fairly to weigh the benefits received, against the losses sustained, we
should find law to be a blessing, without which we could not exist in
any real comfort; and we should see clearly then it gives power and
elevates, rather than shackles or debases us. As to these legal duties
being voluntary with all men, every day proves that they are not; but
with all reasonable persons they must be, for we ought surely to perform
that willingly, which is not only intended, but actually is, for our
good. It is the perverse nature of man, that looks on the dark side of
things, and forgetting the ultimate advantage to be derived, considers
only the partial and trivial annoyances that necessarily attend its
completion. The duties dictated by reason are the only duties that
remain: it is difficult to separate these entirely from natural duties;
perhaps I may be allowed to call "Prayer" or "Thanksgiving to God" a
reasonable duty, (for it is not a natural one, or the brutes would
practise it in common with ourselves.) Now this is a duty, that if it is
performed at all, is performed voluntarily, for it is clearly in a man's
own choice to do it or not, there being no compulsory power to enforce
prayer; as to this duty being a limitation of power, its observance does
indeed imply a state of dependence, and is an indirect admission that we
are creatures at the disposal of another; but that is not exactly the
point; it is no limitation of power in this sense; it takes away no
power we were before possessed of.

F.

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THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF _NEW WORKS_.