Now, absolute monarchy,
or the arbitrary rule of a sovereign over an the citizens, in a city
which consists of equals, is thought by some to be quite contrary to
nature; it is argued that those who are by nature equals must have the
same natural right and worth, and that for unequals to have an equal
share, or for equals to have an uneven share, in the offices of state,
is as bad as for different bodily constitutions to have the same
food and clothing. Wherefore it is thought to be just that among
equals every one be ruled as well as rule, and therefore that an
should have their turn. We thus arrive at law; for an order of
succession implies law. And the rule of the law, it is argued, is
preferable to that of any individual. On the same principle, even if
it be better for certain individuals to govern, they should be made
only guardians and ministers of the law. For magistrates there must
be- this is admitted; but then men say that to give authority to any
one man when all are equal is unjust. Nay, there may indeed be cases
which the law seems unable to determine, but in such cases can a
man? Nay, it will be replied, the law trains officers for this express
purpose, and appoints them to determine matters which are left
undecided by it, to the best of their judgment. Further, it permits
them to make any amendment of the existing laws which experience
suggests.
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