Full Idea
Were you to preach in most parts of the world that political connections are founded altogether on voluntary consent or a mutual promise, the magistrate would soon imprison you as seditious for loosening the ties of obedience.
Gist of Idea
The idea that society rests on consent or promises undermines obedience
Source
David Hume (Of the original contract [1741], p.278)
Book Reference
Hume,David: 'Selected Essays' [OUP 1996], p.278
A Reaction
He cites obedience as the prime civic virtue, because the law can't operate without it. He doesn't seem to consider the limiting cases of obedience, which makes him essentially a conservative.