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.
There is a homely proverb, which ſpeaks a ſhrewd truth, that whoever the devil finds idle he will employ. And what but habitual idleneſs can hereditary wealth and titles produce? For man is ſo conſtituted that he can only attain a proper uſe of his faculties by exerciſing them, and will not exerciſe them unleſs neceſſity, of ſome kind, firſt ſet the wheels in motion. Vir-
