cams_benton_b028_f012_002_010

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10.

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Consider this matter as drawn from,

II The Nature & Origin of Governments.

I have said that civil
government is an ordinance of God; yet govern-
-ments are also instituted by men. Their forms may
change; but the fact, never. The Almighty has
set forth no special forms, – or style; – he has endow-
-ed men with reason & judgment, that they might
fix on that form which should best comport with their
situations, & subserve their interests. Even the nation
he chose for his own inhertance had no one, un-
changed, form of government. It was a military dictatorship; then a common-
-wealth then a government by elders or judges; – &
then a Kingdom, with almost absolute monarchy;
and all by his permission; while he was owned
as supreme Lord & King.

Human governments have their found-
-ation in our nature – they supply a want; they
answer a necessity; and that form is best which
most fully meets the wants & wishes of a people,
at any given time; & no one form is adapted
to all sorts of people, in all sorts of situations.
Their first, & great, object is, in a world where
so many elements of destruction exist, to afford protection.
They must generate the feeling of confidence & se-
-curity. They must insure the safety of life, person,