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Show £38 OF THE RENT OF LAND. ( CH. III. with the immediate descendants of the first posses~ sors, though the benefits to be derived from the present would no doubt be very greatly dimi~ nished, yet from its general and unavoidable ef~ fects on society, it 'vould be most unwise to refuse it as of little or no value. But, happily, the benefit is attached to the soil, not to any particular pro~ prietors. Rents are the reward of present valour and wisdom, as well as of past strength and cun~ ning. Every day lands are purchased \Vith the fruits of industry and talents.* They afford the great prize, the " otium cum dignitate" to every species of laudable exertion; and, in the progress of society, there is every reason to believe, that, as they become more valuable from the increase of capital and population, and the improvements in agriculture, the benefits whiGh they yield n1ay be divided among a much greater number of persons. * lVIr. Ricardo himself is an instance of what I am stating. He is now become, by his talents and industry, a considerable landholder; and a more honourable and excellent man a man who for the qualities of his head and heart more entirely d'e serves what he has earned, or employs it better, I could not point out in the whole ~ircle of landholders. It is .somewhat singular that Mr. Ricardo, a considerable receiver of rents, should have so much underrated their national importance; while I, who never received, nor expect to receive any, s~all prob.abl y. be accused of overrating their importance. Our d1fferent s1tuatwns and opinions may serve at least to shew our mutua~ sincerit~, and afford a strong presumption, that to whatever bias our mmds may have been subjected in the doctrines we have laid down, it has not been that aoainst which perhaps it is d. ' 0 most lfficult to gua~d, the insensible bias of situation and interest. SEC. X.] OF THE RENT OF LAND. 239 In every poin~ of view, then, in which the subject can be considered, that quality of land which, by the laws of our being, must terminate in rent, appears to be a boon most important to the happiness of mankind ; and I an1 persuaded, that its value can only be underrated by those who still labour under some mistake, as to its nature~ and its effects on society. |
