§. 93. In absolute monarchies, indeed, as well as other governments of the
world, the subjects have an appeal to the law, and judges to decide any
controversies, and restrain any violence that may happen betwixt the subjects
themselves, one amongst another. This every one thinks necessary, and believes;
he deserves to be thought a declared enemy to society and mankind who should go
about to take it away. But whether this be from a true love of mankind and
society, and such a charity as we owe all one to another, there is reason to
doubt. For this is no more than what every man, who loves his own power,
profit, or greatness, may, and naturally must do, keep those animals from
hurting or destroying one another who labour and drudge only for his pleasure
and advantage; and so are taken care of, not out of any love the master has for
them, but love of himself, and the profit they bring him. For if it be asked
what security, what fence is there in such a state against the violence and
oppression of this absolute ruler, the very question can scarce be borne. They
are ready to tell you that it deserves death only to ask after safety. Betwixt
subject and subject, they will grant, there must be measures, laws, and judges
for their mutual peace and security. But as for the ruler, he ought to be
absolute, and is above all such circumstances; because he has a power to do
more hurt and wrong, it is right when he does it. To ask how you may be guarded
from or injury on that side, where the strongest hand is to do it, is presently
the voice of faction and rebellion. As if when men, quitting the state of
Nature, entered into society, they agreed that all of them but one should be
under the restraint of laws; but that he should still retain all the liberty of
the state of Nature, increased with power, and made licentious by impunity.
This is to think that men are so foolish that they take care to avoid what
mischiefs may be done them by polecats or foxes, but are content, nay, think it
safety, to be devoured by lions.
