Meaning: The quote by Charles Inglis, a clergyman, speaks to the universality of a certain duty that is not limited to individuals living under a specific form of government. Inglis suggests that this duty extends to the subjects of all lawful and established states. This quote highlights the idea that certain obligations and responsibilities transcend political boundaries and are applicable to people regardless of the government or system under which they live.

Inglis, who was a prominent figure during the American Revolutionary War, was known for his loyalist views and staunch support of the British Crown. His writings and speeches often emphasized the importance of order, obedience, and allegiance to established authority. In this particular quote, Inglis is likely referring to the duty of loyalty and obedience to the governing authorities, regardless of the specific form of government in place.

The concept of duty and obedience to authority has long been a subject of philosophical and political discourse. Inglis' assertion that this duty applies to the subjects of all regular and lawfully established states reflects a perspective that places emphasis on the stability and legitimacy of government as a crucial factor in determining the obligations of its citizens.

It is important to note that Inglis' perspective was shaped by the historical context in which he lived. The American Revolutionary War was a period of significant political upheaval, with the colonies seeking independence from British rule. Inglis, as a loyalist, was deeply opposed to the revolutionary movement and sought to uphold the existing order. His writings and speeches were often aimed at rallying support for the British Crown and discouraging rebellion against established authority.

Inglis' emphasis on the duty of subjects to obey the government, regardless of its specific form, reflects a conservative and traditionalist viewpoint that prioritizes stability and continuity. This perspective stands in contrast to more revolutionary or radical ideologies that advocate for the overthrow of existing systems in favor of new forms of governance.

While Inglis' views were rooted in a particular historical moment, the broader concept of duty to the state or governing authority continues to be a relevant and contentious issue in contemporary political and ethical discussions. Debates about the obligations of citizens to their government, the limits of obedience, and the legitimacy of different forms of governance are central to political theory and practice.

In democratic societies, questions about the nature of civic duty, the role of dissent, and the responsibilities of individuals to the state are ongoing and complex. The tension between respecting established authority and challenging oppressive or unjust systems is a recurring theme in political activism and social movements.

Inglis' assertion that the duty he describes is not confined to any one particular form of government invites consideration of the broader principles underlying political obligation and citizenship. It prompts reflection on the moral and ethical dimensions of governance, the rights and responsibilities of individuals within society, and the balance between order and liberty.

Overall, Charles Inglis' quote captures a perspective that emphasizes the duty of subjects to obey and support the governing authorities, irrespective of the specific form of government in place. While rooted in a historical context, the broader themes of political obligation, civic duty, and the relationship between individuals and the state continue to be subjects of significant debate and inquiry in contemporary political and philosophical discourse.