Page:A discourse upon the origin and foundation of the inequality among mankind (IA discourseuponori00rous).pdf/227

Inequality between the Members, at the time they firſt coaleſced into a political Body. Where a Man happened to be eminent for Power, for Virtue, for Riches, or for Credit, he became ſole Magiſtrate, and the State aſſumed a monarchical Form; if many of pretty equal Eminence out-topt all the reſt, they were jointly elected, and this Election produced an Ariſtocracy; thoſe, between whoſe Fortune or Talents there happened to be no ſuch Diſproportion, and who had deviated leſs from the State of Nature, retained in common the ſupreme Adminiſtration, and formed a Democracy. Time demonſtrated which of theſe Forms ſuited Mankind beſt. Some remained altogether ſubject to the Laws; others ſoon bowed their Necks to Maſters. The former laboured to preſerve their Liberty; the latter thought of nothing but invading that of their Neighbours, jeal-