "It is the cogent remark of a lecturer, now, or lately before 
 the public, that ' of the present children must be formed our 
 future men.' Had this idea, in all its important bearings, been 
 present to the minds of our forefathers, we might now have 
 stood ujDon the elevation to which enthusiasm only looks. 
 
 " For the first few years of existence, children are held as 
 beings of no consequence ; no sufficient regard is paid to what 
 they see, what they hear, what impressions they imbibe, or 
 how they imbibe them, and none whatever to their feelings. 
 I cannot vn-ite this without a pang. The cold and indifferent 
 adult that wounds one of these young hearts by neglect, re- 
 pulse, reproof, by laughing at its mistakes, or checking, with- 
 out satisfying its inquiries, can only commit such enormities 
 from not knowing what it is he does. 
 
 "The feelings and participations of children are, like the early 
 verdure of the spring, vivid and delicate; they reqmre the warm 
 and gentle rays of encouraging and considerate tenderness to 
 bring them to perfect maturity. 
 
 " Blighted, nipped, half- withered, or unnaturally forced, in 
 the great majority of cases, man struggles into his moral ex- 
 istence ; subsequent circumstances amend and modify, or 
 aggravate and confirm the distortions of his abused infancy; 
 but is it not astonishing that none, or at least so very few, 
 reasoning from their own actual experience, exert in behalf of 
 the rising generation around them, the knowledge drawn from 
 the facts and the convictions of the past } 
 
 "Who does not remember the pain and moral deterioration 
 he suffered, when he was stung, in childhood, by petulance 
 and unkindness, hurt and disappointed by neglect, put to shame 
 by heedless ridicule, or ill-judged and severe reproof.'' How 
 can we all look back upon this, and yet not turn and give a 
 
142 MORAVIAN MISSIONARIES. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — Can intellectual refinement 
 exist without moral improvement ? or the latter 
 without the former ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Properly speaking, they are 
 synonymous ; but the principle for which I con- 
 tend, — namely, a direct appeal to the heart, to 
 speak in popular language, — an expression of 
 kindness in looks, words, or actions, — has always 
 in practice proved more persuasive than precept : 
 it was this course of proceeding Avhich rendered 
 the Jesuits in Paraguay, and the Moravian 
 Missionaries most successful in making con- 
 verts; — which enabled Mrs. Fry to overcome the 
 daring ferocity of the female prisoners, — which 
 enabled Pestalozzi, notwithstanding the turmoil 
 and confusion of his disorganized plans, to ac- 
 quire great renown, and to send forth disciples 
 competent to perpetuate beneficence, and en- 
 hand, and a smile to every little wayfarer we meet or overtake 
 in our journey, and try to lead them by a better road than we 
 were led ourselves ? It must be that in the huiT)^ of life we 
 brush by them without looking at them, for there is not one 
 of them that does not carrj^ its appeal written on its brow, — 
 an appeal that none but a stoic can gaze on and resist. 
 
 " Pestalozzi came like a Messiah among cliildren. In their 
 behalf he possessed but one mighty engine with which to meet 
 the most gigantic difficulties : with that he conquered ; it was 
 the unwearying love of his divine heart. One day in the year 
 at least shoidd be held sacred to liim, on which children shoidd 
 be made to venerate his name, and their parents and instructors 
 reminded to imitate his example." — Mrs. Grimstone. 
 
INTEMPERATE DISCUSSION. 143 
 
 lighten the world by his wisdom. Tlie disad- 
 vantage of an inattention to the moral feelings 
 was manifested in the angry discussions that 
 took place among the proprietors of the London 
 University, and which, considering it was a semi- 
 nary for the education of youth, was unseemly, 
 and afforded a sad example: indeed all the diffi- 
 culties of the institution may perhaps be traced 
 to this cause. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — You will excuse me in re- 
 minding you. Lord Hampden, that others are apt 
 to lose their philosophy in the heat of debate. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I understand you, my Lord, 
 and plead guilty to the implied charge of un- 
 guarded impetuosity; but because I am sensible 
 of my own imperfections, it may still be allowed 
 me to urge a general amendment, in which I hope 
 to participate. This amendment would be greatly 
 advanced if correct ideas prevailed regarding the 
 convictions and feelings, for neither of which is 
 the individual accountable. The former you in- 
 sisted upon in a forcible manner in the memorable 
 address to which I just now alluded, when you 
 declared, that man should no longer be account- 
 able to others for his belief, over which he had 
 no controul. What you then said of opinions 
 applies equally to feelings, and man is no more a 
 proper subject for praise or blame in the one case 
 than in the other. 
 
144 A SUBSTITUTE FOR PRISONS. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — Of this I am not so tho- 
 roughly convinced. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I am aware yon are not, my 
 Lord, or you would not lend your support to a 
 system of government founded upon an opposite 
 principle. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — Can you suppose it possible 
 to do away with punishment altogether ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Healthful and productive 
 employment for the people, together with the 
 general adoption of an improved system of educa- 
 tion, and the aid of parochial Mechanics' Institu- 
 tions and lectures, would enable you to raze 
 your prisons to the ground in a few years, and 
 abolish your courts of justice. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — What would then become 
 of the Professorship of Jurisprudence proposed 
 to be endowed at the London University ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — The money would be applied 
 to a more useful purpose in establishing a Pro- 
 fessorship of Moral Philosophy, which would in- 
 clude all which the last Report of the Council de- 
 nominates "various and intricate sciences," and 
 which are intricate to those only who build up 
 systems upon fundamental errors. Certainly when 
 they speak of " the science of government, — of 
 the principles on which laws should be made and 
 administered, — of the rules which govern the 
 creation and distribution of wealth," as separate 
 
EXCLUSIVE POLITICAL ECONOMISTS. 145 
 
 and distinct sciences, no wonder they involve 
 themselves in perplexity. Why are the rules 
 that have hitherto governed the creation and 
 distribution of wealth deemed scientific, when it 
 is obvious to the meanest capacity that those 
 rules are the cause of almost all the evils of 
 society, and have been condemned by some of the 
 greatest men both in ancient and modern times ? 
 — as if the insatiable cravings, the factitious 
 wants, and the frivolous pursuits of ignorance, 
 were never to be superseded by the rational de- 
 sires of more enlightened generations. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — Are not the same principles 
 of political economy taught by the Professors at 
 Oxford and Cambridge? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Perhaps errors still more 
 gross*; but it is in vain to oppose them, for 
 nothing will be read at those Universities but 
 what is congenial with the existing system. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — Unless you are strictly or- 
 thodox there, you are not likely to be heard. 
 
 Loi'd Hampden. — Take care, my Lord, that in 
 throwing wide your doors to every religious sect, 
 you adopt not exclusiveness in favour of parti- 
 cular opinions upon other subjects. You have a 
 powerful band of political economists ; and I much 
 question if they will examine patiently arguments 
 opposed to their own notions. 
 
 * See Appendix F. 
 VOL. II. L 
 
146 MORAL PHILOSOPHY. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — What reason have you for 
 that conclusion ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Some of them are connected 
 with the periodical publications; and they have 
 not ventured to review Thompson's " Inquiry 
 into the Distribution of Wealth," in which their 
 own assumptions are successfully refuted. I hope 
 your Lordship will promote an impartial exercise 
 of authority, and not withhold your powerful aid 
 in completing a work so beneficial for society. If 
 a Professorship of Moral Philosophy could be 
 endowed, and principles of universal benevolence 
 boldly taught, there would be so powerful a de- 
 monstration of public opinion in your favour, 
 that the privileges of the two ancient Universities 
 would be speedily merged in the general welfare. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — You, who are sanguine in 
 your expectations, and have not taken an active 
 part in political affairs, can know but little of the 
 difficulties which I have to encounter ; but I have 
 in contemplation an extensive plan of education. 
 Lord Hampden. — In the mean time there is a 
 measure by which not only children but adults 
 might be much benefited, and which I hope your 
 Lordship will recommend. I mean the institution 
 of a cheerful and instructive lecture on the means 
 of happiness derived from a knowledge of the laws 
 of our nature, and delivered in each parish church 
 on a Saturday evening ; every parishioner, of 
 
PROPER USE OF CHURCHES. 147 
 
 whatever sect, Christian, Jew, or Mahometan, 
 should be invited to attend: it might be accom-, 
 panied with music and poetry in which the hap- 
 piness resulting from the exercise of sympathy 
 w^as set forth. Upon this occasion no religious 
 doctrine should be introduced*. This would 
 not contravene any opinion ; but the lecturer, if 
 he felt the subject, would have abundant mate- 
 rials for his composition, and would eloquently 
 dwell upon the great advantages all would derive 
 from a friendly union. 
 
 Why should the people never hear the road to 
 happiness pointed out except by instructors at- 
 tired in black gowns ; necessarily associating their 
 moral duties with gloom and despondency, dis- 
 solving their natural alliance with joy and glad- 
 ness? And why should not clergymen themselves 
 mingle in the amusements of all their parish- 
 ioners ? If they sit down to cards, or join in the 
 sports of the field with the rich, would there be 
 less reverence if they presided over the pastimes 
 of the humbler classes, and contributed to their 
 hilarity while preserving their sobriety and inno- 
 cence ? The advice given by Pliny is no less ap- 
 
 * " And how much more joyous an aspect would human 
 society assume, how many unjust prejudices would be cor- 
 rected, and how many obstacles to the progress of truth be 
 removed, could men of different sentiments lay aside their 
 animosities, and mingle freely in amicable intercourse ! " — 
 Systematic Morality, by William Jevons, jun. 
 
 l2 
 
148 EDUCATION IN CHURCHES. 
 
 plicable to the proper management of all instruc- 
 tion, whether in the pulpit, or in the school. '*Ut 
 in vita^ sic in studiis, pulcherrimum et humanissimum 
 existimo severitatem comitatemque miscere, ne ilia 
 in tristitiam, hac in petulantiam procedat." 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — Can you seriously think that 
 the clergy would submit to this ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — The clergy will consent to 
 whatever is really beneficial ; and if an opinion 
 may be formed from the conciliatory language of 
 the speech of the Archbishop of Canterbury, — 
 by far the most courteous and dignified in the de- 
 bates on the Reform Bill, — there will be no re- 
 luctance to enter in a right spirit upon the con- 
 sideration of any measure for the benefit of the 
 people ; especially of one that cannot interfere 
 with their privileges and opinions, when the re- 
 gulation of those meetings is left principally to 
 themselves. In the day-time the churches should 
 be used for a system of national education, open to 
 the admission of children of every sect and party*. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — After the violent opposition 
 made to the introduction of a liberal plan of 
 education into Ireland, by which the Catholics 
 were to be permitted to instruct their children in 
 the tenets of their own religion, how can we ex- 
 pect that your proposal will be acceded to ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — My plan does not favour, nor 
 * See Appendix G. 
 
EVANGELICAL INFANT SCHOOLS. 149 
 
 does it oppose, any system of belief; but leaves 
 religious tuition to the care of each family, and to 
 the charge of each pastor. If this appropriation 
 of the churches (excepting on the Sunday) , by day 
 and in the evening, was sincerely entered upon, 
 a most extraordinary improvement in the whole 
 population would be manifested in a single year. 
 This is a reform simple and comprehensive, in- 
 volving no expenditure, invading no interests or 
 vested rights ; it would prove a cheap but effectual 
 antidote to all the bad feeling too prevalent at 
 present. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — Are you not aware that the 
 clergy are much opposed to education being 
 carried beyond a certain limit, and that they 
 consider that too much has been done already 
 even in the National schools? — They excuse 
 themselves for having gone thus far by referring 
 to the efforts of the Dissenters in establishing 
 the Lancasterian schools, which compelled them 
 to prevent the dissemination of non-conforming 
 opinions. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I have been out of England 
 some time; but a friend of mine, who has given 
 much attention to the subject, informs me, that 
 he has lately visited several Infant schools, which 
 are now patronized only by the evangelical portion 
 of the clergy; but that in all, the original plan of 
 teaching children to repeat those words only of 
 
150 PERVERSION OF INFANT SCHOOLS. 
 
 which they can understand the meaning is but 
 little attended to. He entered one when the 
 teacher had just put the edifying question, ' ' How- 
 many kings did Joshua slay?" and other questions 
 equally injurious, as well as some referring to 
 doctrines unintelligible even to adults. The same 
 friend pointed out a passage in the Bishop of 
 London's speech, at a meeting of the Governors 
 and Subscribers of the King's College, in which he 
 said, that " holding as they did, peculiar tenets, 
 those whose minds were not yet formed they 
 should imbue with them; leaving them, however, 
 to their free choice, when reason had arrived at 
 maturity." 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — This must satisfy you of the 
 wishes of the clergy regarding Infant schools, 
 that " peculiar tenets" should be there imbibed ; 
 and as much general knowledge is incompatible 
 with peculiar tenets, we cannot wonder at their 
 restrictions. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — The principle here laid down 
 by the Bishop would, if generally acted upon, go 
 far to perpetuate the errors in all the various re- 
 ligions in the world ; for if each parent is to con- 
 sider himself justified in forcing prematurely upon 
 the mind of his child whatever theological opi- 
 nions he may have imbibed himself, it is probable 
 that its reason may never arrive at maturity, nor 
 ever be able to exercise a free choice. As well 
 
CHAINS OF INFANCY. 151 
 
 may the Chinese parents, after having contracted 
 the muscles and the size of their daughter's feet, 
 and thereby crippled her for hfe, say, when she 
 arrived at mature age, that she was free to walk. 
 To allow the mental faculties to expand with 
 freedom, no attempt should be made to gain 
 assent to any proposition not clearly compre- 
 hended, nor should any speculative question be 
 submitted to the decision of the individual, before 
 his mind had been well stored with a knowledge 
 of facts, and the reasoning powers duly exercised; 
 a contrary course is a sure way of creating con- 
 fusion in the mind, of confounding truth with 
 error, and of preventing the habit of reflection 
 and the power of just discrimination from being 
 in after-life acquired*. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — I perfectly coincide in all 
 this; and on that account I have confined my 
 attention to the diffusion of useful knowledge : 
 but because I wished to unite all persuasions in 
 the prosecution of this object, I have been repre- 
 sented as inimical to religion. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Such calumnies will not, I 
 am convinced, deter you from prosecuting your 
 great designs. The country is calling out for the 
 education of the people ; it would indeed be irre- 
 ligious to suffer a single individual gifted with the 
 noble faculties of man, to be the mere water- 
 
 * Morgan's Letter to the Bishop of London. 
 
152 THE bishops' opposition to reform. 
 
 carrier and beast of burden, when Science has 
 provided a substitute for excessive labour. But 
 whatever opinions the clergy may have expressed, 
 they will, when approached with a deference due 
 to their office, listen to the appeals of the public, 
 and more especially as there are many in their 
 own body whose sentiments accord witli the 
 general opinion in favour of education; besides 
 which, there are no members of society who would 
 be better qualified to moderate the feelings of all, 
 if they can be prevailed upon to accommodate 
 themselves to the spirit of the age ; not certainly 
 by any compromise of princi})le, but by superin- 
 tending the diffusion of scientilic knowledge, and 
 the cultivation of the kindlier feelings among all, 
 irrespective of party, or class, or creed. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — You are far too sanguine. 
 What public decision could have been more gene- 
 ral than that in favour of Reform ? and yet it was 
 opposed by the Bishops. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — They opposed the Bill because 
 they considered it as involving too great a change 
 at one time ; they were not opposed to a limited 
 Reform. Since I have been in the House, and 
 seen more of the personal characters of the 
 Bishops, I am the more convinced of their sin- 
 cerity ; and while we see so many lay Lords who 
 are conscientiously opposing every innovation, 
 we may naturally conclude that the opposition 
 
REFORM OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 1 5o 
 
 of those whose education and profession have been 
 still more exclusive is equally sincere. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — Suppose a motion were 
 brought forward to introduce your system of 
 education into Eton, Winchester, Westminster, 
 and Harrow; nay, into all the public schools? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Who would oppose it? A 
 system that should ameliorate the disposition of 
 the boys would be hailed by the masters as the 
 greatest boon that could be bestowed ; and the 
 Aristocracy would rejoice in beholding their chil- 
 dren saved from those evils which they consider 
 inseparable from a public education. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — But most of the Aristocracy 
 consider a public education preferable, on account 
 of the necessity it imposes upon the boys to con- 
 tend with others, and fight their way through; 
 thereby qualifying them more effectually to stand 
 up for their own, upon entering society*. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — The courage of wolves and 
 tigers, and leagued with selfishness, — as remote 
 
 * " The Chauci are a people, the noblest of the Germans, 
 who choose to maintain their greatness by justice rather than 
 violence. Without ambition ; without ungoverned desires ; 
 quiet and retired, they excite no wars; they are guilty of no 
 rapine or plunder ; and it is a principal argument of their 
 power and bravery, that the superiority they possess has not 
 been acquired by injuries. Yet all have arms in readiness ; 
 ai-d if necessary, an army is soon raised, for they abound in 
 men and horses, and maintain their military reputation even 
 in inaction." — Tacit, de Mor. Germ. cap. 35. 
 
154 JOHN LOCKE. 
 
 from the courage of an elevated mind, as that of 
 the robber differs from the fortitude of a Regulus, 
 — no wonder that we are deficient in public spirit 
 and in true nobility ! Let this moral reform take 
 place, and every year the public schools and col- 
 leges will send forth a numerous band ardent in 
 the cause of human improvement. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — With all their boldness they 
 have seldom sufficient firmness to utter their real 
 sentiments, if peradventure they are opposed to 
 the current opinions. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I know not one official cha- 
 racter who has sufficient moral courage for such 
 an avowal. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — You found one at least when 
 you quoted my address at Glasgow. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — The reiteration of that senti- 
 ment was doubtless highly useful, but the public 
 was prepared to receive it. Such an avowal a 
 century back would have proved a distinguished 
 example of moral courage, because it would have 
 been far beyond the age : it was indeed uttered by 
 Locke, for I think it is in the first Letter on 
 Toleration where he says, " Speculative opinions 
 therefore, and articles of faith, as they are called, 
 wdiich are required only to be believed, cannot be 
 imposed on any Church by the law of the land. 
 For it is absurd that things should be enjoined by 
 laws, which arc not in men's power to perform. 
 
MORAL COURAGE. 155 
 
 And to believe this or that to be true, does not 
 depend upon the will." But I almost question — 
 you will excuse my freedom, — whether you your- 
 self would venture to announce the change in 
 your opinions, if you were to go over to the Uni- 
 tarian system of belief, or still further to the 
 Deism of Gibbon and Hume. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — In that case my hesitation 
 would arise less from a deficiency of moral 
 courage, than from considerations of the pubhc 
 welfare. Such an avowal would render an indi- 
 vidual less influential in society, disqualify him 
 from holding any office, and deter the public from 
 attending to anything he should either say or 
 publish. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — On the other hand, reflect, 
 my Lord, upon the sensation that would be pro- 
 duced. A virtuous resolve prompts the relinquish- 
 ment of emolument* and honour. What real 
 dignity would accompany the man in his retreat ! 
 And when he occasionally came forth to admonish 
 society of its errors, filled with ideas of moral re- 
 generation, pure in his thoughts, and grand in 
 
 * When Granville Sharp received an order to ship some 
 ordnance to America, upon the breaking out of the war with 
 that country, he resigned his situation of 700/. per annum in 
 the Tower rather than comply. 
 
 " Whenever I behold disinterested sincerity, I bow to it 
 with reverence, however opinions may differ." — Sir Thomas 
 Bernard. 
 
156 Owen's declaration. 
 
 his conceptions, — what could not his impassioned 
 and hallowed eloquence achieve ! The imposing 
 and dazzling glare of high station would fade 
 away; the hollow foundation of unjust privilege 
 would he shaken; sophistry and delusion would 
 be exposed ; and truth and justice gain their 
 natural ascendancy. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — As my opinions are not so 
 heterodox, and as more good can be accomplished 
 by continuing in office, it would be a dereliction 
 of duty to indulge in a needless and injurious 
 fastidiousness. But I may ask, in reference to the 
 hypothetical case you have put, what good has 
 Owen effected by the bold declaration of his 
 scepticism ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Much more than is apparent. 
 Rely upon it, that thousands have silently re- 
 sponded to him, and hailed as a signal blessing 
 the existence of an individual who dared be 
 honest. Although accustomed to fall into the 
 same error, if it be one, myself, there are many 
 who think that he mars his better efforts by at- 
 tacking the old system, rather than by confining 
 his exertions to the illustration of a better order 
 of society : the exposition of error should be left 
 to others, and Heaven knows there are never 
 wanting reformers of this description ! — But to 
 return to the reformation of the public schools. 
 I cannot conceive that any ])arties, either the 
 
INDIFFERENCE OF PARENTS. 157 
 
 teachers, the pupils, or their parents, would ob- 
 ject to it. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — The teachers are in general 
 too tenacious of old methods to listen to innova- 
 tion*; the parents are too indiiferent to the real 
 improvement of the boys; and as long as they 
 are educated with those of their own rank in life, 
 or if, intended for any of the professions, they are 
 likely to form advantageous connexions, it is 
 deemed all-sufficient : their moral culture should 
 appear to be a secondary consideration. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Yet it must be admitted to 
 be the all-important object of education. A 
 glance at any of the public schools is sufficient 
 to convince the observing, that it is utterly im- 
 possible to impart a good education under the 
 existing arrangements. The tradespeople en- 
 courage the boys in getting in debt, and the 
 teachers are perhaps anxious to ingratiate them- 
 
 * " The methods of our education are governed by custom. 
 It is custom, and not reason, that sends every boy to learn the 
 Roman poets, and begin a little acquaintance with Greek, be- 
 fore he is bound apprentice to a soap-boiler or a leather-seller. 
 It is custom alone that teaches us Latin by the rules of a Latin 
 grammar; a tedious and absurd method. And what is it but 
 custom that has for past centuries confined the brightest 
 geniuses, even of the highest rank, in the female world to the 
 employment of the needle only, and secluded them most un- 
 mercifully from the pleasures of knowledge and the divine 
 improvements of reason ? But we begin to break all these 
 chains, and Reason begins to dictate the education of youth." 
 — Watts. 
 
158 THE MOST IMPORTANT PROFESSION. 
 
 selves with their pupils, who may one day advance 
 their interests. But still it would not be difficult 
 to convince the preceptors, that they could secure 
 the good opinion of their pupils more effectually, 
 by a method that would be more grateful to both 
 in practice ; and if the parents saw that their 
 pupils were improving in their feelings towards 
 all about them, they would be convinced that 
 they were cementing their connexions by ties 
 the most pleasurable and lasting*. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — I think it would be well if 
 the profession of a teacher w^as held in higher 
 esteem. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — When once the proper me- 
 thod of education is generally understood and 
 practised, the profession will rapidly rise in public 
 estimation. There cannot be a more responsible, 
 a more important, a more honourable vocation; 
 - — if it would not be sufficiently attractive in itself, 
 and were it not inconsistent with true principles, 
 I should say that the highest academic honours 
 should be reserved for the most successful 
 educators. 
 
 Loi'd Chancellor. — Would that the clergy could 
 be induced to consent to a system of universal 
 education ! 
 
 * " Most men continue all their days to be just what nature 
 and human education made them. Their manners, their opi- 
 nions, their virtues, and their vices, are all got by habit, imi- 
 tion, and instruction." — Dr. Reib. 
 
SPORTS OF THE FIELD. ] 59 
 
 Lord Hampde7i.--They would soon silence the 
 clamours against the tithes, if men of every sect 
 and denomination from whom payment is en- 
 forced, saw them appropriated to the best educa- 
 tion of their children; and in many respects the 
 clergy, especially the younger part, are the best 
 quahfied for the undertaking:— but I was sorry to 
 observe the example of a clergyman joining his 
 pupil in a fox-chase recorded in the public news- 
 papers. 
 
 Lord Chancellor. —Rov^ does this agree with 
 your opinion that the clergy should mingle in 
 the sports of all classes? 
 
 Lord Hampden.~l could not surely be sup- 
 posed to mean the sports of the field, the pro- 
 priety of which, on the part of adults, it is not 
 necessary at present to discuss; but if it is de- 
 sirable to teach children the sentiments of hu- 
 manity, are we not frustrating our object by 
 exhibiting a pack of hounds trained to hunt, 
 torment, and kill an animal for mere amusement ? 
 —A few days since I copied from one of the 
 newspapers the following paragraph. 
 
 "Brighton, Dec. 14. 
 
 " Yesterday the Queen and Princess Augusta, 
 attended by their suite, went in three carriages 
 and four to Southes, about four miles from this 
 place, for the purpose of seeing the East Sussex 
 fox-hounds throw off. 
 
IGO THE ROYAL HUNT. 
 
 ' ' Her Majesty and party left the Pavillion about 
 half-past ten o'clock. In the first carriage were 
 the Queen, Prince George, and Princess Augusta. 
 The second contained the Marchioness and Ladies 
 Cornwallis and Mademoiselle d'Este. In the 
 third carriage were Lady Mary Fox, Lady Ken- 
 nedy Erskine, and Sir Andrew Barnard. Mr. 
 Hudson, Mr. Shiffner, and the Rev. Mr. Wood, 
 were on horseback. Prince George, on reaching 
 the place of meeting, mounted his pony and 
 joined in the sports of the field. As soon as the 
 Royal party had taken a commanding situation, 
 the hounds were let into the cover, and almost 
 immediately reynard broke in gallant style, being 
 quickly followed by his pursuers. After a cir- 
 cuitous run of nearly an hour, he was compelled 
 to yield, having first run for protection under her 
 Majesty's carriage. Mr. Charles Craven (the 
 manager of the hunt,) had the honour of present- 
 ing the brush to her Majesty, which she most 
 kindly accepted. The Royal cortege then left 
 for the Pavillion amidst the most enthusiastic 
 cheers of the gentlemen present." 
 
 Lord Chancellor. — The Rev. Mr. Wood may 
 not approve these sports, and yet consider that 
 he can be of more use to society by retaining his 
 appointment, and correcting what cannot alto- 
 gether be prevented. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I have no doubt he acts from 
 
EXAMPLE ALL-POWERFUL. 161 
 
 conscientious motives; but while these examples 
 are rendered so conspicuous, we must not be sur- 
 prised at the inefficiency of precept*". 
 
 The Lord Chancellor's carriage was announced, 
 and Lord Hampden withdrew, after an invitation 
 to a renewed conference. 
 
 * " Children are extremely imitative, attentive to every little 
 word and motion, and turn of countenance, and way of acting 
 open to their observation; and I am apt to think their future 
 character depends more upon the sentiments and habits they 
 imbibe inadvertently, than on what is usually comprehended 
 under the term education; nor would I pronounce it impossible 
 that children might be led into all kinds of useful knowledge 
 by a regular, judicious conduct in all those about them, with- 
 out other aid than such instructions as they would apply for of 
 their own accord. However romantic this notion may seem, 
 yet it cannot be denied that a great deal may be done in this 
 way. Example has always been counted more powerful than 
 precept, and by its bad influence may easily overthrow all the 
 good that has been done by the other. You may in some 
 measure lessen this influence from the examples of other per- 
 sons, by showing their evil tendency, or turning them into 
 ridicule; but you cannot condemn or ridicule your own actions; 
 you will have neither inclination nor eyes to see your own 
 faults; nor will it be prudent to lessen yourself in the child's 
 esteem. Juvenal says, The greatest reverence is due to chil- 
 dren ; by which must be understood, that we cannot be too 
 much on our guard how we behave before them; never to be- 
 tray any marks of passion, intemperance, greediness, foUy, or 
 selfishness, in their presence; if we have a foible we are resolved 
 not to part with, let us at least reserve the indulgence of it for 
 times when they are not by." — Tucker's Light of Nature. 
 
 VOL. II. M 
 
102 POLITICAL ECONOMISTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 " O tell me, Cela, when shall be the time 
 ITiat all the restless spirits of this clime, 
 Erring so widely in the search of bliss. 
 Shall win a milder, happier world than this." 
 
 Pilgrims of the Sun. 
 
 XF the advocates of a better order of society had 
 cause to lament the neglect of their theory, the 
 political economists were not in a more flourish- 
 ing condition. It is true they had received some 
 patronage from the London University ; but that 
 Institution was rising upon half-fledged wings, 
 and was itself waiting for patronage. Mr. 
 M'CuUoch had tried to initiate some ingenuous 
 youths into the mysteries of his crude and con- 
 tradictory speculations; which proved, however, 
 so incomprehensible, that his diminutive number 
 of pupils soon became less, and dropping ofl" one 
 by one, left the Professor desolate. The work of 
 Mr. Malthus on Population had fallen in general 
 estimation; the last edition had crept forth in 
 the shape of a thin pocket volume ; and there 
 was some reason to hope that this politico- 
 economical sect were repudiating their errors, 
 and that the world would no longer be alarmed 
 by the fears of redundant population. 
 
MISS HARRIET MARTINEAU. 163 
 
 Such was the forlorn state of their affairs, 
 when suddenly their spirits were revived by the 
 powerful aid of a writer, who, adopting all their 
 opinions, circulated them in tales of considerable 
 pathos, and invested them with the charms of a 
 fertile imagination. The tales became remark- 
 ably popular; — with the poor, because the sad 
 story of their privation and sufferings was re- 
 lated with tenderness and compassion ; — with the 
 rich, because the remedies proposed left them in 
 quiet enjoyment of their superfluities. The ' ' Illus- 
 trations of Political Economy," by Miss Mar- 
 tineau, have depicted too faithfully the abject 
 poverty and misery of the labouring classes : and 
 although this has been ably done before by some 
 of our first writers both in poetry and prose, 
 never has their misery, in some instances, been 
 described with so much nature and truth. 
 
 This is the first time that the pen of a writer 
 of taste and imagination has been employed on 
 the side of the political economists; and, as if 
 their cold restricting theories were destined to 
 blight the fairest promise of genius, even Miss 
 Martineau has exhibited the effects of their 
 petrifying influence. With all her inimitable 
 skill in representing "things as they are," and 
 in portraying the most touching scenes of op- 
 pressed humanity, we no- where recognise a con- 
 sciousness of those latent but nobler capacities 
 
 M 2 
 
164 CHILDREN IN COTTON-MILLS. 
 
 of the species, which, however chilled by poverty, 
 or perverted by riches, have not escaped the ob- 
 servation of more profound inquirers. 
 
 Serious calamities and aggravated misery arrest 
 her attention: she would relieve their wants, and 
 raise the poor from their lowest degradation, — but 
 she would elevate them only to the condition of 
 servants. While science can now be rendered 
 almost the only servant, certainly the only 
 laborious servant of humanity, she would still 
 doom the million to be the mere hew^ers of wood 
 and drawers of water, and to earn their bread 
 only by the sweat of their brow, regardless of 
 that comprehensive appliance of scientific power, 
 which would afford leisure to all to improve the 
 higher faculties of their nature. She discovers 
 much mischief in a "Manchester strike," bvit 
 none in the incarceration from morning till night 
 of thousands of little children in cotton-mills ; 
 inhaling an unwholesome atmosphere, amid the 
 incessant din of wheels and machinery; — none in 
 the obliteration of their mental qualities, in the 
 corruption of their morals, or in their wan and 
 sickly appearance. 
 
 " Life's real joys are few, 
 But ample for the reach of happiness : 
 Health and a quiet mind include them all. 
 But can the ■v\Tetch who, by unceasing toil 
 From early morn till night, year after year. 
 Must earn his meagre food, feel peace of mind ? 
 
THE FEW AND THE MANY, BOTH WRETCHED. 165 
 
 Can his worn frame have the fresh glow of health ? 
 
 Can he look pleased on Nature's endless charms. 
 
 Which he must never taste ? The fields and woods, 
 
 The seas and hills, are beautiful ; but he 
 
 Must sweat in the hot factory or mine, 
 
 Shut from the wholesome airs of heaven, the sights, 
 
 The pleasant sounds of Nature. When he rests, 
 
 'Tis not to enjoy the happiness of being. 
 
 The consciousness of life on this fine earth, 
 
 But to prepare his jaded limbs to meet 
 
 Another day of toil and misery. 
 
 And for what end ? That some proud, pamper'd man 
 
 May drink himself to drunkenness, — may gorge 
 
 His greedy stomach till the bloated mass 
 
 Becomes corruption, — deck his useless limbs 
 
 With gaudy ornaments, and call himself 
 
 Wealthy and great. But is he happy then } 
 
 Hath the unremitting toil and wretchedness 
 
 Of hundreds given in one heap to him 
 
 The happiness that hundreds should have shared ? 
 
 No ! he is proud and wrathful, — covetous 
 
 Of more, though he already hath too much: 
 
 A thousand foolish wants are satisfied, 
 
 But thousands more arise*." 
 
 Like the school to which she belongs, Miss 
 Martineau has not distinguished the effects of 
 machinery upon its first introduction and during 
 its progress towards a period when the supply of 
 labour is permanently superabundant, and when 
 that period has actually arrived. In the former 
 case, machinery by cheapening the manufactured 
 goods increased the consvimption, and created a 
 greater demand for labourers than existed before ; 
 
 * Atherstone's Midsummer Night's Dream. 
 
106 EFFECT OF INCREASED MACHINERY. 
 
 in the latter case, when machines are so numerous 
 that many are laid by, and the labourers stand- 
 ing idle, an abridgement of labour increases the 
 number of the idlers, and is of no avail in the in- 
 crease of capital ; for the markets being already 
 saturated with labour and its product capital, 
 production ceases to be profitable*. How then 
 can it be said, as in the Summary of Principles 
 to No. 2, that productive industry is proportioned 
 to capital, whether that capital be fixed or repro- 
 ducible ? "The interests of the two classes of 
 producers, labourers and capitalists, are therefore 
 the same; the prosperity of both depending on 
 the accumulation of capital." Capital may go 
 on increasing while the labourer is receiving the 
 smallest rate of wages, frequently not more than 
 
 * When Lee, the inventor of the stocking- frame, came to 
 London with the view of obtaining Queen EUzabeth's patron- 
 age, — though supported by many persons of influence about the 
 Court, the Queen refused to aid him either by a grant of money, 
 or of a patent; adding, as her reason, " I have too much love 
 for my poor people, who obtain their bread by the employment 
 of knitting, to give my money to forward an invention which 
 will tend to their ruin, and thus make them beggars." 
 
 D'IsraeU in his " Curiosities of Literature" relates that when 
 a Jew, who was a famous Dutch printer, brought to Con- 
 stantinople printing-presses, &c. to introduce the art of print- 
 ing in that city, the vizier caused him to be hanged, declaring 
 that it would be a great cruelty that one man should enrich 
 himself by taking the bread of eleven thousand scribes, who 
 gained their living by their pen. 
 
 In Mr. Moore's Life of Lord Byron is the following extract 
 
MALTHUSIAN THEORIES. 167 
 
 his parish would be obliged to pay him. The 
 overwhelming power of machinery now occasions 
 rapid and immense production ; this increases 
 competition, and reduces profits to such a degree, 
 that the more wealthy capitalists, by making very 
 large returns, can alone succeed; the smaller pro- 
 prietors are distressed, their funds are wasted, and 
 thousands, perhaps millions of the people, are re- 
 duced to the alternative of seeking relief from the 
 parish, or by the trade of plunder. This cause 
 of general commercial difficulty, and of wide- 
 spread poverty in the midst of unexampled riches, 
 is entirely overlooked ; and wherever some sub- 
 sidiary or local circumstances cannot be lighted 
 on, refuge is sought in the Malthusian theory of 
 
 from His Lordship's speech on the Nottingham Frame -breaking 
 Bill. — "These men never destroyed their looms till they were 
 become useless — worse than useless — till they were become 
 actual impediments to their exertions in obtaining their daily 
 bread. Can you then wonder that in times like these, when 
 bankruptcy, convicted fraud, and imputed felony, are found in 
 a station not far beneath that of your lordships, the lowest, 
 though once most useful portion of the people, should forget 
 their duty in their distresses, and become only less guilty than 
 one of their representatives ? But while the exalted offender 
 can find means to baffle the law, new capital punishments 
 must be devised, new snares of death must be spread for the 
 wretched mechanic who is famished into guilt. These men 
 were wUling to dig, but the spade was in other hands: they 
 were not ashamed to beg, but there was none to relieve them. 
 Their own means of subsistence were cut off; and other 
 employments preoccupied." 
 
168 MALTHUSIAN THEORIES. 
 
 over-population, — " population increases faster 
 than the means of subsistence." As each in- 
 dividual can produce much more than he is able 
 to consume, every new-born infant is an increase 
 in the means of production beyond consumption : 
 but if the land is possessed by a few, and the 
 population, as in Ireland, are deprived of the 
 fruits of their industry, all that can be said is, 
 that population may increase faster than the 
 wisdom, justice, and benevolence necessary to 
 alter those institutions of the country which take 
 from the humbler classes the abundant means of 
 subsistence, and to adapt them to the present 
 wants of society. — But let us see what remedy 
 is proposed for this supposed evil. 
 
 In Illustration No, 6. it is remarked: "By 
 bringing no more children into the world than 
 there is a subsistence provided for, society may 
 preserve itself from the miseries of want. In other 
 words, the timely use of the mild preventive check 
 may avert the horrors of any positive check =^." 
 
 * Mr. Wilmott Horton conceived that he entertained more 
 enlarged views than iVIr. Whitbread, or even Mr. Pitt ! ITie 
 following is, however, but a sorry specimen of the comjjrehen- 
 siveness of his mind. " It was surprising that it did not 
 suggest itself to the minds of Mr. Whitbread and Mr. Pitt, 
 that to encourage marriage and the rearing of large families 
 at the moment when labourers were suffering from a redun- 
 dancy of population, was opposed to every sound principle 
 If the question had been a glut in the sugar market, would 
 
MALTHUSIAN THEORIES. 169 
 
 Of all the speculations of the political economists 
 for removing the ills of society, there is not one 
 that appears so extravagant as that of supposing 
 that the people will forgo, in addition to their 
 other privations, the comforts of domestic society. 
 To impart to them sufficient information to take 
 even the comparatively comprehensive view of 
 the subject as the economists themselves, would 
 give them that insight into the actual structure of 
 society as would lead to its subversion too speedily 
 to admit of the careful substitution of a better: — 
 that an individual will, under some circumstances, 
 refrain from marriage for the sake of other enjoy- 
 ments, daily experience convinces us; but to sup- 
 pose that millions of people will consent to an 
 unnatural abstinence, which after all would prove 
 no remedy to themselves, for the accommodation 
 of a fractional portion of the community, and to 
 prolong the existence of that monopoly of which 
 they are the greatest victims, it is difficult to 
 imagine. The people will continue to unite as 
 they ought, under the form prescribed by religion, 
 at the age indicated by nature ; and they would 
 do well to refuse unanimously to emigrate, but 
 
 Mr. Pitt have proposed a bonus on the importation of that 
 article ?"—" After going at some length into that inquiry, 
 the Right Honourable gentleman proceeded to contend, that it 
 was the potatoe system which led to the redundancy of popu- 
 lation in Ireland." — Speech of Mr. Wilmott Horton On the 
 Condition of the Poor and Labouring Classes, March 9th, 1 830. 
 
170 INCLOSURE OF THE VILLAGE-GREEN. 
 
 remain an increasing burden (as the small extorted 
 restitution is called,) upon the rich, until dire 
 necessity shall compel them to be just. 
 
 Goldsmith, Crabbe, Burns, and Bloomfield, 
 would have hung their harps upon the trees to 
 sigh to the passing wind, sooner than have exulted 
 in the inclosure of the village-greens*'. Miss 
 Martineau has discovered that those changes 
 which have been deplored as injuries are blessings 
 to the poor; and they have only to read her Works 
 to be convinced of their increased felicity ! Should 
 they exhibit their hungry, lean, and ragged 
 children, their ruinous hovels and empty cup- 
 boards, she consoles by reminding them " of the 
 mild preventive check." Even the allotment of 
 land is an evil, because it accelerates the in- 
 crease of population. Such is the conclusion in 
 " Cousin Marshall," the Summary of Principles 
 to which, exhibits great confusion of ideas ; — but 
 this was one of the Numbers noticed upon an 
 occasion which I have now to mention. 
 
 Bertrand had long desired an invitation to the 
 club of the political economists, but he had no 
 intimacy with any of their connexions ; and it 
 was understood that their meetings had been dis- 
 continued. He attended at the London University 
 on the first day of February in the present year, 
 to hear Mr. M'Culloch's introductory lecture, 
 
 * See Appendix H. 
 
MR. m'culloch. 171 
 
 which had been previously announced ; but he 
 was informed that in consequence of the Professor 
 being unable to form a class, he had abandoned 
 the idea of lecturing. About this time he had 
 an opportunity of meeting Mr. M'Culloch, Mr. 
 Malthus, and other public characters not accus- 
 tomed to mix with the economists, Mr. Joseph 
 Hume, and Mr. Attwood, at a large literary con- 
 versazione; and these individuals assembled with 
 him round a table on which were spread, along 
 with other works, all the Numbers of Miss Mar- 
 tineau's "Illustrations" at that time published. 
 Bertrand took up ' ' Homes Abroad, " and read just 
 loud enough to attract the notice of those near 
 him a passage from the Summary of Principles. 
 ' ' Home colonies may afford a temporary relief 
 to a redundant population, and also increase the 
 productiveness of the lands which they appro- 
 priate ; but this is done by alienating capital 
 from its natural channels, and with the certainty 
 of injuring society by increasing the redundancy 
 of population over capital." 
 
 Mr. Malthus. — A most just remark. 
 
 Bertrand. — Pardon me, Sir; but I do not per- 
 ceive how capital can be alienated from its natural 
 channel, when employed economically in pro- 
 viding for the future. 
 
 Mr. Malthus. — If the poor are supplied with 
 food from waste land cultivated bv themselves, 
 
172 HOME COLONIES. 
 
 they cease to be customers to the farmer, who 
 already feels the consequences of the supply ex- 
 ceeding the demand. 
 
 Bertrand. — But if the poor emigrate, the con- 
 sequences in that respect would be the same. 
 
 Mr. Malthus. — Not precisely so, as home colo- 
 nies would be continually sending their surplus 
 produce into the general market. 
 
 Bertrand. — But suppose these colonies were 
 planted in various parts of the country, — some in 
 the coal districts, some in the manufacturing di- 
 tricts, others in the agricultural counties, they 
 could then mutually supply all their wants by 
 means of exchange without interfering with 
 general society*. 
 
 Mr. Malthus. — Capital will at all events be 
 required for its commencement. 
 
 Bertrand. — It will be required also for emigra- 
 
 * " There are in Ireland five millions of English acres of 
 •Waste land, whose lowest elevation is 203 feet above the level 
 of the sea, at low water. ITieir best manure, limestone gravel, 
 lies in central hills, with every facility to improvement by 
 water-carriage. The bogs of Ireland differ from the boggy, 
 moory, and fenny lands of England, with regard to the facility 
 of reclaiming, and still more in point of value. In other coun- 
 tries, reclaiming requires considerable skill, and is expensive ; 
 in Ireland nature has been so bountiful, that little skill and 
 small expense will do. If the proprietors of waste lands in 
 Ireland will come fairly forward, give the people long leases, 
 and let them at a fair rate proportionate to their yearly produce, 
 so that each party would have a mutual interest in their im- 
 provement, as is the case in Italy and France,— and if they 
 
EXPENSE OF PUNISHMENTS. 173 
 
 tion, and the punishment of crime, as both con- 
 sume capital*. 
 
 Mr. Malthus. — I think, Sir, you once called 
 upon me at Hertford, when we discussed similar 
 expedients ? 
 
 Bertrand. — I had that pleasure. Sir; and I re- 
 collect that you expressed a doubt of the per- 
 manence of any society without an inequality of 
 ranks. Miss Martineau, I observe, in this very 
 Number expresses her fear that where all are 
 bodily employed there can be no mental exertion : 
 — Forgetting the wonderful facihty afforded by 
 machinery in lightening manual labour, she 
 quotes the example of emigration among the 
 Greeks, and fancies that, unless what she con- 
 siders a surplus number is sent away, all must 
 toil, and every higher pursuit be sacrificed. 
 
 Mr. Malthus. — ^The division of labour enables 
 
 would also allow a primary expenditure of three pounds an 
 acre, the people will willingly give their present waste labour 
 without any charge, in expectation of future independence. 
 Thus, on the very principle which leads so many of our country- 
 men into the wilds of America, — the hope of bettering their con- 
 dition, — might thousands of poor, hungry, neglected brethren 
 be comfortably employed, and the country rise in value, physi- 
 cally and morally." — Bryan's Practical View. 
 
 * The cost of each prisoner in the Milbank penitentiary is 
 fift)'-six pounds per annum, that of prisoners in most other gaols 
 about thirty-eight pounds per annum ; while in the county of 
 Surrey, according to Mr. H. Drummond, an agricultural labom-er, 
 on ten shillings a week, or twenty-six pounds per annum, is 
 expected to maintain himself, his wife, and three children. 
 
174 EXCLUSIVE STUDIES. 
 
 each to acquire greater proticiency in his parti- 
 cular pursuit. 
 
 Bertrand. — But bodily exercise is absolutely 
 necessary to the preservation of health, and is 
 not the less agreeable when connected with 
 utility; the mind itself is enfeebled not only by 
 being strained, but by corporeal lassitude: if all 
 were partly engaged in agriculture, each would 
 still have more time than should be devoted ex- 
 clusively to any single object: — and besides, more 
 general information and a practical knowledge of 
 the arts and sciences enlarge the mind, enable 
 the individual to prosecute his favourite study 
 more successfully, and to understand better all 
 its bearings and relations. It is owing to ex- 
 clusive studies that men of talent at this day are 
 unable to seize upon universal truths, if newly 
 discovered. 
 
 Mr. Hume. — It will be of little avail to attempt 
 any relief until the burden of taxation has been 
 lightened, sinecures abolished, and the expenses 
 of government reduced*. 
 
 * Whether the Tory Ministers were convinced of the neces- 
 sity of economy or not, Mr. Hume must have been satisfied, by 
 the following passage in Mr. Dawson's speech, that the Secre- 
 tary was skilled in minute, if not in profound investigation. " He 
 had shown that a reduction of 30 per cent, had been effected 
 on the salaries of pubhc officers since 1 82 1 . Would any Honoiu-- 
 able Member show him that a similar reduction had taken place 
 in the necessaries of life? He thought not; for in 1822, the 
 
TAXES DEPRESS NOT THE PRICE OF LABOUR. 1 75 
 
 Bertrand. — I apprehend, Sir, that such mea- 
 sures will afford no relief whatever to the work- 
 ing classes; the money raised in taxes is paid to 
 those who again circulate it in society, and goes 
 to the employment of labourers. 
 
 Mr. Hume. — That, Sir, is a bold assertion, and 
 opposed to the general voice of the country; — nay, 
 all parties are now calling out for economy. 
 
 Bertrand. — Still it is a delusion to imagine that 
 it will bring any relief: on the contrary, the dis- 
 missal of public servants, and the abolition of 
 sinecures, however consonant to justice, so far 
 from bringing relief, will occasion a temporary 
 aggravation of the distress, by diverting the ex- 
 penditure from one channel to another. 
 
 Mr. Malthus. — In that opinion 1 can join you. 
 To those who live upon fixed incomes the relief 
 from taxation is a great and unmixed good ; to the 
 mercantile and trading classes it is sometimes 
 a good and sometimes an evil, according to cir- 
 cumstances; but to the working classes no taking 
 off of taxes, nor any degree of cheapness of corn, 
 can compensate a want of demand for labour*. 
 
 price of a leg of mutton was 6d. per lb.; in 1830, it was 8d. 
 per lb.; in 1822, the price of a shoulder of mutton was 5d. 
 per lb., and in 1830 it was 7d. per lb. He believed that this, 
 though not a Parliamentary account, was correct." — See Par- 
 liamentary Reports in The Times, February 13th, 1830. 
 * See Malthus's Principles of Political Economy. 
 
176 MR. HUME. 
 
 Mr. Hume. — If such were the case, it would be 
 useless to take oft' any assessed taxes. 
 
 Bertrand. — Not with reference to some classes, 
 as Mr. Malthus has observed; but it will not re- 
 lieve the working classes. What has been the 
 amount of the taxes and duties abohshed since 
 the peace ? at least thirty miUions*. — And is our 
 condition improved within the last ten years? 
 And if tithes were abolished, the landlords would 
 obtain what the clergy lose. 
 
 Mr. Attwood. — One of the leading causes of 
 
 * Taxes and Duties repealed since 1820. 
 
 1821. Husbandry horses £480,000 £ 
 
 480,000 
 
 1822. Malt, from 3s. 6d. to 2s. 6d 1,400,000 
 
 Salt, from 30s. per cwt. to 2s. 6d. 1,300,000 
 Remainder to cease 5th Jan. 1825 300,000 
 Leather, from Sd. to Ud. per lb. . 300,000 
 Tonnage on shipping repealed ... 1 60,000 
 Hearth and window duty relieved. 150,000 
 Union Duties, &c. partial 150,000 
 
 3,760,000 
 
 1823. Spirits in Ireland and Scotland . . 800,000 
 Assessed taxes, partial 2,360,000 
 
 3,160,000 
 
 1824. Rum from lis. 7h^d. to 10s. 6d. . . 150,000 
 
 Coals, coastways, partial 100,000 
 
 Silk, raw, from 5s. 6c? to 3s. ^ ^^q qqq 
 
 Do. thrown, from 14s. 86?. to 7s.6d. S 
 
 Sheep's wool, from 6d. told 350,000 
 
 Stamps on law proceedings re- 
 pealed 200,000 
 
 1.250,000 
 
 8,650,000 
 
TAXES AND DUTIES REPEALED. 177 
 
 the existing distress was Peel's Bill, for nothing is 
 more injurious than tampering with the currency. 
 Bertrand. — But the Bill was passed so long 
 since, that any detrimental consequences must 
 have ceased. 
 
 £ 
 Brought forward 8,650,000 
 
 1825. Hemp, from ds. 4d. to 4s. 8c? £100,000 
 
 For. iron, 75. 6d. to Is. 6d 50,000 
 
 Coffee and cocoa. Is. to 6d 150,000 
 
 Rvim, 105. 6d. to 8s 225,000 
 
 Wines, French, lis. 5c?. to 6s. "J onnnnn 
 Do. other, 7s. 7rf. to 4s. J- 800,000 
 
 British Spirits, 10s. 6d. to 5s. 6c?. 750,000 
 
 Cider, repealed 20,000 
 
 635,936 houses not having more 
 
 than 7 windows 91,000 
 
 171,739 houses under 10/. 144,000 
 
 Sundry other Assessments 24,995 
 
 2,354,995 
 
 1826. Tobacco, 4s. to 3s 600,000 
 
 Gold and sUver wire 12,000 
 
 612,000 
 
 1830. from 10th October. Beer, repealed 3,300,000 
 
 Cider and perry, repealed 30,000 
 
 Leather 380,000 
 
 3,710,000 
 
 1831. Printed calicoes 600,000 
 
 Candles 500,000 
 
 1,100,000 
 
 1832. Coals and stone coastways 900,000 
 
 Sundry Customs 100,000 
 
 17,426,995 
 Property tax 15,225,000 
 
 Customs £32,651,995 
 
 VOL. II. N 
 
178 MORE CIRCULATING MEDIUM. 
 
 Mr. Attwood. — These are still felt, for we re- 
 quire a larger amount of circulating medium. 
 
 Bertrand. — Unless that enlargement could raise 
 the value of labour, how could it be beneficial to 
 the working classes ? There is evidently no want 
 of capital ; for its holders know not how to employ 
 it, and any responsible party can borrow at very 
 moderate interest, 
 
 Mr. Attwood. — If a larger circulation were per- 
 mitted, it would induce bankers to assist the 
 manufacturers. 
 
 Bertrand. — But such assistance might tempt 
 men with borrowed capital to embark in hazard- 
 ous manufactures, and undersell those who had 
 wealth, to their own ultimate ruin. 
 
 Mr. Attwood. — Still it would give employment 
 to the people, even if their machinery was sold 
 at a great loss when failures occurred. 
 
 Bertrand. — Such a system would lead to a re- 
 petition of the disasters of 1825; and occasion 
 great demoralization and distress. 
 
 Mr. Attwood. — There was always more business 
 when the issues were large, and more wealth created 
 when bank notes and bills were circulated. 
 
 Bertrand. — Gold is only the representative of 
 wealth, and has a higher conventional value than 
 paper, because it circulates in all parts of the 
 world, and is not liable to depreciation from the 
 diminished credit of th€ parties who issue it. As 
 
"for each, and for all." 179 
 
 gold is the representative of wealth, bank notes 
 are the representative of the representative; and 
 bills of exchange paid in bank notes are the re- 
 presentative of the representative of the repre- 
 sentative. 
 
 Mr. Hume. — What, then, is to be done ? 
 
 Bertrand. — Employment on land must be found 
 under a system of mutual support. 
 
 Mr. M'Culloch. — Such a remedy would be at 
 variance with every principle in the science of 
 political economy: Hear Miss Martineau on the 
 subject, in the Tale entitled " For Each, and for 
 All." " Whatever may be the saving effected by 
 an extensive partnership, such partnership does 
 not affect the natural laws by which population 
 increases faster than capital. The diminution of 
 the returns to capital must occasion poverty to a 
 multiplying society, whether those returns are 
 appropriated by individuals under the competitive 
 system, or equally distributed among the mem- 
 bers of a co-operative community." 
 
 Bertrand. — Although Miss Martineau perceives 
 that in this country and in Ireland, where thou- 
 sands and tens of thousands are either unem- 
 ployed, or occupied in the work of destruction, 
 capital superabounds and increases, — she still 
 persists in maintaining that under a system in 
 which all shall be productively and economically 
 employed, capital is to decline ! — These amusing 
 • n2 
 
180 TRADING ASSOCIATIONS. 
 
 Tales have happily rendered the fallacies of the 
 school still more palpable. I should be sorry to 
 suspect Miss Martineau of disingenuousness upon 
 a subject of such vital importance to the interests 
 of humanity, as the great question, the considera- 
 tion of which is involved in this Number. But 
 to pass by the works of Owen and Thompson, in 
 order to consider the success of a little trading 
 association in a country village, as the criterion 
 of the utility of an important change in the con- 
 stitution of society, is not quite intelligible, when 
 the professed object of these " Illustrations" is 
 remembered. Why has she not attempted to 
 refute the arguments of the above-mentioned 
 waiters, rather than confound their development 
 of a great and universal principle with the 
 chandler's shop of a few mechanics, struggling 
 to escape the evils pressing so heavily upon their 
 class ? 
 
 Mr. M^Culloch. — But here, in another part of 
 the Work, the principle is fairly met : " No one 
 labours, or ever will labour, without a view to the 
 fruits; and those fruits, however appropriated, are 
 property." 
 
 Bertrand. — Does Miss Martineau mean to say, 
 that she would not labour to establish truth and 
 to benefit society, unless she derived some profit 
 from her exertions ? that she would be deterred 
 from writing on the side of Owen and Thompson 
 
"the giant and the dwarf." 181 
 
 merely because such views were unpatronized by 
 the great, and disapproved by the Reviewers ? 
 
 Mr. M' Culloch. — Experience bears her out when 
 she says, " If a giant produces ten times as much 
 as a dwarf, and each is allowed the same middle 
 portion of the fruits for his maintenance and 
 enjoyment, — is it to be supposed that the giant 
 will trouble himself henceforth to produce more 
 than the dwarf ? He will be more likely to seize 
 some of the dwarf's portion." 
 
 Bertrand. — Experience may confirm such con- 
 clusions, if the ignorant or imperfectly edu- 
 cated, under systems where the selfish feelings 
 are assiduously cultivated, are referred to ; but 
 even under these systems, the instances are nu- 
 merous of the pursuit of good for its own sake: 
 besides, the power of rehgion seems to be held in 
 light estimation by those who doubt its efficacy 
 in estabhshing benevolence among mankind ! 
 Equally under-rated is the capability of a supe- 
 rior education, including that of superior circum- 
 stances, in imparting to all, the strength of giants 
 in moral sentiment, and of extinguishing those 
 grovelling views of a misdirected self-interest, 
 which are found in a state of society competent 
 to produce dwarfs only in intellectual power. — 
 But before laying down that Number, allow me 
 to read her proposed remedies. 
 
182 FREE TRADE NO REMEDY. 
 
 " 1 . The due limitation of the number of con- 
 sumers." 
 
 Mr. Malthus. — Hear, hear ! 
 
 "2. The lightening of the public burdens, 
 which at present abstract a large proportion of 
 the profits and wages." 
 
 Mr. Hume. — Hear, hear ! 
 
 *' 3. A liberal commercial system, which shall 
 obviate the necessity of bringing poor soils into 
 cultivation." 
 
 Mr. M'Culloch. — Hear, hear! 
 
 Bertrand. — The two first w^e have already re- 
 plied to. Regarding the third, I w^ould inquire of 
 the advocates of free trade, in what w^ay the most 
 free and unrestricted commercial intercourse 
 among nations can raise the value of labour ? 
 
 Mr. M'Culloch. — Is it not obvious that the more 
 imports and exports there are, ihe greater must 
 be the prosperity of a country ? 
 
 Bertrand. — By no means ; for the imports and 
 exports of this country have been increasing for 
 many years past, while commercial difficulties 
 and moral evils have been accumulating: — look, 
 for example, to Ireland. A Table has been pub- 
 lished, from which I made an extract; and by 
 which it appears that the average imports, for the 
 three years succeeding 1800, were, compared with 
 the average imports of the three years ending 
 
EXPORTS FROM IRELAND. 183 
 
 1825, as £4,790,000 to £7,491,000;— the in- 
 crease of the exports being still greater. The 
 exports of oxen and sheep in the last three years 
 were more than four-fold. The exports of flour 
 were in the first three years 24,077 barrels ; in 
 the three years ending 1826, 375,781 barrels. 
 The oats and oatmeal exports, which in the first 
 period amounted to 320,74 1 , amounted in the last 
 three years to 1,301,108 barrels. A freer inter- 
 course now subsists between this country and 
 France, — and is the condition of the people in 
 either country improved* ? 
 
 Mr. WCulloch. — You are contending against 
 one of the most indisputable principles of political 
 
 * " From an official return of the state of the French metro- 
 polis for 1832, it appears, that of thewhole population (770,286) 
 68,986 are maintained at the public expense. But this num- 
 ber includes only the known poor: it is calculated that there 
 are just as many struggling with poverty in secret; — whence 
 it follows that a seventh part of the population of Paris is de- 
 pendent upon charity." — Medical Gazette. 
 
 At a Meeting of Subscribers to the Association for the Re- 
 lief of the Poor, held at the London Coffee House, December 
 1 832, the Report stated, that but for the timely assistance which 
 this Association aiForded to the labouring population, thousands 
 must have perished who were unable, from want of employment, 
 to provide themselves with fuel and food. Alderman Wilson 
 descanted upon the heart-rending scenes which he, in his ma- 
 gisterial capacity, had witnessed. I'here was a vast immber of 
 poor creatures of both sexes, who solicited imprisonment in 
 jireference to being left to starAe in the streets. 
 
 In the same month the Treasurer of Bridewell complained 
 
184 MONOPOLY IN LAND. 
 
 economy, when you deny the disadvantages of 
 monopoly. 
 
 Bertrand. — I do not question either the evils, 
 or the injustice of monopolies; but I contend that 
 such is now the overwhelming power of produc- 
 tion, that the abolition of all monopolies except- 
 ing one, will but render the struggles of competi- 
 tion more violent and disastrous, and tend to the 
 more rapid demoralization of society. 
 
 Mr. M'Culloch. — Is not the reduction of price 
 a benefit ? 
 
 Bertrand. — Mark the present difficulties of so- 
 ciety, and say what benefit accrues from cheap- 
 ness and abundance. 
 
 Mr. M'Culloch. — But what is this one monopoly 
 that you except ? 
 
 Bertrand. — Monopoly in land ; for what mo- 
 nopoly inflicts evils of such magnitude as that of 
 land ? It is the sole barrier to national, to uni- 
 versal prosperity. The people, the only creators 
 of wealth, possess knowledge; they possess in- 
 dustry; and if they possessed land, they could 
 set all other monopolies at defiance ; they would 
 then be enabled to employ machinery for their 
 
 to the Lord Mayor of the crowded state of the prison prevent- 
 ing means of classification; and a correspondent of the Times 
 newspaper stated that in the House of Correction, Cold Bath 
 Fields, there was the incredible number of 1,350 prisoners. — 
 See Appendix I. 
 
EMPLOYMENT ON LAND. 185 
 
 own benefit, and the world would behold with 
 delight and astonishment the beneficial effects of 
 this mighty engine, when properly directed*. 
 
 Mr. M'CuUoch. — But how can you disturb this 
 monopoly without interfering with the right of 
 private property ? 
 
 Bertrand. — You give up your principle, then, 
 of the impolicy of monopolies ? 
 
 Mr. M'Culloch. — By no means: I would leave 
 every man free to obtain as much as he can, 
 without giving exclusive advantages to any in- 
 dividual, or to any corporation. 
 
 Bertrand. — It is an acknowledged fact, that 
 property is accumulating in the hands of a few, 
 whose power of increasing their stores to the in- 
 jury of others increases with the extent of their 
 possessions. What chance is there that those who 
 are destitute can ever rise above their condition, 
 except by accident ? or that the small capitalist 
 should compete successfully with the larger? The 
 land inclosed of late years has been appropriated 
 by proprietors of contiguous property ; but there 
 is abundance of waste land remaining ; and if 
 there were not, it would be to the interest of 
 land-owners to give up a part for the self-support 
 of the poor, being a much more economical plan, 
 and more consistent with the requirements of 
 
 * Preface to the " Reproof of Brutus." 
 
186 DISTRESS IN AMERICA.' 
 
 religion and of sound policy, than the present 
 workhouse system*. 
 
 Mr. Hume. — There is at least one advantage 
 that would attend an unrestricted intercourse 
 among the nations of Europe. It would not be 
 in the power of the rulers of one country to in- 
 duce the people to go to war with the people of 
 another, any more than they could now prevail 
 upon one county to war against another. Free- 
 dom of commerce and cheap government would 
 be the result of vote by ballot. 
 
 Bertrand. — America has these, — at least the 
 two latter. Is she better off than the rest of the 
 world, excepting in those advantages derived from 
 local circumstances ? The United States appear 
 to experience similar difficulties; for in 1829 a 
 memorial was presented to the legislature of the 
 State of New York, in which the following Reso- 
 lution of a Meeting was embodied : ' ' That we 
 view with regret the extremes of wealth and 
 poverty daily increasing in this young republic; 
 
 * Sir Francis Burdett, in his speech on the Condition of the 
 Poor, March 9th, 1830, seems to have ridiculed the idea of en- 
 riching the poor, and to have touched a consenting chord in 
 the breasts of his audience: he remarked, " An honourable 
 friend of his below him had, he thought, taken a short-sighted 
 view of this subject. His honourable friend had said, ' Give 
 every poor man an acre of land.' Why to be sure, if they 
 could make the poor rich, they would be no longer poor. 
 
DISTRESS IN EUROPE. 187 
 
 and that with our increasing population, vice and 
 poverty have for some years proportionably in- 
 creased." — Similar effects are complained of all 
 over Europe*; but in Great Britain the evils are 
 greatly aggravated, in consequence of our popu- 
 lation being more dense, and our manufactures 
 more extended. Scientific power, virtually the 
 same as labour in the market, depresses, directly 
 or indirectly, the value of every species of em- 
 ployment f. 
 
 * Accounts from Lisle in 1827, stated that in the great 
 plain round that city, in which there are several large towns, 
 such as Roubaix, Turcoin, and Moscroen, many thousand work- 
 men live, who gain a good livelihood by working at the manu- 
 factories. Within the year English manufacturers had settled 
 there, and furnished better work. The jealousy thus excited, 
 and also a diminution of the demand, occasioned disturbances. 
 
 t In a Report of the Society for Improving Prison Discipline, 
 it is mentioned, that the amount of crime in proportion to popu- 
 lation is as follows: — England, 1 criminal in 740 of the peo- 
 ple; in Wales, 1 in 2320; in Ireland, 1 in 490; in Scotland, 
 1 in 1130; in Denmark, 1 in 1700; in Sweden, 1 in 1500; in 
 the United States of America, I in 3500; and in New South 
 Wales, 1 in 22. 
 
188 VELA VISITS OXFORD. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 " Of proud ambitious heart, who, not content 
 With fair equality, fraternal state ! 
 Will arrogate dominion undeserv'd 
 Over his brethren, and quite dispossess 
 Concord and law of nature from the earth." 
 
 Milton. 
 
 As Vela had come in the mail direct from 
 Liverpool to London, he had had no opportunity 
 of visiting the manufacturing districts ; and Ber- 
 trand therefore engaged to accompany him to 
 Birmingham and Manchester. They stopped one 
 day at Oxford, and took a rapid survey of the 
 colleges, intending to return upon another occa- 
 sion with letters of introduction to some of the 
 heads of colleges. Vela was highly pleased with 
 the beauty and elegance of the buildings, and with 
 the general conveniences for studious retirement. 
 He was much perplexed in his endeavours to ac- 
 count for the almost exclusive attention to the 
 ancient classics. With such works of the lead- 
 ing Grecian and Roman authors as had been 
 translated he was familiar; but they appeared to 
 him so barren of useful information, compared 
 with Works of science and natural philosophy, 
 
WEST INDIA SLAVERY. 189 
 
 that he could not understand the motives that 
 induced such an exclusive attention to them. 
 Upon entering one of the stages passing through 
 Oxford to Birmingham, they found themselves 
 seated opposite a young member of the Society 
 of Friends, and a clergyman who from the shape 
 of his hat appeared to be a Doctor in Divinity. 
 It was not long before Bertrand started a subject 
 of conversation ; and he kept ahve their colloquies 
 by introducing topics calculated to show in juxta- 
 position the sentiments of the different parties. 
 It was amusing to witness the caution with which 
 the Doctor and the Friend qualified their assent 
 to the different propositions, as they were more 
 or less in accordance with their tenets ; and Vela 
 afterwards remarked that no individuals, from 
 parts of the globe the most remote from each 
 other, could be in some respects so dissimilar as 
 these two characters living in the same country, 
 and professing the same faith. The clergyman 
 left them a few miles beyond Blenheim; and his 
 seat was soon after occupied by a young Oxonian, 
 whose opinions will appear in the following con- 
 versation. 
 
 Vela. — The gentleman who has just quitted 
 the coach appears to hold a different opinion 
 regarding West India slavery; for he has left the 
 tract given to him, and he was evidently dis- 
 inclined to converse on that subject. 
 
190 ENGLISH SLAVERY 
 
 The Friend. — Perhaps he has some misconcep- 
 tions of the motives of the advocates for Abolition. 
 
 The Oxonian. — There can scarcely be but one 
 opinion as to the imprudence and injustice of im- 
 mediate abolition. 
 
 The Friend. — But, friend, can we be too prompt 
 in doing our duty, and wiping away this stain upon 
 the character of the nation ? 
 
 The Oxonian. — Have you not stains of a deeper 
 dye ? Talk of slavery ! — look to the condition of 
 the Irish peasantry; — look to the condition of the 
 people in the collieries, seldom breathing the air 
 of heaven, and debarred from dayhght for months 
 together ; — look to the condition of the people in 
 your furnaces and manufactories — and look to 
 the condition of the children in those districts, 
 confined for sixteen hours together ; and then say 
 which are the most oppressed slaves ! 
 
 The Friend. — In all the cases thou hast men- 
 tioned the work is perfectly voluntary. 
 
 Bertrand. — It is so far voluntary, that they 
 must either submit to it or starve. 
 
 The Friend. — There are poor-laws, friend. 
 
 Bertrand. — But such relief is given to those 
 only who are old and infirm, or sick; from those 
 who can have these employments it is withheld. 
 
 The Oxonian. — English is worse than West 
 India slavery in every respect but in name, — far 
 worse. The Planter has an interest in the health 
 
MOST DEPLORABLE. 191 
 
 of his slave, because if he dies, he is a positive 
 loss to him ; — if the English slave dies, the master 
 may be a gainer in a better workman. If the for- 
 mer is ill, the Planter has less work performed, 
 and he is therefore anxious to restore the invalid 
 to health; — if the white slave is ill, his employer 
 turns him off, and supplies his place by another 
 from the market. 
 
 The Friend. — But dost not thou think that 
 slavery is wrong ? 
 
 The Oxonian. — ^The importation of slaves into 
 the West Indian Islands is already prohibited ; 
 and as to the condition of those now in Jamaica, 
 in what consists their greater bondage than that 
 of the English and Irish labourer ? I have shown 
 that the privilege of the latter is only that of de- 
 scending from bad to worse. I am not vindicating 
 the existence of slavery because my father happens 
 to have estates in the West Indies ; but I main- 
 tain, that if what you consider to be a duty leads 
 you to advocate the immediate emancipation of 
 negroes, the nation is bound to make compensa- 
 tion to the West India proprietors for all the loss 
 they may sustain. 
 
 The Friend. — But if particular interests are to 
 be thus considered, all hope of general and ex- 
 tensive improvement must be at an end: slavery 
 should never be tolerated in the colonies of a 
 Christian country. 
 
192 CORPORATION DINNERS. 
 
 Tlie Oxonian. — Suppose I adopt the opinions 
 of some modern Utopian philosophers, and say 
 that each inhabitant born on this island has a 
 right to a portion of the land; — am I justified in 
 taking it away from its present possessors w ith- 
 out giving them compensation ? 
 
 Bertrand. — I, who perhaps am one of the Uto- 
 pian speculators, do not think that any single 
 right or privilege that the laws of the country 
 have sanctioned, should be taken away without 
 giving an equivalent ; and if the whole nation 
 decree that the slaves should be emancipated, a 
 tax ought to be levied upon all, including the 
 proprietors themselves, for the purchase of their 
 freedom ; and so of all privileges, and even usurpa- 
 tions that have been confirmed by their existence 
 for a century, or any given time, and in the wrongs 
 of which the immediate possessors were not im- 
 plicated. 
 
 The Oxonian. — Stop, Sir, you are going too 
 far ; since there eire many funds expended in 
 sumptuous dinners and fantastical decorations of 
 buildings, instead of being given to the poor ac- 
 cording to the bequest of the testator. 
 
 Bertrand. — I concede, Sir, that exception, and 
 some others of a similar kind: and I must cer- 
 tainly agree with you, that the oppression under 
 which the labouring classes are now reduced has 
 a prior claim to relief ; not merely because their 
 
CGMTENSATION FOR TITHES. 193 
 
 sufferings arc far more severe, but because they 
 are members of our own community, and can be 
 more readily assisted. When justice has been 
 done to them, the slavery of the West Indies 
 should be next attended to. 
 
 The Friend. — Some of our Society have been 
 distributing tracts against tithes, as an unjust 
 demand upon us, who are not benefited by the 
 churches. Such claims, notwithstanding their an- 
 tiquity, are no less a grievance to all Dissenters. 
 Bertrand. — One of your Society lately gave me, 
 although a stranger to him, not a small tract, but 
 a bound book, containing Milton's opinion on 
 the subject of tithes; and he appeared to be very 
 zealous in his opposition: but I wished rather to 
 see a desire to make compensation. To deprive 
 a clergyman of that species of property, would be 
 as manifestly an act of gross injustice as any 
 other spoUation. Many of your Society have 
 extensive property in land, which they v/ould be 
 unwilling to relinquish; — and remember, it is not 
 to the poor that the tithes would be resigned, 
 but to the wealthy classes of society ; and I have 
 no doubt the clergy would be disposed to give up 
 as great a proportion of their property as others, 
 for the benefit of the labouring classes. 
 
 The Friend. — The Members of our Society 
 have obtained their property by industry, and 
 their right to it is thei-efore indisputable. 
 
 VOL. II. o 
 
194 THANKSGIVING FOR VICTORIES. 
 
 Bertrand. — If we were to examine too curiously 
 whence the right is derived, which enables us to 
 command the labour of others, we should perhaps 
 be considered as treading upon hallowed ground : 
 however, I would advise all who seek to raise a 
 prejudice against any class on account of the 
 position and privileges it holds in society, rather 
 to found their arguments for a change upon the 
 general benefit that will accrue to all, — lest the 
 tenure of their own possessions should undergo 
 a rigid and a fearful scrutiny. 
 
 Vela. — In the few observations made by the 
 clergyman there appeared to be much amiable- 
 ness of disposition; but I could not understand 
 why he did not join in condemning the wars in 
 which your country has been engaged. 
 
 Bertrand. — Because he most probably deemed 
 them inevitable; and therein he evinced the evils 
 of an education too exclusive and professional, 
 which renders him less able than others, of more 
 general acquirements, to appreciate justly uni- 
 versal principles. Often have I admired the 
 earnest desire for the welfare of man so unequi- 
 vocally displayed by the Bishops in their Charges 
 to the clergy ; yet during the late war they directed 
 the nation to offer up praises and thanksgivings 
 to the Deity for superior skill in the military art; 
 while an unjirejudiced observer could discover in 
 the composition of two contending armies, an 
 
FEW PHILOSOPHICAL LAWYERS. 195 
 
 ignorant and deluded people led forth to destroy 
 each other for the imaginary benefit or to gratify 
 the caprices of a few. Te Deum was sung alter- 
 nately by both nations. From those who sincerely 
 joined in these acknowledgements of Divine in- 
 terposition, the real character of the conflict was 
 disguised by the duties they owed and the love 
 they bore to their own communities, as well as 
 by the conviction that mankind were destined, as 
 all past ages testified, to be afflicted for ever with 
 the scourge of war. 
 
 The Oxonian. — Your objection, Sir, to profes- 
 sional studies applies not to one which will soon 
 engage my attention, — that of the Law. 
 
 Bertrand. — I am far from objecting to profes- 
 sional studies altogether; and I must beg to re- 
 mind you of the qualified manner in which I spoke : 
 I said, when they were "too exclusive ;" and with 
 this qualification I should express the same opi- 
 nion on the study of the law. How few philo- 
 sophical works have emanated from the profession 
 since the days of Bacon, More, and Hale ! This 
 perhaps arises from the intricate and complicated 
 state of the law, demanding so much time in its 
 study, and rendering it necessary to burden the 
 memory with precedents, instead of exercising 
 the judgement. Thus it is that the controversial 
 writer on political economy is to be found in 
 the Church and in the Law, overthrowing the 
 
 o2 
 
196 DRY STUDIES. 
 
 prevailing theory in order to substitute his own, 
 which is destined in a short time to be displaced 
 by another* ; all unable to discover the fundamen- 
 tal error subscribed to by each, and which is in 
 general almost the only opinion they hold in 
 common. 
 
 The Friend. — What sayest thou of the study of 
 Medicine ? 
 
 Bertrand. — The medical profession is confined 
 to the study of Nature, and it has produced more 
 successful and unprejudiced authors in the vari- 
 ous branches of philosophical investigation, than 
 all the other professions put together. 
 
 The Oxonian. — I look forward with no pleasing 
 anticipations to the dry study of the law. My 
 father wishes me to read works on Jurisprudence, 
 beginning with the Pandects of Justinian, through 
 PufFendorf, and Grotius, and I know not how 
 many more, down to Austin, the Professor of 
 Jurisprudence at the London University. 
 
 Bertrand. — There you will find a strange com- 
 pound of truth and error, arising from a notion 
 
 * In proof of the little connexion between political economy, 
 as taught by its present Professors, and universal principles, Mr. 
 Senior, late Professor of Political Economy at the University 
 of Oxford, makes the following remark: "It is not with hap- 
 piness, but with wealth, that I am concerned as a political 
 economist; and I am not only justified in omitting, but perhaps 
 am bound to omit, all considerations which have no influence 
 on wealth." 
 
COLLEGIATE EDUCATION. 197 
 
 that it is impossible so to educate children, as to 
 render subjection to a virtuous course of action 
 the most attractive and delightful. There are, 
 however, some passages that would seem to in- 
 cline to an opposite opinion=*, which, if it really 
 predominated, would render such a laborious 
 treatise unnecessary. Plutarch informs us, that 
 Lycurgus resolved the whole business of legisla- 
 tion into the education and bringing-up of youth. 
 And certainly if this were properly attended to, 
 they would need no instruction from us in poli^ 
 tical economy and jurisprudence; since they 
 would bring to the consideration of those subjects 
 minds more enlarged, and feelings more exalted, 
 than those who, like us, have not had the advan- 
 tages of the best moral instruction and example. 
 The Oxonian.— M.OY?\ education is not much 
 thought of at Oxford. I shall, however, always 
 revisit it with delight, from the pleasing recollec- 
 tion of my classical readings enjoyed so frequently 
 in the libraries and gardens of the college, where 
 
 * " We are daily and hourly conscious of disinterested bene- 
 volence or sympathy, or of wishing the good of others without 
 regard to our own. In the present wretched condition of 
 human society, so unfavourable are the outward circumstances 
 wherein most men are placed, and so bad is the education or 
 trammg received by most men in their youth, that the benevo- 
 lence of most men wants the intensity and endurance Avhich 
 are reqmsite to their own happiness, and to the happiness of 
 their fellow-creatures."-r/.e Province of Jurisprudence deter- 
 mined. By John Austin, Esq. 
 
198 LITERARY LEISURE. 
 
 I should be well inclined to spend many many 
 more years. Such a luxury is a great temptation 
 for men of literary taste to prepare for the Church, 
 as the clerical profession requires less arduous 
 study than that of the law, affords more leisure, 
 and its duties may be deferred to the most con- 
 venient season. 
 
 Bertrand. — But surely that life cannot be con- 
 sistent with sound morality, which is spent in the 
 luxury of literary retirement, and without any 
 effort for the good of the community ! 
 
 The Oxonian. — Having dismissed the Profes- 
 sions, I hope you are not about to excommuni- 
 cate the Classics, so redolent of every ennobling 
 sentiment, and of so many stirring emotions. 
 
 Bertrand. — Think you that it was in conse- 
 quence of any selfish enjoyment of Virgil, that 
 all the people rose when he entered the theatre ? 
 — It was because he had devoted his retirement 
 to the instruction of his fellow-citizens. 
 
 The Oxonian. — Well might they pay him such 
 a tribute. I cannot repeat " Arma virumque 
 cano Trojee qui primus ab oris" without trans- 
 porting myself in imagination to the scenes of 
 ancient glory. 
 
 Bertrand. — Yet the Romans probably esteemed 
 him quite as much for the Georgics as for the 
 iEneid. Be that as it may, deeds which at that 
 time were esteemed glorious, and, according to 
 
MORAL CULTURE, 199 
 
 the measure of knowledge then existing, really 
 were so, must now be esteemed, if acted over 
 again, the most inglorious. In order to give the 
 best effect to classical learning, moral culture 
 (which cannot be commenced too early,) and the 
 strengthening of the judgement, should precede 
 it ; youth, enraptured with the self-devotion of the 
 heroes of former days, and emulous of their re- 
 nown, would ardently seek the path of true glory 
 in an age further advanced in the science of moral 
 truth. 
 
 The Oxonian. — Whence are the principles of 
 liberty derived, but from the Grecian and Roman 
 history ? Surely the Classics are useful in stirring 
 up men to the resistance of tyranny, and in as- 
 serting their political rights. 
 
 Bertrand. — How far we may be led away by 
 high-sounding words, may be gathered from your 
 own remarks on the slavery of the manufacturing 
 class *. Do we find classical scholars more zealous 
 than the rest of mankind to search out the causes 
 
 * The condition of the West Indian slave is seldom so dis- 
 tressing as that of the manufacturer, — as may be seen by the 
 following examination. 
 
 "Did this long labour have any effect upon your health? — 
 Yes: I was bad a long while. 
 
 " So ill as to have advice ? — Yes, I was at home many 
 weeks Ul. 
 
 " What did the medical men say your illness was owing to ? 
 — It was the long hours; and I was to give up if I could; and 
 
200 BRITISH SLAVERY. 
 
 of their distress ? — and yet to place them and their 
 children beyond the reach of such terrible inflic- 
 tions would release them from a yoke of the most 
 oppressive slavery, and would be justly deemed 
 a glorious achievement. 
 
 The Oxonian. — It is a difficulty perplexing to 
 the greatest minds; and it no doubt would be 
 removed if the means were understood. 
 
 Bertrand. — It is a difficulty to those only who 
 
 I did give up when I was at home, but I began again when I 
 went back. 
 
 " But you had no option ; you were obliged to keep those 
 hours ? — Yes, I can give you a reason ; I had a partner, and we 
 had been going these long hours, perhaps, for seven months; 
 and my partner said, ' I am so ill, I cannot abide to stand at 
 tliis gig any longer:' I said, 'You had better ask the over- 
 looker;' and he went to the superintendant overlooker, and 
 came down again; and he told him if he could not stand that 
 work, he might go where he could find a shop that worked less 
 hours. He had not been five minutes away before he fell into 
 the gait of the gig: I then threw the machinery' out immediately, 
 and picked him up. 
 
 " Or else his life would have been gone ? — His arm fell in, 
 and his head might have been dragged in. 
 
 " Supposing that you, or the individual to whom you have 
 been alluding, had applied to the parish, stating that he was 
 obliged to ask relief, as he could nut stand his work. Would the 
 parish relieve him if he had left his employment ? — No, he would 
 have a note to take from the parish to liis master, to know if 
 he had any work; and if he had got a note from his master, 
 saying he could not or would not stand the long hours, he would 
 not have any relief; he would have been told he was too idle 
 to work." — Evidence of William Switheubank be/ore the Com- 
 mittee of the Factories Bill. 
 
BENEVOLENCE WITHOUT THE CLASSICS. 201 
 
 refuse to examine the foundations of our anti- 
 social and anti-Christian fabric; but the hope of 
 improvement must be loolved for in the rising 
 generation. If a right education is given to 
 them, they will be much better qualified than 
 their progenitors to legislate upon principles of 
 justice and humanity. 
 
 The Friend. — While you were conversing upon 
 the utility of Greek and Latin, I have been re- 
 flecting how little those languages have engaged 
 the attention of our Society; and yet no other 
 religious body has had so many members similar 
 in character to Fox, Clarkson, Gurney, and 
 William Allen. 
 
 Bertrand. — Certainly not one has had so large 
 a proportion ; — and then look to the extraordinary 
 success of Mrs. Fry. 
 
 The Oxonian. — Much doubt has been expressed 
 of the utility of Mrs. Fry's eftbrts, so many of the 
 female prisoners having relapsed into their former 
 vicious courses. 
 
 Bertrand. — That is the fault of those who 
 neglect to second her benevolence, by placing 
 them in suitable situations when they leave the 
 prison. But whether all or a part only are re- 
 claimed, a far more important good is effected by 
 the proof she has given, that kind treatment can 
 subdue even the most obdurate and abandoned. 
 
 The Oxonian. — I wish Mrs. Fry would take in 
 
202 EFFECTS OF COMPETITION. 
 
 hand some of the overseers in the cotton mills, or 
 the avaricious masters, whose deeds are recorded 
 in the Report on the Factory Bill, from which 
 so much has heen selected by the daily papers. 
 Of all the horrible accounts of cruelty to children 
 I have ever read, this is the most atrocious : I 
 trust that Parliament will interfere. 
 
 Bertrand. — 1 hope so too ; but until ' ' competi- 
 tion" is superseded by a better principle, they 
 may pass Acts of Parliament without end, for 
 similar evils will appear in other quarters. The 
 cause has been announced to them for years. And 
 as to abusing the masters, — they must either have 
 their work done at the lowest rate possible, or 
 suspend their mills: the urgent supplication of 
 the parents for employment for their children, 
 under any circumstances, and the necessity of 
 many masters to go forward to escape ruin, has 
 rendered scenes of suffering and wretchedness 
 familiar to them, which some years since they 
 would have shuddered at beholding. 
 
 Upon arriving at Birmingham, Vela expressed 
 a desire to see a copy of the Report of the Com- 
 mittee on the Factory Bill, which Bertrand was 
 unable to procure; but he was informed that a 
 copy could most probably be seen at the rooms of 
 the Philosophical Society at Manchester. — They 
 remained here for a few days, and had interviews 
 with some of the more moderate members of the 
 
VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM. 203 
 
 Political Union, and who were much occupied in 
 the currency question, a favourite mode of relief 
 with Mr. Attwood. Vela was not interested in 
 the subject, as he found it difficult to comprehend, 
 being altogether unaccustomed to such inquiries ; 
 nor is it wonderful that it should be perplexing 
 to him, since so many who have been long used 
 to similar subjects find it too intricate. — They 
 visited most of the large manufactories ; and Vela 
 was astonished at the power and beautiful execu- 
 tion of the machinery; but he could not help 
 deeply commiserating the excessive toil and dis- 
 agreeable employment of the people. One scene 
 in particular drew his attention: A whole family, 
 father, mother, brothers, and sisters, in all twelve 
 persons, were occupied, almost in a state of 
 nudity, at a furnace of intense heat in a confined 
 place. The symptoms of oppression which their 
 persons exhibited was painful and revolting. 
 Upon inquiry he ascertained that this was no 
 uncommon case of that kind of distressing work. 
 From Birmingham they proceeded to Man- 
 chester, where they sojourned many days, making 
 frequent excursions in the vicinity; and it was 
 not unusual for them to loiter near a mill about 
 the hour of dinner, to see the men, women, and 
 children come out. These scenes astonished Vela 
 more than all that he had heard or seen since his 
 arrival in England. Hundreds of children, pale, 
 
204 SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 
 
 sickly, and decrepid, — the parents feeble and 
 emaciated, — a beautiful country disfigured by 
 clouds of smoke, — vegetation checked, and all 
 the towns and villages in a constant bustle, noise, 
 and confusion. — " The papers of last week re- 
 ported, ' 'said Vela one day (while looking steadfastly 
 upon a group of pale and wan-looking children just 
 emerged from a mill,) " the trade of Manchester to 
 be in a more healthy state." — " They meant," re- 
 plied Bertrand , ' * that the commerce of the town was 
 more steady, and less speculative and fluctuating." 
 — "Well," observed Vela upon another occasion, 
 * ' I think your country dearly purchases all its 
 fame and glory; no paternal Government would 
 covet extent of territory or wealth at the cost of 
 so much pain and misery. Is it not known that 
 these crowds of children are gifted with superior 
 faculties, and that each could be made kind in dis- 
 position, as well as industrious, and highly intelli- 
 gent ? Yesterday I spoke to several, and found 
 they could neither read nor write : indeed it is 
 quite impossible they should have any time, for all 
 were employed thirteen, and some more, hours in 
 the day. They went to a Sunday school; but one 
 of their mothers informed me that they were too 
 much jaded and confined in the week-days to pay 
 any attention when at school; and it was absolutely 
 necessary that they should have as much fresh 
 air as possible. The poor woman told me she 
 
REPORT ON THE FACTORY BILL. 205 
 
 had lost two children ; a daughter, whose clothes 
 were caught in one of the wheels, which carried 
 her round two or three times, breaking both her 
 legs and an arm ; and a son, who was one of the 
 nine boys precipitated down a coal-shaft ninety 
 yards in depth, in consequence of the chain being 
 displaced: all were killed ; but one, however, sur- 
 vived a short time only." 
 
 One morning Bertrand had engaged to visit a 
 friend a few miles from Manchester; and before 
 he set out he introduced Vela to the Reading-room 
 of the Philosophical Society, where he found the 
 Report on the Factory Bill. — On his return he 
 found his Peruvian friend still reading; but with 
 his face flushed, as if he had been extremely in- 
 tent upon the subject. Vela looked up on his en- 
 trance, and addressed him in a hurried manner. 
 
 Vela. — Charles, I am glad you have returned, 
 for I have been much perplexed with the opinions 
 in a work which is now before me, and the leaves 
 of which I ventured to cut: — But first I must tell 
 you that I read the Report on the Factory Bill, 
 until I was so agitated with its detail of remorse- 
 less cruelties, that I got up and walked about the 
 room in such a state of excitement, that, — until 
 two gentlemen who were present, and appeared 
 to be interrupted in their reading, asked me if I 
 was indisposed, — I was unconscious of what I was 
 doing: I apologized, and resumed my seat. 
 
200 DUSTY FOOD. 
 
 Bertrand. — Excepting one extract in the news- 
 paper, I have not read any of the evidence. 
 
 Vela. — I have marked several passages, and I 
 will read you some of them. 
 
 William Cooper, called in and examined. 
 
 What is your business ? — I follow the cloth-dressing 
 
 at present. 
 What is your age ? — I was 28 last Februaiy. 
 When did you first begin to work in mills or factories? 
 
 — When I was about 10 years of age. 
 With whom did you first work ? — At Mr. Benyon's 
 
 flax-mills, in Meadow-lane, Leeds. 
 What were your usual hours of working ? — We be- 
 gan at 5 o'clock, and gave over at 9 o'clock ; at 5 
 
 o'clock in the morning. 
 And you gave over at 9 o'clock ? — At 9 at night. 
 At what distance might you have lived from the mill? 
 
 — About a mile and a half. 
 At what time had you to get up in the morning to 
 
 attend to your labour ? — I had to be up soon after 
 
 4 o'clock. 
 Every morning ? — Every morning. 
 What intermissions had you for meals? — When we 
 
 began at 5 in the morning, we went on until noon, 
 
 and then we had 40 minutes for dinner. 
 Had you no time for breakfast ? — No, we got it as 
 
 we could, while we were working. 
 Had you any time for an afternoon refreshment, or 
 
 what is called in Yorkshire your ''drinking"? — 
 
 No ; when we began at noon, we went on till night ; 
 
 there was only one stoppage — the 40 minutes for 
 
 dinner. 
 Then, as you had to get your breakfast, and what 
 
 is called " drinking," in that manner, you had to 
 
EMPLOYMENT FOR SIXTEEN HOURS. 207 
 
 put it on one side? — Yes, we had to put it on one 
 
 side; and when we got our frames doffed, we ate 
 
 two or three mouthfuls, and then put it by again. 
 
 Is there not considerable dust in a flax-mill? — A 
 
 flax-mill is very dusty indeed. 
 Was not your food therefore frequently spoiled ? — 
 Yes, at times with the dust: sometimes we could 
 not eat it, when it had got a lot of dust on. 
 
 What were you when you were 1 years old ? — 
 What is called a bobbin-doffer — when the frames 
 are quite full we have to doff" them. 
 
 Then, as you lived so far from home, you took your 
 dinner to the mill ? — We took all our meals with 
 us, living so far off". 
 
 During the 40 minutes which you were allowed for 
 dinner, had you ever to employ that time, in your 
 turn, in cleaning the machinery? — At times we had 
 to stop to clean the machinery, and then we got our 
 dinner as well as we could ; they paid us for that. 
 
 At those times you had no resting at all ? — No. 
 
 How much had you for cleaning the machi-nery ? — 
 I cannot exactly say what they gave us, as I 
 never took any notice of it. 
 
 Did you ever work even later than the time you have 
 mentioned ? — I cannot say that I worked later 
 there; I had a sister who worked up-stairs, and 
 she worked till 1 1 o'clock at night, in what they 
 call the card-room. 
 
 At what time in the morning did she begin to work? 
 — At the same time as myself. 
 
 And they kept her there till 1 1 o'clock at night? — 
 Till 1 1 o'clock at night. 
 
 You say that your sister was in the card-room ? — 
 Yes. 
 
 Is not that a very dusty department? — Yes, very 
 dusty indeed. 
 
208 A CHRISTIAN COUNTRY. 
 
 Slie bad to be at tbo mill at 5 o'clock, and was kei)t 
 at work till 1 1 o'clock at nigbt ? — Yes. 
 
 During tbe whole time she was there ? — During the 
 whole time ; there was only 40 minutes allowed 
 at dinner out of that. 
 
 To keep you at work for such a length of time, and 
 especially towards the termination of such a day's 
 labour as that, what means were taken to keep 
 you awake and attentive ? — They strapped us at 
 times, when we were not quite ready to be doffing 
 the frame when it was full. 
 
 Were you frequently strapped ? — At times we were 
 frequently strapped. 
 
 The rest of this evidence describes the effect upon 
 his health. 
 
 Bertrand. — Does it mention the amount of his 
 wages ? 
 
 Vela. — Four shillings a week when a boy ; 
 afterwards he became a boiler, and had only four 
 nights rest during the week, exclusive of Sunday: 
 this excessive labour brought on an illness for six 
 months; he was left weak, and his appetite gone; 
 he could not cross the floor without a stick, and 
 was in great pain in any posture. Wlien he was 
 somewhat recovered, he applied for work, but the 
 overseer said he was not fit for it; and he was 
 then obliged to throw himself on the parish. 
 
 Bertrand. — Gracious Heaven ! and this a Chris- 
 tian country ! 
 
 Vela. — What is the object for which these poor 
 creatures are so reduced to slavery ? 
 
CAMP AND NAVY ORDERS. 209 
 
 Bertrand. — Some of them to make silks and 
 ribbons for the gratification of the pride and 
 vanity produced by superfluous wealth, and de- 
 fective education. 
 
 Vela. — All parties appear to be injured by this 
 system; and the manufacturers and their over- 
 seers also must be demoralized. 
 
 Bertrand. — The manufacturers, perhaps, see 
 little of the effects of the system, as they com- 
 municate with the overseers or chief managers, 
 whose interest it is to produce as much profit as 
 possible for their employers; and when competi- 
 tion is great, as at present, probably they are com- 
 pelled to the most rigid economy to prevent even 
 a loss. 
 
 Vela. — Besides vanity and pride, I perceive 
 another cause intimately connected with them, — 
 what some of your writers term 'glory.' — Joshua 
 Drake is asked when the extra hours at his mill 
 commenced, and he replies "They first began 
 about the time they got so many camp and 
 navy orders." 
 
 Bertrand. — So that while the people were killed 
 abroad, their children were killed at home! — and 
 for what end ? 
 
 Vela. — Pray resolve me that, for I have been 
 puzzling myself with that difficulty all the morn- 
 ing. I have heard that your people were loyal in 
 preparing to resist the threatened invasion of 
 
 VOL. 11. p 
 
210 GERMAN UNIVERSITIES RESTRICTED. 
 
 Napoleon ; but I have not heard that his govern- 
 ment anywhere was so regardless of the condition 
 of the people. 
 
 Bertrand. — It is indeed difficult to discover in 
 what respect the people at large, either in this 
 or other European countries, have been benefited 
 by his overthrow. The University of Warsaw has 
 been lately annihilated by the Russians, w^ho, be- 
 fore the dispersion of its members, so far restricted 
 the Professors, that a censor was appointed to 
 take notes during their lectures ; thus preventing 
 the promulgation of any opinions adverse to ex- 
 isting institutions : — the same rigorous measures 
 have been lately introduced into the German Uni- 
 versities. Napoleon could not have been more 
 tyrannical. 
 
 Vela. — You have fortunately a London Uni- 
 versity, where all subjects will undergo a free 
 discussion. 
 
 Bertrand. — Not quite so free; for although it 
 is unexclusive in favour of any religious sect, it 
 is quite as exclusive in favour of a political 
 sect. 
 
 Vela. — You mean the Political Economists ? 
 
 Bertrand. — The same. They are found among 
 the clergy and the lawyers; and their narrow views 
 have defeated the grand objects sought by the 
 majority of the proprietors : I question if they 
 would permit any other system of pohtical eco- 
 
EFFECTS OF COMPETITION. 211 
 
 nomy but their own to be taught; and yet its 
 fallacy could be easily exposed. 
 
 Vela. — But do you not suppose that they desire 
 the spread of education ? 
 
 Bertrand. — Chiefly for the purpose of enabling 
 the people to comprehend their own notions re- 
 specting free trade and French silks. While the 
 ancient Universities of the land prohibit all teach- 
 ing of the people that does not inform them that 
 their present condition is ordained by Divine Pro- 
 vidence, the London University assumes to itself 
 the privilege of informing them that the present 
 rules of production and distribution are founded 
 in the laws of human nature, and that unless 
 competition, with separate individual interests, 
 prevail, all the arts and sciences must languish. 
 — But have you marked any other passages in 
 Report ? 
 
 Vela. — Yes; here is one, in which an attempt 
 is made to prevent the evidence of David By- 
 water. 
 
 You said that you was selected as a steamer by the 
 overlooker on account of your being a stout and 
 healthy boy ? — Yes, he said he thought I was 
 the strongest, and so I should go. 
 
 Were you perfect in your limbs when you under- 
 took that long and excessive labour ? — Yes, I 
 was. 
 
 What effect did it produce upon you ? — It brought 
 a weakness on me; 1 felt my knees quite ache, 
 
 p2 
 
212 A WITNESS THREATENED. 
 
 Had you pain in vour limbs and all over your body? 
 —Yes. 
 
 Show what effect it had upon your limbs. — It made 
 me very crooked. [Here the witness showed his 
 knees and legs.] 
 
 Are your thighs also bent ? — Yes, the bone is quite 
 bent. 
 
 How long was it after you had to endure this long- 
 labour before your limbs felt in that way ? — I was 
 very soon told of it, before I found it out myself. 
 
 What did they tell you ? — They told me I was get- 
 ting very crooked in my knees ; my mother found 
 it out first. 
 
 What did she say about it ? — She said I should kill 
 myself with working that long time. 
 
 If you had refused to work those long hours, and 
 have wished to have worked a moderate length 
 of time only, should you have been retained in your 
 situation? — I should have had to go home ; I should 
 have been turned off directly. 
 
 How long ago was that? — It is two years since. 
 
 At that period would you not have found it very 
 difficult to have got other employment ? — Yes ; I 
 do not think I should have got other employment 
 for a long time. 
 
 Were there not a great many individuals at Leeds 
 out of employment at that time ? — Yes, there 
 were. 
 
 Have you been sent for and required to come here to 
 give evidence ? — Yes. 
 
 Have you received an intimation as to what will be 
 the consequences of your having given evidence ? 
 — I was sent for to the White Swan, in Leeds, 
 unil when I got there they questioned me about 
 what time I worked, and I told them, and they 
 toKl me I was to stop there all night; and the 
 
THE BELL OF DOLEFUL SOUND. 213 
 
 next morning the overlooker sent my brotherdown, 
 and when he came he said that I was to go back,' 
 or else both him and me were to be turned away- 
 and when he went back the overlooker told hi in 
 that if I came up to London, here I should never 
 have any employment any more, nor my brother 
 neither; but when he came at night the overlooker 
 cooled over it, and he told him to be at work at 
 good time in the morning, and he has told him 
 smce that I should not be employed any more. 
 My brother said he could not help it; that it was 
 not wrong in him: but I expect the first time he 
 does a job which does not please, that he will turn 
 hun away directly, because if they work in a 
 family, and one does wrong, they must all go. 
 
 Bertrand.— It is questionable whether the Poles 
 who have been marched ofF to Siberia are used 
 worse,— bodily deformity the consequence of em- 
 ployment! and destitution if a complaint is made! 
 
 Vela.—Uere is another case of deformity in a 
 poor woman. 
 
 Eliza Marshall examined. 
 
 ■ * * * * ^ ^ 
 
 Did not you think that treatment very cruel ?— I 
 
 have cried many an hour in the factory. 
 You were exceedingly fatigued at night, were you 
 
 not?— Yes, I could scarcely get home. 
 Had you to be carried home?— Yes, to be trailed 
 
 home. 
 
 How were you waked in the morning?— The bell 
 in Mill-street rang at half-past 5, and we got up 
 by that. ^ * 
 
214 LAMENESS AND DEFORMITY. 
 
 That was not ii pleasant sound to you? — No, it was 
 
 not. 
 Was the fatigue gone off in the mornino- ? — No, I 
 
 was worse in the morning. 
 You thought the bell a very doleful sound ? — Yes, 
 
 it was a doleful sound to nie. 
 
 Did this begin to affect your limbs? — Yes: when 
 we worked over-hours I was worse by a great deal ; 
 I had stuff to rub my knees, and I used to rub 
 my joints a quarter of an hour, and sometimes an 
 hour or two. 
 
 Were you straight before that ? — Yes, I was straight 
 before that; my master knows that well enough; 
 and when I have asked for ray wages, he said that 
 I could not run about as I had been used to do. 
 
 Did he drop your wages in consequence ? — No, but 
 he would not raise my wages, as I hoped he would ; 
 I asked — " Could not I mind my work ? " and he 
 said "Yes, but not so quick." 
 
 Are you crooked now ? — Yes, I have un iron on my 
 right leg; my knee is contracted. 
 
 Was it not great misery for you to do your work ? — 
 Yes, it was. 
 
 You could hardly get up to your bed of a night 
 sometimes, could you? — To speak the truth, my 
 sister has carried me up many a time; she is 
 larger than I am; I have gone on my hands and 
 knees many a time. 
 
 Have you been to the Leeds Infirmary, to have, if 
 possible, your limbs restored? — Yes, I was nearly 
 12 months an out-patient; and I rubbed my 
 joints, and it did no good ; and the last summer 
 I went to the Relief, and that did me no good, 
 and I was obliged to have a machine; and this 
 last winter I have been in the Inlirinaiy six weeks. 
 
CRUELTY DISGUISED. 215 
 
 Under whom are you ? — Mr. Charley. 
 
 They have put irons on your legs? — Yes, they 
 cost 3/. 
 
 Have any of the surgeons in the Infirmary told you 
 by what your deformity was occasioned ? — Yes, 
 one of them said it was by standing; the marrow 
 is dried out of the bone, so that there is no natural 
 strength in it. 
 
 You were quite straight till you had to labour so 
 long in those mills? — Yes, I was as straight as 
 any one. 
 
 You kept at your work as long as you possibly could, 
 with a wish to assist in keeping your parent? — 
 Yes, I had a step-father, and he was not willing to 
 keep me, and I went as long as I could ; at last 
 I cried, and used to fall back in bed when they 
 called me, so that they could not find it in their 
 heart to send me. 
 ****** 
 
 State whether, when your mill has been shown, and 
 when people have come to look at it, there has 
 not been a great deal of preparation before it has 
 been seen by a stranger? —Yes, there has. 
 
 Has there been a great deal done to make it appear 
 clean and nice, and the children tidy? — Yes, a 
 great deal. 
 
 Bertrand. — Well might they fear the intrusion 
 of strangers : and now you can understand the 
 motives that excluded us from the mills yesterday. 
 
 Vela. — I will read one more case, and have 
 done with this melancholy subject. 
 
 William Hekden examined. 
 What has been the treatment which you have ob- 
 
2 If) bTRlPES WITH EXCESSIVE TOIL. 
 
 served that the children have received at the 
 mills to keep them attentive for so many hours at 
 such early ages ? — They are generally cruelly 
 treated ; so cruelly treated that they dare not 
 hardly for their lives be too late at their work in 
 a mornin"-. When I have been at the mills in 
 the winter season when the children are at work 
 in the evening, the very first thing they inquire is, 
 ** What o'clock isit ? " If I should answer '* Seven," 
 they say, ** Only 7 ! it is a great while to 1 0, but 
 we must not give up till 10 o'clock or past." 
 They look so anxious to know what o'clock it is 
 that I am convinced the children are fatigued, and 
 think that even at 7 they have worked too long. 
 My heart has been ready to bleed for them when 
 I have seen them so fatigued, for they appear in 
 such a state of apathy and insensibility as really 
 not to know whether they are doing their work 
 or not: they usually throw a bunch of 10 or 12 
 cordings across the hand, and take one off at a 
 time ; but I have seen the bunch entirely finished, 
 and they have attempted to take off another when 
 they have not had a cording at all; they have 
 been so fatigued as not to know whether they 
 were at work or not. 
 
 Do they frequently fall into errors and mistakes in 
 piecing when thus fatigued? — Yes; the errors 
 they make when thus fatigued are, that instead 
 of placing the cording in this way [^describing aV], 
 they are apt to place them obliquely, and that 
 causes a flying, which makes bad yarn ; and when 
 the billy-spinner sees that, he takes his strap or 
 the billy-roller, and says '^ Close it, little devil. 
 Close it," and they smite the child with the strap 
 or the billy-roller. 
 
 You have noticed this in the after part of the day 
 
A WOMAN AND BOY KILLED. 217 
 
 more particularly? — It is a very difficult thing to 
 go into a mill in the latter part of the day, par- 
 ticularly in the winter, and not to hear some of 
 the children crying for being beaten for this very 
 fault. 
 
 How are they beaten ? — That depends on the hu- 
 manity of the nubber or billy-spinner ; some 
 have been beaten so violently that they have lost 
 their lives in consequence of their being so beaten ; 
 and even a young girl has had the end of a billy- 
 roller jammed through her cheek. 
 
 What is the billy-roller? — A heavy rod of from two 
 to three yards long, and of two inches in diameter, 
 and with an iron pivot at each end; it runs on 
 the top of the coiding over the feeding-cloth. I 
 have seen them take the billy-roller and rap them 
 on the head, making their heads crack, so that 
 you might have heard the blow at the distance of 
 6 or 8 yards, in spite of the din and rolling of the 
 machinery: many have been knocked down by 
 the instrument. I knew a boy very well, of the 
 name of Senior, with whom I went to school : he 
 was struck with a billy-roller on the elbow ; it 
 occasioned a swelling, he was not able to work 
 more than three or four weeks after the blow, and 
 he died in consequence. There was a woman in 
 Holmfirth who was beaten very much, I am not 
 quite certain whether on the head, and she also 
 lost her life in consequence of being beaten with 
 a billy-roller. 
 
 Vela. — Can anything be more horrible ! Surely 
 these scenes are unknown to the influential part 
 of society, or they would put an end to them I 
 
 Bertrand, — They are as unconscious of them, 
 
218 PROSPEROUS TRADE WITH POVERTY. 
 
 unless when brought to light by publication in 
 the newspapers, as the inhabitants of your happy 
 Valley. The Queen will hold a drawing-room, 
 and, with a sincere desire to relieve the working 
 classes of this country, express her hope of 
 seeing all her Court attired in dresses of British 
 manufactures ; — and you perceive what kind of 
 benefit these poor creatures derive by such ill- 
 informed benevolence ! The changing tide of 
 fashion is for ever rolling on, while its idle votaries 
 compliment each other with the reflection, how 
 good it is for trade*. 
 
 Vela. — What do you mean by fashion ? 
 
 Bertrand. — The alteration in the style of dress, 
 which varies in a slight degree every month or six 
 weeks: — you have not been here long enough to 
 observe it. 
 
 * " The state of the labouring class in the manufacturing 
 parts of Yorkshire has been brought under the consideration 
 of the House of Commons on several occasions by Mr. Fielden, 
 one of the Members for Oldham; and the Honourable Gentle- 
 man, so late as Wednesday night last, in confirmation of his 
 former statement, said, that out of a poi^ulation of 200,000 in 
 the division of Upper Agbrigg, there were 50,000 persons who 
 did not receive more than l^d. a day each for food and clo- 
 thing. He added, that he made up his accounts on this subject, 
 and he found that, including the relief which these 50,000 
 persons received from the parochial rates, they had only 2|rf. 
 a day each for food, raiment, and shelter. Now, in our paper 
 of the present day, we have a letter from a gentleman in Hud- 
 dcrsfield, the very centre of the division of Avliich Mr. Fielden 
 speaks, in which the writer, whom we know to be a man of 
 
FASHION AND CHARITY, 219 
 
 Vela. — I think it might now be changed for the 
 better. But surely more durable attire would 
 diminish the toil of these poor children; and less 
 money being spent in dress, the rich would have 
 more to spend in the education of these children. 
 
 Bertrand. — They would smile if they heard 
 your proposal : they have no idea of spending 
 money but upon themselves and their establish- 
 ments. 
 
 Vela. — The more I hear, the more am I per- 
 plexed. But I wish to direct your attention to a 
 paragraph from the book I referred to before the 
 Report was read. 
 
 " Without capital, and the arts which depend upon 
 capital, the reward of labour would be far scantier 
 than it is ; and capital, with the arts which depend 
 upon it, are creatures of the institution of property. 
 The institution is good for the many as well as 
 
 character, extensively connected with the trade of the district, 
 says that ' trade is very brisk at Huddersfield, that there never 
 were so few goods in the market to sell as at present, and that 
 new houses and other buildings are rising up around them.' 
 Both these statements cannot possibly be correct: we will not 
 undertake to pronounce upon their relative veracity, but if 
 IVIr. Fielden will put the matter in a tangible form, by publish- 
 ing the data on which his statement is grounded, we are per- 
 suaded that an investigation will take place on the spot, by 
 which the truth will be elicited, both for the satisfaction of the 
 country, and for the information of parliament." — Leeds Mer- 
 cury. Copied in The Times, March 13, 1833. 
 
 The Editor is mistaken. Both statements are most probably 
 correct; — trade has been increasing for many years past, while 
 the wages of Jabour were declining. 
 
220 Austin's ^' jurisprudence." 
 
 for the few. The poor are not stripped by it of 
 the produce of their labour; but it gives them a 
 part in tlie enjoyment of wealtli which it calls into 
 being. In effect, though not in law, the labourers 
 are co-proprietors with the capitalists who hire 
 their labour. The reward which they get for their 
 labour is principally drawn from capital; and 
 they are not less interested than the legal owners 
 in protecting the fund from invasion. 
 "It is certainly to be wished that their reward were 
 greater, and that they were relieved from the in- 
 cessant drudgery to which they are now con- 
 demned. But the condition of the working-peo- 
 ple (whether their wages shall be high or low, 
 their labour moderate or extreme,) depends upon 
 their own will, and not upon the will of the rich. 
 In the true principle of population, detected by 
 the sagacity of Mr. Malthus, they must look for 
 the cause and the remedy for their penuiy and 
 excessive toil. There they may find the means 
 which would give them comparative affluence; 
 which would raise them to personal dignity and 
 political influence, from grovelling and sordid 
 subjection to the arbitrary rule of a few." 
 
 Bertrand. — From some work on political ceco- 
 nomy ? 
 
 Vela. — No; it is entitled "The Province of Ju- 
 risprudence determined; by John Austin, Esq., 
 Barrister at Law," one of the Law Professors of 
 the London University; and it appears to com- 
 prise his lectures delivered there. — What is meant 
 by capital? 
 
 Bertrand. — Capital is the laid-up and uncon- 
 
MR. MALTHUS AGAIN. 221 
 
 sumable stock, — all the tools, machinery, ships, 
 houses; in short, everything that can be again 
 employed to facilitate production : even food and 
 clothing not immediately required for consump- 
 tion is capital. 
 
 Vela. — But how can it be said that the insti- 
 tution of private property alone promotes accu- 
 mulation ? In our Valley the stores are always 
 full for the supply of several years in advance, 
 and we could create nmch more if really neces- 
 sary ; but we employ our leisure time in intellec- 
 tual improvement, in music, in gardening — more 
 particularly in education, in which all participate 
 with extreme delight ; and if we had your science 
 and machinery, our leisure time would be more 
 ample. 
 
 Bertrand. — The reward of the labourer and his 
 personal dignity will never be greater if he listens 
 to the counsel of the sagacious Mr. Malthus. There 
 is not one of the heart-rending cases of misery 
 you have been reading, the cause of which is not 
 to be traced to his doctrines, the predominance of 
 which prolonged the sufferings of the people for 
 many years after relief was proffered. 
 
 Vela. — Did you not inform me that the Lord 
 Chancellor took an active part in the London 
 University ? 
 
 Bertrand. — Yes, but he perhaps is infected with 
 the Malthusian theory. Lord Brougham has too 
 
222 LAW AND PHILOSOPHY INCONGENIAL. 
 
 much philosophy to be great as a lawyer, and too 
 much law to be profound in philosophy. The same 
 observation will, perhaps, apply to all lawyers who 
 are political economists ; and the consequence is, 
 such a mixture and confusion in their minds of 
 conventional law and abstract truths, that they 
 are perpetually confounding their readers with an 
 alternation of sound and fallacious reasoning. A 
 philosophical work seldom proceeds from a lawyer 
 of modern days; and when it does, it is gene- 
 rally prolix and unintelligible, "disturbing," as 
 a judicial character used to say of a counsel's re- 
 dundancy of speech, "the order of my thoughts." 
 — The medical profession, on the contrary, have 
 frequently published the most able philosophical 
 works, — not immediately connected with their 
 studies, which, being confined to Nature, have not 
 preoccupied their minds with local opinions and 
 interests. Not so the study of the law, which 
 almost always contracts the mind, and disquali- 
 fies it for general views — more so now that the 
 laws have become more numerous, intricate, and 
 bewildering. 
 
 Vela. — That remark reminds me of another 
 passage in this book : — 
 
 ** Laws proper or properly so called, are commands: 
 laws which are not commands, are laws improper 
 or improperly so called. Laws properly so called, 
 with laws iinpr()j)erly so called, may be aptly di- 
 
CONFUSION OF LAWS. 223 
 
 vided into the four following kinds. 1 . The di- 
 vine laws, or the laws of God : that is to say, the 
 laws which are set by God to his human creatures. 
 2. Positive laws : that is to say, laws which are 
 simply and strictly so called, and which form the 
 appropriate matter of general and particular juris- 
 prudence. 3. Positive morality, rules of positive 
 morality, or positive moral rules. 4. Laws meta- 
 phorical or figurative, or merely metaphorical or 
 figurative." 
 '^ The divine laws and — 
 
 Bertrand. — Hold, my friend, I can hear no 
 more ; I am sure I shall never be able to ex- 
 plain it. 
 
 Vela. — I can assure you that reading the pain- 
 ful details in the Report, and this difficult book, 
 has occasioned me a severe head-ache. In the 
 last I should not have persevered, had I not ob- 
 served that it was connected with the London 
 University. I cannot understand this division of 
 laws proper and improper : in our Valley the 
 youth are trained to enjoy the pleasure of assist- 
 ing others; and if other communities should be 
 formed, the same rule of conduct which unites 
 individuals will unite societies ; and the religion of 
 your country — or rather the New Testament, for 
 your country has no religion — enjoins the same 
 principle. 
 
 Bertrand. — Of course you are regulated by the 
 simple principle of moral justice, and so should 
 we, if these clerical and legal pohtical economists 
 
224 CHftlSTIAN JURISPRUDENCE. 
 
 did not continue — unintentionally, no doubt — to 
 confound the rules of right and wrong, — making 
 conventional laws not only at variance with, but 
 paramount to, the laws of Nature and of God. 
 Great would be the blessing to mankind if all the 
 works onJurisprudence, from Justinian's Pandects 
 downwards, and all the angry controversies re- 
 garding doctrines ' ' and the letter th at killeth , ' ' were 
 thrown into the sea and forgotten : for if education 
 and the laws, undisturbed by the profound theo- 
 logian or the learned civilian, were regulated in 
 a spirit accordant with the moral precepts of the 
 Gospel, men would be trained from infancy to 
 love one another; and intelligence, virtue, and 
 happiness finally yet speedily prevail. 
 
 Vela. — Most certainly ; unless the power of love, 
 so emphatically and beautifully set forth in your 
 Gospel, is exaggerated; and I can bear testimony 
 to its potency from the long experience of our 
 community. And besides, this book appears to 
 suppose that there is one law for the individual, 
 and another for society ; — that you cannot, by a 
 system of superior education and improved insti- 
 tutions, secure a preference for a virtuous course, 
 or — that commands are necessary to enforce obe- 
 dience to that which is in itself the most delight- 
 ful. — I begin to perceive now the force of your 
 remark as to the tendency of professional educa- 
 tion to incapacitate for general views. 
 
UNION OF LAW AND MORALITY. 225 
 
 Bertrand. — The author understands not law 
 and morality as sciences, or he would discover 
 that they were one and the same ; or at least 
 that they never could contradict each other. — 
 But now let us leave the Work ; and tomorrow, 
 if your letters will permit, we will proceed on our 
 journey. 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
226 VISIT TO MATLOCK. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 " See yonder poor, o'erlabour'd wight. 
 
 So abject, mean, and vile. 
 Who begs a brother of the earth 
 
 To give him leave to toil ; 
 And see his lordly /(?//ott;-tror»i 
 
 The poor petition spurn, 
 Unmindful, though a weeping wife 
 
 And helpless offspring mourn," — Burns. 
 
 W HILE Bertrand and his friend Vela were vi- 
 siting the manufacturing districts, Lord Hampden 
 had received an invitation to accompany a mem- 
 ber of the House of Peers to Matlock ; and as I 
 was in correspondence with Charles, he requested 
 me to apprise him of the circumstance, and to 
 say he should be happy to meet them there, if 
 Matlock lay in their route. This communication 
 induced Charles to vary his plan, as they had 
 intended going direct from Liverpool to Leeds ; 
 and they accordingly arrived at Matlock about a 
 week after Lord Hampden had reached that place. 
 It was late when they alighted at the hotel, and 
 upon inquiry they learnt that Lord Hampden 
 was gone on a visit for a few days to Chatsworth, 
 but was expected to return in the morning, having 
 left orders to be informed if his friends should 
 
THE ENVY OF SURROUNDING NATIONS. 227 
 
 come to Matlock previously. He rode into town 
 early in the day, and very soon after proposed a 
 walk, — in the course of which the following con- 
 versation took place. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I am curious to hear your 
 opinion of our manufactures, which are said to 
 have made England the envy of the world and a 
 terror to surrounding nations. 
 
 Vela. — England, my lord, will soon become a 
 terror to herself, and already exhibits signs of 
 distress too alarming for her to become the envy 
 of other nations. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — But you must have been gra- 
 tified in seeing the ingenuity of the works, and 
 the perfection of our manufactures. 
 
 Vela. — I was highly pleased with them : but 
 there are those in our Valley who, being more par- 
 ticularly interested in mechanics, would have in- 
 spected them more minutely. The object of this 
 my first visit has been to observe the physical and 
 moral condition of the people, — an inquiry more 
 suited to my favourite studies ; but I hope to re- 
 turn the following year, and devote more time to 
 the examination of your scientific improvements. 
 
 Bertrand. — Of the moral condition of the people 
 we had a melancholy specimen last evening. Hav- 
 ing heard that there had been some disturbance 
 
 in the town of N , about fifteen miles from 
 
 hence, we travelled so far yesterday morning, 
 
 q2 
 
228 THE workmen's strike. 
 
 resolving to come on here in the evening. It 
 appears that about a month since there had been 
 a general strike, by the work-people of the silk 
 and cotton spinning mills in that town and the 
 neighbouring villages, in consequence of the 
 masters proposing a reduction of wages. Consi- 
 derable orders from the merchants at Liverpool 
 had been received soon after the strike, but at 
 very low prices. Rather than yield, some of the 
 masters had engaged a number of hands unac- 
 customed to the work, along with a few who had 
 not joined in the turn-out. This occasioned much 
 trouble to the overseers and managers, whose 
 tempers were irritated by the awkwardness of 
 the new hands, parents as well as children, and 
 by the impatience with which the execution of 
 the orders was urged. The day before yesterday 
 there had been some rioting ; one man was killed, 
 and several severely wounded. They had been so 
 long out of work that they were reduced to great 
 want ; and although the children were at first de- 
 lighted with their liberty, they at length began 
 to feel the effect of hunger. No relief under 
 their circumstances could be obtained from the 
 parishes ; and that health to which freedom and 
 fresh air had begun to restore them, was again 
 departing, from another cause. As we entered 
 the town, numerous groups of men, with scowl- 
 ing and fierce countenances, were standing at 
 
EFFECTS OF A STRIKE. 229 
 
 the corners of streets and near the pubhc houses, 
 muttering revenge. Towards evening we had 
 strolled to some mills in the outskirts of the 
 town ; the sun was sinking amid an assemblage 
 of clouds that contributed greatly to the splen- 
 dour of his departure, and the country, upon that 
 side from which the smoke was wafted, was highly 
 picturesque. While we were admiring the lovely 
 scene, the doors of a mill were thrown open, and 
 out came a great number of children and a few 
 men and women. The children, instead of leap- 
 ing with delight, like so many merry-faced boys 
 and girls broke loose from school, crawled home, 
 pale and emaciated, as speedily as their jaded 
 limbs would permit. Our attention was parti- 
 cularly drawn to a boy about eight years old, 
 crying and apparently in much pain ; he was led 
 by a girl somewhat older, who said that he had 
 fallen asleep in the mill, and through fatigue had 
 tumbled from his stool and hurt his hip. We 
 accompanied them to their home in the next 
 street, — and such a scene of destitution and 
 wretchedness I have rarely witnessed. There 
 were scarcely any articles of furniture in the 
 house ; the mother informed us they had been 
 obliged to pawn most of their things in order to 
 obtain money to purchase food ; that her husband, 
 who was ill in bed, had been induced to join in 
 the turn-out, partly by the threats of his fellow- 
 
230 THE CONTRAST. 
 
 workmen, and partly from his own choice : he 
 had, however, since learned that the prices of 
 cotton were so low, that the mills must be closed 
 unless the work was performed at very reduced 
 wages ; — that her husband and herself would have 
 returned to work, but he was taken ill, and she 
 was obliged to remain at home to nurse him. She 
 gave the overseer an excellent character for hu- 
 manity, but added that he was compelled to be 
 strict in his discipline, or he would lose his situa- 
 tion. The whole village resembled a pandemo- 
 nium, or something worse ; for in addition to the 
 fierce and angry feelings of revenge that generally 
 prevailed, there was sickness, poverty, and con- 
 tention even among themselves. 
 
 Vela. — Allow me now to describe to his lord- 
 ship the concluding scene of yesterday. — Upon 
 returning to our inn, we ordered a chaise to come 
 on to Matlock. The night was not dark, the 
 stars were partially hidden by clouds, and the 
 moon, nearly at its full, was soon to appear above 
 the horizon. We had travelled about an hour, 
 when a vista formed by the separation of an im- 
 mense rock disclosed one of the most enchant- 
 ing sights I ever beheld. At the foot of a moun- 
 tain clothed with wood appeared a gorgeous 
 palace blazing with light, which, reflected by the 
 burnished gold of the window-frames, seemed to 
 realize the most vivid descriptions of oriental 
 
CHATSWORTH. 231 
 
 magnificence. About a mile onwards we came 
 very near to the palace, and upon stopping the 
 chaise, music was heard : we alighted at a gate 
 which opened upon a path leading across a field in 
 the direction of the palace ; we could then hear 
 the music more distinctly, and although not suffi- 
 ciently clear to distinguish the tune, the melody 
 was most delightful, more especially being ac- 
 companied by such a fairy scene. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — You have been describing no 
 other place than Chatsworth ; and I can assure you 
 that had you viewed it internally, you would have 
 found a magnificence fully corresponding with 
 the promise of the exterior. There was a grand 
 concert; some of the finest compositions of Mozart 
 were played, and I seldom recollect to have 
 witnessed a finer effect than was displayed in the 
 superb decorations of the rooms and the general 
 elegance of the assemblage. All was calculated 
 to make one forget the misery abroad ; even the 
 frivolity, selfishness, and pride of many, appeared 
 to be subdued by the elevating character of the 
 music, and the refinement and dignity of the 
 company : there was nothing to desire but a 
 conviction that all present felt the strong affinity 
 between moral excellence and the harmony of the 
 scene. 
 
 Vela. — Perhaps such was the case. But the de- 
 scription you have given is almost heavenly, while 
 the scene witnessed by us resembled the infer- 
 
232 RICHES AND POVERTY CONTIGUOUS. 
 
 nal regions, where every bad passion had broke 
 loose. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — But the elegancies of high 
 life have such a tendency to indispose the mind 
 to investigate subjects demanding patient or 
 laborious inquiry, that they contribute at pre- 
 sent to increase selfish desires, and to contract 
 the finest feelings : I must confess, that unless 
 I kept up an intercourse with other classes of 
 society, I should be liable to fall into similar for- 
 getfulness, from the fascinating thraldom of these 
 enjoyments. 
 
 Vela. — Are your aristocracy wanting in huma- 
 nity ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — By no means, when cases are 
 brought before them ; but from an impression 
 that excessive toil and misery must be the por- 
 tion of the great majority of mankind, they con- 
 sider that their duties are discharged by relieving 
 such as fall in their way. Nay, there are some 
 who are conscious of the errors of the present 
 system, although they have no clear views re- 
 garding a better. On the day I went to Chats- 
 worth, intelligence of the riot you have men- 
 tioned arrived : at dinner it became the subject 
 of general conversation; — some were for calling 
 out the military, others for conciliatory measures; 
 one said that he would plant a cannon at the 
 head of the street, and soon mow down the riot- 
 ers. This sentiment appeared to fill many with 
 
PHILOSOPHY AT CHATSWORTH. 233 
 
 horror ; and one young man in particular, a son 
 of Earl G , who appeared to be more sur- 
 prised than any, was about to reply, when the 
 conversation suddenly taking another turn, he 
 was prevented. In my walk through the grounds 
 on the following morning, I found this youth 
 reading near one of the most sequestered foun- 
 tains : I was too near him to pass without speak- 
 ing ; and as his manner indicated a desire to con- 
 verse, I stopped to answer his inquiry if I had 
 heard anything more regarding the riot. I re- 
 pUed, that I had not. " There is nothing," 
 said he, " to disturb the enjoyment of this beau- 
 tiful scene before us but reports of the painful 
 conflicts between members of the same commu- 
 nity." I asked him if he was not aware that there 
 were tens of thousands enduring the ills of po- 
 verty and wretchedness in silence. " Doubtless 
 there are," said he ; " and would that it could be 
 otherwise ! Happy would it be for us all, if some 
 of the dreams of Poetry could be realized, and 
 universal sympathy prevail ; but, alas ! that is 
 impossible." — " It will be impossible," I replied, 
 " even to make it more general, much less uni- 
 versal, until the proper means are employed." — 
 " I should be obliged by your explaining," said 
 he, " some practical steps by which those prin- 
 ciples you publicly advocate can be rendered use- 
 ful. .. . But I see my two sisters approaching at 
 
234 IMPROVED EDUCATION. 
 
 a distance, and unless your measures include an 
 improved education for women, they will not 
 
 please the eldest. Lady M ." 
 
 We dropped the subject until the ladies came 
 up. The eldest was married to a lord much inferior 
 in talent to herself ; he was, however, unconscious 
 of his inferiority, but extremely tenacious of his 
 authority, to which his lady submitted with 
 tolerable patience, notwithstanding her advo- 
 cacy of a more just equality of rights between 
 the sexes of the rising generation. When they 
 had come up, the young man introduced me to 
 the ladies, adding, that I was about to explain a 
 part of my plan for removing the inequalities of 
 society. " I should," replied I, *' prefer hearing 
 
 the opinion of Lady M , premising that my 
 
 first step would be the adoption of an improved 
 system of education." — " There we agree," said 
 
 Lady M ; * ' but whether we shall be equally 
 
 cordial as to what constitutes the best system of 
 education is another question: my best system is 
 one in w^hich boys and girls should not only be in- 
 structed in the same subjects, but educated to- 
 gether." — "But would you not," observed the 
 brother, " make women too masculine, and men 
 too effeminate? " — " Far otherwise," replied Lady 
 
 M ; ' ' men would acquire greater sensibility 
 
 without any diminution in strength of character, 
 and women would lose none of their mildness and 
 
BOYS AND GIRLS EDUCATED TOGETHER. 235 
 
 real delicacy when combined with mental vigour: 
 besides," she continued, ** why have women capa- 
 cities for the mathematics, for natural phlosophy, 
 for every species of knowledge that can ennoble 
 our nature, if they are to remain uncultivated ? 
 Who have the care of infants ? — Women. Are 
 not the earliest years the most important for the 
 formation of the mind and disposition, and are 
 not children at this period under the exclusive 
 management of women? Is not therefore the 
 study of anatomy, physiology, and of mental 
 philosophy, necessary for their qualifications in 
 aiding the development of the physical, moral, 
 and intellectual faculties?" — " I must confess," 
 replied the brother, " there is something interest- 
 ing in the dependence of the woman and the pro- 
 tection of the man ahke calculated to strengthen 
 mutual affection." — " Far more exalted and more 
 pure," said Lady M , " would be that affec- 
 tion, were there a full participation in mental ac- 
 quirements ; far more intimate the union, where 
 thought meets thought and mutual aid prevails. 
 Besides, brother, it is necessary to dwarf the 
 faculties, to deny them that legitimate culture of 
 which they are susceptible, in order to keep down 
 woman to your standard of sufficient improve- 
 ment. Then as to the dependence of woman 
 upon the intellect of man, he has so much to 
 occupy him in improving the rising generation, 
 
236 ELEVATION OF WOMEN. 
 
 that he requires all the more important com- 
 petency of woman to assist him in the ' delightful 
 task.' In perpetuating the weakness of woman, 
 you rob children of the better half of their re- 
 quired superintendence ; and you still further 
 chminish the efficacy of the other half, by im- 
 posing additional labour upon it in the protec- 
 tion demanded of men from the feebleness of 
 woman." 
 
 Bertrand. — These were bold sentiments for a 
 lady of rank to utter. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — And such as she would not 
 have expressed before the assembled company at 
 Chatsworth. She was well acquainted with my 
 opinions ; but I apprehend the younger sister was 
 not, or else she was too timid to follow Lady 
 
 M in her speculations, for I observed she 
 
 took a seat beside her brother as the former be- 
 came more animated. 
 
 Vela. — What reply could the brother make to 
 these observations ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — He asked if women were to 
 become judges, physicians, bishops, and legisla- 
 tors. " With regard to the first and second pro- 
 fessions," said Lady M , " I should make the 
 
 same reply as Plato, who, when he was asked by 
 what signs a traveller might know, immediately 
 on his arrival in any city, that education is neg- 
 lected, ' If he finds that physicians and judges 
 
PROFESSIONS UNNECESSARY. 237 
 
 are necessary.' As to bishops, have the Society 
 of Friends any clergy ? Until women have a voic 
 in legislation, it will never be carried on with 
 sufficient sympathy towards all whom it may 
 concern. Education would render mere profes- 
 sional duties unnecessary, and reduce legislation 
 itself to the clearness and simplicity of the 
 sciences." — "But," rejoined the brother, "would 
 you make us all educators?" 
 
 "If the perfection of education is attained 
 through the medium of example rather than by 
 precept, why not?"* 
 
 Then addressing himself to me, he said, " I 
 am at a loss to know how buildings are to be 
 erected, and agriculture to be carried on, if all are 
 engaged in the work of education." 
 
 I replied, "Education and employment ought 
 to be inseparable. Erecting elegant habitations 
 would employ a very small portion of the life of 
 each individual ; in the process, many arts and 
 sciences are practically learnt, and more especi- 
 ally as improved machinery would be employed ; 
 agriculture, which is only another name for gar- 
 dening, embraces of course a still wider field of 
 inquiry in the various branches of natural philo- 
 sophy." 
 
 "Why," said Lady M , (addressing her 
 
 brother,) " do you seek this soUtude ?" 
 
 * See Appendix K. -. 
 
238 A TERRESTRIAL PARADISE. 
 
 *' Because," replied he, "I found few of con- 
 genial mind in the party at the house." 
 
 ** Should you not, then, desire to see this en- 
 chanting spot peopled by beings possessing minds 
 attuned in harmony with the scene ? ' ' — * ' It would , ' ' 
 rejoined the brother, " make it a real paradise." 
 
 *' Such reality," observed Lady M , "will 
 
 spring from education." 
 
 Bertrand. — Was any impression made upon 
 the brother by this conversation ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I think there was some good 
 effect produced ; for upon the following day the 
 subject of the riot was again mentioned at dinner, 
 and he was more prominent in urging the neces- 
 sity of a better system of education. 
 
 Bertrand. — But did you not advocate your 
 plans with the company at large ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — ^You might as well harangue 
 the winds and the waves. The few who devote 
 themselves to literary pursuits and travel are ge- 
 nerally superficial classical scholars ; if they avoid 
 society, it is to indulge in critical studies ; if they 
 mingle with the world, it is to display their eru- 
 dition and the accuracy of their observations, — 
 this is evident in the sensitive quickness with 
 which they resent an assertion implying the 
 slightest doubt of their correctness. At all times 
 curious in hunting after novelties, they can tell 
 of all that they found of the curious and rare in 
 
MEMORY OR JUDGEMENT. 239 
 
 travelling over the Continent. Est natura homi- 
 num novitatis avida. To be ignorant of any pe- 
 culiarity is what they could not endure, and pro- 
 portioned to the fear of ignorance is the pride of 
 acquisition. Demand of them the causes of such 
 pecuharities, and you exceed the bounds of their 
 inquiries. Destitute of the spirit of philosophical 
 investigation, their minds are too much encum- 
 bered in retaining facts, for any activity or re- 
 flection. Neglecting the rule of Pliny, — of study- 
 ing non multa sed multum, — their stores of know- 
 ledge are ample*. From the wide range of their 
 historical reading, ancient and modern, they deem 
 themselves competent to decide ex cathedra upon 
 every question brought before the public ; and if 
 the judicious use of their materials were at all 
 commensurate with their extent, such pretensions 
 would be well founded. Unmindful of the remark 
 of St. Evremond, "Life is too short to read all 
 sorts of books, and to burden one's memory with 
 a multitude of things at the expense of one's 
 judgement," they hesitate not superciliously to 
 condemn the decisions of those who have devoted 
 their talents, their fortunes, and their lives to the 
 pursuits of science. Such domination is the more 
 to be lamented, as this portion of the aristocracy 
 give the tone of thinking to their body. 
 
 * Hobbes used to say, that if he had read as much as others, 
 he should have been as ignorant as they. 
 
240 VIGOUR AND REFINEMENT OF MIND. 
 
 Vela. — In discussing the general condition of 
 society, you could scarcely avoid altogether the 
 principles which you, I presume, as well as my 
 friend Charles, advocate. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — They were sometimes noticed 
 in reference to the Republic of Plato, as a poetical 
 vision. But one evening I was much amused by 
 a dialogue between one of the literati (who has 
 recently published a volume of Odes and Soimets) 
 
 and Lady M ; the latter, however, was not 
 
 aware that she was addressing an author, much 
 less one of fastidious refinement. He had ex- 
 pressed his decided objection to ladies being 
 educated in any other manner than that at present 
 in vogue, which contributed so much to their ex- 
 quisite delicacy, and preserved them from the con- 
 tagion of coarseness and vulgarity. Lady M 
 
 saw something of his character, and seemed de- 
 termined, if possible, to rouse him to a sense of 
 the narrowness of his views. " I have known 
 
 some critics," said Lady M , " who have 
 
 been so long conversant about mental operations, 
 that they have almost fallen into a disbelief of their 
 own corporeal existence*. These ethereal spirits 
 
 * " Does Mr. Newton eat, drink, or sleep like other men?" 
 observed the Marquis de I'Hopital, one of the greatest mathema- 
 ticians of the age, to the English who visited him. " I re- 
 present him to myself as a celestial genius entirely disengaged 
 from matter." 
 
FEMALE EMPLOYMENT. 241 
 
 can scarcely endure the idea of anything that is 
 derogatory to their intellectual dignity ; but 
 whatever outward appearances may indicate, I 
 have seen some — and those poets, too, of no 
 mean attainments — who could give as palpable 
 proof of the cravings of corporeal appetite as the 
 most argumentative and sturdy prose writers." 
 
 "We cannot," said the poet, " have mens sana 
 except in corpore sano : — but do not drive our fair 
 ladies to field and garden employments while 
 filagree work and painting yield more delicate 
 amusement." 
 
 " Can you," rejoined Lady M , " imagine 
 
 that there is anything more exquisitely curious 
 and beautiful than the works of Nature ? Is it 
 to be for ever our destiny 
 
 ' To gild refined gold, to paint the lily, 
 To throw a perfume o'er the violet. 
 To smooth the ice, or add another line 
 Unto the rainbow, or with taper Ught 
 To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish'?" 
 
 "LadyM ," said the literary man, turningto 
 
 me, " is a disciple of yours ; she would restrain the 
 flights of fancy, depress genius, and leave no scope 
 for the exercise of the imagination." — "That," 
 said I, " is no philosophy of mine; nor do I believe 
 that Lady M would acknowledge it." 
 
 At this moment our group was joined by a 
 gentleman whom I had observed as a listener 
 
 VOL. II. R 
 
242 AFFECTIONS, GENERAL AND PARTICULAR. 
 
 to the remarks upon Plato. "An argument has 
 occurred to me," said he, (addressing himself to 
 
 Lady M ,) " in favour of separate individual 
 
 establishments, — whether it is not a fact, that 
 those who have been the best husbands and 
 brothers have not also proved the best patriots?" 
 
 "What is your inference?" replied Lady M . 
 
 "That distinct family arrangements are best cal- 
 culated for the exercise both of the private as well 
 as the more general affections." "I apprehend," 
 
 rejoined Lady M , "that it will be found that 
 
 it is not because the affections are exercised in 
 any particular manner that they become more 
 general, but because they are exercised ; for we 
 may observe that whenever the affections are 
 excited by any peculiar object, a more generous 
 feeling is produced towards all others. With 
 the unmarried and those who are allied uncon- 
 genially, the affections are apt to wither for want 
 of exercise and from the indulgence of antipathy." 
 Bertrand. — That was an excellent reply : you 
 could not have found much sympathy at Chats- 
 worth, 
 
 Lord Hampden. — With the exception of Lady 
 
 M , there was scarcely one who agreed 
 
 with me in opinion : but I could not help smiling 
 at the different objections that were urged ; for 
 while some parties were declaring that it was 
 impossible to make all men alike, others were 
 disconcerted with the idea of producing a dull 
 
PHRENOLOGY. 243 
 
 uniformity and insipidity of character*. The lat- 
 ter attributed even more power to our principles 
 than we contend for ; the former supposed that 
 the general character of intelligence and benevo- 
 lence could not admit a variety in good, without 
 the admission of bad, qualities. I was somewhat 
 annoyed by one of the champions of this opinion 
 who brought phrenology to his aid. 
 
 Bertrand. — I have paid but little attention to 
 that subject. I discover, however, a material dif- 
 ference in the opinions of its advocates ; some 
 blending more general knowledge with the sub- 
 ject, and arguing therefore more philosophically. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Such was not the character 
 of this disputant. I admitted the diversity of 
 tastes and propensities ; but I could not prevail 
 upon him to concede the possibility of making 
 all mankind, excepting idiots, benevolent and 
 intelligent. 
 
 Bertrand. — You will find that difficulty with 
 many, but not with all; as the most able phreno- 
 logists admit that every faculty may be bene- 
 ficially directed: for when they perceive, as in the 
 instance of the cage of birds and animals at the 
 
 Countess of E 's, that it is in the power of 
 
 education to subdue the very instincts and 
 ferocities of animals, they cannot doubt that 
 man, with his faculty of speech and his powers of 
 
 * See Appendix L. 
 R 2 
 
244 OBSERVANCE OF THE SABBATH. 
 
 reasoning, is susceptible of a more general and 
 decided controul, and of superior guidance. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — The phrenologist was si- 
 lenced by a noble lord of great wealth and im- 
 portance, who, professing an ardent zeal for the 
 interests of religion, declared, that if there was 
 any truth in the science, Christianity must be 
 abandoned, since responsibility and the inevitable 
 natural tendency of character, were irreconcile- 
 able. This declaration, supported by an eminent 
 physician denying the correctness of the con- 
 clusions of the phrenologist, and who when 
 closely pressed acknowledged he had not examined 
 their facts in consequence of a previous conviction 
 of impossibility that the shape of the skull could 
 accommodate itself to the action of the brain, 
 silenced his argument. 
 
 Bertrand. — It seems to me most unjust for 
 those who will not take the trouble of examining, 
 unhesitatingly to condemn. When men of re- 
 spectabihty and entitled to credit state that they 
 have examined many thousand heads, and declare 
 the results of their observations, I feel bound to 
 believe them, or to investigate for myself. 
 
 Vela. — I observed in a window at Manchester 
 a notice that the Petition to Parliament was 
 lying there for signatures for the better obser- 
 vance of the Sabbath : was not that question 
 decided in the spring ? 
 
ACTS OF WORSHIP. 245 
 
 Bertrand.— It was, for the last session; but it 
 will probably be brought forward again. 
 
 Lord Hampden.— That is almost certain • but 
 I hope It will share the same fate, unless a Bill 
 diffenng materially from the last is introduced 
 —But tell me. Vela, how is the Sabbath observed 
 in your country? I beg pardon ; I had for- 
 gotten that a different religion prevails there. 
 
 Vela.~Vfe have no day set apart for public 
 worship, as our prayers are offered up each 
 morning to the Supreme Being. We need no 
 day of rest, since we have no toil. Our labours 
 are light ; and while cheerfully discharging our 
 pleasant duties, we conceive that we are render, 
 mg acceptable service to the Deity. Every day 
 
 Bertrand.-Bnt in all countries it is absolutely 
 necessary that the ordinances prescribed by the 
 prevaiUng religion, should be conformed to 
 
 Fefa. Doubtless the laws and regulations 
 should be obeyed ; but I have been particularlv 
 struck with the divisions of your regulations 
 under the heads of Religion-Law-Political 
 Economy ; for all of which we have not even 
 names : with us, everything is comprehended 
 under one rule, that of seeking to promote the 
 general happiness ; we have no private property 
 .n land or ,n food, and disputes are prevented by 
 
246 
 
 SIR ANDREW AGNEW. 
 
 our plan of education, which is throughout be- 
 nevolent. As for a day of rest, why should you 
 subject your population to such an excess of toil 
 as to require any? and more especially when 
 aided by such vast scientific power ! All the 
 duties of life might be rendered pleasurable; and 
 when the spirit of religion prevails, there is no 
 employment that is not directed by benevolent 
 feeling. 
 
 Bertrand. — Sir Andrew Agnew brings forward 
 the Bill in compassion to the poor. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — He should extend his com- 
 passion a little further, and bring in a Bill to 
 enable the poor to support themselves upon the 
 land. I am tired of these compassionate Lillipu- 
 tian legislators — these titled monopolists, who 
 cause such wide-spread misery, and then com- 
 pliment each other at sumptuous public dinners 
 for their kind consideration of the starving poor, 
 in returning, as a condescension and favour, a 
 fraction of that which they possess unjustly. 
 
 Bertrand. — That, however, is not the character 
 of Sir Andrew. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Perhaps not : I meant no 
 personal reflection, for he is quite unknown to 
 me ; but I cannot endure the fulsome cant about 
 religious observance, with a total neglect of the 
 wants of the poor. Ask Fitzosborne the relative 
 numbers of those who assemble at Exeter Hall 
 
FOLLOWERS OF JESUS. 247 
 
 to devise plans for supplying the poor with re- 
 ligious tracts, and with employment ; — at least 
 twenty times as many attend the former meetings : 
 and yet while the country is saturated with 
 tracts, there is insufficient employment. Is not 
 this giving a stone instead of bread ? But with 
 regard to the Sabbath, I will consent to no Bill 
 that does not include strict provisions against its 
 desecration by the rich. To see a noble family 
 professing to be the followers of the humble 
 Jesus, ostentatiously driven to church in splen- 
 did equipages ; attended by servants dressed in 
 flaring liveries; keeping their coachman and 
 many of the servants from Divine service ; after- 
 wards dining extravagantly, when they know that 
 thousands of their countrymen are in rags and 
 starving, — is quite sufficient to determine me to 
 oppose any measure which, under the pretence 
 of^erhaps sincere, but ill-judged — compassion, 
 may add to the already numerous privations of 
 the lower classes. 
 
 Bertrand. — There is one clause in the Bill 
 which appears to be particularly levelled at Owen, 
 as he is the only individual I know of who de- 
 livers lectures, not connected with any particular 
 faith, on a Sunday. It prohibits all meetings for 
 the purpose of hearing lectures. 
 
 Vela. — Is there any objection to the delivery 
 of moral lectures ? 
 
248 SUNDAY MORAL LECTURES. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Certainly, unless connected 
 with Faith, The disciples of Confucius, and the 
 devout Mussulman ; the believers in the incar- 
 nation of Veeshnu ; the Jew, who denies the au- 
 thenticity of the New Testament ; the Sublap- 
 sarians and the Arminians ; the Mystics and 
 Muggletonians, — not to omit the followers of Jo- 
 hanna Southcott, and a thousand sects besides, — 
 are all permitted, as they ought to be permitted, 
 to inculcate moral duties on a Sunday, in con- 
 nexion with their particular creeds ; and their 
 meetings are then considered as part and parcel 
 of the law of the land : but if any parties assem- 
 ble on that day, however peaceably, to examine 
 into the laws of human nature, as developed in 
 past history, or in the discoveries of modern 
 times, — to advocate the principles of equity, and 
 the endless advantages of cultivating benevolent 
 feelings, — and if, unwilling to obtrude their own 
 speculations on controversial subjects, they leave 
 to each the undisturbed enjoyment of his own 
 opinions, — such meetings are to be instantly 
 dispersed. 
 
 Bertrand. — The people of England will never 
 submit to such a restriction ; nor is it right they 
 should. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — These petty and vain at- 
 tempts at intolerance and persecution are not 
 disadvanta2;eous to the cause of truth. 
 
CRICKET-PLAYING ON A SUNDAY. 249 
 
 Bertrand. — In many villages within twenty 
 miles of London the people now play at cricket 
 on a Sunday afternoon, in defiance of remon- 
 strance. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I lately heard of a clergyman 
 in the West of England who actually played at 
 cricket on a Sunday with the working classes 
 among his parishioners, and by that means be- 
 coming more intimately acquainted with them, 
 prevented the use of improper language, preserved 
 harmony, and induced them to go regularly to 
 church. 
 
 Vela. — I cannot see any impropriety in in- 
 structive amusement ; but if the clergyman was 
 to play at cricket with them on other days, he 
 would probably have such influence over his 
 parishioners as to induce them to attend to all 
 their religious duties. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — It would be, however, far dif- 
 ferent to the conduct not only of the clergy, but 
 of all who are raised above the labouring classes, 
 to whom scarcely any sympathy is extended. As 
 for the aristocracy generally, they have little 
 apprehension of the storm that is gathering ; and 
 while they are obstinately tenacious of all their 
 privileges, and unwilling to concede, they are 
 only hastening their own downfall. Conceiving 
 that to yield is to proclaim their fears, and give 
 encouragement to further demands, thev assume 
 
250 THE PEOPLE TO BE CONCILIATED. 
 
 the character of firmness. But, alas ! it is too 
 late: the people know their power, and will use 
 it*. They are to be won only by conciliatory 
 overtures, which they are ever ready to acknow- 
 
 * " 'Tis not the facilitating of production which is liere to 
 blame, but the awkward, ignorant expedients of force and fraud, 
 which capriciously regulate the distribution. The whole of 
 the attention of political economists has been hitherto almost 
 exclusively directed to the more cheap articles of production 
 of wealth, the creation of new masses, particularly in large 
 and glittering heaps. That real socitd science which inquires 
 into the means of wealth and all other materials of happiness, 
 in such a way as to produce the greatest quantity of happiness 
 to all, is but of yesterday's birth. The industrious classes, 
 whose happiness has been hitherto deemed scarce worthy of 
 consideration, as either unattainable, or, if attainable, only at 
 the expense of the happiness of the richer classes, whose voice 
 has never been consulted in regulating their destinies, are now 
 learning their own interests and their importance as rational 
 beings : they will soon speak out ; and thenceforward they 
 alone will regulate human affairs, essentially their affairs. 
 The idle will lose the support of public opinion, and as a class 
 will cease to exist ; industry will be stript of its present de- 
 grading accompaniments of fatigue, filth, and ignorance; in- 
 dustry wiU be rendered attractive by the new accompaniments 
 of neatness, if not elegance, knowledge, pleasing society, 
 security of enjoyment, variety of occupations, and abundant 
 leisure, and wiU be everywhere and for ever held in honour. 
 The present rich, and more particularly the present idle, will 
 be raised in intelligence, virtue, in every species of physical 
 and social enjoyment, by a union with such industrious classes : 
 of no pleasures will they be deprived but those of antipathy and 
 excess, which in their consequences are necessarily attended, 
 even to themselves, as well as to others, with preponderant 
 evils." — Thompson. 
 
FALSE SECURITY. 251 
 
 ledge : — what is extorted from fear, they regard as 
 the right of conquest ; what is given with cheer- 
 fulness, is received with gratitude. And still 
 better would it be if the wants of the people 
 were anticipated by their rulers, and the necessity 
 of petitioning superseded altogether. 
 
 Bertrand. — The aristocracy are lulled into 
 security by the increased splendour of those 
 who, possessing property, are interested in up- 
 holding the established order of society. The 
 metropolis was never so brilliant as in the last 
 season; and the nobility could never persuade 
 themselves, when observing such palpable in- 
 dications of prosperity as the additional number 
 of equipages which successful traders and manu- 
 facturers starting into fashion were bringing to 
 their ranks, that the reports of depressed com- 
 merce could be true, or that there could be much 
 poverty in the land. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — This increasing glare of osten- 
 tation among the few, and the increasing wretch- 
 edness among the many, render the antithesis 
 every year the more striking to the country at 
 large. The injustice of such a state of society 
 arrests the attention of all excepting those hurried 
 on in the vortex of fashion, or engrossed with the 
 anxieties of business or of party. I have how- 
 ever seen sufficient of high life to be convinced 
 that there is less happiness to be found in that 
 
252 THE ARISTOCRACY. 
 
 sphere than in any other class: — the frivolity, 
 the dissipation, the ennui, — and, above all, the 
 insincerity, — produce either a restless and fever- 
 ish, or a cold and vapid existence. Their sym- 
 pathies, contracted to a narrow circle, are im- 
 bittered, even within that circle, by jealousy and 
 envy of each other ; while their exclusiveness 
 militates against every feeling of generous and 
 enlarged humanity. They regard the million as 
 destined to minister to their wants and caprices, 
 and even the dependants admitted to their tables 
 have similar obsequious but more humiliating 
 tasks to perform*. 
 
 Bertrand. — I had hoped for a moral reforma- 
 tion that would have prevented any rebellion; 
 but difficulties accumulate, and the aristocracy 
 
 * " Here too we may see the reason why we are not ashamed 
 of any of the methods of grandeur and high living. There is 
 such a mixture of moral ideas, of benevolence, of abilities kindly 
 employed ; so many dependants supported, so many friends 
 entertained, assisted, protected ; such a capacity imagined for 
 great and amiable actions, that we are never ashamed, but 
 rather boast of such things. We never affect obscurity or 
 concealment, but rather desire that our state and magnificence 
 should be known. Were it not for this conjunction of moral 
 ideas, no mortal could bear the drudgery of state, or abstain 
 from laughing at those who did. Could any man be pleased 
 with a company of statues surrounding his table, so artfully 
 contrived as to consume his various courses, and inspired by 
 some servant, like so many puppets, to give the usual trifling 
 returns in praise of their fare ? Or with so many machines to 
 perform the cringes and whispers of a levee ?" — Hutchesok. 
 
''the parish," by miss martineau. 253 
 are so unconscious of their danger, or, if aware 
 of it, so ignorant of the means of averting it, that 
 I fear it will be impossible to escape a violent 
 convulsion, which may leave us in as bad a con- 
 dition; for who among the stirring spirits of the 
 times have recognised the aggravating causes of 
 the present disorder, or the true principles of 
 society ? 
 
 Lord Hampden.— li the proper remedy were 
 brought forward, it would scarcely be appreciated 
 by the people, for the rural population have not 
 shared much in the advantages of education or 
 of mechanics' institutions; and even in large 
 towns and cities the members of the latter do not 
 consist of porters or labourers, but apprentices, 
 shopmen, and the more skilful artizans. The 
 gin-shops in towns and the beer-shops in villages 
 have contributed to ruin the morals and pervert 
 the understandings of the people, who will there- 
 fore, in any revolution, be led away by the orator 
 who can most successfully appeal to their pre- 
 judices and passions. 
 
 Bertrand.—l trust we are not destined to wit- 
 ness a renewal of the sanguinary scenes of the 
 French revolution. You mention the beer-shops • 
 —have you seen Miss Martineau's Work, entitled 
 ''The Parish," in which the evils of the beer-shop 
 are admirably exposed ? 
 
 Lord Hampden.— I have read it with great 
 
254 THE MOST USEFUL KNOWLEDGE. 
 
 pleasure : it describes in strong but faithful 
 colours the evils arising from the present ad- 
 ministration of the poor laws ; but until Miss 
 Martineau and her patrons of the Useful Know- 
 ledge Society will undertake the advocacy of a 
 better principle than that of competition in the 
 supply of our wants, they will not diffuse the 
 most useful knowledge. We are all conscious of 
 existing error ; and it is surely high time for this 
 distinguished Society to point out the true re- 
 medies. 
 
 Bertrand. — Perhaps they also are ignorant of 
 them. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Then let them expose, as they 
 are bound to do, the fallacy of the system of 
 united interests, which cannot be neglected by 
 the learned under pretence of its obscurity or 
 the inability by which it has been advocated. 
 We will not cease to remind them of Thompson's 
 Work, for many of them belong to the school of 
 Political Economy ; and so long as tliey adhere to 
 the principle of competition as the firmest basis 
 of the social edifice, they will perpetuate and 
 aggravate those evils which they are not back- 
 ward to describe and condemn. 
 
 Bertrand. — They portray these effects forcibly, 
 in the hope that their own remedies, such as a 
 restricted population and free trade, may secure 
 attention : we are at all events indebted to them 
 
THE SINGULAR CONVERT. 255 
 
 for promoting the cause of education and me- 
 chanics' institutions. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Before we separate, I must 
 mention to you a singular convert I made to the 
 improved system of sympathetic education, in a 
 once wealthy but now impoverished baronet. 
 Born to a rich inheritance, he commenced even 
 at College a career of sensual indulgence and 
 profligacy: betting at horse-races and gambling 
 in the metropolis soon stripped him of his entire 
 fortune. He passed rapidly from one excess to 
 another, until his health was undermined by dis- 
 sipation, and he now lives upon the ample settle- 
 ment of his wife, but still rioting in his debauch- 
 eries. It was in a morning drive about the do- 
 main at Chatsworth that he unexpectedly asked 
 me to explain the plan of education which had 
 been the subject of such general conversation. 
 I looked at him earnestly for a moment, to ascer- 
 tain if he was serious in his inquiry. ' ' You 
 seem surprised," said he, " at the transition from 
 pugilism to a subject so dissimilar; but remember 
 I have sons." After an endeavour at some length 
 to prepare his mind for the reception of truths 
 the most opposed to his previous opinions, I 
 proceeded to show, that however we might at 
 present differ as to the objects in which happiness 
 consists, it was possible to create a public opinion 
 so powerful in favour of a virtuous and felicitous 
 
256 EDUCATION PREFERRED TO FORTUNE. 
 
 conduct, that all efficient means for its support 
 would be universally promoted. — While I was 
 proceeding he appeared to have forgotten his 
 children, and by his ejaculations and manner it 
 was obvious that many of my remarks awakened 
 him to a sense of his own aberrations. " Well," 
 said he, " notwithstanding your fine eulogium 
 upon spring water, I have been long accustomed 
 to mv bottle of port; and having formed the 
 habit, it is not easily discarded." "Admitted," 
 I rephed ; "but do you wish your sons to be 
 brought up with the same relish for wine?" 
 Never shall I forget the emphatic manner with 
 which he exclaimed, " By Heavens ! no; if the 
 proposal was made to me at this moment, either 
 to give them each one hundred thousand pounds 
 with such an education as I received, or to send 
 them into the world pennyless, and with sound 
 moral instruction, I should prefer the latter." 
 "If," I replied, " such are your real sentiments, 
 you can no longer doubt the possibility of creating 
 a universal desire for the moral improvement of the 
 rising generation, or the means of eftecting it." 
 " At all events," said the baronet, " I should be 
 most happy to see the experiment." 
 
A VOYAGE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN. 257 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 "Though the light 
 Of truth slow-dawning on the inquiring mind, 
 At length unfolds, through many a subtle tie, 
 How these uncouth disorders end at last 
 In public evil ! yet benignant Heaven, 
 Conscious how dim the dawn of truth ajipears 
 To thousands ; conscious what a scanty pause 
 From labours and from care the wider lot 
 Of humble life affords for studious thought 
 To scan the maze of Nature ; therefore stamp'd 
 The glaring scenes with characters of scorn. 
 As broad, as obvious to the passing cIowti, 
 As to the letter'd sage's curious eye." — Akenside. 
 
 iVJLY health requiring a change of climate, I was 
 advised to try the effect of a voyage to the Medi- 
 terranean, which was no sooner determined on, 
 than, recollecting the numerous interesting ob- 
 jects abounding in that classical region, I specu- 
 lated upon an extensive tour. A friend under- 
 took to superintend the publication of these pages ; 
 and I was preparing for my departure, when a 
 letter from Lord Hampden invited me and Ber- 
 trand to visit him at his country seat, as he 
 wished to communicate his motives for deter- 
 mining upon a course of considerable importance 
 to his future happiness. Lord Ham})den had 
 
 VOL II. s 
 
258 LORD HAMPDEN AND WESTERN MARRIED, 
 
 been married a few montlis, and found in Eliza- 
 beth all that he could wish for : if she did not 
 enter fully into his more extended schemes of 
 reform, she possessed a no less fervent desire to 
 advance the happiness of her fellow-creatures ; 
 and their own neighbourhood soon felt the bene- 
 ficial influence of their presence. 
 
 Lord Hampden and Henry Western were mar- 
 ried to Elizabeth and Mary Bathurst on the same 
 day, at their own village church, notwithstanding 
 some regret mingled with more grateful recollec- 
 tions. Henry resides in that neighbourhood, 
 chiefly that Mary and himself may watch over and 
 improve the Infant School. Elizabeth, with the 
 approbation of Lord Hampden, resigned her share 
 of her father's property to her sister, which ren- 
 ders Mr. and Mrs. Western independent : Henry 
 intends, however, in a short time to receive two 
 or three pupils, to whom he will in part con- 
 sign the superintendence of the Infant School, 
 as an exercise of their better feelings. 
 
 Bertrand experienced so much disappointment 
 in the contemplation of the loss of his friend 
 Vela, who was about to pass over to Paris to meet 
 one of his brothers recently arrived there from 
 Madrid, that he had resolved to accompany him. 
 
 When Bertrand and myself arrived at Lord 
 Hampden's seat, he and his Lady were absent for 
 the day, and we spent our time in the library, 
 
FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES DISAPPROVED. 259 
 
 comparing notes of the progress that was making 
 in a knowledge of the true principles of society ; 
 we agreed that it was tardy and discouraging. 
 Bertrand observed that it was the opinion of some, 
 that it should be permitted to fall into apparent 
 oblivion ; that as the difficulties of the country 
 increased, there would be a greater recipiency 
 for any subject connected with the amelioration 
 of society, and a disposition more favourable to 
 an unprejudiced investigation. It was quite 
 evident that all other expedients presenting the 
 remotest probability of relief, however slight, 
 would be resorted to, before any fundamental 
 changes would be permitted. Such were the 
 deep-rooted prejudices of every sect and party, 
 that the impediments in the way of conviction, 
 except with a very limited number, rendered all 
 our exertions of little avail. 
 
 At the same time there appeared to be among 
 all classes a rapidly increasing conviction of the 
 evils of the existing system, and of its inevitable 
 decUne. All were anticipating the near approach 
 of an important crisis. The injustice of the great 
 inequalities in the condition of mankind, which 
 had for the last century been deplored by poets 
 and philosophers, had now become obvious to 
 the meanest capacities ; and as these were found 
 among the million, who were the most afflicted 
 sufferers, the remedy, it was thought by some 
 
 s 2 
 
260 LORD Hampden's improvement. 
 
 parties, would not be long delayed, if force could 
 effect it. 
 
 We had both observed that a material altera- 
 tion had taken place in our friend since his more 
 intimate friendship with Elizabeth Bathurst, now 
 Lady Hampden ; and although his zeal was not 
 abated, there was much less irritability, and a 
 stricter regard to the philosophy of conduct than 
 formerly. This was particularly manifest in the 
 account he had given of his interview with the 
 Lord Chancellor. 
 
 Lord Hampden did not return until half an 
 hour after we had retired. Soon after breakfast 
 on the following morning he invited us into his 
 library, when the following formed a part of a 
 long conversation. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Since I have taken my seat 
 in the Upper House, I have repeatedly consulted 
 noble Lords of all parties, on the renovation of so- 
 ciety ; but not one has been found willing to adopt 
 my suggestions. Some are alarmed at the idea 
 of introducing poor-laws into Ireland ; — others 
 distinctly avow the opinion that education has 
 been already too much extended : but all exclaim 
 against any measures tending to increase popu- 
 lation. Besides, the opinions which I am known 
 to entertain, operate so powerfully in shutting 
 me out from all attention, that I think I shall 
 be able to effect more good by the resignation of 
 
LORD Hampden's resolution. 261 
 
 my title and honours, and retiring to a private 
 station. 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — Such a step, depend upon it, 
 will tend to prejudice the world still more against 
 the practicability of your plans ; it will imply 
 that you consider it necessary suddenly to revolu- 
 tionize society, and amalgamate all classes, which 
 you have often justly declared to be impossible. 
 Lord Hampden. — But I can prevent such an 
 impression, by an avow^al of the motives that have 
 prompted me in particular to relinquish an ele- 
 vated rank, in consequence of having taken so 
 decided a part in the advocacy of our principles. 
 Fitzoshorne. — I am as little reconciled to it, as 
 to the assumption of a dress more in accordance 
 with nature than that which is generally worn. 
 Even the slight peculiarity of the St. Simonians 
 I should have objected to, although I had partici- 
 pated in most of their opinions. The only ex- 
 ternal distinction in those who declare that they 
 alone are in possession of unalloyed truth, should 
 be found in the superiority of their conduct. 
 
 Bertrand. — I have an aversion to titles, upon 
 Christian grounds ; for however some may pre- 
 tend, by partial quotations from Scripture, that 
 they are authorized, they appear to me so opposed 
 to the w^hole tenour of the Gospel, and to the 
 meekness of its spirit, that this is one of the 
 points in which I coincide with the Society of 
 
262 
 
 THE SCRIPTURES STUDIED. 
 
 Friends : — but I do not suppose that you will be 
 influenced by the authority of rehgion. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — And why, Charles, should 
 you suppose me less disposed to be guided by the 
 authority of truth than yourself? Although I can- 
 not acquiesce so readily in some of the doctrines, 
 — am I to be supposed as yielding a less willing 
 assent to all that has been confirmed by expe- 
 rience ? Who has paid a deeper reverence to the 
 character of Jesus Christ, than myself? or en- 
 deavoured more earnestly, though many have 
 more successfully, to be guided by his precepts 
 and example in the propagation of truth ? 
 
 Bertrand. — BeUeve me, my friend, I did not 
 mean to impeach your sincerity ; but we have 
 met so rarely of late years, that I was not aware 
 that you consulted the best of all books. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Some months before our 
 marriage, my wife prevailed upon me to read 
 the Scriptures regularly ; and the practice has 
 been continued since we were united. I cannot 
 say that my opinions are changed ; but I hold that 
 volume in much higher estimation, for the nume- 
 rous inestimable passages in which charity, self- 
 examination, and pity for the wanderings of others 
 are enforced ; and I think I may add, that, in con- 
 sequence of my directing the attention of Lady 
 Hampden to other parts of the volume, her views 
 of religion have become less exclusive, and that 
 
RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY. 263 
 
 she has regarded Dissenters with more indul- 
 gence ; — indeed, I think much good has been de- 
 rived by both. 
 
 Bertrand. — Persevere, my dear friend, in the pe- 
 rusal: I heartily congratulate you on this change. 
 Lord Hampden. — What change ? I hope I shall 
 be at all times ready to yield assent upon convic- 
 tion, and not to be steadfast in anything but a de- 
 sire for truth and improvement. If you wish me to 
 be fixed in opinions which are beyond our Hmited 
 faculties to establish, I think — nay, I am firmly 
 convinced, that such steadfastness is the greatest 
 evil in the world, and the sole cause of all un- 
 charitableness. But of what part of my conduct 
 do you disapprove, that you earnestly wish me to 
 study the Scriptures ? Lady Hampden and my- 
 self perfectly understand each other : I find in the 
 New Testament those examples and that spirit 
 which I hope one day to see general throughout 
 society; and while she superadds to the con- 
 sciousness that it contains the only means of 
 happiness, the sentiment of obedience to the 
 written word of God, I am strengthened in my 
 conviction of its moral truths, by their consis- 
 tency with the laws of our nature. 
 
 Bertrand.~You would feel a deeper interest if 
 you also could have Lady Hampden's additional 
 confidence. 
 
 Lord Hampden.— Are you not satisfied with 
 the truths in astronomy, and with mathematical 
 
264 SCIENCE NEEDS NO PECULIAR REVELATION. 
 
 demonstrations, without any confirmation from 
 a special divine revelation ? 
 
 Bertrand. — You must not be surprised if I am 
 anxious to prevent the spread of infideUty. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — And when have I contributed 
 to the spread of infidelity ? Indeed, Charles, it is 
 rather inconsiderate in you, to bring such charges 
 against those whose faith is not so firm or so 
 copious as your own : it is you who raise the 
 cry, and call up scepticism in the minds of others. 
 If I cannot satisfy my doubts and yet am silent, 
 of what can you complain ? There are thousands, 
 if not millions, in my painful situation, or perhaps 
 in worse, compelled to play the hypocrite, or 
 starve their families. 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — Those are the infidels who, dis- 
 believing the sufficiency of moral science when 
 diligently studied, abandon the path of inductive 
 philosophy, for the speculations and traditions of 
 the darker ages. Not a single disabihty on ac- 
 count of opinion should remain a day longer a 
 disgrace on the Statute Book. But I must join 
 ray complaints, Charles, to those of our friend, 
 in regard to your perpetual recurrence to this 
 subject. If either of us were accustomed to 
 ridicule or disturb the opinions of others, or 
 obtrude upon them our own doubts and specula- 
 tions, the case would be different ; and perha])s 
 we are remiss in Ihe discharge of our duty, in 
 preserving silence. Be that as it may, you are 
 
THE AIDS TO POPULAR RELIGION. 265 
 
 the disturber of the peace, as well as all those 
 who are not content to go to heaven their own 
 way, but must interfere with those who are 
 quietly pursuing the path which their consciences 
 dictate. 
 
 Bertrand. ^Surely it is natural for me to wish 
 to correct the errors of my friends, especially of 
 those for whom I have great regard, and in a 
 matter of such deep importance ! 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — It is a very natural desire ; — but 
 is it not equally natural for us to be as anxious 
 to disabuse others of the pernicious doctrines in 
 which they have been educated ? are we less 
 ardent for the welfare of others ? And yet see the 
 condition in which those are placed who take a 
 single step in developing a truth at variance with 
 popular opinions : no term is deemed too re- 
 proachful ; they are denounced as heretics and 
 infidels, banished from private society, and held 
 up to public odium. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Besides, Bertrand, when you 
 look to the prodigious labours of the Bible and 
 Tract Societies ; the thousands of ministers whose 
 interest it is to uphold religious faith ; the enor- 
 mous wealth and power of the Church, armed 
 with ecclesiastical and civil authority ; the influ- 
 ence they maintain over the minds of the rising 
 generation, deciding among their parishioners 
 what books they should read, and what avoid ; 
 
266 RICHES AND POWER OF THE CHURCH. 
 
 — when at Exeter Hall, in the month of May, 
 you hear of the vast exertions made in this country 
 and all parts of the world ; when you behold the 
 ardent zeal manifested in the eloquent and im- 
 passioned speeches delivered ; when you read 
 the reports of ladies visiting poor cottagers, "in- 
 stant in season and out of season" ; when every 
 year these accounts are increasing, — it does not 
 argue much for your confidence in the force of 
 truth, that with all this powerful artillery you 
 should dread even the silence of the sceptic. 
 
 Bertrand. — When men, distinguished for their 
 intelligence and perhaps for superior morals, 
 withhold their sanction to the established ordi- 
 nances, do they not set a dangerous example of 
 indifference ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — But what are they to do? 
 would you have them play the hypocrite ? You 
 object to their silence, but still more to the avowal 
 of their doubts. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — No one can object more than 
 myself to a want of courtesy and deference to 
 the opinions of others ; but most decidedly do 
 I object to the infliction of punishment for such 
 conduct. 
 
 Bertrand. — Would you expose an ignorant 
 populace to the designs of blasphemers who em- 
 ploy only ribaldry and ridicule '? 
 
 Fitzosborne. — There should be no ignorant 
 
PRIVATE AND USEFUL PURSUITS. 267 
 
 populace : an improved education is the best, the 
 only antidote to error : make the people intel- 
 ligent, and ribaldry will lose its effect. — But to 
 return to the subject of the relinquishment of 
 your title. Lord Hampden, — for I hope I may 
 still address you so, — I am sure you will retain 
 more influence in an elevated station than in 
 retirement. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — My resolution has been de- 
 liberately formed. In promoting schools, in 
 writing, gardening, and in aiding useful institu- 
 tions in the country, I find sufficient excitement, 
 without the violence of party feeling I am obliged 
 to encounter in the metropolis. Here my health 
 is better, and my disposition more tranquil. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — What would be the effect of a 
 bold advocacy of a new order of society in the 
 House of Lords ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Derision and scorn: in short, 
 there is scarcely one idea regarding improvement 
 that I hold in common with them. But I am de- 
 termined, when I take leave of the House, to de- 
 clare those measures that appear to be absolutely 
 necessary for the preservation of peace and the 
 rapid improvement of all classes. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — I hope you will be temperate in 
 the choice of your epithets, although I know you 
 will feel strongly. What think you of the Re- 
 formed Parliament ? 
 
268 COLONEL TORRENS. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — It promises but little at pre- 
 sent; and although the opinion out of doors is 
 correct as to the real cause of our ditiiculties, it 
 has no sanction in the House. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — We shall soon be in the same 
 condition as in Ireland ; and I begin to think 
 that confusion and anarchy will precede the 
 adoption of a better system, so unwilling are all 
 |)arties to undergo the labour of much thinking. 
 — At the party where you met some of the poli- 
 tical oeconomists, was Colonel Torrens present ? 
 
 Bertrand. — He was not : but I observe from 
 his speech on the opening of the Reformed Par- 
 liament, that he has no plan of relief, except 
 emigration to Canada. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — Quite a Malthusian. I should 
 like to ask him if not only Ireland, but England, 
 Scotland, and all Europe, are to seek the same 
 mode of relief. He took a rapid review of all the 
 remedies, and very superciliously dismissed them: 
 he even condemned the attempt to shorten the 
 hours of labour among the factory children, as in- 
 consistent with his notions of political oeconomy. 
 
 Bertrand. — But, if I recollect, he stated reasons 
 why it would not diminish distress, as the manu- 
 facturer could not raise the price of his article, 
 on account of the superabundant supply ; or lower 
 wages, because they were already reduced to the 
 starving point. The only method that remained 
 
POLITICAL CECONOMISt's VOCABULARY. 2G9 
 
 was, according to his opinion, for Parliament to 
 take measures to diminish the cost of production 
 hy reducing the taxes, and by the introduction of 
 cheap food. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — But how could those measures 
 prevent the competition which now compels 
 every manufacturer to diminish the cost of his 
 article in every possible way ? Wages will still 
 sink to the starving point ; and if any attempted 
 to give more, they would be undersold. 
 
 Bertrand. — Colonel Torrens would have added 
 to the confusion of ideas among the party. Vela, 
 who accompanied me there incog., was perfectly 
 astonished at the discussion ; and as we came 
 away said, that many of the terms he had heard 
 so frequently repeated were new to him in such in- 
 quiries , — over-population — currency — soil s of the 
 first and second quality — free trade — supply and 
 demand — measures of value — theory of profits — 
 national debt, &c. "But what," he added, "sur- 
 prised me most was, that men of such acquire- 
 ments could suppose that the desire of knowledge, 
 a superior education, and the force of habit, would 
 not collectively furnish a stronger stimulus to 
 beneficial activity than the love of gain." And 
 certainly if they had been brought up exclusively 
 as traders, it would not have been surprising. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Or if the Rev. Mr. Malthus, 
 instead of being educated for the Church, — and 
 
270 ERRORS OF THE LEARNED. 
 
 then abandoning the patli of piety in order to plan 
 alarming tables of redundant population, and com- 
 posing huge unintelligible volumes on political 
 ceconomy, — had been born a Canadian hunter, 
 who after providing for his bodily wants slothful ly 
 reposed until the calls of nature summoned him 
 again to the chase ; — if Mr. M'Culloch, instead 
 of harassing a weary audience with confused 
 speculations which he is puzzled to explain, had 
 been a Highland shepherd, tending his tiock, 
 wearing the tartan and bonnet, and reclining on 
 the bosom of one of his native mountains ; — if 
 these had been their occupations — and happy in- 
 deed for mankind had such destiny been theirs ! — 
 we should have understood why indolence would 
 seem to them the greatest of all luxuries : but 
 that men enjoying intellectual pursuits should 
 be unconscious of higher motives to exertion and 
 enterprise, is beyond all comprehension. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — So you intend. Lord Hampden, 
 to occupy yourself in the humble task of allevi- 
 ating the ills of society, rather than in endeavour- 
 ing to remove their causes ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Certainly not. I perceive no 
 chance of moving the House of Lords, and there- 
 fore I purpose setting them an example of a course 
 which I conceive it is their direct and obvious 
 interest to follow. Are we not agreed as to the 
 present and future impossibiUty, under the exist- 
 
NO SUDDEN CHANGES BENEFICIAL. 271 
 
 ing system, for labour and every species of em- 
 ployment, save and except peculiar skill and rare 
 talent, to be adequately rewarded* ? 
 
 Fitzosborne. — We have long since come to that 
 conclusion. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Are we not also agreed, that 
 a new and consistent order of society must arise? 
 that all violent and sanguinary revolutions fail in 
 accomplishing their objects? that even a sudden 
 moral revolution is impracticable, because of the 
 prejudices of society and the variety of contracted 
 habits rendering any sudden beneficial change 
 impossible and hopeless ? 
 
 Fitzosborne. — We concur in all this. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — My object then is, to prepare 
 
 * "All subsistence and all accumulation derived either from 
 rents, or the more insidious and indirect means of annuities, 
 profits, professions, service, or from taxation, direct or indirect, 
 or indeed by any means except that oi productive labour, are vir- 
 tually derived from the products of labour; consequently all 
 accumulation resolves itself not into any accession of national 
 wealth, but into an abstraction from the fair and just reward 
 due to the labour and skill applied in production, at the sacri- 
 fice of privation of consumption. 
 
 "On a full and fair analysis and investigation of the effects 
 of accumulation, it will be seen that its tendency is to produce 
 a converging ascendancy and influence, in a ratio correspond- 
 ing with its aggregate increase ; and that the consequence in- 
 se])arable from such ascendancy and influence is a progressive 
 divergence of privation, distress, and misery, in a ratio inversely 
 as the ascendancy and influence converges." — Statistical Illus- 
 trations. 
 
272 IMMEDIATE PRACTICABLE MEASURES. 
 
 the minds of men lor tlie change, by means of 
 education ; and to allay the present discontent, 
 by giving to labourers portions of land. This 
 mansion is of great extent, and I intend to devote 
 it to a school for the children of the aristocracy. 
 
 Bertrand. — You can scarcely expect the aristo- 
 cracy to permit their children to be sent to a school 
 under your auspices, after the bold avowal of 
 your sentiments, political as well as religious. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — There are many among them 
 liberal in their opinions; and the superior cha- 
 racter and the happiness of the boys educated 
 herewill soon attract them: besides, arrangements 
 shall be made for each to receive religious instruc- 
 tion, in conformity with the wishes of their 
 parents, of whatever sect they may be. 
 
 Bertrand. — They will all, wdiether AVliig or 
 Tory, desire their children to be prepared for 
 some profession. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — In that they will certainly not 
 be accommodated. The Society of Friends have 
 neither clergy, lawyers, nor soldiers; much less 
 will a generation educated in a manner superior 
 to the systems of that society require them ; each 
 will be a law unto himself, civil and religious ; and 
 as, when all are properly educated there will 
 be none to make them afraid, they will need 
 no defence from internal commotion ; foreign 
 countries must speedily follow in our track of 
 
A PLAN FOR THE ARISTOCRACY. 273 
 
 improvement, and be equally indisposed to vio- 
 lence. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — You certainly have great capa- 
 bility in this noble mansion: But do you intend 
 to reside here ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — We shall occupy that small 
 house upon the hill, built in the Gothic style: it 
 is about a mile distant, and commands a beautiful 
 prospect both on this and on the other side of the 
 hill; it overlooks entirely the park and grounds. 
 This plan will relieve us of the care, trouble and 
 responsibility for the moral character of so many 
 servants. We purpose retaining three or four 
 rooms in one of the wings. 
 
 Bertrand. — I hope the educators will adopt the 
 system of education you recommended to the 
 Lord Chancellor ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — One much more complete. 
 The right wing of the house will be devoted to 
 an infant boarding school, and to the reception of 
 children as soon as they can walk, and perhaps 
 earlier. Boys and girls, under an unremitting 
 moral superintendence, shall be educated together 
 without any distinction : they shall themselves de- 
 vote much attention to the conduct of the younger 
 children, and become the chief directors of large 
 parochial and infant schools for the poor in our 
 own neighbourhood. They shall also, accom- 
 panied by experienced persons, be particularly 
 
 VOL. II. T 
 
274 EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT. 
 
 attentive to the poor themselves, suggesting im^ 
 provements in their gardens and cottages, aiding 
 them in want and sickness ; so that while they 
 are thus advancing in moral education, they will 
 ameUorate the condition of society. 
 
 Fitzosbonie. — I think your plan is excellent, 
 and I hope it will be followed : it would be neces- 
 sary for a few only of the nobility to imitate it ; and 
 several of them have seats entirely unoccupied. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — There is no safety for them 
 but in this course. A partially enlightened and 
 starving people will never be contented. In 
 employment for adults and improved education 
 for children, are all my hopes of prosperity cen- 
 tered. These are the only practical measures 
 that can now be adopted, or that can lead to any 
 ultimate good. 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — You intend giving allotments to 
 the poor? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Certainly : but whether I shall 
 give separate allotments, or attempt to induce 
 them to cultivate the whole for their joint be- 
 nefit, I have not yet fully determined. Perhaps 
 the former plan will be adopted : but at all events 
 the children shall be so educated that when they 
 arrive at the age of puberty they will prefer a 
 system of united interests. 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — At your interview with the Lord 
 Chancellor I think you suggested the endowment 
 
MORAL PHILOSOPHY. 275 
 
 of a professorship of moral philosophy ; — did you 
 mention the name of any individual as compe- 
 tent to fill the chair ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I spoke of the subject gene- 
 rally. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — The utility of such an endow- 
 ment must depend entirely upon the competency 
 of the individual appointed to the professorship. 
 
 Bertrand. — Its greatest utility would be pro- 
 moted by the appointment of a Utilitarian. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — We will pardon the pun, Charles, 
 if you will give us a principle upon which to build 
 up the science of morals. 
 
 Bertrand. — What better principle can you have 
 than that found in the New Testament? 
 
 Fitzosborne. — It matters not in what work it 
 may be found, provided it is throughout consist- 
 ent with the works of nature ; for this is the only 
 infallible criterion of truth in all the sciences. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I have often heard you speak 
 in terms of admiration of Dugald Stewart ; — 
 would you have a professor following in his foot- 
 steps ? 
 
 Fitzosborne. — Dugald Stewart did not pretend 
 to establish any new principles in moral philo- 
 sophy; but his writings abound in sanguine anti- 
 cipations of the great good that would be effected 
 in these inquiries, when guided by the inductive 
 philosophy of Lord Bacon. 
 
 t2 
 
27G BROWN, REID, STEWART, AND PALEY. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Will Brown, or Reid, assist 
 you ? 
 
 Fitzosborne. — Brown, the predecessor of Stew- 
 art, refuted some of the errors of preceding 
 writers, and assisted greatly to promote freedom 
 of investigation. Reid also successfully com- 
 hated the speculations of others : but neither of 
 these writers undertook to propound a complete 
 system of morals. 
 
 Bertrand. — You cannot say that of Paley. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — No, Charles ; and you, I appre- 
 hend, are not very proud of his performance. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — We must acknowledge our- 
 'selves indebted to him, in his analogy of the pi- 
 geons, for a faithful picture of the present system 
 of injustice*. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — And then, assuming the neces- 
 sity of its continuance, he wrote a manual of good 
 
 * "If you should see a flock of pigeons in a field of corn, 
 and if (instead of each picking where, and what it liked, taking 
 just as much as he wanted and no more,) you should see ninety- 
 nine of them gathering all they got, into a heap ; reserving 
 nothing for themselves but the chaff and the refuse ; keeping 
 this heap for one, and that the weakest of the flock ; sitting 
 round, and looking on, all the winter, whilst this one was de- 
 vouring, throwing about, and wasting it ; and if a pigeon more 
 hardy or hungry than the rest, touched a grain of the hoard, 
 all the others instantly flying upon it, and tearing it to pieces ; 
 — if you should see this, you would see notlung more than what 
 is every day practised and established among men. Among 
 men, you see the ninety and nine toiling and scraping to- 
 
PALEY, ON THE DUTY OF PARENTS. 277 
 
 manners for those who Uve under it. Because 
 the institution of private property in land con- 
 tributed to its original cultivation, does it follow 
 that mankind collectively could not now be in- 
 duced, by superior training and intelUgence, to 
 share employment and its fruits, upon principles 
 of equity and justice ? Besides, the land would 
 still belong to particular communities. It is the 
 unnatural and exclusive monopoly of so much 
 by individuals, that now causes the misery of 
 society. 
 
 Bertrand. — There is a striking argument in 
 favour of united interests, in Dr. Paley's Moral 
 Philosophy, although he confines it to family in- 
 terests. It is surprising that he did not recog- 
 nise the possibility of its application to more 
 extended combinations. It occurs in the chapter 
 on the Duty of Parents: — he says, "And indeed it 
 cannot be denied that it is in the power of asso- 
 
 gether a heap of superfluities for one, (and this one, too, 
 oftentimes the feeblest and the worst of the whole set, — a child, 
 a woman, a madman, or a fool) ; getting nothing for themselves 
 all the while, but a little of the coarsest of the provision which 
 their own industry produces ; looking quietly on, while they 
 see the fruits of all their labour spent or spoiled ; and if one 
 of the number take or touch a particle of the hoard, the others 
 joining against him, and hanging him for the theft." Paley's 
 Moral Philosophy. Dr. Paley must have had great confidence 
 in his abiUty to justify this inequality, or he would have been 
 less bold in his description. 
 
2/H ADAM SMITH AND HUME. 
 
 elation so to unite our children's interest with 
 our own, as that wt shall often pursue both from 
 the same motive, place both in the same object, 
 and with as little sense of duty in one pursuit 
 as in the other." The same principle w^ould 
 obtain in a community of five hundred families 
 brought up as one family. 
 
 Fitzosbonie. — But Paley is conventional : he 
 may suit Oxford and Cambridge and other col- 
 leges of expediency ; but his system is not built 
 upon universal principles, and cannot therefore 
 be considered as the science of moral philosophy. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — What say you to Adam 
 Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments ? 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — Smith, in the same manner as 
 Hume, took a survey of the passions, and their 
 influence upon happiness : both discussed the 
 systems of others with various success, and con- 
 sidered the science of moral philosophy as in- 
 complete. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — But Smith begins with your 
 favourite principle of Sympathy. 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — He does so; but then he regards 
 it only as one among many of the sources of 
 happiness ; and not as capable of being made a 
 master principle, ruling the passions and desires 
 of mankind. Were I to be so daring as to at- 
 tempt to construct a system, I should endeavour 
 to find some principle of universal influence upon 
 
bentham's principle of utility. 279 
 
 which all others, in conformity with it, could be 
 ingrafted. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Was not this done by Jeremy 
 Bentham, when he set up the principle of Utility ? 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — That principle was previously 
 adopted by Hume. But it appears to me to be no 
 more suitable as a basis, than Justice, and many 
 other virtues ; for to be just, is to do all we can 
 for the benefit of all : but still the question re- 
 mains, What is just, and what useful ? Whereas 
 to adopt the principle of Sympathy, or universal 
 benevolence, you have not only as good a test 
 by which to estimate the value of actions, but a 
 direct appeal to the best feelings, which are at 
 once called into exercise to the benefit, immediate 
 and remote, of the individual as well as of the 
 community. Sympathy, intelligent sympathy, 
 is accompanied with pleasure, — antipathy, with 
 pain ; the one is therefore good, the other evil. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Some of our opponents will 
 tell us, that we must indulge antipathy to the bad, 
 whether in intention or in deed: this, however, is 
 at variance with the philosophy which maintains 
 that the thoughts and feelings are not under the 
 controul of the individual. 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — Hence this knowledge increases 
 our compassion for the individual ; and a convic- 
 tion of the power of benevolence to overcome evil 
 with good, will tend to its greater activity. These 
 
280 ENLIGHTENED SYMPATHY. 
 
 truths will be found in accordance with the prin- 
 ciple I have laid down, and will therefore not 
 impede, but, by removing obstructions, facihtate 
 the growth and extension of sympathy. Most 
 of the systems of religion, regarding the indivi- 
 dual as responsible for his thoughts and actions, 
 encourage antipathy and punishment, and there- 
 by frustrate the free circulation of that love which 
 they enjoin, and which will one day reign tri- 
 umphant. Sympathy is to the moral, what the 
 sun is to the material, world ; and as the planets 
 revolve round the latter in their respective orbits, 
 so does enlightened sympathy controul the pas- 
 sions and appetites within due bounds, and render 
 them tributary to the happiness of the individual 
 and to the harmony of society. 
 
 Bertrand. — You may compare it to the mor- 
 dant in chemistry, so far as it can unite hetero- 
 geneous qualities. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — There is no principle in nature 
 that will bear any comparison with it in powerful 
 agency. Nothing in human society can be accom- 
 plished — nay, society itself, properly so called, 
 cannot exist, without it ; scarcely any obstacles 
 are insurmountable with it. " 'T is the divinity 
 that stirs within us." But, oh ! what incredible 
 pains have been taken to repress its growth and 
 to stifle its expression ! All, however, is in vain; 
 it maintains a constant struggle for freedom, 
 
THE TRUE PRINCIPLE OF MORALS. 281 
 
 though when it makes itself heard, it is too often 
 as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness." 
 
 Lord Hampden. — A truce with this rhapsody, 
 Fitzoshorne : I thought you were about to ex- 
 plain your principle in the sober strain of philo- 
 sophy. 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — I know not what further ex- 
 planation to offer : it seems to be a truth ap- 
 plicable to all times and places ; the first to be 
 applied in the rearing of children, and susceptible 
 of daily improvement ; the conservator of all that 
 is good, and the certain reformation of all that is 
 bad, — a principle never to be lost sight of. If I 
 am asked for a proof, I refer each individual to 
 the history of his own life, and to his hourly ex- 
 perience. 
 
 Bertrand. — Do we not lose sight of it when we 
 employ satire to correct the abuses of society ? 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — We do so; and I think it will be 
 right to lay aside such weapons in future ; they 
 belong solely to antipathy. — But to return to 
 children. When they shall be trained by com- 
 petent individuals, the most sedulous care will 
 guard them even from a look that may tend to 
 weaken their affections, or give them a wrong 
 direction. They will become so famiUarized and 
 habituated to the pleasures of sympathy, that all 
 their intellectual acquirements will be consecrated 
 to its preservation. It will become the most 
 
282 MORAL SCIENCE UNCONNECTED 
 
 craving of their desires, and will gain such an 
 ascendancy in manhood, that no means will be 
 neglected that can strengthen or gratify it, while 
 any portion of the globe is uninstructed in con- 
 formity with their own advancement. Great as 
 have been the efforts of Bible, Tract, and Mis- 
 sionary Societies, they will have been as nothing 
 compared with the energies of men who know 
 that the infallible truths of science they are pro- 
 pagating must be eternal ; that they will be 
 sowing seed that cannot fall on barren ground, 
 since in every mind there will be a recipiency 
 for obvious truth administered by kindness. 
 They will soon discover this sympathy to be the 
 "pearl of great price," and will esteem it of 
 "more value than life itself." 
 
 Lord Hampden. — More rhapsody ! This will 
 not do for a lecture on moral philosophy. 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — I shall not pretend to lecture on 
 such a subject : But tell me, have I not fixed upon 
 the fundamental principle ? 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I begin to think you have : 
 is it your own discovery ? 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — Certainly not: as an important 
 truth in Christian philosophy, I have seldom 
 found it better illustrated than in Pestalozzi's 
 "Letters to Greave. " Thompson, in his elaborate 
 work " The Distribution of Wealth," as well as in 
 his Practical Directions for " Cooperative Com- 
 
WITH DOCTRINES. 283 
 
 munities," dwells on the pleasures of sympathy, 
 without sufficiently appreciating the extraordinary 
 power which it is capable of acquiring. This 
 power is set forth in its greatest plenitude both 
 in the Old and New Testaments. 
 
 Bertrand. — Hear, hear ! 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — But you must allow me to dis- 
 engage it from passages not in unison with 
 it, and which cannot be combined in framing a 
 system throughout consistent; — this will be abso- 
 lutely necessary ere it can rank as a principle of 
 science*. There are some, for instance, who al- 
 though recognising the power of sympathy, are 
 still advocates of occasional punishment, because 
 Jesus made a scourge of small cords, drove the 
 money-changers out of the temple, and overthrew 
 the tables ; and because Solomon had said, " he 
 that spareth the rod hateth his son." If therefore 
 I am to combine any religion with the science of 
 moral philosophy, it must not contain a single 
 example or precept that is not in strict accord- 
 ance with the laws of nature and of justice, or 
 that shall not appeal to the affections. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Fitzoshorne, you are right. 
 
 * " I was wondering, said I, whence it should happen, that in 
 a discourse of such a nature you should say so little of Religion, 
 of Providence, and a Deity. I have not, repUed he, omitted 
 them because not intimately united to morals, but because 
 whatever we treat accurately, should be treated separately and 
 apart." — Harris, Dialogue concerning Happiness. 
 
284 
 
 GOD IS LOVE 
 
 It is impossible to tidiiiit any proposition or re- 
 corded fact, that does not conl'orm with, or illus- 
 trate your science. What should we say of a 
 system of astronomy that was framed in careful 
 accordance with the Mosaic account of the Crea- 
 tion, and rejected the most palpable truths at 
 variance with that account '? Would not the pro- 
 gress of discovery be checked ? 
 
 Fitzosborne. — Besides if the denomination of 
 any religion was connected with the science, all 
 other sects would refuse to examine it; the Jew, 
 the Mahometan, and the Hindoo, would reject a 
 system of morality on that very account : ' ' Can 
 any good come out of Nazareth?" would be 
 the exclamation of all religionists except Chris- 
 tians. 
 
 Bertrand. — Had you both been present in a 
 visit that Vela and mysell' paid to a poor widow 
 in the manufacturing districts, and witnessed the 
 consolation she derived under the pressure of 
 misfortune and accumulated suftering, from her 
 reliance upon an all-seeing and heavenly Father, 
 you would hesitate before you uttered a syllable 
 that could disturb that confidence. 
 
 Fltzoahorne . — Now, Bertrand, let us examine 
 this subject more closely. Do you not consider 
 this Heavenly Father to be an all-pervading 
 Spirit? 
 
 Bciirand. — Certainlv. 
 
THE SOURCE OF HAPPINESS. 285 
 
 Fitzosborne. — And are you not told that '' God 
 is love." 
 
 Bertrand. — Undoubtedly. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — Now suppose this afflicted widow 
 had been trained from childhood in the constant 
 exercise of sympathy. Experience from year to 
 year, nay from day to day, would have convinced 
 her that it was the only source of happiness ; de- 
 lightful emotions would have accompanied every 
 feeling and its consequent action, and her enjoy- 
 ments would have been heightened by her reflected 
 sympathy from all within the sphere of her ac- 
 quaintance. When misfortune befell her, this su- 
 perintending providence would have become vi- 
 sible in the strong solicitude of her friends ; and 
 she would have recollected that to indulge in im- 
 moderate grief was selfishness, of no use to the 
 dead, and an injustice to the living: she would 
 have aroused herself, and, turning her loss to good 
 account, considered her duties, and the numbers 
 in a worse condition ; her well-known source of 
 comfort would be ready ; she would have gone to 
 her neighbours to assist them in improving their 
 children, or, had she required it, would have been 
 assisted by them. 
 
 Bertrand. — And^can there exist any objection 
 to giving this principle of love, the sanction of 
 divine revelation? 
 
 Fitzosborne. — If an angel from heaven were to 
 
28G ERROR MIXED WITH TRUTH. 
 
 inform you of the peculiar properties of an alkali 
 or an acid, should you be more convinced than 
 at present of their efficacy ? Do any of the laws 
 of nature require supernatural confirmation ? 
 Suppose you had a traditionary account of the 
 science of chemistry, in which, among many 
 striking truths, there were mingled glaring and 
 contradictory assertions, and this traditionary ac- 
 count, liable to misinterpretation in ages of igno- 
 rance, was taken in every respect as an infallible 
 guide, — would it be possible for the science of 
 chemistry to advance ? 
 
 Bertrand. — I should think not. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — Behold, then, the cause of the 
 science of morals being so clogged and impeded 
 in its course by the admixture of error with truth*. 
 Wliy, some of the important truths in Christianity 
 are scarcely any more influential in ameliorating 
 
 * " The rose pleases from its colours, its form, and its 
 fragrance. It asks no aid from association to render it lovely 
 and beloved. We wish, however, to make the couch-grass or 
 the dock-leaf equally agreeable to a child : we therefore pre- 
 sent the two to it always together; and either by the continued 
 assertion of some falsehood respecting some imputed virtue of 
 the weed, as of its poAver to cure disease or to influence future 
 events, or the practical falsehood of always connecting the 
 stems of the flower and the weed neatly joined together, and 
 feeling ourselves — (if under the influence of the same early 
 association,) or if not, aflfecting to feel — an equal delight in the 
 flower and the weed, we imbue the child's mind with an asso- 
 ciated love of what is pernicious." — Thompson, Practical 
 Directions. 
 
THE RELIGIOUS WIDOW. 287 
 
 the condition of society now, than in centuries 
 past. How often have you complained of the con- 
 troversies and bickerings, even in your rehgious 
 Societies, upon doctrinal points ! 
 
 Bertrand. — But to return to the poor widow: 
 You cannot deny that she derives consolation 
 from the hope of an hereafter, where recompence 
 will be made for all her sufferings ? 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — What is the conduct of those 
 in affliction, who have been trained without a 
 knowledge of the power of sympathy? They find 
 themselves abandoned by all the world, their 
 days and nights are spent in reading the Bible, 
 and looking forward to a future state of existence. 
 Thus time is consumed, and the community de- 
 prived of the aid perhaps of two of its members 
 instead of one; and the individual too often vainly 
 seeks in seclusion and in a vague and abstract 
 idea, that comfort which could be with certainty 
 realized in the midst of society. When this holy 
 spirit — for in its super-eminent power to confer 
 happiness, it is truly holy — shall be rightly under- 
 stood, it will be seen, that without the individual 
 and collective exertion of mankind, it can have 
 no palpable and beneficial existence of any great 
 extent : but with this general and determined 
 effort to sustain it, the present, as well as the 
 future, condition of the human race will be im- 
 proved, and the immortality of this great moral 
 
288 RUDIMENTS OF MORAL SCIENCE. 
 
 truth be brouglit fully to light. Nature has an- 
 nexed to the exercise of feelings, and to the per- 
 formance of actions, of the greatest utility, the 
 most exquisite happiness, immediate as well as 
 permanent ; least of all, therefore, do these re- 
 quire any adventitious aid. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — You may say with Marcus 
 Aurelius, that " every benefit granted to man, is 
 an act of worship to the Deity." 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — Provided the benefit is bestowed 
 with feelings of benevolence. 
 
 Bertrand. — ^True ; for ' ' God is a spirit ; and 
 they that worship him must worship him in spirit 
 and in truth." 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — And I say, in the language of the 
 verseprecedingyour quotation," The hourcometh, 
 and now is, when the true worshipers shall wor- 
 ship the Father in spirit and in truth." 
 
 Lord Hampden. — Charles, do not interrupt him 
 with Scriptural quotations ; if anything is uttered 
 that is not true in nature, we must contest the 
 point. But say, Fitzoshorne, in what way would 
 you begin to teach the rudiments of this science, 
 so that those who run might read? so that it would 
 be impossible for any one, who properly attended 
 to it, not to understand it ? 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — I should endeavour to make the 
 pupil comprehend the relation which man bore to 
 all the things upon the planet he inhabits. The 
 
THE BOND OF UNION. 289 
 
 mutual dependence of the vegetable and animal 
 kingdoms ; the peculiarities that distinguish his 
 species from the rest of the animal creation ; the 
 helpless state of man in infancy ; the long period 
 required for his growth and maturity. His conse- 
 quent greater dependence upon others for assist- 
 ance would thus be rendered familiar to him,— 
 Hence the more urgent necessity for sympathy, 
 to quicken that assistance. I would proceed to 
 show the advantages of union, in defence against 
 other animals ; in mutual support ; in developing 
 the faculties ; in the interchange of kind offices ; 
 in strengthening the affections ; in intellectual im- 
 provement ; in all pursuits, whether of utility or 
 mere pleasure ; — that there was scarcely anything 
 to be accomplished without union, and that there 
 could be no enduring union without sympathy. I 
 would lead them to perceive that all were differ- 
 ently organized, some having greater advantages 
 than others ; — that unless the weak in intellect or 
 in bodily constitution were assisted by those of 
 capacious mind and of corporeal strength, they 
 would become a burden upon society. 
 
 Bertrand. — " Inasmuch as you have done it 
 unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye 
 have done it unto me." 
 
 Fitzosborne. — I would strive to make them un- 
 derstand that the command which man has ob- 
 tained over the elements can be wielded with the 
 
 VOL. II. u 
 
290 SYMPATHY TO BE UNIVERSAL. 
 
 greatest advantage only by united exertion ; and 
 to convince them of the power of sympathy in 
 strengthening union, they should be referred to 
 their own most intimate friendships, and to their 
 family endearments. Having familiarized their 
 minds to the contemplation of its effects in family 
 and friendly associations as well as in those of 
 communities, I would direct their views to other 
 countries, and enable them to distinguish the in- 
 terest they had in promoting it elsewhere as well 
 as at home ; inasmuch as their intercourse with 
 distant nations would be thereby rendered more 
 amicable, wars prevented, and a friendly reception 
 for travellers ensured in every part of the world. 
 
 Bertrand. — " For the earth shall be full of the 
 knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." 
 
 Fitzosborne. — Whenthe knowledgeof this truth, 
 this love, sympathy, or whatever name you may 
 give it, shall be practically known and have over- 
 spread the earth, the social fabric will be every- 
 where raised upon a soUd foundation. And all this 
 would be speedily accomplished through one 
 striking example of a successful education, from 
 which rewards, punishments, and emulation were 
 banished, and the affections constantly appealed 
 to; for 
 
 "WHio, that bears 
 A human bosom, hath not often felt 
 How dear are all those ties ^'hich bind our race 
 In gentleness together, and how sweet 
 Their force }" 
 
ALL MINDS MUST BE ENLARGED. 291 
 
 Bcrtrand. — Does not this conviction prevail 
 wherever Christianity is found? 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — You cannot suppose, Charles, 
 that I mean the mere cold assent to this truth, 
 without a deep and holy feeling of its inestimable 
 value. It must be understood with an under- 
 standing heart, and wrought into the very being 
 of the man*. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — If you think to make all men 
 take an interest in the totality and all-pervading 
 influence of this principle, it will of course be ne- 
 cessary to render comprehensive minds universal. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — If the knowledge of all general 
 principles constitutes comprehensiveness of mind, 
 I can see no reason why the whole of the human 
 race are not susceptible of such knowledge. What 
 
 * " For this ' subdued propriety' of temper, a practical faith 
 in the doctrine of philosophical necessity seems the only 
 preparative. That vice is the effect of error and the offspring 
 of surrounding circumstances, the object therefore of condolence, 
 not of anger, is a proposition easily understood, and as easily 
 demonstrated. But to make it spread from the understanding 
 to the affections, to call it into action, not only in the great 
 exertions of patriotism, but in the daily and hourly occurrences 
 of social life, requires the most watchful attentions of the most 
 energetic mind. It is not enough that we have once swallowed 
 these truths, — we must feed on them as insects on a leaf, till the 
 whole heart be coloured by their qualities, and show its food 
 in the minutest fibre. Finally, in the words of an Apostle, 
 ' Watch ye ! Stand fast in the principles of which ye have 
 been convinced ! Quit yourselves like men ! Be strong ! Yet 
 let all things be done in the spirit of love.' " — Coleridge. 
 
 u 2 
 
292 PALEY PREFERRED TO HUTCHESON. 
 
 is more calculated to give large ideas of the gran- 
 deur of the universe, than a knowledge of those 
 general principles of astronomy in which all may 
 be instructed? And in like manner can all be made 
 to understand the real nature of themselves ; their 
 elevated character among the works of the cre- 
 ation ; their relation to the past and the future 
 condition of the human race, and the only means 
 by which they can, individually and collectively, 
 contribute to the progression and to the harmony 
 of the whole*; and perceive that in every act of 
 benevolence performed, in every injury sustained 
 without retaliation, they were contributing to the 
 
 * " Hence, he who pursues his owti private good, with an 
 intention also to concur with that constitution which tends to 
 the good of the ichole; and much more he who promotes his 
 own good with a direct view of making himself more capable 
 of ser\'ing God, or doing good to mankind, — acts not only inno- 
 cently, but also honourably and virtuously; for in both these 
 cases. Benevolence concurs with Self-love to excite him to the 
 action. And thus a neglect of our oion good may be morally 
 evil, and argue a want of benevolence toward the tchole." — 
 
 HuTCHESON. 
 
 The work from which this note is extracted is entitled. 
 "An Inquirj' into the Original of our Ideas of Beauty and 
 Virtue" ; and contains one of the most complete systems of 
 moral philosophy in our own, or perhaps in any language. 
 The copy now before me is a third edition, and pubUshed in 
 the year 1729. That Oxford and Cambridge should prefer the 
 shallow expediency of Paley to the profound philosophy of 
 Hutcheson, is a striking proof of the impediments which Uni- 
 versities present to the progress of moral science. 
 
DR. ARNOTT ON EDUCATION. 293 
 
 highest excellence in which man could participate, 
 and to the aggregate power of the world. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — You must take some pains 
 to methodize your instruction; and perhaps it 
 may at length be taught as a complete science 
 
 Fitzosborne. — This perhaps has already been 
 done by the first writer of the day in popular 
 instruction; since Dr. Arnott — who in his " Ele- 
 ments of Physics" brought science, without any 
 loss of its dignity, from the schools and colleges 
 to the family circle, — announces a work on Educa- 
 tion. Such a production can scarcely fail to em- 
 brace the leading principles of moral philosophy, 
 which if rendered intelligible to the simple ap- 
 prehensions of minds unincumbered with the 
 learning of the schools, and therefore more free 
 to begin with the elementary principles, will dis- 
 solve the connexion between morals and myste- 
 ries, and render the path of happiness distinct 
 and attractive. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — We will resume the consider- 
 ation of this subject tomorrow, in connexion with 
 a letter I received in the spring, and in which 1 
 think you will be interested. 
 
294 DEATH OF Mil. THOMPSON. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 " Our needful knowledge, like our needful food. 
 Unhedg'd, lies open in life's common field ; 
 And bids all welcome to the common feast. 
 You scorn what lies before you in the page 
 Of nature, and experience, moral truth ; 
 Of indispensable, eternal fruit ; 
 Fruit, on which mortals feeding, turn to gods." 
 
 Young. 
 
 About noon on the following day Lord Hamp- 
 den invited us again to the library, where Lady 
 Hampden, at his request, joined us ; when the 
 following conversation, as far as my memory 
 serves, took place. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — In the spring of the present 
 year I received a letter from a lady who signs 
 herself Vlasta, and is better known to you, Fitz- 
 osborne, than to myself, announcing the death 
 of Mr. Wilham Thompson, the devoted friend of 
 humanity, the avowed and uncompromising sup- 
 porter of systems of equal interests. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — I had long known him as a 
 powerful and unwearied labourer in that vine- 
 yard where the labourers are so few. Eloquent 
 in debate when excited by opposition, he was 
 
MR. Thompson's will. 295 
 
 no less argumentative and convincing in his 
 elaborate compositions : no sophistry, however 
 subtle, escaped his acute perception ; and the 
 vigilance with which he guarded against every 
 possibility of misconception cannot be surpassed. 
 Even where he repeated former arguments, he 
 placed them in a new and stronger light, for the 
 improvement of minds more shrouded in preju- 
 dice than others. 
 
 Bertrmid. — A friend of mine was invited to 
 become a trustee of his estate, in consequence of 
 one of the individuals appointed under the Will 
 declining to act ; but he refused, although he 
 lived in Ireland. 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — What were his motives for de- 
 clining ? 
 
 Bertrand. — The expressions in the Will on the 
 subject of religion. 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — I hope you, Charles, would not 
 have withdrawn from such a motive. 
 
 Bertrand. — Certainly not : but I am not sur- 
 prised that many influential men should object 
 to identify themselves, in the view of the public, 
 with parties unfriendly to religion, and more 
 especially with one so avowedly hostile as the 
 late Mr. Thompson. 
 
 Fitzoshorne. — Mr. Thompson was opposed to 
 those dogmas only that stood in the way of 
 human improvement ; and the melancholy cir- 
 
296 DISTURBANCE AT THE FUNERAL. 
 
 cumstances of his funeral fully justified his op- 
 position. I am informed that a crowd assembled 
 at the place of burial, and endeavoured to prevent 
 his interment, because he was not a Christian. 
 
 Bertrand. — Catholics, I presume. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — I am assured that many were 
 Protestants. 
 
 Bertrand. — The Catholic priest and the Pro- 
 testant minister most probably interfered to pa- 
 cify the people. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — 1 believe not. 
 
 Loi'd Hampden. — This, then, is the fruit of 
 attaching an undue importance to points of doc- 
 trine in public instruction. No man living could 
 manifest greater devotion to the cause of that 
 universal brotherhood enforced by Jesus Christ * 
 than Mr. Thompson ; and yet, because he could 
 not comprehend and conscientiously acknow- 
 ledge a faith which many blindly receive, perse- 
 cution follows him to the grave, although he 
 surrendered his property — his life and body — 
 
 * " It is possible for the belief of Christianity to be as 
 
 criminal as unbelief. Undoubtedly the reception of a system, 
 so pure in spirit and tendency as the Gospel, is to be regarded 
 in general as a favourable sign. But let a man adopt this 
 religion, because it will serve his interest and popularity ; 
 let him shut his mind against objections to it, lest they should 
 shake his faith in a gainful system ; let liim tamper with his 
 intellect, and for base and selfish ends exhaust his strength in 
 defence of the prevalent faith, — and he is just as criminal in 
 
MR. Thompson's devotion to humanity. 297 
 
 all that belonged to him, to the service of the 
 people. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — He gave his days and nights to 
 the furtherance of justice ; and whoever may 
 have thought him remiss in the discharge of any 
 private claims, will find that they were not neg- 
 lected through any selfish consideration, but lost 
 sight of, for a time only, by the pressure of those 
 duties esteemed more imperative and of more 
 extensive and higher obligation. As the welfare 
 of the species was the subject of his continual 
 meditation and of his unwearied eflfbrts, so in 
 his last moments he remembered the sacred 
 cause to which his valuable life and great talents 
 had been dedicated. His Will deserves to be 
 read in the market-place of every town in the 
 empire. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — The only copy of the Will I 
 possess has been lent to a relative ; — do you re- 
 collect the clause bequeathing his body to the 
 surgeons ? 
 
 Fitzosborne. — Perfectly well ; it ran thus, — 
 
 believing, as another would be in rejecting Christianity under 
 the same bad impulses. Our religion is at this moment 
 adopted and passionately defended by vast multitudes, on the 
 ground of the very same pride, vi^orldliness, love of popularity, 
 and blind devotion to hereditary prejudices, which led the 
 Jews and heathens to reject it in the primitive age ; and the 
 faith of the first is as wanting in virtue as was the infidelity 
 of the last." — Channing. 
 
298 PUBLIC DISSECTION. 
 
 " To aid in conquering the foolish, but fre- 
 quently most mischievous prejudice respecting 
 the benevolent, but, to the operators, most un- 
 pleasant, and sometimes dangerous process of 
 examining dead bodies incapable of feeling, — for 
 the benefit of the living, I will that my body be 
 publicly examined by a^ Lecturer on Anatomy, 
 on condition of his returning the bones in the 
 form of a skeleton, natural or artificial, to be 
 preserved in the Museum of Comparative and 
 Human Anatomy, — as my books, &c., are to be 
 preserved in the Library, — of the First Co-opera- 
 tive Community in Britain or Ireland." 
 
 Lord Hampden. — A noble resolution ! Wliat 
 could man do more ? His labours, his time, 
 and his fortune were consecrated to his fellow- 
 creatures ; and when the spirit that animated his 
 body had fled, all that remained of him was sur- 
 rendered to the same holy purpose. — 1 hope the 
 directions regarding the disposal of his remains 
 were complied with. 
 
 Fitzoshorne . — After his remains had been car- 
 ried to the place of interment, and a disturb- 
 ance arose, the friend of Mr. Thompson who 
 superintended the ceremony, and who was him- 
 self a Catholic, sent to Dr. Donovan, of Ross 
 Carbery, in the county of Cork, to request him 
 to take the body and dispose of it agreeably to 
 Mr. Thompson's instructions. Dr. Donovan has 
 
MR. Thompson's skeleton. 299 
 
 the skeleton, and will deliver it to the first Co- 
 operative Community that shall be established. 
 He left the whole of his property, the estate of 
 Carhugarrif, in the county of Cork, consisting of 
 1400 acres, to trustees for sale, and the purchase- 
 money to be devoted to the establishment of Co- 
 operative Communities and to reprinting his 
 works, "The Distribution of Wealth," "The 
 Appeal of Women," " Labour Rewarded," and 
 " Practical Directions." 
 
 Lady Hampden. — In the reprint of " The Ap- 
 peal of Women," I hope many of the expressions 
 will be altered, and rendered more consistent 
 with those opinions which Mr. Thompson pro- 
 fessed : for whatever may be the merits of the 
 work in some respects, there is too frequently 
 an absence of that spirit which a practical know- 
 ledge of the principle of philosophical necessity 
 is calculated to engender. 
 
 Bertrand. — I have been restrained by the style 
 of certain portions of the volume from putting it 
 into the hands of some of my female friends. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — I do not recollect any passages 
 offensive to modesty, although there may be 
 some epithets which might be deemed too coarse 
 by the fastidious. It is, however, like all his 
 other works, a masterly production, but too much 
 in accordance with first principles to be justly 
 appreciated in aiil'age hke the present. 
 
300 MR. Thompson's "appeal of women." 
 
 Lady Hampden. — It appears to me that there 
 is still wanted a work on the position of women 
 in society. All the books that I have looked 
 into within the last year upon that subject are 
 written with feelings of personal excitement, and 
 in the spirit of one party as opposed to another, 
 rather than with the predominant desire of ad- 
 vancing the improvement and consequent hap- 
 piness of both sexes. 
 
 Bertrand. — Your observation. Lady Hampden, 
 applies, in some respects, to the work in ques- 
 tion, as well as to that of Mary Wollstonecraft. 
 
 Lady Hampden. — In order to do justice to the 
 subject, it should be considered in relation to the 
 interests and w^elfare of both sexes ; and if an 
 *' Appeal" is made to Man, it ought to be con- 
 ciliatory, but elevated ; and he should be regarded 
 throughout as an equal, if not a greater, sufferer, 
 by the errors that have been committed. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — And I hope you, Elizabeth, 
 will be the writer. 
 
 Lady Hampden. — I, who have been so recently 
 induced by your remarks to pursue such in- 
 quiries, must leave the task to those who have 
 long pondered the evils of our defective educa- 
 tion ; — to the lady, for instance, you met at 
 Chatsworth. 
 
 Lord Hampden. — I shall be better pleased by 
 your attempting it, though it should be a year or 
 
LETTER BY VLASTA. 301 
 
 two hence, when you have examined the subject 
 more ; in furtherance of which I will now read the 
 interesting letter which I have mentioned already. 
 
 "Charlotte-street, Fitzroy-square, London, May 13, 1833. 
 'Temple of Truth.' 
 
 "My Lord, 
 " It is with feelings of deep regret I announce 
 to Your Lordship the death of our friend Mr. 
 William Thompson the Philanthropist, author of 
 a work on Political Economy (of great research 
 and ability), entitled 'The Distribution of Wealth,' 
 the best work on that subject, perhaps, that has 
 yet appeared, inasmuch as it exposes the so- 
 phistry and rejects the gross errors of the present 
 infatuated school, which pretends to teach a sci- 
 ence simple in itself, yet so contrived as to keep 
 the world in darkness, and mystify every ques- 
 tion of interest relating to human happiness and 
 social improvement*; — author also of ' The Ap- 
 
 * The political (Economists are the chief admirers of the 
 late Mr. Jeremy Bentham, who, although he reached some 
 first principles, generally sought them through a circuitous 
 route, and was unable to conduct his disciples to them through 
 any other course. Early in life a student of the law, he 
 quitted the profession in disgust, but not without certain con- 
 ventional opinions, which always impeded his researches, and 
 consequently prevented him from becoming a clear as well as 
 a comprehensive writer. The folloMdng remark, from a quar- 
 terly publication, is a proof that the reviewer, as well as 
 Bentham, has no just conception of the simplicity of moral 
 
302 LETTER BY VLASTA. 
 
 peal of Women,' and other works bearing on the 
 all-important question, — social regeneration ; all 
 manifesting an accurate knowledge of the causes 
 of evil, and showing the enlightened and ge- 
 nerous sympathy of the writer with his suffering 
 species. The ' greatest happiness principle' was 
 that which not only guided the pen, but governed 
 the minutest action of Mr, Thompson's useful 
 and laborious life. In all he said, thought, and 
 did, this large, this comprehensive principle de- 
 clared itself. By his premature death, society 
 has lost a man, and humanity a friend, — a 
 great man in a very humble citizen — an am- 
 bitious man in one who lived and died in ob- 
 scurity ! You, my Lord, will understand all 
 this ; but how difficult would it be to explain to 
 the civilized world this enigma, — this, as it would 
 be considered, antithesis of character, so op- 
 posed, as it is, to all the Old World's precon- 
 ceived notions of human greatness ! 
 
 "Mr. Thompson was one of those extraordi- 
 
 science, or he would not think it necessary for two or three 
 hundred volumes to be explored before it could be understood. 
 " But though Bentham has shown how this work is to be con- 
 ducted, and has laid the foundation of a science which he has 
 named Deontology, and has, in his published works, done 
 much towards raising the superstructure, much remains to be 
 performed. It would be presumptuous to say how much, until 
 the volumes of manuscript (between two and three hundred) 
 which he has left behind him have been examined." 
 
LETTER BY VLASTA. 303 
 
 nary minds which seem to start into existence at 
 the very epoch they are most wanting, — in times 
 only of great difficulty and public distress, when 
 the social edifice seems tottering to its fall, and 
 all the elements of the moral world wage war 
 with existing institutions, as inadequate to the 
 wants of man in his more advanced stage of 
 knowledge and intellectual development. 
 
 " It is at such a moment the enhghtened phi- 
 lanthropist appears, and sets himself to the calm 
 investigation of the hidden causes of human 
 misery, poverty, and crime ; and so absorbed 
 was Mr. Thompson in this inquiry, that he may 
 be said to have lost his own individuality in the 
 pursuit ; and we trace the existence of the phi- 
 losopher only in his labours : here indeed we find 
 him identified with the whole of human kind. 
 
 " Like Pliny watching the combustion of Ve- 
 suvius, Mr. Thompson's more useful investiga- 
 tion of the moral phsenomena in its threatened 
 eruption continued to the last hour ; and till 
 Nature herself sounded his retreat, he ceased not 
 his benevolent labours. He was of a weak con- 
 stitution, a valetudinarian all his life, and suf- 
 fering from a chest affection, which ultimately 
 killed him ; yet, with such impediments to the 
 acquisition of knowledge, we find, in proportion 
 to the weakness and fragility of his corporeal 
 structure, a mind eminently vigorous and com- 
 
304 LETTER BY V LAST A. 
 
 prehensive, directing its noblest energies to the 
 ruling passion of all enlightened and generous 
 natures, — the means of making happy his fellow- 
 man ; and in the sage, this widely-loving dis- 
 position is nothing more than the extension of 
 the selfish principle, the concentrated and limited 
 action of which sinks the man, — the intellectual 
 being, exalts the worst propensities of his mere 
 animal nature, and makes him dangerous to 
 himself, and the enemy of his species. 
 
 " Mr. Thompson, like all philanthropists, had 
 faith in humanity : he believed in the progres- 
 sive improvement of man. The vices that dis- 
 figure our race, he justly attributed to the evil 
 circumstances with which the original founders 
 of our social system had surrounded us ; and the 
 ignorance consequent upon the infancy of a 
 species, the law of whose nature it is to acquire 
 a knowledge of itself through experience, and 
 that of a very costly and unpalatable kind, — 
 suffering of every degree and colour, physical 
 and moral. Through this process alone, — this 
 labyrinth of error, — this thorny and rugged path, 
 is man destined to pursue his onward march 
 towards the acquisition of truth, and the Elysian 
 fields of happiness to which it conducts ; — thus 
 rising by slow degrees, like a plant, out of his 
 original germ, and by measured stages shooting 
 upwards towards a full maturity. 
 
LETTER BY VLASTA. 305 
 
 ** This is the natural course of our race : but, 
 alas ! it is in the very nature of error also to re- 
 strict this progress, and keep man stationary, 
 against all the laws of universal nature. The 
 consequence is, that his existence is perpetuated 
 in convulsion ; his whole social career a fitful, 
 a troubled dream, — and, still worse, an incipient 
 degeneracy of his moral faculties. But the night 
 of ignorance is passing away, and the dawn of a 
 brighter day than humanity has ever yet wit- 
 nessed is fast breaking upon us ! Man awakes 
 from his perturbed and restless sleep of ages ; — 
 his vision is no longer dim, — he stands erect in 
 numbers, and, eagle-like, with steady gaze fixes 
 the sun, — the soul-reviving sun of knowledge ! 
 It is the obvious interest of all, that knowledge 
 should therefore be as widely diffused as pos- 
 sible, for the light has fallen on all ; but where 
 it has not duly penetrated, it dazzles and leads 
 more widely astray from the path of rectitude 
 and peace. All that seems now requisite to se- 
 cure the rapid improvement of our species is, 
 that the most advanced, the leaders of public 
 opinion, should preserve a constancy of purpose, 
 — firmness and fixity in principles and opinion ; 
 and, if I may so express myself, a simultaneous- 
 ness of decision, of action, of conduct, and of 
 doctrine. 
 
 " How important, that the faculty for what- 
 
 VOL IT. X 
 
306 LETTEU BY V LA ST A. 
 
 ever is good, inherent as it is in our nature, 
 should be given a direction which shall ensure 
 its most rapid and complete development ! 
 
 " Yet there is something depressing in the re- 
 flection, (and none felt this more than our de- 
 parted friend,) that this unity of purpose, this 
 simultaneous march of public opinion, must 
 meet with many formidable obstacles, in the va- 
 ried positions, the harassing, often pernicious 
 as wtII as useless, avocations of mankind under 
 their present social arrangements. 
 
 *' The intelligent portion of the useful class, 
 depressed and degraded by want, or privation of 
 all things necessary to their well-being, have still 
 keener pangs to suffer than the mass, whose ig- 
 norance is the blind instrument of their own and 
 the general suffering. Individual knowledge acts 
 upon them like the vulture preying upon the 
 vitals of Prometheus, — it mocks them in their 
 chains ; and while revealing to them a fairer tract 
 of country, reminds them that they are bound 
 by an inevitable law, w^hich links them in one 
 common destiny with their species, where all 
 must suffer or enjoy together, according to the 
 right or wrong direction given to the social 
 movement, — the natural or unnatural position 
 we are all placed in. This is the cruel condition 
 to which individuals are exposed who outrun the 
 many in knowledge. For them the tree of know- 
 
LETTER BY VLASTA. 307 
 
 ledge is not that of life ; for if they are loaded 
 with its treasures, their feelings become more in- 
 tense, their sufferings more acute, their prison- 
 house more intolerable ; the mind sinks under its 
 own weight, — its disused talent becomes over- 
 charged with accumulated truths that it cannot 
 impart ; for knowledge is only useful to ourselves 
 when it becomes the current language and com- 
 mon property of all. Exchange is the universal 
 law of Nature, — the vivifying principle, — that 
 which unites, regulates, and harmonizes all 
 things ; without which, chaos and confusion 
 would exist in Nature, as it does in human so- 
 ciety, which has blindly refused to follow Na- 
 ture's laws. 
 
 " Where human beings are enslaved and 
 degraded by a senseless routine of practice, 
 which keeps mind isolated from mind, and pro- 
 hibits the mutual interchange of benefits, we 
 must not wonder at the disorder that reigns 
 amongst us, or that society presents nothing but 
 a den of wild beasts, becoming more and more 
 ferocious and injurious to each other the longer 
 we persist in our present ruinous, anti-social, and 
 vicious course of competition ; a course which 
 leads to the total extinction of all the generous 
 sympathies and elevated moral faculties; substi- 
 tuting in their place a kind of dwarf intelligence, 
 — a low and sordid cunning, ever ready, like the 
 
 X 2 
 
308 LETTER BY VLASTA. 
 
 tiger, to spring upon its prey ; divesting us of 
 all feelings of fellowship with our kind ; urging 
 us to outwit and lay in wait for the destruction 
 of all who are less wary, less cunning, or less 
 fortunate than ourselves ; making stratagem, 
 fraud and subterfuge the only study of our 
 lives, — the motive that impels to every action. 
 * Those,' says Cowley, ' who are always in a tri- 
 umph or a battle, can seldom keep a steady eye 
 on truth.' This applies not only to the military 
 profession, but to all professions, trades, and 
 pursuits that civilized man is engaged in. He 
 is always in a triumph or a battle, and therefore 
 loses sight constantly of the object he contends 
 for ; the appetite for battle and emulation grows 
 by what it feeds on : — at length confirmed habit 
 persuades him that this state of angry and vicious 
 excitement, this forced and exclusive develop- 
 ment of all the animal propensities, is the only 
 state of existence natural to him. Man is deeply 
 to be commiserated for having been so long 
 placed in so frightful, so debasing a position ; 
 aware, as every intelligent mind must be, that 
 his ' character has been formed for him' by the 
 evil circumstances that his own original igno- 
 rance had contrived ; and above all, the ten- 
 dency of permanent social laws and institu- 
 tions, which chain down the human understand- 
 ing to the invariable observance, age after age, 
 
LETTER BY VLASTA. 309 
 
 of a certain number of law-established errors and 
 customs, leaving no scope for the exercise and 
 expansion of his mind. Yet I must confess, 
 tolerant and forbearing as this knowledge of the 
 character being made for us forces one to be 
 towards the general obliquity of the species, lam 
 also compelled by my own particular organiza- 
 tion to give a tenfold portion of my sympathy 
 to the noble few who form the exception to this 
 general character of mankind, and who are, from 
 their great moral superiority, objects of constant 
 enmity and oppression : 
 
 ' To fly from, need not be to hate mankind.' 
 
 But human society under its present mere ani- 
 mal aspect is armed with so tremendous a power 
 to hurt, harm, wound, and oppress all those 
 whom reason and benevolence have deprived of 
 teeth and claws to fit them for the savage strife 
 carried on under the mask of exterior refinement, 
 —that to preserve one's benevolence one should 
 either possess power actively to serve mankind, 
 or, denied this glorious privilege, resolutely to 
 shun the withering atmosphere of social life as it 
 is, which dries up all its generous and refreshing 
 springs. But it is only through the education of 
 public opinion that any real social reform can be 
 effected; the first fruits of which will be an entire 
 change in the present demorahzing system of 
 commerce : for, till this gives place to the sound, 
 
310 LETTER BY VLASTA. 
 
 the equitable principle of Labour Exchange, — 
 which is Nature's universal law, — no reflecting 
 mind can look for any amelioration in the moral 
 and intellectual character of mankind*. It is 
 evident, therefore, that a physical change in the 
 condition of man must precede the moral change 
 which every symi)athizing mind ardently wishes 
 to see eflected; and without some operation, some 
 new and honest mode of traffic, which shall cau- 
 terize that plague-spot, — the present commercial 
 system, — we may look in vain for human virtue 
 
 * " Mankind, we are told, are devoted to interest ; and 
 this, in all commercial nations, is undoubtedly true. But it 
 does not follow that they are, by their natural dispositions, 
 averse to society and mutual affection : proofs of the contrary 
 remain, even where interest triumphs most. Wliat must we 
 think of the force of that disposition to compassion, to can- 
 dour and good- will, which, — notwithstanding the prevailing 
 opinion, that the happiness of man consists in possessing the 
 greatest possible share of riches, preferments, and honours, — 
 still keeps the parties who are in competition for those objects 
 on a tolerable footing of amit)^ and leads them to abstain 
 even from their own supposed good, when their seizing it ap- 
 pears in the light of a detriment to others ? What might we 
 not expect from the human heart in circumstances which pre- 
 vented this apprehension on the subject of fortune ; or under 
 the influence of an opinion, as steady and general as the former, 
 that human fehcity does not consist in the indulgences of ani- 
 mal appetite, but in those of a benevolent heart ; not in fortune 
 or interest, but in the contempt of this verj' object, — in the 
 courage and freedom which arise from this contempt, joined to 
 a resolute choice of conduct, directed to the good of mankind, 
 or to the good of that particular society to which the party 
 belongs ? " — Ferguson On Civil Society. 
 
LETTER BY VLASTA. 311 
 
 and social harmony. Precept has ever fallen 
 powerless before the rootedly sordid, mean, self- 
 ish, money-changing character which this wicked 
 commercial system has given, with few exceptions, 
 to every human being throughout the civilized 
 world : and more particularly are its debasing 
 effects conspicuous in our own country, where 
 the principle has been pushed to its utmost limits. 
 The system must cease ; but the characters formed 
 by it are made of sterner stuff, and can only yield 
 to long habits of a purified practice. Individual 
 knowledge, as I before observed, can do nothing 
 for us but make us mourners over the victims 
 we cannot save. This education of public opi- 
 nion is, — thanks to the mighty mind with which 
 it originated ! (the founder of the new social 
 system) — rapidly advancing ; and we begin to 
 taste its glorious results in the increased intelli- 
 gence and the generous dispositions it has awa- 
 kened in the few who have become acquainted 
 with their own nature in this most humanizing 
 school. 
 
 " It has been advanced by the enemies of the 
 new social science, — and with too much semblance 
 of truth, — that few among its professed adherents 
 are really imbued with a knowledge of its prin- 
 ciples, and still fewer disposed to adopt its prac- 
 tice, notwithstanding the number of years the 
 doctrine has been publicly taught. This I be- 
 
312 LETTER BY VLASTA. 
 
 lieve to be the fact, and only verifies what I have 
 said of the forlorn hope — precept. The human 
 mind has never been trained to think, examine 
 or compare, any two propositions, except on 
 questions of money : habits of reflection have not 
 only not been cultivated, but never permitted in 
 two large divisions of the community, — the la- 
 bouring poor, and women : every device has been 
 resorted to, to keep down the intelligence of these 
 two portions of the human race. Unremitting 
 and harassing eftbrts to make out a bare and 
 insufficient maintenance have ever been the com- 
 pulsory and wretched lot of the working popula- 
 tion. A constant domestic servitude, a laboured 
 attention to frivolous and useless pursuits, under 
 bitter and vexing controul, — not to speak of the 
 excesses of oppression which man has, and can, 
 under the sanction of the law, resort to, — has 
 ever been the mind-extinguishing destiny of 
 woman. 
 
 '* A science, taken as a whole, which requires 
 a mental soil proper for its reception, can hardly 
 be expected to take root easily in one that had 
 so long remained inert, yielding only the rank 
 and poisonous weeds of prejudice and error. No: 
 the new social science is understood but by 
 the very few ; the conception is too vast for or- 
 dinary capacities, formed, as the character has 
 been, under the old and vicious system of society. 
 
LETTER BY VLASTA. 313" 
 
 The first step, as I before observed, is to effect a 
 change in the principle of commerce ; and every 
 disquaUfying taint in human character will gra- 
 dually disappear, as the natural consequence of 
 that change. We must not, however, expect too 
 much from the present generation : all that can 
 be reasonably required of it is, zealously and 
 actively to set about the work of regeneration, — 
 to tarry not, neither faint ' or fall out by the 
 way.' 
 
 " But, if I may so express myself, we must be 
 sober enthusiasts in a cause which may be acce- 
 lerated by our individual efforts, but cannot be 
 hurried on by our mere wishes. The human 
 mind, subjected so long under the law of error, 
 has much to unlearn before it can become a re- 
 cipient for truth. Condillac justly remarks, 'that 
 in place of observing and examining whatever is 
 necessary for us to know, (and amongst these, 
 our instincts, our passions, and sympathies,) we 
 have taken an imaginary view of them ; and, 
 from one false supposition to another, we get be- 
 wildered in a multitude of errors : these errors 
 becoming prejudices, we mistake them for prin- 
 ciples ; and the abuse of words which we do not 
 understand, we call the art of reasoning. When 
 errors are thus accumulated,' he adds, ' the only 
 remedy left us is, to give an entirely new direction 
 to the thinking faculty ; to forget all that we 
 
314 LETTER BY VLASTA. 
 
 have learned, and take up our ideas again at 
 their original source.' This will always be more 
 difficult with those who consider themselves most 
 instructed : for this reason, works that treat of a 
 new science with great precision are more readily 
 understood by the unlearned than by the learned : 
 indeed, we have abundant proof that freshness, 
 vigour of intellect, and an aptitude to enter upon 
 the study of unexplored truth, do not come from 
 our seminaries of education. 
 
 "The most curious anomaly consequent upon 
 a public opinion, founded upon the laws and in- 
 stitutions of a country, is, that every one who 
 has the power acts upon a private opinion, in 
 direct opposition to this law-erected public opi- 
 nion ; and those who act most in violation of it, 
 are those who are most strenuous in maintaining 
 the false and hypocritical public opinion that 
 exists : thus showing, that law is only preserved 
 as an instrument of punishment for those who 
 are not by rank, wealth, or influence, privileged 
 to defy it. 
 
 " Surely nothing but ignorance, and the moral 
 cowardice which it engenders, could induce men 
 to hold a public and private opinion, each in di- 
 rect contradiction of the other ! Truth can never 
 be at variance with itself : it has no conflicting 
 tenets : it is one and the same under every va- 
 riety of form. If the private opinion, and its 
 
LETTER BY VLASTA. 315 
 
 consequent practice, promote individual and 
 general happiness, or promote the first without 
 injury to the other, then is the problem of hu- 
 man happiness solved. But rational beings can 
 never maintain a public opinion at variance with 
 the sentiments, feelings, and general private prac- 
 tice of mankind. While such things are, we must 
 not boast of the moral and intellectual advance 
 of our species ; nor must we wonder at the vice, 
 crime, poverty, hypocrisy, and divisions which 
 pervade all society. Can we be reconciled to 
 the continuance of degradation, and the moral 
 deformity forced upon us, capable as we are of 
 all that is good and excellent, and contrary to 
 the aspiration of every thinking being which 
 desires to feel itself an ' emanation of the all- 
 beauteous Mind' ? How long must we repeat, 
 with the virtuous Lavalette, — ' When one wit- 
 nesses the corruption and horrors that have 
 reigned for so long a time upon the earth, the 
 heart is rent by a sort of despair ; one curses 
 civilization, and blushes at being a man !' Public 
 opinion is at present in a state vacillating be- 
 tween right and wrong ; or rather it is convinced 
 of its error, but has not knowledge sufficient to 
 adopt decided principles. Vague and barbarous 
 notions of liberty still exist with many, who con- 
 ceive that violent opposition to what is wrong is 
 the shortest way to the attainment of what is 
 
316 LETTER BY VLASTA. 
 
 right. Experience has shown us the fallacy of 
 this opinion. Knowledge is the only safe road to 
 liberty : and an instructed people will always 
 obtain what it desires by the irresistible appeal 
 of moral union ; whereas the bloody triumphs 
 of an irritated and ignorant populace end in ri- 
 veting the chains they had for a moment torn 
 asunder. 'What,' asked a splendid orator* who 
 lately lectured at the ' Temple of Truth,' — ' what 
 is liberty ? It is but a starting point : the be- 
 nign medium which leads men to good.' To 
 good or ill, I would have added, according to the 
 knowledge or ignorance they start with. All 
 good proceeds from knowledge amply diffused ; 
 all evil, from general ignorance. 
 
 "The only idea I can form of true and rational 
 liberty, consists in the full development and free 
 exercise of all the faculties of human beings : by 
 this the equilibrium is maintained throughout, 
 and the irregularity of any prevented. The full 
 development and free exercise of all his powers 
 is the self-regulating law of man's nature : rightly 
 educated, he requires no other. All others are 
 pernicious ; render him vicious and absurd, — 
 an idiot or a knave, — a slave or a tyrant ; or, if 
 none of these, a miserable and unhappy being. 
 
 " Tliose alone deserve liberty who know its 
 value ; those fit only to possess it who un- 
 
 * Mr. Rowland Detrosier. 
 
LETTER BY VLASTA. 317 
 
 derstand its true and equitable nature. Liberty 
 becomes a tyrant unless possessed by all. It is 
 the soul of a community ; its body is universal 
 knowledge. Without liberty, there can be no 
 virtue : without knowledge, there can be no li- 
 berty. But it should never be forgotten, that if 
 ' knowledge is power,' power only ceases to be 
 dangerous when held by the instructed many*. 
 Benevolence and all the virtues are the imme- 
 diate offspring of knowledge. I would define Be- 
 nevolence to be the love of order, of universal 
 harmony, and of moral grandeur. Sympathy, 
 so justly insisted upon by philanthropists as the 
 humanizing link which unites our common na- 
 ture, is inherent in all, if not destroyed by vicious 
 training and circumstances, which it almost in- 
 variably is. But sympathy, taught as a pre- 
 cept, is utterly useless : it is a sentiment to be 
 awakened in us by an affinity of tastes, a con- 
 sciousness of the same wants, experience of the 
 same enjoyments. How, then, can sympathy 
 exist amongst mankind in a state of society 
 where each individual is confined to his own li- 
 mited sphere, out of which he must not — cannot 
 
 * " It is better to allow philosophy to be universal than to 
 become a philosopher. The wreath that belongs to a fame of 
 this order will be woven from the best affections of mankind : 
 its glory will be the accumulated gratitude of generations."— 
 E. Lytton Bulwer On the Progress of Knowledge. 
 
318 LETTER BY VLASTA. 
 
 move ? and the weal or woe of which position is 
 utterly unknown, because never experienced by 
 the others in their respective spheres ? We ask 
 too much of men and women, when we require 
 them to have sympathy with each other under 
 all existing circumstances. That which divides 
 our destiny breaks, scatters, and destroys our 
 natural sympathies. 
 
 " I have imperceptibly been led into this phi- 
 losophical digression from my original subject, 
 the late William Thompson ; but Your Lordship 
 will, I hope, excuse me : whatever relates to the 
 interests of our species is indeed for ever inter- 
 woven with it. Mr. Thompson has left a noble 
 example to the world in the disposal of his pro- 
 perty. Without family ties, — such as wife and 
 children, (whose claims must have superseded all 
 others,) — he has placed his property in the hands 
 of thirteen trustees, to become a perpetual fund 
 in aid of Cooperative Commanities, the establish- 
 ment of Infant Schools, and the propagation of 
 those truths he so ably developed in his writings. 
 
 "The principles he there sets forth are all he 
 contends for. He was no bigot to the infallibility 
 of his own plans : these he knew must vary ac- 
 cording to the increasing knowledge of mankind. 
 But his principles can never vary, because built 
 on eternal truth. The peculiarities of Mr. Thomp- 
 son were those of a man who passed more of his 
 
LETTER BY VLASTA. 319 
 
 time in study than in society, and more with his 
 own thoughts than witii books. This habit of 
 mental exercise gave to his writings, perhaps, 
 the vigour, the concentration, and, if I may so 
 express myself, the massive character of style 
 which sometimes fatigues the reader by the con- 
 stant and ever-active attention required to follow 
 the author in his reasoning. One seeks in vain 
 amidst the solid pile of his ideas for a resting- 
 place in any of the lighter graces or ornaments 
 of style : but for this all inquiring minds are 
 amply compensated in the truths put forth, and 
 cheered onward in their study by the earnest and 
 ardent benevolence of the writer. Mr. Thompson 
 had rather a contempt for what is generally con- 
 sidered a fine style. Truth, he believed, required 
 no borrowed ornament to set it oif ; and the test 
 for him of all good writing was a correct know- 
 ledge of the subject written upon, and to express 
 our thoughts in clear, simple, and forcible terms. 
 His habits were oeconomical and abstemious to a 
 proverb, the malady under which he laboured, 
 perhaps from infancy, requiring a very strict re- 
 gimen ; so that a few roots or herbs supplied him 
 with all the luxuries his medical advisers per- 
 mitted for his daily repast. He was an admirer 
 of painting and sculpture, considering the great 
 moral influence these two branches of the fine 
 arts might be made to hold over society. Poetry 
 
320 LETTER BY VLASTA. 
 
 he had Httle respect for, even when it bore upon 
 philosophic subjects : — this distaste he felt in 
 common with his friend Mr. Bentham. Both 
 these philosophers conceived (perhaps not un- 
 justly,) that, in the present stage of human ex- 
 istence, subjects of more vital importance should 
 engage the attention of mankind ; and that the 
 imaginative faculty, all-elevating and luminous 
 as it is, often proves itself * the light that leads 
 astray,' and should therefore, like the solar orb, 
 having performed its round, find its allotted pe- 
 riod for setting as well as rising. Mr. Thompson, 
 absorbed as he was in his philosoi)hical pursuits, 
 was not so unconscious as might be supposed to 
 the desolation of single life. He loved com- 
 panionship ; but his generous feelings and his 
 sense of justice revolted against the system that 
 w^ould make him master of a slave, ignorant, 
 and docile to his will ; obedient, through custom 
 and superstition ; serving through fear and ne- 
 cessity, rather than from a well-defined and ra- 
 tional affection. Preferring the interest of hu- 
 manity to all narrow selfish considerations, he 
 boldly and nobly opposes himself to existing 
 prejudices, in his 'Appeal of Women'; and there, 
 under the sacred banner of Truth, he contends 
 for the equal rights of both sexes, w^ith a courage 
 and rectitude of judgement worthy of admira- 
 tion ; if, indeed, the public mind was as yet suf- 
 
LETTER BY VLASTA. 32\l 
 
 ficiently advanced to admire the sound philo- 
 sophy, as well as wide philanthropy, which 
 brings the outcast female sex within the pale of 
 humanity and social consideration. The women 
 of England, accustomed beyond all others to 
 mental bondage, hold only such opinions as their 
 masters dictate for their own selfish ends : these 
 opinions have continued the same in kind and 
 number for hundreds of years. Thus the Pro- 
 crustes bed of male despotism has set up a 
 standard measure for all women's minds : taller 
 or shorter no one must be than another ; and 
 the extreme diminutive is the approved model, 
 which none shall dare appear to exceed with 
 impunity. Guess, then, what must be the social 
 effects of such mental stagnation ! What stu- 
 pidity, what folly, vice and madness, must per- 
 vade all classes of our boasted civilization ! 
 Under such withering circumstances can man 
 himself easily become wiser and better ? No, 
 it is not in the nature of things that he should. 
 He is, then, the victim of his own half-witted, 
 miserable conspiracy against half the human 
 race. The clog is around his neck ; he drags 
 on a lengthening chain, perverted and perverting 
 all the best uses of this life, compelled to ex- 
 ercise the noble faculties bestowed on him by 
 Nature upon objects the most worthless, and 
 
 VOL. II. Y 
 
322 LETTER BY VLASTA. 
 
 pursuits at once degrading and inimical to his 
 own happiness. 
 
 "The women of England — (I blush while I 
 unwillingly repeat) — the women of England, in 
 those days of intellectual resurrection, will be the 
 last in Europe who will feel grateful to their 
 benefactor ; but are the first, indeed the only 
 women who affect a slavish and ignorant re- 
 pugnance to peruse the ' Appeal of Women.' 
 With Shelley, Mr. Thompson would exclaim, 
 
 ' Shall man be free, while woman is a slave ? ' 
 
 He supported his arguments in favour of equal 
 rights for the sexes, by proving this inequality 
 to be one of the most fruitful sources of the ig- 
 norance, folly, crime, vice, and poverty which 
 afflict society. The anti-social system that con- 
 fines the sympathies of two human beings to the 
 mere consideration of their own happiness and 
 personal interest, he shows, tends to repress and 
 stultify all the best feelings of our nature ; and 
 thus destroying the elasticity, the variety, the 
 freshness, the ardour, and vigour of mind which 
 constitutes the charm of human character, ne- 
 cessarily dries up all the sources of domestic 
 happiness. Its pernicious influence in preparing 
 a sordid, selfish, unintellectual national character, 
 is too obvious and cannot be controverted. 
 
LETTER BY VLA8TA. 323 
 
 * ' However desirous Mr. Thompson might have 
 been to unite himself with an intelligent being 
 on principles of perfect equality of rights, (with- 
 out which there can be no equality of mind,) — a 
 being accustomed to self-government and follow- 
 ing only the moral law of her nature, requiring 
 no other controul than that which the constant 
 exercise of all the faculties will necessarily im- 
 pose on the irregularity of any one impulse or 
 inclination, — but in the difficulty a philanthro- 
 pist, of all men, must experience to find (as 
 society is now constituted,) that first of human 
 blessings, a deUghtful, intellectual, rational fe- 
 male companion, whose tastes, opinions, and 
 pursuits corresponded with his own, (for this, 
 after all, is the secret for creating and consoli- 
 dating a true and lasting friendship,) — he resigned 
 himself to a philosophical necessity, and remained 
 single. He approved of and revered the woman 
 who, when no other obstacles existed but un- 
 equal marriage-laws, would refuse to be the 
 legalized servant of any man, whatever might 
 otherwise be his merit and pretensions. Indeed, 
 to all elevated minds the lawful and unlawful 
 union of the sexes will appear equally degrading, 
 not only to the sex which both positions are meant 
 to debase and humihate, but in their brutalizing 
 eftects on the male character, — checking at once 
 all man's natural perception of justice and moral 
 
 y2 
 
324 LETTER BY VLASTA. 
 
 dignity, together with those graces of mind and 
 manner which constitute a rational and a social 
 being. 
 
 " All men whom knowledge has raised above 
 their merely animal nature feel and suffer from 
 the happiness-destroying principle of these two 
 positions, — two, indeed, of the most prominent 
 monstrosities of our vice-creating social system. 
 Yet such is the stupifying effect of this system, 
 that few men have moral courage sufficient 
 openly to denounce their own demoralizing, un- 
 equal marriage-law, and still more unhallowed 
 breach or contempt of it, for which they satisfy 
 their conscience by branding with a double de- 
 gradation their unlicensed female associates ; 
 thus, as I before observed, maintaining a hypo- 
 critical public opinion in direct opposition to 
 their practice. Could the demon of vice and 
 discord invent a more successful plan for keeping 
 man ignorant, barbarous, and wicked, the enemy 
 of his species, the scourge and terror of the 
 weak, the slave and victim of the strong, the 
 humble tool of power? — and all this because 
 man has been so trained as to prevent his ap- 
 pealing to his own reason to decide on the right 
 or wrong of any of his actions : he is therefore 
 the sport of all the contradictions of the false 
 standards he has set up in his laws and institu- 
 tions, and the ignorant public opinion which 
 
LETTER BY VLASTA. 325 
 
 maintains them. Mr. Thompson was still young, 
 perhaps not more than fifty, when death termi- 
 nated his useful career. The malady which 
 preyed upon him, he was aware, must at no very 
 distant period carry him off. Sometimes, after a 
 violent paroxysm of coughing, he would say 
 playfully, — ' Ah ! I would, if possible, five for 
 ever, — be for ever young, active, useful, and 
 joyous ; but, as it is, I must make the best and 
 most of a short hfe.' This he seems to have 
 done ; and while the perishable form that holds 
 the elastic mind of man yielded to decay, our la- 
 mented philanthropist seems to have thrown his 
 spirit into the whole social body, and there multi- 
 plied and perpetuated his own existence in antici- 
 pating the future happiness and ever-increasing 
 improvement in the condition of humanity at 
 large. The first successful community that shall 
 be erected to serve as a model for others, will be 
 the monument the most fitting and appropriate 
 that a grateful pubhc can raise to perpetuate the 
 memory of a devoted friend, — the benevolent 
 WilHam Thompson. 
 
 "I remain, my Lord, 
 "With great respect and esteem, 
 
 "Vlasta." 
 
 Fitzosborne. — The letter is highly interesting 
 and characteristic of the writer ; few had better 
 
326 AN ARMY OF WOMEN. 
 
 opportunities of being acquainted with Mr. 
 Thompson, or were so competent to appreciate 
 his elevated sentiments, as Vlasta. 
 
 Bertrand. — ^This letter is, I presume, written 
 by the lady I have often heard you speak of? Is 
 the assumed name to be found anywhere in hi- 
 story ? 
 
 Fitzosborne. — Vlasta is the name of a Swedish 
 lady mentioned by the Abbe Gregoire in his Work 
 entitled — '*De 1' Influence du Christianism sur 
 la Condition des Femmes,'* who there observes, 
 "Les femmes elles-meme, suppleant a la force 
 par I'adresse, ont tente quelquefois de franchir 
 les limites qui leur sont tracees. On connait 
 rhistoire de Vlasta, qui, au commencement du 
 sixieme siecle, entreprit en Boh^me d'emanciper 
 entierement son sexe de toute subordination a 
 I'autre ; et qui, h. la tete d'une armee de femmes, 
 apr^s sept ans de combats, perit les armes a la 
 main*." 
 
 Bertrand. — Humboldt, I think, relates a similar 
 attempt on the part of some women in America. 
 I recollect copying an extract from his Travels 
 in a French author f. 
 
 Lady Hampden. — Neither women nor men will 
 ever gain in battle anything worth having, and 
 
 * P. Dubravii Historia Bohemica: fol. Basileae 1575. 
 + "M. de Humboldt nous apprend que dans quelques parties 
 de TAmerique les femmes, lassees de I'esclavage impost par 
 
WOMEN THE MOST HUMANE LEGISLATORS. 327 
 
 least of all in these times. Even the war of words 
 should cease ; and although there may have beei; 
 formerly, as Lord Hampden has informed me, a 
 difference of opinion between you three friends 
 as to the best plan for promulgating truth, I hope 
 that you are now agreed upon the only efficacious 
 mode of inducing every salutary reform, and are 
 convinced that concihatory language and ami- 
 cable overtures can alone prevail. 
 
 Bertrand. — Such would be the spirit of your ad- 
 vice, were you admitted to the national councils. 
 
 Lady Hampden. — Ladies would shrink from the 
 idea of becoming conspicuous in political and 
 judicial capacities. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — But in the government of the 
 Society of Friends there is no distinction of 
 sexes : nothing but custom and a suitable edu- 
 cation of women is required to reconcile all to 
 this necessary innovation. If women had had a 
 voice in the legislature, the condition of the 
 people, and the improvement of their children, 
 would long since have claimed due attention, and 
 the obstacles impeding their amelioration would 
 have been overcome. 
 
 Lady Hampden. — The cause of women cannot 
 
 les hommes, s'etaient reunies comme les n^gres fugitifs. Le 
 desir de I'independance les avait rendues guerrieres. Mais le 
 celebre voyageur veut qu'en admettant ces faits comme v^ri- 
 diques on se defie de recits exageres." 
 
328 MRS. LEMAN GRIMSTONE. 
 
 want an efficient advocate while such writers as 
 Mrsi Leman Grimstone hold the pen. 
 
 Fitzosborne. — Her novel of "Woman's Love" 
 gave promise of future excellence. An able and 
 judicious critic pronounced it a work full of 
 varied excellence, and further observed, that her 
 touching story of "The Little Cotton-spinner" 
 should have been republished by the friends of the 
 Factory Bill; it is indeed distinguished by a pathos 
 and truth of description that might challenge a 
 comparison with our ablest writers. The idea of a 
 postscript to a novel is new, but is in itself attrac- 
 tive. Relating chiefly to the condition of women 
 in society, her sentiments are more free from par- 
 tizanship than the works hitherto published on 
 the subject. 
 
 Lady Hampden. — I have been anxious to see 
 that work, since the perusal of " Character." 
 
 Fitzosborne. — "Character" has received almost 
 universal commendation. Periodicals, supposed 
 to be influenced by different views, political and 
 religious, have united in its praise. 
 
 Bertrand. — It would be difficult to find in it 
 any sentiment adverse either to religion or sound 
 philosophy. One of the Reviews recommends the 
 life of Mrs. Inchbald to her delineation of cha- 
 racter; but if she would produce a work on the 
 necessity of a superior intellectual and moral 
 education of women, illustrating it by anecdotes 
 
A NEW WORK ON WOMEN. 329 
 
 of the most distinguished characters in history, 
 it would, besides supplying a want in the literary 
 world, afford an opportunity of saying all that 
 is useful upon the present position of females in 
 society. 
 
330 THE REFORMED PARLIAMENT. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 " I found a stream among the hills by night ; 
 Its source was hidden, and its end unknown : 
 
 I thought not of its source, nor of its ending ; 
 'T was but the mirror of enchanting things. 
 
 Where heaven and earth, their softest graces blending, 
 Own'd the new world that from their union springs. 
 Thus be my soul Truth's purified abode ! 
 Whence or for what I am — is thine, O God I" 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 jL he first Session of the Reformed Parliament 
 was drawing rapidly to a close without any 
 measures that were generally satisfactory having 
 been adopted. The Lords had rendered them- 
 selves particularly obnoxious by frustrating even 
 those limited reforms which the Government had 
 proposed, but which were at the same time so 
 inadequate to the hopes and the expectations of 
 the country. By their vote on the question of the 
 Foreign policy, the House of Lords had exposed, 
 in a decisive manner, their repugnance to the 
 more liberal system upheld by the Commons. 
 The concise reproof of the King's reply to the 
 former, presented a singular contrast to the 
 courteous dignity of his reception of the latter. 
 It was in reference to this question that His 
 Majesty is said to have remonstrated with the 
 
PETITIONS FOR UNIVERSAL EDUCATION. 331 
 
 Bishops upon their interference on party questions 
 of state poUcy, as incompatible with the peaceful 
 character of their duties. Nothing daunted by 
 the marked expression of the public opinion, the 
 Lords persevered in their desperate course of hos- 
 tility to measures so obviously popular, that the 
 friends of order began to fear the consequences 
 of a collision between the two Houses. Lord 
 Hampden himself anticipated an open rupture ; 
 and this added strength to his resolution of se- 
 ceding from the House of Peers. Coldly re- 
 garded by the Whigs, who deemed him impracti- 
 cable, and contemned by the Tories, he had been 
 baffled in his repeated attempts to introduce bills 
 of vital importance. Having had several petitions 
 for the adoption of a system of universal edu- 
 cation intrusted to his care, he availed himself 
 of the occasion of presenting them to announce 
 his determination, Bertrand and myself were in 
 the House that night, anxiously waiting for the 
 moment when he was to deliver his farewell 
 speech. Having presented the petitions, which 
 were ordered to lie on the table, he proceeded as 
 follows : — 
 
 ' ' As the present is the last occasion upon which 
 I shall have the honour of addressing Your Lord- 
 ships, I rely upon your accustomed indulgence 
 while explaining the motives which prompt my 
 retirement, and which have also determined 
 
332 LORD Hampden's farewell speech. - 
 
 me to relinquish for ever honours so recently in- 
 herited. In order that these motives may be 
 justly appreciated, it will be necessary for me to 
 advert briefly to the circumstances of my early life. 
 
 " Soon after I had entered upon my studies at 
 College, I renewed with greater avidity an ac- 
 quaintance with the classic authors. Then it was 
 that for the first time my admiration was excited by 
 the celebrated names adorning the annals of the 
 Grecian commonwealths. In the ardour of youth, 
 I delighted to travel in imagination to the scenes 
 where Plato taught, and Socrates encountered 
 death ; to ascend the tribunal of the Areopagus, 
 or linger on the plains of Marathon. When I 
 beheld philosophers and heroes exerting the ener- 
 gies of a loftier nature, and appearing like gods 
 upon the earth, I still remembered that they were 
 but men, and I longed for a field of enterprise 
 upon which to emulate their immortal deeds. 
 
 "While contemplating the commencement of 
 a brilliant career, and elated with the hope of 
 great renown, the awful, but hitherto unheeded 
 truths of religion suddenly aroused my attention. 
 I felt that if they were of any importance, they 
 w^ere all-important, and must reign supreme, — 
 that the claims of Christianity would admit of no 
 compromise, no respect of persons*, no local 
 
 * "It will be easily seen that this separation between the 
 clergyman and the humbler portion of his charge, and which 
 
THE CLAIMS OF CHRISTIANITY. 333 
 
 preferences, and were utterly repugnant to the 
 devastation and barbarity of war*. Inculcating 
 a benevolence too expansive for patriotism, a 
 morality too sublime for the petty objects of rival 
 states, in proclaiming the universal brotherhood 
 of man, it opened to his view a boundless theatre 
 of action : if the fears of evil-doers were alarmed, 
 the promise of an eternity of glory was held forth 
 as the triumph of the successful champion. Be- 
 fore celestial attributes, every sublunary object 
 shrunk to its true dimensions : the wreath of the 
 conqueror, and the proudest trophies of victory, 
 appeared trifling and puerile in contrast with the 
 
 is so peculiar to England, is the result of the same influence 
 visible throughout the whole workings of the social system. 
 The aristocratic doctrine which makes it so imperiously ne- 
 cessary for clergymen to be 'gentlemen,'— which makes the 
 pastor a member of an aristocratic profession, — renders him 
 subject to all the notions of the aristocracy : it makes him 
 passionless in the pulpit, but decorous in liis habits; and it fits 
 him rather, not to shock the prejudices of the drawing-room, 
 than to win the sympathies of the cottage."— England and the 
 English, by E. L. Bulwer, Esq. 
 
 * "I abominate war as unchristian, — I hold it to be the 
 
 greatest of human crimes, — I deem it to include all others, 
 
 violence, blood, rapine, fraud, everything that can deform the 
 character, alter the nature, and debase the name of man. There 
 is one case only which can justify it,— there is one occasion 
 only which makes it other than a crime,— that is, self-defence. 
 Our own defence, or the defence of our country, and nothing 
 else, on no other terms, is war anything but a sin." — Speech of 
 the Lord Chancellor, when Mr. Brougham, at York County 
 Election. 
 
334 THEOLOGICAL PERPLEXITIES. 
 
 prize of high calling, of transcendent worth, and 
 of endless duration. 
 
 "Such reflections were calculated to inflame a 
 mind, which, however faltering in purpose, was 
 ever ardent in its aspirations ; and although seri- 
 ously impressed with the deep responsibility of 
 the sacred office, I resolved upon preparing for 
 the ministry. For a time I toiled with the school- 
 men, and was lost in the painful perplexities of 
 theological research. I saw them wearing away 
 days and nights in the bitterness of contention, 
 until that spirit of charity which could alone 
 confer value upon their labours had entirely de- 
 parted. 
 
 "I looked for that Christianity which had won 
 my admiration : but I looked in vain; its simple 
 majesty was enveloped in mysteries — its pure and 
 lovely doctrines were supplanted by stern and 
 overbearing dogmas — its persuasive eloquence by 
 fierce and alarming denunciations ; but, despite 
 of the unhallowed zeal of bigotry and superstition, 
 faith in the capacity of man for higher enjoy- 
 ments, and in the power of the holy precepts of 
 religion to purify his aflfections and elevate his 
 views, was too deeply rooted ever to be removed. 
 Wearied with vain speculations regarding the 
 divine essence and the ceremonies of the law, I 
 turned from the polemic to consult the page of 
 history. There I learnt that the mould in which 
 
REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS. 335 
 
 the characters of all were cast was formed by 
 education and political institutions ; that the 
 lineaments of each generation were defined by 
 its predecessor, where it existed in embryo, and 
 by which it would be developed. Struck with 
 this important truth, a conflict disturbed my 
 mind, now doomed to undergo another revo- 
 lution. A system of rewards and punishments 
 I could no longer conscientiously advocate ; for 
 if the feelings and thoughts were the consequence 
 of organization and of the circumstances under 
 which the faculties are developed, how could 
 man be responsible for the direction of his sym- 
 pathies or the convictions of his understanding?* 
 "Recollecting that the only criterion of truth 
 was its invariable consistency, — that if rewards 
 and punishments were unjust and wrong in prin- 
 ciple, neither could they be attended with benefit 
 in practice, — I examined diUgently their effects. 
 In all countries and in all times both had occa- 
 sioned wide-spread mischief, and both had di- 
 minished the superior agency of sympathy. Re- 
 wards had excited selfishness, vanity, pride, am- 
 bition, tyranny, antipathy, envy, and contempt. 
 Punishments had produced hatred, revenge, ma- 
 
 * Epictetus used to say, that one of the vulgar in any ill 
 that happens to him, blames others ; a novice in philosophy 
 blames himself ; and a philosopher blames neither the one nor 
 the other. 
 
336 PUNISHMENT CRIMINAL. 
 
 lice, and all uncharitableness. In their justifi- 
 cation I was reminded that as the world had 
 hitherto been governed by one system, to that 
 alone were we indebted for all our knowledge; but, 
 my Lords, these imperfect instruments, so far 
 from accelerating, had impeded the progress of 
 the human mind, which waited the impulse of 
 higher motives before it could display its more 
 powerful and its noblest energies. 
 
 "Another argument was adduced in its sup- 
 port. *God himself,' it was alleged, 'had given 
 length of happy days to the temperate and vir- 
 tuous, and afflicted with pain and grief the in- 
 temperate and vicious.' And because a penalty 
 has been annexed to every deviation from the 
 path of rectitude, shall man, the feeble insect of 
 an hour, dare to arraign the justice of the Deity, 
 denounce his measure of punishment as insuffi- 
 cient, and cruelly aggravate the sufferings of the 
 less favoured of his fellow-mortals ? 'Vengeance 
 is mine ; I will repay, saith the Lord,' is an 
 announcement disregarded by the professors of a 
 religion which earnestly exhorts men 'to love 
 one another,' and who, by their temerity and 
 presumption, have incapacitated themselves for 
 yielding obedience to the chief commandment. 
 
 "Notwithstanding there were in the sacred 
 volume some things hard to be understood and 
 difficult to reconcile, I ceased not to drink of the 
 
UNION OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY. 337 
 
 living waters. I meditated long on the writings 
 of those who had looked far into futurity thev 
 seemed to be the emanations of those master-- 
 spirits who, from the depth of their own fedings 
 had sent forth holy desires andbright anticipations 
 with a power generated by that purity and affec 
 tion which identified them with the humanity of 
 all ages. They foresaw to what glorious results 
 advancing knowledge, guided by the nobler feel 
 mgs, would one day conduct the human race 
 Even nowMorahty, hitherto exposed to the dan- 
 gers of an alliance with opinions vacillating and 
 eternally contested, ranks by far the most import- 
 ant among the fixed sciences ; and the time may 
 not be far distant when Rdigion and Philosophy 
 will deposit their offerings upon the same altar. 
 
 "Yes, my Lords, from the moment universal 
 benevolence was discovered to be an innate but 
 latent fedmg in human nature, a principle was 
 recogmsed competent to hold in subjection and 
 to render subservient to its use all the facul- 
 ties of man,— a principle which rewards could 
 never excite, nor punishments altogether sup- 
 press; and which, in its careful development and 
 judicious cultivation, would yield a soUd and du- 
 rable foundation for virtue and for happiness 
 
 ''Confident in the potency of this divine law, 
 recollecting that to all the knowledge derived 
 from the hterature and philosophy of Greece and 
 
 vnr IT 
 
 VOL. II 
 
338 THE HOLY ALLIANCE OF THE PEOPLE. 
 
 Rome were added the vast accessions of the in- 
 tervening period, and a rehgion of higher motives, 
 is it wonderful that I should have entered society 
 sanguine in the hope of beholding a correspond- 
 ing superiority in private and public virtue '? * 
 Whence the degeneracy of which all complain ? 
 Are we to look to the infancy, and not to the 
 experience of the world for whatever can improve 
 and exalt the human race ? But a spirit of in- 
 quiry was then abroad, — the people of distant 
 countries had communed with each other, — 
 anxious thoughts had been imparted, — the foun- 
 dations of the social fabric were examined; and in 
 
 * "We are astonished to see how far the Greeks and Romans 
 advanced in a few centuries, in their sphere of objects : for 
 though the aim of their exertions was not always the most 
 pure, they proved that they were capable of reaching it. Their 
 image shines in history, and animates every one who resembles 
 them, to similar and better exertions, under the same and 
 greater assistance of fate. In this view the whole liistory of 
 nations is to us a school for instructing us in the course by 
 which we are to reach the lovely goal of humanity and worth. 
 So many celebrated nations of old attained an inferior aim : 
 why should not we succeed in the pursuit of a purer and more 
 noble object ? They were men like us ; their caU to the best 
 form of humanity was ours, according to the circumstances of 
 the times, to our knowledge, and to our duties. What they 
 covdd perform without a miracle, we can and ought to perform : 
 the Deity assists us only by means of our own industry, our 
 own understanding, our own powers. When he had created 
 the earth, and aU its irrational inhabitants, he formed man, 
 and said to him, 'Be my image.'" — St. Pieeee. 
 
BARBAROUS INSTITUTIONS. 339 
 
 all were found dangerous defects, from which 
 arose a multitude of afflicting evils. In a dark 
 and barbarous age, institutions had been devised 
 which severed man from man, and left each in- 
 dividual so isolated in the midst of his brethren, 
 that neither the exhortations of the divine nor 
 the terrors of the law could ever reunite them. 
 
 "Selfishness, prompted by ignorance and fana- 
 ticism, had called the lower faculties into exclu- 
 sive and pernicious activity, grasping, monopo- 
 lizing, and perverting the means of happiness*. 
 
 "In this extremity it was not to be expected 
 that those who had succeeded to, or amassed, 
 exorbitant riches, and exercised arbitrary sway, 
 would relinquish without a struggle a just portion 
 of their wealth or power ; the people therefore 
 concluded that any reform, to be effectual, must 
 originate with themselves ; and to Great Bri- 
 tain, as the furthest advanced in philosophy and 
 science, the attention of all Europe, with intense 
 interest, was directed for the first great effort of 
 
 * " Dans la plupart des nations Europeennes, un homme n'est 
 considere qu'en vertu de sa race : la naissance seule donne le 
 droit de pretendre a tout : les services r6els ou pr^tendus des 
 p^res tiennent lieu de merite et de vertu aux descendans. II 
 resulte de Ik que ceux qui sortent d'un sang que I'opinion re- 
 vere, assures d'avance des places et des recompenses, ne se 
 donnent aucune peine pour acquerir les qualites necessaires au 
 bien-etre de la societe : il leur suffit d'etre nes pour parvenir 
 aux honneurs, a la consideration, au credit, alafaveur, etpour 
 devenir les ai-bitres du sort des nations." — Dumarsais. 
 
 z 2' 
 
340 OPPOSITION OF THE LORDS. 
 
 reviving liberty. The conspicuous part which you, 
 my Lords, took upon that memorable occasion,, 
 will not soon be forgotten : your rash but impo- 
 tent opposition was resisted by a prompt demon- 
 stration of public feeling, ' so universally and 
 boldly expressed, that what your sense of justice 
 was too weak to grant, your fears conceded*. 
 The continued opposition, so fretful and vexatious, 
 to the redress of grievances condemned by your 
 own committees, and the subject of loud com- 
 plaint from tlie country at large, has roused a 
 feeling of such aversion to this branch of the le- 
 gislature, that the legitimacy and justice of your 
 power are alike canvassed in every direction. 
 
 ' ' And by what arguments can this unbounded 
 power be maintained? Your relative numbers? 
 
 * "To those who object against amendment and reform, it 
 is answered — A system that is never to be censured, will never 
 be improved ; if nothing is ever found fault with, nothing will 
 ever be amended : a resolution to justify everything at any 
 rate, and to disapprove nothing, is a resolution which, pursued 
 in future, must stand as an efFectUcd bar to all the additional 
 happiness of which we are capable, and pursued hitherto, would 
 have robbed us of that share of happiness we enjoy already : 
 whatever now is establishment, once was innovation : every 
 medicine, says Lord Bacon, is an innovation, and he that will 
 not apply new remedies, must expect new evils ; for time is 
 the greatest innovator, and time of course alters things for the 
 worse ; and if wisdom and council may not re-alter them for 
 the better, what must be the end?" — An Essay on the Free 
 Examination of the Laws of England, by Leman Thomas 
 Rede. 
 
CLAIMS OF THE LORDS. 341 
 
 They comprise the merest fraction of the com- 
 munity. Mental superiority ? With the excep- 
 tion of the few who have ' done the state some 
 service,' and whose very promotion may have ren- 
 dered worse than useless their pecuUar but distin- 
 guished talents, this assembly cannot boast even 
 the average endowments of mankind. Your un- 
 meaning forms, your cumbrous ceremonies, your 
 blue ribands and glittering stars, must be classed 
 with the frivolities and baubles of children, not 
 with the indications of commanding intellect, or 
 even with a sense of the dignity of human nature. 
 To rest your defence upon the plea of an interest in 
 the welfare of the people would be preposterous. 
 Their condition is almost as unknown to you as 
 that of the inhabitants of the South Sea Islands : 
 shunning the sight of wretchedness, herding to- 
 gether in scenes which the cries of misery cannot 
 reach, and surrounded by minions who, minister- 
 ing to your voluptuous ease, denounce the ru- 
 mours of distant distress and disturbance as 
 false, — what guarantee have the people that their 
 grievances are known, or, if known, that your 
 sympathy could be awakened ? If such had been 
 their credulity, your recent conduct has dispelled 
 the delusion. Not only have you deprived them 
 of the means of existence, but in the abuse of 
 those means, I have the authority of a Right 
 Reverend Prelate for declaring, your very exam- 
 
342 ORIGIN OF TITLES. 
 
 pie is their bane*. As little will it avail to recount 
 the deeds of your ancestors. What though some 
 of your emoluments and honours were acquired 
 by their valour, have their virtues descended with 
 their rewards ? and if not, were those rewards 
 bestowed by a generous and grateful country to 
 purchase immunity for the vices of a degenerate 
 posterity, or to enable them to sully the glory 
 of brilliant achievements by holding up titles, 
 bravely won, to public execration ? The legiti- 
 mate heirs of such titles and estates are those 
 whose labours, whose property, and whose lives 
 are now consecrated to the public good. Less 
 honourable is the descent of those whose silly 
 vanity vaunts the longest pedigree, and whose 
 possessions constituted an unholy share in the 
 plunder of a peaceful, unoffending race by bands 
 of barbarians f. The source of some of your 
 
 * " It is difficult," said the Bishop of London, in his evi- 
 dence before the Committee on Sabbath-breaking, "to estimate 
 the degree in which the labours of the Christian ministry are 
 impeded, especially in towns, by the evil example of the rich." 
 
 t In Matthew Carter's "Analysis of Honor and Armory," 
 pubhshed in the year 1660, is the following remark. "To 
 obtain the estate of gentility by learning and discovering the 
 secrets of Heaven, is very honorable certainly; but to atchieve 
 it by service in his sovereign's wars, the defence of the Church, 
 King and Coimtry, is of all most excellent and worthy. In 
 which case war is permitted by the law of God, taught us 
 by the law of Nature, and commanded by the laws of all 
 nations!" 
 
A PROFLIGATE MONARCH. 343 
 
 honours can never be contemplated without ex- 
 treme disgust : its impurity is revolting at a single 
 glance. A profligate monarch daringly violated 
 that Decalogue he had sworn to respect, and 
 which, as head of the Church, he had commanded 
 his subjects to obey: not satisfied with this outrage 
 on pubhc decency, he oflfered a still grosser insult 
 to the nation, and by elevating to the peerage the 
 offspring of his guilty amours, he perpetuated the 
 infamy of his example, and future generations 
 were taxed for their support*. 
 
 ' O that estates, degrees and offices 
 Were not deriv'd corruptly! and that clear honours 
 Were purchas'd by the merit of the wearer ! 
 How many then should cover, that stand bare ! 
 How many be commanded, that command ! ' 
 
 "And what, after all, my Lords, has been gained 
 by enormous possessions and elevated rank? 
 Slaves to fashion and to endless dissipation — 
 ennui, satiety and disease are the bitter fruits. 
 Those who delight in the unwieldy pomp of 
 equipage- and retinue, confine their capricious 
 likings to a few whose sycophancy nourishes 
 their worst prejudices, and feeds their solitary 
 pride. Shut up in the gloomy grandeur of their 
 castles t, debarred the pleasures of friendship or of 
 
 * See Appendix — M. 
 
 t When the Earl of Leicester was complimented upon the 
 completion of his great design at Holkham, he replied, " It is a 
 melancholy thing to stand alone in one's country. I look 
 
344 ABUSE OF POWER. 
 
 generous sympathy, unknown to them the purest 
 and highest enjoyments of existence ; and when 
 their proud and weary pilgrimage is past, no trace 
 is left of any good they have effected for man- 
 kind"*. 
 
 "From whatever origin your proud distinctions 
 had sprung, they would have ceased long since 
 to be an object of jealousy, had they been dedi- 
 cated to your own and to the general welfare : 
 but hereditary legislation — one of the greatest of 
 evils, unsupported by reason, justice, or religion, 
 — has succeeded in rendering selfishness more 
 selfish, counselling the reservation of the pa- 
 trimony for the eldest-born, who wastes it in pro- 
 digality and idle ostentation: while the younger 
 branches, with their connexions, are pensioned 
 on the public, or trained to the three professions 
 of the Church, the Army, or the Law, all the 
 contradictory maxims of which enable them 
 by sophistry and chicanery to uphold your ini- 
 quitous system, — inducing thereby the multitude 
 to rivet their own chains, to contribute to their 
 
 round, — not a house is to be seen but mine. I am the Giant 
 of Giant Castle, and have eat up all my neighbours." 
 
 * "When the celebrated Sultan Saladin died, in 1193, he 
 left directions that on the day of his funeral a shroud should 
 be borne on the point of a spear, and a herald proclaim in a 
 loud voice, 'Saladin, the conqueror of Asia, out of all the 
 fruits of his Aactories, carries with him only this piece of linen.' " 
 — History of Palestine. 
 
THE PEOPLE DELUDED. 345 
 
 own degradation, and thus detain them in igno- 
 rance and bondage. Producing nothing, but 
 possessing all, you condemn millions, to whom 
 you are indebted for everything, to incessant, 
 painful and laborious toil, and then bestow, as a 
 favour and a condescension, a few of the crumbs 
 that fall from your luxurious tables; in the mean 
 time the religion preached by your dependents 
 admonishes them to do their duty in that state 
 of life into which it shall please God (not your 
 rapacity) to call them*! 
 
 "Such is their lot in these halcyon days of 
 peace : at other times, led forth by thousands and 
 tens of thousands, to engage in murderous con- 
 
 * " Does the man who commences at six o'clock in the 
 morning to break stones on the highway, and who, exposed 
 to heat, cold or wet, as the heavens happen to send, labours 
 at the occupation with only two hours' intermission, till six 
 o'clock at night, for six days in the week, from youth to old 
 age, appear to be emj^loyed like a rational being possessed of 
 moral feeling and an immortal soul, sent into this world to 
 cultivate and improve these powers, in order to fit him for a 
 higher dignity and enjoyment hereafter? He appears more 
 like a creature condemned to endure penance, but for what 
 specific purpose it is not easy to discover. As the vivacity of 
 his moral and intellectual powers depends on the condition of 
 his brain, and as exposure to the rigour of a cold and variable 
 climate, in the open air, tends, by the laws of nature, to im- 
 pede the action of that organ, the first fact that strikes us is 
 the direct contradiction betwixt the professed end of his ex- 
 istence, — viz. his moral and intellectual improvement — and the 
 arrangement of his physical condition." — Anonymous. 
 
346 BLASPHEMY. 
 
 flict with other slaves equally deceived, their 
 limbs are mangled for the glory of their country; 
 the same religion is again at hand, and those 
 ministers who, at a more convenient season, re- 
 mind them that they should overcome evil with 
 good, now bend the knee in supplication to a 
 God of mercy and of peace, for victory to the 
 Lord's anointed* ! 
 
 "Worthy descendants of royal delinquents 
 and illustrious brigands! Your inglorious and 
 
 * See Appendix — N. The following is an account of the in- 
 stallation of a Knight only a few years since. It is difficult to 
 conceive by what species of reasoning the two Bishops and 
 the Dean could justify the parts acted by themselves in this ridi- 
 culous ceremony. It is surely time that such nonsense were 
 abolished. 
 
 " His Majesty and suite arrived at the palace in two carriages- 
 and-four at three o'clock, escorted by a detachment of the Life 
 Guards, and entered by the private entrance. Shortly after 
 his arrival, the Earl of Chesterfield, as the lord-in-waiting, 
 announced to the principal king-at-arms, that His Majesty 
 was ready to hold the Chapter. The Knights bemg formed 
 according to their seniority, the junior Knight being first, the 
 procession moved forward from the room where they had as- 
 sembled to the Council-room, where the King was to hold the 
 Chapter, All the Knights were dressed in the superb robes 
 of the Order. The King, who was dressed in his full robes as 
 Sovereign of the Order, took his seat on a magnificent chair 
 of crimson velvet, at the head of the table. The Knights, 
 after making an obeisance to the Sovereign, took their seats 
 at the table according to their order. The table had a cover- 
 ing of crimson velvet. The Chapter was then opened by the 
 reading of the statute under which the Order is held. The 
 Chancellor then declared to the Chapter that he was com- 
 
THE PEOPLE TRIUMPH. 347 
 
 disgraceful career is drawing to a close ; the night 
 of ignorance is far spent; the dawning of that day 
 is at hand when the people of mighty empires, 
 rising in their strength, will disarm their oppres- 
 sors, and, as the hon shakes the dew-drops from 
 his mane, your idle pretensions will disappear. 
 Deriving their triumph from knowledge, its 
 empire will be extended ; they will then demean 
 
 manded by the Sovereign to inform them that it was his royal 
 pleasure to fill up a vacant stall belonging to that noble Order, 
 occasioned by the death of the late Earl of Liverpool. 
 
 "The principal king-at-arms, being then standing at the foot 
 of the table, in his full robes, with his staff of office in his hand, 
 retired to an adjoining room, and introduced the Earl of Ash- 
 burnham to the Sovereign. The Noble Earl then knelt on a 
 crimson velvet cushion, when the King waved the sword of 
 state over his head, by that ceremony conferring the honour 
 of knighthood of the Noble Order of the Garter upon the Earl, 
 on which occasion His Lordship had the honour to kiss His 
 Majesty's hand. The Noble Earl, with the principal king-at- 
 arms, then retired, making their obeisance. The Chancellor then 
 collected from each knight, beginning with the Duke of Cum- 
 berland and finishing with the Duke of Richmond, their votes, 
 which each knight had written upon a sheet of paper, and de- 
 livered them to the Sovereign, who, after examining them, 
 ordered the Chancellor to declare in liis name the Earl of Ash- 
 burnham duly elected a member of the Most Noble Order of 
 the Garter. The Marquis of Exeter and the Duke of Rich- 
 mond, the two junior knights, with the principal king-at-arms, 
 then retired bowing, and introduced the Earl of Ashburnham, 
 the principal king-at-arms carrying the garter, riband, and 
 order, upon a crimson velvet cushion, all of them making 
 obeisances as they approached the Sovereign. On their arri- 
 val at the head of the table, the Duke of Cumberland and the 
 
348 DISCRIMINATION AND GRATITUDE. 
 
 themselves lowly and reverently to all their bet- 
 ters, but not to you: loyal to the Sovereignty of 
 truth and justice, respectful to the Nobility of vir- 
 
 Duke of Gloucester introduced the Noble EobI to the Sovereign; 
 the Earl then knelt on his right knee, when the King was 
 graciously pleased to place the Order of the Garter on the left. 
 The Noble Earl then rose, and the Chancellor pronounced the 
 following admonition: — 
 
 " ' To the honour of God omnipotent, and in memorial of the 
 blessed martyr St. George, tie about thy leg for thy renown 
 this noble Garter; wear it as the symbol of the most illustrious 
 Order, never to be forgotten or laid aside; that thereby thou 
 mayest be admonished to be courageous ; and having under- 
 taken a just war, in which thou shaltbe engaged, thou mayest 
 stand firm, valiantly fight, and successfully conquer.' 
 
 "The Noble Earl then knelt upon his right knee again, when 
 the Sovereign was pleased to place the blue riband upon his 
 left shoulder: after the Earl rose, the following admonition 
 was pronounced: — 
 
 "'Wear this riband about thy neck, adorned with the image 
 of the blessed martyr and soldier of Christ, St. George, by 
 whose imitation provoked, thou mayest so overjiass both pros- 
 perous and adverse adventures, that ha\'ing constantly vanquish- 
 ed thy enemies, both of body and soul, thou mayest not only 
 receive the praise of this transient combat, but be crowned 
 with the palm of eternal victory.' 
 
 " Each Knight then shook hands with the Earl, and congra- 
 tulated him upon his election. The Chapter then broke up. 
 
 " The officers of the Order who assisted at the imposing cere- 
 mony, were the Bishop of Winchester (as Prelate of the Order), 
 the Bishop of Salisbury (as Chancellor), the Dean of Windsor 
 (as Registrar), Sir G. Nayler (as Garter Principal King-at- 
 Arms), and the Usher of the Black Rod. 
 
 "Messrs. Mash and Martin were the Gentlemen Ushers in 
 waiting. Mr. Woods, of the Herald's College, was also in 
 attendance." 
 
POWER WITHOUT WISDOM. 349 
 
 tue*, they will invest by a grateful remembrance 
 their benefactors with the highest distinction, — 
 that of the Order of Humanity f. 
 
 "But, my Lords, ere this period arrives, you 
 may be exposed to fearful and dangerous revul- 
 sions. Salutary reforms and, above all, improved 
 education, have been so long delayed, that the 
 people will acquire irresistible power sooner than 
 the wisdom essential to its benignant exercise. 
 You must now submit to their ilL informed de- 
 mands, and your submission will end in disap- 
 pointment. You may be compelled to abolish 
 tithes, and the people will not be relieved; you 
 may reduce taxation, and their wants will not be 
 supplied!; you may alter the currency, and com- 
 
 * "Whoever is disposed to do good," said Epichannus, "is 
 noble, though his mother were an Ethiopian." 
 
 t " We have already said, that it is the essence of all 
 qualities to characterize and distinguish. And hence the 
 origin of the phrase, 'a person of quality,' that is to say, a 
 person distinguished from the vulgar by his valour, his wisdom, 
 or some other capital accomplishment. As these were the 
 primary sources of those external honours, paid to eminent 
 men in precedences, titles, and various other privileges, it 
 followed that these honours, by degrees, grew to represent the 
 things honoured; so that as virtue led originally to rank, rank 
 in after days came to infer virtue ; particular ranks, particular 
 virtues; that of a Prince, Serenity ; of an Ambassador, Excel- 
 lence ; of a Duke, Grace ; of a Pope, Holiness; of a Justice or 
 Mayor, Worship," &c. — Harris, Philosophical Arrangements. 
 
 X From the following paragraph, which appeared in the 
 newspapers in the month of June 1 833, the amount of taxes and 
 
350 MISAPPLICATION OF SCIENCE. 
 
 merce will not be improved ; you may promote 
 free trade until all the barriers separating nation 
 from nation are destroyed, and the remuneration 
 for labour will still decline. Scientific power, 
 equivalent to an overwhelming supply of labour, 
 will saturate all the markets of Europe, and 
 directly or inchrectly reducing the value of every 
 species of employment, aggravate the evils of 
 competition, by adding to the riches and cares 
 of the few, and sj)reading in all countries more 
 widely, poverty and misery among the many*. 
 "But as the nation is most indignant against 
 
 duties as stated in page 176 of this volume is underrated at 
 least twelve millions. 
 
 " An account has been printed by order of the House of 
 Commons of the gross and net amount of aU taxes repealed, 
 expired or reduced in each year since the termination of the 
 war; and also, of all taxes imposed in the same period, show- 
 ing the several articles on which the alterations of duty wxre 
 made, together mth an estimate of the amount or increase of 
 duty upon each article. This return does not include the re- 
 ductions of the present year. It appears that the gross esti- 
 mated amount of taxes repealed since the close of the war is 
 £43,345,529. The estimated gross produce of the taxes im- 
 posed in the same time is £5,836,110, leaving a balance of 
 taxes reduced, above those imposed, of about £36,500,000. Of 
 the taxes so reduced, about £9,000,000 have been custom du- 
 ties, £14,000,000 excise duties, and above £18,500,000 the 
 property and assessed taxes." 
 
 * " We view with considerable anxiety the project enter- 
 tained by the framework knitters of another general strike. 
 Such measures are always productive of the most intense di- 
 stress, and the hard-working, honest, labouring poor, are, in 
 
THE REVEREND BENCH. 351 
 
 the Spiritual Lords for lending the sanction of 
 their holy religion to capricious and arbitrary- 
 measures, the expulsion of the bench of Bishops 
 will probably precede the downfall of your power. 
 And why, my Reverend Lords, are you here, if not 
 to purify the fountain head whence should issue 
 all of social good? — if not to fix upon every act of 
 the legislature the sacred seal of Christianity? — if 
 not to abrogate every law, and remodel every in- 
 stitution, the tendency of which is not harmo- 
 niously blended with its influence and its objects? 
 In a celebrated work adopted as your text book 
 at the Universities, it is expressly declared, that 
 *no usage, law, or authority whatever, is so 
 binding that it need or ought to be continued, 
 when it may be changed with advantage to the 
 community. The family of the prince, the order 
 of succession, the prerogative of the crown, the 
 form and parts of the legislature, together with 
 the respective powers, office, duration, and mu- 
 tual dependency of the several parts, are only so 
 many laws mutable like other laws, whenever 
 
 such cases, the greatest sufferers. We hope some means will 
 be devised to avoid so great a calamity: while, on the one 
 hand, we know the workmen are labouring 1 6 and 1 8 hours 
 a day for a miserable pittance; on the other hand, it must be 
 acknowledged that the hosiers find great difficulty in effecting 
 sales, even at the present low prices, in consequence of the 
 pressure of foreign competition." — Nottiiigham Review, copied 
 into the Times, March 13, 1833. 
 
352 BARBAROUS AND CIVILIZED AGES. 
 
 expediency requires, either by the ordinary act 
 of the legislature, or, if the occasion deserves it, 
 by the interposition of the people*.' 
 
 "Had you been seen traversing the streets and 
 lanes in which squalid poverty has too long dwelt ; 
 marking the decayed and dangerous dwellings; 
 commiserating the crowds of children growing up 
 amidst filth and every corrupt influence ; bring- 
 ing to light unobtrusive misery; and, struck 
 with the mass of hidden wretchedness, had con- 
 tinually pressed upon a legislature professing 
 Christianity, the imperative duty of prompt assist- 
 ance, — who can for a moment doubt that such 
 paternal conduct would have so far secured the 
 affection and veneration of the people, — and of 
 the better part of the aristocracy too, — that igno- 
 rant pride and vainglorious ambition must have 
 bowed to the ascendency of your moral power? 
 And think ye, my Lords, that you would have 
 exceeded the duties of a bishop? — that if you had 
 done all this, you would have performed a tithe 
 of what your Lord and Master, or any of his 
 Apostles, would have donef? Search the records 
 
 * Paley's Philosophy. 
 
 t The Bishops may Avell have their fears as to the security 
 of their position. How much of spiritual concern is manifested 
 in the following debate ! 
 
 The Marquis of Westminster presented a petition from 
 Welshmen who complained "that considerable inconvenience 
 
THE CLERGY 'AND THE FACTORY CHILDREN. 353 
 
 of all past times, and say, whether in the darkest 
 ages, or in the most barbarous countries, a single 
 instance can be found of such extensive and re- 
 morseless cruelty inflicted upon the rising gene- 
 ration as is detailed in the Report of the Com- 
 mittee on the Bill to regulate the labour of chil- 
 dren. The disciples of him who said ' Suffer little 
 children to come unto me, and forbid them not,' 
 may well recoil at the bare recital of the fact 
 that thousands of children, in a country eager for 
 the spread of Christianity beyond the seas, are 
 consigned to pestilential employments, barbarous 
 treatment, decrepitude, and premature death; and 
 yet, to your everlasting disgrace, has this evil 
 
 was felt in consequence of the bishoj^s appointed to Sees within 
 the Principality, and a portion of the inferior clergy, being ig- 
 norant of the Welsh language. The petitioners also complained 
 of non-residence on the part of the clergy, and the number of 
 plurahties existing in Wales." 
 
 The Bishop of Bangor. — It was true he was himself igno- 
 rant of the Welsh language, but then his chaplain was not. 
 As to the charge against the Welsh bishops that they spent 
 the revenues of their Sees out of the Principality, he would 
 only observe, that he had yet to learn that bishops had not 
 as much right to spend their incomes where they j^leased as 
 any noble lord in that house to spend his rents where he 
 pleased. 
 
 The Bishop of St. Asaph. — He was rather surprised that 
 the Noble Marquis, if he had any regard for the preservation of 
 his own property, should support attacks against the Church. 
 Had he no fear that the same sort of spoliation would soon be 
 recommended with regard to the possessions of laymen.'' — 
 Times, March 30, 1833. 
 
 VOL. II. 2 A 
 
354 CLERICAL CONSISTENCY. 
 
 been increasing for nearly half a century, with- 
 out one effort on your part to stay the plague*. 
 No doubt you deem this language too severe, — 
 not sufficiently deferential. My Lords, the least 
 of these little ones is of greater value than the 
 proudest peer in this assembly. 
 
 " But in no respect has your apathy at one time, 
 and your obstruction at another, been more per- 
 nicious than in the sacred cause of education. 
 Lancaster, though persecuted at every step, ad- 
 vanced ; and when a victory was gained, Dr. Bell 
 was sent forth to share, or rather to claim, the 
 triumph. Infant Schools, even now deemed by 
 some of your body of doubtful utility, met a 
 similar fate: as they could not be suppressed, 
 they were spoiled; and, as if to confirm the con- 
 clusions of the sceptical, for the culture of the 
 affections and a knowledge of facts you have 
 substituted dark and mysterious doctrines, to 
 alarm the innocence of childhood and crush its 
 
 * In Warrington there is a pin manufactorj^ in which there 
 are fifteen frames for heading. At each frame four persons, 
 chiefly cliildren, are employed, in a sitting posture : the right 
 hand is used in placing the pin under the hammer, and the left 
 in taking it away, while the foot works the treddle which lifts 
 the weight, about fourteen pounds. In this occupation the poor 
 creatures are kept from six in the morning till half-past eight or 
 nine at night ; and they are not allowed to speak to each other, 
 or to withdraw their eyes from their work. Some of these 
 young slaves are under eight, and others under seven years of 
 age. 
 
PERSECUTION. 355 
 
 reasoning powers. A College was desired for 
 the youth of the metropolis — Oxford and Cam- 
 bridge were pronounced sufficient : the London 
 University, however, was established, and those 
 who averred that two were adequate, instituted 
 a fourth ! 
 
 " The most illustrious of the Roman emperors 
 said, ' It is the moral education that completes the 
 man and constitutes his greatness.' How far the 
 public schools for the rich as well as for the poor, 
 have under your auspices contributed to the 
 moral elevation of society, the present confusion 
 and apprehended conflicts too woefully attest*. 
 
 * Choice of a Schoolmaster. — After urging the importance 
 of securing an efficient body of elementary teachers for our 
 public schools, the Committee of the British and Foreign 
 School Society, in their Report for this year, quote the follow- 
 ing anecdote: — "The very lowest grade of mental acquire- 
 ments is too often considered quite sufficient for a primary 
 school. The following characteristic scene, which is extracted 
 from the ' Memoirs of Oberlin,' may unhappily find a parallel 
 in some English villages. When Stouber, the predecessor of 
 Oberhn, first went to the Ban-de-la-Roche, he began by in- 
 quiring into the manner of education there. Asking for the 
 principal school, he was conducted to a miserable hovel, where 
 there were a number of children crowded together without any 
 occupation, and in so wild and noisy a state, that it was with 
 some difficulty he could get a reply to his inquiries for the 
 master. ' There he is,' said one of them as soon as silence 
 could be obtained, and pointing to a withered old man who lay on 
 a little bed in one corner of the apartment. 'Are you the school- 
 master, my good friend ? ' inquired Stouber. 'Yes, sir.' 'And 
 what do you teach the children? ' ' Nothing, sir.' ' Nothing! how 
 
 2 A 2 
 
356 MODERN PERSFCUTION. 
 
 Had education been conducted in a right spirit, 
 the whole empire would long since have tacitly 
 resolved itself into a 'Peace Society' actively 
 disseminating important truths and friendly feel- 
 ings : millions would have risen in defence against 
 foreign aggression, had they failed to kindle con- 
 genial desires for improvement in neighbouring 
 states. But the necessity for mutual interposition 
 would have ceased; for recollect, my Lords, that 
 the most effectual method of allaying the intes- 
 tine divisions of other countries is by setting an 
 example of justice in your own. 
 
 "Persecution for opinion's sake is the besetting 
 sin of sectarianism, but more especially of those 
 sects in alliance with Governments. From the 
 days when Galileo, Servetus and Harvey were 
 the victims of this odious vice, it has not ceased 
 to suspend its terrors over the paths of useful 
 investigation. It is true that the advanced in- 
 telligence of the age revolts at the infliction of 
 the rack, the torture, and the Inquisition ; but 
 there is still in reserve for the conscientious but 
 ardent inquirer, whose love of human-kind carries 
 him beyond the bounds prescribed by popular 
 
 is that? ' 'Because,' replied the old man, with characteristic sim- 
 plicity, ' I know nothing myself.' ' "WTiy then were you instituted 
 schoolmaster? ' 'Why, sir, I had been taking care of the Wald- 
 bach pigs for a great number of years, and when I got too old 
 for that employment, they sent me here to take care of the 
 children,"* 
 
ITS INIQUITY. 357 
 
 opinions, a punishment which to the sensitive 
 mind is more painful than corporeal suffering it- 
 self. Reproach, contumely and exclusion are 
 his portion ; and the cry of infidelity is raised, 
 perhaps by those who have set all moral rules at 
 defiance, against him who is fulfilling his highest 
 duty by enlarging the boundaries of science, and 
 more particularly of that science which must at 
 no distant period raise the wretched to their just 
 rank in the scale of created beings. Hoc maxime 
 officii est, ut quisque maxime opis indigeat, ita 
 ei potissimum opitulari. But the fate of the in- 
 dividual, however deplorable, sinks into nothing 
 in comparison with the injury done to society. 
 
 " Progression is a law of our nature. The 
 Deity has decreed that the welfare and happiness 
 of man shall be achieved by successive discoveries. 
 As all truths are illuminated by mutual reflec- 
 tion, and allied to each other, he who brings to 
 light any new truth demands especial protec- 
 tion, for he confers a blessing upon mankind that 
 will endure for ever : whoever, on the contrary, 
 frustrates by positive hindrance, or implied ac- 
 quiescence in the obstructions of others, the dili- 
 gent researches of the inquiring mind into the 
 will of God revealed in the immutable laws of 
 nature, is the worst enemy of his species*". 
 
 * "And here we may observe the absurdity of separating 
 natural and revealed religion from each other. The object of 
 
358 PATRICIAN AND CHRISTIAN HUMILITY, 
 
 "On this fertile globe, teeming with objects of 
 wonder and admiration, there is nothing more 
 astonishing than those intellectual powers which 
 elevate man so far above all other works of 
 the creation. Surely, then, there cannot be con- 
 ceived a more obvious, a holier duty than to pro- 
 vide for a cultivation of these powers so univer- 
 sally that they shall no longer be permitted to lie 
 waste even in a single individual : but if such 
 is the duty of the legislature, how much more 
 of the clergy, who profess to direct exclusive at- 
 tention to spiritual and moral advancement! 
 When it is considered with what glorious capa- 
 cities, if duly cultivated, the meanest of mankind 
 are gifted, a greater abomination can scarcely be 
 contemplated than the perversion of that autho- 
 rity which has been delegated to aid their deve- 
 lopment and expansion ; yet those who enjoin 
 us to call no man master — who exhort us to ' re- 
 nounce the pomps and vanities of this wicked 
 world,' and avow themselves the followers of the 
 humble Jesus, are beheld riding in patrician state 
 through the streets of the metropolis, followed by 
 a 'being fearfully and wonderfully made,' and 
 'a little lower than the angels' — attired in the 
 garb of servitude! 
 
 both is the same, — to discover the will of God ; and, provided 
 we do but discover it, it matters nothing by what means." — 
 Paley, Moral Philosophy, chap. iv. 'The Will of God.' 
 
PAST ERRORS ESSENTIAL. 359 
 
 "My Lords, I have done. Your dearly prized 
 honours, which have been endured for a time, I 
 now joyfully resign. Accident threw them in my 
 way: they were assumed in the hope of accom- 
 plishing some good for the people. My measures 
 contemned and rejected, repulsed by every sect 
 and party, — your conventional and personal di- 
 stinctions, your frivolous and empty titles, all 
 that will not involve the forfeiture of my estates, 
 which can at least be ministrant to useful ends, I 
 renounce for ever. But in quitting this assembly, 
 nevermore to return, I would fain leave one last, 
 earnest entreaty. Seeing that all which exists is the 
 necessary result of that w^hich has gone before — 
 What have I said ? The present the consequence of 
 the past ! What truth more certain? What truth 
 more condemnatory of the invective with which 
 Your Lordships have been so rudely assailed? 
 Hurried away in the contemplation of the formi- 
 dable mound which your Honourable House pre- 
 sents to the progress of improvement, and forget- 
 ting that it was the accumulation of ages, I have 
 been betrayed into uncourteous language, no less 
 repugnant to the spirit of Christianity than to the 
 dictates of sound philosophy. Pardon, my Lords, 
 this glaring inconsistency : I should have remem- 
 bered that the oppressors, as well as the oppress- 
 ed, are the inevitable result of that process 
 through which the species are conducted in the 
 
3G0 DEMORALIZING INSTITUTIONS. 
 
 search for happiness, and that good and bad liave 
 been ahke essential to the final issue. I should 
 have rememl)ered that there is not an individual 
 present, however degenerate or obnoxious to the 
 people, whose character has not been formed 
 by the same irresistible and immutable laws as 
 that of the most highly favoured. Yes, my Lords, 
 in the long connecting chain of causes and effects, 
 there must have been Neros and Domitians as 
 well as Trajans and Antoninuses; and if the latter, 
 in illustrating the beauty of virtue, have attained 
 happiness, and the former, in rendering more 
 striking the deformity of vice, have reaped misery, 
 should we not regard these with an eye of pity, 
 as having been doomed to suffer for our improve- 
 ment? And should not the same commiseration 
 be extended also to the living victims of decep- 
 tion? That I should this night have violated a 
 duty so obvious, is another proof that the convic- 
 tions of the understanding are often powerless in 
 the regulation of conduct unaided by early disci- 
 pline ; and it is because I am deeply sensible of 
 my own deficiencies that, in pleading the wants 
 of the people, I would enforce the urgent neces- 
 sity of an improved system of moral training and 
 education as the only effectual, safe and radical 
 reform of all the abuses in society. 
 
 " So long as our institutions are calculated to 
 individualize man, — to render him selfish, — to 
 
ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY. 361 
 
 disjoin his own from the general interests, — we 
 must not be surprised at finding men as they are ; 
 pursuing the shadowfor the substance ; and, covet- 
 ous of wealth, regardless of the fate of others. We 
 may rather be astonished in discovering any ves- 
 tige of public virtue, any remains of fallen great- 
 ness; and that, notwithstanding the withering in- 
 fluence of professional studies and pursuits, there 
 should yet be some who have broken away from 
 their trammels to claim the highest prerogative 
 of man. I speak in the presence of a hero whose 
 renown has not been eclipsed by the proudest 
 records of ancient glory, and who through a long 
 and splendid career of victory has preserved the " 
 purest and the noblest sentiments of humanity*. 
 I might also instance another distinguished indi- 
 vidual, who has attained the highest rank in the 
 Church, and whose absence I regret is occasioned 
 by indisposition. That unassuming dignity, that 
 
 * At a ball given at Paris, shortly after the battle of Water- 
 loo, a French lady of great literary eminence paid exclusive 
 attention to the Duke of Wellington, although the Emperors of 
 Russia and Austria, the King of Prussia and the most distin- 
 guished of the allied princes and generals were present ; and 
 after some conversation she asked, "Ne pensez-vous pas qu'une 
 grande victoire est le plus agreable de toutes choses?" "Ma- 
 dame," replied the Duke with a degree of coldness bordering 
 on austerit}% "je la regarde comme le plus grand malheur — 
 excepte une defaite." 
 
 " I am one of those who have been engaged in war Ijeyond 
 most men, and unfortunately principally in civil war ; and I 
 
362 IMPROVED EDUCATION FOR ALL CLASSES. 
 
 meekness of spirit, that unaffected piety, which 
 first attracted attention even in the studious re- 
 tirement of a college, lost none of their lustre by 
 his unpatronized promotion, and are still the 
 brightest ornaments of his elevated rank. But, 
 my Lords, these are rare exceptions to the de- 
 moralizing tendency of your system; they afford, 
 however, a proof that there are not W' anting in this 
 assembly some who are imbued with sufficient zeal, 
 fortitude and benevolence, to carry forw^ard prac- 
 ticable schemes of amendment wdienever they can 
 be generally understood : and w^hen you perceive 
 the powers of production rapidly increasing, and 
 the vast supei*fiuity of wealth accompanied by the 
 cries of poverty and distress, can there be any 
 other cause for this strange anomaly than defi- 
 cient knowledge, both in the governing and the 
 governed? 
 
 "Let then the youth of all classes, besides being 
 
 must say this, that, at any sacrifice whatever, I would avoid 
 every approach to civil war. I would do all I could, even sa- 
 crifice my Ufe, to prevent such a catastrophe. Nothing could 
 be so disastrous to the countrj^ nothing so destructive of its 
 prosperity, as civil war; notliing could take place that tended 
 so completely to demoralize and degrade as such a conflict in 
 which the hand of neighbour is raised against neighbour — that 
 of the father against the son, and of the son against the father 
 — of the brother against the brother — of the servant against 
 his master, — a conflict which must end in confusion and destruc- 
 tion." — Duke of Wellingtons Speech, April 2, 1829, on the 
 Catholic Relief Bill. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 A. — page 41. 
 
 XHE following account of Abram Combe is ex- 
 tracted from the Orbiston Register. 
 
 " In October 1 820, he made an excursion to Lanark, 
 and was introduced to Mr. Owen. He heard this gen- 
 tleman expound his views about the formation of cha- 
 racter — the defective institutions of old society — the 
 advantages of cooperation — and the great imperfections 
 in the common systems of education ; he saw the 
 schools at New Lanark, and beheld with great interest 
 the children clean, cheerful and intelligent; he con- 
 trasted the views presented to him with his own past 
 experience and observations, and retired deeply im- 
 pressed with the idea that there must be important 
 errors in the principles and practices of society, as 
 generally constituted, which occasioned the misery 
 everywhere abounding, — and much gratified with the 
 prospect of brighter scenes held forth by Mr. Owen. 
 The effect produced on his mind was deep and perma- 
 nent. For some time he merely related what he had 
 heard, and described what he had seen, without announ- 
 cing any decided opinion of his own ; but after months 
 of consideration, and hearing Mr. Owen again, and 
 
366 APPENDIX. 
 
 reading his works, ho at length became a complete 
 convert to his views. With him conviction and practice 
 were closely connected ; he first became a zealous ad- 
 vocate of the new views in conversation and by the press, 
 and thereafter assisted in setting on foot a cooperative 
 society in Edinburgh, as nearly on Mr. Owen's prin- 
 ciples as was compatible with external circumstances. 
 The society opened a store for the sale of the necessaries 
 of life, on as low a profit as would suffice to defray the 
 necessary expenses of the establishment ; they met in 
 the evenings for mutual instruction and social enjoy- 
 ment : conversation, music and dancing, constituted 
 their amusements ; abstinence from spirituous liquors, 
 tobacco and profane swearing, were conditions of ad- 
 mission ; and a school, on the plan of those at New 
 Lanark, was established for the children. At first, the 
 society prospered amazingly. The members, full of 
 moral enthusiasm, experienced delightful emotions, and 
 anticipated vast advantages : some conceived that earth 
 was immediately to be changed into heaven, and that 
 sin and sorrow were about to be banished from the 
 land. 
 
 "Mr. Combe himself was sanguine of great results ; 
 and at this time took a bet with a friend, that within 
 five years the royal circus, then the most splendid 
 residence in Edinburgh, would be voluntarily pulled 
 down by its proprietors, and converted into communities 
 on the new principles. A great revolution took place 
 in his mind. He became the sincere advocate of the 
 doctrine, that the characters of men are formed by their 
 natural constitutions and external circumstances. While 
 he regarded men as free agents, (meaning by this ex- 
 pression, beings who could adopt whatever modes of 
 feeling, thinking and acting they chose,) he was a 
 severe satirist of their faults, but thought it quite un- 
 necessary to pursue any other means for their refor- 
 
APPENDIX. 367 
 
 mation, beyond expressing his contempt or disgust at 
 their actual conduct. When converted to the new views, 
 he regarded every man as unfortunate, in proportion 
 to his moral debasement and intellectual ignorance; 
 and extended towards him an active sympathy, not only 
 forgiving offences towards himself, but sedulously ele- 
 vating his moral and intellectual nature, in unhesitating 
 conviction that if he succeeded in improving the mind 
 of the individual, more perfect actions would necessarily 
 follow. Under his old notions he preferred his private 
 interests to all others ; and among those who knew him 
 best, he was regarded as selfish rather than generous. 
 After the change in his sentiments, he openly professed 
 the belief that the active pursuit of the welfare of others 
 constituted man's first duty and happiness ; that this 
 was also the true way of attending to his own interests • 
 and he boldly practised his precepts. We know from' 
 the best sources of information, that a number of his 
 relatives who had stood on a footing of little more than 
 acquaintanceship with him before, now felt his whole 
 character change : formerly they dreaded his lash,— now 
 they found his affections overflowing on them; formerly 
 they were averse to have pecuniary transactions with 
 him, on account of his sharpness, — now they considered 
 him too indifferent to his private interests ; formerly he 
 vj^rote satires, epigrams, and lampoons, — now he devoted 
 hmiself to the composition of precepts of universal be- 
 nevolence and justice ; in short, a change of character 
 resembling that usually styled 'conversion,' was, in 
 his case, undeniable. He carried his principles so far 
 that he gave up the use of animal food and fermented 
 liquors; and the theatre became to him an object of 
 dishke, on account of the low motives and false maxims 
 which abounded in dramatic pieces, and which he now 
 felt to be offensive to his moral sentiments. 
 
 *' The Practical Society in Edinburgh was instituted 
 
368 APPENDIX. 
 
 at a time of sjreat depression among the labouring 
 classes, and its members besides were wholly unpre- 
 pared for undergoing- so great a change as would have 
 been implied in its complete success. After trade be- 
 came britjk, and the first impulses of enthusiasm had 
 subsided, the society languished, and ultimately ex- 
 pired. Mr. Combe expressed no disappointment at 
 this result, but proceeded with unabated confidence in 
 the soundness and efficacy of his principles, and pro- 
 fessed to have been benefited by the experience which 
 he had gained. Reports of 'The Economical Com- 
 mittee of the Practical Society' were printed, dated 
 February and April 1822 ; but they contain chiefly 
 expositions of the principles of the society, and no de- 
 tail of its experience. Mr. Combe's next step was to 
 try the experiment of a community on a small scale. 
 He erected dormitories, a kitchen, and other apartments 
 in his tan-work, induced his workmen to occupy them, 
 and live in common, and he furnished a stock of bark 
 and hides to be converted into leather by their labour, 
 and agreed to share the profits with them, so as to give 
 them one interest with himself. The individuals thus 
 brought together, however, like those who constituted 
 the Cooperative Society, were unprepared in their 
 mental habits for their new condition ; and the scheme 
 soon fell to the ground of itself. Mr. Combe still 
 assured his friends that he was not disappointed at this 
 result, and that he had gained further insight into human 
 nature, which only increased his conviction of the su- 
 periority of the new system. 
 
 ** Hecontinued,atthe same time, to publishshort and 
 practical treatises on the subject. In 1823 appeared 
 * An Address to the Conductors of the Periodical Press, 
 upon the Causes of Religious and Political Disputes ;' 
 also * Metaphorical Sketches of the Old and New 
 Systems, with Opinions on Interesting Subjects.' In 
 
APPENDIX. 369 
 
 1824 he published 'The Religious Creed of the New 
 System, with an Explanatory Catechism, &c.' These 
 works are replete with meekness and charity ; contain 
 many practical remarks of great importance ; and are 
 composed in a clear, forcible and didactic style. 
 
 "In cooperation with A. J. Hamilton, Esq.of Dalzell, 
 and several other benevolent individuals both in England 
 and Scotland, he, in 1825, set seriously about trying 
 the experiment of the New System on an extensive 
 scale. They feued the estate of Orbiston, containing 
 291 statute acres, and lying nine miles east of Glasgow, 
 and almost contiguous to the south road from that city 
 to Edinburgh, for a price of £20,000 ; they erected 
 extensive buildings, capable of accommodating upwards 
 of 300 individuals, with public rooms, store-room, and 
 other conveniences for common occupation ; and also 
 a manufactory on the Calder river, which bounds the 
 property on the south-east. On 10th November 1825, 
 No. I. of the present Register was published, in which, 
 and subsequent Numbers, the principles, practice, and 
 experience of the Community established at Orbiston 
 are fully detailed, and which it is superfluous to repeat 
 here, being familiarly known to our readers. Suffice 
 it to say, that Mr. Combe assumed two copartners into 
 his business in Edinburgh, removed with his family to 
 Orbiston, devoted his whole time and exertions, and 
 by far the larger portion of his property to the under- 
 taking ; and sought his reward in the delightful feelings 
 excited in his own mind by practical benevolence, and 
 the prospects of success which continued to animate 
 him to the last moment of his life. 
 
 "Too soon, however, was the grave destined to close 
 upon his exertions. The labour and anxiety which he 
 underwent at the commencement of the undertaking, 
 gradually impaired an excellent constitution, which, 
 too, had been weakened by his previous temporary 
 
 VOL. II. 2 B 
 
370 APPENDIX. 
 
 abstinence from animal food. Without perceiving the 
 change, he, by way of setting an example of industry, 
 took to digging with the spade, and wrought for fourteen 
 days at this occupation, although for a long time pre- 
 viously unaccustomed to labour. This produced hae- 
 moptysis, or spitting of blood from the lungs. Being 
 unable now for bodily exertion, he dedicated his time 
 to directing and instructing the Community, and for two 
 or three weeks spoke almost the whole day, the effusion 
 from his lungs continuing. Nature rapidly sunk under 
 this erroneous mode of proceeding : he became breathless 
 and weak, '.ind at last came to Edinburgh for medical 
 advice. When the structure and uses of his lunos 
 were explained to him, and when it was pointed out 
 that his treatment of them had been equally injudicious 
 as if he had thrown lime or dust into his eyes, after 
 inflammation, he was greatly amazed at the extent and 
 consequences of his own ignorance, and exclaimed. 
 How greatly he would have been benefited if one month 
 of the five years which he had been forced to spend 
 in a vain attempt at learning Latin, had been dedi- 
 cated to conveying to him information concerning the 
 structure of his own body, and the causes which pre- 
 serve and impair its functions ! 
 
 " He frequently spoke of his past life, and approaching 
 dissolution ; and on many occasions said, that ' the 
 last five or six years of his life, during which he had 
 been actively engaged in promoting the welfare of 
 others, had been truly delightful ; that all the previous 
 part of it, when he acted on the selfish system, had 
 been comparatively dreary and barren ; and that were 
 his life offered to him over again, exactly as it had 
 already been spent, he would cheerfully accept the 
 latter part of it, but would decline the first.' He was 
 waited on by some pious individuals, and particularly 
 by one of the clergymen of Edinburgh, who conversed 
 
APPENDIX. 371 
 
 with him about liis religious opinioDs and his dying- 
 prospects. He did full justice to the kind motives 
 which had prompted their visits, but maintained calmly 
 and firmly his own principles. In reporting the con- 
 versations with them, he said that he had abstained 
 from stating his opinion of the errors under which they 
 appeared to him to labour, as he did not wish to cause 
 them pain. He was very anxious not to be misunder- 
 stood or misrepresented on this point ; and on 9th 
 August, about thirty-six hours before his death, he dic- 
 tated to his eldest son, a boy of thirteen years of age, 
 the following words as his dying testimony : — 
 
 *' 'The long period during which I have been afflicted, 
 has given me ample opportunity to contemplate the 
 past doings of my life ; and these contemplations, so 
 far from having been painful, have enabled me to say, 
 that if a)i7/ epitaph is written on me, it may be simply 
 this — 
 
 THAT HIS CONDUCT IN LIFE MET 
 
 THE APPROBATION OF HIS OWN MIND AT THE 
 
 HOUR OF DEATH. 
 
 "'I have compared the effects of the Old System 
 with those of the New ; and I have also compared and 
 examined the characters which both systems have pro- 
 duced; and I am quite satisfied that the New System 
 is much superior to the Old. Under the Old, we really 
 see through a glass darkly, and know even as we are 
 known. But under the New, a very short time makes 
 us see face to face. This has been proved at Orbiston, 
 beyond a shadow of a doubt. Men who came there 
 with many professions, have had these professions 
 dissipated, and themselves rendered objects of pity in 
 the eyes of the community ; while others who have 
 made no such professions have become objects of gene- 
 ral esteem. In fact, the laws of nature continue to 
 2 B 2 
 
372 APPENDIX. 
 
 act, let us do as we may. Feelings and actions like 
 those manifested by A. J. Hamilton, create general 
 esteem among all rational creatures, whether they will 
 or not ; and so it is with Robert Owen, and all who 
 devote their labour and means for the benefit of their 
 fellow-creatures.* 
 
 " He dictated also an account of his disease, that it 
 might be useful in enablino; others to avoid similar 
 calamities ; and attributed his death to his ignoiance 
 of the natural laws on which the health of the body 
 depends. After alluding to the circumstances already 
 mentioned, he says, that at length an 'ulceration 
 in the lungs became manifest. This burst with so 
 much violence, that I lost all hope of future amend- 
 ment. I, however, did continue raiher to amend, until 
 after a second or third attack, when my strength ap- 
 peared gradually to give way. Reduced to the lowest 
 ebb is the condition in which I now write, unable to 
 cross the room from deficiency of breath, and subject 
 to a severe cough, which afflicts me both night and day, 
 without any prospect of relief but in that of dissolution. 
 
 "*I have mentioned these things because I believe 
 that there are many of my fellow-creatures totally un- 
 aware of their existence, and consequently of the way 
 to avoid them ; and I cannot help being sorry that the 
 time which is spent in what is called 'spiritual instruc- 
 tion,' had not, in my case, been devoted to such sub- 
 jects of knowledge as I have already referred to. iMy 
 spiritual instructors have acted with good intention, 
 but, I fear, neither wisely nor judiciously.' " 
 
 Extract from " The Religious Creed of the New Sy- 
 stem," by Abram Combe. 
 
 *' When we turn to the written revelations, from which 
 the various nations derive their information, regarding 
 
APPENDIX. 373 
 
 the authenticity of those doctrines, which are opposed 
 to Nature and Reason, such productions, as far as we 
 can trace them, extend only to the agency of Man. 
 Human beings, like ourselves, made the paper and the 
 ink, and wrote the words upon that paper. Human 
 beings copied these words over and over again. Human 
 beings told us, that human beings told them, that God 
 made a partial revelation of certain mysterious doctrines 
 to other human beings ; which, in our own days, are 
 explained by fallible men, in a way which is opposed 
 to Nature and Reason. While the past and present 
 experience of the world has invariably shown, that 
 everything which is opposed to Nature and Reason, 
 is, and has been, productive of nothing but evil conti- 
 nually. 
 
 *' On the other hand, we have, in the works of crea- 
 tion, a display of wisdom, power, and benevolence, ema- 
 nating directly from Deity, which requires no copying 
 — has been always the same — which is given to all 
 nations, and may be understood by all — which can nei- 
 ther be disputed, suppressed, nor subverted ; — a reve- 
 lation which affords unspeakable pleasure, both to those 
 who study it, and to those who hear it explained, (which 
 circumstance is the clearest mark of Divine approba- 
 tion,) and which, in its effects upon the character and 
 conduct of individuals, is productive of the most bene- 
 ficial consequences; so much so, that the history of 
 the world does not exhibit an instance of a single indi- 
 vidual, who made the Revelation of Nature his study, 
 who, at the same time, had a propensity to injure his 
 fellow-creatures ; while universal history concurs in 
 affirming, that in every age, and in every nation, those 
 individuals whose minds were opposed to Nature and 
 Reason, have been invariably instrumental, in a greater 
 or less degree, by their cruelty and injustice, in adding 
 to the sum of human misery. 
 
 " It thus appears to me, that no doctrines or pre- 
 
374 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 cepts, which can only be explained in a way which is 
 opposed to Nature and Reason, can be at all entitled 
 to the name of Divine Revelation. Their instability 
 and inutility, (not to mention their evil consequences,) 
 the disputes and dissensions that perpetually attend 
 them, the continued changes which they undergo, in 
 different nations and ages, — all furnish the most indu- 
 bitable proof that their origin is of yesterday; and that, 
 neither in their origin, nor in their effects, do they at 
 all resemble the undisputed works of Deity. 
 
 " Every mode of proceeding which in its ultimate 
 consequences tends to increase the happiness of the 
 community, bears, upon the face of it, the genuine 
 stamp of Divine approbation. There is no course of 
 duty, or no study, in which a human being can engage, 
 where the effects are in every instance so decidedly 
 beneficial as they are in the study of Nature. The 
 pleasure which is uniformly experienced both by the 
 teacher and the taught, is the reward which God be- 
 stows on those who pursue the right course. When 
 preachers endeavour to go beyond Nature, and to op- 
 pose Reason, their labours are painful to themselves 
 and useless to their hearers. The dull languor of the 
 former, and the drowsy listlessness of the latter, con- 
 vey to the mind of the intelligent observer the most 
 undisputed marks of divine disapprobation. It is not 
 uncommon to find individuals, who have steadily per- 
 severed for more than half a century in the irksome 
 and painful task of opposing Nature and Reason, with 
 minds in a much worse condition, than when they first 
 commenced this insane course of tuition. 
 
 " These doctrines are painful to those who teach them 
 — they give no pleasure to those who hear them, and 
 they have the most injurious effects upon the general 
 conduct and daily practice of both. They have been 
 perpetuated in the world hitherto altogether by artificial 
 means. They have been mixed up with much that is 
 
APPENDIX. 375 
 
 natural and rational, and consequently useful and va- 
 luable. Pecuniary reward has been given to those who 
 support them, and summary punishment has been in- 
 flicted on those who have called them in question. To 
 these present artificial supports have been added, pro- 
 mises of reward, and threatenings of the most cruel 
 punishments, in a future state of existence. Yet, not- 
 withstanding all these extraneous supports, it has also 
 been found requisite to suppress the evidence which 
 exists against them. If Truth, supported by Nature 
 and Reason, is gradually gaining ground, in spite of the 
 accumulated prejudices of a thousand years, what will 
 it not accomplish when everything that is unnatural 
 and irrational shall be shown by itself in its native de- 
 formity ; — when those who are paid for teaching others 
 shall confine their eftbrts within the limits which God 
 has appointed in Nature ; — when the minds of the weak 
 and the ignorant shall be no longer haunted with the 
 idea that they are liable to punishment in another 
 world, for listening to the voice of Deity in this ; — when 
 men shall cease to expect supernatural reward for op- 
 posing the clearest dictates of Nature and Reason ? 
 Surely, the victory gained by Truth will then be com- 
 plete ; and the knowledge of Nature, which is the 
 knowledge of the Lord, will cover the earth as the wa- 
 ters cover the sea." 
 
 B.— Page 81. 
 
 The following Letter, ''On the Employment of Chil- 
 dren in Manufactories," by Robert Owen, was ad- 
 dressed to the Right Honourable the Earl of Liverpool 
 on the subject referred to. 
 
 " My Lord, — Permit me to address your Lordship in 
 your capacity of Prime Minister of the British Empire, 
 
376 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 on a subject of national concern, which, though it has 
 excited considerable interest in certain quarters, appears 
 not to be understood or appretiated by the public at 
 large, in any degree commensurate with its real import- 
 ance. A Bill on the employment of children in manu- 
 factories has been read twice in the House of Commons, 
 passed through the Committee, had its blanks filled 
 up, and is to be read a third time the first Monday in 
 April. I noticed the debates which took place on its 
 first and second reading, and have just received a copy 
 of the Bill as amended by the Committee. 
 
 " The Bill is opposed, it seems, by a number of active 
 wealthy cotton spinners, good men of business, several 
 of whom are Members of the House of Commons, and 
 who are capable of raising a formidable opposition to 
 any measure which they imagine will affect their inter- 
 ests. Its supporters are those who deem the practices 
 which at present prevail in our manufactories to be in 
 many cases injurious to the children. The subject, 
 however, seems to be taken up by both parties on very 
 confined grounds. Its extensive bearings on the ge- 
 neral interests of the nation have been very imperfectly, 
 or hardly at all considered ; and its strong claims on 
 the attention of government and of the country, in 
 consequence very feebly insisted upon. The manu- 
 facturers look at it simply as mercantile men, under an 
 alarm that the regulations proposed may in some way 
 or other diminish a fraction of their profits. The fear 
 of loss of pecuniary gain to men trained in the princi- 
 ples of trade and manufactures, is very natural. Their 
 station in society, and, in many instances, their very 
 subsistence, depends on success in their several occu- 
 pations. Their labours and anxieties too are very great, 
 and except in a few instances, which in consequence are 
 always prominent, they are very inadequately remune- 
 rated for their toil and care. Under these circumstances 
 
APPENDIX. 377 
 
 it is reasonable to conclude that every object must be 
 viewed by them through the medium of mercantile cal- 
 culation : and no one can justly blame them for, or be 
 surprised at, the jealous activity which they exhibit on 
 all occasions where their interests, real or imaginary, 
 are attacked. For these and other reasons, the natural 
 course of trade, manufactures, and commerce, should 
 not be disturbed, except when it interferes with mea- 
 sures affecting the well-being of the whole community j 
 in which case minor considerations ought of course at 
 all times to give way. The practices which prevail in 
 our manufactories form, in a peculiar manner, one of 
 these exceptions. They interfere essentially with the 
 best interests of society, without benefit to any parti- 
 cular class, or to any individual: and very little expla- 
 nation, I presume, will demonstrate to your lordship 
 the truth of this statement. Generally speaking, the 
 occupation which manufactures under the existing ar- 
 rangements afford, is more or less unhealthy to those 
 employed in them ; who are called upon to sacrifice 
 their strength and substantial comforts for the advan- 
 tage of others, and not unfrequently for the benefit of 
 their enemies. The numbers thus employed now con- 
 stitute an important part of the population — so great 
 indeed, as necessarily to disseminate the good or evil 
 effects of the practices which obtain among them, over 
 every corner of the empire. 
 
 " These practices are, 1 st. The employment of child- 
 ren before they possess sufficient strength for their work ; 
 before they can be initiated in their necessary domestic 
 duties; and before they can acquire any fixed moral 
 habits or knowledge that may render them useful, or 
 not injurious, members of the community. And 2ndly, 
 The employment of adults, both male and female, in 
 situations unfavourable to health for an excessive and 
 unreasonable number of hours per day. The Bill be- 
 
378 APPENDIX. 
 
 fore the House of Coniiuons is intended to apply to the 
 former evil only, and to remedy which it is surely very 
 inadequate. It permits children to be employed at 9 
 years of age for twelve hours and a half per day, allow- 
 ing them only an hour and a half during this period 
 for meals and for exercise in the open air. Experience 
 proves that men may be habituated by early practice 
 to consider the most inhuman and barbarous customs, 
 not only with indifference, but as amusements from 
 which they derive exquisite enjoyment. Even the best 
 natural dispositions may be trained with ease to delight 
 in cannibalism. It would be clearly unjust, therefore, 
 to blame manufacturers for practices with which they 
 have been familiar from childhood ; or to suppose that 
 they have less humanity than any other class of men. 
 Those practices, however, to which they have been fa- 
 miliarized from early life, are nevertheless unjust in the 
 extreme to their fellow-creatures, and peculiarly inju- 
 rious to the best interests of the country. To detail all 
 their consequences would exceed the limits of a letter; 
 and it is presumed that a sketch of the outline of them 
 will be sulficient at once to disclose to your lordship 
 the high importance of the subject, and to establish its 
 claim to the immediate attention of Government. 
 
 " To govern well and justly, is to form arrangements 
 by which the greatest benefits that circumstances admit 
 shall be given to the inhabitants of the country go- 
 verned ; and by which, especially, the most helpless 
 part of the population shall be protected from unne- 
 cessary oppression. Allow me, my lord, to apply these 
 principles to the subject of this letter. From causes 
 which it is unnecessary here to explain, the value of 
 mere manual labour has been so much reduced that 
 the working man in this and in other countries is now 
 placed under circumstances far more unfavourable to 
 his happiness than the serf or villain was under the 
 
APPENDIX. 379 
 
 feudal system, or than the slave was in any of the na- 
 tions of antiquity. I have myself, within the last three 
 years, been but too often obliged to refuse the services 
 of men willing to exert their strength to the very utter- 
 most, when those services were offered and urged upon 
 me by entreaties most distressing to decline, at wages 
 which could not afford the applicant, for himself and 
 family, the most bare and common necessaries of life. 
 With the small pittance they asked, they could in fact 
 only gradually starve, amidst wretchedness of which 
 the wealthy can form no adequate conception. Under 
 these circumstances, the working man and his family 
 are now truly become, even in this country, pitiable 
 objects. Yet it is from this class the wealthy derive 
 all which they hold. The rich wallow in an excess of 
 luxuries injurious to themselves, solely by the labour 
 of men who are debarred from acquiring for their own 
 use a sufficiency even of the indispensable articles of 
 life, — much less any of those numberless comforts 
 which they see around them. And yet, if their capa- 
 bilities were permitted to be brought into action, they 
 could multiply these in such abundance as would not 
 only afford themselves 2t. participation in them, but would 
 yield to the higher classes a still larger proportion of 
 wealth than the latter can possibly obtain under exist- 
 ing circumstances. Such being the facts, my lord, 
 which at any time I can prove to the satisfaction of 
 every intelligent reflecting mind, surely the working 
 man and his family have a fair and just claim for some 
 aid and protection from the legislatureof their country. 
 In a majority of cases he is now, whenever required, 
 compelled by dire necessity to labour 14, 16, or even 
 1 8 hours per day in employments from which often 
 every idea of comfort must be banished, which are 
 frequently very unhealthy, and sometimes revolting to 
 human nature ; but, my lord, his sons and his daugh- 
 
380 APPENDIX. 
 
 ters, and even his children male and female of a tender 
 age, are now subjected to the same necessity : they 
 must all thus labour, when they can procure work even 
 of this wretched description, to support a bare exist- 
 ence. To effect more than this many of them never 
 hope, but live in perpetual fear, should sickness over- 
 take them, that they must sooner or later be compelled 
 to accept even this, in the degrading capacity of parish 
 paupers. 
 
 *' You will, I am sure, my lord, readily grant that 
 this state of things cannot last; that its continuance will 
 annihilate every proper feeling between the governed 
 and their rulers ; and that confusion and misery must 
 go on increasing. If you ask me where is the remedy ? 
 or say, as modern politicians are apt to do, that the 
 evil in time will cure itself, I contend that there are 
 remedies; and I deny that the evil, if unchecked, will 
 cure itself in any other way than by perpetually in- 
 creasing the necessity for the adoption of those reme- 
 dies. A truly enlightened statesman will avert, by wise 
 ameliorating measures, those increasing evils, which, 
 if permitted to proceed unremedied, will inevitably de- 
 range the social system which it is his duty to direct 
 and controul. Past history exhibits no combination of 
 circumstances which bears any analogy to the present 
 crisis : the time never existed when knowledge and 
 misery were so closely and extensively united. That 
 such an union can be of long duration is impossible ; 
 one or other must prevail; and no mind competent to 
 look into futurity can be at any loss to conjecture which 
 must yield to the other. The only safe course which 
 governments can now pursue is, not to oppose, but to 
 lead and direct, knowledge. Those governments which 
 will not or cannot act thus will have increasing difficul- 
 ties to encounter, which no artificial power, opposed to 
 the permanent well-being of the people whom they go- 
 
APPENDIX, 381 
 
 vern, can long withstand. I trust, my lord, the British 
 Government is not destined to be one of these. I feel 
 confident that there is too much good intention and in- 
 telligence afloat amongst us to permit this evil to be in- 
 flicted on a nation so willing to sacrifice its temporary 
 interests to the security of its future liberty and happi- 
 ness. It is these considerations which induce me to 
 bring before your lordship those natural remedies for 
 existing evils which can be alone efl^ectual. Security 
 can now be found only in that system of policy which 
 regards the proper training, education, and advanta- 
 geous employment of the working classes, as the pri- 
 mary objects of government. Every other remedy 
 which may be attempted will prove a mere palliative, 
 and now a very short-lived palliative. But, my lord^ 
 how utterly vain must it be to attempt these objects 
 while so large a part of the population as I have de- 
 scribed — while not adults only of either sex, but even 
 children of a tender age, are compelled to labour in un- 
 healthy occupations for 14 or 15 hours per day! Such 
 a practice has arisen from the blind efforts of ignorance 
 that, in its eagerness to grasp at immediate wealth, 
 destroys the only sure means of securing its permanence 
 and its benefits. The opposers of the ameliorations 
 proposed would be themselves great gainers by their 
 adoption. Let the subject be viewed fairly, even as 
 one of mere gain or pecuniary profit only, and it would 
 be easy to prove to the satisfaction of every one who 
 has not been trained to become a mere manufacturer 
 or whose mind has not been too deeply imbued with 
 the prejudices of trade, that all parties interested must 
 necessarily be gainers under the regulations which 
 ought now to be adopted,— that is, that more wealth 
 shall be created for all, at a less cost, and with more 
 comfort to each. But I need not occupy your lord- 
 ship's time with the details of an argument, neces- 
 
382 APPENDIX. 
 
 sary only to those wliose ideas have been confined 
 within the limits of a certain class, and who are conse- 
 quently incompetent to any process of reasoning in 
 which it is necessary to view society as a whole, and 
 not in little detached and unconnected portions. 
 
 " The question is now before the legislature and the 
 country, where I have long wished to see it, that its 
 principles might be fairly and fully discussed by states- 
 men who have no interest, either real or imaginary, in 
 the present destruction of the health, morals, and hap- 
 piness of their fellow-creatures — whose only resource 
 afterwards is parish relief. I regret, however, to see 
 that the ameliorating clauses which the Bill before me 
 contains in its present form, are inadequate to remedy 
 the evils which now exist, and which long ago ought to 
 have been prevented. Its enactments hmit its intended 
 ameliorations to Cotton Mills only; and permit children 
 at 9 years old to be employed in them from that period 
 to 16 years of age, 12 hours and a half per day, al- 
 lowing only one hour and a half for meals and exercise 
 in the open air. I have no doubt the honourable mem- 
 ber with whom this Bill originated, and who has de- 
 voted so much time to the subject, is aware that these 
 enactments are very inadequate to meet the existing 
 evils. He was probably afraid to ask more, lest he 
 should increase the opposition of those who think 
 themselves interested in perpetuating an oppression on 
 their fellow-creatures, worse than any slavery of the 
 same extent with which the human race has been hi- 
 therto afflicted. We are unacquainted with any nation, 
 ancient or modern, that has suffered its hundreds of 
 thousands of children, of 7 to 12 years of age, to work 
 incessantly for 15 hours per day in an over-heated un- 
 healthy atmosphere, allowing them only 40 minutes 
 out of that time for dinner and change of air, which 
 they breathe often in damp cellars or in garrets, in 
 
APPENDIX. 383 
 
 confined narrow streets or dirty lanes. And this system 
 of oppression will be sanctioned by the British legis- 
 lature if the Bill proposed shall be allowed to pass in 
 its present state ; for it is in evidence taken before a 
 Committee of the House of Commons appointed to in- 
 vestigate the subject, that such practices prevail in 
 other manufactories as unhealthy as the cotton. It 
 cannot for a moment be supposed that the legislature 
 will now compromise its character by giving its counte- 
 nance to such abuses. Far better would it be that the 
 evil should remain in its full extent, than that the poor 
 sufferer should be mocked by enactments which merely 
 hold out a petty paltry relief to those employed in one 
 branch of our manufactures, while thousands and hun- 
 dreds of thousands in other situations are left to expe- 
 rience all the oppression and slavery of which I now 
 complain. 
 
 " My lord, I do hope that this important subject will 
 be taken up and defended by the ministers of the Crown 
 on its broad and true principles; I trust they will prove 
 to the country at large, that revolution or violent refor- 
 mation is not necessary to compel them to protect the 
 oppressed and the helpless; and that they are willing 
 of themselves to begin the work of gradual reformation, 
 at that point from which alone any beneficial reforma- 
 tion can ever commence — that is, by attending well to 
 the proper training and education of the rising genera- 
 tion. Let this point be adopted as the polar star of the 
 domestic policy of Great Britain, and it may safely be 
 predicted that her past fleeting prosperity and success 
 will become as shadows when contrasted with her fu- 
 ture permanent strength and glory. A fortunate op- 
 portunity at the proper moment now presents itself to 
 begin this admirable work, and let us hope it will be 
 seized with avidity by our most enlightened statesmen, 
 who, discarding the ignorant and degrading feelings of 
 
384 APPENDIX. 
 
 party, will unite all their efforts in a cause in which 
 all have a common interest, and by the adoption of 
 timely preventive measures, founded on principles 
 leading to union and good-will among mankind, will 
 overcome those evils in the social system which now in 
 every direction threaten forcibly to dissolve all existing 
 governments and institutions. But, my lord, — and I 
 put the question to you as a practical statesman, — can 
 the habits of the rising generation be well and properly 
 formed while they continue to be immured almost from 
 infancy within our demoralizing and unhealthy manu- 
 factories for 14 or 15 hours per day? Or rather, my 
 lord, could the greatest enemy to human nature devise 
 more effectual means by which to blight every hope of 
 improvement or happiness to man ? Could such a being 
 in the plenitude of his cunning and hatred, so surely 
 settle in any other way a blasting curse on human be- 
 ings, or so certainly inflict upon them every form and 
 de2:ree of misery to which their nature is liable? To ad- 
 vance one step beyond a mere pretence to ameliorate 
 the wretched condition of the working classes, — the sole 
 instruments by which our necessaries, our comforts, and 
 our luxuries are produced, they must be protected from 
 that oppression to which they are now exposed, and 
 their children must be placed under circumstances in 
 which they may be trained in habits useful to them- 
 selves and to society. If the Bill now before the legis- 
 lature secure not these objects, it will not effect any- 
 thin"; that had not much better be left undone. Instead 
 of confining the provisions of the Act to Cotton Mills 
 only, they should extend to all manufactures whatever 
 not carried on in private houses. Instead of children 
 being admitted at 9 years of age to work in Cotton 
 Mills 12 hours and a half per day, with only an hour 
 and a half for meals and recreation, no child should be 
 admitted to work in any manufactory before 10 years 
 
APPENDIX. 3g2 
 
 Of age, and not for more than 6 hours per day until he 
 IS 12 years old. And no manufacturer should be per- 
 nutted to employ either young or old for a lonoer pe 
 nod than 12 hours per day, allowing them out'of that 
 time one hour for breakfast and another for dinner 
 leavmg 10 hours for full and constant work, which is 
 one more than our ancestors thought beneficial • and I 
 doubt whether 9 hours of regular and active employ- 
 ment, estabhshed as the measure of daily labour to be 
 reqmred from the working classes, would not be still 
 more oeconomical and profitable for the country. 
 
 "I am fully aware of the clamour which these pro- 
 positions will at first call forth from the blind avarice 
 ot commerce; for commerce, my lord, trains her chil- 
 dren to see only the.r immediate or apparent interest- 
 their ideas are too contracted to carry them beyond the 
 passing week, month, or year at the utmost. Thev 
 have been taught, my lord, to consider it to be the es- 
 sence of wisdom to expend millions of capital, and years 
 ot extraordinary scientific application, as well as to sa- 
 crifice the health, morals, and comforts of the m-eat 
 mass of the subjects of a mighty empire, that they may 
 uselessly improve the manufacture of, and increase the 
 demand for, pins, needles, and threads ;— that they may 
 have the singular satisfaction, after immense care la- 
 bour, and anxiety on their own parts, to destroy the 
 rea wealth and strength of their country by gradually 
 undermining the morals and physical vigour of its in- 
 habitants, for the sole end of relieving other nations of 
 their due share of this enviable process of pm, needle, 
 and thread making. I trust, my lord, it is not by such 
 men that our great national concerns are henceforward 
 to be directed. If their voice is to predominate in our 
 councils, the vital interests of the country must soon be 
 utterly sacrificed to the grossest political errors. It is 
 the creed of this class, that no effort or expense should 
 VOL. II. 2 c 
 
38G APPENDIX. 
 
 be spared to improve those trifling baubles and luxu- 
 ries, which when perfected, are of no intrinsic value 
 whatever, which cannot add a particle of strength or 
 comfort to the empire * ; while any attempts to ame- 
 liorate the condition of human beings are decried as 
 unnecessary and visionary, as travelling out of the pro- 
 per business of life, which to them is solely and exclu- 
 sively to accumulate wealth — wealth, which is not only 
 acquired at the expense of everything that is truly great 
 or valuable in the character of a nation, but which, 
 when acquired, is useless, nay, in the highest degree 
 injurious to themselves and others. It is, my lord, to 
 such kind of influence as I have now described that the 
 best interests of the country have been sacrificed for 
 years ; and if the Government cannot proceed without 
 such aid, it is not diflScult to see to what it will speedily 
 lead. 
 
 *' Should it be urged upon you, my lord, that these 
 and other ameliorating measures will give such a sti- 
 mulus to population, that the world will soon be too 
 small for its inhabitants, I cannot imagine that your 
 lordship will contemplate such an argument with any 
 alarm. I intend to take an early opportunity of showing 
 that this dread of an excess of population has no better 
 foundation than exists for the nursery terrors of ghosts 
 and hobgoblins; that at this moment the earth is a 
 comparative desert; that all its present inhabitants are 
 suffering for the want of a much more extended popu- 
 lation; and that when the subject comes to be properly 
 understood, no real evil will ever be apprehended from 
 this source. 
 
 * No real advantage lias accrued from enabling our fashionable 
 females to jjurchase fine lace and muslins at one fourth of the former 
 prices ; but to produce them at this price, many thousands of our po- 
 pulation have existed amidst disease and wretchedness, and been 
 carried prematurely to their graves. 
 
APPENDIX. 387 
 
 " Being strongly impressed with this view of the 
 subject, I have felt it a duty imperative upon me thus 
 publicly to recommend to your lordship, as Prime Mini- 
 ster of the Country, to adopt, by means of the Bill now 
 under the consideration of the legislature, a declared 
 principle of gradually and systematically reforming the 
 growing evils of the country by well and properly form- 
 ing the habits of the rising generation. It is obviously 
 a necessary preliminary to this work of reformation, 
 that the manufacturer should relinquish the premature 
 and oppressive employment of children. — The import- 
 ance of the subject of this letter renders it unnecessary 
 to apologize for having thus occupied so much of your 
 lordship's time. Be assured, that with every proper 
 feeling of respect for the long sacrifice which you have 
 made of your private comforts, in the discharge of pub- 
 lic duties, 
 
 *' I remain, my Lord, 
 
 '^ Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant, 
 
 " Robert Owen. 
 
 " New Lanark, March 20, 1818." 
 
 C. — page 86. 
 
 The Memorials were accompanied by the following 
 Explanations of the Three General Results. 
 
 First General Result. — *' The general proof of this 
 statement shall be drawn from the changes which have 
 occurred in the British Empire within the last quarter 
 of a century, or since the general introduction of 
 Messrs. Watt and Arkwright's improved mechanism, 
 first into the manufactures of Britain, and subsequently 
 into those of other countries. 
 
 " At the commencement of the period mentioned, a 
 much larger proportion of the population of Great Bri- 
 tain was engaged in agriculture than in manufactures, 
 2c2 
 
388 APPENDIX. 
 
 and it is probable the inhabitants of the British Isles 
 experienced a greater degree of substantial prosperity 
 than they had obtained before, or than they have en- 
 joyed since. The cause is obvious : the new manu- 
 facturing system had then attained that point which 
 gave the highest value to manual labour, compared 
 with the prices of the necessaries and comforts of life, 
 which it was calculated to afford, and it had not yet 
 produced the demoralizing effects which soon afterwards 
 began to emanate from this system. 
 
 " At the period mentioned, the manual and the sci- 
 entific power of Great Britain were sufficient to create a 
 degree of prosperity which placed all her population 
 in a state of comfort, at least equal, if not superior, to 
 that of the inhabitants of any other part of the world. 
 The value of her national funds was higher in 1792 
 than at any other period, and pauperism among the 
 working class was but little known. 
 
 " The productive powers which created this high de- 
 gree of prosperity consisted of temperate manual la- 
 bour, and mechanical and other scientific power, which 
 had been very gradually and slowly accumulating 
 through the previous periods of her history. 
 
 " The manual labour was chiefly performed by men, 
 unaided by the premature exertions of children, and its 
 whole amount may be estimated, in 1792, at that of 
 one fourth of the population, which was then about 15 
 millions. 
 
 ** The scientific power, at the same period, was pro- 
 bably about three times the amount of its whole manual 
 labour, in which case the manual labour would be 
 equal to the work of 3,750,000 of men, and the sci- 
 entific three times the amount, or 1 1,250,000 of men, 
 which makes the aggregate power equal to the la- 
 bour of 15,000,000 of men: the population was also 
 15,000,000. Thus the population, and aggregate 
 powers of production, appear to be equal, or as 1 to 1. 
 
APPENDIX. 389 
 
 " The introduction however of the improved steam 
 engine, and spinning machinery, with the endless va- 
 riety of mechanical inventions to which they gave rise, 
 and which have been apphed to almost all the useful 
 purposes and ornamental arts of life, have created a 
 change in the productive powers of Great Britain of 
 the most extraordinary amount. 
 
 " Manual labour has been increased, by calling into 
 action the almost unceasing daily labour of women 
 and cliildren into manufactures, and in consequence its 
 whole amount may be now estimated at about that of 
 one third of the population, which in 1817 was cal- 
 culated to be about 18 millions, or in 25 years to have 
 increased 3 millions. 
 
 " But since the introduction of Arkwright and Watt's 
 improved mechanism, there has been a real addition 
 made to the power of creating wealth equal to that of 
 200 millions of active, stout, well-tramed labourers, 
 or to more than ten times the present population of the 
 British Isles, or than thirty times the manual labour 
 which they now supply for the production of wealth. 
 
 " The following changes have, then, occurred from 
 1792 to 1817: 
 The population increased from 
 
 15,000,000 to 18,000,000 
 
 The manual labour from one 
 
 fourth of 15,000,000 to one 
 
 third of 18,000,000, or to . 6,000,000 of men. 
 The new-created scientific power 
 
 may be estimated at the least 
 
 equal to the labour of . . . . 200,000,000 of men. 
 The scientific power, estimated 
 
 in 1792 at three times the 
 
 manual labour, was equal to . II ,250,000 of men. 
 Which gives for the aggregate 
 
 productive power in 1 8 17 , . 2 17,250,000 of men. 
 
390 APPENDIX. 
 
 Or, in proportion to the population in 1817, as twelve 
 and a fraction to one. 
 
 " It follows that Great Britain has thus acquired a 
 new aid from scientific skill in twenty-five years, which 
 enables her to increase her riches annually twelve times 
 beyond what she possessed the power of creating prior 
 to that period, and which she may either waste in war, 
 dissipate by an unprofitable foreign commerce, or ap- 
 ply directly to improve and ameliorate her own popu- 
 lation. 
 
 " This enormous accession to the productive powers 
 of Great Britain is, however, trifling compared with 
 that which she may now acquire : she has still capital 
 and industry, unemployed or misapplied, sufficient to 
 create, annually, an addition to her present productive 
 powers far exceeding the amount of her actual manual 
 labour. 
 
 " Already, with a population under twenty millions, 
 and a manual power not exceeding six millions, with 
 the aid of her new power, undirected except by blind 
 private interest, she supplies her own demand, and 
 overstocks with her manufactures all the markets in 
 the world into which her commerce is admitted ; she 
 is now using every exertion to open new markets, even 
 in the most distant regions, because she feels she could 
 soon supply the wants of another world equally popu- 
 lous with the earth. 
 
 " Instead however of thus contending with other na- 
 tions to supply their wants, and thereby, under the pre- 
 sent arrangements of society, diminish the value of 
 their manual labour, and depress their working classes, 
 she might most advantageously for herself and them, 
 extend the knowledge which she has acquired of cre- 
 ating wealth, or new productive power, to the rest of 
 Europe, to Asia, Africa, and America. 
 
 Second General Uesnlt. — '* It is a fact self-evident, 
 
APPENDIX. 391 
 
 that children are born with certain faculties and quali- 
 ties, or with the seeds or germs of them, and that these 
 combined constitute what is called human nature. 
 
 " In conformity with what appears to be an universal 
 fact in the creation, these faculties and qualities differ 
 in each individual in strength and in combination, and 
 to so great an extent, as to render it highly improbable 
 tliat any two infants have been or ever will be born 
 alike. 
 
 " It is also a fact obvious to our reason, that whatever 
 these powers may be in each child, he could not create 
 the smallest part of them; they are formed for him by 
 Providence, by Nature, by that power, whatever name 
 man may give it, which creates him; and whether those 
 faculties and qualities are inferior or superior, it is con- 
 trary to reason to say that the infant can be entitled to 
 merit or deserve any blame for them. 
 
 " He has received his natural constitution as the lamb 
 and the tiger have received theirs, and there is pre- 
 cisely as much wisdom in finding fault with the one as 
 with the others. 
 
 " The child is also born in some country, of parents 
 belonging to some class, and who possess characters 
 respectively peculiar to themselves. 
 
 " On these circumstances also the child can have no 
 influence whatever: each of them has arisen from 
 causes over which the child could have no power of 
 any kind. 
 
 " These circumstances, however unobserved they may 
 have been by ordinary minds, have hitherto determined. 
 First, Whether the child shall be a Jew, a disciple of 
 Confucius, a worshiper of Juggernaut, a Christian, a 
 Mahomedan, or a savage, even a cannibal. Secondly, 
 To what country he shall belong, and in consequence, 
 what national prejudices shall be forced upon him. 
 Thirdly, What sectarian notions, if any, shall be im- 
 
392 APPENDIX. 
 
 pressed on his mind. Fourthly, What language he 
 shall be taught; for language influences character more 
 than is usually supposed. Fifthly, In what class he shall 
 be trained. Sixthly, What pecuhar habits and notions 
 he shall imbibe from his parents, and those immediately 
 around him, in childhood. 
 
 " So completely indeed has he been hithertoenveloped 
 within those various mediums, that it is unlikely a 
 single individual has yet been able to resist their influ- 
 ence, except in a slight degree, even aided by the infi- 
 nite variety of natural faculties and qualities which 
 have been given to children in every part of the world. 
 Now, however, with the experience acquired, society 
 may form new circumstances around children in every 
 part of the world, which shall enable each of them to 
 pass this six-fold barrier of error and prejudice. 
 
 ** It is true, the power of society over the individual 
 is not without limit; it cannot re-create and altogether 
 change the natural faculties and qualities which are 
 given to children at birth; it cannot make those facul- 
 ties and qualities superior, which nature has originally 
 made inferior; but the power which it has already 
 gained by experience over human nature, may be ap- 
 plied to effect every purpose that can be rationally de- 
 scribed. 
 
 ** Such indeed is the powerful influence which expe- 
 rience has now given to society over the rising genera- 
 tion, that it may surround children from their birth with 
 new circumstances, which shall form each of them, 
 bodily and mentally, in such a manner, that their ha- 
 bits, dispositions, and general character shall be greatly 
 superior to the habits, dispositions, and general cha- 
 racters which the circumstances of society have hitherto 
 formed in man in any part of the world. He may also 
 by the same means be so trained, placed, and employed 
 in proper unity with others, and aided by mechanical. 
 
APPENDIX. 393 
 
 chemical, and other scientific power, that he shall create 
 a surplus of new wealth, or property, far beyond what 
 he can or will desire to retain for his own use. 
 
 Third General Result. — *^ Your Memorialist sub- 
 mits, that in the explanations of the First General Re- 
 sult, it has been shown that the means have been dis- 
 covered and brought into action, by which a great ac- 
 cumulation of wealth has been made; and that, by the 
 extension of new scientific power, riches may be in- 
 creased beyond any assignable limit. That in the pre- 
 liminary explanations of the second General Result, it 
 has been shown that the principles of the science of 
 political oeconomyare become obvious, by which, with- 
 out disorder, violence, or punishment of any kind, the 
 rising generation may be, with ease and advantage to 
 all, surrounded by new circumstances, which shall form 
 them into any character that society may predeter- 
 mine. 
 
 " Under the existing arrangements in all countries, 
 the mass of the people derive their subsistence through 
 the nominal value of their labour, and which rises and 
 falls on the common commercial principle of supply and 
 demand. 
 
 " This arrangement served the purpose in a tolerable 
 degree while wealth was produced chiefly by manual 
 labour. But it has been shown, that latterly a power 
 of production unlimited in extent, and which scarcely 
 consumes at all, has been introduced; that it has al- 
 ready created a most unfavourable disproportion be- 
 tween the demand for and supply of manual labour, 
 and in its daily undirected progress this disproportion 
 will go on increasing. As long, however, as manual 
 labour continues to be thus depressed, the mass of the 
 people, who derive their subsistence solely from that 
 source, must be subjected to poverty and misery, while 
 a few, not nearly one in one thousand of the population 
 
394 APPENDIX. 
 
 of the world, will be in possession of accumulated 
 wealth, which under those circumstances must equally 
 destroy their happiness. They would be perpetually 
 involved in the opposition of evil passions and struggle 
 which must arise in such a lamentable state of society. 
 
 ** It is not indeed possible, with the knowledge now 
 in the world, and which is daily advancing, that such 
 a state of society can long exist; the overwhelming 
 strength of knowledge and interest on one side will 
 render all contest vain, and the folly of contest must 
 be severely felt. 
 
 " No one, therefore, can for a moment doubt that it is 
 the interest of each individual, in every rank and in all 
 countries, that judicious measures should be adopted 
 with the least delay, to secure those beneficial results in 
 practice. Nor can it be doubted, that with the hourly 
 increase of knowledge in many parts of Europe and 
 America, the period can be distant when it will appear 
 to be the interest of all, that these ameliorations should 
 be speedily effected." 
 
 D. — page 93. 
 
 Lunatics and Idiots in England. — From a Report 
 made in 1829, it appears that there were at that time 
 in England, in confinement in public lunatic establish- 
 ments, 1189 male and 1314 female lunatics, or idiots; 
 in private lunatic asylums, 1770 males and 196'4 
 females; in workhouses, &.C., 36 males and 52 females; 
 making, in the whole, 6325 persons in confinement. 
 The number of individuals in the condition of lunatics, 
 or idiots, who were at large or with their relations, was 
 3029 males and 3193 females, making a total of 
 persons at large of 6222. The total number of lu- 
 natics was 6806, and of idiots 5741; making to- 
 
APPENDIX. 395 
 
 gether 12,547 insane persons. To these must be 
 added above 1500 persons belonging either to parishes 
 from which no returns had been made when the lists 
 of the clerks of the peace were made out, or to towns 
 which are counties of themselves, and which are not 
 included in this summary. This addition makes the 
 whole number above 14,000, of whom not fewer 
 than 1 1,000 were paupers, and maintained at the ex- 
 pense of their respective parishes. 
 
 The following extract from an article upon Insanity 
 in the Monthly Magazine, proves the bad effects of 
 intermarriages ; and although it attributes insanity less 
 frequently to disappointment in pecuniary speculations 
 than to the sudden accession of wealth, yet almost all the 
 alleged causes are to be found in the disorder and con- 
 fusion of the present defective organization of society. 
 
 " Is madness a disease of the mind or the body ? 
 Of the body, doubtless. But let us get into no meta- 
 physics — much less into the doubts and difficulties of 
 theology. We know nothing, physically, of the mind, 
 but through the body. For anything we actually 
 know, the mind is the sheer result of admirable me- 
 chanism. Of the union of an independent body and 
 an independent mind, we know nothing. We affirm 
 nothing, certainly, of the mind, uninfluenced by the 
 body. We enter not into the question of materialism : 
 it is unconnected with the view we take of the subject. 
 We must, however, speak popularly — the mind and 
 the body. Mental disease, uncaused by external im- 
 pressions, is scarcely intelligible. Sensations are ex- 
 cited from without and within ; and in both may, in 
 excess, become the cause of insanity. The process is 
 shortly this : external impressions — in proportion, of 
 course, to constitutional susceptibility — act, through 
 the senses and nerves, upon the feelings ; and the 
 feelings re-act upon the brain„ The impression is, in 
 
396 APPENDIX. 
 
 fact, double : first, upon the senses, next upon the 
 heart — almost, perhaps quite, simultaneously. The 
 nerves and the circulation are thus both implicated ; 
 and thus, by excess of action, moral impressions of all 
 kinds may become causes of insanity. But the moral 
 is not the immediate cause ; it is productive of a 
 physical one, which is in reality the immediate — the 
 proximate cause of derangement ; and to the physical 
 effects must we direct our main attention. 
 
 " Now these moral causes are within everybody's ob- 
 servation, and everybody can estimate the first effects. 
 Some, without weighing the force of their expressions, 
 have denied the influence of mind on matter; but the 
 fact of effects upon the body — of even diseases, both 
 of structure and function, produced by mental emotions 
 — is established by a thousand proofs. The heart, 
 stomach, liver, intestines, kidneys, &c., are often vio- 
 lently affected by the consequences of passion. The 
 ancients referred particular passions to particular viscera 
 — courage to the heart, anger to the liver, joy to the 
 spleen, &c. ; and even modern physicians of great 
 eminence have done nearly the same. But we have 
 nothing to do but with recognisable facts. 
 
 " Sensations, emotions, passions, are all accompanied 
 by bodily changes ; yet these are all excited by im- 
 pressions from without — that is, are all instances of 
 mind acting upon matter, before matter acts upon mind 
 — are all moral causes. 
 
 '' Modesty betrays itself by a simple blush, which 
 vanishes with the exciting cause, and scarcely produces 
 any further perceptible effect : but shame shows a 
 deeper suffusion — a more permanent one ; the blood 
 is, in a peculiar manner, retained in the vessels nearest 
 the surface, as if the veins had suffered some sudden 
 constriction, and refused to return it. This sensation, 
 in its excesses, is known to have produced other physical 
 
APPENDIX. 397 
 
 effects ofan extraordinary kind — suppressions, insanity, 
 death. 
 
 "Diffidence is another modification of modesty, 
 which has brought on mental derangement. Cowper 
 the poet is quoted by Dr. Burrowes as an instance of 
 melanclioly , from apprehension of inability to execute 
 with propriety a very simple and honourable, but public 
 duty. 
 
 " Terror and horror produce similar effects. But 
 here the face is pale — the blood is driven from the ex- 
 treme vessels back upon the heart — the motions of the 
 heart become thus embarrassed — a violent struggle en- 
 sues — and the organ may suddenly cease to beat, or 
 may burst. In the re-action, too, the functions of the 
 brain may be overwhelmed by the force of the blood 
 rushing back into its vessels ; and then insanity ensues. 
 
 " In anger, again, the blood flies to the capillaries, 
 and reddens the surface ; but sometimes the effect is 
 just the contrary, and the cheek is perfectly blanched. 
 In the latter case, it is of the more deadly, though less 
 impetuous character, coupled perhaps with the chilling 
 checks of hatred and revenge — a sudden and forcible 
 control, effected partly perhaps by the promise of future 
 and more effective vent. But madness may follow, in 
 the one case, the accelerated movement of the blood ; 
 and apoplexy, in the other, the violent reaction upon 
 the exhausted vessels. 
 
 '* The effects of fear, and terror, and anger, even 
 upon the muscular powers, are equally obvious. Anger 
 augments them prodigiously — fear, on the contrary, 
 paralyzes. 
 
 " The tendency of excessive giief to force blood to 
 the brain, and consequently to bring on madness, is 
 familiar to every one : tears give relief. Sadden joy, 
 again, and more likely, apparently, than grief: it has 
 no natural vent like grief. Transitions from joy to grief 
 
398 APPENDIX. 
 
 occasion the greatest shocks, and produce the most 
 durable effects. Yet actual losses or disappointments 
 in pecuniary speculations do not appear, observes Dr. 
 Burrovves, to occasion insanity so frequently as unex- 
 pected or immense wealth. In the six months suc- 
 ceeding the numerous failures of the winter 1825-6, 
 there were fewer returns to the commissioners for 
 licensing madhouses, of insane persons in the London 
 district, than in any corresponding period for many years 
 before. 
 
 *' The moral causes hitherto enumerated originate in 
 the individual; but there are others, which seem to 
 spring from the existing condition and circumstances 
 of society. The more artificial is the state of society, 
 the more active are such causes — the more extensively 
 they multiply and operate. Indulgence, indolence, the 
 vices of refinement, make men more susceptible and 
 irritable — more sensitive to impressions, and of course 
 more liable to insanity. Intense pursuits of any kind 
 — high cultivation — morals, religion, politics, produce 
 intellectual disorders. The lower classes, too, though 
 exempt from these concomitants of habitual luxury 
 and intense cultivation, provoke disease by excesses — 
 drunkenness and intemperance — producing thus the 
 very effect which extreme refinement and fastidiousness 
 do among the higher — that is, greater susceptibility. 
 
 *'A very striking relation, moreover, is observable 
 in insanity to public events. Pinel speaks of the im- 
 mense numbers of insane during the more violent 
 fervours of the French revolution ; and Dr. Halloran 
 observed the same in the last rebellion of Ireland. 
 Something very like it is visible at this moment, but 
 more particularly among the Orangemen. Dr. Rush, 
 again, has recorded many effects of the American re- 
 volution, both on the mind and the body. In the 
 beoinnino- of a battle, the enthusiasm of both oflScers 
 
APPENDIX. 399 
 
 and men excited great thirst ; and at the first onset a 
 glow of" heat, even in the severest cold, was perceptible 
 in both ears. Soldiers were found dead in the field at 
 the battle of Monmouth, without any sign of wound, 
 injury, or exhaustion — apparently from emotion. Dis- 
 eases, unobserved before, he says, appeared on the 
 sudden cessation of the war. 
 
 '* Among the moral causes of intellectual derange- 
 ment, religion has been enumerated, mainly because so 
 many insane persons have been possessed by religious 
 hallucinations. Excited to excess, every emotion and 
 passion is capable of bringing on madness : if so, re- 
 ligion, calculated as are its tremendous considerations 
 to influence our feelings, may well be supposed, by 
 possibility, to be a cause of insanity. But still, though 
 the hallucination be a religious one, the real source of 
 insanity may be the very reverse of religion, and thus 
 the rehgious hallucination itself rather be the effect 
 than the cause of insanity. Generally, those who go 
 mad through religion, as it is called, are people of sus- 
 ceptible temperaments, or very weak heads. Injudi- 
 cious preachers, addressing themselves, as they chiefly 
 do, to the weak and uninformed, may readily shake an 
 addled understanding. It is quite idle to impute the 
 effect, as most people do, to the mysticism of the tenets 
 inculcated, or to the intenseness with which abstract 
 theology is cultivated, or to the subject of religion being 
 impressed too ardently on persons too young or too 
 much uninformed to comprehend it. It is obviously 
 much more to the purpose to look to the condition in 
 which the perceptive and reasoning powers actually 
 were, before rehgion appeared to bring on derangement. 
 Dr. Burrowes's great experience goes to show that the 
 eftect springs immediately from some perversion of re- 
 ligion, or the discussion or adoption of novel and ex- 
 travagant doctrines, at a juncture, when the under- 
 
400 APPENDIX. 
 
 standing, from other causes, is already shaken. Nor 
 does he recollect one instance of insanity, arising appa- 
 rently from a religious source, where the party had been 
 undisturbed about opinions. It appeared to him always 
 to originate during the conflict between opposite doc- 
 trines before conviction was determined. While the 
 mind is in suspense from the dread of doing wrong in 
 matters of conscience, and the balance is poised between 
 old and new doctrines, involving salvation, the feelings 
 are excited, says he, to a morbid degree of sensibility. 
 In so irritable a state, an incident, which at any other 
 time would pass unheeded, will elicit the latent spark, 
 and inflame the mind to madness. Dr. Halioran, who 
 had capital opportunities for observation, remarked, 
 that in the Cork Lunatic Asylum, where Catholics in 
 proportion to Protestants are ten to one, no instance of 
 mental derangement, from this cause, occurred among 
 the Catholics, but several among Protestant Dissenters. 
 The fact is — and very important it is to the present 
 purpose — Catholic ministers will not permit their flocks 
 to discuss the subject of doctrines; distrust in these 
 matters, doctrines or discipline, is denounced at once 
 as stark heresy. The moment of peril — as to insane 
 effects, we mean, is when old opinions in matters of 
 faith are wavering, or the adoption of new ones recent, 
 and not yet quietly subsided ; and from this peril the 
 Catholic is obviously protected, whilst the Protestant, 
 with our freedom of discussion, is pre-eminently exposed 
 to it. The Methodists are charged with making more 
 lunatics than any other sect; but the truth seems to 
 be — which explains the matter very satisfactorily — 
 their converts are more numerous than those of any 
 other sect, in the class to which such doctrines are 
 mainly directed; and they have had, besides, we take 
 it, almost a monopoly of the weaker heads in that 
 class. 
 
APPENDIX. 401 
 
 *' But these moral causes — numerous as they are, 
 and capable of exciting lunacy to a fearful extent — 
 are very far from being the most general causes of in- 
 sanity. It is only where the frame is highly susceptible, 
 or where the cause is vehement or excessive, that 
 morbid effects are produced by them. The direct 
 physical causes are far more extensive in their occur- 
 rence ; — and among these the very chiefest is hereditary 
 predisposition. Esquirol — a man of no slight authority 
 in these matters — assigns 150 out of 264, in his private 
 practice; and Dr. Burrowes — of at least equal weight 
 and experience — says, he has clearly ascertained this 
 predisposition in six sevenths of the whole of his 
 patients, and scarcely seems to doubt its existence in 
 many of the remaining seventh : but the difficulty of 
 ascertaining the hereditary source is often great, from 
 the perverse concealments of the friends. And, indeed, 
 so general is the internal conviction, if not the professed 
 belief of the reality and extensiveness of hereditary in- 
 fluence, that nothing is more frequent than the remark, 
 when eccentricities are observed in individuals, 'There 
 is madness in the family — the father (or mother) was 
 insane.' Constitutional peculiarities, which physicians, 
 after their learned manner, call idiosyncrasies, are, in 
 numerous respects, of the commonest occurrence, and 
 need only to be alluded to, in a few particulars, to con- 
 vince us they are more extensive than seems to be 
 generally supposed, though everybody's actual ex- 
 perience must furnish him numerous instances. Shell- 
 fish are offensive to some stomachs ; some fruits in like 
 manner — the odour of particular flowers ; and these 
 peculiarities are known to descend through successive 
 generations. It is quite a common thing to hear a 
 person say, ' I cannot bear such or such a thing, nor 
 could my father before me.' One man, again, inherits 
 gout, another consumption, another scrofula, another 
 apoplexy, and propagates it. Some physicians have 
 
 VOL, II. 2d 
 
402 APPENDIX. 
 
 encouraged the notion that hereditary disorders, and 
 insanity among them, appear only in every other, that 
 is, in every third individual in lineal descent, but ap- 
 parently without authority. Here and there, in an 
 individual, the disease may not develop ; but no such 
 rule, remarks Dr. Burrowes, is observable. 
 
 " No fact, indeed, is more incontrovertible than the 
 hereditariness of insanity, and nowhere is the eft'ect 
 more decisive than among tribes or families, where, in 
 the well-understood language of the cattle breeder, they 
 breed in and in. In our own country, hereditary in- 
 sanity is more common in the higher ranks than in the 
 lower — taking, we mean, numbers for numbers; and 
 they confessedly more frequently marry with those of 
 their own rank, and often among their own families. 
 Examples are said to be most numerous in old Scotch 
 families ; and insanity is known to be more common in 
 Scotland than in the rest of the country. Some cen- 
 turies ago, the Scots were aware of the tendency, and 
 provided against it : when a Scot was afflicted with a 
 disease capable of being propagated, the sons were 
 emasculated, and the daughters banished, and any fe- 
 male affected by such disease, and pregnant, was burnt 
 alive*. Of all people, perhaps, the Jews have most 
 pertinaciously intermarried with each other, and hence 
 insanity is believed to be more frequent among them. 
 One of the youngest patients Dr. Burrowes ever had 
 under his care, was a member of a respectable Jewish 
 family ; both father and mother were insane, and six 
 brothers and sisters, like himself, became deranged as 
 they arrived at the age of puberty. The Quakers, also, 
 intermarry very much, and among them insanity is 
 more than usually prevalent. Mr. Tuke, of the York 
 Retreat, computes one in two hundred, and apparently, 
 in a great degree, from this cause." 
 
 • Boethius De Vet. Scot. Moribus. 
 
APPENDIX. 403 
 
 E.— Page 130. 
 Recollections of a Public School, 
 
 " I was a pupil of Mr. , and fag {i. e. slave) to 
 
 a boy whom I shall call Travis. In order to tempt 
 the inexperienced as much as possible, I beg to offer the 
 following picture of my comforts and course of study 
 
 at B . This, it is to be observed, cost my father 
 
 little less than one hundred and thirty pounds per 
 annum ! 
 
 "^ In the morning, about half-past six in winter, I 
 rose ; and after a hasty toilette, hghted my wax taper, 
 (which I paid for,) got for Travis clean water, his shoes, 
 and brushed his clothes. Sec, (a good half-hour's labour 
 during the foot-ball and other dirty seasons). At seven, 
 the morning school opened, before which time I had 
 to get by heart my lesson, for which I had had no 
 opportunity the evening before. This was sometimes 
 accomplished, but as often not so ; for it was necessary 
 to neglect either Travis or my lesson ; and I naturallv 
 preferred the latter course, where there was only a 
 chance of punishment, to the former, where the matter 
 was certain. At seven, as I have said, the school 
 commenced, and I had then to ask Travis's leave to go 
 there ! This was usually accorded, of course ; but it 
 was not unfrequently refused for a time, and the con- 
 sequence was a flogging or a task. It was useless to 
 extenuate, * I have been fagging, sir.' That excuse 
 was seldom if ever allowed, and never but on o-lvino- 
 up the fagger's name. If I had given up Travis's name, 
 misery would have been my portion. So I took my 
 tasks or my floggings quietly. At eight, or half-past 
 eight o'clock, school was over, and we returned to the 
 boarding-house, where breakfast was ready. This con- 
 sisted of a penny roll (or small cake), and a little warm 
 2d2 
 
404 APPENDIX. 
 
 water with less milk. It was necessary to dispatch 
 this before nine o'clock, (about which time our tutor 
 was accustomed to construe our Latin or Greek lessons 
 for the day) ; and this, in fact, could easily have been 
 managed, (and more too,) but, unfortunately, it is the 
 fag's province to disregard his own breakfast as well 
 as his lesson. He must attend upon him for whom 
 he fags. So is disinterestedness tau2;ht. And so it 
 was with me. I had to boil Travis's kettle, (for the 
 greater boys purchased tea and sugar,) toast his roll ; 
 go into the town and purchase butter and an additional 
 roll ; be ready at his call ; and, in a word, wait upon 
 him during breakfast in the character of a foot-boy — 
 for which I was paid in blows. My own little roll was 
 devoured as I could — sometimes thrust into my pocket, 
 half eaten; sometimes 'bolted,' leaving my appetite 
 nearly as fresh as ever ; and sometimes hoarded for an 
 hour or so till I arrived at my tutor's, and waited his 
 leisure for construing my lesson. At nine, it was 
 necessary to start for our tutor's house, (as he lived 
 some way from my lodging,) and there we heard all 
 our lessons for the day construed ; duly wrote the 
 English interpretations over every difficult word, and 
 thought no more about the matter! We never con- 
 sulted a dictionary ; for every lesson, without an ex- 
 ception, was fully interpreted to us. No industry was 
 necessary on our parts, and accordingly we were idle ! 
 About ten o'clock the tutor's labour ceased, and his 
 pupils were, class by class, dismissed. After this, we 
 might, perhaps, have studied the lesson still further, 
 (with a view to parsing it, &c., in school,) except that 
 the intermediate time was generally well occupied in 
 fagging. And, indeed, had it been otherwise, it was 
 scarcely worth while to study a lesson for the mere 
 chance (as will be seen hereafter) of being called up to 
 say it. The consequence was, that we were either busy 
 
APPENDIX. 405 
 
 on behalf of some of the higher boys, or else idle on 
 our own account ! 
 
 " At eleven o'clock the second school began, and 
 lasted till twelve; during which the master could ex- 
 amine only about ten boys. If we were * called up/ we 
 blundered through our lessons upon the strength of 
 our tutor's construing ; if not, we were, as the soldiers 
 say, 'a^ we were.' At twelve we emerged into the 
 open air ; when play on the part of the big, and fagging 
 on the part of the litttle boy recommenced. At one 
 o'clock the dinner-bell rang, and every one scrambled 
 for his share of mutton and potatoes, beefsteak-pie, (an 
 inexpressible medley,) beef and carrots, or some such 
 refection. To this was added * swipes' — a detestable 
 compound, which it is no exaggeration to say, a London 
 beggar would scoff at; and on Sundays, in the fruit 
 season, when gooseberries were red, and plums and 
 damsons veri/ cheap, — a pudding. After dinner, (the 
 time set apart for preparing ourselves for the afternoon 
 school,) fagging resumed its sway. From two till five 
 o'clock we were in school, waiting during the first 
 hour for the master, and subject to the chance only of 
 being called up during the two last. After school we 
 had our tea, — a repetition of breakfast, (except that a 
 thin round of bread and butter took the place of the 
 penny roll, and swipes succeeded to milk and water,) 
 and interrupted in like manner by the necessity of 
 waiting upon our boy-master ; and when his tea was 
 over, we had to clear his table, and hold ourselves in 
 readiness for any of the higher boys who chose to call 
 out ' a fag.' And now the lesson for the next morning 
 ought to have been learned ; but, with a single play- 
 room, and a single candle for thirty or forty boys, it 
 will easily be imagined how much of either ever came 
 to the share of the little fag. In fact, he never could 
 calculate upon either light or warmth during the whole 
 
406 APPENDIX. 
 
 of the winter season. For my own part, I scarcely 
 ever was able to learn a lesson so long as I remained a 
 fag- ; and I sincerely believe that I never was thoroughly 
 warm, in winter, except while I was in bed. At eiglit 
 o'clock, weary, sad, and frequently hungry, we were sent 
 to our pillows, to dream of home, and prepare ourselves 
 for the next day's toil. The next day came, when we 
 rose as usual ; and the same scene of toil and misery 
 and neglect, was repeated. 
 
 " Sometimes, it is true, one day passed off less sadly 
 than another. Sometimes I did learn a lesson ; some- 
 times I got scraps from Travis's table (such as I should 
 give to my dog) ; sometimes he did not beat me ; 
 sometimes he did not even threaten me ; — but this was 
 seldom. In general he was insolent, overbearing, ca- 
 pricious and brutal. He had no care for me — no 
 compassion — no generosity. I was threatened, and 
 beaten, and bruised, to a degree that is scarcely credible. 
 I was forced from my lessons times out of number. 
 I was subject to every insult, every sort of tyranny — 
 to kicks, to curses, reproaches, abuse of the foulest kind 
 and the crudest blows. I was pulled out of my bed 
 in winter nights ; I was (always) obliged to rise long 
 before my master ; and instead of going to the one fire 
 which was allotted us in winter, to brush his clothes, get 
 hrs shoes, procure water, &,c., to attend him while he 
 dressed, to wait on him during breakfast and tea, to 
 hurry on all his errands, and to do fifty services, which 
 cannot be enumerated ; and my reward was never any 
 thing — ])utblows ! Such is a fag's history, ybr one day^ 
 at a public school; and they are all nearly alike. If 
 there have been others who have suffered less, it argues 
 nothino; but that their chance has been more fortunate 
 than mine. They have all been liable to the same 
 tyranny, and that is sufficient to stamp the system de- 
 tectable." — Nero Monthlif Magazine. 
 
APPENDIX. 407 
 
 The following- is from a Periodical published no 
 longer back than the year 1828. 
 
 " From the string of chaises which brought the Eton 
 boys to town for the holydays, on Thursday last, leaden 
 bullets were discharged from air guns, catapults, or 
 bird-bolts, which broke a very considerable number of 
 windows, through which they passed. One bullet, after 
 breaking the window of a Mr. Taylor at Hammersmith, 
 narrowly missed his wife and child ; another bullet 
 passed close to the head of a Mr. Geary, who was 
 standing at his door. What must be the moral conduct 
 under which these boys are brought up ? " 
 
 F. — page 145. 
 
 " It has been computed by political arithmeticians," 
 says Franklin, '' that if every man and woman would 
 work for four hours each day on something useful, that 
 labour would produce sufficient to procure all the ne- 
 cessaries and comforts of life ; want and misery would 
 be banished out of the world, and the rest of the 
 twenty-four hours might be leisure and pleasure." 
 
 It is probable that since the above computation was 
 made, the progress of scientific discoveries has ren- 
 dered such extraordinary aid to man, that two hours' 
 employment in the day would be adequate to the sup- 
 ply of his wants ; and this without taking into consi- 
 deration the superior ceconomy of the new arrangement 
 of society. The political (Economists are the most con- 
 tradictory of all writers ; and it would not be difficult 
 to refute any one of them by placing in juxta-position, 
 arguments to be found in different parts of their own 
 works. From the following passage it might be con- 
 cluded that poverty could never be abolished; and yet 
 from the succeeding opinions it must be inferred that 
 
408 APPENDIX. 
 
 education could reconcile mankind to any employment, 
 however opposed to their present feelings. Both the 
 articles are by Mr. Mill. 
 
 "As we strive for an equal degree of justice, an 
 equal degree of temperance, an equal degree of vera- 
 city, in the poor as in the rich, so ought we to strive 
 for an equal degree of intelligence, if there were not a 
 preventing cause. It is absolutely necessary for the 
 existence of the human race that labour should be per- 
 formed, that food should be produced, and other things 
 provided which human welfare requires. A large pro- 
 portion of mankind is required for this labour. Now, 
 then, in regard to all this portion of mankind that la- 
 bours, only such a portion of time can by them be given 
 to the acquisition of intelligence as can be abstracted 
 from labour." — Art. Education, Encj/cL Brit. 
 
 " To what extent the habits and character which 
 those influences tend to produce, may engross the man, 
 will no doubt depend, to a certain degree, upon tiie 
 powers of the domestic and technical education which 
 he has undergone. We may conceive that certain 
 trains might, by the skilful employment of the early 
 years, be rendered so habitual as to be uncontrollable 
 by any habits which the subsequent period of life could 
 induce, and that those trains might be the decisive ones 
 on which intelligent and moral conduct depends." — 
 Id., ibid. 
 
 ''That he is a progressive being is the grand di- 
 stinction of man. He is the only progressive being 
 upon the globe. When he is the most rapidly pro- 
 gressive, then he most completely fulfills his destiny. 
 An institution for education which is hostile to pro- 
 gression, is therefore the most preposterous and vi- 
 cious thinp- which the mind of man can conceive."—- 
 o 
 
 Id., ibid. 
 
APPENDIX. 409 
 
 G. — page 148. 
 On the Union of Churches and Schools. 
 
 " To His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury. 
 
 " My Lord, — You have now presided for several years, 
 with assiduity and regularity, over the Society for edu- 
 cating the Poor in the Principles of the National Church ; 
 and you have witnessed the almost miraculous change 
 which has been produced on the young mind by your 
 influence, and by those who have acted under your di- 
 rection. You have seen ignorance and vicious conduct 
 rapidly give place to comparative intelligence and good 
 habits. The public look on with amazement at the 
 eifects which are daily exhibited by the children at 
 the Central School in Baldwin's Gardens. They cian 
 scarcely, however, yet believe that, by a similar pro- 
 cess, the most neglected and wretched part of our po- 
 pulation, — that part which disturbs the public peace, 
 which fills our prisons, and which is left to suffer an 
 ignominious death, — might all have been thus trained, 
 and thus rendered respectable, efficient, and happy 
 members of the British Empire. But, my lord, this 
 knowledge is hourly extending ; and the inference must 
 soon become most apparent to every one capable of 
 even ordinary reflection. It is utterly impossible to 
 hide it another year from the public eye. One and 
 all will then ask of you, and of every member of the 
 Government — "If society possesses this overwhelming 
 influence over the habits and conduct of the rising ge- 
 neration, and that influence is in your hands, why do 
 you not exert it for the safety of the State and for the 
 benefit of all ?" The responsibility with which you and 
 they are invested at this crisis, is of the most awful na- 
 ture. The power is with you to lead the public mind 
 to all that is truly excellent, and to secure the perma- 
 
410 APPENDIX. 
 
 nent well-being of the country on a foundation vvliicli 
 neither domestic dissension nor foreign foe could in the 
 slightest degree disturb ; — and the power is also with 
 you to oppose the progress of true knowledge for a 
 time, and thereby create a conflict which in the end 
 must prove more disastrous to those who govern than 
 any of former times ; for power and knowledge never 
 before met, since the world was created, upon terms 
 so nearly equal. Why do I thus express myself to 
 Your Grace ? — It is because I am anxious that the at- 
 tention of Government should be immediately directed 
 to those measures which can alone relieve the country 
 from the dangers with which it is surrounded — and to 
 which it must continue to be exposed, while they per- 
 severe in acting on notions they can no longer defend ; 
 notions, the errors of which every school-boy will soon 
 detect. 
 
 " You have obtained from Parliament the grant of a 
 million for the erection of churches ; and to the prin- 
 ciple of the measure no one has objected. It has been 
 thus liberally bestowed, in order to improve the cha- 
 racter of the population ; and if it be at all times requi- 
 site that the public money should be expended in the 
 most advantageous manner possible, it becomes a sa- 
 cred duty under existing circumstances (when, in the 
 fourth year of peace, fourteen millions must be borrowed 
 to make up the deficiency of the revenue), that every 
 pound should be appropriated so as to produce the 
 greatest beneficial result. The experience of past ages, 
 and particularly of the present times, has proved that 
 early training and education produce a much more du- 
 rable impression than can be given by instruction at a 
 later period in life ; and that, in consequence, the 
 teaching of the school, without the learning of the 
 church, is far more efficacious than the learning of the 
 church can be, without the previous teaching of the 
 
APPENDIX. 411 
 
 school. To those, however, who have conjfidence in 
 the good effects to be derived from each, it must be 
 most desirable to have all the benefits of both, when 
 they may be obtained with the same, or nearly the 
 same, expense and trouble. I well know the lively 
 interest which Your Grace, and many of the highest 
 dignitaries of the church, in common with the public, 
 now feel in the cause of early education. The expe- 
 rience which has been lately acquired on this most im- 
 portant of all subjects, must have removed whatever 
 doubt remained, as to the power which may be given 
 to it to well form the character of every human being. 
 But Your Grace well knows, that there is no utility to 
 be derived from the most accurate knowledge of any 
 principles, until those principles shall be carried into 
 practice. Your Grace, and every real friend to the 
 gradual and rational improvement of society, will re- 
 joice to hear, that buildings may be erected to serve 
 most advantageously the double purpose of church and 
 school; that they may be so contrived, as to be com- 
 plete for each, without the one interfering in any man- 
 ner with the best known arrangements of the other ; 
 and that, thus combined, they would most effectually 
 cooperate in securing to the rising generation every 
 advantage that both are calculated to give. I do not 
 venture thus to address Your Grace on any mere theo- 
 retical opinion : — the fact exists imder my own eye ; 
 the experiment has been tried, and is complete in all 
 its parts ; and instead of any inconvenience having 
 arisen from this combination of church and school, ex- 
 perience has proved that they ought never to be sepa- 
 rated. And if I do not greatly mistake, the period is 
 near at hand — almost arrived — when this combination 
 of church and school shall become a bond of union 
 among mankind ; when the violence of opposing opi- 
 nions shall be calmed by a true knowledge of ihe source 
 
412 APPENDIX. 
 
 ot" all disputed opinions ; and rational selfishness, or 
 true benevolence, shall take place of ignorant dissen- 
 sion. All, from the highest to the lowest, are deeply 
 interested in this change; and none, my lord, will be 
 so essentially benefited by it as those on whom rests 
 the present responsibility of governing mankind. If 
 they will not now actively lead on in the right course, 
 is it possible they can yet be so blind as not to see, 
 what is obvious to many, that the force of circumstances 
 will drive them into measures most hazardous for them 
 and for society? To avert this crisis — to produce the 
 change gradually and by universal consent, I would 
 willingly forgo every private consideration, and deem 
 life itself no sacrifice in such a cause. 
 
 " I will now state some of the advantages which the 
 country may derive from having the new churches so 
 erected as to serve the double purpose of church and 
 school. 
 
 " 1st. In those situations in which churches are now 
 deficient for the population, schools will be deficient 
 also ; and Your Grace will admit, that as a foundation 
 for the improvement of society, schools are quite as 
 necessary as churches. 
 
 " 2nd. That fundamentally and substantially to im- 
 prove the population, schools should be established prior 
 to churches, or, at the latest, at the same period. 
 
 " 3rd. That these new churches and schools, if the 
 measure here recommended be adopted, may be made 
 the instruments of uniting the jarring feelings of man- 
 kind on disputed points, which from their nature do not 
 admit of proof, and which therefore ought never to be 
 forced on the young mind, but placed before it when 
 the judgement is ripe, and capable of forming a rational 
 conclusion for itself. Anything short of this has no 
 ])retension to be called liberty of conscience ; and until 
 it can be obtained for the rising generation, man must 
 
APPENDIX. 413 
 
 continue as he has been, httle more than an io-norant 
 animal, incompetent to discern the means which sur- 
 round him to secure the happiness of his species. 
 
 " 4th. These churches, although when used as 
 churches they disseminate only the peculiar doctrines 
 of the established religion, may on the week days be 
 safely made to give school instruction to the children 
 of every persuasion. All contribute to their expense ; 
 all should therefore derive some benefit from them — 
 nothing exclusive ought here to be admitted. It is to 
 be hoped that the Church of England will set the first 
 example of a church establishment opening its doors to 
 instruct the children of a mixed population, not in its 
 own peculiar religious tenets, but in good habits and 
 substantial knowledge, so as to enable them to become 
 useful men and respectable members of society, either 
 in the persuasion of their parents or of any other sect 
 to which their maturer judgement may lead them. 
 This measure would be sound policy in the Church. 
 By such wise and just conduct she would disarm her 
 enemies, withdraw the hostility of those who dissent 
 from her, and obtain time gradually to reform herself, 
 as society advanced in knowledge. 
 
 "These considerations are abundantly sufficient to 
 prove the utility and wisdom of the plan of combining 
 the object of a school with every church to be hereafter 
 erected ; and the time approaches when the school will 
 become the best protection and safeguard of the church. 
 All who can anticipate the evils of a violent revolution, 
 will adopt every prudent measure to prevent it; and 
 surely none will be more efficacious in this respect than 
 to form a union between the church and the school. 
 There is however another view of the subject, which 
 must remove all doubt from every mind as to the ne- 
 cessity of the measure recommended. The Legislature 
 is about to emancipate the manufacturing labourer from 
 
414 APPENDIX. 
 
 the oppression to which he and his children have been 
 subjected. To secure health and time for instruction 
 to the mass of the people, is a measure of the soundest 
 policy; it is the first step to improve the condition of 
 society. Without it, indeed, the population of these 
 Islands would soon become little better than miserable 
 brutes, having scarcely the form of men. 
 
 " Yet to give the population time for instruction, and 
 not provide that instruction, would be to mock the rea- 
 sonable expectations of every reflecting mind ; nay, my 
 lord, it could not fail to prove the certain means of 
 hastening the period, when, without the application 
 of effectual remedies, society will find itself involved, 
 through ignorance, in violence and confusion. 
 
 " But happily for all parties — for the improvement 
 of the poor — for the safety of the rich — at the moment 
 when required, an opportunity presents itself when the 
 ignorance and bad habits of the rising generation may 
 be removed by the influence of the new schools of the 
 new churches ; and those poor children who have lat- 
 terly been made the victims of a miscalculating cupidity 
 in the manufacturing districts, will come from those 
 schools competent and prepared to return fourfold ad- 
 vantages to the public for the expense and labour which 
 shall be thus bestowed upon them. 
 
 ** You, my lord, from the experience which the na- 
 tional schools have afforded you, may have some faint 
 idea of what may be obtained by proper attention to 
 the young mind. But, my lord, — and I say it as a 
 practical man from my youth up to the present period, 
 — without some such similar experience, you can form 
 no adequate conception of the power which the Govern- 
 ment and the Public possess, to add to the comfort and 
 well-being of all ranks, by forming and directing the 
 physical and mental capabilities of the working classes 
 in the best manner for themselves and for society. 
 
APPENDIX. 415 
 
 When these principles shall be thoroughly understood; 
 when the Legislature of this and other countries shall 
 steadily act upon them, and legislate solely in confor- 
 mity with them ; and when the astonishing eftects shall 
 be witnessed, which they are sure to produce in prac- 
 tice ; then will one and all express their astonishment, 
 that that which is so obviously true, so plain and so 
 simple, so perfectly in unison with every known fact, 
 and so easy of application to all the purposes of life, 
 should have been disregarded for so many ages of the 
 world, and left to be brought into action at this late 
 period of human existence. 
 
 " I trust, my lord, that you are destined to lend a 
 helping hand to forward this great work, and that you 
 will take every prudent step not only to combine schools 
 with the churches, but to hasten, as far as possible, 
 their completion ; in order that our manufacturing po- 
 pulation may not be compelled to acquire bad and 
 vicious habits, because no efficient means have been 
 prepared to make them virtuous and useful members 
 of society. 
 
 " 1 have the honour to be, my Lord, 
 
 " Most respectfully, ' 
 
 " Your Grace's obedient humble Servant, 
 
 " ROBERT OWEN." 
 
 "New Lanark, 6tli May, 1818." 
 
 H. — page 170. 
 
 " Where is the common, once with blessings ricli, — 
 The poor man's common? Like the poor man's flitch 
 And well-fed ham, which erst his means allow'd, — 
 'Tis gone to bloat the idle and the proud ! 
 To raise high rents ! and low'r low profits ! — -Oh, 
 Tomorrow of the Furies ! thou art slow ! 
 
416 APPENDIX. 
 
 But where, thou tax-plough'd waste, is now the hind 
 Who lean'd on his own strength, his heart and mind ( 
 Where is the matron with her busy brow? 
 Their sheep, where are they ? and their famous cow ? 
 Their strutting game-cock, with his many queens ? 
 Their glowing holly-oaks, and winter greens? 
 The chubby lad, that cheer'd them with his look, 
 And shar'd his breakfast with the home-bred rook ? 
 The blooming girls, that scour'd the snow-white pail, 
 Then wak'd with joy the echoes of the vale. 
 And, laden homewards, near the sparkling rill, 
 Cropp'd the first rose that blush'd beneath the hill? 
 All vanish'd ! — with their rights, their hopes, their lands. 
 The shoulder-shaking grasp of hearts and hands, 
 The good old joke, applauded still as new ; 
 The wond'rous printed tale, which must be true ; 
 And the stout ale, that show'd the matron's skill. 
 For, not to be improv'd, it mended still ! 
 Now, lo ! the young look base, as grey-beard guile ! 
 The very children seem afraid to smile ! 
 But not afraid to scowl, with early hate, 
 At would-be greatness, or the greedy great ; 
 For they who fling the poor man's worth away, 
 Root out Security and plant Dismay." 
 
 Splendid Village, by Ehenezer Elliot. 
 
 I. — page 184. 
 
 At some period of almost every year, records of mi- 
 sery may be found disgraceful to any civilized country. 
 Tlie following instances occurred in the year 1830. 
 
 "Sir R. Birnie stated on Monday, that no less than 
 five unfortunate men, whom the weather had prevented 
 from working as hay-makers, had been found dead in 
 the fields within the last week; two in Ealing parish, 
 two in the parish of Willsden, and one in another. 
 There could be no doubt (Sir Richard continued), that 
 the poor fellows had died from the want of proper sus- 
 tenance and shelter, as on opening the bodies of three 
 of them, nothing was found in the stomach but a small 
 
 ^ 
 
APPENDIX. 417 
 
 quantity of wild sorrel, and in the other two the sto- 
 machs were literally empty!" 
 
 Extracts from the Times, July 9, 1830. 
 
 '' In several districts of the Queen's County the 
 lower orders are actually perishing from famine. They 
 have been tempted into the commission of outrages by 
 their distress, and their proceedings are now assuming 
 the most dangerous character from a secret system of 
 organization which seems to regulate them. Should 
 their sufferings not be mitigated by some speedy relief, 
 there will be no safety for property, perhaps for life, in 
 this county : as it is, the state of things is frightful. — > 
 Dublin Morning Advertiser." 
 
 '^ The exertions which have been made by the Relief 
 Committee to give food and employment to the poor of 
 Clonmel have been unremitting : over one thousand 
 people have been fed twice each day during the last 
 week, and between three and four hundred persons 
 employed in improving the roads and other useful 
 works in this town and neighbourhood. The Clonmel 
 Relief Funds now amount to upwards of £800, but 
 the weekly expenditure at present is nearly £150. — 
 Tipper ary Free Press." 
 
 From the Times, July 10, 1830. 
 
 " From our own knowledge of the state of the poor 
 of Cashel, we can state that many of them are living 
 on a meal of cabbage-leaves once in twenty-four hours. 
 — Clonmel Herald." 
 
 " Chipping Barnet, June 20, 1830. 
 
 ''Owing to the wetness of the season, rain having 
 continued for three weeks almost without intermission, 
 the farmers in this neighbourhood have not commenced 
 cutting grass. The consequence has been that great 
 numbers of people who come to this part for the pur- 
 
 VOL. II. 2 E 
 
418 APPENDIX. 
 
 pose of hay-making have been in the greatest distress. 
 A pubhc subscription has been entered into for their 
 relief; and on Thursday bread and bacon were distri- 
 buted to 2356 individuals, in the following proportions : 
 — Men (English and Irish), 1933 ; women and chil- 
 dren, 323 ; and to men, women, and children, indis- 
 criminately, 100. The bacon was given by J. Trotter, 
 Esq., of Durham Park, weighing 732-i^lbs. and cut into 
 2411 pieces. The number of half-quartern loaves was 
 2276." 
 
 K. — page 257. 
 
 The following is extracted from an Essay in the 
 Athenaeum, a work conducted by Dr. Aikin about 
 thirty years since, and is most probably from the pen 
 of that able writer, — '' On the Imitative Principle as an 
 Instrument in Education." 
 
 " Education is the process by which a creature is 
 conducted from the weak and imperfect condition of 
 new existence to a state of maturity. It takes place, 
 therefore, in some degree with respect to the whole 
 animal creation, which by the constitution of nature, 
 has this progress to pass through. In the inferior 
 classes, however, it consists in mere corporeal change, 
 effected by the sure operation of natural causes, with- 
 out any adventitious aid. The young of many animals 
 are dropped into the midst of all they want, furnished 
 with faculties enabling them spontaneously to make a 
 proper use of what is provided for their nutriment. 
 These might be called the favourites of nature, were 
 not the extent of their enjoyments as limited as their 
 procurement is easy. The young of the more perfeet 
 animals are not qualified so soon to live independently. 
 Strength and cunning are requisite to many, in order 
 
APPENDIX. 419 
 
 to secure tlieir subsistence and protect them from their 
 enemies. A task, therefore, devolves upon their pa- 
 rents, which consists of two parts ; — the providing of 
 food and shelter for their bodies, and the instructing 
 of them in those arts of life which they will hereafter 
 have occasion to practise. With regard to the latter, 
 however, Nature seems chiefly to rely upon that prin- 
 ciple of imitatio7i which she has implanted in the young 
 of all animals, and which prompts them to make at- 
 tempts at doing all they see done, till by repeated trials 
 they attain the power of doing the like. This princi- 
 ple alone probably suffices for the education of animals 
 in general, though in some instances we discern efforts 
 in the parent to point and direct it. Thus the parent 
 bird is not content with flying in the sight of her young 
 ones, but takes manifest pains in instructing and en- 
 couraging them to fly. 
 
 ^' Among the less civilized tribes of mankind, the 
 imitative principle, with a slight degree of attention in 
 directing it, constitutes almost the whole of education. 
 The young savage, as soon as he is able to use his 
 limbs, accompanies his father to the chase or fishery, 
 makes his little bow and arrows, sets his trap for small 
 birds, in short, does in miniature all that he sees done 
 by his elders, in copying whose actions he places his 
 utmost ambition. If active and ingenious by nature, 
 he acquires everything almost of his own accord, and 
 gives no trouble to an instructor. He learns the use 
 of language by imitation, selects his food, and chooses 
 his pastimes by imitation, adopts ceremonial obser- 
 vances and superstitions by imitation, practises the 
 arts of life by imitation, and, in fine, squares his whole 
 conduct according to that principle. Some more cu- 
 rious points of knowledge or skill, some secrets which 
 long experience has taught, may be communicated to 
 him by his parents in the way of positive instruction ; 
 2e 2 
 
420 APPENDIX. 
 
 and constraint may be occasionally used to force him 
 to apply to a difficult or laborious task. But, in ge- 
 neral, this is unnecessary. The arts requisite in savage 
 life are simple, and skill in them is only to be obtained 
 by repeated practice. Their obvious utility, and the 
 honour gained by excelling in them, are motives suffi- 
 cient to stimulate the emulation of the young; and 
 what they imitate they soon equal. With modes and 
 habits of life, sentiments and opinions are acquired ; 
 and thus a new generation becomes an exact copy of 
 the old. This is what may be called natural education. 
 Its effects, as far as they go, are certain ; and there is 
 no more doubt that the young of the human species 
 thus brought up will resemble their parents, than the 
 young of any other animal will do so. This education 
 prevails in its utmost perfection among the savage 
 Americans ; and it is curious to remark how, through 
 its means, with scarcely any artificial instruction, and 
 with the least possible restraint on freedom of action, 
 the same end has been attained of forming a warlike 
 character, with all its love of glory, fear of shame, en- 
 durance of hardship, and contempt of pain and death, 
 that was effected by the severe and unnatural rigours 
 of the Spartan discipline. 
 
 '* Even in civilized societies a greater share of edu- 
 cation is entrusted to simple imitation than is, perhaps, 
 generally conceived. The common exercise of the 
 limbs, the practice of numerous little arts, the use of 
 languaoe itself, that noble distinction of man from in- 
 ferior animals, are all imbibed without direct instruction. 
 Manners, customs, the decencies of life, and even sen- 
 timents of morality and religion, are in great measure 
 derived from the propensity to imitate and adopt what- 
 ever is habitually heard and seen. Great part of the 
 wisdom of the wise and of the virtue of the good is thus 
 insensibly acquired: indeed so much is done by it that 
 
APPENDIX. 421 
 
 it may rather be made a question what else is requisite 
 in education, than what is the efficacy of this. And 
 surely if it can be shown that what is most valuable to 
 the man can be obtained at no other expense than that 
 of setting proper examples in the way of the child for 
 his spontaneous imitation, such a training will be thought 
 preferable to the elaborate and uncertain process of ar- 
 tificial instruction. 
 
 "It cannot escape observation that in the list of things 
 which young people are usually set to learn, some may 
 be termed essential and others only subordinate ; and 
 though all persons will not agree in the particulars 
 which are to be referred to each of these classes, yet 
 It Will be generally allowed that the essential are such 
 as exert the greatest influence upon after-life. To se- 
 cure these, though at the expense of the others, ou^ht 
 to be the care of every wise parent; and the first step 
 to It IS that parents themselves should resign the vanity 
 of showing off their children by forced acquisitions, 
 which are only admired in them as children, and are 
 thrown by and forgotten on the approach to maturity. 
 It IS very much on their account that children are se- 
 cluded from family society, and banished to boarding- 
 schools, where they live in severe restraint or rude 
 familiarity, estranged from all domestic endearments, 
 and deprived of the means of knowing anything of 
 that world which they are shortly to enter. The most 
 agreeable view of human society is that of an assem- 
 blage of human beings of every age, sex, and condition, 
 acting in their mutual relations to each other, mingling 
 in serious and sportive occupations, and taking thei'r 
 several parts in the grand drama of life. In such a 
 society it is that minds are formed, that knowledge and 
 manners make their silent progress, and that the imi- 
 tative principle gradually leads on the yoong to the 
 character and acquirements of maturity. It is an as- 
 
422 APPENDIX. 
 
 sortraent of individuals made by the hand of nature, in 
 which all have duties to perform, pleasures to receive, 
 and improvements to make. Banish a part of what 
 composes family^ and the whole system is defective. 
 It should comprehend not only the father and mother, 
 the servants, and the child in the cradle, but the rising 
 youth in every successive gradation. From such a 
 complete band, as it were, proceeds the full harmony 
 of the charities of life. The children of middle age 
 look down upon the infants with tender afl'ection, and 
 up to the elder branches with a softened respect ; thus 
 fostering emotions which are to make them amiable 
 and estimable in future life. When the weli-grown 
 boy employs himself in teaching, conducting, and pro- 
 tecting his younger brothers and sisters, and the wo- 
 manly girl assists her mother in the cares of the nursery, 
 what a fund of skill and patience are they acquiring for 
 the most important duties of men and women ! 
 
 *' It may be made a general remark, that when any 
 one of the divisions of mankind is separated from the 
 rest, and forms a society apart, a generic character is 
 produced by virtue of the imitative principle, widely 
 deviating from that which it would have maintained 
 while mingled with the mass. Thus the monastic so- 
 cieties, male and female, have composed a race of 
 beings, in their manners and sentiments scarcely pre- 
 serving any similarity with those of the world they 
 have renounced. Those governments which have been 
 desirous of training military men to the highest pitch 
 of ferocity, have been careful to prevent them from 
 mixing in scenes of civil life. Soldiers long confined 
 to a garrison, and jailors in a ship, are apt totally to 
 forget their relation to the community at large, and to 
 become assimilated to a band of robbers in their den. 
 The Zaporavian Cossacks are so sensible of the effects 
 of this seclusion, that in their community, which is an 
 
APPENDIX. 423 
 
 association for blood and plunder, they admit no women 
 or children. I would not say anything unnecessarily 
 harsh of institutions among ourselves, which many ap- 
 prove; but I might be permitted to ask what are those 
 boasted virtues of hardy resolution, unshaken fidelity 
 to their companions, steady combination against au- 
 thority, and defiance of punishment and censure, which 
 are acquired at our public schools, but qualities resem- 
 bling those of the detached societies above mentioned, 
 and directly hostile to the principles which produce the 
 welfare of society in general? 
 
 "With respect to schools for the other sex, I can- 
 not suppose them nurseries for dispositions like these, 
 nor am I a believer in the stories circulated, chiefly 
 among the licentious, concerning the prevalence of 
 gross violations of decency in them. I am convinced 
 that in all the reputable seminaries of this class the 
 higher morals are guarded with due vigilance. But I 
 would ask those who are best acquainted with them, 
 whether the society of a number of equals, under rigo- 
 rous restraint, without the softening of domestic plea- 
 sures and parental endearments, do not frequently tend 
 to fret and sour the temper, and give scope to mean 
 and spiteful passions, to envy, detraction, and tale- 
 bearing, which render unlovely the most amiable part 
 of creation ? 
 
 " What is the result of all these observations ? That 
 since the imitative principle has such a powerful ope- 
 ration upon the future character, it is of the highest 
 importance that proper objects should be presented to 
 it during the early years of life ; and that due advantage 
 should be taken of its influence, to inculcate those les- 
 sons which by no other means can be so easily and 
 efiicaciously impressed upon the youthful mind. Do- 
 mestic education alone affords the opportunity of apply- 
 ing this principle in the fullest and most beneficial 
 
424 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 manner; and therefore, in a general view, deserves the 
 preference to other modes. 
 
 " Theie are, however, various exceptions to this pre- 
 ference of a home education which demand attention. 
 The first to be mentioned is a most serious one ; — it is, 
 that in the present state of manners a cliild frequently 
 cannot draw his examples from a more improper source 
 than his father's house. And if such an awful consi- 
 deration be unable to produce a change in the parental 
 CEConomy, doubtless its weight is decisive. Let the 
 child rather be exiled to the remotest parts of the earth 
 than stay to date his ruin from home. Nor, when the 
 danger is manifest, would I think of concealing or pal- 
 liating it by proposing the expedients of separate apart- 
 ments, a distinct establishment, or other safeguards, 
 which must all prove unavailing where the current of 
 dissolute manners runs strong. One remark, however, 
 I will venture to make. Where the principal hazard 
 is supposed to arise from the idea a child of family and 
 fortune, brought up at home, will acquire of his own 
 consequence by means of the deference and submission 
 he will experience from servants and dependants, that 
 \vill not be effectually obviated at a public school. The 
 pretended equality in those schools is rather imaginary 
 than real. There, not less than at home, are parasites 
 and panders, vigilant to flatter his pride and minister 
 to his inclinations. When boys of inferior fortune are 
 sent to public seminaries for the avowed purpose of in- 
 gratiating themselves with the sons of persons of rank, 
 can it be supposed that the latter will be left ignorant 
 of their importance, and uncorrupted by its effects ? 
 The generosity of spirit usually attributed to youth 
 educated at those schools is, I fear, of no genuine 
 kind ; and the mercenary character of the age has in 
 no instance more disgusted me than in the sentiments 
 I have discovered in some of these tiros, who, in speak- 
 
APPENDIX. 425 
 
 ing of the reputation and proficiency of some of their 
 fellow-scholars, have dwelt with peculiar complacency 
 on the advantages they were likely to derive from them 
 in the pursuit of pecuniary emolument. 
 
 "The advantages of a public and domestic educa- 
 tion are combined, and the inconveniences of both 
 avoided, when adults collectively train their children 
 collectively, or when mankind, considering themselves 
 as one family, shall form their arrangements in accord- 
 ance with that principle." 
 
 L. — page 243. 
 
 " Shall we be frightened with an anticipation of a 
 dull uniformity of character ? Dulness, it need not be 
 said, is in these communities of free inquiry impossible, 
 till all the facts of Nature and the command of all her 
 energies shall have been explored and mastered. Then, 
 if the mere use of all these mighty means of happiness,' 
 acting on the various and perhaps improved nervous 
 susceptibilities of our organization, be not sufficient to 
 ward off dulness, such communities must be satisfied 
 to be dull. To uniformity they must also plead guilty, 
 if to be all, intelligent, moral, and happy, be to be 
 uniform. Variety of characters and incidents in ordi- 
 nary life, and the tumultuous excitements of society, 
 arise from two sources ; from the mixture of the de- 
 praved and the wretched on the one hand with the 
 general mass, and on the other from the mixture of the 
 enlightened and good. That part of the variety and 
 stirring excitement which arises from the admixture of 
 vices and crimes, the cooperating communities certainly 
 cannot enjoy. Better to be dull, than to be excited 
 by the hearing and seeing of vices and misery. Thieving 
 cannot exist, where every one owns everything, v/here 
 
426 APPENDIX. 
 
 every want is supplied, and where of course there is 
 nothing to steal ; falsehoods and perjuries cannot exist 
 where nothing can be gained by practising them ; civil 
 strifes and contentions cannot exist about property, 
 where there are no individual possessions: where none 
 are in want, assaults and murders cannot take place to 
 extort the necessaries of life, nor will such occupations 
 as those of highway-robbers, shop-lifters, &c., exist. 
 Hence the high excitements of fear, of violence, and 
 fraud on the one side, and on the other of tormenting 
 and life-destroying punishments at public executions ; 
 hence the high excitements from the gentlemanly re- 
 verses of gamblers, from the after-pangs of drunken 
 midnight debauch, the suicides that so beautifully vary 
 the terminations of human existence, will be unknown. 
 Almost all the lofty excitements to vigilance of conduct 
 arising from these, and from crimes and vices like these, 
 will cease ; and the uniformity of enjoyment, morality 
 and happiness, arising from the cessation of crimes and 
 vices, must be borne, though such a state should appear 
 dull. But as it is allowed that a state of non-excite- 
 ment cannot be to sentient creatures a state of happi- 
 ness, these communities will be impelled, in order to 
 withdraw themselves from the monotony of inorganic 
 existence, from mere freedom from evil, to seek out for 
 some exciting causes, over and above the supply of their 
 physical wants, and the amusement and interest of their 
 daily occupations. These will be found in a ten-fold 
 or a hundred-fold increase of all those excitements of 
 pleasing enthusiasm, which the general pursuit of 
 science, art, and beneficence, cannot fail to produce. 
 Not an improvement in moral or physical science that 
 will not give more general interest throughout all these 
 communities of well-informed men, than the announce- 
 ment of wholesale robberies and murders under the 
 uame of war and glory, now produce in general society. 
 
APPENDIX. 427 
 
 But the feelings excited, how different in their nature 
 and effects ! The wide wish of benevolence will dilate 
 from the expanded foreheads of snch communities over 
 the interests, the affairs, of all nations: from the con- 
 test of mutual destruction, their thoughts will be directed 
 to the emulation of mutual good. Whatever social re- 
 gulation, agricultural or mechanical improvement, have 
 been anywhere made; whatever casualties or natural 
 phaenomena occur over the globe, will be, at meals, at 
 labour, as well as at hours of leisure, the means of 
 constantly recurring excitements to such communities, 
 while man and nature exist; because there are none of 
 those things which, by the equal opportunities of com- 
 mon enjoyment, will not be brought immediately home 
 to the interest of every individual. The differences of 
 the nervous, as well as the muscular and organic sy- 
 stems of individuals, will ensure, under the rule of free 
 inquiry, and the thence-resulting eternal progress in 
 knowledge, all the freshness of originality, as well as 
 individuality, of character, which is necessary for indi- 
 vidual personal excitement. Add to these the affec- 
 tions of friendship and love, where these feelings can 
 neither be bought, nor sold, nor feigned, nor entered 
 into nor bound together by mercenary motives ; and it 
 will be found that while in these communities almost all 
 sources of painful excitement leading to preponderant 
 mischief are excluded, the sources of pleasurable ex- 
 citement of the highest class, and leading always to 
 preponderant good, are beyond calculation increased." 
 
 M.— page 343. 
 
 Lord Thurlow. 
 
 " Of the eloquence of Lord Thurlow, and of his man- 
 ner in debate, Mr. Butler has given a striking account: 
 
428 APPENDIX. 
 
 — At times Lord Thurlow was superlatively great. It 
 was the good fortune of the reminiscent to hear his ce- 
 lebrated reply to the Duke of Grafton, during the in- 
 quiry into Lord Sandwich's administration of Greenwich 
 hospital. His Grace's action and delivery, when he 
 addressed the House, were singularly dignified and 
 graceful; but his matter was not equal to his manner. 
 He reproached Lord Thurlow with his plebeian extrac- 
 tion, and his recent admission into the peerage: par- 
 ticular circumstances caused Lord Thurlow's reply to 
 make a deep impression on the reminiscent. His Lord- 
 ship had spoken too often, and began to be heard with 
 a civil but visible impatience. Under these circum- 
 stances he was attacked in the manner we have men- 
 tioned. He rose from the woolsack, and advanced slowly 
 to the place from which the Chancellor generally ad- 
 dresses the House; then fixing on the Duke a look of 
 Jove when he grasps the thunder, * I am amazed,' he 
 said, in a level tone of voice, 'at the attack the Noble 
 Duke has made on me. Yes, my Lords,' considerably 
 raising his voice, * I am amazed at his Grace's speech. 
 The Noble Duke cannot look before him, behind him, 
 or on either side of him, without seeing some Noble 
 Peer who owes his seat in this House to his successful 
 exertions in the profession to which I belong. Does 
 be not feel that it is as honourable to owe it to these, as 
 to being: the accident of an accident? To all these 
 Noble Lords the language of the Noble Duke is as ap- 
 plicable and insulting as it is to myself. But I do not 
 fear to meet it singly and alone. No one venerates the 
 peerage more than I do; — but, my Lords, I must say 
 that the peerage solicited me, not I the peerage. Nay 
 more, I can say, and will say, that as a Peer of Parlia- 
 ment, as Speaker of this Right Honourable House, as 
 Keeper of the Great Seals, as Guardian of His Ma- 
 jesty's Conscience, as Lord High Chancellor of England, 
 
APPENDIX. 429 
 
 nay, even in that character alone in which the Noble 
 
 Duke would think it an affront to be considered as a 
 
 man, I am at this moment as resjDectable — I beg leave 
 to add, I am at this time as much respected — as the 
 proudest Peer I now look down upon.' The effect of this 
 speech, both within the walls of parliament and out of 
 them, was prodigious. It gave Lord Thurlow an ascen- 
 dency in the House which no Chancellor had ever pos- 
 sessed: it invested him, in public opinion, with a cha- 
 racter of independence and honour: and this, though he 
 was ever on the unpopular side in politics, made him 
 always popular with the people." — Dr. Lar drier's Ca- 
 binet Cyclopedia. 
 
 N.— page 346. 
 
 Mr. Henry Brooke, an Irish gentleman of the last 
 century, writes as follows. 
 
 " Had this world been unpropertied, had it been 
 alike communicable to all, could men have subsisted on 
 the elements of air, and light, and streams, flowing to 
 every lip, evil could not have prevailed so universally 
 as it has done. But as the goods of this world are 
 subject to appropriation, as they are capable of divi- 
 sion, distinction, and inclosure, they are become the 
 baneful and deadly roots of every species of evil that 
 hath arisen, and spread and propagated throughout the 
 earth. Hence, avarice, envy, hatred, rancour, rapine, 
 murder, and all the direful train of atrocious maligni- 
 ties that have turned the world, from the beginnino-, 
 into a wide 'Aceldama', a field of blood and carnage! 
 In truth, the history of the world is little other than the 
 history of the first Cain, multiphed, and daily renewing 
 and repeating the butchery of his brethren. It is the 
 history of these, ravening and rending from those the 
 little they possess, that much might have more, and 
 
430 APPENDIX. £^ 
 
 that each might have all ; — while brother grudges to 
 brother the transient pittance of a miserable mortahty, 
 and one half of the species is employed, in driving and 
 dispatching the other half from existence, that them- 
 selves might be left upon the earth, the sole^possessors 
 of properties, that must quickly elude their own hold, — 
 properties that no grasp could ever retain. 
 
 " Suppose that you behold the gloomy powers of 
 malevolence (if such there be,) mixing in all this bustle, 
 hovering over the heads of the wretched race of man, 
 scoffing at the folly of their avarice, fomenting and in- 
 flaming the madness of their ambition, listening with 
 horrid delight to the shrieks and groans of sacked cities, 
 and snuffing up the stench of the reeking entrails and 
 scattered limbs of millions of human carcases bestrew- 
 ing the fields of battle. Think of these deeds, so de- 
 testable, so eversive of humanity; yet these are the 
 deeds deemed worthy of being engraved in brass and 
 marble, worthy of being recorded and treasured up in 
 archives, of being celebrated by orators, recited by hi- 
 storians, sung by bards! Thus it is that men are car- 
 ried down the stream of universal prejudice, and ascribe 
 immerited honours and renown to persons and to ac- 
 tions, alone deservmg of infamy ! Thus it is that man 
 has a natural propensity to pay deference to power, 
 however abused, and to applaud strength and courage, 
 hotvever misapplied, provided they are not to his own 
 personal damage! But were there no exceptions, — 
 no nation, no people, who were peaceable, equitable, 
 and humane? Not any, save in the fabulous accounts 
 of ' golden ages,' ' happy islands,' and so forth. Even 
 those refined and learned states, who accounted the rest 
 of the world for barbarians, who boasted themselves as 
 the polishers of manners, the promoters of arts, and the 
 patrons of liberty ! Yet they never allowed freedom to 
 those whom their power could bring under subjection. 
 " When they ceased to be employed in foreign war- 
 
APPENDIX. 431 
 
 fare, they v/ere rent by intestine division and tumult; 
 and, in the want of other prey, they turned their arms 
 against each ether. They were manslayers by birth, 
 by profession, by education; and though theire were 
 among thpm some celebrated as adepts in science and 
 philosophy, the talkers of sentiment and human rejine- 
 ment; yet, in the day of blood and desolation, we rarely 
 find any difference between them and those whom they 
 stigmatize barbarians. Grey hair — infancy — even the 
 helpless sex, whom all seem appointed to protect, fell 
 beneath the unsparing sword of these savage-hearted 
 beings. But these celebrated Republics had patri- 
 otism among their virtues to a greater degree than any 
 nation now upon the earth ; for the circle of modern 
 patriotism rarely extends beyond family or party, 
 whereas the circle of ancient patriotism encompassed 
 all the families denominated country ! But how much 
 more nobly would they have acted had any one of those 
 states stretched their circle of patriotism as far as hu- 
 manity ought to have interested and affianced them to 
 the interest of mankind! Had they gone forth in bless- 
 ings on all the nations around, had they supported the 
 oppressed, assisted the feeble, pulled down the proud, 
 lifted up the fallen, and lent their warfare for the 
 peaceable, they would have interested the circling 
 powers in their own power and interest, and they would 
 have become the most prosperous and durable state that 
 ever did or shall subsist within the circuit of the moon." 
 
 THE END. 
 
 Richard Taylor, Printer, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street. 
 
By the same Author. 
 
 THE REPROOF of BRUTUS; a Poem, with a Plate. 
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 Legislators, political economists, poets, and clergy, all come in for their 
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