The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 03 (of 11)
Thomas Hobbes · en
Lastly, considering what value men are naturally apt to set upon
themselves; what respect they look for from others; and how little they
value other men; from whence continually arise amongst them, emulation,
quarrels, factions, and at last war, to the destroying of one another,
and diminution of their strength against a common enemy; it is necessary
that there be laws of honour, and a public rate of the worth of such men
as have deserved, or are able to deserve well of the commonwealth; and
that there be force in the hands of some or other, to put those laws in
execution. But it hath already been shown, that not only the whole
_militia_, or forces of the commonwealth; but also the judicature of all
controversies, is annexed to the sovereignty. To the sovereign therefore
it belongeth also to give titles of honour; and to appoint what order of
place, and dignity, each man shall hold; and what signs of respect, in
public or private meetings, they shall give to one another.
[Sidenote: These rights are indivisible.]
These are the rights, which make the essence of sovereignty; and which
are the marks, whereby a man may discern in what man, or assembly of
men, the sovereign power is placed, and resideth. For these are
incommunicable, and inseparable. The power to coin money; to dispose of
the estate and persons of infant heirs; to have præemption in markets;
and all other statute prerogatives, may be transferred by the sovereign;
and yet the power to protect his subjects be retained. But if he
transfer the _militia_, he retains the judicature in vain, for want of
execution of the laws: or if he grant away the power of raising money;
the _militia_ is in vain; or if he give away the government of
doctrines, men will be frighted into rebellion with the fear of spirits.
And so if we consider any one of the said rights, we shall presently
see, that the holding of all the rest will produce no effect, in the
conservation of peace and justice, the end for which all commonwealths
are instituted. And this division is it, whereof it is said, _a kingdom
divided in itself cannot stand_: for unless this division precede,
division into opposite armies can never happen. If there had not first
been an opinion received of the greatest part of England, that these
powers were divided between the King, and the Lords, and the House of
Commons, the people had never been divided and fallen into this civil
war; first between those that disagreed in politics; and after between
the dissenters about the liberty of religion; which have so instructed
men in this point of sovereign right, that there be few now in England
that do not see, that these rights are inseparable, and will be so
generally acknowledged at the next return of peace; and so continue,
till their miseries are forgotten; and no longer, except the vulgar be
better taught than they have hitherto been.
[Sidenote: And can by no grant pass away without direct renouncing of
the sovereign power.]