BOOK III PART II
unknown to the laws of nature. Men, there-
fore, are bound to obey their magistrates, only
because they promise it; and if they had not
given their word, either expressly or tacitly, to
preserve allegiance, it would never have be-
come a part of their moral duty. This conclu-
sion, however, when carried so far as to com-
prehend government in all its ages and situ-
ations, is entirely erroneous; and I maintain,
that though the duty of allegiance be at first
grafted on the obligation of promises, and be
for some time supported by that obligation, yet
it quickly takes root of itself, and has an origi-
nal obligation and authority, independent of all
contracts. This is a principle of moment, which
we must examine with care and attention, be-
fore we proceed any farther.
It is reasonable for those philosophers, who