Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/82

Chap. 22. cestours (upon the account of the publick good, whereunto also a certain secret providence of God doth attract us) have encreased, while they endeavour'd in every of their words and deeds to advance the Majesty of their Country. This Affection therefore in my Opinion is from Custom, but if from Nature (as you did lately insinuate) what is the reason that it diffuseth not it self into all alike, and in equal measure? Why do the Nobility and wealthier sort love and care for their Country more, and the vulgar and meaner sort less? Whom you may behold (for the most part) full of their own cares with a palpable neglect of the publick, which yet doth most certainly fall out otherwise in every such Affection as proceeds from the peremptory injunctions of Nature. To conclude, what reason will you assigne why so light an occasion should oftentimes diminish or remove it? See how this man Revenge, a second Rh