The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 06 (of 11)
Thomas Hobbes · en
_B._ I think it a very good course, and perhaps the only one that can
make our peace amongst ourselves constant. For if men know not their
duty, what is there that can force them to obey the laws? An army, you
will say. But what shall force the army? Were not the trained bands an
army? Were they not the janissaries, that not very long ago slew Osman
in his own palace at Constantinople? I am therefore of your opinion,
both that men may be brought to a love of obedience by preachers and
gentlemen that imbibe good principles in their youth at the
Universities, and also that we never shall have a lasting peace, till
the Universities themselves be in such manner, as you have said,
reformed; and the ministers know they have no authority but what the
supreme civil power gives them; and the nobility and gentry know that
the liberty of a state is not an exemption from the laws of their own
country, whether made by an assembly or by a monarch, but an exemption
from the constraint and insolence of their neighbours.
And now I am satisfied in this point, I will bring you back to the place
from whence my curiosity drew you to this long digression. We were upon
the point of ship-money; one of those grievances which the Parliament
exclaimed against as tyrannical and arbitrary government; thereby to
single out, as you called it, the King from his subjects, and to make a
party against him, when they should need it. And now you may proceed, if
it please you, to such other artifices as they used to the same purpose.
_A._ I think it were better to give over here our discourse of this
business, and refer it to some other day that you shall think fit.
_B._ Content. That day I believe is not far off.
PART II.
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_A._ You are welcome; yet, if you had staid somewhat longer, my memory
would have been so much the better provided for you.
_B._ Nay, I pray you give me now what you have about you; for the rest I
am content you take what time you please.