But by associating those precedents with a superstitious reverence for ancient things, as monks show relics and call them holy, the generality of mankind are deceived into the design.

Governments now act as if they were afraid to awaken a single reflection in man.

They are softly leading him to the sepulchre of precedents, to deaden his faculties and call attention from the scene of revolutions.

They feel that he is arriving at knowledge faster than they wish, and their policy of precedents is the barometer of their fears.

This political popery, like the ecclesiastical popery of old, has had its day, and is hastening to its exit.