The only reason of the institution of civil government; and the only rational ground of submission to it, is the common safety and utility.

I now add, farther, that the apostle's argument is so far from proving it to be the duty of people to obey, and submit to, such rulers as act in contradiction to the public good, and so to the design of their office, that it proves the direct contrary.

Common tyrants, and public oppressors, are not intitled to obedience from their subjects, by virtue of any thing here laid down by the inspired apostle.

Let us prize our freedom; but not use our liberty for a cloak of maliciousness.