John Winthrop's Speech: We Have Our Authority From God

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“It is yourselves who have called us to this office… we have our authority from God”. The “little speech” delivered by John Winthrop after his impeachment of “having exceeded his authority” made a strong impression on his view of natural liberty as corrupt and moral liberty as “proper end and object of society” and his authority to rule “by God to maintain law”.
Winthrop’s view of authority is upon God, the divine ruler that “maintain law”. Winthrop creates a tone of seriousness to showcase his view. “It is yourselves who have called us to this office… we have our authority from God”. Winthrop expresses his view and beliefs of a great society under the influence of God. “...when you see infirmities, you should reflect upon your own...”. Winthrop