To have hoped too ardently of human nature, as they did at the commencement of the French Revolution, was no dishonour to them as men; but _politicians_ cannot be allowed to plead temptations of fancy, or impulses of feeling, in exculpation of mistakes in judgement.

Grant, however, to the enthusiasm of Philanthropy as much indulgence as it may call for, it is still extraordinary that, in the minds of English Statesmen and Legislators, the naked absurdity of the means did not raise a doubt as to the attainableness of the end.

Mr.Fox, captivated by the vanities of a system founded upon abstract rights, chaunted his expectations in the House of Parliament; and too many of his Friends partook of the illusion.

The most sagacious Politician of his age broke out in an opposite strain.

Time has verified his predictions; the books remain in which his principles of foreknowledge were laid down; but, as the Author became afterwards a Pensioner of State, thousands, in this country of free opinions, persist in asserting that his divination was guess-work, and that conscience had no part in urging him to speak.