2 Natural law, conscience and self-preservation
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Marco Barducci
Abstract
In his Preface to the Discourse, Anthony Ascham advised his readers that his argument in support of Parliament's rule differed from the terms of the political debate of the early stages of the Civil Wars. Against those who raised the issue of conscience to refuse loyalty to Parliament's authority, Ascham replied that to obey a magistrate who ensured protection was consistent with natural law and God's will, and therefore did not prejudice the salvation of conscience. Natural law, although distinguished from God's law, was in harmony with it, as God expressly gifted human beings with a natural right of self-preservation. From 1648, Ascham differed from the preceding radical and philo-parliamentarian interpretations of natural law theory, in that he stressed the necessity to obey the present government and, accordingly, to renounce the right of self-defence.
Abstract
In his Preface to the Discourse, Anthony Ascham advised his readers that his argument in support of Parliament's rule differed from the terms of the political debate of the early stages of the Civil Wars. Against those who raised the issue of conscience to refuse loyalty to Parliament's authority, Ascham replied that to obey a magistrate who ensured protection was consistent with natural law and God's will, and therefore did not prejudice the salvation of conscience. Natural law, although distinguished from God's law, was in harmony with it, as God expressly gifted human beings with a natural right of self-preservation. From 1648, Ascham differed from the preceding radical and philo-parliamentarian interpretations of natural law theory, in that he stressed the necessity to obey the present government and, accordingly, to renounce the right of self-defence.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Preface ix
- Introduction 1
- 1 Oaths 30
- 2 Natural law, conscience and self-preservation 42
- 3 Natural law, civil power and religion 60
- 4 Jus belli, possession and usurpation 69
- 5 Romans 13 and patriarchalism 80
- 6 Tyranny and reason of state 93
- 7 Anthony Ascham 103
- Conclusion 125
- Bibliography 131
- Index 141
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Preface ix
- Introduction 1
- 1 Oaths 30
- 2 Natural law, conscience and self-preservation 42
- 3 Natural law, civil power and religion 60
- 4 Jus belli, possession and usurpation 69
- 5 Romans 13 and patriarchalism 80
- 6 Tyranny and reason of state 93
- 7 Anthony Ascham 103
- Conclusion 125
- Bibliography 131
- Index 141
