Pufendorf: On the Duty of Man and Citizen according to Natural Law

1. A citizen's duty is either general or Special. General duties arise from the common Obligation to be subject to the civil authority. Special duties arise from the particular tasks and functions which the sovereign may impose upon individuals.

2. A citizen's general duties are towards either the governors of the State, or the State as a whole, or his fellow-citizens.

3. The Citizen owes respect, loyalty and obedience to the governors of his State. This entails that he be content with the actual State of things and not give his mind to revolution, and that he not form too dose ties with any other ruler nor show him admiration and respect. In thought and speech he should honour and approve his governors and their actions.

4. The duty of a good Citizen to the State as a whole is that its safety and security be his dearest wish; that his life, wealth and fortune be freely offered to preserve it; that he devote all the vigour of his intelligence and industry to extend its glory and increase its prosperity.

5. A citizen's duty towards his fellow-citizens is to live with them in peace and friendship; to be courteous and obliging; not to cause trouble by being stubborn and difficult; not to covet or steal other people's property.

6. Special duties are concerned either with the whole State indifferently or with only a part of it. In all cases the general precept holds: no one should accept or undertake any public duty for which he believes himself unfit.

7. Those who assist the governors of the State with counsel must keep an eye on all parts of the country; whatever seems good for it they should skilfully and faithfully propose, without fear or favour; the country's welfare must be their aim in all their counsels, not their own wealth or power; they should not encourage by flattery evil inclinations on the part of princes; they must avoid illegal factions and associations; they should not keep to themselves what should be published, nor broadcast what should be kept confidential; they should be impervious to corruption by foreigners; and they should give priority to public business over private business or pleasures.