PATRIOTIC DISTINCTION.

I certainly have the honour to belong to more clubs than one in which

the constitution of this kingdom and the principles of the glorious

Revolution are held in high reverence; and I reckon myself among the

most forward in my zeal for maintaining that constitution and those

principles in their utmost purity and vigour. It is because I do so that

I think it necessary for me that there should be no mistake. Those who

cultivate the memory of our revolution, and those who are attached

to the constitution of this kingdom, will take good care how they

are involved with persons, who, under the pretext of zeal towards the

Revolution and constitution, too frequently wander from their true

principles; and are ready on every occasion to depart from the firm

but cautious and deliberate spirit which produced the one, and which

presides in the other.

Selections from the Speeches and Writings of Edmund Burke · 第 162 / 361 题