XCIV ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE and''
ant reflexions of a praXical nature. How farhis remarks apply to that particular clafs of poli-ticians whom he had evidently in his eye in theforegoing palfage, I fliall not prefume to decide.
It is hardly necefiary for me to add to thefe ob-fervations, that they do not detraX in the leaftfrom the value of thole political theories whichattempt to delineate the principles of a perfeX le-giflation. Such theories ( as I have elfewhere ob-ferved * ) ought to be coniidered merely as defcrip-tions of the ultimate objeXs at which theftatefmanought to aim. The tranquillity of his adminiftra-tion , and the immediate fuccefs of his meafures,depend on his good fenfe and his praXical Ikill ;and his theoretical principles only enable him todireXhis meafures fteadily and wifely, to promotethe improvement and happinefs of mankind , andprevent him from being ever led aftray fromthefe important ends, by more limited viewsof temporary expedience. “ In all cafes ( faysMr. Hume) it mult be advantageous to know" what is moll perfeX in the kind, that we" may be able to bring any real conftitution or" form of government as near it as poflible, by" fuch gentle alterations and innovations as may“ not give too great disturbance to fociety.”