Is it not true, however, that in the science under review, as in every other department of moral science, we must enter through tribulation into truth? The discipline of the great family of the earth is strictly analogous with that of the small household which is gathered under the roof of the wise parent. It is only by the experience consequent on the conscious or unconscious transgression of laws that the children of either family can fully ascertain the will of the Ruler, and reach that conformity from which alone can issue permanent harmony and progressive happiness. What method, then, is so direct for one who would ascertain those laws, as to make a record of the transgressions and their consequences, in order to educe wise principles from foolish practices, permanent good from transient evil? Whatever be the degree of failure, through the unskilfulness of the explorer, the method can scarcely be a faulty one, since it is that by which all attainments of moral truth are made. Could I, by any number of tales of people who have _not_ suffered under an unwise administration of social affairs, have shown that that administration was unwise? In as far as an administration is wise, there is no occasion to write about it; for its true principles are already brought to a practical recognition, and nothing remains to be done. Would that we had more cheering tales of happy societies than we have! They will abound in time; but they will be told for other purposes than that of proving the principles of a new science. Thus much in defence,—not of my tales, but of the venerable experimental method which is answerable for their being sad. -------------- To cure us of our sadness, however, let us review the philosophy of Labour and Capital;—the one the agent, the other the instrument of PRODUCTION. WEALTH consists of such commodities as are useful,—that is, necessary or agreeable to mankind. Wealth is to be obtained by the employment of labour on materials furnished by Nature. As the materials of Nature appear to be inexhaustible, and as the supply of labour is continually progressive, no other limits can be assigned to the operations of labour than those of human intelligence. Productive labour being a beneficial power, whatever stimulates and directs this power is beneficial also. Many kinds of unproductive labour do this. Many kinds of unproductive labour are, therefore, beneficial. All labour for which there is a fair demand is equally respectable. Labour being a beneficial power, all economy of that labour must be beneficial. Labour is economized, I. By division of labour; in three ways. 1. Men do best what they are accustomed to do. 2. Men do the most quickly work which they stick to. 3. It is a saving of time to have several parts of a work going on at once. Labour is economized, II. By the use of machinery, which 1. Eases man’s labour.