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some other things, which seem to bear relation to it; as Counsel, which requires reasons to produce an obligation, &c.
“But Law,” (says he,) “though it ought not to want its reasons, yet these reasons are not the cause why obedience is paid to it, but the power of the Exactor; who, when he has signified his pleasure lays an obligation on the Subjects to act in conformity to his decree, though perhaps they do not so well apprehend the reasons of the injunction,” &c. and, after citing a similar passage from Mr. Hobbs, he adds, “For
the unequal Representation of the People, the want of frequent elections, and other defects in the constitution, &c.) may hereafter be led to yield their consent to it; but, even if ever that should be the case, I shall still entertain hopes, from the general disposition of our British Troops, (notwithstanding the alarming effects of standing Armies in all other Nations,) that they will never become so detestably base and degenerate as to permit their country to groan under any such iniquitous Oppressions as are practised in France! Nevertheless, should they also become such slavish Tools of Despotism, as to assist in enforcing any such unconstitutional measures, let them know, for a certainty, that, as soon as the national spirit of Freedom (of which they at present participate) is, by their means, unhappily suppressed, even they themselves must necessarily degenerate with their countrymen, and will be no more able to stand before their enemies, than the other wretched troops whom they have so often driven before them!
