The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates

About this book

The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates is a political treatise written by John Milton in 1649. The book is a defense of the execution of King Charles I, who was beheaded in 1649 during the English Civil War. The treatise argues that kings and magistrates are not above the law and that they can be held accountable for their actions. Milton argues that the people have the right to overthrow a tyrannical ruler if they are being oppressed and that the power of the king comes from the people, not from divine right. The book was written during a time of political upheaval in England, and it was intended to justify the actions of the Puritan revolutionaries who had overthrown the monarchy. The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates is considered a significant work in the history of political thought and is still studied today for its insights into the nature of power and authority.Another sort there is, who coming in the course of these affairs, to have their share in great actions above the form of law or custom, at least to give their voice and approbation; begin to swerve and almost shiver at the majesty and grandeur of some noble deed, as if they were newly entered into a great sin; disputing precedents, forms, and circumstances, when the commonwealth nigh perishes for want of deeds in substance, done with just and faithful expedition.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.