Introduction
In the 1680s, many feared that after Charles II died his brother James would take England and Scotland into a European league of Roman Catholic kingdoms, led by Louis XIV of France. Algernon Sidney could not see how countries and peoples so diverse could possibly require the same laws, or how anyone would think such hidebound uniformity could lead to progress.
IT ought to be considered, that the wisdom of man is imperfect, and unable to foresee the effects that may proceed from an infinite variety of accidents, which according to emergencies, necessarily require new constitutions, to prevent or cure the mischiefs arising from them, or to advance a good that at the first was not thought of. And as the noblest work in which the wit of man can be exercised, were (if it could be done) to constitute a government that should last for ever, the next to that is to suit laws to present exigencies, and so much as is in the power of man to foresee. He that would resolve to persist obstinately in the way he first entered upon, or to blame those who go out of that in which their fathers had walked, when they find it necessary, does, as far as in him lies, render the worst of errors perpetual. Changes therefore are unavoidable; and the wit of man can go no farther than to institute such as in relation to the forces, manners, nature, religion, or interests of a people, and their neighbours, are suitable and adequate to what is seen, or apprehended to be seen.
Précis
To the annoyance of Charles II, Algernon Sidney argued that there was no one right form of Government, nor one perfect policy; human frailty was such that we could never hope to create such an infallible state, and we should therefore devise a constitution that allows statesmen to meet current needs while leaving ample room for dissent and change. (59 / 60 words)
To the annoyance of Charles II, Algernon Sidney argued that there was no one right form of Government, nor one perfect policy; human frailty was such that we could never hope to create such an infallible state, and we should therefore devise a constitution that allows statesmen to meet current needs while leaving ample room for dissent and change.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, must, not, otherwise, ought, since, until, whereas.
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