How is a government fit for her condition to be supported, but by religion, and a spirit of honour, or refined conscience?
Now religion, in a widely extended country plentifully peopled, cannot be preserved from abuse of priestly influence, and from superstition and fanaticism, nor honour be an operating principle upon a large scale, except through _property_--that is, such accumulations of it, graduated as I have mentioned above, through the community.

Thus and thus only can be had exemption from temptation to low habits of mind, leisure for solid education, and dislike to innovation, from a sense in the several classes how much they have to lose; for circumstances often make men wiser, or at least more discreet, when their individual levity or presumption would dispose them to be much otherwise.

To what extent that constitution of character which is produced by property makes up for the decay of chivalrous loyalty and strengthens governments, may be seen by comparing the officers of the English army with those of Prussia, &c.
How far superior are ours as gentlemen! so much so that British officers can scarcely associate with those of the Continent, not from pride, but instinctive aversion to their low propensities.

But I cannot proceed, and ought, my dear C----, to crave your indulgence for so long a prose.
When you see Frere, pray give him my kind regards, and say that he shall hear from me the first frank I can procure.

Farewell, with kindest love from all, Yours, very affectionately, W.W.[87] [87] _Memoirs_, ii.