IX。ButmanythingsarerequiredtotheconservationofinwardPeace，becausemanythingsconcur（ashathbeenshewedintheforegoingChapter）toitsperturbation。Wehavethereshewed，thatsomethingstherearewhichdisposethemindsofmentosedition，otherswhichmoveandquickenthemsodisposed。Amongthosewhichdisposethem，wehavereckonedinthefirstplacecertaineperversedoctrines。ItsthereforethedutyofthosewhohavethechiefAuthority;torootthoseoutofthemindesofmen，notbycommanding，butbyteaching;notbytheterrourofpenalties，butbytheperspicuityofreasons;theLaweswherebythisevillmaybewithstoodarenottobemadeagainstthePersonserring，butagainsttheErroursthemselves。ThoseerrourswhichintheforegoingChapterweaffirmedwereinconsistentwiththequietoftheCommon-weal，havecreptintothemindesofignorantmen，partlyfromthePulpit，partlyfromthedailydiscoursesofmen，whobyreasonoflittleemployment，otherwise，doefindeleasureenoughtostudy;andtheygotintothesemensmindesbytheteachersoftheiryouthinpubliqueschooles。
Whereforealso，ontheotherside，ifanymanwouldintroducesoundDoctrine，hemustbeginfromtheAcademies：There，thetrue，andtrulydemonstratedfoundationsofcivillDoctrinearetobelaid，wherewithyoungmenbeingonceendued，theymayafterwardbothinprivateandpubliqueinstructthevulgar。Andthistheywilldoesomuchthemorecheerfully，andpowerfully，byhowmuchthemselvesshallbemorecertainlyconvincedofthetruthofthosethingstheyprofess，andteach;forseeingatthisdaymenreceivepropositions，thoughfalse，andnomoreintelligible，thenifamanshouldjoynetogetheracompanyoftermesdrawnbychanceoutofanurne，byreasonofthefrequentuseofhearingthem;howmuchmorewouldtheyforthesamereasonentertaintruedoctrinessuitabletotheirownunderstandings，andthenatureofthings？IthereforeconceiveittobethedutyofSupremeOfficerstocausethetrueelementsofcivillDoctrinetobewritten，andtocommandthemtobetaughtinalltheColledgesoftheirseverallDominions。
X。InthenextplaceweshewedthatgriefofmindarisingfromwantdiddisposetheSubjectstoSedition，whichwant，althoughderiv’dfromtheirownluxury，andsloth，yettheyimputeittothosewhogoverntheRealm，asthoughtheyweredrainedandopprestbypubliquePensions。Notwithstandingitmaysometimeshappenthatthiscomplaintmaybejust，namely，whentheburthensoftheRealmareunequallyimposedontheSubjects;
Forthatwhichtoalltogetherisbutalightweight，ifmanywithdrawthemselves，itwilbeveryheavy，nay，evenintollerabletotherest：Neitheraremenwontsomuchtogrieveattheburthenitself，asattheinequality。Withmuchearnestnesthereforemenstrivetobefreedfromtaxes，&inthisconflictthelessehappy，asbeingovercome，doenvythemorefortunate。
Toremovethereforealljustcomplaint，itstheinterestofthepubliquequiet，andbyconsequenceitconcernesthedutyoftheMagistrate，toseethatthepubliqueburthensbeequallyborn。
Furthermore，sincewhatisbroughtbythesubjectstopublickuse，isnothingelsebutthepriceoftheirboughtPeace，itsreasongood，thattheywhoequallyshareinthepeace，shouldalsopayanequallparteitherbycontributingtheirMonies，ortheirlabourstotheCommon-weal。NowitistheLawofNature（bythe15。Articleofthe3。Chapter）thateverymanindistributingrighttoothers，doecarryhimselfequalltoall;whereforeRulersarebythenaturallLawobligedtolaytheburthensoftheCommon-wealequallyontheirSubjects。
XI。Nowinthisplaceweunderstandanequality，notofMoney，butofBurthen，thatistosay，anequalityofreasonbetweentheBurthens，andtheBenefits。ForalthoughallequallyenjoyPeace，yetthebenefitsspringingfromthence，arenotequalltoall;forsomegetgreaterpossessions，otherslesse;
andagaine，someconsumelesse，othersmore。ItmaythereforebedemandedwhetherSubjectsoughttocontributetothepublique，accordingtotherateofwhattheygain，orofwhattheyspend，thatistosay，whetherthepersonsmustbetaxt，soastopaycontributionaccordingtotheirwealth，orthegoodsthemselves，thateverymancontributeaccordingtowhathespends。Butifweconsider，whereMoniesareraisedaccordingtowealth，theretheywhohavemadeequallgain，havenotequallpossessions，becausethatonepreserveswhathehathgotbyfrugality，anotherwastesitbyluxury，andthereforeequallyrejoycinginthebenefitofPeace，theydoenotequallysustainetheBurthensoftheCommon-weal：andontheotherside，wherethegoodsthemselvesaretaxt，thereeveryman，whilehespendshisprivategoods，intheveryactofconsumingthemheundiscernablypayespartduetotheCommon-weal，accordingto，notwhathehath，butwhatbythebenefitoftheRealmhehathhad。Itisnomoretobedoubted，butthattheformerwayofcommandingmoniesisagainstequity，andthereforeagainstthedutyofRulers，thelatterisagreeabletoreason，andtheexerciseoftheirauthority。
XII。Inthethirdplace，wesaidthatthattroubleofmindewhichrisethfromambitionwasoffensivetopubliquePeace。Fortherearesomewhoseemingtothemselvestobewiserthenothers，andmoresufficientforthemanagingofaffairesthentheywhoatpresentdoegovern，whentheycannootherwisedeclarehowprofitabletheirvertuewouldprovetotheCommon-weale，theyshewit，byharmingit;butbecauseambitionandgreedinesseofhonourscannotberootedoutofthemindesofmen，itsnotthedutyofRulerstoendeavourit;butbyconstantapplicationofrewards，andpunishments，theymaysoorderit，thatmenmayknowthatthewaytohonouris，notbycontemptofthepresentgovernment，norbyfactions，andthepopularayre，butbythecontraries。TheyaregoodmenwhoobservetheDecrees，theLawesandRightsoftheirFathers;ifwithaconstantorderwesawtheseadornedwithhonours，butthefactiouspunisht，andhadincontemptbythosewhobearcommand，therewouldbemoreambitiontoobey，thenwithstand。Notwithstandingitsohappenssometimes，thataswemuststrokeahorsebyreasonofhistoomuchfiercenesse，soastiffe-necktsubjectmustbeflatter’dforfearofhispower;butasthathappenswhentherider，sothis，whentheCommanderisindangeroffalling。Butwespeakhereofthose，whoseauthorityandpowerisintire。Theirduty（Isay）itistocherishobedientsubjects，andtodepressethefactiousalltheycan;norcanthepubliquepowerbeotherwisepreserved，northesubjectsquietwithoutit。
XIII。ButifitbethedutyofPrincestorestrainthefactious，muchmoredoesitconcernthemtodissolveanddissipatethefactionsthemselves。NowIcallafaction，amultitudeofsubjectsgatheredtogether，eitherbymutuallcontractsamongthemselves，orbythepowerofsomeone，withouthisortheirauthoritywhobearthesupremeRule：AfactionthereforeisasitwereaCityinaCity;forasbyanUnionofmeninthestateofnatureaCityreceivesitsbeing，sobyanewunionofsubjects，therearisethafaction。Accordingtothisdefinition，amultitudeofsubjectswhohaveboundthemselvessimplytoobeyanyforreignPrince，orSubject，orhavemadeanyPacts，orLeaguesofmutualldefencebetweenthemselvesagainstallmen，notexceptingthosewhohavethesupremepowerintheCity，isafaction。Alsofavourwiththevulgarifitbesogreat，thatbyitanArmymayberais’d，exceptpubliquecautionbegiven，eitherbyhostages，orsomeotherpledges，containsfactioninit;Thesamemaybesaidofprivatewealth，ifitexceed，becauseallthingsobeymony。Forasmuchthereforeasitistrue，thatthestateofCitiesamongthemselvesisnaturall，andhostile，thosePrinceswhopermitfactions，doeasmuchasiftheyreceivedanenemywithintheirwalls，whichisContrarytothesubjectssafety，andthereforealsoagainsttheLawofnature。
XIV。TherearetwothingsnecessarytotheenrichingofSubjects，Labourandthrift;thereisalsoathirdwhichhelps，towitthenaturallincreaseoftheearthandwater;andthereisafourthtoo，namelytheMilitia，whichsometimesaugments，butmorefrequentlylessensthesubjectsstock。Thetwofirstareonlynecessary。ForaCityconstitutedinanIslandoftheSea，nogreaterthenwillservefordwelling，maygrowrichwithoutsowing，orfishing，bymerchandize，andhandicraftsonly;butthereisnodoubtiftheyhaveaterritory，buttheymaybericherwiththesamenumber，orequallyrich，beingagreaternumber。Butthefourth，namelytheMilitia，wasofoldreckonedinthenumberofthegainingArts，underthenotionofBootingortakingPrey;anditwasbymankind，（disperstbyfamilies）beforetheconstitutionofcivillsocieties，accountedjustandhonourable;forpreying，isnothingelsebutawarrewagedwithsmallforces;AndgreatCommon-weales，namelythatofRome，andAthens，bythespoylesofwarre，forraignetribute，andtheterritoriestheyhavepurchasedbytheirarmes，havesometimessoimprovedtheCommon-wealth，thattheyhavenotonelynotrequiredanypubliquemoniesfromthepoorersortofsubjects，buthavealsodividedtoeachofthembothmoniesandlands。Butthiskindofincreaseofriches，isnottobebroughtintoruleandfashion：FortheMilitiainordertoprofit，islikeaDyewherewithmanylosetheirestates，butfewimprovethem。Sincethereforetherearethreethingsonly，thefruitsoftheearthandwater，LabourandThrift，whichareexpedientfortheenrichingofsubjects，thedutyofCommandersinchief，shallbeconversantonelyaboutthosethree。Forthefirst，thoselaweswillbeusefullwhichcountenancetheartsthatimprovetheincreaseoftheearth，andwater，suchasarehusbandry，andfishing。Forthesecond，allLawesagainstidlenesse，andsuchasquickenindustry，areprofitable;theartofNavigation（byhelpwhereofthecommoditiesofthewholeworld，boughtalmostbylabouronly，arebroughtintooneCity）andtheMechanicks，（underwhichIcomprehendalltheartsofthemostexcellentworkmen）andtheMathematicallsciences，thefountainsofnavigatoryandmechanickemployments，areheldindueesteemandhonour。Forthethird，thoselawesareusefull，wherebyallinordinateexpence，aswellinmeats，asinclothes，anduniversallyinallthingswhichareconsumedwithusage，isforbidden。Nowbecausesuchlawesarebeneficialltotheendsabovespecified，itbelongsalsototheOfficeofsupremeMagistrates，toestablishthem。
XV。ThelibertyofsubjectsconsistsnotinbeingexemptfromtheLawesoftheCity，orthattheywhohavethesupremepowercannotmakewhatLawstheyhaveamindto;butbecauseallthemotionsandactionsofsubjects，arenevercircumscribedbyLawes，norcanbe，byreasonoftheirvariety，itisnecessarythattherebeinfinitecases，whichareneithercommanded，norprohibited，buteverymanmayeitherdoe，ornotdoethem，ashelistshimselfe。Inthese，eachmanissaidtoenjoyhisliberty，andinthissenselibertyistobeunderstoodinthisplace，namely，forthatpartofnaturallRight，whichisgrantedandlefttoSubjectsbythecivillLawes。Aswaterinclosedonallhandswithbanks，standsstillandcorrupts;havingnobounds，itspredstoolargely，andthemorepassagesitfindes，themorefreelyittakesitscurrent;sosubjects，iftheymightdoenothingwithoutthecommandsoftheLawwouldgrowdull，andunwildly，ifall，theywouldbedisperst，andthemoreisleftundeterminedbytheLawes，themorelibertytheyenjoy。Bothextremesarefaulty，forLaweswerenotinventedtotakeaway，buttodirectmensactions，evenasnatureordainedthebanks，nottostay，buttoguidethecourseofthestreame。Themeasureofthislibertyistobetakenfromthesubjects，andtheCitiesgood。Whereforeinthefirstplaceitisagainstthechargeofthosewhocommand，andhavetheauthorityofmakinglawes，thatthereshouldbemorelawesthennecessarilyserveforgoodoftheMagistrate，andhisSubjects;forsincemenarewontcommonlytodebatewhattodo，ornottodo，bynaturallreason，ratherthenanyknowledgeoftheLawes，wheretherearemoreLawesthencaneasilyberemembred，andwherebysuchthingsareforbidden，asreasonofitselfeprohibitesnotofnecessity，theymustthroughignorance，withouttheleastevillintention，fallwithinthecompasseofLawes，asginslaidtoentraptheirharmelesseliberty，whichsupremeCommandersareboundtopreservefortheirsubjectsbytheLawesofnature。
XVI。Itisagreatpartofthatlibertywhichisharmlessetocivillgovernment，andnecessaryforeachsubjecttolivehappily，thattherebenopenaltiesdreaded，butwhattheymaybothforesee，andlookfor。andthisisdone，wherethereareeithernopunishmentsatalldefinedbytheLawes，orgreaternotrequiredthenaredefined。Wheretherearenonedefined，therehethathathfirstbrokentheLaw，expectsanindefiniteorarbitrarypunishment，andhisfeareissupposedboundlesse，becauseitrelatestoanunboundedevill;nowtheLawofnaturecommandsthemwhoarenotsubjecttoanycivillLawes，（bywhatwehavesaidinthethirdChapter，Artic。11。）andthereforesupremeCommanders，thatintakingrevengeandpunishing，theymustnotsomuchregardthepastevill，asthefuturegood，andtheysin，iftheyentertainanyothermeasureinarbitrarypunishment，thenthepubliquebenefit。Butwherethepunishmentisdefined，eitherbyaLawprescribed，aswhenitissetdowninplainwords，thathethatshalldoethus，orthus，shallsuffersoandso;orbypractice，aswhenthepenalty，（notbyanyLawprescribed，butarbitraryfromthebeginning）isafterwarddeterminedbythepunishmentofthefirst。delinquent（fornaturallequitycommandsthatequalltransgressorsbeequallypunished）;theretoimposeagreaterpenaltythenisdefinedbytheLaw，isagainsttheLawofnature。Fortheendofpunishmentisnottocompellthewillofman，buttofashionit，&makeitsuchashewouldhaveitwhohathsetthepenalty。Anddeliberationisnothingelsebutaweighing，asitwereinscales，theconveniencies，andinconvenienciesofthefactweareattempting;where，thatwhichismoreweighty，dothnecessarilyaccordingtoitsinclinationprevailewithus。IfthereforetheLegislatordothsetalessepenaltyonacrime，thenwillmakeourfearemoreconsiderablewithus，thenourlust;thatexcesseoflustabovethefeareofpunishment，wherebysinneiscommitted，istobeattributedtotheLegislator（thatistosay）
tothesupreme;andthereforeifheinflictagreaterpunishment，thenhimselfehathdeterminedinhisLawes，hepunisheththatinanother，inwhichhesinnedhimselfe。
XVII。Itpertainesthereforetotheharmlesseandnecessarylibertyofsubjects，thateverymanmaywithoutfeare，enjoytherightswhichareallowedhimbytheLawes;foritisinvaintohaveourowndistinguishtbytheLawesfromanothers，ifbywrongjudgement;robbery，theft，theymaybeeagainconfounded。Butitfallsoutso，thatthesedoehappenwhereJudgesarecorrupted;
forthefearwherebymenaredeterredfromdoingevill，arisethnotfromhence，namely，becausepenaltiesareset，butbecausetheyareexecuted;forweesteemethefuturebywhatispast，seldomeexpectingwhatseldomehappens。IfthereforeJudgescorruptedeitherbyGifts，Favour，orevenbypittyitself，dooftenforbeartheexecutionofthePenaltiesduebytheLaw，andbythatmeanesputwickedmeninhopetopasseunpunisht：honestSubjectsencompastwithmurtherers，theevesandknaves，willnothavethelibertytoconversefreelywitheachother，norscarcetostirreabroadwithouthazard;nay，theCityitselfisdissolved，andeverymansrightofprotectinghimselfathisownwillreturnestohim。TheLawofNaturethereforegivesthisprecepttoSupremeCommanders，thattheynotonelydoerighteousnessethemselves，butthattheyalsobypenaltiescausetheJudges，bythemappointed，todoethesame;thatistosay，thattheyhearkentothecomplaintsoftheirSubjects;andasoftasneedrequires，makechoiceofsomeextraordinaryJudges，whomayhearthematterdebatedconcerningtheordinaryones。
Chap。XIV
OfLawesandTrespassesI。Heywholesseseriouslyconsidertheforceofwords，doesometimesconfoundLawwithCounsell，sometimeswithCovenant，sometimeswithRight。TheyconfoundLawwithCounsell，whothink，thatitisthedutyofMonarchsnotonelytogiveeartotheirCounsellours，butalsotoobeythem，asthoughitwereinvainetotakeCounsell，unlesseitwerealsofollowed。WemustfetchthedistinctionbetweenCounsell，andLaw，fromthedifferencebetweenCounsell，andCommand。NowCOUNSELLisapreceptinwhichthereasonofmyobeyingit，istakenfromthethingitselfwhichisadvised;butCOMMANDisapreceptinwhichthecauseofmyobediencedependsonthewilloftheCommander。Foritisnotproperlysaid，ThusIwill，andthusICommand，exceptthewillstandforaReason。NowwhenobedienceisyieldedtotheLawes，notforthethingitself，butbyreasonoftheadviserswill，theLawisnotaCounsell，butaCommand，andisdefinedthus，LAWisthecommandofthatPerson（whetherMan，orCourt）whosepreceptcontainesinitthereasonofobedience;asthePreceptsofGodinregardofMen，ofMagistratesinrespectoftheirSubjects，anduniversallyofallthepowerfullinrespectofthemwhocannotresist，maybetermedtheirLawes。LawandCounsellthereforediffermanyways;Lawbelongstohimwhohathpoweroverthemwhomheadviseth，Counselltothemwhohavenopower。
TofollowwhatisprescribedbyLaw，isduty，whatbyCounsell，isfree-will。Counsellisdirectedtohisendthatreceivesit，Law，tohisthatgivesit。Counsellisgiventononebutthewilling，Laweventotheunwilling。Toconclude，therightoftheCounsellourismadevoidbythewillofhimtowhomhegivesCounsell，therightoftheLaw-giverisnotabrogatedatthepleasureofhimwhohathaLawimposed。
II。TheyconfoundLaw，andCovenant，whoconceivetheLawestobenothingelsebutcertainomologemataorformsofliving，determinedbythecommonconsentofmen：AmongstwhomisAristotle，whodefinesLawonthismanner，Nomosestilogosorismenoskathomologiankoinenpoleos，minuonposdeipratteinekasta，thatistosay，LawisaspeechlimitedaccordingtothecommonconsentoftheCity，declaringeverythingthatweoughttodoe。WhichdefinitionisnotsimplyofLaw，butoftheCivillLaw;foritismanifestthattheDivineLawessprangnotfromtheconsentofmen，noryettheLawesofNature;foriftheyhadtheiroriginallfromtheconsentofmen，theymightalsobythesameconsentbeabrogated;buttheyareunchangeable。Butindeedthat’snorightdefinitionofaCivillLaw;forinthatplaceaCityistakeneitherforonecivillperson，havingonewill，orforamultitudeofmenwhohaveeachofthemthelibertyoftheirprivatewills。Ifforoneperson，thosewords，commonconsent，areillplacedhere，foronepersonhathnocommonconsent;
neitheroughthetohavesaid，（declaringwhatwasneedfulltobedone）butcommanding;forwhattheCitydeclares，itcommandsitsSubjects。HethereforebyaCityunderstoodamultitudeofmendeclaringbycommonconsent（imagineitawritingconfirm’dbyVotes）somecertainformesofliving;butthesearenothingelsebutsomemutuallcontractswhichobligenotanyman（andthereforearenoLawes）beforethataSupremePowerbeingconstitutedwhichcancompell，havesufficientremedyagainsttherest，whootherwisearenotlikelytokeepthem。Lawestherefore，accordingtothisdefinitionofAristotle，arenothingelse，butnaked，andweakcontracts，whichthenatlength，whenthereisonewhobyrightdothexercisetheSupremePower，shalleitherbecomeLawes，ornoLawes，athiswillandpleasure：WhereforeheconfoundsContractswithLawes，whichheoughtnottohavedone;
forContractisapromise，Lawacommand。InContractswesay，I
willdothis;InLawes，Doethis。Contractsobligeus，Lawestieusfast，beingobliged。AContractobligethofitself，TheLawholdsthepartyobligedbyvertueoftheuniversallContractofyeeldingobedience;ThereforeinContractitsfirstdeterminedwhatistobedone，beforeweareobligedtodoeit;ButinLawwearefirstobligedtoperforme，andwhatistobedone，isdeterminedafterwards。Aristotlethereforeoughttohavedefinedacivilllawthus，AcivilllawisaspeechlimitedbythewilloftheCity，commandingeverythingbehoofefulltobedone，whichisthesamewiththatwehavegivenaboveinthe6。Chap。art。9。
towit，thatthecivilllawesarethecommandofhim（whetherman，orCourtofmen）whoisenduedwithsupremePowerinthecity，concerningthefutureactionsofhisSubjects。
Contractsobligeus。Tobeobliged，andtobetyedbeingobliged，seemstosomementobeone，andthesamething，andthatthereforehereseemstobesomedistinctioninwords，butnoneindeed。Morecleerlytherefore，Isaythus，Thatamanisobligedbyhiscontracts，thatis，thatheoughttoperformeforhispromisesake;butthattheLawtyeshimbeingobliged，thatistosay，itcompellshimtomakegoodhispromise，forfearofthepunishmentappointedbytheLaw。
III。TheyconfoundLaweswithRight，whocontinuestilltodoewhatispermittedbydivineRight，notwithstandingitbeforbiddenbythecivillLaw：ThatwhichisprohibitedbythedivineLaw，cannotbeepermittedbythecivill，neithercanthatwhichiscommandedbythedivineLaw，beprohibitedbythecivill。NotwithstandingthatwhichispermittedbythedivineRight，thatistosay，thatwhichmaybedonebydivineRight，dothnowhithinderwhythesamemaynotbeforbiddenbythecivillLawes;forinferiourLawesmayrestrainthelibertyallowedbythesuperiour，althoughtheycannotenlargethem。NownaturalllibertyisaRightnotconstituted，butallowedbytheLawes。FortheLawesbeingremoved，ourlibertyisabsolute;Thisisfirstrestrainedbythenaturall，anddivineLawes，theresidueisboundedbythecivillLaw，andwhatremainsmayagainberestrainedbytheconstitutionsofparticularTowns，andSocieties。ThereisgreatdifferencethereforebetweenLaw，andRight;ForLawisafetter，Rightisfreedome，andtheydifferlikecontraries。
IV。AllLawmaybedivided，firstaccordingtothediversityofitsAuthorsintoDivineandhumane。TheDivine，accordingtothetwowayeswherebyGodhathmadeknownhiswilluntomen，istwofold，naturall（ormorall）andpositive;naturallisthatwhichGodhathdeclaredtoallmenbyhiseternallwordbornewiththem，towit，theirnaturallReason;andthisisthatLawwhichinthiswholebookIhaveendeavouredtounfold。Positiveisthat，whichGodhathrevealedtousbythewordofProphesie，whereinhehathspokenuntomenasaman：SucharetheLaweswhichhegavetotheJewesconcerningtheirgovernment，anddivineworship，andtheymaybetermedtheDivinecivillLawes，becausetheywerepeculiartothecivillgovernmentoftheJewes，hispeculiarpeople。Again，thenaturallLawmaybedividedintothatofMen，whichalonehathobtainedthetitleoftheLawofnature，andthatofCities，whichmaybecalledthatofNations，butvulgarlyitistermedtheRightofNations。Thepreceptsofbotharealike，butbecauseCitiesonceinstituteddoeputonthepersonallproprietiesofmen，thatLaw，whichspeakingofthedutyofsinglemen，wecallnaturall，beingapplyedtowholeCities，andNations，iscalledtheRightofNations。AndthesameElementsofnaturalllaw，andRight，whichhavehithertobeenspokenof，beingtransferredtowholeCitiesandNations，maybetakenfortheElementsofthelawes，andRightofNations。
V。Allhumanelawiscivill。Forthestateofmenconsideredoutofcivillsociety，ishostile，inwhich，becauseoneisnotsubjecttoanother，therearenootherLawes，besidethedictatesofnaturallreason，whichisthedivineLaw。ButincivillgovernmenttheCityonely，thatistosay，thatman，orCourt，towhomthesupremepoweroftheCityiscommitted，istheLegislator，andtheLawesoftheCityarecivill。ThecivillLawesmaybedividedaccordingtothediversityoftheirsubjectmatter，intosacred，orsecular;sacredarethosewhichpertaintoReligion，thatistosay，totheceremonies，andworshipofGod（towitwhatPersons，things，places，aretobeconsecrated，andinwhatfashion，whatopinionsconcerningtheDeityaretobetaughtpubliquely，andwithwhatwords，andinwhatordersupplicationsaretobemade，andthelike）andarenotdeterminedbyanydivinepositiveLaw。ForthecivillsacredLawesarethehumaneLawes（whicharealsocalledEcclesiasticall）concerningthingssacred;butthesecularunderagenerallnotion，areusuallycalledthecivillLawes。
VI。Again，thecivillLaw（accordingtothetwoofficesofthe。Legislator，whereofoneistojudge;theothertoconstrainmentoacquiescetohisjudgements）hathtwoparts;theonedistributive，theothervindicative，orpenall。Bythedistributiveitis，thateverymanhathhisproperRight，thatistosay，itsetsforthRulesforallthings，wherebywemayknowwhatisproperlyours，whatanothermans;soasothersmaynothinderusfromthefreeuseandenjoymentofourown;andwemaynotinterruptothersinthequietpossessionoftheirs;andwhatislawfullforeverymantodoeoromit，andwhatisnotlawfull。
VindicativeisthatwherebyitisdefinedwhatpunishmentshallbeinflictedonthemwhobreaktheLaw。
VII。Nowdistributive，andvindicative，arenottwoseverallSpeciesoftheLawes，buttwopartsofthesameLaw。ForiftheLawshouldsaynomore，but（forexample）whatsoeveryoutakewithyournetintheSea，beityours，itsinvain;Foralthoughanothershouldtakethatawayfromyouwhichyouhavecaught，ithindersnot，butthatitstillremainsyours;forinthestateofnaturewhereallthingsarecommontoall，yours，andothers，areallone，insomuchaswhattheLawdefinestobeyours，wasyoursevenbeforetheLaw，andaftertheLawceasesnottobeeyours，althoughinanothermanspossession。WhereforetheLawdothnothing，unlesseitbeeunderstoodtobeesoyours，asallothermenbeforbiddentointerruptyourfreeuse，andsecureenjoymentofitatalltimes，accordingtoyourownwill，andpleasure。Forthisisthatwhichisrequiredtoaproprietyofgoods，notthatamanmaybeabletousethem，buttousethemalone，whichisdonebyprohibitingotherstobeanhinderancetohim。Butinvaindoetheyalsoprohibitanymen，whodoenotwithallstrikeafearofpunishmentintothem;invainthereforeistheLaw，unlesseitcontainbothparts，thatwhichforbidsinjuriestobedone，andthatwhichpunisheththedoersofthem。Thefirstofthemwhichiscalleddistributive，isProhibitory，andspeakstoall;thesecondwhichisstyledvindicative，orpaenary，ismandatory，andonelyspeakstopubliqueMinisters。
VIII。Fromhencealsowemayunderstand，thateverycivillLawhathapenaltyannexedtoit，eitherexplicitly，orimplicitly;Forwherethepenaltyisnotdefined，neitherbyanywriting，norbyexampleofanyonewhohathsufferedthepunishmentofthetransgressedLawtherethepenaltyisunderstoodtobearbitrary，namely，todependonthewilloftheLegislator，thatistosay，ofthesupremeCommander。ForinvainisthatLawwhichmaybebrokenwithoutpunishment。
IX。NowbecauseitcomesfromthecivillLawes，boththateverymanhavehisproperRight，anddistinguishtfromanothers，andalsothatheisforbiddentoinvadeanothersRights，itfollowes，thatthesePrecepts（Thoushaltnotrefusetogivethehonourdefin’dbytheLawesuntothyParents：ThoushaltnotkillthemanwhomtheLawesforbidtheetokill：ThoushaltavoidallcopulationforbiddenbytheLaws：ThoushaltnottakeawayanothersgoodsagainsttheLordswill：ThoushaltnotfrustratetheLawsandJudgementsbyfalsetestimony）areCivillLawes。ThenaturallLawescommandthesamethingsbutimplicitly。forthelawofnature（ashathbeensaidinthe3。Chap。Art。2。）
commandsustokeepcontracts，andthereforealsotoperformeobediencewhenwehavecovenantedobedience，andtoabstainefromanothersgoodswhenitisdetermin’dbythecivillLawwhatbelongstoanother。ButallSubjects（bythe13。Art。ofthe6。
Chap。）docovenanttoobeyhiscommandswhohaththesupremepower，thatistosaythecivillLawes，intheveryconstitutionofgovernment，evenbeforeitispossibletobreakthem。FortheLawofnaturedidobligeinthestateofnature，wherefirst（becausenaturehathgivenallthingstoallmen）nothingdidproperlybelongtoanother，andthereforeitwasnotpossibletoinvadeanothersright;next，whereallthingswerecommon，andthereforeallcarnallcopulationslawfull;Thirdly，wherewasthestateofWarre，andthereforelawfulltokill;Fourthly，whereallthingsweredeterminedbyeverymansownjudgement，andthereforepaternallrespectsalso：Lastly，wheretherewerenopubliquejudgements，andthereforenouseofbearingwitnesse，eithertrue，orfalse。
X。SeeingthereforeourobligationtoobservethoseLaws，ismoreancientthenthepromulgationoftheLawsthemselves，asbeingcontainedintheveryconstitutionoftheCity，bythevertueofthenaturallLawwhichforbidsbreachofCovenant，theLawofnaturecommandsustokeepallthecivillLaws;forwherewearetyedtoobedience，beforeweknowwhatwillbecommandedus，thereweareuniversallytyedtoobeyinallthings。Whenceitfollowes，thatnocivilLawwhatsoever，whichtendsnottoareproachoftheDeity（inrespectofwhom，Citiesthemselveshavenorightoftheirown，andcannotbesaidtomakeLawes）canpossiblybeagainsttheLawofnature;forthoughtheLawofnatureforbidtheft，adultery，&c。yetifthecivillLawcommandustoinvadeanything，thatinvasionisnottheft，adultery，&c。
ForwhentheLacedemoniansofoldpermittedtheiryouthsbyacertaineLaw，totakeawayothermensgoods，theycommandedthatthesegoodsshouldnotbeeaccountedothermens，buttheirownwhotookthem;andthereforesuchsurreptionswerenothefts。Inlikemanner，copulationsofheathenSexes，accordingtotheirLawes，werelawfullmarriages。
XI。ItsnecessarytotheessenceofaLaw，thattheSubjectsbeacquaintedwithtwothings，First，whatmanorCourthaththesupremepower，thatistosay，theRightofmakingLawes。
Secondly，whattheLawitselfsayes;forhethatneitherkneweithertowhomorwhatheistyedto，cannotobey，andbyconsequenceisinsuchacondition，asifhewerenottyedatall。IsaynotthatitisnecessarytotheessenceofaLaw，thateitherone，ortheotherbeperpetuallyknown，butonelythatitbeonceknowne;andiftheSubjectafterwardforgeteithertheRighthehathwhomadetheLaw，ortheLawitself，thatmakeshimnolessetyedtoobey，sincehemighthaveremembredit，hadhehadawilltoobey。
XII。TheknowledgeoftheLegislatordependsontheSubjecthimselfe;fortherightofmakingLawescouldnotbeconferr’donanymanwithouthisowneconsent，andcovenant，eitherexprest，orsuppos’d;exprest，whenfromthebeginningtheCitizensdoethemselvesconstituteaformeofgoverningtheCity，orwhenbypromisetheysubmitthemselvestotheDominionofanyone;orsuppos’datleast，aswhentheymakeuseofthebenefitoftheRealme，andLawes，fortheirprotectionandconservationagainstothers。FortowhoseDominionwerequireourfellowSubjectstoyeeldobedienceforourgood，hisDominionweacknowledgetobelegitimatebythatveryrequest。AndthereforeignoranceofthepowerofmakingLawes，canneverbeasufficientexcuse;foreverymanknoweswhathehathdonehimselfe。
XIII。TheknowledgeofthelawesdependsontheLegislator，whomustpublishthem，forotherwisetheyarenotLawes;forLawisthecommandoftheLaw-maker，andhiscommandistheDeclarationofhisWill;itisnotthereforeaLaw，exceptthewilloftheLaw-makerbedeclar’d，whichisdonebypromulgation。
Nowinpromulgationtwothingsmustbemanifest，whereofoneis，thatheortheywhopublishaLaw，eitherhavearightthemselvestomakeLawes，orthattheydoeitbyauthorityderiv’dfromhimorthemwhohaveit;theotheristhesenseoftheLawitselfe。
Now，thatthefirst，namelypublishtLawesproceedfromhimwhohaththesupremecommand，cannotbemanifest（speakingexactlyandphilosophically）toany，butthemwhohavereceivedthemfromthemouthoftheCommander;therestbeleeve，butthereasonsoftheirbeliefearesomany，thatitisscarcepossibletheyshouldnotbelieve。AndtrulyinaDemocraticalCitywhereeveryonemaybepresentatthemakingofLawsifhewill，hethatshallbeabsent，mustbeleevethosethatwerepresent;butinmonarchiesandAristocraties，becauseitsgrantedbuttofewtobepresent，andopenlytohearethecommandsofthemonarchortheNobles，itwasnecessarytobestowapoweronthosefewofpublishingthemtotherest。AndthuswebeleevethosetobetheEdictsandDecreesofPrinces，whicharepropoundedtousforsuch，eitherbythewritings，orvoicesofthem，whoseofficeitistopublishthem。Butyetwhenwehavethesecausesofbeliefe，thatwehaveseenthePrince，orsupremeCouncellconstantlyusesuchCounsellors，Secretaries，publishers，andseales，andthelikeargumentsforthedeclaringofhiswill;thathenevertookanyauthorityfromthem;thattheyhavebinpunishtwhonotgivingcredittosuchlikepromulgationshavetransgresttheLaw;notonelyhewhothusbelievingshallnotobeytheEdictsandDecreessetforthbythemiseverywhereaccus’d，buthethatnotbelieving，shallnotyieldobedience，ispunisht。Fortheconstantpermissionofthesethingsisamanifestsigneenough，andevidentdeclarationoftheCommanderswill;providedtherebenothingcontain’dintheLaw，EdictorDecree，derogatoryfromhissupremepower：Foritisnottobeimagin’dthathewouldhaveoughttakenfromhispowerbyanyofhisOfficersaslongasheretainesawilltogoverne。Nowthesenseofthelaw，whenthereisanydoubtmadeofit，istobetakenfromthemtowhomthesupremeauthorityhathcommittedtheknowledgeofcauses，orJudgements;fortojudgeisnothingelsethenbyinterpretationtoapplythelawestoparticularcases。NowwemayknowwhotheyarethathavethisOfficegrantedthem，inthesamemanner，asweknowwhotheybethathaveauthoritygiventhemtopublishLaws。
XIV。Againethecivilllawaccordingtoitstwofoldmannerofpublishing，isoftwosorts，written&unwritten;Bywritten，Iunderstandthatwhichwantsavoice，orsomeothersigneofthewilloftheLegislatorthatitmaybecome。aLaw。ForallkindofLawsareofthesameagewithmankinde，bothinnature，andtime，andthereforeofmoreantiquitythentheinventionofletters，andtheArtofwriting。Whereforenotawriting，butavoiceisnecessaryforawrittenlaw。thisaloneisrequisitetothebeing，thattotheRemembranceofaLaw;forwereade，thatbeforeletterswerefoundoutforthehelpofmemory，thatLawescontractedintoMeetre，werewonttobesung。Theunwrittenisthatwhichwantsnootherpublishingthenthevoiceofnature，ornaturallreason;sucharethelawesofnature。ForthenaturallLawalthoughitbedistinguishtfromthecivill，forasmuchasitcommandstheWill，yetsofarreforthasitrelatestoouractionsitiscivill;forexample，thissame，Thoushaltnotcovet，whichonelyappertainestotheminde，isanaturallLaw，onely。butthis，Thoushaltnotinvade，isbothnaturallandcivill。ForseeingitisimpossibletoprescribesuchuniversallRules，wherebyallfuturecontentionswhichperhapsareinfinite，maybedetermined，itstobeunderstoodthatinallcasesnotmentionedbythewrittenlawes，thelawofnaturallequityistobefollowed，whichcommandsustodistributeequallytoequals;
andthisbythevertueofthecivilllaw，whichalsopunisheththosewhoknowinglyandwillinglydoeactuallytransgressethelawesofnature。
XV。Thesethingsbeingunderstood，itappearesfirst，ThattheLawesofNature，althoughtheyweredescrib’dintheBooksofsomePhilosophers，arenotforthatreasontobetermedWrittenlawes：andthattheWritingsoftheInterpretersoftheLawes，werenoLawes，forwantoftheSupremeAuthority;noryetthoseorationsoftheWise，（thatistosay）Judges，butsofarreforthasbytheconsentoftheSupremepowertheypartintocustome;
andthatthentheyaretobereceivedamongtheWrittenlawes，notfortheCustomessake（whichbyitsownforcedothnotconstituteaLaw）butfortheWilloftheSupremeCommander，whichappearesinthis，thathehathsuffer’dhisSentence，whetherequall，orunequall，topasseintocustome。
XVI。Sinne，initslargestsignification，comprehendseverydeed，wordandthought，againstrightreason。Foreverymanbyreasoningseeksoutthemeanestotheendwhichhepropoundstohimselfe。Ifthereforehereasonright（thatistosay，beginningfrommostevidentprinciples，hemakesadiscourseoutofconsequencescontinuallynecessary，）hewillproceedeinamostdirectway;otherwisehee’lgoeastray，thatistosay，hewilleitherdoe，say，orendeavour，somewhatagainsthisproperend：
whichwhenhehathdone，hewillindeedinreasoningbesaidtohaveerred，butinactionandwilltohavesinned;forsinfolloweserrour，justastheWilldoththeunderstanding：Andthisisthemostgenerallacceptionoftheword，underwhichiscontain’deveryimprudentaction，whetheragainsttheLaw，astooverthrowanothermanshouse，ornotagainsttheLaw，astobuildhisowneupontheSand。
XVII。ButwhenwespeakoftheLawes，thewordSinneistakeninamorestrictsense，andsignifiesnoteverythingdoneagainstrightreason，butthatonelywhichisblameable，andthereforeiscall’dmalumculpae，theevilloffault;butyetifanythingbeculpableitisnotpresentlytobeterm’dasinne，orfault，butonelyifitbeblameablewithreason。Wemustthereforeenquirewhatistobeblameablewithreason，whatagainstreason。Suchisthenatureofman，thateveryonecallsthatgoodwhichhedesires，andevillwhichheeschewes;andthereforethroughthediversityofouraffections，ithappensthatonecountsthatgood，whichanothercountsevill;andthesamemanwhatnowheesteem’dforgood，heimmediatelylooksonasevill;andthesamethingwhichhecallsgoodinhimselfe，hetearmesevillinanother。Forweallmeasuregoodandevillbythepleasureorpaineweeitherfeeleatpresent，orexpecthereafter。Nowseeingtheprosperousactionsofenemies（becausetheyincreasetheirhonours，goods，andpower）andofequalls，（byreasonofthatstrifeofhonourswhichisamongthem）bothseemeandareirkesome，andthereforeevilltoall;andmenusetoreputethoseevill，thatistosay，tolaysomefaulttotheirchargefromwhomtheyreceiveevill;itsimpossibletobedeterminedbytheconsentofsinglemenwhomthesamethingsdoenotpleaseanddisplease，whatactionsare，andwhatnottobeblam’d。Theymayagreeindeedinsomecertainegenerallthings，asthattheft，adultery，andthelikearesinnes，asiftheyshouldsaythatallmenaccountthosethingsevilltowhichtheyhavegivennameswhichareusuallytakeninanevillsense;butwedemandnotwhethertheftbeaSinne，butwhatistobeterm’dtheft，andsoconcerningotherinlikemanner。Forasmuchthereforeasinsogreatadiversityofcensurers，whatisbyreasonblameable，isnottobeemeasur’dbythereasonofonemanmorethenanother，becauseoftheequalityofhumanenature，andtherearenootherreasonsinbeing，butonelythoseofparticularmen，andthatoftheCity，itfollowes，thattheCityistodeterminewhatwithreasonisculpable：Soasafault，thatistosay，aSINNE，isthat，whichamando’s，omits，sayes，orwills，againstthereasonoftheCity，thatis，contrarytotheLawes。
XVIII。ButamanmaydoesomewhatagainsttheLawesthroughhumaneinfirmity，althoughhedesiretofulfillthem，andyethisactionasbeingagainsttheLawes，isrightlyblam’d，andcall’daSinne。Buttherearesome，whoneglecttheLawes，andasoftasanyhopeofgainandimpunitydothappeartothem，noconscienceofcontractsandbetrothedfaithcanwithholdthemfromtheirviolation。Notonlythedeeds，buteventhemindesofthesemenareagainsttheLawes。Theywhosinneonelythroughinfirmity，aregoodmenevenwhentheysinne;buttheseevenwhentheydoenotsin，arewicked。Forthoughboththeaction，andthemindberepugnanttotheLawes，yetthoserepugnanciesaredistinguishtbydifferentappellations，fortheirregularityoftheactioniscalledadikema，unjustdeed;thatofthemindadikia，andkakia，injustice，andmalice;thatis，theinfirmityofadisturbedsoule，thisthepravityofasobermind。
XIX。ButseeingthereisnosinwhichisnotagainstsomeLaw，andthatthereisnoLawwhichisnotthecommandofhimwhohaththesupremepower，andthatnomanhathasupremepowerwhichisnotbestowedonhimbyourownconsent;inwhatmannerwillhebesaidtosinne，whoeitherdeniesthatthereisaGod，orthathegovernstheworld，orcastsanyotherreproachuponhim？Forhewillsay，thatheneversubmittedhiswilltoGodswill，notconceivinghimsomuchastohaveanybeing。Andgrantingthathisopinionwereerroneous，andthereforealsoasin，yetwereittobenumbredamongthoseofimprudenceorignorance，whichbyrightcannotbepunished。Thisspeechseemssofarreforthtobeadmitted，thatthoughthiskindofsinbethegreatestandmosthurtful，yetisittoberefer’dtosinsofimprudence;butthatitshouldbeexcusedbyimprudenceorignorance，isabsurd。FortheAtheistispunishteitherimmediatelybyGodhimselfe，orbyKingsconstitutedunderGod;
notasaSubjectispunishedbyaKing，becausehekeepsnottheLawes，butasoneenemybyanother，becausehewouldnotacceptoftheLawes;thatistosay，bytheRightofwarre，astheGiantswarringagainstGod：ForwhosoeverarenotsubjecteithertosomecommonLord，oronetoanother，areenemiesamongthemselves。
（Yetisittobereferredtosinsofimprudence）ManyfindfaultthatIhavereferr’dAtheismetoimprudence，andnottoinjustice;yeabysomeitistakenso，asifIhadnotdeclaredmyselfeanenemybitterenoughagainstAtheists：Theyobjectfarther，thatsinceIhadelsewheresaidthatitmightbeknownethereisaGod，bynaturallreason，IoughttohaveacknowledgedthattheysinatleastagainsttheLawofnature，andthereforearenotonlyguiltyofimprudence，butinjusticetoo。ButIamsomuchanenemytoAtheists，thatIhavebothdiligentlysoughtfor，andvehementlydesiredtofindsomeLawwherebyImightcondemnethemofinjustice;butwhenIfoundnone，IenquirednextwhatnameGodhimselfedidgivetomensodetestedbyhim。
NowGodspeaksthusoftheAtheist：Thefoolhathsaidinhisheart，thereisnoGod。thereforeIplacedtheirsinneinthatrankwhichGodhimselfereferresto;next，IshewthemtobeenemiesofGod。ButIconceivethenameofanenemytobesometimessomewhatsharper，thenthatofanunjustman。Lastly，I
affirmethattheymayunderthatnotionbejustlypunishtbothbyGod，andsupremeMagistrates，andthereforebynomeanesexcuseorextenuatethissinne。NowthatIhavesaidthatitmightbeknownbynaturallreasonthatthereisaGod，issotobeunderstood，notasifIhadmeantthatallmenmightknowthis，excepttheythinkthatbecauseArchimedesbynaturallreasonfoundoutwhatproportionthecirclehathtothesquare，itfollowesthence，thateveryoneofthevulgarcouldhavefoundoutasmuch。Isaytherefore，thatalthoughitmaybeknownetosomebythelightofreasonthatthereisaGod，yetmenthatarecontinuallyengagedinpleasures，orseekingofrichesandhonour，alsomenthatarenotwonttoreasonaright，orcannotdoit，orcarenottodoeit，lastly，fools，inwhichnumberareAtheists，cannotknowthis。
XX。SeeingthatfromthevertueoftheCovenantwherebyeachSubjectistyedtotheothertoperformabsoluteanduniversallobedience（suchasisdefinedaboveChap。6。art。13。）totheCity，thatistosay，totheSoveraignpower，whetherthatbeonemanorCouncel，thereisanobligationderivedtoobserveeachoneofthecivillLawes，sothatthatCovenantcontainsinitselfalltheLawsatonce;itismanifestthatthesubjectwhoshallrenouncethegenerallCovenantofobedience，dothatoncerenouncealltheLawes。Whichtrespasseissomuchworsethenanyotheronesinne，byhowmuchtosinnealwayes，isworsethentosinneonce。AndthisisthatsinwhichiscalledTREASON;anditisawordordeedwherebytheCitizen，orSubject，declaresthathewillnolongerobeythatmanorCourttowhomthesupremepoweroftheCityisentrusted。AndtheSubjectdeclaresthissamewillofhisbydeed，whenheeitherdoth，orendeavourstodoviolencetotheSoveraignsPerson，ortothemwhoexecutehiscommands;ofwhichsortareTraytors，Regicides，andsuchastakeuparmesagainsttheCity，orduringawarre，flyetotheenemiesside。Andtheyshewthesamewillinword，whoflatlydenythatthemselvesorothersubjectsaretyedtoanysuchkindofobedience，eitherinthewhole，ashewhoshouldsaythatweemustnotobeyhim（keepingtheobediencewhichweowetoGodintire）simply，absolutely，anduniversally;orinpart，ashewhoshouldsay，thathehadnoRighttowagewarreathisownwill，tomakePeace，listsouldiers，leviemonies，electingMagistrates，andpubliqueMinisters，enactingLawes，decidingcontroversies，settingpenalties，ordoingoughtelse，withoutwhichtheStatecannotstand。AndtheseandthelikewordsanddeedsareTreasonbythenaturall，notthecivillLaw。Butitmaysohappen，thatsomeactionwhichbeforethecivillLawwasmade，wasnotTreason，yetwillbecomesuch，ifitbedoneafterwards。
AsifitbedeclaredbytheLaw，thatitshallbeaccountedforasignofrenouncingpubliqueobedience（thatistosayforTreason）ifanymanshallcoynmonies，orforgethePrivieSeale，hethatafterthatDeclarationshalldoethis，willbenolesseguiltyofTreasonthentheother。Yethesinneslesse，becausehebreakesnotalltheLawsatonce，butoneLawonly;fortheLawbycallingthatTreasonwhichbynatureisnotso，dothindeedbyRightsetamoreodiousname，andperhapsamoregrievouspunishmentontheguiltypersons，butitmakesnotthesinneitselfemoregrievous。
XXI。ButthatsinnewhichbytheLawofnatureisTreason，isaTransgressionofthenaturall，notthecivillLaw。Forsinceourobligationtocivillobedience，byvertuewhereofthecivillLawesarevalid，isbeforeallcivillLaw，andthesinofTreasonisnaturallynothingelsebutthebreachofthatobligation;itfollowesthatbythesinofTreason，thatLawisbrokenwhichprecededthecivillLaw，towit，thenaturall，whichforbidsustoviolateCovenants，andbetrothedfaith。ButifsomeSoveraignPrinceshouldsetforthaLawonthismanner，Thoushaltnotrebell，hewouldeffectjustnothing：ForexceptSubjectswerebeforeobligedtoobedience，thatistosay，nottorebell，allLawisofnoforce;nowtheobligationwhichobligethtowhatwewerebeforeobligedto，issuperfluous。
XXII。Henceitfollowes，thatRebels，Traytors，andallothersconvictedofTreason，arepunishtnotbycivill，butnaturallRight;thatistosay，notascivillSubjects，butasEnemiestotheGovernment，notbytheRightofSoveraignty，andDominion，butbytheRightofWarre。
XXIII。TherearesomewhothinkthatthoseactswhicharedoneagainsttheLaw，whenthepunishmentisdeterminedbytheLawitselfe，areexpiated，ifthepunishedwillinglyundergoethepunishment;andthattheyarenotguiltybeforeGodofbreakingthenaturallLaw（althoughbybreakingthecivillLawes，webreakthenaturalltoo，whichcommandustokeepthecivill）
whohavesufferedthepunishmentwhichtheLawrequired;asifbytheLaw，thefactwerenotprohibited，butapunishmentweresetinsteadofaprice，wherebyalicencemightbeboughtofdoingwhattheLawforbids。Bythesamereasontheymightinferretoo，thatnotransgressionoftheLawwereasin，butthateverymanmightenjoythelibertywhichhehathboughtbyhisownperill。
ButwemustknowthatthewordsoftheLawmaybeunderstoodinatwofoldsense，theoneascontainingtwoparts（ashathbeendeclaredaboveintheseventhArt。）namelythatofabsolutelyprohibiting，as，Thoushaltnotdoethis;andrevenging，as，hethatdoththis，shallbepunisht;Theother，ascontainingacondition，forexample，Thoushaltnotdoethisthing，unlessethouwiltsufferpunishment;andthus，theLawforbidsnotsimply，butconditionally。Ifitbeunderstoodinthefirstsense，hethatdothit，sins，becausehedothwhattheLawforbidstobedone;ifinthesecond，hesinsnot，becausehecannotbesaidtodoewhatisforbiddenhim，thatperformsthecondition;Forinthefirstsense，allmenareforbiddentodoeit;inthesecond，theyonlywhokeepthemselvesfromthepunishment。Inthefirstsense，thevindicativepartoftheLawobligethnottheguilty，buttheMagistratetorequirepunishment;inthesecond，hehimselfethatowesthepunishmentisobligedtoexactit，tothepaymentwhereof，ifitbecapitall，orotherwisegrievous，hecannotbeobliged。ButinwhatsensetheLawistobetaken，dependsonthewillofhimwhohaththeSoveraignty。WhenthereisthereforeanydoubtofthemeaningoftheLaw，sincewearesuretheysinnenotwhodoeitnot，itwillbesinifwedoeit，howsoevertheLawmayafterwardbeexplained;forsotodoethatwhichamandoubtswhetheritbeasinornot，whenhehathfreedometoforbearit，isacontemptoftheLawes，andthereforebythe28。Art。ofthethirdChapter，asinagainsttheLawofnature。VainthereforeisthatsamedistinctionofobedienceintoActiveandPassive，asifthatcouldbeexpiatedbypenaltiesconstitutedbyhumanedecrees，whichisasinneagainsttheLawofnature，whichistheLawofGod;orasthoughtheysinnednot，whosinneattheirownperill。