Thoughts on civil liberty, on licentiousness, and faction/Section 15

 

SECT.XV.

 

Of the Characteristic Marks of Liberty.

 

THESE which follow, are perhaps some of the clearest Characteristics of the Spirit of Liberty: By which the Friends of public Freedom, though dissentient from any Measure of Government, will be evidently distinguished.—Each of these Marks may seem decisive, even when separately viewed: But to do Justice to this Argument, it will be necessary to consider and weigh them in Union; because as they in Part depend on each other, they will illustrate each other, and at once receive and give additional Confirmation.

1. "The Friend of Liberty will endeavour to preserve that just Balance of divided Power, established by Law, for the Security of Freedom."—Because the public Welfare is the leading Object of his Wishes; and can only be effectually obtained by the Preservation of such a Balance.

This will be the general Aim and End of the true Friend of Liberty: This End will be prosecuted by suitable Means; and its Reality will be confirmed and illustrated by these which follow.

2. "He will be attached to Measures, without respecting Men."—Because the Passions and Interests of Individuals ought to yield to the public Weal.

3. "He will be generally self-consistent, both in Speech and Action."—Because, the public Welfare being the uniform Object of his Pursuits, This can only be steadily and effectually promoted, on clear and uniform Principles.

4. "He will not attempt to inflame an ignorant Populace against their legal Governors."—Because an ignorant Populace are, in all Cases, unqualify'd to decide on the Measures of Government.

5. "His Debates, either in the Senate, or from the Press, will be void of undistinguishing and injurious Imputations on any whole Bodies of Men, who may differ from him in Opinion."—Because, Truth and the public Welfare being his desired End, he will clearly see, that others have the same Right of approving, as Himself hath of disapproving, the Measures of Government.

6. "He will not industriously and indiscriminately defame the private Characters of the Individuals who differ from him in Opinion."—Because Calumny thrown on Individuals is a still more aggravated Crime, than That which is promiscuously aimed at Bodies of Men.