y 
2792. state of nature. "tot 
“Gng and purport of what we think ourselves. Thus, if 
happen, by an unusual and awkward combination of words 
-and phrases, to exprefs my meaning and sentiments upon a 
subject to a third person, provided I am really understood, 
‘and my sentiments are admitted, I do not see upon what 
other ground, than ‘that of grammar or syntax, a dispute 
ean be instituted. And in the subject under our present 
consideration, if any other term had been used to exprefs 
the natural rights of man, or the state of nature, the whole 
animosity of the adverse disputants would have subsided, 
under the conviction that neither differed in opinion sub- 
stantially from the other. I have read over most of the late 
publications upon the subject, and I do not find one of any 
note or consequence, that does not in fact and substance 
admit this state of nature, to which they annex or attri- 
bute these indefeasible rights of man, to be a mere imagina- 
ry state of speculation. Much ill blood would have been 
avoided, much labour and pain have been spared, and 
many lives have been preserved, if any other than the 
epithet natural had been applied to these rights and this 
state. 
The bulk of mankind are little able, and lefs habituated, 
to analise the import and tendency of words and phrases ; 
and few amongst them will separate the idea, which they 
conceive the word zatural conveys, from the state of their 
physical existence. They will plainly argue, that such 
as God hath made them, such they are; nor do they think 
of, nor demand any other rights, than such as God hath 
given them, for the purpose for which in his | goodnefs he 
“created them. The practical doctrine from such argu- 
ment will be what I before quoted from Mr Locke: ‘ God 
having made man such a creature, that, in his own judge- 
ment, it was not good for him to-be alone, put him under 
strong obligations of necefsity, convenience, and inclina- 
4ion; to drive him into society, as well as fitted him witk 
