BOOK III PART II
like obligations of interest, each of them must
have a peculiar authority, independent of the
other.
But it is not only the natural obligations of
interest, which are distinct in promises and al-
legiance; but also the moral obligations of hon-
our and conscience: Nor does the merit or de-
merit of the one depend in the least upon that
of the other. And indeed, if we consider the
close connexion there is betwixt the natural and
moral obligations, we shall find this conclu-
sion to be entirely unavoidable. Our interest
is always engaged on the side of obedience to
magistracy; and there is nothing but a great
present advantage, that can lead us to rebel-
lion, by making us over-look the remote inter-
est, which we have in the preserving of peace
and order in society. But though a present in-