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KING PELLINORE’S LITERARY MAGAZINE

partial confederacies than from its union under one gov-
ernment.

It is not, however, my design to dwell upon observa-

tions of this nature. I am well aware that it would be disin-

genuous to resolve indiscriminately the opposition of any
set of men (merely because their situations might subject

them to suspicion) into interested or ambitious views. Can-

dor will oblige us to admit that even such men may be ac-

tuated by upright intentions; and it cannot be doubted that
much of the opposition which has made its appearance, or

may hereafter make its appearance, will spring from

sources, blameless at least, if not respectable--the honest

errors of minds led astray by preconceived jealousies and
fears. So numerous indeed and so powerful are the causes

which serve to give a false bias to the judgment, that we,

upon many occasions, see wise and good men on the wrong

as well as on the right side of questions of the first magni-

tude to society. This circumstance, if duly attended to,
would furnish a lesson of moderation to those who are ever

so much persuaded of their being in the right in any con-

troversy. And a further reason for caution, in this respect,

might be drawn from the reflection that we are not always
sure that those who advocate the truth are influenced by

purer principles than their antagonists. Ambition, avarice,

personal animosity, party opposition, and many other mo-

tives not more laudable than these, are apt to operate
as well upon those who support as those

who oppose the right side of a ques-

tion. Were there not even these in-

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