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

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Subjection to Civil GOf[;'crizmeirl.
or renlarl{ tIle manners, of any other animal, there is
nothing in the human character which would lllore
surprise us, than the almost universal subjugation of
strength to weakness-than to see many millions
o.f robust nlen, in the complete use and exercise of
their personal faculties, and without any defect of
courage, waiting upon the will of a child, a woman,
a driveller, or a lunatic. .And although, when we
suppose a vast empire in absolute subjection to one
person, and that one depressed beneath the level of
his species by infirmities, or vice, we suppose perhaps
an extreme case, yet in. all cases, even in the most
popular forms of civil government, the physical
strength resides in the governed. In what manner opinion
tIluS prevails over strength, or how power, which
naturally belongs to superior force, is maintained in
\)pposition to it; in other \vords, by what motives
the ma~y are induced to submit to the tew, becomes
an inquiry which lies at the root of almost every
political speculation.· It removes, indeed, but does
110t resolve the difficulty, to say, that civil gClvernments
are now-a-days, almost universally upheld by
standing armies; for the question still returns, how
are these armies themselves kept in subjection, or
Inade to obey the cOlnmands, and carryon the designs,
of the prince or state which employs them.
Now although we should look in vain for any
single reason which will account for the general sub­
Inission of mankind to civil government, yet it nlay
riot be difficult to assign for every class and character
in tI1e comnlUllity, considerations powerful
.CI10llgh to dissuade each frol11 an)'" attempts to resist
established authority. E very man has his motive,
tl10ugh not the sanle. III tl1is, as in other instances,
the conduct is similar, hut the principles which pro ..
(111CC it extremely variOtl&.
rl"llere are three Jistinctic)llS' of cIlara.cter into
which the subjects of a ~tafe may be divided; into
thr)se who obey fr(lt11 pr(ljtJdice; those who obey
from reason; and thf)~e who ob\.~)' from self·interest.