Page:Two Lectures on the Checks to Population.pdf/58

52 they would give would not be likely to exceed a limited maximum. Hence it is probable, that parents would in general be much opposed to the marriage of their children, unless they could see sufficient grounds for expecting, that, by their own exertions, and from their own resources alone, they would be able to maintain a family.

Now the benefits which would result from this state of things are these:

First, the objections, which apply to a community of goods, and to the case where the children can maintain themselves at a very early age, would not be applicable here. The additions which a young family could make to the income of the parents would be inconsiderable, and their maintenance would chiefly be derived from the subdivision of the resources of the parents.

Secondly, the means of all beyond a certain period of life would exceed the amount requisite for the necessary maintenance of themselves and families, and they would of course employ the excess in procuring conveniences and comforts. These conveniences and comforts they would enjoy in common with their children, who, were