He that would have been insolent and injurious in the
woods of America, would not probably be much better in a throne;
where perhaps learning and religion shall be found out to justify
all that he shall do to his subjects, and the sword presently
silence all those that dare question it: for what the protection
of absolute monarchy is, what kind of fathers of their countries
it makes princes to be and to what a degree of happiness and
security it carries civil society, where this sort of government
is grown to perfection, he that will look into the late relation
of Ceylon, may easily see.
Sec. 93. In absolute monarchies indeed, as well as other
governments of the world, the subjects have an appeal to the law,
and judges to decide any controversies, and restrain any violence
that may happen betwixt the subjects themselves, one amongst
another. This every one thinks necessary, and believes he
deserves to be thought a declared enemy to society and mankind,
who should go about to take it away. But whether this be from a
true love of mankind and society, and such a charity as we owe
all one to another, there is reason to doubt: for this is no more
than what every man, who loves his own power, profit, or
greatness, may and naturally must do, keep those animals from
hurting, or destroying one another, who labour and drudge only
for his pleasure and advantage; and so are taken care of, not out
of any love the master has for them, but love of himself, and the
profit they bring him: for if it be asked, what security, what
fence is there, in such a state, against the violence and
oppression of this absolute ruler? the very question can scarce
be borne.
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