So now we begin on Locke’s Second Treatise, the positive description of the nature of government. Locke’s Second Treatise consists of 19 Chapters, each titled “Of … ” Locke has been accused even by his adherents of forsaking scripture, I disagree. In fact, he is the first modern political theorist to rely exclusively on scripture and to show how the correct law of nature will always agree with revealed law. If it does not, it is not correct. Therefore, I will take pains to underscore his references to scripture.
Of Political Power
His first act is to recap his dissection of Sir Robert Fuller’s treatise as follows taken directly:
- Firstly. That Adam had not, either by natural right of fatherhood or by positive donation from God, any such authority over his children, nor dominion over the world, as is pretended.
- Secondly. That if he had, his heirs yet had no right to it.
- Thirdly. That if his heirs had, there being no law of Nature nor positive law of God that determines which is the right heir in all cases that may arise, the right of succession, and consequently of bearing rule, could not have been certainly determined.
