These are the physical consequences, the moral are still
more alarming; for virtue is only a nominal distinction when the
duties of citizens, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, and directors
of families, become merely the selfish ties of convenience.
Why then do philosophers look for public spirit? Public spirit
must be nurtured by private virtue, or it will resemble the factitious
sentiment which makes women careful to preserve their reputation,
and men their honour. A sentiment that often exists unsupported by
virtue, unsupported by that sublime morality which makes the
habitual breach of one duty a breach of the whole moral law.
Chap. IX.
Of the Pernicious Effects Which Arise from the Unnatural
Distinctions Established in Society.
From the respect paid to property flow, as from a poisoned fountain,
most of the evils and vices which render this world such a dreary
scene to the contemplative mind. For it is in the most polished
society that noisome reptiles and venomous serpents lurk under the
rank herbage; and there is voluptuousness pampered by the still sultry
air, which relaxes every good disposition before it ripens into
virtue.
One class presses on another; for all are aiming to procure
respect on account of their property: and property, once gained,
will procure the respect due only to talents and virtue. Men neglect
the duties incumbent on man, yet are treated like demi-gods;
religion is also separated from morality by a ceremonial veil, yet men
wonder that the world is almost, literally speaking, a den of sharpers
or oppressors.
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