360 MORALS OF THE DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS. [Part V.

The Romans put an humble estimate on merchants, as theRussians do at this day. Napoleon, late emperor of the French,concurred with them, in placing merchants among the more hum-ble orders of society ; but these seem to be exceptions, and thegenuine mercantile character, at which every merchant ought toaim, is trdly respectable and honorable, and has generally been es-teemed so, at all times. A wise and prudent foresight combinedwith enterprise and decision, punctuality, regularity, and exactness,extensive practical knowledge of men and things, sterling integ-rity and untarnished honor, are the shining virtues of the mercan-tile profession. The merchants of Babylon “ were the greatmen of the earth,” * and the merchants of Tyre, called in HolyWrit, “ the crowning city,” were “ princes, and the honorable ofthe earth.” f And who, that is familiar with the English classics,has not dwelt with admiration on Mr. Addison’s description ofthe English merchants, and of the wide sphere and blessings ofEnglish commerce, given in a visit of the “ Spectator ” to theRoyal Exchange. |

CHAPTER VII.

MORAL TENDENCY AND INFLUENCE OF MANUFACTURINGESTABLISHMENTS.

The moral and other influences of manufacturing establish-ments have been the subject of much discussion, during manyyears past. The effects of them, both good and evil, have longbeen fully understood in Europe, especially in England, and theyare beginning, not indistinctly, to manifest themselves in thiscountry. A Report made to the Legislature of Massachusetts,on the 17th March, 1836, discloses the state of public feeling andopinion in that respectable State, and shows how far the evilsso well known in England have already manifested themselvesthere.

* Revelation xviii. 23.

t Isaiah xxiii. 8. + Spectator, No. 69.