IX. And lastly, the question was not understood. Locke and Lowndes felt, but did not see distinctly, wherein the difference of their sentiments consisted: and those who only feel never describe with perspicuity.
It was then generally imagined that a pound could never be more than a pound; but at present people know how to reckon coin by grains, and see clearly that 1718 is more than 1638.
For these reasons I apprehend, that a scheme, similar to that proposed by Mr. Lowndes, may now be mentioned without offence; that the people of Great Britain are just now as good judges of what is for their interest, as they were in 1695. And if the decision of a former parliament is alledged in favour of the old standard, I answer, that such arguments are only good, when people are disposed to pay a greater deference to the sentiments of their fathers than their own; which I am apt to believe is not the case at present.
Reconciliation of the two opinions.
If these answers are found satisfactory, we may conclude, that in whatever way the disorder of the British coin is removed, the change ought to be made in such a manner as neither to benefit or to prejudice any, but such as have lost or gained by the debasement of the standard. Lest, however, that these answers should be perplexing only, without drawing conviction along with them, (which in matters of dispute is frequently the case) I shall say something farther upon this subject, with a view to reconcile two opinions, which are perhaps more opposite in appearance than in reality.
I have already apprized the reader, that I pretend to reason only upon principles, not upon exact information of facts. Circumstances which are hid from me, will nevertheless work their full effect, and may render the best deduced principles delusive, when, without attending to them, we pretend to draw conclusions.
Now, such circumstances in the present case there must certainly be; otherwise every body in England would agree, that the standard is at present actually debased, and that the restitution of it would effectually be raising it from what it has been for these many years. Upon this supposition, the consequences we have drawn must be allowed by every body to be just and natural.
Nothing, I think, is more certain, than that all men would be of the same opinion upon every proposition, were such propositions well understood, and did all parties make the application of them to the same object, and in the same sense.
If this be true, let me try to give a reason how it happens that there are different sentiments in England upon the method of restoring the standard.
The question in dispute is not understood.