Sec. 176. That the aggressor, who puts himself into the
state of war with another, and unjustly invades another man's
right, can, by such an unjust war, never come to have a right
over the conquered, will be easily agreed by all men, who will
not think, that robbers and pyrates have a right of empire over
whomsoever they have force enough to master; or that men are
bound by promises, which unlawful force extorts from them.
Should a robber break into my house, and with a dagger at my
throat make me seal deeds to convey my estate to him, would this
give him any title? Just such a title, by his sword, has an
unjust conqueror, who forces me into submission. The injury and
the crime is equal, whether committed by the wearer of a crown,
or some petty villain. The title of the offender, and the number
of his followers, make no difference in the offence, unless it be
to aggravate it. The only difference is, great robbers punish
little ones, to keep them in their obedience; but the great ones
are rewarded with laurels and triumphs, because they are too big
for the weak hands of justice in this world, and have the power
in their own possession, which should punish offenders. What is
my remedy against a robber, that so broke into my house? Appeal
to the law for justice. But perhaps justice is denied, or I am
crippled and cannot stir, robbed and have not the means to do it.
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