Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants

Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants

William Penn, the founder of the colony of Pennsylvania and a prominent Quaker leader, believed strongly in the idea that men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants. This belief was central to his vision for a just and peaceful society, and it guided his actions as a political leader and advocate for religious freedom.

Penn's belief in the importance of divine governance can be traced back to his Quaker faith, which emphasized the inner light of God within each individual. Quakers believed that this inner light could guide people towards truth and righteousness, and that by following this inner guidance, individuals could live in harmony with God's will. For Penn, this meant that individuals should strive to live according to the principles of justice, compassion, and equality that he believed were inherent in God's law.

In Penn's view, when individuals are not governed by God, they are susceptible to being ruled by tyrants. Without a moral compass to guide their actions, people are more likely to be swayed by their own selfish desires or the influence of others who seek power and control. This can lead to the rise of tyrannical leaders who exploit and oppress their fellow citizens for their own gain.

Penn's own experiences as a political leader reinforced his belief in the importance of divine governance. As the founder of Pennsylvania, he sought to create a society based on principles of religious tolerance, equality, and justice. He believed that by following God's guidance, he could establish a government that would protect the rights and freedoms of all its citizens.

Throughout his life, Penn worked tirelessly to promote these ideals, both in Pennsylvania and in his advocacy for religious freedom in England. He believed that by upholding the principles of divine governance, individuals could create a society that was just, peaceful, and free from tyranny.