Chapter 2, Evil and Declining Times Summary and Analysis

Puritans are, of course, interested in purifying the world. Men must always attempt to give God perfect obedience. However, evil in their hearts will always betray them. Thus, men must have institutions to constrain their wickedness. God will then reward minor victories over will with minor rewards, bringing prosperity and health to nations that punish evil. In the Puritan view, nations or peoples exist through a covenant with God where they agree to obey God's law and He promises to treat them well in return, much like the Covenant God had with ancient Israel. Governments are instituted to punish the wicked and so long as they do so, men owe them their full obedience. Otherwise, God will punish the nation.

It is not always clear, however, whether a government is adequately doing its...