world, for, on the contrary, they consider the worst actions of men as of far less consequence than the propagation of their opinions.  Politicians have exposed their disguised terrors.  Books, as well as their authors, have been tried and condemned.  Cromwell was alarmed when he saw the “Oceana” of HARRINGTON, and dreaded the effects of that volume more than the plots of the Royalists; while Charles II. trembled at an author only in his manuscript state, and in the height of terror, and to the honour of genius, it was decreed, that “Scribere est agere.”—­“The book of Telemachus,” says Madame de Stael, “was a courageous action.”  To insist with such ardour on the duties of a sovereign, and to paint with such truth a voluptuous reign, disgraced Fenelon at the court of Louis XIV., but the virtuous author raised a statue for himself in all hearts.  MASSILLON’S Petit Careme was another of these animated recals of man to the sympathies of his nature, which proves the influence of an author; for, during the contests of Louis XV. with the Parliaments, large editions of this book were repeatedly printed and circulated through the kingdom.  In such moments it is that a people find and know the value of a great author, whose work is the mighty organ which convoys their voice to their governors.

But, if the influence of benevolent authors over society is great, it must not be forgotten that the abuse of this influence is terrific.  Authors preside at a tribunal in Europe which is independent of all the powers of the earth—­the tribunal of Opinion!  But since, as Sophocles has long declared, “Opinion is stronger than Truth,” it is unquestionable that the falsest and the most depraved notions are, as long as these opinions maintain their force, accepted as immutable truths; and the mistakes of one man become the crimes of a whole people.

Authors stand between the governors and the governed, and form the single organ of both.  Those who govern a nation cannot at the same time enlighten the people, for the executive power is not empirical; and the governed cannot think, for they have no continuity of leisure.  The great systems of thought, and the great discoveries in moral and political philosophy, have come from the solitude of contemplative men, seldom occupied in public affairs or in private employments.  The commercial world owes to two retired philosophers, LOCKE and SMITH, those principles which dignify trade into a liberal pursuit, and connect it with the happiness and the glory of a people.  A work in France, under the title of “L’Ami des Hommes,” by the Marquis of MIRABEAU, first spread there a general passion for agricultural pursuits; and although the national ardour carried all to excess in the reveries of the “Economistes,” yet marshes were drained and waste lands inclosed.  The “Emilius” of ROUSSEAU, whatever may be its errors and extravagances, operated a complete revolution in modern Europe, by communicating a bolder spirit to education, and improving