I cannot suppose it will be disputed, that the law, ordaining the multiplication, of which the effects are thus extensive, is a law of design. Among brute animals, we find the quality of fecundity subjected to intelligible regulations, and proportioned to the utility or peculiar circumstances of the species: since it is denied to strength and rapacity, and bestowed as a compensation for a short term of existence. Of the latter case, the hare and rabbit, and the insect tribes, afford familiar examples: whereas the kite lays but two eggs, the eagle but one, and the elephant produces only a single calf. In another department of nature, it is observed that a cod-fish lays many million eggs, whilst a whale brings usually one cub, and never more than two. It would have been incomprehensible if the multiplication of animals had not fallen under the regulation of Providence, and been subject to assigned laws; and these, with a thousand other instances that might be as readily adduced, manifestly prove that it has been directed by design. And

as it would be contrary to all just analogy to believe, that brute animals received an attention denied to the human race, it is impossible to suppose that the ratio of increase among men, and its consequences, were not present to the contemplation of the Creator. In point of fact, we know that even the casualties to which one sex is more exposed than the other, are provided for by the excess of male over female births, a foresight which can only be attributed to the original mandate of Providence.*

I am justified, therefore, in concluding, that

* It is not so generally acknowledged, but appears from Humboldt's recent inquiries, that this law of nature is no less established in the different climate of America than in Europe. The proportion of male to female births in New Spain he determines to be "as 100: 97, which indicates an excess of males nearly equal to that in France, where for 100 boys there are born 96 girls. From the whole of the data we may conclude, that in Europe, as well as in the equinoctial regions, which have enjoyed a long state of tranquillity, we should find an excess of males, if the sea, the wars, and dangerous employments peculiar to our sex, did not tend incessantly to diminish their number." Pol. Ess. i. 253.

the Deity has displayed the same comprehensive wisdom which is seen in the natural world, by regulating, according to a general law, the state and condition of mankind, and bringing it, without actual control or interposition, to a conformity with his plan of moral govern

ment.

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CHAPTER VI.

On the Collateral Benefits derived by the Human Race from the Principle of Population.

It will, perhaps, be objected to the preceding survey of the effects of the principle of population, that it exhibits only the bright side of the picture. Some persons may be disposed to argue, that if the rapid multiplication of the species augments the treasures of civilized society, it also entails upon civilization a certain inheritance of want, and pain, and misery; and that the human race are little benefited by arts and improvements, which are wrung from them by the urgency of their necessities: that, however plain it may be made, that the means employed accomplish their apparent object, still it is by a mode so harsh and ungentle in its operation, that the wisdom of the Creator is impeached, rather than displayed, when the

intricate web of human society is thus unfolded, and its texture unravelled.

To these and similar objections, which have been sometimes urged against the view of human society exhibited by Mr. Malthus, some concession must be made. There is undoubtedly much want and misery, that is, much natural evil in the world. And since the law of increase is an agent of such vast importance in determining the condition of mankind, it cannot fail of producing in the course of its operation, much of that natural evil, which is an ingredient in the cup of human nature, and inseparable from the present condition of our species. The permission of this will properly come under future consideration.

If we were peopling an Utopia, or amusing our fancy, after the manner of the ancient philosophers, with creating an imaginary republic, we should undoubtedly be inclined to banish from it all necessity for severe labour. We should omit the curse denounced upon the first