fe, play with general terms, we
do not come to such distinct results, but only get into profound
confusion, as it will be in this case, if we expect great things to
happen from some combined effort in their corporate capacity of those
who, as individuals, are looking on.

* * * * *

Before we leave off, let us look at the subject in its full scope. A
large portion of our fellow countrymen are living, not in a passive state
of distress, but in one which manufactures rapidly disease, and poverty,
and crime. I think it has been shown that it is in the power of other
classes to raise this condition. At any rate it is in their power to
make the attempt. There is no occasion for waiting--each of us can do
something to-day in this matter. Now consider what would be the effect
of success in these endeavours. Let us not take the other result as
probable; or, even in hypothesis, draw any picture that might make
despondency plausible. Suppose, then, the success of individual, or
united efforts, in raising the condition of the labouring classes. What
an undivided good it is. Has any man some particular reform at heart,
some especial hopes for his race? Where can he look for such a basis to
rest upon as in the improved condition of the largest layer of the
people? What a field it opens for science, literature, and art. What
freedom may it not give to the highest ranges of thought.

I cannot think the destinies of our race an unimproving matter of
contemplation, and that it savours of presumption, or of needless
forelooking, to reflect on these things. A notable portion of the great
human family utters every day a prayer in which the individual supplicant
asks, not for himself alone, even those blessings which he can
individually enjoy, but also, and first, implores those general blessings
which include the welfare of his own race at least. What is the meaning
of this, if we are to take no interest in the general welfare, or not, by
every means in our power, to aid in it?

In the better order of men there is a desire for social improvement
totally independent of all thought of personal gain. Bishop Butler saw
in the fact, that there were persons who devoted themselves to a pursuit
so remote from worldly ends as astronomy, a wonderful instance of the
innate consciousness in man of his high origin and destiny. But an
earnest and unselfish love of social progress, is a far more satisfyi