The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 02 (of 11) — Thomas Hobbes — John Shaqi
The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 02 (of 11)
Thomas Hobbes · en
THAT THE LAW OF NATURE IS A DIVINE LAW.
1. The natural and moral law is divine. 2. Which is confirmed in
Scripture, in general. 3. Specially, in regard of the
fundamental law of nature in seeking of peace. 4. Also in regard
of the first law of nature in abolishing all things to be had in
common. 5. Also of the second law of nature, concerning faith to
be kept. 6. Also of the third law, of thankfulness. 7. Also of
the fourth law, of rendering ourselves useful. 8. Also of the
fifth law, concerning mercy. 9. Also of the sixth law, that
punishment only looks at the future. 10. Also of the seventh
law, concerning slander. 11. Also of the eighth law, against
pride. 12. Also of the ninth law, of equity. 13. Also of the
tenth law, against respect of persons. 14. Also of the eleventh
law, of having those things in common which cannot be divided.
15. Also of the twelfth law, of things to be divided by lot. 16.
Also of appointing a judge. 17. Also of the seventeenth law,
that the arbiters must receive no reward for their sentence. 18.
Also of the eighteenth law, concerning witnesses. 19. Also of
the twentieth law, against drunkenness. 20. Also in respect of
that which hath been said, that the law of nature is eternal.
21. Also that the laws of nature do pertain to conscience. 22.
Also that the laws of nature are easily observed. 23. Lastly, in
respect of the rule by which a man may presently know, whether
what he is about to act, be against the law of nature, or not.
24. The law of Christ is the law of nature.
[Sidenote: The natural and moral law is divine.]
1. The same law which is _natural_ and _moral_, is also wont to be
called _divine_, nor undeservedly; as well because reason, which is
the law of nature, is given by God to every man for the rule of his
actions; as because the precepts of living which are thence derived,
are the same with those which have been delivered from the divine
Majesty for the _laws_ of his heavenly kingdom, by our Lord Jesus
Christ, and his holy prophets and apostles. What therefore by
reasoning we have understood above concerning the law of nature, we
will endeavour to confirm the same in this chapter by holy writ.
[Sidenote: Which is confirmed in Scripture, in general.]