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Leviathan

by Thomas Hobbes

A rigorous argument about fear, order and the authority people create to escape conflict.

Written 1651 105 guided readings Named English edition Read at your own pace

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CHAPTER I. OF SENSE

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CHAPTER I. OF SENSEOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER II. OF IMAGINATION

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CHAPTER II. OF IMAGINATIONOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER III. OF THE CONSEQUENCE OR TRAYNE OF IMAGINATIONS

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CHAPTER III. OF THE CONSEQUENCE OR TRAYNE OF IMAGINATIONSOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER IV. OF SPEECH

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CHAPTER IV. OF SPEECH. Speech as reckoning and truthOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER IV. OF SPEECH. Positive names and their limitsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER V. OF REASON, AND SCIENCE

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CHAPTER V. OF REASON, AND SCIENCEOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER VI. OF THE INTERIOUR BEGINNINGS OF VOLUNTARY MOTIONS

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CHAPTER VI. OF THE INTERIOUR BEGINNINGS OF VOLUNTARY MOTIONS. Passion, will, and deliberationOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER VI. OF THE INTERIOUR BEGINNINGS OF VOLUNTARY MOTIONS. Deliberation ends in willOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER VII. OF THE ENDS OR RESOLUTIONS OF DISCOURSE

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CHAPTER VII. OF THE ENDS OR RESOLUTIONS OF DISCOURSEOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER VIII. OF THE VERTUES COMMONLY CALLED INTELLECTUAL; AND THEIR

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CHAPTER VIII. OF THE VERTUES COMMONLY CALLED INTELLECTUAL; AND THEIR. Wit, judgement and madnessOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER VIII. OF THE VERTUES COMMONLY CALLED INTELLECTUAL; AND THEIR. Spirits, possession and wordsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER IX. OF THE SEVERALL SUBJECTS OF KNOWLEDGE

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CHAPTER IX. OF THE SEVERALL SUBJECTS OF KNOWLEDGEOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER X. OF POWER, WORTH, DIGNITY, HONOUR AND WORTHINESS

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CHAPTER X. OF POWER, WORTH, DIGNITY, HONOUR AND WORTHINESSOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XI. OF THE DIFFERENCE OF MANNERS

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CHAPTER XI. OF THE DIFFERENCE OF MANNERSOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XII. OF RELIGION

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CHAPTER XII. OF RELIGION. Seeds and political use of religionOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XII. OF RELIGION. Pagan policy and changing faithOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XIII. OF THE NATURALL CONDITION OF MANKIND,

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CHAPTER XIII. OF THE NATURALL CONDITION OF MANKIND,Original source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XIV. OF THE FIRST AND SECOND NATURALL LAWES, AND OF CONTRACTS

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CHAPTER XIV. OF THE FIRST AND SECOND NATURALL LAWES, AND OF CONTRACTS. Right, law, and covenantOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XIV. OF THE FIRST AND SECOND NATURALL LAWES, AND OF CONTRACTS. Mutual trust and oathOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XV. OF OTHER LAWES OF NATURE

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CHAPTER XV. OF OTHER LAWES OF NATURE. Justice under common powerOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XV. OF OTHER LAWES OF NATURE. Justice, gratitude, and arbitrationOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XV. OF OTHER LAWES OF NATURE. One rule, one science, one lawOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XVI. OF PERSONS, AUTHORS, AND THINGS PERSONATED

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CHAPTER XVI. OF PERSONS, AUTHORS, AND THINGS PERSONATEDOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XVII. OF THE CAUSES, GENERATION, AND DEFINITION OF A

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CHAPTER XVII. OF THE CAUSES, GENERATION, AND DEFINITION OF AOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XVIII. OF THE RIGHTS OF SOVERAIGNES BY INSTITUTION

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CHAPTER XVIII. OF THE RIGHTS OF SOVERAIGNES BY INSTITUTION. Officers, reward, and punishmentOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XVIII. OF THE RIGHTS OF SOVERAIGNES BY INSTITUTION. Indivisible sovereignty and honourOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XIX. OF THE SEVERALL KINDS OF COMMON-WEALTH BY INSTITUTION,

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CHAPTER XIX. OF THE SEVERALL KINDS OF COMMON-WEALTH BY INSTITUTION,. Three forms, no fourthOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XIX. OF THE SEVERALL KINDS OF COMMON-WEALTH BY INSTITUTION,. Succession secures continuityOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XX. OF DOMINION PATERNALL AND DESPOTICALL

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CHAPTER XX. OF DOMINION PATERNALL AND DESPOTICALL. Conquest and paternal ruleOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XX. OF DOMINION PATERNALL AND DESPOTICALL. Scripture and absolute powerOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXI. OF THE LIBERTY OF SUBJECTS

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CHAPTER XXI. OF THE LIBERTY OF SUBJECTS. Natural liberty and civil limitsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXI. OF THE LIBERTY OF SUBJECTS. Limits of obedience in practiceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXII. OF SYSTEMES SUBJECT, POLITICALL, AND PRIVATE

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CHAPTER XXII. OF SYSTEMES SUBJECT, POLITICALL, AND PRIVATE. Regular bodies and their limitsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXII. OF SYSTEMES SUBJECT, POLITICALL, AND PRIVATE. Trade bodies and unlawful assembliesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXIII. OF THE PUBLIQUE MINISTERS OF SOVERAIGN POWER

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CHAPTER XXIII. OF THE PUBLIQUE MINISTERS OF SOVERAIGN POWEROriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXIV. OF THE NUTRITION, AND PROCREATION OF A COMMON-WEALTH

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CHAPTER XXIV. OF THE NUTRITION, AND PROCREATION OF A COMMON-WEALTHOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXV. OF COUNSELL

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CHAPTER XXV. OF COUNSELLOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXVI. OF CIVILL LAWES

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CHAPTER XXVI. OF CIVILL LAWES. Sovereign law and commandOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXVI. OF CIVILL LAWES. Verification and interpretationOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXVI. OF CIVILL LAWES. Precedent cannot bind equityOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXVI. OF CIVILL LAWES. Classifying law and libertyOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXVII. OF CRIMES, EXCUSES, AND EXTENUATIONS

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CHAPTER XXVII. OF CRIMES, EXCUSES, AND EXTENUATIONS. Sin, crime, and intentionOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXVII. OF CRIMES, EXCUSES, AND EXTENUATIONS. Causes, excuses, and degreesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXVII. OF CRIMES, EXCUSES, AND EXTENUATIONS. Tacit approval and duellingOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXVIII. OF PUNISHMENTS, AND REWARDS

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CHAPTER XXVIII. OF PUNISHMENTS, AND REWARDS. Punishment and lawful authorityOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXVIII. OF PUNISHMENTS, AND REWARDS. Punishment, war, and rewardOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXIX. OF THOSE THINGS THAT WEAKEN, OR TEND TO THE DISSOLUTION OF

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CHAPTER XXIX. OF THOSE THINGS THAT WEAKEN, OR TEND TO THE DISSOLUTION OF. Diseases of dissolutionOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXIX. OF THOSE THINGS THAT WEAKEN, OR TEND TO THE DISSOLUTION OF. Church power and civic diseaseOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXX. OF THE OFFICE OF THE SOVERAIGN REPRESENTATIVE

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CHAPTER XXX. OF THE OFFICE OF THE SOVERAIGN REPRESENTATIVE. The sovereign's teaching officeOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXX. OF THE OFFICE OF THE SOVERAIGN REPRESENTATIVE. Justice, taxes, lawOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXX. OF THE OFFICE OF THE SOVERAIGN REPRESENTATIVE. Punishment, reward, counsel, commandOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXI. OF THE KINGDOME OF GOD BY NATURE

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CHAPTER XXXI. OF THE KINGDOME OF GOD BY NATURE. From civil duty to divine lawOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXI. OF THE KINGDOME OF GOD BY NATURE. Natural worship by reasonOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXII. OF THE PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN POLITIQUES

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CHAPTER XXXII. OF THE PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN POLITIQUESOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXIII. OF THE NUMBER, ANTIQUITY, SCOPE, AUTHORITY, AND

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CHAPTER XXXIII. OF THE NUMBER, ANTIQUITY, SCOPE, AUTHORITY, AND. Canon before authorshipOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXIII. OF THE NUMBER, ANTIQUITY, SCOPE, AUTHORITY, AND. Canon, church, and lawOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXIV. OF THE SIGNIFICATION OF SPIRIT, ANGEL, AND INSPIRATION IN

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CHAPTER XXXIV. OF THE SIGNIFICATION OF SPIRIT, ANGEL, AND INSPIRATION IN. Spirit as bodily and figurativeOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXIV. OF THE SIGNIFICATION OF SPIRIT, ANGEL, AND INSPIRATION IN. Angels as signs and messengersOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXIV. OF THE SIGNIFICATION OF SPIRIT, ANGEL, AND INSPIRATION IN. Inspiration as metaphorical motionOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXV. OF THE SIGNIFICATION IN SCRIPTURE OF KINGDOME OF GOD, OF

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CHAPTER XXXV. OF THE SIGNIFICATION IN SCRIPTURE OF KINGDOME OF GOD, OFOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXVI. OF THE WORD OF GOD, AND OF PROPHETS

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CHAPTER XXXVI. OF THE WORD OF GOD, AND OF PROPHETS. Word, doctrine, and prophetOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXVI. OF THE WORD OF GOD, AND OF PROPHETS. Dreams, visions, and true prophecyOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXVI. OF THE WORD OF GOD, AND OF PROPHETS. Spirit, reason, and obedienceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXVII. OF MIRACLES, AND THEIR USE

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CHAPTER XXXVII. OF MIRACLES, AND THEIR USEOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXVIII. OF THE SIGNIFICATION IN SCRIPTURE OF ETERNALL LIFE,

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CHAPTER XXXVIII. OF THE SIGNIFICATION IN SCRIPTURE OF ETERNALL LIFE,. Earthly life after AdamOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXVIII. OF THE SIGNIFICATION IN SCRIPTURE OF ETERNALL LIFE,. Metaphors of hell exposedOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXVIII. OF THE SIGNIFICATION IN SCRIPTURE OF ETERNALL LIFE,. Earthly salvation and ransomOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXIX. OF THE SIGNIFICATION IN SCRIPTURE OF THE WORD CHURCH

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CHAPTER XXXIX. OF THE SIGNIFICATION IN SCRIPTURE OF THE WORD CHURCH. Church under one sovereignOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXIX. OF THE SIGNIFICATION IN SCRIPTURE OF THE WORD CHURCH. Moses as sole sovereignOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XXXIX. OF THE SIGNIFICATION IN SCRIPTURE OF THE WORD CHURCH. Kings inherit sacred ruleOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLI. OF THE OFFICE OF OUR BLESSED SAVIOUR

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CHAPTER XLI. OF THE OFFICE OF OUR BLESSED SAVIOUROriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL

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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Apostolic succession and TrinityOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Ministers without coercive ruleOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Excommunication and outward judgementOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Civil power limits church sentencesOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Canon under civil sovereigntyOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Councils without legislative forceOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Congregational election of eldersOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Benevolence before lawOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Public rite becomes civil designationOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Peter's confession, not monarchyOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Teaching is not lawOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Bishops under civil powerOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. Papal claim and civil rightOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLII. OF POWER ECCLESIASTICALL. No spiritual commonwealthOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLIII. OF WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR A MANS RECEPTION INTO THE

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CHAPTER XLIII. OF WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR A MANS RECEPTION INTO THE. Salvation sets the boundaryOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLIII. OF WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR A MANS RECEPTION INTO THE. The Gospel proves one articleOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLIII. OF WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR A MANS RECEPTION INTO THE. Faith, obedience, and sovereigntyOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLIV. OF SPIRITUALL DARKNESSE FROM MISINTERPRETATION OF

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CHAPTER XLIV. OF SPIRITUALL DARKNESSE FROM MISINTERPRETATION OF. Darkness, error, and clerical powerOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLIV. OF SPIRITUALL DARKNESSE FROM MISINTERPRETATION OF. Consecration, sacrament, and enchantmentOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLIV. OF SPIRITUALL DARKNESSE FROM MISINTERPRETATION OF. Reading Scripture against papal claimsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLIV. OF SPIRITUALL DARKNESSE FROM MISINTERPRETATION OF. Death, punishment, and PurgatoryOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLIV. OF SPIRITUALL DARKNESSE FROM MISINTERPRETATION OF. Scripture against PurgatoryOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLV. OF DAEMONOLOGY, AND OTHER RELIQUES OF THE RELIGION OF THE

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CHAPTER XLV. OF DAEMONOLOGY, AND OTHER RELIQUES OF THE RELIGION OF THE. Daemonology as mistaken fearOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLV. OF DAEMONOLOGY, AND OTHER RELIQUES OF THE RELIGION OF THE. Images, worship, and idolatryOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLV. OF DAEMONOLOGY, AND OTHER RELIQUES OF THE RELIGION OF THE. Civil honour and false divinityOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLV. OF DAEMONOLOGY, AND OTHER RELIQUES OF THE RELIGION OF THE. Images, saints, and Roman relicsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLVI. OF DARKNESSE FROM VAIN PHILOSOPHY, AND FABULOUS TRADITIONS

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CHAPTER XLVI. OF DARKNESSE FROM VAIN PHILOSOPHY, AND FABULOUS TRADITIONS. Philosophy against school learningOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLVI. OF DARKNESSE FROM VAIN PHILOSOPHY, AND FABULOUS TRADITIONS. Separated essences and their effectsOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLVI. OF DARKNESSE FROM VAIN PHILOSOPHY, AND FABULOUS TRADITIONS. Vain philosophy misnames common lifeOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLVI. OF DARKNESSE FROM VAIN PHILOSOPHY, AND FABULOUS TRADITIONS. Tradition and censorship spread darknessOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLVII. OF THE BENEFIT THAT PROCEEDETH FROM SUCH DARKNESSE, AND

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CHAPTER XLVII. OF THE BENEFIT THAT PROCEEDETH FROM SUCH DARKNESSE, AND. Who benefits from clerical errorOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLVII. OF THE BENEFIT THAT PROCEEDETH FROM SUCH DARKNESSE, AND. England unknots the hierarchyOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLVII. OF THE BENEFIT THAT PROCEEDETH FROM SUCH DARKNESSE, AND. Conquest creates binding subjecthoodOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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CHAPTER XLVII. OF THE BENEFIT THAT PROCEEDETH FROM SUCH DARKNESSE, AND. Why the book should be taughtOriginal source, plain English guide and key takeaways
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Source and edition are always named.

Thomas Hobbes, 1651. The Ancient Knowledge Club guide is original and kept separate from the source text.