A wise man, however low his condition in life, looks forward through
the proper and natural course and connection of causes and effects;
and in so doing, he fortifies his mind against the worst that can
befal him. It is of no small importance to the honest and quiet part
of mankind, who desire nothing so much as to see peace and virtue
flourish, to consider well the consequences that may arise to them out
of the quarrels and feuds of the great, and to endeavour, by every
means in their power, to avoid being in any way drawn in by their
influence to become a party concerned in their broils and disputes: for
no matter in which way the strife between the high contending parties
may terminate, those who may have had the misfortune to be concerned
with them, ought to think themselves well off if they do not smart for
it severely in the end. How often has it happened, that men in eminent
stations, who want to engross all power into their own hands, begin,
under the mask of patriotism, to foment divisions and form factions,
and excite animosities between well-meaning, but undiscerning people,
without whose aid in one way or another they could not succeed; but
who, at the same time, little think that the great aim of their leaders
is nothing more than the advancement of their own private interest, or
ambitious ends. The good of the public is always pretended upon such
occasions, and may sometimes happen to be tacked to their own; but then
it is purely accidental, and never was originally intended.
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