For every one in that state being
both judge and executioner of the law of Nature, men being partial
to themselves, passion and revenge is very apt to carry them too
far, and with too much heat in their own cases, as well as
negligence and unconcernedness, make them too remiss in other men's.
126. Thirdly, in the state of Nature there often wants power to back
and support the sentence when right, and to give it due execution.
They who by any injustice offended will seldom fail where they are
able by force to make good their injustice. Such resistance many times
makes the punishment dangerous, and frequently destructive to those
who attempt it.
127. Thus mankind, notwithstanding all the privileges of the state
of Nature, being but in an ill condition while they remain in it are
quickly driven into society. Hence it comes to pass, that we seldom
find any number of men live any time together in this state. The
inconveniencies that they are therein exposed to by the irregular
and uncertain exercise of the power every man has of punishing the
transgressions of others, make them take sanctuary under the
established laws of government, and therein seek the preservation of
their property.
Pages:
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125