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

S"bi!'c!i{)n to Civil Govermnent.
."
SIS
strength of O'overnment, each discontented subject re·
flects, is gr:ater than his own, and he knows not that
others would join him. This last consideration has
often been calied opinio1l of power.
This account of the }Jrinciples by which mankind
are retained in their obedience to civil government,
nlaY s!lggest the following cautions:
1. Let ci vii governors learn from hence to respect
their subjects; let them be admonished" that the physical
strength reJidcJ ill the gf)1.,'crlled; that this strength
wants only to be felt and roused, to lay porstrate the
most ancient and cOllfirmed dominion; that civil
authority is founded in opinion; that general opinion
therefore ought al\vays to be treated with defer.
ence, and managed with delicacy and circumspection.
2. Opinion of right always foliowing the custom, being
for the most part founded in no? hing else, and
lending one principal support ~f government, every
innovation in [he constitution, or, in other \vords, in
the custonl of governing. diminishes the stabilitv of
L. -_" - .I
government. lienee some absurdities are to be retained,
al1d many small inconveniences endured in
every country, rather than the usage should be violated,
or the COllrse of public affairs diverted fronl
their old and smooth chal1Il~l. Even 1Zl1nlCS are nc-t
indifferel1t. \Vllel1 the nl11ltitude are to be dealt
with, there is a charm in sounds. It was upon this
principle, tllat several stateslnen of those times advised
Cromwell to assume the title of king, together
\vith an allcient style and insignia of rova!tv. The
minds of many, they contended, would be ~brought
to acquiesce in the authority of a king, who suspect.
ed the office, and were offended with the administration
of a protector. Novelty re~linded them of
usurpation. The adversaries of this design opposed
the nW:lsure, from the same persuasion of the efficacy
of names anel forms, jealous lest the veneration paid
to these, should add an influence to the new settle ..
ment, which might ensnare the Hhrrty of the com",
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