§. 209. But if either these illegal acts have extended to the majority of the
people, or if the mischief and oppression has light only on some few, but in
such cases as the precedent and consequences seem to threaten all, and they are
persuaded in their consciences that their laws, and with them, their estates,
liberties, and lives are in danger, and perhaps their religion too, how they
will be hindered from resisting illegal force used against them I cannot tell.
This is an inconvenience, I confess, that attends all governments whatsoever,
when the governors have brought it to this pass, to be generally suspected of
their people, the most dangerous state they can possibly put themselves in;
wherein they are the less to be pitied, because it is so easy to be avoided. It
being as impossible for a governor, if he really means the good of his people,
and the preservation of them and their laws together, not to make them see and
feel it, as it is for the father of a family not to let his children see he
loves and takes care of them.
