…some writers have so confounded society with government as to leave little or no distinction between them;
whereas they are not only different, but have different origins.
Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness;
The former promotes Positively by uniting our affections,
The latter Negatively by restraining our vices.
The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions.
The first (society) a patron, the last (government) a punisher.
These are the times that try men’s souls