THE DIGNITY AND DUTY OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE. A SERMON. PREACHED IN THE AUDIENCE OF HIS HONOUR SPENCER PHIPS, ESQ; LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOUR AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF, THE HONOURABLE HIS MAJESTY'S COUNCIL, AND THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, OF THE PROVINCE OF MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, IN NEW ENGLAND, MAY 29TH 1751. BEING THE ANNIVERSARY FOR THE ELECTION OF HIS MAJESTY'S COUNCIL FOR SAID PROVINCE.
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. Item #22529
Price: $600.00