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

Subjection to Civil GO'lJernmcm.
S09
which are still found, wherever the state of sodety
and manners 1\ lmmature and uncultivated.
J
Nor need we be surprised at the early existence in
the world of some vast empires, or at the rapidity
with which they advanced to their greatness, from
comparatively small ~nd gbscure originals. Whilst
the inhabitants of so many countries were broken
into numerous communities, unconnected, and oftentimes
contending with each other; before exp erie
ence had taught these little states to see their own
danger in their neighbour's ruin; or had instructed
them· in the necessity of resisting the aggran- ,
dizement of an aspiring power, by alliances and
timely preparations; in this condition of civil
policy, a particular tribe, which by any means had
got the start of the rest in strength, or discipline,.
and happened to fall under the conduct of an ambitious
chief, by directing their first attempts to the
part where success was most secure, and by assuming,
as they went along, those whom they conquered, into
a share of their future enterprizes, might soon
gather a force which would infallibly overbear anv
opposition, that the scattered power and unprovided
state of such enemies could make to the progress of
their victories. .
Lastly, our theory affords a presumption, that the
earliest governments were monarchies, because the
government of families, and of armies, from which,
according to our account, civil government derived
its institution, and probably its farm, is universally
monarchical.
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CHAPTER II.
I-iO\\T SUBJECTIO~
TO CIVIl.. GOVERNl\lENT
IS MAINTAINED.
COULD we view our own species from a
distance, or regard mankind with the same sort of
~bservation, with which we read the natural history.: