A sword is a means of defence, and defence is the natural right of man,--nay, the first of all his rights, and which comprehends them all.
Edmund Burke
The Public Record
Edmund Burke was an Anglo-Irish writer, philosopher, and politician who is widely credited as the founder of the cultural and political philosophy of conservatism. Regarded as one of the most influential conservative thinkers and political writers of the 18th century, Burke spent the majority of his career in Great Britain and was elected as a member of Parliament (MP) from 1766 to 1794 in the House of Commons of Great Britain with the Whig Party. His writings played a significant role in influencing public views and opinions in both Great Britain and France following the French Revolution in 1789, and he remains a major figure in modern conservative circles.
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A man desires a sword: why should he be refused?
It is the direct office of wisdom to look to the consequences of the acts we do: if it be not this, it is worth nothing, it is out of place and of function, and a downright fool is as capable of government as Charles Fox.
A tender conscience, of all things, ought to be tenderly handled; for if you do not, you injure not only the conscience, but the whole moral frame and constitution is injured, recurring at times to remorse, and seeking refuge only in…
Let them disband as a faction, and let them act as individuals, and when I see them with no other views than to enjoy their own conscience in peace, I, for one, shall most cheerfully vote for their relief.
I would go further: it would not be just even to trace consequences from principles which, though evident to me, were denied by them.
Is it to be doubted, that, if they have not strength enough at home, they will call in foreign force to aid them?
When men are furiously and fanatically fond of an object, they will prefer it, as is well known, to their own peace, to their own property, and to their own lives: and can there be a doubt, in such a case, that they would prefer it to the…
A smaller number, more expedite, awakened, active, vigorous, and courageous, who make amends for what they want in weight by their superabundance of velocity, will create an acting power of the greatest possible strength.
When every act of a man's life manifests such a design stronger than by words, even though he does not make such a declaration, I am justified in being on my guard.
When a man threatens my life openly and publicly, I may demand from him securities of the peace.
They hold this government to be an usurpation.
These wretches are at war with us upon principle.
Every private conspiracy, every open attack upon the laws, is dangerous.
A small danger menacing an inestimable object is of more importance than the greatest perils which regard one that is indifferent to us.
The degree of danger is not only from the circumstances which threaten, but from the value of the objects which are threatened.
But if the danger be existing in reality, and silently maturing itself to our destruction, what! is it not better to take treason unprepared than that treason should come by surprise upon us and take us unprepared?
I hope we have still spirit enough to keep us from the one or the other.
God forbid I ever should have a despotic master!--but if I must, my choice is made.
Think of them who dare menace in the way they do in their present state, what would they do, if they had power commensurate to their malice?
Early and provident fear is the mother of safety; because in that state of things the mind is firm and collected, and the judgment unembarrassed.
But if I see the very same beginnings which have commonly ended in great calamities, I ought to act as if they might produce the very same effects.
The body of the people is yet sound, the Constitution is in their hearts, while wicked men are endeavoring to put another into their heads.
If you ask whether I think the danger urgent and immediate, I answer, Thank God, I do not.
Whether an early discovery of evil designs, an early declaration, and an early precaution against them be more wise than to stifle all inquiry about them, for fear they should declare themselves more early than otherwise they would, and…
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