BOOK III PART II
the doctrine of resistance. The common rule
requires submission; and it is only in cases of
grievous tyranny and oppression, that the ex-
ception can take place.
Since then such a blind submission is com-
monly due to magistracy, the next question is,
to whom it is due, and whom we are to regard
as our lawful magistrates? In order to answer
this question, let us recollect what we have al-
ready established concerning the origin of gov-
ernment and political society. When men have
once experienced the impossibility of preserv-
ing any steady order in society, while every one
is his own master, and violates or observes the
laws of society, according to his present interest
or pleasure, they naturally run into the inven-
tion of government, and put it out of their own
power, as far as possible, to transgress the laws