BOOK III PART II
part we will ever continue in obedience.
I repeat it: This conclusion is just, though
the principles be erroneous; and I flatter my-
self, that I can establish the same conclusion
on more reasonable principles. I shall not
take such a compass, in establishing our po-
litical duties, as to assert, that men perceive
the advantages of government; that they insti-
tute government with a view to those advan-
tages; that this institution requires a promise
of obedience; which imposes a moral obliga-
tion to a certain degree, but being conditional,
ceases to be binding, whenever the other con-
tracting party performs not his part of the en-
gagement. I perceive, that a promise itself
arises entirely from human conventions, and
is invented with a view to a certain interest. I
seek, therefore, some such interest more imme-