between these heresies in ancient and modern times lies chiefly in the grosser characters which they formerly assumed, arising partly from the reflected influence of the existing mythology, and partly from the imperfections of exact knowledge.  Even the errors of early antiquity are venerable.  We must judge our predecessors by the rules by which we hope posterity will judge us, making a generous allowance for the imperfections of reason, the infirmities of character, and especially for the prejudices of the times.  To have devoutly believed in the existence of a human soul, to have looked forward to its continuing after the death of the body, to have expected a future state of rewards and punishments, and to have drawn therefrom, as a philosophical conclusion, the necessity of leading a virtuous life—­these, though they may be enveloped in a cloud of errors, are noble results of the intellect of man.

[Footnote 52:  Distinguished as an author in chemistry and physiology, and as a philosophical historian:  a native of England, but long a professor in New York University.]

* * * * *

From “Thoughts on the Future Civil Policy of America.”

=_216._= PROSPECTIVE INFLUENCES OF THE REPUBLIC.

Now, when, we consider the position of the American continent,—­its Atlantic front looking upon Europe, its Pacific front looking upon Asia,—­when we reflect how much Nature has done for it in the wonderful river system she has bestowed, and how varied are the mineral and agricultural products it yields, it would seem as if we should be constrained by circumstances to carry out spontaneously in practical life the abstract suggestions of policy....  Great undertakings, such as the construction of the Pacific Railroad, pressed into existence by commercial motives and fostered for military reasons, will indirectly accomplish political objects not yielding in importance to those that are obvious and avowed.

A few years more, and the influence of the great republic will resistlessly extend in a direction that will lead to surprising results....  The stream of Chinese emigration already setting into California is but the precursor of the flood that is to come.  Here are the fields, there are the men.  The dominant power on the Pacific Ocean must necessarily exert a controlling influence in the affairs of Asia.

The Roman empire is regarded, perhaps not unjustly, as the most imposing of all human political creations.  Italy extended her rule across the eastern and western basins of the Mediterranean Sea, from the confines of Parthia to Spain.  A similar central, but far grander, position is occupied by the American continent.  The partitions of an interior and narrow sea are replaced by the two great oceans.  But, since history ever repeats itself, the maxims that guided the policy of Rome in her advance to sovereignty are not without application here.  Her mistakes may be monitions to us.