unalterably possessed with the Love of their Country.
These severe Manners were confirmed by all the Principles that could strengthen them in the Mind of Man.
The Principle of Religion laid at the very Foundation of the State: For Lycurgus expressly modeled his Commonwealth on the Pretence of a divine Authority. He declared to the People, that its essential Institutions were given him by the Oracle of Delphi, which he went on Purpose to consult.[1] Again, after he had modeled his Republic, he repaired once more to the sacred Tripod; and enquired, "whether the God approved of the Laws he had established." The Answer was in the Affirmative: And this Reply Lycurgus sent to Sparta.[2]
This Principle was so intimately blended with that of the State, that their Kings were at the same Time the High Priests of the Community.[3]—The Reli-
