Page:Thoughts on civil liberty, on licentiousness and faction.djvu/120

 cannot be so easily detected: For as it implies a moral Depravity, it will naturally attempt to veil itself; and to this End, will assume the Garb and Appearance of Freedom.

The favourite Subject of its Clamours will be the Misconduct of Those who govern. And in a Country where Liberty is justly ranked among the greatest national Blessings, the most plausible Pretence of Faction will be, "to load the executive Power with the Charge of Despotism."

In every free State there will frequently occur certain Subjects and Measures, "of doubtful Expediency." These, in the wide Field of political Contention, may justly be stiled "the debateable Grounds." On these doubtful Points, even the Friends of Liberty may sometimes differ: Therefore the Patrons of Faction will naturally lay hold on these, as the most successful and effectual Means of State Distraction: Because Thus they may hope to mingle