Just as the clergy based their theology and Church structure on the law of God, so they based their political theories. Civil government had a divine origin and its purpose was “the good of the people.” A government that did not have this as its purpose, did not have a divine origin and thus did not have the sanction of God. In 1717, John Wise, in his treatise, A Vindication of the Government of New-England Churches, took it a step further when he said, “A democracy, this is a form of government, which the light of nature does highly value, and often directs to, as most agreeable to the just and natural prerogative of human beings …”[Hat tip: American Creation commenter JMS.]
A group blog to promote discussion, debate and insight into the history, particularly religious, of America's founding. Any observations, questions, or comments relating to the blog's theme are welcomed.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Bob Ruppert: "The Influence of “the Black Robes”
Check it out here. A taste:
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1 comment:
All Calvinists, I think. Anglican ministers had to swear allegiance to the king.
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