With this sole view do men engage in politicks, and their whole conduct proceeds upon it. This practice is no certain note of patriotism. To instigate the populace with rage beyond the provocation, is to suspend publick happiness, if not to destroy it. He is no lover of his country, that unnecessarily disturbs its peace. If you haven't read it yet, please read this note of caution regarding quotes from Rasselas.
Laws are often occasional, often capricious, made always by a few, and sometimes by a single voice.
Men engaged, by moral or religious motives, in contrary parties will generally look with different eyes upon every man, and decide almost every question upon different principles.