influence. This good principle in inferiors would discover itself
in paying respect, gratitude, obedience, as due. It were therefore,
methinks, one just way of trying one's own character to ask
ourselves, am I in reality a better master or servant, a better
friend, a better neighbour, than such and such persons, whom,
perhaps, I may think not to deserve the character of virtue and
religion so much as myself?

And as to the spirit of party, which unhappily prevails amongst
mankind, whatever are the distinctions which serve for a supply to
it, some or other of which have obtained in all ages and countries,
one who is thus friendly to his kind will immediately make due
allowances for it, as what cannot but be amongst such creatures as
men, in such a world as this. And as wrath and fury and overbearing
upon these occasions proceed, as I may speak, from men's feeling
only on their own side, so a common feeling, for others as well as
for ourselves, would render us sensible to this truth, which it is
strange can have so little influence, that we ourselves differ from
others, just as much as they do from us. I put the matter in this
way, because it can scarce be expected that the generality of men
should see that those things which are made the occasions of
dissension and fomenting the party-spirit are really nothing at all:
but it may be expected from all people, how much soever they are in
earnest about their respective peculiarities, that humanity and
common goodwill to their fellow-creatures should moderate and
restrain that wretched spirit.

This good temper of charity likewise would prevent strife and enmity
arising from other occasions: it would prevent our giving just
cause of offence, and our taking it without cause. And in cases of