Politics Drawn from the Very Words of Holy Scripture

This is the first ever English rendition of the classic statement of divine right absolutism, published in 1707. Jacques-Benigne Bossuet argues in the Politics that a general society of the entire human race, governed by Christian charity, has given way (after the Fall) to the necessity of politcs, law, and absolute hereditary monarchy. That monarchy - seen as natural, universal and divinely ordained (beginning with David and Solomon) is defended in the first half of the book. The last part, added soon before Bossuet’s death, goes on to take up the rights of the Church, the distinction between absolutism and arbitrariness, and causes of just war. Patrick Riley has provided full supporting materials including a chronology, guide to further reading, and a lucid introduction placing Bossuet in his historical and intellectual context.

• First English rendition of classic text which defends the divine right of absolute monarchy • Significant appeal to theology market, as well as to historians of ideas • Contains chronology, critical bibliography, biographies of figures who are mentioned in the text, and an introduction by the editor which places Bossuet in his historical and intellectual context

Preface; Introduction; Chronology; Critical bibliography; A note on the text; Biographical synopses; Politics drawn from the very words of Holy Scripture; First Book. Of the Principles of Human Society; Second Book. On Authority: That the Royal and Hereditary [Type] is the Most Proper for Government; Third Book. In Which One Begins to Explain the Nature and the Properties of Royal Authority; Fourth Book. On the Characteristics of Royalty (Continuation); Fifth Book. Fourth and Final Characteristic of Royal Authority; Sixth Book. The Duties of Subjects Toward the Prince, Based on the Preceding Doctrine; Seventh Book. On the Particular Duties of Royalty; Eighth Book. The Particular Duties of Royalty, Continued: Of Justice; Ninth Book. The Supports of Royalty: Arms, Riches or Finances, and Councils; Tenth and Final Book. Continuation of Helps to Royalty: Riches or Finances, Counsel; The Inconveniences and Temptations Which Accompany Royalty: And the Remedies That One Can Bring to Them.