1836. The following passage from the Federalist . . .

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The following passage from the Federalist (49) is worth reflecting on in the matter of the function of religion and the church in the total economy of human life as viewed from the standpoint of philosophy.

"If it be true that all governments rest upon opinion, it is no less true that the strength of opinion, in each individual, and its practical influence on his conduct, depend much on the number which he supposes to have entertained the same opinion. The reason of man, like man himself, is timid and cautious when left alone, and acquires firmness and confidence in proportion to the number with which it is associated. When the examples which fortify opinion are ancient as well as numerous, they are known to have a double effect. In a nation of philosophers, this consideration ought to be disregarded. A reverence for the laws would be sufficiently inculcated by the voice of enlightened reason. But a nation of philosophers is as little to be expected as the philosophical race of kings wished for by Plato. And in every other nation, the most rational government will not find it a superfluous advantage to have the prejudices of the community on its side."

21 June 2001