when least under the bias of personal feeling, dispose the mind—­more than itself is conscious of—­to regard commotion with complacency, and to watch the aggravations of distress with welcoming; from an immoderate confidence that, when the appointed day shall come, it will be in the power of intellect to relieve.  There is danger in being a zealot in any cause—­not excepting that of humanity.  Nor is it to be forgotten that the incapacity and ignorance of the regular agents of long-established governments do not prevent some progress in the dearest concerns of men; and that society may owe to these very deficiencies, and to the tame and unenterprizing course which they necessitate, much security and tranquil enjoyment.

Nor, on the other hand, (for reasons which may be added to those already given) is it so desirable as might at first sight be imagined, much less is it desirable as an absolute good, that men of comprehensive sensibility and tutored genius—­either for the interests of mankind or for their own—­should, in ordinary times, have vested in them political power.  The Empire, which they hold, is more independent:  its constituent parts are sustained by a stricter connection:  the dominion is purer and of higher origin; as mind is more excellent than body—­the search of truth an employment more inherently dignified than the application of force—­the determinations of nature more venerable than the accidents of human institution.  Chance and disorder, vexation and disappointment, malignity and perverseness within or without the mind, are a sad exchange for the steady and genial processes of reason.  Moreover; worldly distinctions and offices of command do not lie in the path—­nor are they any part of the appropriate retinue—­of Philosophy and Virtue.  Nothing, but a strong spirit of love, can counteract the consciousness of pre-eminence which ever attends pre-eminent intellectual power with correspondent attainments:  and this spirit of love is best encouraged by humility and simplicity in mind, manners, and conduct of life; virtues, to which wisdom leads.  But,—­though these be virtues in a Man, a Citizen, or a Sage,—­they cannot be recommended to the especial culture of the Political or Military Functionary; and still less of the Civil Magistrate.  Him, in the exercise of his functions, it will often become to carry himself highly and with state; in order that evil may be suppressed, and authority respected by those who have not understanding.  The power also of office, whether the duties be discharged well or ill, will ensure a never-failing supply of flattery and praise:  and of these—­a man (becoming at once double-dealer and dupe) may, without impeachment of his modesty, receive as much as his weakness inclines him to; under the shew that the homage is not offered up to himself, but to that portion of the public dignity which is lodged in his person.  But, whatever may be the cause, the fact is certain—­that there is an unconquerable