BOOK III PART II
gin of every nation, we shall find, that there
scarce is any race of kings, or form of a com-
monwealth, that is not primarily founded on
usurpation and rebellion, and whose title is
not at first worse than doubtful and uncertain.
Time alone gives solidity to their right; and op-
erating gradually on the minds of men, rec-
onciles them to any authority, and makes it
seem just and reasonable. Nothing causes any
sentiment to have a greater influence upon us
than custom, or turns our imagination more
strongly to any object. When we have been
long accustomed to obey any set of men, that
general instinct or tendency, which we have to
suppose a moral obligation attending loyalty,
takes easily this direction, and chuses that set
of men for its objects. It is interest which gives
the general instinct; but it is custom which
gives the particular direction.