PREFACE. AM not ignorant, that to I trace a natural Form of political Government among Men, and to deduce it from the Nature of Mankind in general, has been the Endeavour of the greatest Geniuses fince the middle of the last Century. 'Tis probably my own Fault; but, fo far from agreeing with them on this important Head, it is with the greatest Difficulty that I can enter into their Reafonings. No lefs have I been furprized at what is faid of it in the Spirit of Laws, and particularly, when 1 its illuftrious Author pretends to prove, that the active Principle and main Spring in Republicks is Virtue; in Monarchies, Honour; and Force un der defpotic Governments. From this I must diffent: But who am I, to enter the Lifts with fuch refpectable Authors, and to object Thoughts, which cannot appear new any farther than by the Connection and Arrangement which I have given them? This is what I am confcious of, but it is the very Thing that encourages me to advance them, in Gratitude to the Source from which they are derived, or in Honour of the Freedom of Mankind, or in Support of the Right of Men of Letters. IT is not for my Purpose to combat Mr. De Montefquiou's Reafonings; that would carry me too far. I fhall likewife forbear analyzing the three Forms of Political Government, in or der to prove that Virtue and Force have a Share in each: For, as to the Point of Honour fo much talked of, I do not know what it is, whether a Vice or a Virtue. All I shall do, is, to offer to the World my own Thoughts on the Nature of that Government, which is the beft adapted to the Well-being of Society, without entering into any Dif pute, or expecting any Quarter for the Miftakes which may have escaped me, as is too frequently the Gafe with all Mankind. |