In the Republic of Sparta, we have seen the original State of Manners and Principles conspiring strongly to the Preservation of the Republic: In that of Athens, we have seen the original State of Manners and Principles tending no less clearly to its Dissolution.
In analysing the original State of Manners and Principles in the Roman Commonwealth, we shall find a different and intermediate State of Things; mixing the Strength of the Spartan, with the Weakness of the Athenian Institutions; tending first to enlarge and aggrandize the Republic, and in the End to corrupt and destroy it.
The Manners and Principles of early Rome, which tended to enlarge and aggrandize the Republic, were 1. A Love of their Country instilled into their rising Youth: Formed chiefly on the Power of Custom; and more particularly on the warlike Genius of the State. Their Annals abound with so many Instances of this grand Passion, that present Times stand amazed, and with Difficulty credit their Story.
