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.

Preface

xi

Introduction

xiii

Chronology

lxix

Critical bibliography

lxxi

A note on the text

lxxiv

Biographical synopses

lxxvi

Politics drawn from the Very Words of Holy Scripture

1

(1)

Dedication

1

(2)

First Book. Of the principles of human society

Man is made to live in society

3

(5)

The society of mankind gives birth to civil society, that is to say, to states, peoples, and nations

8

(6)

To form nations and unite the people, it is necessary to have a government

14

(5)

On laws

19

(5)

Consequences of the general principles of humanity

24

(3)

On the love of country

27

(12)

Conclusion. To conclude this book, and to reduce it to an abstract

36

(3)

Second Book. On authority: that the royal and hereditary [type] is the most proper for government

By whom authority has been exercised since the beginning of the world

39

(13)

[on the right of conquest]

52

(5)

Conclusion

54

(3)

Third Book. In which one begins to explain the nature and the properties of royal authority

Taking notice of the essential characteristics

57

(1)

Royal authority is sacred

57

(5)

Royal authority is paternal, and its proper character is goodness

62

(19)

Fourth Book. On the characteristics of royalty (continuation)

Royal authority is absolute

81

(15)

On softness, irresolution and false firmness

96

(7)

Fifth Book. Fourth and final characteristics of royal authority

Royal authority is subject to reason

103

(26)

Means by which the prince can acquire necessary knowledge

129

(25)

On dangerous curiosities and kinds of knowledge: and on the confidence one must place in God

154

(6)

Consequences of the preceding doctrine: concerning majesty and its adjuncts

160

(7)

Sixth Book. The duties of subjects toward the prince, based on the preceding doctrine

On the service one owes to the king

167

(6)

On the obedience due to the prince

173

(11)

Two difficulties drawn from Scripture: David and the Maccabees

184

(7)

Seventh Book. On the particular duties of royalty

General division of the prince's duties

191

(1)

On religion, inasmuch as it is the good of nations and of civil society

192

(4)

That the true religion is known through perceptible marks

196

(15)

Errors of men of the world and statesmen concerning the affairs and practices of religion

211

(12)

What care great kings have taken for the worship of God

223

(21)

Religious motives peculiar to kings

244

(15)

Eighth Book. The particular duties of royalty, continued: of justice

That justice is founded on religion

259

(4)

On government which is called arbitrary

263

(5)

On legislation and on judgments

268

(5)

On the virtues which must accompany justice

273

(8)

Obstacles to justice

281

(6)

Ninth Book. The supports of royalty: arms, riches of finances, and counsels

On war and its just motives, general and particular

287

(6)

On unjust motives for war

293

(9)

On wars between citizens, together with their motives, and the rules which must be followed

302

(13)

Though God made war for his people in an extraordinary and miraculous fashion, he wanted to harden them by giving them warlike kings and great captains

315

(7)

On military virtues, institutions, orders, and exercises

322

(11)

On peace and war: various observations on both of them

333

(12)

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

On riches or on finances. On commerce, and on taxes

345

(12)

On counsel

357

(14)

The prince is reminded of different characters of ministers or counselors: good, mixture of good and bad, and wicked

371

(12)

To help the prince to know men well, one shows him, in a general way, some characters drawn by the Holy Spirit in the Books of Wisdom

383

(6)

On the conduct of the prince in his family, and on the care he must have for his health

389

(5)

The disadvantages and temptations which accompany royalty, and the remedies that one can bring to them

394

(17)

Conclusion. In what the true happiness of kings consists

409

(2)

Index

411

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

We're the #1 textbook rental company. Let us show you why.

Bossuet: Politics Drawn from the Very Words of Holy Scripture

9780521368070

0521368073

Supplemental Materials

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Rewards Program