[THIS little work was issued in 1750, and reprinted with slight alterations in the "Miscellany" of 1752. As will be noticed, the title-page bears the words, "By a Lady.' Professor Fraser thinks that the "Maxims" might be the work of Mrs. Berkeley; yet the tract was included by the Bishop in his "Miscellany" without this curious assignation of authorship. It is possible that we have here crumbs of the table-talk at Cloyne. The "Maxims" are probably various chance expressions of Mrs. Berkeley, expanded and written down by her husband. Thus, on the first publication, Berkeley would not claim the authorship; but when collecting his shorter pieces he may have reflected that, after all, his wife's share in the little book was small, and so included it as his own work. Berkeley's hand is plainly seen in all of it.] MAXIMS CONCERNING PATRIOTISM. I. EVERY man, by consulting his own heart, may easily know whether he is or is not a patriot. But it is not so easy for the by-standers. 2. Being loud and vehement either against a court, or for a court, is no proof of patriotism. 3. A man whose passion for money runs high bids fair for being no patriot. And he likewise whose appetite is keen for power. 4. A native than a foreigner, a married man than a bachelor, a believer than an infidel, has a better chance for being a patriot. 5. It is impossible an epicure should be a patriot. 6. It is impossible a man who cheats at cards, or cogs the dice, should be a patriot. 7. It is impossible a man who is false to his friends and neighbours should be true to the public. 8. Every knave is a thorough knave. And a thorough knave is a knave throughout. 9. A man who hath no sense of God or conscience: would you make such a one guardian to your child? If not, why guardian to the state? 10. A sot, a beast, benumbed and stupefied by excess, is good for nothing, much less to make a patriot of. II. A fop or man of pleasure makes but a scurvy patriot. 12. A sullen, churlish man, who loves nobody, will hardly love his country. 13. The love of praise and esteem may do something: |