justice? Alas, it is a utopia, but it is consoling!

Suppose, for the moment, a society were so organised that it would hold
an assizes of virtue, as we have assizes of crime,--a public ministry
pointing out noble actions, disclosing them to the view of all, as we
now denounce crimes to the avenging power of the laws. We will give two
instances--two justices--and let our readers say which is most fruitful
in instruction, in consequences, in positive results. One man has killed
another, for the purpose of robbing him; at break of day they stealthily
erect the guillotine in an obscure corner of Paris and cut off the
assassin's head before the dregs of the populace, which laughs at the
judge, the sufferer, and the executioner. This is the last resort of
society. This is the chastisement she bestows on the greatest crime
which can be committed against her. This is the most terrible, the most
wholesome warning she can give to her population,--the only one, for
there is no counterpoise to this keen axe, dripping with blood; no,
society has no spectacle, mild and benevolent, to oppose to this
funereal scene.

Let us go on with our utopia. Would it not be otherwise if almost every
day the people had before their eyes some illustrious virtues greatly
glorified and substantially rewarded by the state? Would it not be to
encourage good continually, if we often saw an august, imposing, and
venerable tribunal summon before it, in presence of an immense
multitude, a poor and honest artisan, whose long, intelligent, and
enduring life should be described, whilst he was thus addressed:

"For twenty years you have manfully struggled against misfortune, your
family has been brought up by you in the principles of honour and
rectitude, your superior virtues have greatly distinguished you,--you
merit praise and recompense. Society, always vigilant, just, and
all-powerful, never leaves in oblivion either good or evil. Every man is
recompensed according to his works. The state assures to you a pension
sufficient for your wants. Obtaining this deserved mark of public
notice, you will end in leisure and ease a life which is an example to
all; and thus are and will be exalted those who, like yourself, shall
have struggled for many years with an admirable persistence in good, and
given proof of rare and grand moral qualities. Your example will
encourage a great many to imitate you; hope will lighten the painful
burden which their destiny imposes