Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On The Influence Of Government On The Mental Faculties.
on CROMWELL , the destroyer of the constitution , and CHARLES , the licentious idolater of prerogative ? The eulogium of the first is infamy , —that of the last may be justified on the ground of loyalty , for Charles was his legal Sovereign . - If we measure the influence of this establishment on fhifarts and sciences by the exertions of their votaries , the success will be found inadequate : whether it may seem that reflection in unsettled
democracies distracts itself in political meanders , or that , where government flows in a placid current , the faculties are weighed down by the dullness prevalent in the constitution of the state . It has been asserted , that the spirits are more effectually roused by rewards ; these may possibly be thought to operate most powerfully in a republic . There are reasons against this opinion . The judges of merit would be more liable to exercise partiality , and the pecuniary indulgences to letters would exhaust the public purse , from which a
less extensive distribution is requisite in monarchy : in limited , —for the variety of its construction excites a more various emulation ; the student is naturally biassed by inclination in his choice ; and the pen is weak where the subject is prescribed : in absolute , —for every mite of liberality rolling from the treasury of the prince is magnified through the medium of flattery . Whether genius has been advanced or not b y largesses from
the Sovereign , we may solace ourselves with the conviction , that in letters we securely assert a superiority over the world . 1 mean not to limit the perfections of my country in more active excellence . The intrepidity of many eminent Commanders may , in the judgment of enthusiasts , almost redeem the guilt of usurpation . CROMWELL over-ruled the enemies of England with a frown ; or , by an unwearied attention to their motions , blasted their stratagems in the bud . This son of fraud did his business by spies , and he was a very capital one himself .
The research may at once center in the illustrious BLAKE ; engaged , indeed , in battles which displayed his valour , but very little in the service of the state . To men of undaunted resolution it is sufficient to point out an object . BLAKE , it may be reasonably supposed , would have conquered or perished as well under a CHARLES as a CROMWELL . He sallied forth , flushed with the idea of emolument to his country . The mistake was laudable in a man who
attempted not to fathom the depths of national interest , The Dutch , from temporary jealousy of a formidable rival , might have insolently withstood , arid did essentially oppose the republican revolution of England . But though wisdom be concluded to preside over the deliberations of a popular senate , execution of plans is slow and ineffective .
'Democracy is a jealous government , and admits too scanty a portion . of confidence in her warriors . The Genius of my native country , formed on the principles of freedom , cannot endure democracy . She ' sickened almost at the instant of possession ; and whatever the dotage of patriotism may assert , or the spirit of novelty affect , the subject constitutionably loves his king , and the king his subject .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On The Influence Of Government On The Mental Faculties.
on CROMWELL , the destroyer of the constitution , and CHARLES , the licentious idolater of prerogative ? The eulogium of the first is infamy , —that of the last may be justified on the ground of loyalty , for Charles was his legal Sovereign . - If we measure the influence of this establishment on fhifarts and sciences by the exertions of their votaries , the success will be found inadequate : whether it may seem that reflection in unsettled
democracies distracts itself in political meanders , or that , where government flows in a placid current , the faculties are weighed down by the dullness prevalent in the constitution of the state . It has been asserted , that the spirits are more effectually roused by rewards ; these may possibly be thought to operate most powerfully in a republic . There are reasons against this opinion . The judges of merit would be more liable to exercise partiality , and the pecuniary indulgences to letters would exhaust the public purse , from which a
less extensive distribution is requisite in monarchy : in limited , —for the variety of its construction excites a more various emulation ; the student is naturally biassed by inclination in his choice ; and the pen is weak where the subject is prescribed : in absolute , —for every mite of liberality rolling from the treasury of the prince is magnified through the medium of flattery . Whether genius has been advanced or not b y largesses from
the Sovereign , we may solace ourselves with the conviction , that in letters we securely assert a superiority over the world . 1 mean not to limit the perfections of my country in more active excellence . The intrepidity of many eminent Commanders may , in the judgment of enthusiasts , almost redeem the guilt of usurpation . CROMWELL over-ruled the enemies of England with a frown ; or , by an unwearied attention to their motions , blasted their stratagems in the bud . This son of fraud did his business by spies , and he was a very capital one himself .
The research may at once center in the illustrious BLAKE ; engaged , indeed , in battles which displayed his valour , but very little in the service of the state . To men of undaunted resolution it is sufficient to point out an object . BLAKE , it may be reasonably supposed , would have conquered or perished as well under a CHARLES as a CROMWELL . He sallied forth , flushed with the idea of emolument to his country . The mistake was laudable in a man who
attempted not to fathom the depths of national interest , The Dutch , from temporary jealousy of a formidable rival , might have insolently withstood , arid did essentially oppose the republican revolution of England . But though wisdom be concluded to preside over the deliberations of a popular senate , execution of plans is slow and ineffective .
'Democracy is a jealous government , and admits too scanty a portion . of confidence in her warriors . The Genius of my native country , formed on the principles of freedom , cannot endure democracy . She ' sickened almost at the instant of possession ; and whatever the dotage of patriotism may assert , or the spirit of novelty affect , the subject constitutionably loves his king , and the king his subject .