26 LECTURE I.
Anglo-Saxon, let it be observed if there be any
one thing which we owe to the latter, it is the
feudal system. The fundamental idea in that
system is, that the property of the soil of a coun-
try is vested in the monarch. The correspond-
ing idea in the system of the Celt is. that the soil
belongs to the people ; that it is the gift of God
for the support of mankind, and in consequence
is for the benefit of those who exist upon it. In
this the Celtic theory is similar to the Jewish.
There was a political truth, as well as a doctrinal
statement, in the expression so often made use
of in the Psalms, " The earth is the Lord's."
And putting aside the consideration that we have
to deal with what exists, not with what is best
for us, and looking dispassionately at both sys-
tems, there is reason to believe that the Celtic
theory would commend itself to most men, as
that which is most agreeable to right reason, and
most likely to promote human happiness. It
is these views on the subject of land that make
the Celt look with such marked antipathy on
a process of eviction. Feudal rights are new
and distasteful to him, as at variance with his
traditional belief. There may be on the part
of his landlord the power to expel him, but he
has never come to acquiesce in the right. So
strong indeed is the feeling on this subject,