If any refuse to obey the common laws and orders of the…
“If any refuse to obey the common laws and orders of the ship concerning their common peace or preservation; if any shall mutiny or rise up against their commanders and officers; if any should preach or write that there should be no commanders or officers because all are equal in Christ, therefore no master or officers, no laws nor orders, nor corrections nor punishments - I say I never denied that in such cases, the commander may judge, resist, compel, and punish such transgressors according to their deserts and merits.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution for Religion's Sake, 1644
Authority must enforce rules to maintain order and protect the community, even against claims of absolute equality.
In simple terms: Rules protect community safety.
Key Takeaway
Enforce necessary discipline.
Themes
authority
order
community
religion
equality
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
ethical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- church governance
- military hierarchy
- civil obedience
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
social contract
leadership
discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- When is obedience justified?
- How balance equality with needed authority?
A Different Perspective
May suppress individual dissent and lead to abuse of power.