Page:Thoughts on civil liberty, on licentiousness and faction.djvu/122



HESE which follow, are perhaps some of the clearest Characteristics of the Spirit of Liberty: By which the Friends of public Freedom, though dissentient from any Measure of Government, will be evidently distinguished.—Each of these Marks may seem decisive, even when separately viewed: But to do Justice to this Argument, it will be necessary to consider and weigh them in Union; because as they in Part depend on each other, they will illustrate each other, and at once receive and give additional Confirmation.

1. "The Friend of Liberty will endeavour to preserve that just Balance of divided Power, established by Law, for the Security of Freedom."—Because the public Welfare is the leading Object of his Wishes; and can only be effectually