Little Speech on Liberty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Little Speech on Liberty - Essay Example According to him, liberty is ‘twofold’: first one is natural and grants the man freedom to do whatever he wishes, good or evil; the second one is freedom granted by federal authority that limits his freedom within defined parameters. Winthrop emphatically asserts that first type of personal freedom often makes beast of a man and makes him act in manner that could harm him or others. The civil or federal freedom is important as it safeguards his as well as others’ interests and welfare. It ensures that individuals’ liberty does not adversely impact others or oneself. It is like the freedom of choice given by Church who makes it God’s order that man must act for the good of others and evil acts are against God’s covenant. Winthrop speech is to exonerate his actions in the court which had resulted in his impeachment. Though he was later acquitted, his speech has amply implied that harsh actions taken were broadly in the wider welfare of the persons and public at