§. 14. It is often asked as a mighty objection, where are, or ever were, there
any men in such a state of Nature? To which it may suffice as an answer at
present, that since all princes and rulers of "independent"
governments all through the world are in a state of Nature, it is plain the
world never was, nor never will be, without numbers of men in that state. I
have named all governors of "independent" communities, whether they
are, or are not, in league with others; for it is not every compact that puts
an end to the state of Nature between men, but only this one of agreeing
together mutually to enter into one community, and make one body politic; other
promises and compacts men may make one with another, and yet still be in the
state of Nature. The promises and bargains for truck, etc., between the two men
in Soldania, in or between a Swiss and an Indian, in the woods of America, are
binding to them, though they are perfectly in a state of Nature in reference to
one another for truth, and keeping of faith belongs to men as men, and not as
members of society.
