And thus
much may suffice to shew, that as far as we have any light from
history, we have reason to conclude, that all peaceful beginnings
of government have been laid in the consent of the people. I say
peaceful, because I shall have occasion in another place to speak
of conquest, which some esteem a way of beginning of governments.
The other objection I find urged against the beginning of
polities, in the way I have mentioned, is this, viz.
Sec. 113. That all men being born under government, some or
other, it is impossible any of them should ever be free, and at
liberty to unite together, and begin a new one, or ever be able
to erect a lawful government.
If this argument be good; I ask, how came so many lawful
monarchies into the world? for if any body, upon this
supposition, can shew me any one man in any age of the world free
to begin a lawful monarchy, I will be bound to shew him ten other
free men at liberty, at the same time to unite and begin a new
government under a regal, or any other form; it being
demonstration, that if any one, born under the dominion of
another, may be so free as to have a right to command others in a
new and distinct empire, every one that is born under the
dominion of another may be so free too, and may become a ruler,
or subject, of a distinct separate government.
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