Thoughts on civil liberty, on licentiousness, and faction/Section 1
THOUGHTS
ON
CIVIL LIBERTY, &c.
SECTION I.
TheDesign.
THERE are two Causes, essentially distinct, though often interwoven, by which a free State may perish. These are, external and internal Violence: Invasions from Abroad, or Dissentions at Home: The Rage of foreign War, or domestic Faction.
After a dangerous and exhausting War, Victory hath at length restored Peace to our bleeding Country. But in vain the Sword of War is sheathed, if in Time of Peace the Poignard of Licentiousness and Faction is drawn, and madly level'd by many of our Countrymen, at the Breads of their Fellow-Subjects.
To prevent the fatal Consequences of this deluded or deluding Spirit, is the Purpose of this Essay: In which the Writer will endeavour to trace the present State of Things to its general Foundations: By pointing out the real Basis and genuine Characteristics of true Liberty; by unmasquing the Pretences, and laying open the secret Sources and distinctive Marks of Licentiousness and Faction.
As the political Principles here laid down and inforced, will be found strictly connected with Religion and Morals; no Apology will be made for endeavouring to establish the public Happiness of Mankind on the solid Basis of Virtue, which is the End of Religion itself.—In this Point the Writer confirms himself on the Authority of an excellent and learned Prelate, whose political Researches were of like Tendency.
"As the Sum of human Happiness is supposed to consist in the Goods of Mind, Body, and Fortune, I would fain make my Studies of some Use to Mankind, with Regard to each of these three Particulars; and hope it will not be thought faulty or indecent in any Man, of what Profession soever, to offer his Mite towards improving the Manners (I will add, the Religion) Health, and Prosperity of his Fellow-Creatures[1]"
- ↑ Dr. Berkley's Misc, p. 118.