1751 · Boston
by Welsteed, William
Boston: Kneeland, 1751. 59, [1 blank] pp, without half title. Text clean and bright. Disbound [some loosening]. Except as noted, Very Good.
An excellent articulation of the doctrine that governments derive legitimacy only by consent of the governed. Good Rulers are "the Shields of the Earth," because "they are, or should be the common Parents and Protectors of all their People, to defend them from Oppression and all Injuries." Government may rule only by "Compact, Consent and Agreement; i.e. the Choice and Election of the Community, or in other Words, of the People. And this is effected by the special Interposition of Providence."
The dangers of anarchy render civil government-- particularly one in which "we are exempted from the Miseries of despotik and arbitrary" rule-- "an invaluable Blessing."
FIRST EDITION. Evans 6793. ESTC W20137. (Inventory #: 22529)
An excellent articulation of the doctrine that governments derive legitimacy only by consent of the governed. Good Rulers are "the Shields of the Earth," because "they are, or should be the common Parents and Protectors of all their People, to defend them from Oppression and all Injuries." Government may rule only by "Compact, Consent and Agreement; i.e. the Choice and Election of the Community, or in other Words, of the People. And this is effected by the special Interposition of Providence."
The dangers of anarchy render civil government-- particularly one in which "we are exempted from the Miseries of despotik and arbitrary" rule-- "an invaluable Blessing."
FIRST EDITION. Evans 6793. ESTC W20137. (Inventory #: 22529)