Chap. VIII.] MORALS OF THE DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS. 369

less disinterestedness than individuals, has been affirmed by themost accurate observers of the conduct of mankind ; and for thisan obvious reason has been given. Members of committees,corporations, legislatures, &c., sit with a divided responsibility ;and “ regard to reputation has a less active influence, when theinfamy of a bad action is to be divided among a number, thanwhen it is to fall singly on an individual.” * This corporationspirit , as it may be called, which belongs, in a greater or lessdegree, to all associations of whatever kind, should be wellknown to, and kept in mind by, those who take the lead indirecting our charitable, missionary, education, and other similarsocieties. Their success and usefulness depend on their secur-ing general favor and esteem. To this end, they must pursuetheir noble objects by none but right means. I am not con-vinced, that there is any just cause of complaint against theseassociations ; —■ they do honor to our times, and are one of thebrightest hopes of the times to come ; but their conductors shouldunderstand their tendency to this abuse, the besetting sin to whichthey are most exposed, and guard well against it.

* Alexander Hamilton, in the Federalist, No. 15.

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