Thoughts on civil liberty, on licentiousness, and faction/Section 14

 

SECT.⁠XIV.

 

Of the most effectual Means of detecting Licentiousness and Faction.

 

WHERE Faction is founded on false Principles, it is easily detected, because it is generally avowed. It implies no moral Depravity, but only an Error of the Mind: And he who holds this Error, is not naturally ashamed of it, because he holds it as a Truth.

But where Faction is founded on Licentiousness and Want of Principle, it cannot be so easily detected: For as it implies a moral Depravity, it will naturally attempt to veil itself; and to this End, will assume the Garb and Appearance of Freedom.

The favourite Subject of its Clamours will be the Misconduct of Those who govern. And in a Country where Liberty is justly ranked among the greatest national Blessings, the most plausible Pretence of Faction will be, "to load the executive Power with the Charge of Despotism."

In every free State there will frequently occur certain Subjects and Measures, "of doubtful Expediency." These, in the wide Field of political Contention, may justly be stiled "the debateable Grounds." On these doubtful Points, even the Friends of Liberty may sometimes differ: Therefore the Patrons of Faction will naturally lay hold on these, as the most successful and effectual Means of State Distraction: Because Thus they may hope to mingle with, and to pass for the Friends of Freedom.

When therefore such doubtful Measures become the Subject of political Contention; it may be difficult to determine, from the mere Circumstance of Opinion, who are the Friends of Liberty, and who the Abettors of Faction: Because, in these Points, there may be an incidental Difference of Opinion, even among the Friends of Liberty themselves.

A much surer Determination may be formed on the Manner and Conduct of the dissenting Party: For the Friend of Liberty, having no selfish Views, will be rational, honest, equitable, in the Prosecution of his Wishes. He who is actuated by the Spirit of Licentiousness and Faction, will be irrational, dishonest, iniquitous.

Let us, then, endeavour to particularize these distinctive Marks or Characters: Thus shall we best be able to determine, "who are the Friends of Liberty, and who the Abettors of Licentiousness and Faction."