158 



Of the condition of Mankind in the civilized State. 



The civilized state is that in which different famihes are 

 associated for the protection of their natural rights, namely, 

 life, liberty, property, and safety, together with such advan- 

 tages, as may be gained by the united power of the societ}'. 



It originated on the cessation of the general patriarchal 

 government, Avhen the different families of mankind were no 

 longer subject to a common parent. But the first attempt 

 to obtain this protection was grossly defective. The whole 

 power of the association was confided to a single person^ 

 probably from the constantlj"^ recurring necessity of defence 

 against foreign foes, or from the lust of conquest. The will 

 of the prince gradually became the governing principle by 

 which the public force was in every instance directed, and 

 the rule by which his subjects were obliged to regulate their 

 actions, or in other words, the law. Subjects were indeed 

 often protected against external hostile aggressions, but in no 

 case were their natural rights sufhciently secured against the 

 despot himself; hence 1 termed these governments barbarian. 

 In process of time, however, several of tliese received gra- 

 dual 



