JB/014/431/001

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18

It is by this substituting a partial & subordinate, - to the
only legitimate & comprehensive end of government, - that misrule
has found a terrible instrument of power, - By this sort of appeal
to promise, - & to contract, - adherence & support have been given
to principles & conduct the most deleterious & maleficent.

By fear or hope - in a word, by corruption in
any shape exercised by a ruler or rulers - declarations are made
to which the sanction of an oath is frequently given - to maintain
a particular line of conduct. Such promises are frequently among the
strongest holds that despotism has upon its devotees - & hence the
quarrel of despotism with the greatest happiness principle. As a
matter of history, - such engagements have rarely been entered
into between rulers & nations - and if they had they would be
of no value - no more binding on posterity than the engagements of a drunken
man. If the engagement were consonant to with the greatest
happiness principle the recognition of that principle would
be far better than the engagement - if opposed to
it - if the object or practical end be the production of
crime, - evil, or human suffering, removeable by its removal -
who will contend for its continuance?

[ If there be cause for mourning in the world
it is that men of powerful talents - comprehensive minds -
and generous affections - are so often engaged in closing their
own eyes, - or the eyes of others - & keeping them closed
against the light of reason, & experience! ]

Identifier: | JB/014/431/001 "JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 14.
Date_1		Marginal Summary Numbering
Box	014	Main Headings	deontology
Folio number	431	Info in main headings field
Image	001	Titles
Category	linking material	Number of Pages	1
Recto/Verso	recto	Page Numbering	f18
Penner	sir john bowring	Watermarks	hall
Marginals		Paper Producer
Corrections		Paper Produced in Year
Notes public		ID Number	5194
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