Page:Thoughts on civil liberty, on licentiousness and faction.djvu/96

The Principle of Honour, tho' in many, and great Instances, co-operating with that of Religion; yet when not founded on it, was often at Variance with it. This Principle, as it hath appeared in modern Times, was in its Origin chiefly Military. Hence it hath generally taken Cognizance of Actions, not as they are just or unjust, but merely as they are splendid or mean, brave or cowardly: Thus, it overlooks all Laws, both human and divine: Hence unbounded Contempt of Enemies, furious Party-Rage, unlimited Resentment and Revenge, were and still are its favourite Dictates. Thus it hath come to pass, that Honour often forbids what Religion approves; and approves what Religion forbids. This uncontrouled and dangerous Principle mixed itself with the licentious Manners of the Times: Hence, Attachments, Resentments, and Party-Rage, arose and were persisted in, essentially contradictory to the Principles of Freedom.