96。For，whenanynumberofmenhave，bytheconsentofeveryindividual，madeacommunity，theyhavetherebymadethatcommunityonebody，withapowertoactasonebody，whichisonlybythewillanddeterminationofthemajority。Forthatwhichactsanycommunity，beingonlytheconsentoftheindividualsofit，anditbeingonebody，mustmoveoneway，itisnecessarythebodyshouldmovethatwaywhitherthegreaterforcecarriesit，whichistheconsentofthemajority，orelseitisimpossibleitshouldactorcontinueonebody，onecommunity，whichtheconsentofeveryindividualthatunitedintoitagreedthatitshould；andsoeveryoneisboundbythatconsenttobeconcludedbythemajority。Andthereforeweseethatinassembliesempoweredtoactbypositivelawswherenonumberissetbythatpositivelawwhichempowersthem，theactofthemajoritypassesfortheactofthewhole，andofcoursedeterminesashaving，bythelawofNatureandreason，thepowerofthewhole。
97。Andthuseveryman，byconsentingwithotherstomakeonebodypoliticunderonegovernment，putshimselfunderanobligationtoeveryoneofthatsocietytosubmittothedeterminationofthemajority，andtobeconcludedbyit；orelsethisoriginalcompact，wherebyhewithothersincorporatesintoonesociety，wouldsignifynothing，andbenocompactifhebeleftfreeandundernoothertiesthanhewasinbeforeinthestateofNature。Forwhatappearancewouldtherebeofanycompact？Whatnewengagementifhewerenofarthertiedbyanydecreesofthesocietythanhehimselfthoughtfitanddidactuallyconsentto？Thiswouldbestillasgreatalibertyashehimselfhadbeforehiscompact，oranyoneelseinthestateofNature，whomaysubmithimselfandconsenttoanyactsofitifhethinksfit。
98。Foriftheconsentofthemajorityshallnotinreasonbereceivedastheactofthewhole，andconcludeeveryindividual，nothingbuttheconsentofeveryindividualcanmakeanythingtobetheactofthewhole，which，consideringtheinfirmitiesofhealthandavocationsofbusiness，whichinanumberthoughmuchlessthanthatofacommonwealth，willnecessarilykeepmanyawayfromthepublicassembly；andthevarietyofopinionsandcontrarietyofinterestswhichunavoidablyhappeninallcollectionsofmen，itisnextimpossibleevertobehad。And，therefore，ifcomingintosocietybeuponsuchterms，itwillbeonlylikeCato’scomingintothetheatre，tantumutexiret。Suchaconstitutionasthiswouldmakethemightyleviathanofashorterdurationthanthefeeblestcreatures，andnotletitoutlastthedayitwasbornin，whichcannotbesupposedtillwecanthinkthatrationalcreaturesshoulddesireandconstitutesocietiesonlytobedissolved。Forwherethemajoritycannotconcludetherest，theretheycannotactasonebody，andconsequentlywillbeimmediatelydissolvedagain。
99。Whosoever，therefore，outofastateofNatureuniteintoacommunity，mustbeunderstoodtogiveupallthepowernecessarytotheendsforwhichtheyuniteintosocietytothemajorityofthecommunity，unlesstheyexpresslyagreedinanynumbergreaterthanthemajority。Andthisisdonebybarelyagreeingtouniteintoonepoliticalsociety，whichisallthecompactthatis，orneedsbe，betweentheindividualsthatenterintoormakeupacommonwealth。Andthus，thatwhichbeginsandactuallyconstitutesanypoliticalsocietyisnothingbuttheconsentofanynumberoffreemencapableofmajority，touniteandincorporateintosuchasociety。Andthisisthat，andthatonly，whichdidorcouldgivebeginningtoanylawfulgovernmentintheworld。
100。TothisIfindtwoobjectionsmade：1。Thattherearenoinstancestobefoundinstoryofacompanyofmen，independentandequaloneamongstanother，thatmettogether，andinthiswaybeganandsetupagovernment。2。Itisimpossibleofrightthatmenshoulddoso，becauseallmen，beingbornundergovernment，theyaretosubmittothat，andarenotatlibertytobeginanewone。
101。Tothefirstthereisthistoanswer：ThatitisnotatalltobewonderedthathistorygivesusbutaverylittleaccountofmenthatlivedtogetherinthestateofNature。Theinconvenienciesofthatcondition，andtheloveandwantofsociety，nosoonerbroughtanynumberofthemtogether，buttheypresentlyunitedandincorporatediftheydesignedtocontinuetogether。AndifwemaynotsupposemenevertohavebeeninthestateofNature，becausewehearnotmuchoftheminsuchastate，wemayaswellsupposethearmiesofSalmanasserorXerxeswereneverchildren，becausewehearlittleofthemtilltheyweremenandembodiedinarmies。Governmentiseverywhereantecedenttorecords，andlettersseldomcomeinamongstapeopletillalongcontinuationofcivilsocietyhas，byothermorenecessaryarts，providedfortheirsafety，ease，andplenty。Andthentheybegintolookafterthehistoryoftheirfounders，andsearchintotheiroriginalwhentheyhaveoutlivedthememoryofit。Foritiswithcommonwealthsaswithparticularpersons，theyarecommonlyignorantoftheirownbirthsandinfancies；andiftheyknowanythingofit，theyarebeholdingforittotheaccidentalrecordsthatothershavekeptofit。Andthosethatwehaveofthebeginningofanypolitiesintheworld，exceptingthatoftheJews，whereGodHimselfimmediatelyinterposed，andwhichfavoursnotatallpaternaldominion，arealleitherplaininstancesofsuchabeginningasIhavementioned，oratleasthavemanifestfootstepsofit。
102。Hemustshowastrangeinclinationtodenyevidentmatteroffact，whenitagreesnotwithhishypothesis，whowillnotallowthatthebeginningofRomeandVenicewerebytheunitingtogetherofseveralmen，freeandindependentoneofanother，amongstwhomtherewasnonaturalsuperiorityorsubjection。AndifJosephusAcosta’swordmaybetaken，hetellsusthatinmanypartsofAmericatherewasnogovernmentatall。\"Therearegreatandapparentconjectures，\"sayshe，\"thatthesemen[speakingofthoseofPeru]foralongtimehadneitherkingsnorcommonwealths，butlivedintroops，astheydothisdayinFlorida-theCheriquanas，thoseofBrazil，andmanyothernations，whichhavenocertainkings，but，asoccasionisofferedinpeaceorwar，theychoosetheircaptainsastheyplease\"（lib。i。cap。25）。Ifitbesaid，thateverymantherewasbornsubjecttohisfather，ortheheadofhisfamily。thatthesubjectionduefromachildtoafathertookawaynothisfreedomofunitingintowhatpoliticalsocietyhethoughtfit，hasbeenalreadyproved；butbethatasitwill，thesemen，itisevident，wereactuallyfree；andwhateversuperioritysomepoliticiansnowwouldplaceinanyofthem，theythemselvesclaimeditnot；but，byconsent，wereallequal，till，bythesameconsent，theysetrulersoverthemselves。Sothattheirpoliticsocietiesallbeganfromavoluntaryunion，andthemutualagreementofmenfreelyactinginthechoiceoftheirgovernorsandformsofgovernment。
103。AndIhopethosewhowentawayfromSparta，withPalantus，mentionedbyJustin，willbeallowedtohavebeenfreemenindependentoneofanother，andtohavesetupagovernmentoverthemselvesbytheirownconsent。ThusIhavegivenseveralexamplesoutofhistoryofpeople，freeandinthestateofNature，that，beingmettogether，incorporatedandbeganacommonwealth。Andifthewantofsuchinstancesbeanargumenttoprovethatgovernmentwerenotnorcouldnotbesobegun，Isupposethecontendersforpaternalempirewerebetterletitalonethanurgeitagainstnaturalliberty；foriftheycangivesomanyinstancesoutofhistoryofgovernmentsbegunuponpaternalright，Ithink（thoughatleastanargumentfromwhathasbeentowhatshouldofrightbeofnogreatforce）onemight，withoutanygreatdanger，yieldthemthecause。ButifImightadvisetheminthecase，theywoulddowellnottosearchtoomuchintotheoriginalofgovernmentsastheyhavebegundefacto，lesttheyshouldfindatthefoundationofmostofthemsomethingverylittlefavourabletothedesigntheypromote，andsuchapowerastheycontendfor。
104。But，toconclude：reasonbeingplainonoursidethatmenarenaturallyfree；andtheexamplesofhistoryshowingthatthegovernmentsoftheworld，thatwerebeguninpeace，hadtheirbeginninglaidonthatfoundation，andweremadebytheconsentofthepeople；therecanbelittleroomfordoubt，eitherwheretherightis，orwhathasbeentheopinionorpracticeofmankindaboutthefirsterectingofgovernments。
105。Iwillnotdenythatifwelookback，asfarashistorywilldirectus，towardstheoriginalofcommonwealths，weshallgenerallyfindthemunderthegovernmentandadministrationofoneman。AndIamalsoapttobelievethatwhereafamilywasnumerousenoughtosubsistbyitself，andcontinuedentiretogether，withoutmixingwithothers，asitoftenhappens，wherethereismuchlandandfewpeople，thegovernmentcommonlybeganinthefather。Forthefatherhaving，bythelawofNature，thesamepower，witheverymanelse，topunish，ashethoughtfit，anyoffencesagainstthatlaw，mighttherebypunishhistransgressingchildren，evenwhentheyweremen，andoutoftheirpupilage；andtheywereverylikelytosubmittohispunishment，andalljoinwithhimagainsttheoffenderintheirturns，givinghimtherebypowertoexecutehissentenceagainstanytransgression，andso，ineffect，makehimthelaw-makerandgovernoroverallthatremainedinconjunctionwithhisfamily。Hewasfittesttobetrusted；paternalaffectionsecuredtheirpropertyandinterestunderhiscare，andthecustomofobeyinghimintheirchildhoodmadeiteasiertosubmittohimratherthananyother。If，therefore，theymusthaveonetorulethem，asgovernmentishardlytobeavoidedamongstmenthatlivetogether，whosolikelytobethemanashethatwastheircommonfather，unlessnegligence，cruelty，oranyotherdefectofmindorbody，madehimunfitforit？Butwheneitherthefatherdied。andlefthisnextheir-forwantofage，wisdom，courage，oranyotherqualities-lessfitforrule，orwhereseveralfamiliesmetandconsentedtocontinuetogether，there，itisnottobedoubted，buttheyusedtheirnaturalfreedomtosetuphimwhomtheyjudgedtheablestandmostlikelytorulewelloverthem。
ConformablehereuntowefindthepeopleofAmerica，who-livingoutofthereachoftheconqueringswordsandspreadingdominationofthetwogreatempiresofPeruandMexico-enjoyedtheirownnaturalfreedom，though，caeterisparibus，theycommonlyprefertheheiroftheirdeceasedking；yet，iftheyfindhimanywayweakorincapable，theypasshimby，andsetupthestoutestandbravestmanfortheirruler。
106。Thus，thoughlookingbackasfarasrecordsgiveusanyaccountofpeoplingtheworld，andthehistoryofnations，wecommonlyfindthegovernmenttobeinonehand，yetitdestroysnotthatwhichI
affirm-viz。，thatthebeginningofpoliticsocietydependsupontheconsentoftheindividualstojoinintoandmakeonesociety，who，whentheyarethusincorporated，mightsetupwhatformofgovernmenttheythoughtfit。Butthishavinggivenoccasiontomentomistakeandthinkthat，byNature，governmentwasmonarchical，andbelongedtothefather，itmaynotbeamissheretoconsiderwhypeople，inthebeginning，generallypitcheduponthisform，which，thoughperhapsthefather’spre-eminencymight，inthefirstinstitutionofsomecommonwealths，givearisetoandplaceinthebeginningthepowerinonehand，yetitisplainthatthereasonthatcontinuedtheformofgovernmentinasinglepersonwasnotanyregardorrespecttopaternalauthority，sinceallpettymonarchies-
thatis，almostallmonarchies，neartheiroriginal，havebeencommonly，atleastuponoccasion，elective。
107。First，then，inthebeginningofthings，thefather’sgovernmentofthechildhoodofthosesprungfromhimhavingaccustomedthemtotheruleofoneman，andtaughtthemthatwhereitwasexercisedwithcareandskill，withaffectionandlovetothoseunderit，itwassufficienttoprocureandpreservemen（allthepoliticalhappinesstheysoughtforinsociety），itwasnowonderthattheyshouldpitchuponandnaturallyrunintothatformofgovernmentwhich，fromtheirinfancy，theyhadbeenallaccustomedto，andwhich，byexperience，theyhadfoundbotheasyandsafe。Towhichifweadd，thatmonarchybeingsimpleandmostobvioustomen，whomneitherexperiencehadinstructedinformsofgovernment，northeambitionorinsolenceofempirehadtaughttobewareoftheencroachmentsofprerogativeortheinconvenienciesofabsolutepower，whichmonarchy，insuccession，wasapttolayclaimtoandbringuponthem；itwasnotatallstrangethattheyshouldnotmuchtroublethemselvestothinkofmethodsofrestraininganyexorbitancesofthosetowhomtheyhadgiventheauthorityoverthem，andofbalancingthepowerofgovernmentbyplacingseveralpartsofitindifferenthands。Theyhadneitherfelttheoppressionoftyrannicaldominion，nordidthefashionoftheage，northeirpossessionsorwayofliving，whichaffordedlittlematterforcovetousnessorambition，givethemanyreasontoapprehendorprovideagainstit；and，therefore，itisnowondertheyputthemselvesintosuchaframeofgovernmentaswasnotonly，asIsaid，mostobviousandsimple，butalsobestsuitedtotheirpresentstateandcondition，whichstoodmoreinneedofdefenceagainstforeigninvasionsandinjuriesthanofmultiplicityoflawswheretherewasbutverylittleproperty，andwantednotvarietyofrulersandabundanceofofficerstodirectandlookaftertheirexecutionwheretherewerebutfewtrespassersandfewoffenders。Since，then，thosewholikedoneanothersowellastojoinintosocietycannotbutbesupposedtohavesomeacquaintanceandfriendshiptogether，andsometrustoneinanother，theycouldnotbuthavegreaterapprehensionsofothersthanofoneanother；and，therefore，theirfirstcareandthoughtcannotbutbesupposedtobe，howtosecurethemselvesagainstforeignforce。Itwasnaturalforthemtoputthemselvesunderaframeofgovernmentwhichmightbestservetothatend，andchoosethewisestandbravestmantoconductthemintheirwarsandleadthemoutagainsttheirenemies，andinthischieflybetheirruler。
108。ThusweseethatthekingsoftheIndians，inAmerica，whichisstillapatternofthefirstagesinAsiaandEurope，whilsttheinhabitantsweretoofewforthecountry，andwantofpeopleandmoneygavemennotemptationtoenlargetheirpossessionsoflandorcontestforwiderextentofground，arelittlemorethangeneralsoftheirarmies；andthoughtheycommandabsolutelyinwar，yetathome，andintimeofpeace，theyexerciseverylittledominion，andhavebutaverymoderatesovereignty，theresolutionsofpeaceandwarbeingordinarilyeitherinthepeopleorinacouncil，thoughthewaritself，whichadmitsnotofpluralitiesofgovernors，naturallyevolvesthecommandintotheking’ssoleauthority。
109。Andthus，inIsraelitself，thechiefbusinessoftheirjudgesandfirstkingsseemstohavebeentobecaptainsinwarandleadersoftheirarmies，which（besideswhatissignifiedby\"goingoutandinbeforethepeople，\"whichwas，tomarchforthtowarandhomeagainattheheadsoftheirforces）appearsplainlyinthestoryofJephtha。TheAmmonitesmakingwaruponIsrael，theGileadites，infear，sendtoJephtha，abastardoftheirfamily，whomtheyhadcastoff，andarticlewithhim，ifhewillassistthemagainsttheAmmonites，tomakehimtheirruler，whichtheydointhesewords：\"Andthepeoplemadehimheadandcaptainoverthem\"（Judges11。11），whichwas，asitseems，alloneastobejudge。\"AndhejudgedIsrael\"（Judges12。7）-thatis，wastheircaptain-general-
\"sixyears。\"SowhenJothamupbraidstheShechemiteswiththeobligationtheyhadtoGideon，whohadbeentheirjudgeandruler，hetellsthem：\"Hefoughtforyou，andadventuredhislifefor，anddeliveredyououtofthehandsofMidian\"（Judges9。17）。Nothingmentionedofhimbutwhathedidasageneral，and，indeed，thatisallisfoundinhishistory，orinanyoftherestofthejudges。
AndAbimelechparticularlyiscalledking，thoughatmosthewasbuttheirgeneral。Andwhen，beingwearyoftheill-conductofSamuel’ssons，thechildrenofIsraeldesiredaking，\"likeallthenations，tojudgethem，andtogooutbeforethem，andtofighttheirbattles\"
（1Sam。8。20），God，grantingtheirdesire，saystoSamuel，\"Iwillsendtheeaman，andthoushaltanointhimtobecaptainovermypeopleIsrael，thathemaysavemypeopleoutofthehandsofthePhilistines\"（ch。9。16）。Asiftheonlybusinessofakinghadbeentoleadouttheirarmiesandfightintheirdefence；and，accordingly，athisinauguration，pouringavialofoiluponhim，declarestoSaulthat\"theLordhadanointedhimtobecaptainoverhisinheritance\"（ch。10。1）。Andthereforethosewho，afterSaulbeingsolemnlychosenandsalutedkingbythetribesatMispah，wereunwillingtohavehimtheirking，makenootherobjectionbutthis，\"Howshallthismansaveus？\"（ch。10。27），asiftheyshouldhavesaid：\"Thismanisunfittobeourking，nothavingskillandconductenoughinwartobeabletodefendus。\"AndwhenGodresolvedtotransferthegovernmenttoDavid，itisinthesewords：
\"Butnowthykingdomshallnotcontinue：theLordhathsoughtHimamanafterHisownheart，andtheLordhathcommandedhimtobecaptainoverHispeople\"（ch。13。14。）。Asifthewholekinglyauthoritywerenothingelsebuttobetheirgeneral；andthereforethetribeswhohadstucktoSaul’sfamily，andopposedDavid’sreign，whentheycametoHebronwithtermsofsubmissiontohim，theytellhim，amongstotherarguments，theyhadtosubmittohimastotheirking，thathewas，ineffect，theirkinginSaul’stime，andthereforetheyhadnoreasonbuttoreceivehimastheirkingnow。\"Also，\"saythey，\"intimepast，whenSaulwaskingoverus，thouwasthethatleddestoutandbroughtestinIsrael，andtheLordsaiduntothee，ThoushaltfeedmypeopleIsrael，andthoushaltbeacaptainoverIsrael。\"
110。Thus，whetherafamily，bydegrees，grewupintoacommonwealth，andthefatherlyauthoritybeingcontinuedontotheelderson，everyoneinhisturngrowingupunderittacitlysubmittedtoit，andtheeasinessandequalityofitnotoffendinganyone，everyoneacquiescedtilltimeseemedtohaveconfirmeditandsettledarightofsuccessionbyprescription；orwhetherseveralfamilies，orthedescendantsofseveralfamilies，whomchance，neighbourhood，orbusinessbroughttogether，unitedintosociety；theneedofageneralwhoseconductmightdefendthemagainsttheirenemiesinwar，andthegreatconfidencetheinnocenceandsincerityofthatpoorbutvirtuousage，suchasarealmostallthosewhichbegingovernmentsthatevercometolastintheworld，gavemenoneofanother，madethefirstbeginnersofcommonwealthsgenerallyputtheruleintooneman’shand，withoutanyotherexpresslimitationorrestraintbutwhatthenatureofthethingandtheendofgovernmentrequired。Itwasgiventhemforthepublicgoodandsafety，andtothoseends，intheinfanciesofcommonwealths，theycommonlyusedit；andunlesstheyhaddoneso，youngsocietiescouldnothavesubsisted。Withoutsuchnursingfathers，withoutthiscareofthegovernors，allgovernmentswouldhavesunkundertheweaknessandinfirmitiesoftheirinfancy，theprinceandthepeoplehadsoonperishedtogether。
111。Butthegoldenage（thoughbeforevainambition，andamorsceleratushabendi，evilconcupiscencehadcorruptedmen’smindsintoamistakeoftruepowerandhonour）hadmorevirtue，andconsequentlybettergovernors，aswellaslessvicioussubjects；andtherewasthennostretchingprerogativeontheonesidetooppressthepeople，nor，consequently，ontheother，anydisputeaboutprivilege，tolessenorrestrainthepowerofthemagistrate；andsonocontestbetwixtrulersandpeopleaboutgovernorsorgovernment。*
Yet，whenambitionandluxury，infutureages，wouldretainandincreasethepower，withoutdoingthebusinessforwhichitwasgiven，andaidedbyflattery，taughtprincestohavedistinctandseparateinterestsfromtheirpeople，menfounditnecessarytoexaminemorecarefullytheoriginalandrightsofgovernment，andtofindoutwaystorestraintheexorbitancesandpreventtheabusesofthatpower，whichtheyhavingentrustedinanother’shands，onlyfortheirowngood，theyfoundwasmadeuseoftohurtthem。
*\"Atthefirst，whensomecertainkindofregimenwasonceapproved，itmaybethatnothingwasthenfurtherthoughtuponforthemannerofgoverning，butallpermitteduntotheirwisdomanddiscretion，whichweretoruletill，byexperience，theyfoundthisforallpartsveryinconvenient，soasthethingwhichtheyhaddevisedforaremedydidindeedbutincreasethesorewhichitshouldhavecured。Theysawthattolivebyoneman’swillbecamethecauseofallmen’smisery。Thisconstrainedthemtocomeuntolawswhereinallmenmightseetheirdutybeforehand，andknowthepenaltiesoftransgressingthem。\"Hooker，Eccl。Pol。1。10。
112。Thuswemayseehowprobableitisthatpeoplethatwerenaturallyfree，and，bytheirownconsent，eithersubmittedtothegovernmentoftheirfather，orunitedtogether，outofdifferentfamilies，tomakeagovernment，shouldgenerallyputtheruleintooneman’shands，andchoosetobeundertheconductofasingleperson，withoutsomuch，asbyexpressconditions，limitingorregulatinghispower，whichtheythoughtsafeenoughinhishonestyandprudence；
thoughtheyneverdreamedofmonarchybeingjureDivino，whichweneverheardofamongmankindtillitwasrevealedtousbythedivinityofthislastage，noreverallowedpaternalpowertohavearighttodominionortobethefoundationofallgovernment。Andthusmuchmaysufficetoshowthat，asfaraswehaveanylightfromhistory，wehavereasontoconcludethatallpeacefulbeginningsofgovernmenthavebeenlaidintheconsentofthepeople。Isay\"peaceful，\"becauseIshallhaveoccasion，inanotherplace，tospeakofconquest，whichsomeesteemawayofbeginningofgovernments。
Theotherobjection，Ifind，urgedagainstthebeginningofpolities，inthewayIhavementioned，isthis，viz。：
113。\"Thatallmenbeingbornundergovernment，someorother，itisimpossibleanyofthemshouldeverbefreeandatlibertytounitetogetherandbeginanewone，oreverbeabletoerectalawfulgovernment。\"Ifthisargumentbegood，Iask，Howcamesomanylawfulmonarchiesintotheworld？Forifanybody，uponthissupposition，canshowmeanyoneman，inanyageoftheworld，freetobeginalawfulmonarchy，Iwillbeboundtoshowhimtenotherfreemenatliberty，atthesametime，touniteandbeginanewgovernmentunderaregaloranyotherform。Itbeingdemonstrationthatifanyonebornunderthedominionofanothermaybesofreeastohavearighttocommandothersinanewanddistinctempire，everyonethatisbornunderthedominionofanothermaybesofreetoo，andmaybecomearulerorsubjectofadistinctseparategovernment。Andso，bythistheirownprinciple，eitherallmen，howeverborn，arefree，orelsethereisbutonelawfulprince，onelawfulgovernmentintheworld；andthentheyhavenothingtodobutbarelytoshowuswhichthatis，which，whentheyhavedone，Idoubtnotbutallmankindwilleasilyagreetopayobediencetohim。
114。Thoughitbeasufficientanswertotheirobjectiontoshowthatitinvolvestheminthesamedifficultiesthatitdoththosetheyuseitagainst，yetIshallendeavourtodiscovertheweaknessofthisargumentalittlefarther。
\"Allmen，\"saythey，\"arebornundergovernment，andthereforetheycannotbeatlibertytobeginanewone。Everyoneisbornasubjecttohisfatherorhisprince，andisthereforeundertheperpetualtieofsubjectionandallegiance。\"Itisplainmankindneverownednorconsideredanysuchnaturalsubjectionthattheywerebornin，tooneortotheother，thattiedthem，withouttheirownconsents，toasubjectiontothemandtheirheirs。
115。Fortherearenoexamplessofrequentinhistory，bothsacredandprofane，asthoseofmenwithdrawingthemselvesandtheirobediencefromthejurisdictiontheywerebornunder，andthefamilyorcommunitytheywerebredupin，andsettingupnewgovernmentsinotherplaces，fromwhencesprangallthatnumberofpettycommonwealthsinthebeginningofages，andwhichalwaysmultipliedaslongastherewasroomenough，tillthestrongerormorefortunateswallowedtheweaker；andthosegreatones，againbreakingtopieces，dissolvedintolesserdominions；allwhicharesomanytestimoniesagainstpaternalsovereignty，andplainlyprovethatitwasnotthenaturalrightofthefatherdescendingtohisheirsthatmadegovernmentsinthebeginning；sinceitwasimpossible，uponthatground，thereshouldhavebeensomanylittlekingdomsbutonlyoneuniversalmonarchyifmenhadnotbeenatlibertytoseparatethemselvesfromtheirfamiliesandtheirgovernment，beitwhatitwillthatwassetupinit，andgoandmakedistinctcommonwealthsandothergovernmentsastheythoughtfit。
116。Thishasbeenthepracticeoftheworldfromitsfirstbeginningtothisday；norisitnowanymorehindrancetothefreedomofmankind，thattheyarebornunderconstitutedandancientpolitiesthathaveestablishedlawsandsetformsofgovernment，thaniftheywereborninthewoodsamongsttheunconfinedinhabitantsthatrunlooseinthem。Forthosewhowouldpersuadeusthatbybeingbornunderanygovernmentwearenaturallysubjectstoit，andhavenomoreanytitleorpretencetothefreedomofthestateofNature，havenootherreason（batingthatofpaternalpower，whichwehavealreadyanswered）toproduceforit，butonlybecauseourfathersorprogenitorspassedawaytheirnaturalliberty，andtherebyboundupthemselvesandtheirposteritytoaperpetualsubjectiontothegovernmentwhichtheythemselvessubmittedto。Itistruethatwhateverengagementsorpromisesanyonemadeforhimself，heisundertheobligationofthem，butcannotbyanycompactwhatsoeverbindhischildrenorposterity。Forhisson，whenaman，beingaltogetherasfreeasthefather，anyactofthefathercannomoregiveawaythelibertyofthesonthanitcanofanybodyelse。
Hemay，indeed，annexsuchconditionstothelandheenjoyed，asasubjectofanycommonwealth，asmayobligehissontobeofthatcommunity，ifhewillenjoythosepossessionswhichwerehisfather’s，becausethatestatebeinghisfather’sproperty，hemaydisposeorsettleitashepleases。
117。Andthishasgenerallygiventheoccasiontothemistakeinthismatter；becausecommonwealthsnotpermittinganypartoftheirdominionstobedismembered，nortobeenjoyedbyanybutthoseoftheircommunity，thesoncannotordinarilyenjoythepossessionsofhisfatherbutunderthesametermshisfatherdid，bybecomingamemberofthesociety，wherebyheputshimselfpresentlyunderthegovernmenthefindsthereestablished，asmuchasanyothersubjectofthatcommonweal。Andthustheconsentoffreemen，bornundergovernment，whichonlymakesthemmembersofit，beinggivenseparatelyintheirturns，aseachcomestobeofage，andnotinamultitudetogether，peopletakenonoticeofit，andthinkingitnotdoneatall，ornotnecessary，concludetheyarenaturallysubjectsastheyaremen。
118。Butitisplaingovernmentsthemselvesunderstanditotherwise；
theyclaimnopoweroverthesonbecauseofthattheyhadoverthefather；norlookonchildrenasbeingtheirsubjects，bytheirfathersbeingso。IfasubjectofEnglandhaveachildbyanEnglishwomaninFrance，whosesubjectishe？NottheKingofEngland’s；forhemusthaveleavetobeadmittedtotheprivilegesofit。NortheKingofFrance’s，forhowthenhashisfatheralibertytobringhimaway，andbreedhimashepleases；andwhoeverwasjudgedasatraitorordeserter，ifheleft，orwarredagainstacountry，forbeingbarelyborninitofparentsthatwerealiensthere？Itisplain，then，bythepracticeofgovernmentsthemselves，aswellasbythelawofrightreason，thatachildisbornasubjectofnocountrynorgovernment。
Heisunderhisfather’stuitionandauthoritytillhecometoageofdiscretion，andthenheisafreeman，atlibertywhatgovernmenthewillputhimselfunder，whatbodypolitichewillunitehimselfto。
ForifanEnglishman’ssonborninFrancebeatliberty，andmaydoso，itisevidentthereisnotieuponhimbyhisfatherbeingasubjectofthatkingdom，norisheboundupbyanycompactofhisancestors；andwhythenhathnothisson，bythesamereason，thesameliberty，thoughhebebornanywhereelse？Sincethepowerthatafatherhathnaturallyoverhischildrenisthesamewherevertheybeborn，andthetiesofnaturalobligationsarenotboundedbythepositivelimitsofkingdomsandcommonwealths。
119。Everymanbeing，ashasbeenshowed，naturallyfree，andnothingbeingabletoputhimintosubjectiontoanyearthlypower，butonlyhisownconsent，itistobeconsideredwhatshallbeunderstoodtobeasufficientdeclarationofaman’sconsenttomakehimsubjecttothelawsofanygovernment。Thereisacommondistinctionofanexpressandatacitconsent，whichwillconcernourpresentcase。Nobodydoubtsbutanexpressconsentofanyman，enteringintoanysociety，makeshimaperfectmemberofthatsociety，asubjectofthatgovernment。Thedifficultyis，whatoughttobelookeduponasatacitconsent，andhowfaritbinds-i。e。，howfaranyoneshallbelookedontohaveconsented，andtherebysubmittedtoanygovernment，wherehehasmadenoexpressionsofitatall。AndtothisIsay，thateverymanthathathanypossessionorenjoymentofanypartofthedominionsofanygovernmentdothherebygivehistacitconsent，andisasfarforthobligedtoobediencetothelawsofthatgovernment，duringsuchenjoyment，asanyoneunderit，whetherthishispossessionbeoflandtohimandhisheirsforever，oralodgingonlyforaweek；orwhetheritbebarelytravellingfreelyonthehighway；and，ineffect，itreachesasfarastheverybeingofanyonewithintheterritoriesofthatgovernment。
120。Tounderstandthisthebetter，itisfittoconsiderthateverymanwhenheatfirstincorporateshimselfintoanycommonwealth，he，byhisunitinghimselfthereunto，annexesalso，andsubmitstothecommunitythosepossessionswhichhehas，orshallacquire，thatdonotalreadybelongtoanyothergovernment。Foritwouldbeadirectcontradictionforanyonetoenterintosocietywithothersforthesecuringandregulatingofproperty，andyettosupposehisland，whosepropertyistoberegulatedbythelawsofthesociety，shouldbeexemptfromthejurisdictionofthatgovernmenttowhichhehimself，andthepropertyoftheland，isasubject。Bythesameact，therefore，wherebyanyoneuniteshisperson，whichwasbeforefree，toanycommonwealth，bythesameheuniteshispossessions，whichwerebeforefree，toitalso；andtheybecome，bothofthem，personandpossession，subjecttothegovernmentanddominionofthatcommonwealthaslongasithathabeing。Whoevertherefore，fromthenceforth，byinheritance，purchasespermission，orotherwiseenjoysanypartofthelandsoannexedto，andunderthegovernmentofthatcommonweal，musttakeitwiththeconditionitisunder-thatis，ofsubmittingtothegovernmentofthecommonwealth，underwhosejurisdictionitis，asfarforthasanysubjectofit。
121。Butsincethegovernmenthasadirectjurisdictiononlyoverthelandandreachesthepossessorofit（beforehehasactuallyincorporatedhimselfinthesociety）onlyashedwellsuponandenjoysthat，theobligationanyoneisunderbyvirtueofsuchenjoymenttosubmittothegovernmentbeginsandendswiththeenjoyment；sothatwhenevertheowner，whohasgivennothingbutsuchatacitconsenttothegovernmentwill，bydonation，saleorotherwise，quitthesaidpossession，heisatlibertytogoandincorporatehimselfintoanyothercommonwealth，oragreewithotherstobeginanewoneinvacuislocis，inanypartoftheworldtheycanfindfreeandunpossessed；whereashethathasonce，byactualagreementandanyexpressdeclaration，givenhisconsenttobeofanycommonweal，isperpetuallyandindispensablyobligedtobe，andremainunalterablyasubjecttoit，andcanneverbeagaininthelibertyofthestateofNature，unlessbyanycalamitythegovernmenthewasundercomestobedissolved。
122。Butsubmittingtothelawsofanycountry，livingquietlyandenjoyingprivilegesandprotectionunderthem，makesnotamanamemberofthatsociety；itisonlyalocalprotectionandhomageduetoandfromallthosewho，notbeinginastateofwar，comewithintheterritoriesbelongingtoanygovernment，toallpartswhereoftheforceofitslawextends。Butthisnomoremakesamanamemberofthatsociety，aperpetualsubjectofthatcommonwealth，thanitwouldmakeamanasubjecttoanotherinwhosefamilyhefounditconvenienttoabideforsometime，though，whilsthecontinuedinit，hewereobligedtocomplywiththelawsandsubmittothegovernmenthefoundthere。Andthusweseethatforeigners，bylivingalltheirlivesunderanothergovernment，andenjoyingtheprivilegesandprotectionofit，thoughtheyarebound，eveninconscience，tosubmittoitsadministrationasfarforthasanydenizen，yetdonottherebycometobesubjectsormembersofthatcommonwealth。Nothingcanmakeanymansobuthisactuallyenteringintoitbypositiveengagementandexpresspromiseandcompact。Thisisthatwhich，Ithink，concerningthebeginningofpoliticalsocieties，andthatconsentwhichmakesanyoneamemberofanycommonwealth。
ChapterIX
OftheEndsofPoliticalSocietyandGovernment123。IFmaninthestateofNaturebesofreeashasbeensaid，ifhebeabsolutelordofhisownpersonandpossessions，equaltothegreatestandsubjecttonobody，whywillhepartwithhisfreedom，thisempire，andsubjecthimselftothedominionandcontrolofanyotherpower？Towhichitisobvioustoanswer，thatthoughinthestateofNaturehehathsucharight，yettheenjoymentofitisveryuncertainandconstantlyexposedtotheinvasionofothers；forallbeingkingsasmuchashe，everymanhisequal，andthegreaterpartnostrictobserversofequityandjustice，theenjoymentofthepropertyhehasinthisstateisveryunsafe，veryinsecure。Thismakeshimwillingtoquitthisconditionwhich，howeverfree，isfulloffearsandcontinualdangers；anditisnotwithoutreasonthatheseeksoutandiswillingtojoininsocietywithotherswhoarealreadyunited，orhaveamindtouniteforthemutualpreservationoftheirlives，libertiesandestates，whichIcallbythegeneralname-property。
124。Thegreatandchiefend，therefore，ofmenunitingintocommonwealths，andputtingthemselvesundergovernment，isthepreservationoftheirproperty；towhichinthestateofNaturetherearemanythingswanting。
Firstly，therewantsanestablished，settled，knownlaw，receivedandallowedbycommonconsenttobethestandardofrightandwrong，andthecommonmeasuretodecideallcontroversiesbetweenthem。ForthoughthelawofNaturebeplainandintelligibletoallrationalcreatures，yetmen，beingbiasedbytheirinterest，aswellasignorantforwantofstudyofit，arenotapttoallowofitasalawbindingtothemintheapplicationofittotheirparticularcases。
125。Secondly，inthestateofNaturetherewantsaknownandindifferentjudge，withauthoritytodeterminealldifferencesaccordingtotheestablishedlaw。ForeveryoneinthatstatebeingbothjudgeandexecutionerofthelawofNature，menbeingpartialtothemselves，passionandrevengeisveryapttocarrythemtoofar，andwithtoomuchheatintheirowncases，aswellasnegligenceandunconcernedness，makethemtooremissinothermen’s。
126。Thirdly，inthestateofNaturethereoftenwantspowertobackandsupportthesentencewhenright，andtogiveitdueexecution。
Theywhobyanyinjusticeoffendedwillseldomfailwheretheyareablebyforcetomakegoodtheirinjustice。Suchresistancemanytimesmakesthepunishmentdangerous，andfrequentlydestructivetothosewhoattemptit。
127。Thusmankind，notwithstandingalltheprivilegesofthestateofNature，beingbutinanillconditionwhiletheyremaininitarequicklydrivenintosociety。Henceitcomestopass，thatweseldomfindanynumberofmenliveanytimetogetherinthisstate。Theinconvenienciesthattheyarethereinexposedtobytheirregularanduncertainexerciseofthepowereverymanhasofpunishingthetransgressionsofothers，makethemtakesanctuaryundertheestablishedlawsofgovernment，andthereinseekthepreservationoftheirproperty。Itisthisthatmakesthemsowillinglygiveupeveryonehissinglepowerofpunishingtobeexercisedbysuchaloneasshallbeappointedtoitamongstthem，andbysuchrulesasthecommunity，orthoseauthorisedbythemtothatpurpose，shallagreeon。Andinthiswehavetheoriginalrightandriseofboththelegislativeandexecutivepoweraswellasofthegovernmentsandsocietiesthemselves。
128。ForinthestateofNaturetoomitthelibertyhehasofinnocentdelights，amanhastwopowers。ThefirstistodowhatsoeverhethinksfitforthepreservationofhimselfandotherswithinthepermissionofthelawofNature；bywhichlaw，commontothemall，heandalltherestofmankindareonecommunity，makeuponesocietydistinctfromallothercreatures，andwereitnotforthecorruptionandviciousnessofdegeneratemen，therewouldbenoneedofanyother，nonecessitythatmenshouldseparatefromthisgreatandnaturalcommunity，andassociateintolessercombinations。TheotherpoweramanhasinthestateofNatureisthepowertopunishthecrimescommittedagainstthatlaw。Boththesehegivesupwhenhejoinsinaprivate，ifImaysocallit，orparticularpoliticalsociety，andincorporatesintoanycommonwealthseparatefromtherestofmankind。
129。Thefirstpower-viz。，ofdoingwhatsoeverhethoughtfitforthepreservationofhimselfandtherestofmankind，hegivesuptoberegulatedbylawsmadebythesociety，sofarforthasthepreservationofhimselfandtherestofthatsocietyshallrequire；
whichlawsofthesocietyinmanythingsconfinethelibertyhehadbythelawofNature。
130。Secondly，thepowerofpunishinghewhollygivesup，andengageshisnaturalforce，whichhemightbeforeemployintheexecutionofthelawofNature，byhisownsingleauthority，ashethoughtfit，toassisttheexecutivepowerofthesocietyasthelawthereofshallrequire。Forbeingnowinanewstate，whereinheistoenjoymanyconvenienciesfromthelabour，assistance，andsocietyofothersinthesamecommunity，aswellasprotectionfromitswholestrength，heistopartalsowithasmuchofhisnaturalliberty，inprovidingforhimself，asthegood，prosperity，andsafetyofthesocietyshallrequire，whichisnotonlynecessarybutjust，sincetheothermembersofthesocietydothelike。
131。Butthoughmenwhentheyenterintosocietygiveuptheequality，liberty，andexecutivepowertheyhadinthestateofNatureintothehandsofthesociety，tobesofardisposedofbythelegislativeasthegoodofthesocietyshallrequire，yetitbeingonlywithanintentionineveryonethebettertopreservehimself，hislibertyandproperty（fornorationalcreaturecanbesupposedtochangehisconditionwithanintentiontobeworse），thepowerofthesocietyorlegislativeconstitutedbythemcanneverbesupposedtoextendfartherthanthecommongood，butisobligedtosecureeveryone’spropertybyprovidingagainstthosethreedefectsabovementionedthatmadethestateofNaturesounsafeanduneasy。Andso，whoeverhasthelegislativeorsupremepowerofanycommonwealth，isboundtogovernbyestablishedstandinglaws，promulgatedandknowntothepeople，andnotbyextemporarydecrees，byindifferentanduprightjudges，whoaretodecidecontroversiesbythoselaws；andtoemploytheforceofthecommunityathomeonlyintheexecutionofsuchlaws，orabroadtopreventorredressforeigninjuriesandsecurethecommunityfrominroadsandinvasion。Andallthistobedirectedtonootherendbutthepeace，safety，andpublicgoodofthepeople。
ChapterX
OftheFormsofaCommonwealth132。THEmajorityhaving，ashasbeenshowed，uponmen’sfirstunitingintosociety，thewholepowerofthecommunitynaturallyinthem，mayemployallthatpowerinmakinglawsforthecommunityfromtimetotime，andexecutingthoselawsbyofficersoftheirownappointing，andthentheformofthegovernmentisaperfectdemocracy；orelsemayputthepowerofmakinglawsintothehandsofafewselectmen，andtheirheirsorsuccessors，andthenitisanoligarchy；orelseintothehandsofoneman，andthenitisamonarchy；iftohimandhisheirs，itisahereditarymonarchy；iftohimonlyforlife，butuponhisdeaththepoweronlyofnominatingasuccessor，toreturntothem，anelectivemonarchy。Andsoaccordinglyofthesemakecompoundedandmixedformsofgovernment，astheythinkgood。Andifthelegislativepowerbeatfirstgivenbythemajoritytooneormorepersonsonlyfortheirlives，oranylimitedtime，andthenthesupremepowertoreverttothemagain，whenitissorevertedthecommunitymaydisposeofitagainanewintowhathandstheyplease，andsoconstituteanewformofgovernment；fortheformofgovernmentdependingupontheplacingthesupremepower，whichisthelegislative，itbeingimpossibletoconceivethataninferiorpowershouldprescribetoasuperior，oranybutthesuprememakelaws，accordingasthepowerofmakinglawsisplaced，suchistheformofthecommonwealth。
133。By\"commonwealth\"Imustbeunderstoodallalongtomeannotademocracy，oranyformofgovernment，butanyindependentcommunitywhichtheLatinssignifiedbythewordcivitas，towhichthewordwhichbestanswersinourlanguageis\"commonwealth，\"andmostproperlyexpressessuchasocietyofmenwhich\"community\"doesnot（fortheremaybesubordinatecommunitiesinagovernment），and\"city\"
muchless。Andtherefore，toavoidambiguity，Icraveleavetousetheword\"commonwealth\"inthatsense，inwhichsenseIfindthewordusedbyKingJameshimself，whichIthinktobeitsgenuinesignification，which，ifanybodydislike，Iconsentwithhimtochangeitforabetter。
ChapterXI
OftheExtentoftheLegislativePower134。THEgreatendofmen’senteringintosocietybeingtheenjoymentoftheirpropertiesinpeaceandsafety，andthegreatinstrumentandmeansofthatbeingthelawsestablishedinthatsociety，thefirstandfundamentalpositivelawofallcommonwealthsistheestablishingofthelegislativepower，asthefirstandfundamentalnaturallawwhichistogoverneventhelegislative。
Itselfisthepreservationofthesocietyand（asfaraswillconsistwiththepublicgood）ofeverypersoninit。Thislegislativeisnotonlythesupremepowerofthecommonwealth，butsacredandunalterableinthehandswherethecommunityhaveonceplacedit。Norcananyedictofanybodyelse，inwhatformsoeverconceived，orbywhatpowersoeverbacked，havetheforceandobligationofalawwhichhasnotitssanctionfromthatlegislativewhichthepublichaschosenandappointed；forwithoutthisthelawcouldnothavethatwhichisabsolutelynecessarytoitsbeingalaw，theconsentofthesociety，overwhomnobodycanhaveapowertomakelaws*butbytheirownconsentandbyauthorityreceivedfromthem；andthereforealltheobedience，whichbythemostsolemntiesanyonecanbeobligedtopay，ultimatelyterminatesinthissupremepower，andisdirectedbythoselawswhichitenacts。Norcananyoathstoanyforeignpowerwhatsoever，oranydomesticsubordinatepower，dischargeanymemberofthesocietyfromhisobediencetothelegislative，actingpursuanttotheirtrust，norobligehimtoanyobediencecontrarytothelawssoenactedorfartherthantheydoallow，itbeingridiculoustoimagineonecanbetiedultimatelytoobeyanypowerinthesocietywhichisnotthesupreme。
*\"Thelawfulpowerofmakinglawstocommandwholepoliticsocietiesofmen，belongingsoproperlyuntothesameentiresocieties，thatforanyprinceorpotentate，ofwhatkindsoeveruponearth，toexercisethesameofhimself，andnotbyexpresscommissionimmediatelyandpersonallyreceivedfromGod，orelsebyauthorityderivedatthefirstfromtheirconsent，uponwhosepersonstheyimposelaws，itisnobetterthanmeretyranny。Lawstheyarenot，therefore，whichpublicapprobationhathnotmadeso。\"
Hooker，ibid。10。
\"Ofthispoint，therefore，wearetonotethatsuchmennaturallyhavenofullandperfectpowertocommandwholepoliticmultitudesofmen，thereforeutterlywithoutourconsentwecouldinsuchsortbeatnoman’scommandmentliving。Andtobecommanded，wedoconsentwhenthatsociety，whereofwebeapart，hathatanytimebeforeconsented，withoutrevokingthesameafterbythelikeuniversalagreement。
\"Lawsthereforehuman，ofwhatkindsoever，areavailablebyconsent。\"Hooker，Ibid。
135。Thoughthelegislative，whetherplacedinoneormore，whetheritbealwaysinbeingoronlybyintervals，thoughitbethesupremepowerineverycommonwealth，yet，first，itisnot，norcanpossiblybe，absolutelyarbitraryoverthelivesandfortunesofthepeople。Foritbeingbutthejointpowerofeverymemberofthesocietygivenuptothatpersonorassemblywhichislegislator，itcanbenomorethanthosepersonshadinastateofNaturebeforetheyenteredintosociety，andgaveituptothecommunity。Fornobodycantransfertoanothermorepowerthanhehasinhimself，andnobodyhasanabsolutearbitrarypoweroverhimself，oroveranyother，todestroyhisownlife，ortakeawaythelifeorpropertyofanother。Aman，ashasbeenproved，cannotsubjecthimselftothearbitrarypowerofanother；andhaving，inthestateofNature，noarbitrarypoweroverthelife，liberty，orpossessionofanother，butonlysomuchasthelawofNaturegavehimforthepreservationofhimselfandtherestofmankind，thisisallhedoth，orcangiveuptothecommonwealth，andbyittothelegislativepower，sothatthelegislativecanhavenomorethanthis。Theirpowerintheutmostboundsofitislimitedtothepublicgoodofthesociety。*Itisapowerthathathnootherendbutpreservation，andthereforecanneverhavearighttodestroy，enslave，ordesignedlytoimpoverishthesubjects；theobligationsofthelawofNatureceasenotinsociety，butonlyinmanycasesaredrawncloser，andhave，byhumanlaws，knownpenaltiesannexedtothemtoenforcetheirobservation。ThusthelawofNaturestandsasaneternalruletoallmen，legislatorsaswellasothers。Therulesthattheymakefor，othermen’sactionsmust，aswellastheirownandothermen’sactions，beconformabletothelawofNature-i。e。，tothewillofGod，ofwhichthatisadeclaration，andthefundamentallawofNaturebeingthepreservationofmankind，nohumansanctioncanbegoodorvalidagainstit。
*\"Twofoundationstherearewhichbearuppublicsocieties；theoneanaturalinclinationwherebyallmendesiresociablelifeandfellowship；theotheranorder，expresslyorsecretlyagreedupon，touchingthemanneroftheirunioninlivingtogether。Thelatteristhatwhichwecallthelawofacommonweal，theverysoulofapoliticbody，thepartswhereofarebylawanimated，heldtogether，andsetonworkinsuchactionsasthecommongoodrequireth。Lawspolitic，ordainedforexternalorderandregimenamongstmen，areneverframedastheyshouldbe，unlesspresumingthewillofmantobeinwardlyobstinate，rebellious，andaversefromallobediencetothesacredlawsofhisnature；inaword，unlesspresumingmantobeinregardofhisdepravedmindlittlebetterthanawildbeast，theydoaccordinglyprovidenotwithstanding，sotoframehisoutwardactions，thattheybenohindranceuntothecommongood，forwhichsocietiesareinstituted。Unlesstheydothistheyarenotperfect。\"
Hooker，Eccl。Pol。i。10。
136。Secondly，thelegislativeorsupremeauthoritycannotassumetoitselfapowertorulebyextemporaryarbitrarydecrees，butisboundtodispensejusticeanddecidetherightsofthesubjectbypromulgatedstandinglaws，*andknownauthorisedjudges。ForthelawofNaturebeingunwritten，andsonowheretobefoundbutinthemindsofmen，theywho，throughpassionorinterest，shallmisciteormisapplyit，cannotsoeasilybeconvincedoftheirmistakewherethereisnoestablishedjudge；andsoitservesnotasitaught，todeterminetherightsandfencethepropertiesofthosethatliveunderit，especiallywhereeveryoneisjudge，interpreter，andexecutionerofittoo，andthatinhisowncase；andhethathasrightonhisside，havingordinarilybuthisownsinglestrength，hathnotforceenoughtodefendhimselffrominjuriesorpunishdelinquents。Toavoidtheseinconveniencieswhichdisordermen’spropertiesinthestateofNature，menuniteintosocietiesthattheymayhavetheunitedstrengthofthewholesocietytosecureanddefendtheirproperties，andmayhavestandingrulestobounditbywhicheveryonemayknowwhatishis。Tothisenditisthatmengiveupalltheirnaturalpowertothesocietytheyenterinto，andthecommunityputthelegislativepowerintosuchhandsastheythinkfit，withthistrust，thattheyshallbegovernedbydeclaredlaws，orelsetheirpeace，quiet，andpropertywillstillbeatthesameuncertaintyasitwasinthestateofNature。
*\"Humanlawsaremeasuresinrespectofmenwhoseactionstheymustdirect，howbeitsuchmeasurestheyareashavealsotheirhigherrulestobemeasuredby，whichrulesaretwo-thelawofGodandthelawofNature；sothatlawshumanmustbemadeaccordingtothegenerallawsofNature，andwithoutcontradictiontoanypositivelawofScripture，otherwisetheyareillmade。\"Hooker，Eccl。Pol。iii。9。
\"Toconstrainmentoanythinginconvenientdothseemunreasonable。\"Ibid。i。10。
137。Absolutearbitrarypower，orgoverningwithoutsettledstandinglaws，canneitherofthemconsistwiththeendsofsocietyandgovernment，whichmenwouldnotquitthefreedomofthestateofNaturefor，andtiethemselvesupunder，wereitnottopreservetheirlives，liberties，andfortunes，andbystatedrulesofrightandpropertytosecuretheirpeaceandquiet。Itcannotbesupposedthattheyshouldintend，hadtheyapowersotodo，togiveanyoneormoreanabsolutearbitrarypowerovertheirpersonsandestates，andputaforceintothemagistrate’shandtoexecutehisunlimitedwillarbitrarilyuponthem；thisweretoputthemselvesintoaworseconditionthanthestateofNature，whereintheyhadalibertytodefendtheirrightagainsttheinjuriesofothers，andwereuponequaltermsofforcetomaintainit，whetherinvadedbyasinglemanormanyincombination。Whereasbysupposingtheyhavegivenupthemselvestotheabsolutearbitrarypowerandwillofalegislator，theyhavedisarmedthemselves，andarmedhimtomakeapreyofthemwhenhepleases；hebeinginamuchworseconditionthatisexposedtothearbitrarypowerofonemanwhohasthecommandofahundredthousandthanhethatisexposedtothearbitrarypowerofahundredthousandsinglemen，nobodybeingsecure，thathiswillwhohassuchacommandisbetterthanthatofothermen，thoughhisforcebeahundredthousandtimesstronger。And，therefore，whateverformthecommonwealthisunder，therulingpoweroughttogovernbydeclaredandreceivedlaws，andnotbyextemporarydictatesandundeterminedresolutions，forthenmankindwillbeinafarworseconditionthaninthestateofNatureiftheyshallhavearmedoneorafewmenwiththejointpowerofamultitude，toforcethemtoobeyatpleasuretheexorbitantandunlimiteddecreesoftheirsuddenthoughts，orunrestrained，andtillthatmoment，unknownwills，withouthavinganymeasuressetdownwhichmayguideandjustifytheiractions。Forallthepowerthegovernmenthas，beingonlyforthegoodofthesociety，asitoughtnottobearbitraryandatpleasure，soitoughttobeexercisedbyestablishedandpromulgatedlaws，thatboththepeoplemayknowtheirduty，andbesafeandsecurewithinthelimitsofthelaw，andtherulers，too，keptwithintheirduebounds，andnotbetemptedbythepowertheyhaveintheirhandstoemployittopurposes，andbysuchmeasuresastheywouldnothaveknown，andownnotwillingly。
138。Thirdly，thesupremepowercannottakefromanymananypartofhispropertywithouthisownconsent。Forthepreservationofpropertybeingtheendofgovernment，andthatforwhichmenenterintosociety，itnecessarilysupposesandrequiresthatthepeopleshouldhaveproperty，withoutwhichtheymustbesupposedtolosethatbyenteringintosocietywhichwastheendforwhichtheyenteredintoit；toogrossanabsurdityforanymantoown。Men，therefore，insocietyhavingproperty，theyhavesucharighttothegoods，whichbythelawofthecommunityaretheirs，thatnobodyhatharighttotakethem，oranypartofthem，fromthemwithouttheirownconsent；
withoutthistheyhavenopropertyatall。ForIhavetrulynopropertyinthatwhichanothercanbyrighttakefrommewhenhepleasesagainstmyconsent。Henceitisamistaketothinkthatthesupremeorlegislativepowerofanycommonwealthcandowhatitwill，anddisposeoftheestatesofthesubjectarbitrarily，ortakeanypartofthematpleasure。Thisisnotmuchtobefearedingovernmentswherethelegislativeconsistswhollyorinpartinassemblieswhicharevariable，whosemembersuponthedissolutionoftheassemblyaresubjectsunderthecommonlawsoftheircountry，equallywiththerest。Butingovernmentswherethelegislativeisinonelastingassembly，alwaysinbeing，orinonemanasinabsolutemonarchies，thereisdangerstill，thattheywillthinkthemselvestohaveadistinctinterestfromtherestofthecommunity，andsowillbeapttoincreasetheirownrichesandpowerbytakingwhattheythinkfitfromthepeople。Foraman’spropertyisnotatallsecure，thoughtherebegoodandequitablelawstosettheboundsofitbetweenhimandhisfellow-subjects，ifhewhocommandsthosesubjectshavepowertotakefromanyprivatemanwhatparthepleasesofhisproperty，anduseanddisposeofitashethinksgood。
139。Butgovernment，intowhosesoeverhandsitisput，beingasI
havebeforeshown，entrustedwiththiscondition，andforthisend，thatmenmighthaveandsecuretheirproperties，theprinceorsenate，howeveritmayhavepowertomakelawsfortheregulatingofpropertybetweenthesubjectsoneamongstanother，yetcanneverhaveapowertotaketothemselvesthewhole，oranypartofthesubjects’property，withouttheirownconsent；forthiswouldbeineffecttoleavethemnopropertyatall。Andtoletusseethatevenabsolutepower，whereitisnecessary，isnotarbitrarybybeingabsolute，butisstilllimitedbythatreasonandconfinedtothoseendswhichrequireditinsomecasestobeabsolute，weneedlooknofartherthanthecommonpracticeofmartialdiscipline。Forthepreservationofthearmy，andinitofthewholecommonwealth，requiresanabsoluteobediencetothecommandofeverysuperiorofficer，anditisjustlydeathtodisobeyordisputethemostdangerousorunreasonableofthem；butyetweseethatneitherthesergeantthatcouldcommandasoldiertomarchuptothemouthofacannon，orstandinabreachwhereheisalmostsuretoperish，cancommandthatsoldiertogivehimonepennyofhismoney；northegeneralthatcancondemnhimtodeathfordesertinghispost，ornotobeyingthemostdesperateorders，cannotyetwithallhisabsolutepoweroflifeanddeathdisposeofonefarthingofthatsoldier’sestate，orseizeonejotofhisgoods；whomyethecancommandanything，andhangfortheleastdisobedience。Becausesuchablindobedienceisnecessarytothatendforwhichthecommanderhashispower-viz。，thepreservationoftherest，butthedisposingofhisgoodshasnothingtodowithit。
140。Itistruegovernmentscannotbesupportedwithoutgreatcharge，anditisfiteveryonewhoenjoyshisshareoftheprotectionshouldpayoutofhisestatehisproportionforthemaintenanceofit。