But if the trespasser is an old offender, who from the beginning has broken fences, ruined trees, and trampled down the garden, and now defiantly comes upon the field of grass, insisting upon absolute ownership, then it is vain to set up the apology that very little damage is done.
Sumner argues that a history of offenses complicates the justification for minor transgressions, emphasizing accountability.
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The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
It is larger than the entire profit of all the commerce and manufactures of the world.
I agree with the Convention in the importance of the new organization; nor do I think there are many candid persons, recognizing morals as the soul of all true politics, who will hesitate in this conclusion.
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