PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

if G(;'V{r1l1lltnt. -845
The same observation may be repeated of all the
otb~r advantages and inconveniences which have
been ascribed to the several ~:mple forms of government;
and affords a rule wherd>y to direct the construction,
impcv~.-nenls, and admini~tration of mixed
governments, ~ubjected howe7er to this remark,
that a quality sometimes results frOin the conjunction
of two simple forms ()f government, ~hich belongs
not to the separate existence of at er: thus
corruption, which has no place in an absolute monarchy,
and little in a pure republic, i-; sure to ~in
admission into a constitution, w-bich clivid~ Lite supreme
power between an executj~e ana~i.rate and a
popuiar council.
An hereditary MONARCHY is universally to be preferred
to ail ekdj,:e monarchy. The· confession of evry
writer upon the subject of civil government, the
experience of ages,. the example of Poland, and of
the papal dominions, seem to place tJPs amongst the
few indubitable maxims which the science of politics
ac. milS of. A crown is too splendid a prize to be
co !lferred upon merit~ The passions or interests of
the electors exclude all con~iderarion of the qualities
of the competitors. The sanle observation holds
COli,Cerning the appointments to any office which is at·
ten:led "ritil a great share of power or emolument.
No~hing is gained by a popular choice worth the
dis~ enrions, tumults, and interruption of regular industry,
\rith which it is inseparably attended. Add
to t his, that.l king, who owes his elevation to the
ei:cnt of a contest, or to any other cau~e than a fixed
rule of succession, will be apt to regard one part of
his subjecrs 3S the associates of his fortune, ancl the
other as conquered foes. Nor should. it be forgotten,
among~t the advantages of an hereditary monarchy)
tiklt as plan ~ of national improvement and re ..
form are seldom brought to maturity by the exer~
:ions ')f ~ single reign, a narion cannot attain to the
degree ot happill-~~S and prosperity to which it is capaok:
of being carric:d, unless an uniformity of counsels,
~ cr.T',:j~;tpncy of public nleaRureO\ and designs be cen-.
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