Note 195 — No. XXIII.
Reading edition
[These observations are directed against Godwin’s work on “Political Justice,” which, on its first appearance, excited extraordinary attention. His aim was to represent the whole system of society as radically and essentially wrong, and to extirpate all those principles which uphold its present constitution. The existence of the Deity is spoken of as an hypothesis, and the ethics are worthy of the religion. Holcroft reviewed it in the “Monthly Review,” but was doubtful whether to praise or blame it.—Ed.]
[“I noticed (says Crabb Robinson in 1811) the infinite superiority of Godwin over the French writers in moral feeling and tendency. I had learned to hate Helvetius and Mirabeau, and yet retained my love for Godwin. This was agreed to as a just sentiment.”—Ed.]