Power, should not be by the Civill Power condemned;
nor private men, by reprehending it, declare they think
that Power too great. Besides, I speak not of the men,
but (in the Abstract) of the Seat of Power, (like to
those simple and unpartiall creatures in the Roman
Capitol, that with their noyse defended those within
it, not because they were they, but there,) offending
none, I think, but those without, or such within (if
there be any such) as favour them. That which perhaps
may most offend, are certain Texts of Holy Scripture,
alledged by me to other purpose than ordinarily they
use to be by others. But I have done it with due
submission, and also (in order to my Subject) neces-
sarily; for they are the Outworks of the Enemy, from
whence they impugne the Civill Power. If notwith-
standing this, you find my labour generally decryed,
you may be pleased to excuse your selfe, and say I am
a man that love my own opinions, and think all true I
say, that I honoured your Brother, and honour you, and
have presum'd on that, to assume the Title (without
your knowledge) of being, as I am,

SIR,

Paris. Aprill 15/25. 1651. Your most humble, and most
obedient servant,

THO. HOBBES.

-xiv-