Page:The Effects of Civilisation on the People in European States.djvu/74

52 of others, in much larger quantities than it is at present; and that the consequences of society, or civilisation, have been directly of the contrary kind—namely, to lessen much that inequality.

As to the second supposition, viz., that it promotes industry, we have endeavoured to show that it has a contrary effect, and greatly discourages it, by rendering the attainment of property so difficult to the bulk of mankind, as to be nearly impossible, and therefore hopeless.

Dr. Paley adds, "that if there be any great inequality unconnected with this origin, it ought to be corrected." From which passage we may infer—that, as it implies a doubt whether there be any great inequality, not occasioned by the rules, &c., or not, it ought to be made a subject of inquiry; and further, that Dr. Paley's opinion differs not substantially from Mr. Hume's, viz., that it depends on its utility.

But if we admit both the suppositions above mentioned, we still think that inequality of property is injurious to mankind; the effect of it being to bring poverty and misery on the many; whilst it only gives riches to the few, and does not render them happy.

It may be said that wealth might be justly acquired by industry and economy.

If wealth is power; if men are born equal