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Chap. IX.: Of the Ends of Political Society and Government. - Josiah Tucker, A Treatise Concerning Civil Government in Three Parts [1781]

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A Treatise Concerning Civil Government in Three Parts (London: T. Cadell, 1781).

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Chap. IX.

Of the Ends of Political Society and Government.

“§ 123. If Man in a State of Nature be so free, as hath been said: If he be absolute Lord of his own Person and Possessions, equal to the greatest, and subject to no Body, why will he part with his Freedom, why will he give up this Empire, and subject himself to the Dominion and Controul of any other Power? To which it is obvious to answer, that tho’ in the State of Nature be hath such a Right, yet the Enjoyment of it is very uncertain, and constantly exposed to the Invasion of others. For all being Kings as much as he, every Man his equal, and the greater Part no strict Observers of Equity and Justice, the Enjoyment of the Property he has in this State is very unsase, very insecure. ☞ This makes him willing to quit his Condition; which however free, is full of Fears, and continual Dangers.

“§ 127. Thus Mankind, notwithstanding all the Privileges of the State of Nature, being but in an ill Condition, while they remain in it, are quickly driven into Society.