The Source of Law
The work explores the relationship between divine authority and human governance, emphasizing that all power is ordained by God. It draws parallels between ancient Rome and contemporary England, highlighting how both societies achieved greatness through adherence to divine law and moral order. The author argues that respect for law is essential for societal prosperity and freedom, asserting that true liberty arises from obedience to just laws rather than rebellion against authority. The text underscores the importance of recognizing magistrates as God's ministers, tasked with upholding justice and order. It critiques the notion that individuals can disregard laws they deem unjust, positing that such attitudes lead to chaos and tyranny. The author references biblical teachings, particularly from St. Paul, to reinforce the idea that obedience to lawful authority is a reflection of faith in God's ultimate sovereignty. The narrative warns against the dangers of losing respect for law, citing historical examples of nations that fell into disorder when they abandoned their reverence for divine principles. Ultimately, the work calls for a revival of understanding that law is a sacred institution, rooted in God's will, essential for maintaining societal harmony and justice.
By Charles Kingsley · First published 1851 · Genre: Legal Fiction, Political Fiction, Historical Fiction · 4,492 words
First lines
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God. The powers that be are ordained of God. -ROMANS xiii. 1.
IN this chapter, which we read for the second lesson for this afternoon's service, St. Paul gives good advice to the Romans, and equally good advice to us.
What this Textopian page supports
The Source of Law is listed on Textopian as a speech by Charles Kingsley, dated 1851 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Speech
- Author: Charles Kingsley
- Date: 1851 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Legal Fiction, Political Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 4,492 words
- Structure: 1 section, 41 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Source of Law by Charles Kingsley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Source of Law?
- How does this speech by Charles Kingsley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Legal Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- One Judge by Ambrose Bierce
- The Sentence Of The Court by Fred M. White
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Genres
- Legal Fiction — The title suggests the book may be dealing with aspects of the law, suggesting that it might fall under the genre of 'Legal Fiction'.
- Political Fiction — Law is inherently a part of politics, making the 'Political Fiction' genre a likely one.
- Historical Fiction — The writer, Charles Kingsley, often wrote historical fiction, which could indicate the likelihood of this genre.
- Drama — The topic of law can be a source of dramatic conflict, thus the 'Drama' genre could also be applicable.
Tags
law · legal theory · jurisprudence · philosophy · ethics · justice · society · government · rights · morality · legislation · court