Nor would I have you to mistake in the point of your own liberty. There is a liberty of corrupt nature, which is affected both by men and beasts, to do what they list; and this liberty is inconsistent with authority, impatient of all restraint; by this liberty, Sumus Omnes Deteriores;[109] 'tis the grand enemy of truth and peace, and all the ordinances of God are bent against it But there is a civil, a moral, a federal liberty, which is the proper end and object of authority; it is a liberty for that only which is just and good; for this liberty you are to stand with the hazard of your very lives; and whatsoever crosses it is not authority, but a distemper thereof. This liberty is maintained in a way of subjection to authority; and the authority set over you will in all administrations for your good be quietly submitted unto, by all but such as have a disposition to shake off the yoke, and lose their true liberty, by their murmuring at the honour and power of authority.
Cotton Mather — COTTON MATHER: Magnalia Christi Americana (1702), Volume 1
As an Amazon Associate, Postmilstill earns from qualifying purchases.
Citation look off? Sign in to suggest a source or rate accuracy.
Where this is from
Work title, edition, or primary text used to cite this quote.
As an Amazon Associate, Postmilstill earns from qualifying purchases.
Margin notes
Discussion
Share context, ask questions, or discuss this quote. Comments are separate from source proposals and verification ratings.
No comments yet.
Loading…