THE RIGHTS OF MAN TO PROPERTY, &c. &c.
CHAPTER I.
I am undertaking a work, which, as Rousseau said of his “Confessions,” has no example, and whose execution perhaps, will find no approval. But, be this as it may; the consciousness I feel, that my motives are pure, and that the work which engages me, will tend to fix on an imperishable basis, the happiness of my fellow beings, is all the encouragement and support I require to bring it to a consummation. When they shall have read it, they will judge for themselves, how far my means of assuring that happiness, will be likely to coincide with my intentions and expectations.
The same author, on another occasion, has said, that inasmuch as he was not a Legislator, therefore, he offered his sentiments to those who were. Had he been such, he observed, he would not have troubled the world with his opinions; but would have proceeded, forthwith, to put them into execution. How very proper, then, may it
