Wherefore if the king shall shew an hatred, not only to
some particular persons, but sets himself against the body of the
common-wealth, whereof he is the head, and shall, with
intolerable ill usage, cruelly tyrannize over the u7hole, or a
considerable part of the people, in this case the people have a
right to resist and defend themselves from injury: but it must be
with this caution, that they only defend themselves, but do not
attack their prince: they may repair the damages received, but
must not for any provocation exceed the bounds of due reverence
and respect. They may repulse the present attempt, but must not
revenge past violences: for it is natural for us to defend life
and limb, but that an inferior should punish a superior, is
against nature. The mischief which is designed them, the people
may prevent before it be done; but when it is done, they must not
revenge it on the king, though author of the villany. This
therefore is the privilege of the people in general, above what
any private person hath; that particular men are allowed by our
adversaries themselves (Buchanan only excepted) to have no other
remedy but patience; but the body of the people may with respect
resist intolerable tyranny; for when it is but moderate, they
ought to endure it.
Sec. 234. Thus far that great advocate of monarchical power
allows of resistance.
Pages:
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199