Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/374

 S50 SKETCHES OF THE

there being no government antecedent, we went neces- sarily into a state of nature. To prove this, I need only refer to the declaration of independence, pro- nounced on the fourth day of July 1776, and our state constitution/^ (Here Mr. Henry read part of the con- stitution.) ^^ It recites many instances of misnile by the king of England — it asserts the right and expediency of dissolving the British government, and going into a state of nature; or, in other words, to estabhsh a new government. The right of dissolving it, and forming a new system, had preceded the fourth day of July 1 776. A recapitulation of the events of the tyrannical acts of government, would demonstrate a right to dissolve it. But I may go farther, and even say, that the act of parliament which declared us out of the king's protec- tion, dissolved it. - For what is government.'^ It is an express or implied compact between the rulers and ruled, stipulating reciprocal protection and obedience. That protection was withdrawn, solemnly withdrawn from us. Of consequence, obedience ceased to be due. Our municipal rights were taken away by one blow. Municipal obligations and government, were also taken away by the same blow. Well then, there being no antecedent government, we returned into a state of na- ture. Unless we did so, our new compact of govern- ment could only be an usurpation. In a state of nature there is no legal lien on the person or property of any one. If you are not clear of every antecedent engage- ment, what is the legality or strength of the present constitution of government.^ If any antecedent en- gagements are to bind, how far are they to reach .'^ You had no right to form a new government, if the old sys- tem existed; and if it did not exist, you were necessa- rily and inevitably in a state of nature. In my humble

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