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

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I. They who obey from prejudice; are determined
by an cpinion of right in their governors; which
opinion is founded upon prescription. In monarchies
and aristocracies 'which are hereditary, the prescription
operates in favour of particular families; in re·
publics and elective offices, in favo!1r of particular
forms of government, or constitutions. Nor is it to
be wondered at, that mankind should reverence authority
founded in prescription, when they ob~erve
that it is pre .. cription which confers the title to al.
most every thing else. The whole course and all the
habits of civil life, favour this prejudice. Upon
what other foundation stands any manS's right to his.
estate? The right of primogeniture, the succession of
kir~dred, the descent of property, the inheritance of
honours, the demand of tithes, tolls, rents, or services
from the estates of others, the right of way,
the powers of office and magistracy, the privileges of
nobility, the immunities of the clergy, upon what
are they all founded, in the apprehension at least of
the multitude, but upon prescription? To what eJse,
when the claims are co~tested, is the appeal made?
It is natural to transfer the same p.rinciple to the af.
fairs of government, and to regard those exertions
of power, which have been long exercised and acquiesced
in, as so many rights in the suvereign; and to
consider obedience to his commands, within certain
accustomed limits, as enjoined b] that rule of conscience,
which requires us to render to every maD
his due.
In hereditary monarchie~, the prescriptive title is
corroborated, and its influence considerably augmented,
by an· accession of religious sentiments, and by
that sacredlless which men are \vont to ascribe to the
persons of princes. Princes themselves ha\te not fail.
ed to take ad vantage of this disposition, by claiming
a superior dignity, ad it were, of nature, or a peculiar
delegation from the Supreme Being. For this purpose
were introduced the titles of sacr~d majesty, of
God's annointed, representative, vicegerent, together
wit!l tIle ccrel11011ies of investitures and coronations.
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