Page:A Few Plain Observations Upon the End and Means of Political Reform.djvu/36

 in their real form, even by the individuals who are acting under their impulse.—But this word influence has become the pretence under which the most extensive system of corruption has been allowed to pervade every order of Society.—A system which bears in itself the principle of it's own extension, and which in proportion to it's extent assumes a hardihood, and blushes not to shew itself in the face of day.—It is against this abuse I would excite the Spirit of Reform; for though perhaps it may be difficult, and almost impossible to detect or punish it in many instances, among those who move in the higher walks of life, it would be easy to inculcate such abhorrence and detestation of it in the bulk of the Nation, as might prove the best security of Public Decency, and consequently of Public Morals.

Before I take leave of the subject of