Page:An answer to a pamphlet, intitled, "Thoughts on the causes and consequences of the present high price of provisions" in a letter, addressed to the supposed author of that pamphlet.djvu/32

( 30 ) ing the interest, but an eagerness to enjoy the spoils of their country, that influences their conduct. Nor let it be objected, (as I have sometimes heard objected) that, if the places under the government are rendered so little lucrative, no man of abilities will condescend to accept of them. Avarice is not the only passion that actuates the human breast: pride, vanity, ambition, (not to mention patriotism) have an equal share; and there will always be found men of distinguished parts and probity, who will be willing to engage in the service of the public, if not to increase, at least to preserve, their fortunes; convinced, as they must be, that in the safety of the commonwealth their own and that of their families are, in the strictest sense, involved.

Perhaps, too, you will say, Sir, that there never was any nation, possessed of such extensive dominions, whose government sat lighter upon the people; but this, I am afraid, is an assertion, which you will find it