In the phrase "by the benignant influences of the former” (par. 3, bottom of p. 214), benignant most likely means: Benevolent
Indifferent
Unkind
Hostile

Benevolent

Explanation:

hancock was president of congress when the declaration of independence was adopted and signed. he is primarily remembered by americans for his large, flamboyant signature on the declaration, so much so that "john hancock" became, in the united states, an informal synonym for signature.

explanation:

our founding fathers introduced the revolutionary idea that each person's desire to pursue their idea of happiness was not self-indulgence, but a necessary driver of a prosperous society. they created a government to defend that right for everyone.