i VIEWS OF HIS OWN POSITION. 369

for the benefit of society. But I have a strong and in- 1848.
Sinctive feeling that an interregnum in my public life would Zr. 43.
“ther increase than diminish my power of usefulness,
Besides and independent of considerations of health, I am
2% anxious to be a party in any more political arrangements
turing the next year or two. Assuming even that the
Public placed me in a new position, free from anxieties of a
Privatg kind, still I should shrink from undertaking the
"ico of a party politician. Ido nob think I should make a
ofa] partisan, unless in the advancement of a defined and
ple principle. Now the next year will witness a de-Wruction
 of old, and a combination of new parties, to which
Lshontg be called upon to give support, and probably invited
0 tae office. Official life would not suit me. My only path
public usefulness is in pursuing the same independent
*Ourge a respects parties which I have hitherto followed. I
iim 8Ware that others might take a different view ; but still
5 One can be so fair a judge as myself of that which
Wolves a knowledge of my own aptitude, springing from
Private tastes and feelings.
} “1 might add as a motive for leaving Parliament, a growing
slike for House of Commons life, and a distaste for mere
Barty political action. But this applies to my present views
ly in ag far as it affects my health and temporary purposes.
Lis 8 repugnance which might and ought to be overcome
for the sake of usefulness ; and there are enough good men
Parliament who sacrifice private convenience for public
800d, 44 compensate for the society of the herd who are
ough, there for inferior objects.
“I have now poured ont my inward thoughts to you im
Wregerved confidence-—thoughta which have not been com-Nitteq
 to paper before. And I do it with the fullest satisaction,
 for I know that, whilst you sympathize with my
"tings, you will bring & oool judgment to my Besistasioge
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