Would it be straying from my subject, to remark here the illusion we are under, if we expect any important utility to arise from those marks of distinction lately introduced into France, under the name of public rewards for virtue? Those trivial favours of opinion can never be decreed but to a few dispersed actions; and it might be apprehended, that if we rendered such institutions permanent and general, they might turn the attention of the people at large from the grand recompense, which ought to be the spring and encouragement of all that is great and virtuous. Experienced hunters, at the moment when all the pack is still pursuing the most noble ranger of the forest, would not permit them to turn, to run after a prey which darted out of a lurking hole or thicket. The establishments on which I here fix my attention, have, perhaps, also the inconvenience of rousing a sentiment of surprise at the appearance of a good action, and announcing thus too distinctly, that they believe them rare, and above the common exertions of humanity; and if we extended still further these institutions, they would only introduce a spirit of parade, always ready to languish, when applause was distant; and it would be a great misfortune, if such a spirit ever took place of simple and modest integrity, which receives from itself its motives and reward: virtue and vanity make a bad mixture; men are then accustomed only to act to be seen, and these opportunities, at present not very numerous, they wish to choose. There is besides a class of men so ill treated by fortune, that we should commit a great mistake in habituating them to connect continually calculations of probable rewards from men, with the practice of their duty; they would too often be deceived. It is then, we cannot too often repeat it, it is respect for morality, which it is necessary to maintain, by strengthening religious principles, its most solid foundation; all other extraordinary helps derive their force from novelty; and at the period when society would have the greatest need of their succour, it would, perhaps, have arrived at its greatest depravity.