PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

not be contended to be for the augmenution of human
happiness, that ODe man should lose his life or a
limb, rather than another a penDJworth* of his property.
Neyertheless, perfect rights can only be distinguished
by their moe; and it is impossible to ascertain
the value, at which the Iibeny of Gftng ex ..
treme violence begins. The pp-"OJl attacked must
balance, as well a! he can, between the general consequmce
of yielding, and the particular dec:! of re.
•
S)stance.
However, t!ds right, if it exi.c;t in a state of nature,
i3 suspended by the establishment of civil society;
because ther,'" other remedies 1te ~Yided agaim:
attacks upon our property, and because it is DtXeSSa~
ry to the peace and safety of the cooummity, that
the preYention, punishment, and redreu of injuries
be ~iusted by public laws.
Moreover, as the individual
is assisted in the recovery of hii ript, or of a
compensation for his right, -by !he public SU'eIlgth,
it is no less equ!table than expedient, that he should
submit to public arbitntion, the kUld as well as the
measure of the satisfaction which he is to ~btaiD.
There is one case i& .bich all extremities are jus ..
tifiable, namely, when our life is aesanlted, and it be.
comes necessary for. our prese.--vatioJl to kill {he assailant.
This is evident in a state of ~!Ure; unless
it can be shown, mat we are oound to prefer the ag.
gressor's life to our own, that is t9 say, to lc;.