Now do you believe, in the first place, that men will long have abilities, will long have good intentions, and will long, above all, have steady application, when they know they are but tools in the hands of another,--when they know they are tools for his own corrupt purposes?
Burke emphasizes the detrimental effects of being perceived as a mere tool for corrupt purposes on individuals' abilities and intentions.
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If any of them should happen to propose a scheme of liberty soberly limited, and defined with proper qualifications, he will be immediately outbid by his competitors, who will produce something more splendidly popular.
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.
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