Name: _____________________________________________
Global History II
Date: _________________________
Patten
The Discourse on the Love of Country
Richard Price, 1789
Directions: ONE OF EACH:
While reading the following piece, circle one sentence that you found to be
important, one phrase, and one word. Be prepared to share your opinions.
First, That by our country is meant, is not the soil or the spot of earth on which we
5
happen to have been born; not the forests and fields, but that community of which
we are members; or that body of companions and friends and kindred who are
associated with us under the same constitution of government, protected by the
same laws, and bound together by the same civil government.
Secondly, It is proper to observe, that love of country is our duty, our obligation to
love our own families, friends, and country, and to seek, their good.
10
Thirdly, It is proper to distinguish between love of our country and that spirit of
rival ship and ambition, which has been common among nations. What has it been
but a love of domination; a desire of conquest, and a thirst for glory, by extending
territory, and enslaving surrounding countries?
It is very remarkable that the founder of our religion have recommended that
15
UNIVERSAL BENEVOLENCE (kindness) which is a nobler principle than any partial
affections. They have stressed loving all men, even our enemies, is an essential part
of virtue (goodness), that the religion they have preached may, by way of distinction
from all other religions, be called the Religion of Benevolence.
Our first concern, as lovers of our country, must be to enlighten it. Why are the
20
nations of the world so patient under despotism (dictatorship)? Enlighten them and
you will elevate them. Show them they are men, and they will act like men. Give
them just ideas of civil government. Set religion before them in worshipping God
with a pure heart and practicing righteousness.
If we serve our country, LIBERTY is the next great blessing. It is inseparable from
25
knowledge and virtue, and together completes the glory of a community. An
enlightened and virtuous country must be a free country. It cannot suffer invasions
of its rights, or bend to tyrants....
Explanation:
1. What sentence did you choose? Why did you select that sentence?
2. What phrase did you choose? Why did you select that phrase?
3. What word did you choose? Why did you select that word?