Wetherell's Speech and Universities

Name: Wetherell's Speech and Universities
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work presents a defense of the national church's role in preserving liberty of conscience and preventing tyranny. It argues that without a national church, the spiritual church risks becoming either a despotic force or fragmenting into numerous sects, as seen in 17th-century England. The author expresses concern over the apathy of the Church of England's laity in the face of dissenting movements, suggesting that the despotism of dissenters might eventually provoke a response. The text critiques the historical impact of the Papacy on England, describing it as a destructive force that undermined emerging good and introduced various evils. The Papacy is characterized as extra-national, posing a threat to the political independence of nations by attempting to dissolve natural distinctions. In contrast, the establishment of universities is highlighted as a crucial counterbalance to papal authority, with a specific reference to Oxford as a place of refuge for reformers like Wicliffe. The author emphasizes the importance of a national church in maintaining a balance between spiritual authority and political independence, arguing that it is essential for the preservation of religious liberty and societal order. The work ultimately advocates for a recognition of the national church's significance in the broader context of religious and political life.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1835 · Genre: Political Philosophy, Religious Critique, Historical Analysis · 352 words

First lines

I think Sir Charles Wetherell's speech before the Privy Council very effective. I doubt if any other lawyer in Westminster Hall could have done the thing so well.

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Wetherell's Speech and Universities is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1835 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1835 CE
Language: English
Genres: Political Philosophy, Religious Critique, Historical Analysis, Legal Commentary, Sociopolitical Commentary
Length: 352 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Similar titles

Genres

Political Philosophy — The text discusses the relationship between the national church and the Christian church, emphasizing political and religious authority.
Religious Critique — The work critiques the Papacy and discusses the role of the national church in preserving liberty of conscience.
Historical Analysis — It references historical contexts, such as the seventeenth century and the role of universities in England.
Legal Commentary — The mention of Wetherell's speech and its effectiveness indicates a focus on legal discourse.