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freedom, becomes firm and indissoluble, like substances which are held together by an immutable union in their parts; but it should never be forgotten that adhesions of human contrivance cannot, like those which are natural, be maintained by silent and invisible attractions; the social union can neither be produced nor continued without well considered management constantly kept in view and in action: the multitude are more governed by visible and permanent distinctions, than by reflections on what is wise or just; and as God does not always ratify by merit, or by mental superiority, the ranks and honours which we wisely nevertheless bestow upon one another, they should be carefully kept up by a kind of ingenious artifice, like that which is so successful at a masquerade or upon the stage. External symbols of superiority, which have been found by experience to be imposing and effectual, cannot be safely let down even in the most apparently insignificant relaxations, because, though not easily shaken if neither abused nor abandoned, they cannot be resumed at plea-
sure
