NOTE: 127

Wherefore, when he seeth in his nation some defect or some disorder, he doth not hate his nation, nor cast it from [his] sight, nor withdraw aside in disgust; but laboureth with all [his] soul, and correcteth and setteth in order that defect or disorder. For if [even] an individual man, however virtuous and perfect he may be, yet hath some defect to be found in him, how then is it possible that a great nation, dwelling among diverse nations and cities, should have no defect at all? Is not that which we call a nation an assemblage of men having diverse customs and dispositions, every one of whom individually hath more or less defect? When, therefore, they are considered as gathered together, doth that moral union take away their defect? Nay, surely it cannot be without defect, for God alone is faultless. It is impossible, then, that a great and widespread nation should have no defect whatsoever. But just as a true friend [unto] his...