See. Very little has changed in the last 240 years. Human nature being the one constant, and all.
And, regarding King George, and virtually every other European Monarch;
Weren't they often referred to as "His/Her Christian Majesty" and even considered by some to be descendants of Christ himself by way of "Royal Bloodline"?
IMHO---Organized Religion isn't there to protect anyone from being manipulated. It is manipulation. The earliest form of government. And, if you really think about it,------the tightest. Secular governments can make people fear punishment or death, but how many have people believing they'll suffer eternally it the flaming pits of Hell?
(I can see it now, The POTUS on t.v....."Guys, If you don't use the curly cue light bulb, you will be cast into eternal damnation.")
Most organized religions do contain some awesome and inspiring stuff though, I will give them that. And being familiar with Judeo-Christianity, Hindi and Bhuddism, all three do contain their version of the "social contract" as I think of it. You did touch on something there, Pete.
Dave