the pleasing hope that the number of those wise conductors of nations will one day be multiplied; and in the interim let us, each in his own sphere, exert our best efforts to accelerate the happy period. It is principally with a view of rendering my work palatable to those by whom it is of the most importance that it should be read and relished, that I have sometimes joined examples to the maxims I advance: and in that idea I have been confirmed by the approbation of one of those ministers who are the enlightened friends of the human race, and who alone ought to be admitted into the councils of kings. But I have been sparing in the use of such embellishments. Without ever aiming at a vain parade of erudition, I only sought to afford an occasional relaxation to the reader's mind, or to render the doctrine more impressive by an example, and sometimes to show that the practice of nations is conformable to the principles laid down: and, whenever I found a convenient opportunity, I have, above all things, endeavoured to inspire a love of virtue, by showing, from some striking passage of history, how amiable it is, how worthy of our homage in some truly great men, and even productive of solid advantage. I have quoted the chief part of my examples from modern history, as well because these are more interesting, as to avoid a repetition of those which have been already accumulated by Grotius, Puffendorf, and their commentators. As to the rest, I have, both in these examples and in my reasonings, studiously endeavoured to avoid giving offence; it being my intention religiously to observe the respect due to nations and sovereign powers: but I have made it a still more sacred rule to respect the truth, and the interests of the human race. If among the base flatterers of despotic power, my principles meet with opponents, I shall have on my side the virtuous man, the friend of the laws, the man of probity, and the true citizen. I should prefer the alternative of total silence, were I not at liberty in my writings to obey the dictates of my conscience. But my pen lies under no restraint, and I am incapable of prostituting it to flattery. I was born in a country of which liberty is the soul, the treasure, and the fundamental law; and my birth qualifies me to be the friend of all nations. These favourable circumstances have encouraged me in the attempt to render myself useful to mankind by this work. I felt conscious of my deficiency in knowledge and abilities: I saw that I was undertaking an arduous task; but I shall rest satisfied if that class of readers whose opinions are entitled to respect, discover in my labours the traces of the honest man and the good citizen. CONTENTS. PRELIMINARIES. Idea and General Principles of the Law of Nations. 4 In what light nations or states are to be considered 5 To what laws nations are subject 9 Nations can make no change in it, nor dispense with the obligations 10 Society established by nature between all mankind 12 The object of this society of nations. 13 General obligation imposed by it 14 Explanation of this observation 15 The second general law is the liberty and independence of nations 17 Distinctions between internal and external, perfect and imperfect obli- ib. 9 Two states subject to the same prince 10 States forming a federal republic 18 A nation has a right to every thing necessary for her preservation 19 She ought to avoid every thing that might occasion her destruction 21 A nation ought to perfect herself and her condition and to avoid every thing contrary to her perfection CHAP. III. Of the Constitution of a State, and the Duties and Rights of a Nation in that respect. 27 What is the constitution of a state 28 The nation ought to choose the best constitution 29 Political, fundamental, and civil laws 30 Support of the constitution, and obedience to the laws 31 Right of a nation with respect to her constitution and government 34 Of the legislative power, and whether it can alter the constitution 35 The nation ought not to attempt it without great caution 36 She is the judge of all disputes relative to the government 39 He is solely established for the safety and advantage of society 40 His representative character 41 He is intrusted with the obligations of the nation, and invested with 42 His duty with respect to the preservation and perfection of the nation 57 Whether elective kings be real sovereigns 58 Successive and hereditary states:-origin of the right of succession |