THE WEALTH OF NATIONS.

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the spirit of devotion is supported altogether by the monksand by the poorer parochial clergy. The great dignitaries ofthe church, with all the accomplishments of gentlemen andmen of the world, and sometimes with those of men of learn-ing, are careful enough to maintain the necessary disciplineover their inferiors, but seldom give themselves any troubleabout the instruction of the people.

“ Most of the arts and professions in a state,” says by farthe most illustrious philosopher and historian of the presentage, “ are of such a nature, that, while they promote the in-terests of the society, they are also useful or agreeable to someindividuals; and in that case, the constant rule of the magis-trate, except, perhaps, on the first introduction of any art, isto leave the profession to itself, and trust its encouragementto the individuals who reap the benefit of it. The artisans, find-ing their profits to rise by the favour of their customers, in-crease, as much as possible, their skill and industry ; and asmatters are not disturbed by any injudicious tampering, thecommodity is always sure to be at all times nearly propor-tioned to the demand.

“ But there are also some callings, which though usefuland even necessary in a state, bring no advantage or pleasureto any individual, and the supreme power is obliged to alterits conduct with regard to the retainers of those professions.It must give them public encouragement in order to theirsubsistence ; and it must provide against that negligence towhich they will naturally be subject, either by annexing par-ticular honours to the profession, by establishing a long sub-ordination of ranks and a strict dependence, or by some otherexpedient. The persons employed in the finances, fleets, andmagistracy, are instances of this order of men.

“ It may naturally be thought, at first sight, that the ec-clesiastics belong to the first class, and that their encourage-ment, as well as that of lawyers and physicians, may safelybe entrusted to the liberality of individuals, who are at-tached to their doctrines, and who find benefit or consola-tion from their spiritual ministry and assistance. Their in-dustry and vigilance, will, no doubt, be whetted by such anadditional motive; and their skill in the profession, as wellas their address in governing the minds ot the people, mustreceive daily increase, from their increasing practice, study,and attention.

“ But if we consider the matter more closely, we shall find,