As people now-a-days believe that 'murder will out,' and that great crime will bring even an earthly punishment, so in early times people believed that for any breach of sacred custom certain retribution would happen.
Bagehot draws a parallel between modern beliefs about crime and ancient beliefs about sacred customs, highlighting the continuity of moral thought.
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The moderate people of every party must combine to support the Government which, on the whole, suits every party best.
I do not think I put this too high when I say that a most important if not the most important object of early legislation was the enforcement of LUCKY rites.
They are above corruption because they are the corruptors.
All savage religions are full of superstitions founded on luck.
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