without mature consideration; and who can expect mature consideration in works produced by the fortuitous course of events, by the tyranny of circumstances? Among the ancient states, Sparta alone could boast a legislation connected in all its parts: yet, by militating against the strongest propensities of human nature, the Spartan laws excited a perpetual conflict, that ended in the destruction of that country. The governments at present subsisting may be aptly compared to Gothic edifices improved by the hand of taste.
It may be observed, that a prudent extent of territory, a comprehensive experience, and an industrious pursuit of happiness, have contributed more to the public and private advantage of mankind than the most admired laws of the ancient legislators. There still, however, subsist so many fundamental defects and errors, so much opposition between different parts of the same system, that no modern form of government can be considered as a just model for imitation. Venice will perhaps be pointed out as an exception; a republic of which the constitution has survived its greatness, and a material change in the sentiments of the people. But what a constitution! Equally unshaken, Oriental despotism has a higher claim to antiquity.
Nevertheless, history has long been considered as affording examples for the construction of forms of government. Athens, Carthage, and Rome, are objects of enquiry in France, England, and Sweden. Elevating their voice, philosophers have at length ventured to ask, if
France
