, on account of their
violence and instability. So that if you were to gratify them in their
humour to-day, that very gratification would be a ground of their
dissatisfaction on the next. Now as all these rules of public opinion
are to be collected with great difficulty, and to be applied with equal
uncertainty as to the effect, what better can a King of England do than
to employ such men as he finds to have views and inclinations most
conformable to his own, who are least infected with pride and self-will,
and who are least moved by such popular humours as are perpetually
traversing his designs, and disturbing his service; trusting that when he
means no ill to his people he will be supported in his appointments,
whether he chooses to keep or to change, as his private judgment or his
pleasure leads him? He will find a sure resource in the real weight and
influence of the Crown, when it is not suffered to become an instrument
in the hands of a faction.

I will not pretend to say that there is nothing at all in this mode of
reasoning, because I will not assert that there is no difficulty in the
art of government. Undoubtedly the very best Administration must
encounter a great deal of opposition, and the very worst will find more
support than it deserves. Sufficient appearances will never be wanting
to those who have a mind to deceive themselves. It is a fallacy in
constant use with those who would level all things, and confound right
with wrong, to insist upon the inconveniences which are attached to every
choice, without taking into consideration the different weight and
consequence of those inconveniences. The question is not concerning
absolute discontent or perfect satisfaction in Government, neither of
which can be pure and unmixed at any time or upon any system. The
controversy is about that degree of good-humour in the people, which may
possibly be attained, and ought certainly to be looked for. While some
politicians may be waiting to know whether the sense of every individual
be against them, accurately distinguishing the vulgar from the better
sort, drawing lines between the enterprises of a faction and the efforts
of a people, they may chance to see the Government, which they are so
nicely weighing, and dividing, and distinguishing, tumble to the ground
in the midst of their wise deliberation. Prudent men, when so great an
object as the security of Government, or even its peace, is at stake,
will not