But this no more makes a man a member of that society, a
perpetual subject of that common-wealth, than it would make a man
a subject to another, in whose family he found it convenient to
abide for some time; though, whilst he continued in it, he were
obliged to comply with the laws, and submit to the government he
found there. And thus we see, that foreigners, by living all
their lives under another government, and enjoying the privileges
and protection of it, though they are bound, even in conscience,
to submit to its administration, as far forth as any denison; yet
do not thereby come to be subjects or members of that common-
wealth. Nothing can make any man so, but his actually entering
into it by positive engagement, and express promise and compact.
This is that, which I think, concerning the beginning of
political societies, and that consent which makes any one a
member of any common-wealth.
CHAP. IX.
Of the Ends of Political Society and Government.
Sec. 123. IF man in the state of nature be so free, as has
been said; if he be absolute lord of his own person and
possessions, equal to the greatest, and subject to no body, why
will he part with his freedom? why will he give up this empire,
and subject himself to the dominion and controul of any other
power? To which it is obvious to answer, that though in the
state of nature he hath such a right, yet the enjoyment of it is
very uncertain, and constantly exposed to the invasion of others:
for all being kings as much as he, every man his equal, and the
greater part no strict observers of equity and justice, the
enjoyment of the property he has in this state is very unsafe,
very unsecure.
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