If,  in  comparing  the  different  conditions  of  so-
cial life,  we  bring  religion  into  the  account,  the
argument  is  still  easier.  Religion  smooths  all  in-
equalities, because  it  unfolds  a  prospect  which
makes  all  earthly  distinctions  nothing.  And  I  do
allow  that  there  are  many  cases  of  sickness,  af-
fliction, and  distress,  which  Christianity  alone  can
comfort.  But  in  estimating  the  mere  diversities
of  station  and  civil  condition,  I  have  not  thought
it  necessary  to  introduce  religion  into  the  inquiry
at  all ;  because  I  contend,  that  the  man  who  mur-
murs and  repines,  when  he  has  nothing  to  murmur
and  repine  about,  but  the  mere  want  of  independ-
ent property,  is  not  only  irreligious,  but  unreason-
able, in  his  complaint;  and  that  he  would  find,
did  he  know  the  truth,  and  consider  his  case  fairly,
that  a  life  of  labour,  such,  I  mean,  as  is  led  by  the
labouring  part  of  mankind  in  this  country,  has
advantages  in  it  which  compensate  all  its  incon-
veniences. When  compared  with  the  life  of  the
rich,  it  is  better  in  these  important  respects:  It
supplies  employment,  it  promotes  activity.  It
keeps  the  body  in  better  health,  the  mind  more
engaged,  and,  of  course,  more  quiet.  It  is  more
sensible  of  ease,  more  susceptible  of  pleasure.  It
is  attended  with  greater  alacrity  of  spirits,  a  more
constant  cheerfulness  and  serenity  of  temper.  It
affords  easier  and  more  certain  methods  of  send-
ing children  into  the  world  in  situations  suited  to
their  habits  and  expectations.  It  is  free  from  many
heavy  anxieties  which  rich  men  feel ;  it  is  fraught
with  many  sources  of  delight  wliich  they  want.
