Politics Drawn From the Very Words of Holy Scripture: Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought

Politics Drawn From the Very Words of Holy Scripture is a political treatise written by John Milton in 1655. The work is a defense of the Commonwealth of England, which had been established following the execution of King Charles I in 1649. Milton argues that the Commonwealth is a legitimate government, based on the principles of Scripture.

Bossuet: Politics Drawn from the Very Words of Holy Scripture (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought)

by Michael Dahlen

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	498 pages

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The treatise is divided into two parts. The first part is a general discussion of the nature of government. Milton argues that government is necessary for the protection of society, and that it should be based on the consent of the governed. He also discusses the different forms of government, and argues that the best form of government is a republic.

The second part of the treatise is a more specific defense of the Commonwealth of England. Milton argues that the Commonwealth is a legitimate government, based on the principles of Scripture. He also discusses the different objections that have been raised against the Commonwealth, and he answers these objections.

Politics Drawn From the Very Words of Holy Scripture is a significant work in the history of political thought. It is one of the earliest defenses of republicanism, and it provides a valuable insight into Milton's political views.

Reception

Politics Drawn From the Very Words of Holy Scripture was published in 1655, and it was met with a mixed reception. Some people praised Milton's work, while others criticized it.

One of the most famous critics of Politics Drawn From the Very Words of Holy Scripture was Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes argued that Milton's defense of the Commonwealth was based on a faulty understanding of Scripture. He also argued that Milton's view of human nature was too pessimistic.

Despite the criticisms, Politics Drawn From the Very Words of Holy Scripture remains an important work in the history of political thought. It is a valuable insight into Milton's political views, and it provides a glimpse into the intellectual debates that were taking place in England during the seventeenth century.

Influence

Politics Drawn From the Very Words of Holy Scripture has had a significant influence on the development of political thought. It has been cited by a number of political philosophers, including John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Milton's work has also been used to support a variety of political causes. For example, it was cited by the American colonists in their Declaration of Independence.

Politics Drawn From the Very Words of Holy Scripture is a complex and challenging work. It is not easy to read, but it is well worth the effort. It is a valuable insight into Milton's political views, and it provides a glimpse into the intellectual debates that were taking place in England during the seventeenth century.

Themes

Politics Drawn From the Very Words of Holy Scripture explores a number of themes, including:

• The nature of government
• The consent of the governed
• The different forms of government
• The legitimacy of the Commonwealth of England
• The objections to the Commonwealth

Milton argues that government is necessary for the protection of society. He also argues that government should be based on the consent of the governed. He discusses the different forms of government, and argues that the best form of government is a republic.

Milton defends the legitimacy of the Commonwealth of England. He argues that the Commonwealth is based on the principles of Scripture. He also discusses the different objections that have been raised against the Commonwealth, and he answers these objections.

Politics Drawn From the Very Words of Holy Scripture is a significant work in the history of political thought. It is one of the earliest defenses of republicanism, and it provides a valuable insight into Milton's political views.

Milton's work has had a significant influence on the development of political thought. It has been cited by a number of political philosophers, including John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It has also been used to support a variety of political causes.

Politics Drawn From the Very Words of Holy Scripture is a complex and challenging work. It is not easy to read, but it is well worth the effort. It is a valuable insight into Milton's political views, and it provides a glimpse into the intellectual debates that were taking place in England during the seventeenth century.