IDERABLE part of the following tract ished at the close of the last Century, vas intended, as its title purports, t a view of the moral state of society period; but it formed only a part of arger publication, the object of which display the political, as well as 1 state of society, at the striking and oment, when mankind were passing century to another.

› two topics, discussed in the aboved publication, it will be readily , that the state of morals was the culated for general attention. Every dued with moral feelings, but very qualified to become politicians. The

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those deep
involve the political interests of a State. On
these subjects, the information of most persons
must necessarily be superficial; and such
sons will form their judgment, chiefly—either
from the suggestions of those in a higher sta-
tion, in whom they place most confidence,
and who are able to look more deeply than
themselves into the political machine—or from
the productions of the press, which may hap-
pen to fall into their hands. A judgment thus
formed must often be erroneous, for it will
often be directed by those, who, in order to
promote their own views of ambition or of fac-
tion, will avail themselves of whatever confi-
dence may be reposed in them, to mislead. But
the errors of judgment, thus produced, though
certainly injurious to the State, are not, in or-
dinary times, attended with very serious or
lasting consequences. A change of parties,
the effects of experience, and, above all, that

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on moral subjects every individual spontaneously, for himself, from the e impulse of that moral sense, which nce has implanted in his breast, and has received its bias and direction

ducation and habit.

these subjects it is impossible for error ail, without producing the most misEs consequences. In regard to morals, person fills a distinct, and an original n the vast stage of social life. That virtuous or vicious, and, consequently, al or injurious to the general interests, principles, sentiments, and habits, by it is regulated, are in conformity, or ince, with sound morality. The degree ght and influence which each indimay possess, as a moral agent, must,

depend, in a great degree, upon nk and station in which he is