Of the LOVE which we Owe to our COUNTRY.
I.
_WHAT one would think should be natural to every Man, (un|der a well instituted Govern|ment) is a Desire to be Happy, and a Good-will towards those who are the Instruments of making them so.
II.
LADIES are always of great Use to the Party they espouse, and never fail to win over Numbers to it. It has been an uncontroverted Maxim in all Ages, That though a Husband is sometimes a stub|born Sort of a Creature, a Lover is al|ways at the Devotion of his Mistress.
III.
AS Self-Love is an Instinct planted in us for the Good and Safety of each par|ticular Person, the Love of our Country is impressed on our Minds for the Hap|piness and Preservation of the Communi|ty. There is no greater Sign of a general Decay of Virtue in a Nation, than a Want of Zeal in its Inhabitants for the Good of their Country.
IV.
AS the Love of ones Country is na|tural to every Man, any particular Nation, who, by false Politicks, shall en|deavour to stifle or restrain it, will not be upon a Level with others.
V.
ALL Casuists are unanimous in de|termining, that when the Good of ones Country interferes even with the Life of the most beloved Relation, dear|est Friend, or greatest Benefactor, it is to be preferred without Exception.
VI.
NO Nation was ever famous for its Morals, which was not at the same Time remarkable for its Publick Spirit: And there is no Remark more common among the ancient Historians, than that when the State was corrupted with A|varice and Luxury, it was in Danger of being betrayed or sold.
