Magistracy Supported because I believe God hath not called me to that work I shall leave the consideration of it to those that God hath appointed to judg The Cases that will come to be tryed in this kind or of this nature are many and differ much according to the Objects and Circumstances and cannot wholy be so determined but that much must be left to the wisdom of the Governors Concerning the death of the late deposed King Mr John Goodwin hath learnedly tryed and determined the justness thereof to my best understanding to whom I should refer the Reader only a word or two I conceive may not be impertinently spoken concerning that matter The first thing that I propound to consideration is this namely Whether that at and before his Tryal for his Life his Judgment and Execution he was properly a King or was deposed from being a King so that in that condition may we not look upon him as one that had been King but for such just cause deposed that to the equity thereof both the Houses of Parliament together with the Army and the Common-wealth consented and were actors therein and consented thereto Doth not this evidently appear if we consider that the Parliament formerly many and several times by publique writing declared That the King was so far a Delinquent that they were forced to disclaim his former authority and to take up Arms against him In the prosecution of Justice they subdued the late King and his party Now in this condition the King remained not being restored to his former Kingship which being considered will it not appear That those that gave sentence against him and those that brought him to his Tryal and did cause Justice to be executed upon him did not take away the life of a King but of one that had been King and hoped so to have been again Secondly I do propound to consideration Whether it be not lawful to desert and to depose Kings and to bring them to punishment for the breach of the Laws of the most high God This I believe appeareth plainly if we first consider That both King and People are all Gods Subjects God is the King of Kings God saith That one Law shall be to all Exod. 12.49 It is to be considered what God gave Joshua in charge Iosh 1.8 Let not this Book of the Law depart out of thy mouth but meditate therein day and night that then mayst observe and do according to all things that is written therein To this very purpose God speaketh the same matter as the duty of Kings Deut. 17.18 And when he shall sit upon the Throne of his Kingdom then shall he write him this Law repeated in a Book Vers 19. And he shall read therein all the days of his life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God Vers 20. That he may prolong his days in his Kingdom c. From these places it appeareth That both Ioshua and the Kings were to be subject to Gods Law otherwise God would have left them to their liberties but contrarily God doth directly impose upon them the diligent observation of all his Laws 2. We may note That the breach of Gods Laws were punishable in Kings plainly implyed in these words That it may go well that his days in his Kingdom may be prolonged By this we may plainly see That on the contrary if a King do neglect and transgress Gods Commands then his days in his Kingdom may be shortned The end wherefore God doth expresly charge them to regard the Law importeth plainly that it was to that end that it might be their Rule and Bounds And so likewise if by diligent need to Gods Laws the days of Kings may be prolonged then on the contrary for the neglecting and much more for the grievous breach of Gods Laws their days may be shortned To this purpose we may read That although Ioshua were a man that was placed as Governor over Israel by God himself and although he were so eminent a man for piety a man that had long and constantly walked in the ways of God of whose godliness the people had had long experience yet observe what the people answered to Ioshua in point of their obedience recorded Josh 1.16 Then they answered Joshua saying All that thou hast commanded us we will do c. Vers 17. As we obeyed Moses in all things so will we obey thee only the Lord thy God be with thee as he was with Moses Hence we may observe in these words Only the Lord thy God be with thee as he was with Moses is plainly implyed a conditional subjection in the people as if the people should have said We desire to be excused in case that we do see it appear by those fruits that thou bringest forth that God is departed from thee and that thou forsakest those paths in which God hath commanded us to walk and hath commanded thee to observe in such cases we will be free we do not promise to be obedient to thee This is a plain conditional engagement implyed plainly in those words Only the Lord thy God be with thee as he was with Moses There is no King Emperor or Governor whatsoever but they are included all of them within the Rule of Gods Law that is to be the Rule and Guide of all their Actions the Bounds thereof they may not pass by turning aside either to the right or to the left hand nor by adding to the Commandments of God nor by taking any thing from Gods Commandments Moses was a notable excellent and eminent Example to Governors he observed Gods Laws willingly and circumspectly so did Joshua and all those Judges that were chosen immediately by God Thus David did endeavor to walk in Gods ways and some of the Kings of Israel although they lay under great temptations being lifted up so high in the opinions of the people these all acknowledged the Law of God to be their Rule their Guide and their Bounds For the breach of this Law old Eli was punished with temporal death although in his own person he were circumspect and obedient yet because that he suffered Gods Laws to be violated by his own sons God is so provoked that he taketh away his sons by the sword and the father by an untimely death an eminent pattern for Governors to look upon Governors are leading men their example is more prevalent then others they do more hurt then others by their evil examples therefore great men shall be greatly tormented God spared not Kings that broke and violated his Law Saul though he was chosen to his place by God immediately and therefore was anointed with oyl after an extraordinary manner yet when he went beyond the Bounds of Gods Commandments though it were in offering Sacrifice a matter good in it self yet because it was more then God commanded God cast him out of his place for it If we add to Gods Will revealed in his Word we sin or
Kings immediately in shewing the People the great evills that they should reape by Kings noted 1 Sam. 8. From Ver. 9. to Ver. 19. Kings will take your Sonnes and your Daughters from you and will appoint them to serve themselves This God doth not say was lawfull for Kings to doe for Gods Law was expresse to the contrary Exod. 22.21 Moreover thou shalt not do injury to a stranger Neither did Gods Lawes permit that they should wrong any man and Samuel useth that as a strong argument to convince them of their evill namely in these words 1 Sam. 12.3 Behold here J am beare record before the Lord of mee whose Ox have I taken or whose Asse have I taken or whom have I done wrong unto or whom have I hurt Ver. 4. Then the People said thou hast done us no wrong nor hast hurt us neither hast thou taken any thing of any Mans hand Hereby appeareth the Peoples great evill and ingratitude and their unrighteousnesse in forsaking that government with which they could find no fault Further this shewed that Kings would prove great evills because they would be great wrongers and great oppressors because they would take by violence their choisest comforts from the People And further this shewed that Kings would rule by the Rules of their owne wills in our dayes called their prerogatives this is shewed in these expressions Kings will take these and these things from you but this they ought not to do for herein Samuel sheweth his integrity we may observe that the Law of God ought to be the guide the Rule and the bounds to all men high and low to King and People this is evident Deut. 17.16 to 20. There God saith that the King should have the Booke of the Law and that hee should reade therein all the dayes of his life that hee may learne to feare the Lord his God and to keepe all the words of this Law and these Ordinances to do them that his heart be not lifted up above his Brethren and that hee turne not to the right hand or to the left hand c. From hence we may see that the King is not to do what hee listeth but he is as expresly commanded to observe and do the Law as any other man yea and in some sort more because his example is more prevalent to draw others either to good or evill But further wee may here note the difference betweene Kings and Iudges the Kings they will do thus and thus they will breake the bounds set unto them but the Iudges were humble meeke men this God knew when hee put in that clause so nearely linked to the observation of his Law namely that his heart be not lifted up above his Brethren experience hath taught us much of this could we be warned That Kings their hearts will be lifted up Observe I pray you the Iudges they acknowledged the People to be their Brethren but Kings they say their blood and their discent is more Royall more Illustruous more Excellent then those they call the baser sort and the more ignoble It is to be noted that in the first and purest times those men that were truly godly truly vertuous those men that were most precize that were the most observant of the Law of God Those men then were accounted to be the most noble and so we finde they were in Gods esteeme for wee finde Moses taken from keeping the sheepe And Gideon from threshing and David from the Sheepe-fold and made Rulers of the People But the World is now turned upside-downe for what do some men now applaud and worship but the Blood Royall and Noble Blood we have men now that are truly noble and eminent for Piety that sway the government of the Common-wealth but what is the tumult They say they cannot see their Nobility I would speake soberly and forbearingly consider warily and truly is it not because the God of this World hath blinded the eyes of many men But let us further note that this King Saul or a King or the Government by Kings would not onely deprive the People of their Sonnes and Daughters but also Kings would take their seede and their Vinyards 1 Sam. 8.15 Their Men-servants and their Maide-servants and the chiefe of your yong men and your Asses and Sheepe and yee shall be his servants Note I pray you that this People had great liberty and freedome under the government by Iudges could they have improved these with thankfull and contented hearts but they would reject and slight these mercies they would be governed by Kings under which Government they should endure many afflictions but when it commeth to this height that they themselves should be servants then they begin to be more sensible then they cry out but saith God Ver. 18. The Lord will not hear you in the day and time of these afflictions By this evident admonition it plainly appeared that God opposed in threatning manner this government by Kings for note that the cause here was not so much about the person to be made King but it was about the forme of government by Kings Note further how Samuel humbly and patiently doth argue the cause with the People Chap. 12. ver 7. to 13. where Samuel putteth the People in minde how God had not bin wanting to them but from time to time had raised up and appointed good governors for them Which governors God protected guided and blessed to them and made them Saviours and not oppressors nor destroyers to them sometimes for their sinnes and to prove them whether they would cleave to God and to shew them the benefit that it was to have God to appoint good governors and for other ends which God knew to be for his glory and their good God did leave them without chiefe Iudges and then we see the People they run into many by-paths and sinfull courses and then God suffered them to feele afflictions by enemies but note that when the people considered the cause and sought the favour of God and cryed to God to helpe them God never failed but answereth their petitions note in what manner God answered them he raised up Iudges vvhich God made to be blessings and Saviours to the People From this expostulation of Samuel we may observe that God by Samuel reproveth the People for altering that forme of government which God in his wisdome had prescribed and blessed to the People And the People could not deny the truth of this but further note that God to the end that posterity to come might evidently see his displeasure for that cause because the People had altered the forme of government by Iudges and instead thereof had wilfully and obstinately desired a government by Kings Therefore the Lord sheweth the People by an eminent and wonderfull way expressed thus 1 Sam. 12.17 I will call unto the Lord and he shall send Thunder and Raine that yee may perceive and see how that your wickednesse is great which yee
one of his own people 1 Ki. 15.27 Elah slaine in like manner 1 Ki. 16.9 And of Baasha his predecessors progeny God saith 1 Ki. 16.4 he that dieth of Baasha his stock in the City him shall the Dogs eate and he that dieth in the field the Fowles After him Zimri pursued by the People burneth himselfe 1 Ki. 16.18 Jehoram slain by his own people 2 Ki. 9. Ahaziah slaine in like manner 2 Ki. 9.27 Iesabell slaine 2 Ki. 9. Ahab slaine his posterity slaine 2 Ki. 10.6 by the Elders of his own people Ver. 7. Athalia slaine by her own people 2 Ki. 11.3.16 Iehoash slaine by his own servants 2 Ki. 12.20 Shallum slaine by his own people 2 Ki. 15.10.12 Pekahiah slaine by his own people 2 Ki. 15 25. Pekah slaine by his owne people 2 Ki. 15.30 Amon slaine by his own people 2 Ki. 21.23 I know not any one of these but that they are noted to be notorious sinners I doe let passe some others slaine and carried captives only these briefly as the shortnesse of time will permit the Lord give us hearts to understand the meaning of the blessed spirit of God aright Note here that God in his righteous Iudgements suffered and appointed Kings to be punished on earth God did not let them alone to be punished in another World I do believe that all these were not to be approved in the instruments and manner of their slaughters but some of them are approved and all of them are noted to bee taken away by Gods righteous judgements for the breach of his Laws and Commandments Now let the sincere godly hearted unpartially compare this government by Kings with that government by judges in which I pray God to direct you aright Thus have I endeavoured to present to our view the Kings that reigned over Iudah and Israel the Lord give us understanding to consider what bitter fruits the People reaped by changing their forme of Government I shall onely in this matter consider that doubtlesse these Kings many of them or others in their room would have beene much better had the People kept closer to the Rules prescribed and from time to time enquired of God who should have beene the man that should have governed them for we may note that although God promsed David that some of his posterity should governe yet they ought to have made him King whom the Lord should chuse Deut. 17. But we may note that God did so withdraw his good Spirit from the people that I remember not that it is recorded from Solomons time and after that the People did ever solemnly enquire counsell of God Who should governe them I doe believe that if the people had solemnely and seriously sought to God in this matter God would have provided some of Davids posterity from time to time and so have blessed and guided them by his good Spirit that they should have beene much better then they were but I doe believe God suffered them to swerve that we by their examples might learne wisdome whatsoever was written before time was written for our learning Having thus far proceeded in laying downe or describing the Cause or Foundation wherefore or whereupon I endeavour in the feare and love of the great and most high God according to the measure of Grace received to describe such a government Governors together with their entrances and authority as God hath prescribed owned and blessed in all which I doe consider that from the time of the Prophet Samuel to this day there hath beene so great a swerving and declining from that first most pure and cleare Fountaine from those most straight wholesome and good Rules Precepts and Commandments described by that most high and onely Wise God therefore I pray you blame mee not if I decline from humane authorities in all this description I desire to enquire for the old and good wayes of our good God And I consider that Gods Wayes his good Will and Pleasure is most certainely most wisely most apparently made knowne in the Scriptures written by the Prophets and Apostles men that most truly and faithfully made knowne Gods good Will and Pleasure without mixture of their owne or other mens inventions Therefore I shall most chiefly and only in comparison alledge the authority of the Scriptures and the rather because I consider that as the interposition of the Earth between the Sun and Moone darkneth that light and maketh an Eclipse whereby we are hindered from the more apparent and clear light and benefit that otherwise we might receive so I feare it would come to passe if I should follow other inventions I am sure that in this way the true light is most unerring I shall next endeavour to shew what encouragement I finde recorded in the sacred Scripture that do strengthen or encourage me to believe That God now in these latter Dayes and Times will restore and reforme government so that we shall have Judges as at the first and counsellors as at the beginning and then wee shall be called a City of righteousnesse a faithfull City I shall begin to propound to consideration this Scripture Esai 1.24 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts the mighty one of Israel Ah I will ease me of mine adversaries and avenge mee of mine en mies Ver. 25. Then will I turne mine hand upon thee burne out thy drosse till it be pure and take away all thy tinne Ver. 26. And I will restore thy Judges as at the first and thy counsellers as at the beginning afterwards thou shalt be called a City of righteousnesse a faithfull City From this place I observe That corrupt Governors are the great hinderances of Reformation because the Church shall then be a City of righteousnesse when they have Judges as at the first Secondly I observe That such corrupt Governors and Governments God hath determined shall be put downe this is expressed in these words J will ease me of my enemies and burne out thy Drosse this is plainely implyed in these words I will restore thy Judges as at the first c. Thirdly I observe that at this time when the Prophet Esay wrote this sentence or this precious promise The government that then was in being which was a government by Kings was neither the first government nor the best or pure government but hereby noted to be a corrupt government If this were not the plaine and true meaning of these words I believe God would not have made this to be the way and meanes whereby the Church should become in Gods estimation a City of righteousnesse and a faithfull City and this appeareth if we do consider that the way how and cause why they should become a City of righteousnesse was Because a better government should be to the Church and People of God and that which then was in being should be destroyed but then the government was by Kings Fourthly I observe that this government should be reformed or regulated according to the first
and purest times and by Judges which being considered I believe it plainely followeth that from the time of Samuel to this day this prophesie hath not bin fulfilled and accomplished because there hath not from that time to this bin such a Reformation such a Government by Iudges as was in the first and most pure times instituted the most immediately by God himself and is held out in these words As at the first c. Fifthly I observe that there is just ground to hope and believe that such a Reformation God will worke namely that God will restore Iudges as at the first Sixthly I believe there are good grounds from this place compared with the acts and great workes that God is now working and hath wrought to expect that this very time is the time or the beginning of the time God pointed out in this prophesie Because that corrupt government by Kings is put downe in such a way of burning and righteousnesse as hath not bin from that time to this day as I believe and such an earnest seeking and strong endeavours as hath not bin usuall for to set up and restore a government by Iudges as at the first in which endeavours I cannot but acknowledge that I believe it evidently appeareth That many men have affectionately endeavored with the hazard of their lives and of all their worldly comforts to obtaine a government such as might be for the glory of God and according to his Will revealed as at the first Object How commeth it then to passe that sin abounds so much and that wickednesse is not more suppressed Answ We are to consider that great workes are not alwayes finished so soon as they are begun God may suffer some sins now more then ordinary to appear that by that meanes we may see them and see the evâ—ll of them and the danger of them and by seeing them we may see how and where they may be rooted up this government is yet in agitation not fully settled as I conceive they have many occasions their Enemies not wholy subdued We may observe that in those times when God was about to work the greatest deliverances for his Church God worketh by contraries in mans apprehension when Israel was nearest to their deliverance out of Aegyt then God let them taste the most bitterly of he yoke of their oppression although Moses at the same instant was labouring for their deliverance Secondly can we see no reformation consider that the Gospell hath free liberty to be preached many Congregations are much reformed and a free liberty for Reformation to others Idolatry is suppressed the Ministery and People are freed from those troubles in conscience that formerly they would have beene glad to have beene eased of and further consider that in these times there is much more light many things formerly obscured and hid are now appeared and concerning those sins that are a just cause of griefe I believe when government is setled they will be driven away as chaffe before the winde and touching those Burdens and Taxations I believe they are our governors griefe to impose them and I hope God will shew them a meanes to ease them and to take them away in the mean time let us seek God unfainedly and God will answer us graciously Thirdly let us consider which party those that are for or those that are against this present government or Army be most guilty of the sin most reigning I shall speak something what my own experience reacheth and so far as my memory and opportunity hath received from other men Those generally that stand for the Army and Parliament are godly or civill the most of them I know not one other wayes Those that are against them are many of them such as I have heard my self with much grief that have bin swearers most notoriously and have spoken of the secrets of nature of Men and Women in such a manner as if they had never lived where Gods Word had come to their knowledge in such a manner as the very Indians that are civilized are ashamed of or not accustomed to in such a manner as That their mouthes are filled with cursing and bitternesse destruction and calamity are in their wayes the way of Peace they have not knowne I leave them and speak to some other I believe there may be many some I know of whom I am perswaded I may safely affirm That they are the elect of God and yet neverthelesse through weakenesse for so I judge it to be do not favour the Army and the present government I hope God will shew them just cause to see their error and to acknowledge it in this particular But concerning those that stand for the present government and Army I know not nor have I discoursed with nor heard of any one Man that hath cordially favored the proceedings of the Army and this present government but they appeare to be either godly or civill not openly prophain I would not be mistaken I speak not in this particular what the Souldiery may be I mean the common Souldiery may be I know nothing against them but this I can affirm upon my own knowledge upon inquiry in Cornewall and in Devonshire they behave themselves so orderly that I much rejoyced to see their civill and orderly carriage and I did purposely enquire of the Inhabitants and I remember not any one but did acknowledge that they carried themselves orderly To conclude my Answer to this Objection I do acknowledge sin is committed too openly in the sight of the Sun there are many offences Let us all look to it for Christ Jesus the Sonne of the blessed God saith that woe be to him by whom the offence commeth Certainly there is a righteous God that will prove and try all our hearts and workes to whose righteous judgement I willingly refer the Cause I humbly request those that fear God not to be offended for consider that many take liberty to the utmost to detract the Army and present government therefore give me a little liberty I would not exceede the bounds prescribed by God But to return to shew cause why we may now expect Reformation Iudges is at the first this following is the seventh Observation gathered from this prophesie namely because God hath stirred up many godly and learned in these times to put in writing what they have gathered from the prophesies of the Prophets and these joyntly and unanimously do agree so far as I know that near to these times God will doe great things such as have not bin done for a long season in reforming matters in exalting and lifting up his Church out of affliction This is an encouragement to us to hope and expect that we shall have Iudges as at the first and counsellors as at the beginning then shall we be a City of righteousnesse a faithfull City Unto the foresaid Scripture we may add that Esai 2.2 It shall be in the last dayes that the Mountaine of
Afterwards thou shalt be called a City of righteousness a faithful City Isai 1.25 26 27. ch 2.2 3 4. Of this I purpose to speak more afterwards Dearly beloved friends thus much I can and do affirm to you all in the presence of that all-seeing â—od who will bring hidden things deeds of darkness to light even in the presence of that God who I do Love Fear Worship who is my Hope my Joy from whom I received all the Good I have from whom I expect my comfort for the time to come I have not so far as I know my own heart any prejudice nor respect of persons nor any past present or future by or sinister respect in the writing this little Treatise I have never received the value of one penny in recompence of my endeavors and for the time to come I am so far from thoughts that way That I do expect rather that I shall receive injury hereby and that this may be a great hinderance to me in wordly respects only this is my comfort That I know whom I have trusted And this further can I say likewise That at the writing hereof I know not nor did ever see either those truly honourable Generals the Lord Fairfax nor the Lord Cromwel nor any Captain or Souldier amongst them except some few I lately saw in or neer to London as I passed by them nor do I know any one of them if I see them again so far as I conceive It is possible some of my acquaintance may be in the Army but if it be so I know it not And concerning those worthy men for so I esteem them to be that now sit in the Parliament I never saw any one of them to my knowledg except one who I have seen I think three or four times yet I know not certainly whether he be of the Parliament or no only I think he is Whereas I affirm that I know not any of the Army or of the Parliament I intend that I know not the persons of the men but by their fruits I know much concerning them Some may judge this to be superfluous to mention but I shall shew you what moveth me so to do In discoursing with divers men I find to my best apprehension That there is such a crooked and perverse generation of men that imagine mischief that invent base false and slanderous reports against Parliament Generals Army and indeed against the most that truly fear God Blame me not therefore courteous Reader if I labour to prevent slanderous and lying Tongues And this likewise I affirm That with due regard of Gods presence in the fear of God being much sensible of my own weakness seriously considering of how great weight it is to write books and to present them to publique view I am very fearful to presume above what is meet and this I say further that my purpose is to propound the matters and causes I shall principally insist upon in this following Treatise I purpose likewise according to the measure of light grace and opportunity that God shall give me to prove and clear the matters propounded and then having presented the cause I shall earnestly desire of God to stir some persons who are more learned and better able then my self and to enable and direct them so That they may more largely and clearly shew forth to publique view the mind of God in these matters of Government and Governors It is now a long season that the Nations have been so kept under by Corrupt Governors above two thousand years during which time where or who was the man that durst or did punctually discover the Corruption of Governors or of Government 1. This is one reason that moveth me to present the cause to publike view namely because I know not or do not discern that any one writer from Samuels days to this time the pens of the Scriptures excepted that hath punctually written upon this subject 2. This is another moving cause because now being a time of more Liberty and considering that I my children and posterity are concerned in the case of Government I conceive there is reason good why I should present this cause to publike consideration 3. This is another motive I look upon the great effusion of bloud that hath been shed about this matter the cause for ought I know being not yet wholy determined but is still so that I conceive that our godly Governors are ready to prefer Gods glory and the common good before their own interests in those matters that they shall clearly see to be the mind and will of God 4. This is another motive seeing apparently our miserable condition people being divided in judgment and in affection so that our condition is much like a ship in a Tempest Therefore the end of my endeavors shall be so far as God shall assist that I may reconcile differences and that Peace and Truth may meet together as Moses and Aaron met together in the mount of God and kissed each other And as this is the end I propound to my self so likewise I purpose it shall be the Title or Superscription Dearly beloved friends all you that love and fear the Lord all you that have obtained like precious faith I earnestly intreat you to assist me in this work with your prayers with your most best uttermost and strongest abilities Contend for the truth in love but strive not lust not to be contentious Reject not that Truth that Good wholy which is accompanied with some blemishes Men cast not away a good garment because of a little dirt Consider the great differences and troubles about Governors and Government Therefore I humbly request thee to weigh try prove examine search the Scripture cleave to the Truth Seek the favour of God with more then ordinary prayer That the good holy Spirit of God may lead thee into truth For it is evident that many unclean Spirits many false and lying Spirits are permitted to deceive many in these our days This point of Government is of great concernment if God help us to discern the good and right way prescribed practised owned and blessed by God to chuse persons so that God may be said to chuse for us to shut up all windows and by-ways that so Wolves Foxes and beasts of prey may be kept from the Sheep If God help us to discern the way the true and right way and in that way to set open the door that the good and true Shepherds may enter whose fruits will soon discover them to be good and true Shepherds for they will love the flock they will watch over them not for the fleece mostly but to defend them from beasts of prey These good Shepherds will seek the comfort of the Flock they will drive them to the wholesom pastures and to the still waters where they may be refreshed where they may bless the name of the Lord and lie down without fear for true love casteth out fear and
others and hate them without just cause it cometh to pass oft-times that God doth turn these slanders and unjust reproaches into blessings Balak sent for Balaam to detest Jacob and to curse Israel But God turned that curse intended into a blessing Numb 23.8 How shall I curse where God hath not cursed Vers 24. Behold the People shall rise up as a Lion he shall not lie down till he eat of the prey and till he drink the blood of the slain c. Numb 24.5 How goodly are thy Tents O Jacob and thy Habitations O Israel Vers 6. As the valleys are they stretched forth as the gardens by the rivers sides as the Aloe-tree which the Lord hath planted as the Cedars besides the waters Vers 9. Blessed be he that blesseth thee c. These things I desire may be well noted and weighed In this matter first Hath not God in the sight of all the world turned this imprecation into a blessing For God hath been so far from destroying that Army that on the contrary God hath destroyed their Enemies and preserved them Note secondly That this imputation was unjustly layd upon this Army namely that they delighted in War For this I do undoubtedly beleeve That the Generals and chief of the Army and many others were so far from delighting in War that it was their grief that they could not finde the way to true Peace without War God is the Searcher of all hearts and he hath shewn and will shew who those blood-thirsty men are there meant by David Thirdly Note That it is evident if we consider the substance of Mr Prynnes speech in the latter part especially that the Officers of the Army were rendred odious by Mr Prynne in the face of the Parliment publiquely in so much that he saith That they sought the destruction of the Common-wealth This could not be hid from the Army Dearly beloved Country-men Do by them as you would be dealt withall had you been in their places judg righteously Consider that this Army hazarded their lives and many lost their Lives amongst them of their dear Friends in defence of the Parliament and Common-wealth There was now but a step between them and death For may not any rational man see plainly That they being at the time being rendered odious and Enemies to the Common-wealth by Mr William Prynne in a publique way What wanted then to bring them to destruction Onely this in a rational way wanted That the King might be made their Head and Governor and by that means who is so blinde that doth not see that the Kings helpers in time of his Troubles should have been exalted and made their Judges The Army themselves were to be disbanded that Mr Prynne seeketh in his speech to effect and without controversie it had been disbanded had not God shewed the Army the danger and the snare that they were in and withall if God had not given to the General and to the Army an undaunted courage and if the blessing of God had not gone along with them they had been destroyed For as touching the Kings party of them of their former mercies or cruelties rather the Army had had experience too much for to trust them upon such slight pretences Consider now deal unpartially would not you if it were your case rather your enemies and Gods enemies and the countries enemies should perish rather then your selves and many others Well had the Army sate still till they had been destroyed we might have lamented over their and our miseries in Davids language 2 Sam. 3.33 Thus dyed Abner as a fool dyeth Vers 34. Thine hands were not bound nor thy feet tyed in fetters of Brasse But here I end with this Scripture hoping that God may one day shew M. Prynn cause to revoke this imprecation In the mean time he may evidently see that it is turned to a blessing Concerning M. Pryns Speech I could answer to the particulars but considering the straitness of present time and likewise considering that if I should be long some of his papers might be read of too many Therefore I observe Davids counsel in another case who desiring to cover Sauls death and Jonathans desired That it might not be told in Gath nor published in the Gates of Askelon least it caused the daughters of the Philistines to rejoyce I shall therefore endeavor to bind up his answer fast together his Speech may be divided into two parts viz. In the first I find many witty and ingenious contrivances fine twined threds or to give them a term more suitable to his intentions let them be taken for such cords as the Philistines used to bind Sampson with Therefore we shall let them pass under this name M. Prynns new inventions to binde the King and secure the Common-wealth to be in a firm lasting peace c. and future felicity The Second part may be considered under this notion M. Prynns endeavour to render the Army odious and enemies to the Common-wealth I do hope and believe that M. Prynne his aims and intendments were real for to obtain Peace and Safety But I believe that he was mistaken and erred from the pattern shew'd in Gods revealed will very far When I looked well upon M. Prynn his Speech with what learning wit and eloquence it is contrived considering his parts It occasioned me to remember Pauls speech 1 Cor. 1.27 28. Thus â—xpressed God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and the weak things of the world to confound the mighty Vers 28. And vile things of the world and things which are despised and things which are not hath God chosen to bring to naught things that are Our blessed Saviour sheweth us a reason of this Math. 11.25 I give thee thanks O Father Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and men of understanding and hast opened them to babes Vers 26. It is so O Father because thy good pleasure was such In our times it is not to be much marvelled at that wise men come short when we consider of former times the children of Israel were very apt to break sleight and neglect Gods commandements and to prefer their own inventions Was it not strange that they should forsake that Fountain of living Waters that great God Jehovah of whose Faithfulness Wisedome Power Goodness Long-suffering They had had such large experience of Yet search the Scriptures and you may see many instances how they distrusted God how they forsook God murmured complained despised and provoked God from time to time Was it not to be admired that they should forsake God and set up a golden Calf in Moses his absence Was it not to be admired That having had such experience of Gods Providence and Blessing under the Government of those Humble Wise Faithful Judges or Governors being such men as entred into their Offices by the immediate and prescribed will of God from Moses to Samuel Under
both of the Father and of the Child Oh that God would open our hearts to be wise Well by my consent these Noble Acts of these worthies of the Lord shall be recorded in Capital Letters that the Posterity following may praise God for them that they have been a means to restore Judges as at the first and Councellors as at the beginning I do not dive much into the Laws of man because as my time will not suffer me so likewise my intent is to have recourse to the Original the Will of God revealed in the Scriptures For this I doubt not but that all other Laws are or ought to be derived from Gods Laws those being both the Root and Fountain from whence they do spring and also the Pattern and Rule to square them by and to try the Equity of them their bounds and limits I labour with the best abilities that God doth afford to me that I may not decline from Gods Laws either to the right or to the left hand and that I may neither add nor deminish from these Rules prescribed by God I see that divers men look so much to other Rules and Inventions that they forget or turn aside from Gods Testimonies Fol. 39. Touching the other part M. Prynne saith That the King hath intrusted others with his Conscience c. I conceive it is one great part of the duty of a superior Judge to have a chief influence and an especial part in the determination of the most weighty matters of the State Therefore I do conceive that where any shall depart with this chief part of his work and trust and put it wholy out of his own power it may truly be said of them That they likewise do part with their conscience too namely with their good conscience It is evident that when Moses for the ease of himself and of the people did appoint other Judges or Officers Yet the most weighty and difficult cases he judged them himself as appeareth in these words Exod. 18.26 But they brought the hard causes to Moses for they judged all small matters themselves This is clear That both the judges and afterwards the Kings did judg the most weighty affaires of the State Therefore it seemeth to me to be evident that it is sinful to take that power from Governors that God alloweth to them And this I conceive is so far from securing the Peoples Peace That contrarily it bringeth heavy burthens and unavoidable inconveniences as God willing shall after be shewed Untempered morter will hardly well and strongly cleave together I shall now proceed to shew in what respects M. Prynnes endeavours were too weak to bind the King had he been restored to his Throne which is the second Thing propounded Solomon saith Prov. 20.2 That the fear of a King is like to the roaring of a Lion That is it is terrible and Prov. 30.31 We may see that even the godly oft-times out of fear do consent to do those things which they ought not to do When David desired to number the People his Officers desired him so far as they durst that he would desist from it 2 Sam. 24.4 Notwithstanding the Kings word prevailed against Joab and against the Captains of the Host c. Consider I pray you That in case that the late King had been restored to his Throne would not many have subjected to his Commands would not many have sought his favour Solomon knew that experimentally Prov. 29.26 Many do seek the face of the Ruler To my apprehension it is very evident That considering how strong a party for number personable men fitted with many outward appearances very likely to prevail and so they must needs have prevailed had God been on their side I say considering what great numbers did appear and attempt with all their strength and skill to the end that they might have raised the King into his Throne by force against the wills and without the consent of the Parliament without the consent and against the force of the Army and of the People without any Articles and Agreement And considering further That these Attempts were then made when the King was in adversity when he had no authority or means to recompence them And considering further That these Attempts were made in such a time as there were some armed Forces in some measure ready to oppose and punish them To my apprehension it is very evident That had the King so far prevailed to have gained his Throne again he was likely to have had many more helpes when he had so many advantages more For many of the Parliament it is more then probable would have taken his party many of the people that before were afraid to help him would now have flocked in to strengthen him many that were fled out of the Land would have returned many that would have helped him for the hope reward Neighbor Nations in all probability would have complyed with him and many more helps which now I cannot reckon of up The Army his opposites they were to be disbanded Who now would or durst have spoken against his proceedings It is more then probable that in short time the godly must have counted that a mercy if they could have fled into a corner yea many of those which then and now were and are so much forward to have restored him to his Authority which formerly he had had even these likewise should have tasted of the cup of his indignation who knoweth not the danger of a reconciled enemy especially against whom they had so many ways offended and more especially when he had had power and they dejected It is likely that the Army those especially as had been most eminent and most faithful to the State should have drunk deep of the cup of his indignation but God helped them to see and to prevent this in which we may see except we will shut our eyes Digitus Dei the very finger of God against all opposition For had they sate still having a lawful power in their hands as I conceive they had to help themselves till they had been destroyed we might have lamented over them Thus dyed Abner as a fool dyeth His feet were not made fast in the stocks neither were his hands bound with fetters of brass Consider these things you that fear God judg righteous judgment might not our children yet unborn have had just cause to have bewailed their fathers folly Do we or can any man endowed with reason think if we will speak and plainly declare our hearts that the King would ever have been so confined as Mr Prynnes Speech importeth No doubtless these bonds were too weak to bind Sampson because they reached not that place wherein his strength lay Consider but this in the next Point which is the third point propounded namely this That these Propositions reached not the seat of his strength the essence or being of his strength lay to my apprehension in these two considerable places
that act of the peoples as appeareth 1 Kings 12.24 Thus saith the Lord Ye shall not go up nor fight against your brethren for this thing is done by me The peoples sin lay in another way They enquired not of the Lord who should govern them therein lay their evil From that root sprung up their error and this error was the very cause I do undoubtedly believe that they had so many corrupt Governors that ruled over them It may evidently be seen that men usually run into extreams and all is because they are not circumspect in following Gods Commandments they depart from the Rule Now dearly beloved Countrymen I judg it will be seasonable because such precious liberties are not usual to consider a little what our condition is and what we are and in what relation we do truly stand according to the true Rule of Gods sacred Word the most blessed and unerring Rule of Truth God in great rich and singular mercy undeserved by us hath put a great difference between us and the beasts of the field and between us and these sensless creatures lands houses and such earthly inheritances How cometh it then to pass That when a King dyeth the breath is scarcely out of his body or his body quite cold there is such post-haste such running and riding to proclaim one King in his room what is the matter of such great haste surely there is something in it Do they not take us as young heirs take their fathers inheritance as beasts lands houses This maketh me to consider sometimes the manner and actings of such men of War as do live upon the labours of honest and true men they when they espy a prey presently up top-sail top gallant sails and all the sails it were oft-times better for the true honest and plain-dealing men that they should make less haste observe it well your honest Merchant men make less speed to pursue after others because they mind their own Surely Moses that godly man made no such haste nor did the good Iudges of Israel they stayed till they were called by God Certainly I should note it to be the Character of a good Shepherd or Governor when they do first consider the great weight and concernment for Gods glory and for the peoples good that Government is of certainly if it be heartily and duly considered there is not just cause for so great haste Moses and Gideon and the rest considered the great weight for saith Moses My abilities are but weak and Gideon said he was but mean in his own esteem for such a work it is like they considered That except God did in an extraordinary manner promise to assist them with his blessed Spirit they should be insufficient for so weighty employments Indeed if any look at their own glory and ease and worldly riches it is no marvel then if such make speed but consider that if any want Gods blessed Spirit into what a truly miserable condition do they plunge both themselves and those poor people that must be judged preserved and protected by them I do confess I see no such cause of haste when matters are truly considered of There will or would be less bloodshed and more peace if men were truly consciencious of their duties Crowns would be of less esteem It is well to be noted That in the first and purest times God owned and blessed the people as his proper and peculiar inheritance and so carryed himself to them for Moses had children yet God so honoured and loved the people that he did not leave them the people to the Judges as their inheritance although the Judges were blessed Judges but did keep them as his own inheritance and so provided men whose inward affections he knew and God did immediately appoint Judges himself for them and those God blessed with his good Spirit all of them such did not claim the people as their inheritance and so leave them as beasts lands or houses to their children this continued all the time of the Judges But when the people preferred their own inventions before the wisdom of God and would be governed by a King and so cast off God from raigning over them then a declining people and a forsaking God Not long after God made David a promise That some of his posterity should hold the people as their inheritance in some proportion Government went then by Succession But consider now beloved Countrymen That there is no King upon Earth hath such a promise as David had now the partition wall is broken down God is reconciled if we believe therefore for any King now to claim Government by Succession they must shew some Charter some gift from God for it for my part I have searched the sacred Records of Gods Will revealed and in all the Word of God I can see no such Scripture if they can shew any hidden light let it be shewn that I may see it too but till then I shall conceive that we Believers are Gods inheritance and God by my consent shall be our King and appoint our Governors in his own way and then I am sure this people I and my posterity may rest in secure peace for then God will not fail to bless such Governors with his good and blessed Spirit Beloved Countrymen GOD hath preferred us in honor above beasts or lands and shall we like those asses beasts prostrate our selves to such a servile condition Object But suppose a King can say His forefathers obtained the Kingdom by the Sword by Conquest Answ I look upon that as the worst and meanest title of all For our Indians that know not God can shew such a title for their unjust encroachments upon other mens Lives and Estates And consider That that man that possesseth but the Goods or Lands of another mans by violence shall hold that no longer then till the other man hath power to take them again but we acknowledg a God and his Word must be our guide But further consider That suppose that we should grant to a King as good a title to Government as Moses Joshua Saul had who were men immediately appointed by God which no King I beleeve can shew the like yet these could not rightfully claim the people as inheritance to leave to their Children that is Gods proper right and God is a jealous God Kings must therefore shew such a Promise made to them by God and recorded in Gods Word as David had or else I must desire leave to be excused if I conceive that I and my posterity through the gracious bounty of a good God in Christ do look upon my self as free and not as a bond-man And yet further Could Kings shew as good a promise as David had yet God must chuse the man which should be Governor For Gods Word is express Deut. 17. Thou shalt make him King whom the Lord thy God shall chuse This is a sentence recorded and never repealed to this day There is an apparent
between such neer relations between Brethren Therefore she rather parts with her beloved son Jacob and giveth Jacob this reason Genes 27.45 Why should I be deprived of you both in one day I pray you consider that we have suffered much already If any should endeavor to bring new and more dangerous breaches would it not be very grievous Are there not some that by their publike practises have so divided our families and our friends already that one friend dareth hardly trust another Consider I pray you That this present Government are men that seek your honor your good and your peace so far as God sheweth to them that it may be for Gods glory and the good of the Land and would such discontented men forbear such direct and such palpable provocations I beleeve the desires of this Government is to honor and respect the Ministry yet more Consider what will be the issue of such mens endeavors that seek to stir up strife It is not possible to avoyd but that either the Government must fall or such as sow discord must fall These matters cannot long be suffered with the safety of the Land Now therefore consider the Government loveth you and I am verily perswaded would pass by former offences provided that for the future there might be an amendment I do beleeve that you have done what you have done in some measure with zeal I do consider that Peter swerved more then once and likewise that in many things we sin all There is much wickedness committed by too many and likewise there are many unsound Opinions many corrupt Opinions You desire these matters may be amended Then I do beseech you that you will seek to strengthen the hands of the Governors Is it possible that they should work a Reformation if you should divide your selves Did not Moses and Aaron go hand in hand I am sensible of the matters that offend you do but obtain this namely That a Governmont may be established countenanced and obeyed I mean such a Government as God hath prescribed owned and blessed in his holy Word and I dare engage that it is the nearest way to obtain your desires only in that pray earnestly as a matter of concernment Touching the Government by Kings they are gone and past labour not to bring them again for certainly it is evident that that shall neither be according to Gods mind nor for your comfort If men famous in the Congregation withstand Moses it is no wonder that the whole Congregation be out of order Moses must be strengthened and obeyed that so the true Levites may do their duty and be defended from injurious persons but if men famous do withstand Moses to his face yet God will vindicate and defend his cause Moses's true authority shall stand Touching these corruptions and evil opinions do but give Moses his authority and God will give him his Spirit in such a measure that vice will fly away as chaff before the wind Concerning these evil and corrupt opinions that in these troublesom times have evidently appeared consider this That God can make all work together for the good of his Elect they may see thereby the evils with grief and detestation they may see of what great concernment of what benefit of what necessity it is that there should be Governors to defend them from the violence of the wicked to defend them from erronious persons to support Gods Word and his Laws to punish Delinquents and ungodly men that so the fierce anger of God may be turned away from us Pharaohs oppressions and Israels sufferings in Egypt God in his wisdom used them for the instructions of his people afterwards And in the very beginning and next before the delivery of the Law God recorded that to be remembred as being of eminent use and instruction to his people Exod. 20.1 2. God spake all these words saying I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage This God by Moses and the Prophets afterward used as an effectual argument to invite to and to put the people in mind of their duties Remember thou wast a bondman Pharaoh an oppressor and I delivered you therefore c. Bread or food is most welcom to us when we be most hungry England was wanton and proud and full God now proveth them God I believe is about an eminent and great work of Reformation marvel not therefore if God leave the impression of tyranny and wickedness in a more then ordinary manner to be recorded to posterity Dearly beloved Fathers I pray you suffer me without offence to you to propound this to your consideration namely That forasmuch as there hath been and is such a great and too general falling off from the true ways of God in the practise of godliness sin having so generally over-spread the Land in the open sight of God and men Therefore my humble Request to you is That you will consider whether it be not now a season to gather your Churches such as are not already into good order let the Septer of Christs Authority be advanced openly so that all men may see that you have power of the Keys and Censures and that there may be some outward solemn act the form I leave to your wisdoms only it must be equivalent to a Covenant whereby the people that shall willingly avow or acknowledg God and Jesus Christ to be their God in such a manner that they willingly will submit to him in all the ways of his Worship according as it is revealed and recorded in his holy Word the Scriptures may be orderly gathered into fellowships and all known sinners may be hereby brought to repentance This will be a means that many that now divide and stumble at the prophaneness that is in many places suffered and the disorder and want of power that is conceived to be in many Congregations will give and reach out unto you the right hand of fellowship I would not prescribe the way precisely but so far as you may perceive my meaning This may be a way to curb and cut down much prophaneness and if God give you hearts to stand up and labour diligently to do Gods will herein with courage industry and all your might I hope your labour will not be lost I cannot but with humble hearty and unfeigned thankfulness to God acknowledg his great mercy to us who have highly provoked God by our crooked and froward behaviours in and for that God hath stirred up many godly Ministers and People to reform many things even now in these troublesom times I humbly pray you labour now with all diligence to go on and perfect so much as in you lieth the Work of the Lord. Consider I pray you That Israel repeated or renewed their Covenants upon several occasions None that are godly can take any just cause of offence Paul became all things to all men that by all means he might win
them and lay them up let them be put into the treasury of your hearts to be considered of Dearly beloved Fathers I pray you accept favorably of these few following lines wherein I have laboured to present to your godly considerations such a platforme or draught of Government as is drawn from or out of the unblemished and most perfect patterne prescribed and revealed in the sacred Scripture those streight and unerring rules of truth in the discription thereof I have endeavoured without adding or diminishing according to the measure of Grace and strength from God received to present it to you with faithfulnesse These reasons following have moved me to present these following lines to your considerations First aiming at Gods Glory having an especiall respect to the accomplishment of those precious promises foretold by the Prophets Secondly because that I my selfe and my posterity are concerned in the cause Thirdly because that such an opportunity I believe hath not beene offered from the dayes of Samuel to this time considering I look upon you as men that aime principally at the glory of God and not so much at any worldly respects yon knowing and seeing the brittlenesse the uncertainty the mutability and vanity that is to be attained in any worldly comforts compared with those true weighty precious treasures provided promised and reserved for all those that love God believe in him and do unfeinedly desire to doe his Will and Commandements Fourthly I do consider that your actings now and the platforme of Government that you are now considering of is such as is like to concerne posterity It will concerne England Ireland Scotland and our Neighbour Nations they will warily look upon it and it will concerne the Islands in the Indies Barmoedas Virginia New England Newfound Land and other places Consider therefore I pray you with the greatest respect that you have an eye to the patterne of the Sanctuary to those rules and warrantable presidents recorded in Gods revealed Will the holy Scriptures I pray you turne not to the right hand nor to the left hand remember what an expresse charge God gave to Ioshua Chap. 1.8 Let not this Booke of the Law depart out of thy mouth but meditate therein day and night that thou mayest observe and do according to all that is written therein for then shalt thou make thy way prosperous and then shalt thou have good successe I beseech you deare Fathers consult not too much with flesh and blood follow not the many and uncertaine presidents and inventions of men If you keepe close to Gods Rule you shall not err you shall be safe and then shall I and my posterity some of your little children shroud our selves under the protection of your wing with more peace and comfort conceiving our selves by Gods Providence to be secured from the many Wolves and Beares and Lyons that lie in waite to hurt us I have travelled through many difficulties forsaken Wife Children and some worldly comforts that J might present these following lines to your considerations which I would not mention but to this end That it might take some impression in your hearts and cause you advisedly to read and to consider what is contained in these following lines and that so all my labour may not be lost and these matters cast aside as wast paper to that end I pray you not to looke so much at the Garment as at the substance and not so much at the Order or Forme as at the Truth and true Meaning of what J have tendred to you but whatever my successe shall be I know my dependancy and whom I have trusted Dearely beloved Fathers J meane not to exclude my requests from being presented and are intended by me to be tendered to those two worthy Servants of God Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir Oliver Cromwell being Fathers of this Common-wealth in an eminent manner To them and to the rest of those worthy Governours of this Common-wealth to you all I present my requests and what shall be contained in these following lines Dearely beloved Fathers you have now a great and glorious or precious opportunity put into your hands of Reformation be but Faithfull in this and God will make you Rulers of more and greater Cities of Heavenly places In the meane time till you can settle Government according to your desire I pray you let the administration of Justice come thorough as few hands as with equity you may that so the poore may come at their right with as little difficulty or charge and with as much ease as may be which I do believe you do endeavour I humble request of you likewise that you will take off from the Common-wealth what burdens and taxations you can I pray you be deeply and thoroughly affected with the many sad complaints and sighs of many poore hearts that are under your Government that are of your flock remember what frame of spirit was in that first and godly and eminent patterne of piety namely in holy and humble Moses that blessed man of God he sought the good the ease and the comfort of that people God committed to his government he changed this transitory life and now lives with God and with his blessed Angells to eternity the memory of him is recorded for our learning in Gods Booke of Records and is precious and blessed in all Ages Remember how our blessed Saviour delivered us from those oppressions of sinnes and from Satan and from Death and laid downe his life to redeeme us and all this hee did freely for us when no eye pittied us yea even then when wee were at emnity with him and he was a precious patterne for us to imitate and now hee sitteth in glory and is blessed to all eternity Hee regarded not the momentary trifles of worldly wealth the Foxes had holes and the Birds of the Aire had nests but the Sonne of man had scarcely a place whereon to rest his Head bee mercifull because your Heavenly Father is mercifull I do believe you do earnestly desire and endeavour to take off from the people what burdens you can J do consider that you have very many and great engagements that for the present you cannot avoide Taxations but I hope those occasions will in time convenient be removed so that then I hope you will ease the people what possibly you can I hope God will shew you a way to do it of this I am perswaded that we might be more eased in this matter were it not for the gainsayings and molestations that diverse bring upon us by reason of their irregularities I pray you be mindefull of our Trading and Marchandize to incourage that that so the poore labourer may bee imployed and relieved I cannot but with thankefulnesse acknowledge your great care and charge that you have allready taken in setting out Ships to secure our Marchants at Sea I pray you still continue your watchfulnesse that way because these times are times wherein many ungodly
have done in the sight of the Lord in asking you a King Ver. 18. Then Samuel called unto the Lord and the Lord sent Thunder and Raine the same Day and all the People feared the Lord and Samuel exceedingly Ver. 19. The People said wee have sinned in asking us a King besides all our other sins c. Concerning this King we have occasion to note that Gods Presence did remove now and stand at a further distance then before God did not wholy depart from them but remembering the multitude of his mercies he did still favour the People but as the Tabernacle for the sinnes of the People was removed out of the Host Exod. 33.7.8 Yet not wholy out of their sight so here God removed his gracious presence further off from the People The next King was David who was a good and vertuous King God would not afflict the People so much that they should have no good Kings Davids blemishes I forbear though some blemishes he had such as I believe were not to be found amongst the Iudges that were immediately appointed by God to their place after succeeded Solomon how far he declined from the straight Rules of Gods revealed Will are to be found recorded in the Booke of Kings Rehoboam Reigned he had 18. Wives and threescore Concubines and desired many Wives 2 Cro 11 21 23. He forsooke the Law of the Lord and all Israel with him for which cause Shishack came up against Jerusalem and tooke the strong Cities which were of Iuda The People were made servants to Shishack 2 Cro. 12.1 to 9. Further he did evill and prepared not his heart to seeke the Lord. Ver. 14. Ahijam reigneth he walked in all the sinnes which his Father had done before him and his heart was not perfect with the Lord 1 King 15.3 Asa reigned he did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord he put down his Mother because she had an Idoll in a Grove 1 King 15. Nadab reigned he did evill in the sight of the Lord and made Israel sinne 1 King 15.26 Baashaw reigneth he did evill in the sight of the Lord and caused Israel to sinne 1 King 16. Elah he reigned did evill being drunke was slaine 1 King 16. Omri reigneth he did evill in the sight of the Lord worse then all that were before him 1 King 16. Zimri reigneth was burnt 1 King 16.18 Ahab the sonne of Omri reigneth and did worse then all before him 1 King 16.3 Ahaziah reigneth he did evill he sought helpe of Baallzebub the God of Ecron 2 King 1. Iehoram reigneth he did evill in the sight of the Lord. 2 Kin. 3.2 Iehosaphat reigneth he did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord. 2 Kings Ioram reigneth he did evill 2 Kin. 8.9 Jehoram sonne of Iehosaphat reigneth he did evill 2 Kin 8.17 Jehu reigneth he regarded not to walke in the Law of the Lord God 2 Ki. 10.31 He is an occasion to cause Israel to sin therefore they are smitten in all the Coasts of Israel Ver. 23. Athalia reigneth did evill is slaine 2 Ki. 11.3.6 Iehoash reigneth he did good in the Eyes of the Lord during the time the Priest taught him 2 Ki. 12.2 But the high places were not taken away he is slaine Ver. 21. Iehoaash sonne of Iehu reigneth did evill in the sight of the Lord and causeth Israel to be delivered into the hands of their enemies 2 Ki. 13.2.3 The Destruction of the People was so great that there was left but 50 Horsemen and 10 Charrets and 10000 Footemen they were destroyed and made like Dust beaten to powder 2 Ki. 13.6 7. Iehoash sonne of Iehoaash reigneth he did evill in the sight of the Lord. 2 Ki. 13.10.11 Ieroboam reigneth he did evill in the sight of the Lord. 2 Ki. 14.23 24. Amaziah reigneth did uprightly in the Eyes of the Lord but not like David 2 Ki. 14.3 Azariah reigneth did uprightly in the Eyes of the Lord but they burnt Incense in the high places and the Lord smote the King and hee was a Leper to the Day of his Death 2 Ki. 15.3 4 5. Zachariah reigneth hee did evill in the sight of the Lord 2 Ki. 15.8.9 Shallum reigneth is slaine 2 Ki. 15 14. Menahem reigneth did evill 2 Ki. 15.17 18. Pekahiah reigneth He did evill in the sight of the Lord. 2 Ki. 15.23 24. Pekah reigneth He did evill 2 Ki. 15.28 The People carried away captive Iotham reigneth He did uprightly but the People burnt incense in the high places in his Dayes the Lord sent enemies upon the People 2 Ki. 5.34 37. Ahab reigneth He consecrated his Sonne in the fire he did much evill 2 Ki. 16. Hoshea reigneth Hee did evill in the sight of the Lord he becommeth servant to Salmanasser King of Ashur 2 Ki. 17.2 3. The People besieged and carried captive Ver. 6. Because they kept not Gods commands diligently 37. Hezechiah reigneth He did uprightly according to all that David 2 Ki. 18. Manasseh reigneth Hee did evill in the sight of the Lord after the abomination of the Heathen 2 Ki. 21.2 He did much evill and filled Jerusalem from corner to corner with innocent blood 2 Ki. 21.16 And hee caused Iuda to sinne and to do evill Ver. 16. Ammon reigneth He did much evill in the sight of the Lord 2 Ki. 21.20 Iosiah He reigneth He did uprightly in the sight of the Lord 2 Ki. 22.2 Iehoahaz his Sonne reigneth he did much evill in Gods sight 2 Ki. 23.32 The Land in his Dayes was put under great tribute Ver. 33. Iehojachin reigneth He did evill 2 Ki. 23.37 very much evill Iehojachin his Sonne He reigneth He did much evill 2 Ki. 24.9 The People carried captive in his Dayes very much People Ver. 13.4 Zedechiah He reigneth and He did evill in the sight of the Lord very much 2 Ki. 24.9 20. It is well to be considered of that amongst all the Iudges of Israel that came into their places according to Gods institution there was not one man of them that I know of that was taken away by the Sword of the enemy nor by treachery slaine by their owne People nor came to any untimely Death save one man and that was not for practicall evill of himselfe but for suffering sinne to go without due punishment in his children But contrarily they are noted much for Humility Sincerity and Piety Certainly the Spirit of God doth wisely describe Governors for our learning had we but hearts wisely and diligently to observe them But note contrarily that amongst the Kings how many were taken away by untimely Deaths some by Gods command slaine some by the Sword of the enemy some carried captive and the greater part slaine by the People and the most of them are noted to bee notorious sinners I shall rehearse some of them although I believe not all The first fruits of their King Abimelecke Iudg. 9.6.53 The next was Saul slaine was his owne Executioner 1 Sam. 31.4 Nadab slaine by
are not indeed true Shepherds but Wolves and Foxes and shall we love them so well that we shall take them by succession and not enquire of God who shall be the man thirdly if we are yet more negligent so that when they appeare to be as they too often prove Wolves in sheepes clothing yet do we observe Gods Lawes which layeth such open to punishment The reason seemeth to me to be evident that caused the People from time to time to use such paines and diligence to obtaine from former Kings grants that the Kings should not oppresse or tyrannize over the People or their consents to severall such Acts in Parliament was it not because the Law of God was kept in obscurity the time fore determined by God was not then accomplished who or where was the man that durst or did so far adventure to declare the Law of God in that particular namely that Kings were subject to the Law of God according to the true latitude of it for had the Law of God bin fully plainely and clearely opened the People might easily have seene that they had had lesse neede of such promises because the Law of God is a more strong a more cleare and shining light then all the Lawes of man whatsoever And was not this the very grounds why it came to passe that notwithstanding all the grants that the People could obtaine from former Kings they proved too weake to hold down their loftinesse Witnesse queene Mary did not she and many others breake the Lawes of God and draw the poore people to Idolatry and take away the lives of the poore servants of God notwithstanding all the Charters that the People had obtained in former Ages Was it not because the People were kept partly in feare of their great overtopping power and partly by reason they were kept in ignorance that the Kings and great men of the earth were equally without respect of persons subject to the Law of God and most especially because Gods time fore-determined for the Reformation of government not being fully compleated the People did not see nor cleave stedfastly to Gods prescriptions to the way God in his word appointed for the calling of governors but on the contrary the People were carelesse and negligent in the matter of governors they made too light account of governors not throughly seeing it to be of any great concernment and did not God so withdraw his good Spirit of illumination from the People that he denied them wisdome power or opportunities to punish offending governors Dearely beloved suffer this truth of God to be fully and freely opened and I believe we shall not neede to feare to set up one as chiefe And this likewise will be beneficiall to us for by this means we shall not have so much bloudshed for to obtaine Crownes and Kingdomâ—â— I pray you further to consider that if a people should set up government composed of many heads or many members making or head or chiefe having all equall authority in the steede or for the want of one chiefe governor and if this should be their places their power and actings constantly to judge and determine the affaires of a Common-wealth this must needs be considered that they likewise are subject to erre yea are they not often times more subject to err and to break Gods Lawes Now in such cases of delinquency must not there be left a way open to punish them which must be some other invention and will it not follow thus ad infinitum multiply what numbers you will Consider oâ— the benefit that a People get by having one chiefe governor from this example suppose there were a hundred thousand Men in a Campeâ— and suppose that there were one hundred Generalls over every thousand of Men one Generall and suppose that every one of these Generalls had an equall authority and not any one to command in chiefe Consider would the Campe be in greater security because their Cheiftaines or Generalls were many no one commanding in chiefe above the rest No verily but in much more danger thereby not only in regard of a common enemy but also in danger of emulation and strife amongst themselves And suppose further that these Generalls should agree that no act should be done by any one of these Generalls that should be valid and of force without the consent of the rest would it not follow that the People thereby should be more burdened because when they had a matter they could not have it ended without the consent of the whole would not their matters be longer in agitation and obtained with greater charge and difficulty and it would be a great danger trouble and burden not to be borne to the Generalls themselves let us therefore be exhorted to follow Gods wisdome in this matter I doubt not but that a Parliament or Assemblie of Elders may be of eminent use and benefit to the People especially in such times as these till matters be fully ended and setled and after they may assemble and meete to that end that Gods Commandements may be observed by all and to question and punish any governor for the breach of Gods Lawes because God approveth and blesseth two or three that meete together in his Name to do Gods worke but is not the constant Government of the Common-wealth to be put into the hands of one Man and must not he have so much power as Ioshua had and other good Iudges of Israel the more we strengthen the authority of a good governor the more it is for Gods glory and for our comfort and safety Consider another instance if a Merchant or a great Tradesman had many people to deal with all by reason whereof he hath occasion to imploy 20 or 40 men under him to dispatch businesse these are not to the intent that they shall constantly act in every businesse for then if they had all equall authority no one commanding in chief they would one hinder another and businesse would go more slowly forward Therefore the end why he calleth or taketh more men to helpe him it is to the end that they may at once tend upon and dispatch severall occasions and also these are all of them to be subject to the Masters order and all the rest orderly to be subject one to another Thus did God ordain one Moses chief governor to whom God committed the government which did nearly resemble Gods government in Heaven but through Mans weakenesse not being able to act like God therefore God permitted Moses to ordain other Rulers inferior to himself and those were distributed amongst the People over thousands and hundreds and fifties and tenns Whereby it appeareth that the end was not that all those rulers should act in the judgement of the same causes that Moses acted in Neither were any of those governors much lesse were they all to have equall authority with Moses This did further appear by the authority that all the Iudges of Israel had
as appeareth by the Records of the Chronicles and the bookes of the Kings of Israel and Iuda to which we may add the experiments of all Ages Sixthly Gods Wisdome is most perfect and God is unchangeable Seventhly this Order was never repealed in any Age to this day Eighthly the Promises of God in the Scripture do plainely shew that when God will have mercy upon his beloved People it shall be shewed the most eminently and apparently by restoring Iudges as at the first and counsellors as at the beginning Ninthly this government by one chiefe as head and governor doth the nearest resemble that Heavenly frame of government Tenthly consider who ever thou art that harbourest such thoughts that such thoughts do arise from unsound Principles I believe not well ballanced considerations Because admit or suppose thou were left at liberty now to prescribe a forme of government what forme of Government couldest thou invent Consider that God witnessed evidently and eminently that when God prescribed government by Judges in such order as Divine records do mention this forme was better then any other Nation had in the whole World No Nation was so blessed by God in those times that had Lawes and Ordinances so righteous by which is meant Governors or Iudges and Lawes to be their Rules as God in those first and purest times did prescribe to his first borne Son And further consider that we are not now a separated People from the true Israel of God we are not strangers to those Lawes which God then in those times gave to them but contrarily we by Faith in Iesus Christ are ingrafted into the true Olive Tree we now are part of Gods houshould and doe subject to all the Lawes of Gods first borne Sonne and though they were our elder brethren yet now also God hath in his rich abundant and not to be sufficiently expressed mercy begotten us also to a lively hope so that we also are their yonger Brethren Therefore for any man to conceive that he could invent a better forme of government then any in the World in those times had and a better forme of government then God himselfe did the most immediately prescribe and own and confirm and blesse such a man if there be any such had neede to consider this matter first very advisedly least wanting wisdom to prescribe and power to uphould and power to blesse and prosper such his inventions he should be found to be an opposer of God himself and likewise exalt his wisdom above the wisdom of God The next matter I conceive it will be meete to propound to consideration other judges or governors that are in order inferior to this chiefe Judge before mentioned Exod. 18.25 And Moses chose Men of courage out of all Israel and made them heads over the People Rulers over thousands Rulers over hundreds Rulers over fifties and Rulers over tens Ver. 26. and they judged the People at all seasons but they brought the hard causes to Moses for they Iudged all small matters themselves The end wherefore judgement or Iudges were thus distributed is to that intent that both the chiefe governor may not be over burdened nor the People over burdened recorded Exod. 18.18 Thou both weariest thy selfe and this People that is with thee greatly the end being duly considered we may more easily distribute the governors Governors are sutable to this proportion to be distributed into the severall Shiers Cities Townes and Places where the People live which plainely appeareth the end being considered for the very affection of a loving Father is so prevalent that love causeth him to seek the comfort of his children and to provide for their comforts and conveniences to this purpose the Apostle saith that he is worse then an Infidell that provideth not for his Family Now consider that the Common-wealth in some respect is the Family of the chiefe Governor It is a lamentable case to consider have not the People bin I could wish it were not so still forced to travell many miles to their great detriment for to get those causes decided and determined that might with much ease have bin ended at or near to their own dwellings Yea moreover have they obtained the determining or ending of their causes without making many or diverse such chargable journies to the undoing of too many Men Widdowes and poore Fatherlesse Children have not many for want of means bin forced to loose their rights and lawfull maintenance Consider of it dear Fathers and now let it be remedied and doubtlesse God will shortly say unto you well done good and faithfull servant thou hast beene faithfull in these things come be ruler over more and better things enter into thy Masters joy But on the contrary consider that oppression is a crying sinne God will certainely hear the cry of the oppressed the cry of old and yong the cry of the Widdowes and of the Orphanes God will certainely hear them God will do it for the Mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Therefore dearly beloved Fathers I humbly beseech you let Governors be distrâ—buted into the severall Shires Cities Townes and Places where the people dwell And keep close to the rules prescribed in these first and purest times namely let the determination of causes be in proportion to these first patterns let not the end be neglected which is that Gods Lawes be observed and the People may be eased I pray you to consider what is recorded concerning Samuel that good and pious Governor he rather then the People should travell far did travell himself to the places where the People dwelt 1 Sam. 7.16 And Samuel went about yeare by yeare to Bethell and Gilgall and Mispeh and judged Israel in all those places No doubt he appointed Judges all over the Land that did judge the people l kewise I pray you to avoide multiplicity of Iudges being of equall authority to judge at one timâ— in one and the same cause I believe it will not be so much for the Peoples comfort not so sutable to the first and most pure institutions and I believe t will be too great a burden to those that should be Governors in such causes in such a manner constantly I do conceive that from that end of the multiplying Governors recorded Exod. 18. which was to ease the People and Moses and that Gods Commandments might not be broken and from the acting and president that Moses left there recorded it appeareth that many governors are needfull in their severall places but not many governors of equal authority constantly to act in one cause and not in the weightiest causes more and most especially My reasons mentioned are gathered from the president and wisdom of God himself Now I shall proceed to describe that way for the calling or entrance of thâ—se governors into their places Being a matter of the highest and greatest consequence to us next under God we cannot possible use too much diligence nor too much intention nor too much
not then let us within some little considerate time before the time be ended which God directeth you to set apart for this work proceed to chuse by lot It is a safe way it is a way God himself prescribed it never erred Will it not be a way to remove all jealousies and subtleties and to compose all differences and to put an end to all strife But dear Fathers I pray you however in some convenient time chuse some one chief Governor eminently known for courage and for piety and give him all the lawful power that God in his wisdome gave unto Joshua and to other lawfull governors This will be a way for Gods glory and for the peoples for us your childrens safety and comforts for Gods Wisdome is infinitely beyond all mans inventions I pray you let us not have a Titular Governor if you shall not think meet to condescend to any of these wayes I know whom I trust and I hope I shall shew my selfe obedient in all lawfull matters to such as God and you shall see meet to appoint and I shall not cease to entreate God so to direct you with his good and blessed Spirit that you may do that which is well pleasing to him Now I conceive it will be meet to speak something touching those Governors inferior to the former which are for the glory of God for the ease of the chiefe Governor and for the Peoples ease and comfort Now again I look upon the most glorious perfect and beautifull frame of Government which the blessed Angells do and the elect children of God shall enjoy to all eternity Where I find one blessed God the governor and the rest all appointed and distributed into their severall places by the power and wisdom of that blessed God This leadeth me to conceive that God proportioneth his Works like unto himself for so God did in the Creation of the World and the creatures therein God made one man governor of all the creatures upon Earth and that man named the Creatures and disposed other matters it had bin mans happinesse provided that Gods glory had bin maintained that the government of the World might have continued in and according to that lovely order Secondly God made that one man in his owne image like to himselfe and I believe we shall finde that God composed or framed the Government of his Church and People in some proportion like to the frame of the Heavenly Government my time will not admit to speake much of that blessed Spirit of God part whereof God did communicate or bestow upon Moses and so let him represent his place so far as might stand with Gods glory that is so far as Moses might be subject to Gods Commandements for therein God reserved to himselfe his own glory in Adam the great Emperor or governor of the World Yet hee was subject to Gods Commandements from these considerations I shall proceede When God in those first and purest times did appoint the distribution of governors recorded thus Exod 18.25 And Moses chose men of courage out of all Israel and made them heads over the people Rulers over thousands Rulers over hundreds Rulers over fifties and Rulers over tens Here I finde that God gave Moses authority to appoint the governors that were to govern the People Which authority I do believe doth undoubtedly belong to all good governors being chiefe governors onely this is to be considered that the People here were neâ—re to Moses so that Moses knew many or all of them Therefore I believe that God that is the God of wisdome and of Order will allow that where People live further off and the chiefe governor may not know all the men whose dwellings are further off from him and therefore cannot so well know the qualifications and fitnesse of men for government in such cases it doth much differ but Moses must I meane the chiefe governor must doubtlesse approve of all governors under him that governe for Gods glory and for the Peoples good ease and comfort There must be no inferior governor that he approveth not for that would be directly against the frame of the Heavenly government and against the expresse letter of these first and purest institutions And Moses must I meane the chiefe governor must chuse immediately if it be possible with convenience the chiefe next to himselfe namely the governors of thousands this most nearely resembles Gods President God chose Moses and Moses chose them under him the words are expresse and I dare not alter them I dare not prefer my wisdome before Gods Wisdome nor dare I add nor diminish to or from Gods Prescriptions the rest of the Rulers of hundreds fifties and tens may be chosen proportionable to this president provided that the chiefe Governor approve of them Now that this way is most for Gods glory and the Peoples good appeareth if we consider that government distributed resembleth or supplieth that defect of man who cannot be every where present nor here all causes for otherwise they all represent but one intire and absolute governor therefore God appointed one chiefe governor namely Moses like to himself but through the occasion of mans weakenesse to supply that defect God suffereth the Government to be distributed Secondly it appeareth that this is the best way that the chiefe governor should appoint or at the least approve the rest because the Wisdome of God saw meete it should be so as is expresly recorded Thrdly consider that it doth strengthen uphold and knit together the whole frame of Government forces united are the strongest Fourthly it doth prevent divisions and may be a meanes to reforme abuses when inferiour governors are offendors thus God when he seeth his Lawes broken doth remove and punish delinquents For if you should admit of governors against the minde and approbation of the chiefe governor it must needs follow that that State so doing must be corrupted divided or sore shaken and endangered in short time for let but Gods Lawes take place and then the governor in chiefe is subject alike with the rest and the rest acting for God have power to punish him because God is their highest governor and they must obey God although it be against the chiefe of men Therefore the danger cannot be great thereby but on the contrary it is for Gods glory and for the peoples good that the chiefe governor should appoint or approve of the rest at the least Fifthly it will appeare to be Gods appointment by the Records in the sacred Scriptures not only in the first institution which is the best and the surest but also in the continued practice of chiefe governors all along from time to time This appeares Ioshua 1.17 As we obeyed Moses in all things so we will obey thee but Moses had the authority to appoint governors therefore Ioshua had so and it appeareth by Ioshua his actings afterwards Thus we may reade that Saul and David did appoint governors recorded in many places
when the glorious and brightest Sun appeareth the eye of the blessed God and their Maker looked clearely upon them and vouchsafed to some of those poore prisoners of hope to looke upon him also have not you godly Souldiers bin a means to redeem us the people of England had we grace to see it to acknowledge and be thankfull for it from that Egyptian bondage a corrupt forme of government wherein we like Lands Beasts and Asses were left as inheritance from the Father to the supposed Sonnes the Father of one Religion the Sonne of another did they not run and ride with fury and all possible speed horse and man from generation to Generation to seize upon us thus entring in at Windowes back-doores and in By-pathes they too often proved inâ— sheepes clothing and the blessed Spirit of God was not given unto them and they kept the People from true Shepherds men of Gods sending upon whom the good and blessed Spirit of God would have rested I should much admire that all men should not joyfully see and acknowledge so great deliverance and salvation were it not that I consider Gods righteous judgements for sinne and also considering how prevalent custome is insomuch that often times it consumeth truth and yet is lean still are not your Carriers horses often very sore loaded and yet being accustomed to beare burdens they are even contented or looke no higher they keepe jogging on loth to go out of their pace nor out of their accustomed way although it sometimes be up to their bellies in mire and dirt where because of times quick motion I must leave them to their content and I and my house will by Gods gracious assistance freely joyfully and with all hearty praise blesse the God of our protection salvation and deliverance for our freedome and better way Have you dearely beloved godly Souldiers bin used by God as instruments to accomplish the precious promises of God recorded concerning Babels fall corrupt government and governors and should I forget you No verily for I believe that the generations to come shall have cause to blesse God for you and your memory shall be blessed times quick motion bids me unwillingly to forbeare and because I conceive I shall never more in this World speake of you or to you in this kinde till I believe wee shall very shortly meete though of our selves unworthy yet through the free and abundant mercy of God in Christ with joyfull hearts before God and his blessed Angells with whom we shall be and never more be separated to eternity this span of time hasteneth and shorteneth our glasse runs apace as swiftly as the Sun runs round the World when our worke is done come Lord Iesus come graciously and quickly Therefore I shall at present conclude my speech to you Revel 12.10 being sorry that I have not opportunity to see the faces of many of you and to rejoyce with you for all the great workes God by youâ— hands Numb 23.23 According to this time it shall be said of Iacob and Israel what hath the Lord wrought Then I heard a loude voyce saying now is salvation and strength the Kingdome of our God and the power of his Christ for the accuser of our Brethren is cast downe Ver. 11. But they overcame him by the bloud of that Lambe and by the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death Vers 12. Therefore rejoyce yee Heavens and yee that dwell in them And now beloved Countreymen let me speake a word to you may I not say to many of you with Ieremy O that mine eyes were a Fountaine of teares that I might weepe day and night for the iniquity of the People is it possible that after such cleare evident and wonderfull gracious workes and actings of our good God in these very times that any rationall man should be so far led aside and prejudiced that he should not acknowledge with joy and thankfulnesse to God and to those that God hath used as instruments of so great deliverance it is possible for some they cry out Oh the King the King is gone is so great pompe and riches come to desolation in one houre others they would have all opinions openly manifested to be tolerated under pretence of liberty of conscience others would have their owne opinions and no other to be tolerated that they may lord it over their weake Brethren Others they speake with a double heart as David tooke notice and so make ready their arrowes and bend their bowes that they may shoote at all that are upright in heart Psal 11. For they speake against Government and Governors saying they hate these opinionists they by this meanes shew too evidently by their fruits that this is but a cloake for their owne sinnes for under pretext of conformity they shoote at Government and governors and in truth at those that are the humble true and faithfull servants of our God at all such as are circumspect and fear to offend God I would first say to them that unfeignedly desire to do Gods Will though in some matters some having larger talents then others there be difference in their judgements although in many matters the difference being throughly and truely considered is more in shew then in reall substance would you take the best and safest way Then begin in the right manner and place labour to strengthen and encourage this present government who I believe many of them do humbly cordially and unfeinedly desire to do Gods good Will now stand still and see the salvation of God proceede regularly pray earnestly to God for them that the good Spirit of his grace may leade them into all truth for doubtlesse in their peace your peace and prosperity in a great measure is contained Let government be thoroughly setled according to Gods owne wayes which if we pray earnestly and walke humbly with our God I believe God will direct them to establish government according to Gods minde you would have this issued namely what liberty shall be granted to severall or to all opinions which is a matter unpossible to be done for much must be left to the judgement of authority it cannot be avoided because many opinions doe not yet appear and the Governors do not know their own hearts before hand I know this by well observed experience and could instance in many cases but I forbeare Therefore joyne unanimously in this to seeke and to pray God so to direct our present governors that they may be so directed by God that they may discerne and follow that way for the calling of our Iudges into their places that God hath prescribed owned and blessed for this is the roote from whence our greatest safety under God consisteth Such Governors sent of God I know God will blesse with his holy Spirit and agree upon what you will before hand it will be of little moment because it is not agreeable to Gods proceedings and if governors enter in at
successively I doe but labout to set before you these instances and it is because I am not like so far as I know to have any more opportunity in this World to speak in the cause blame me not therefore if I propound these things to your consideration for I and my posterity are like to be subject to what forme of government you establish and I evidently see that from Government will arise great blessings if it be such government as God approveth if it be such as God hath prescribed then I know that the blessed Spirit of God will rest upon such governors On the contrary I know that if you mistake in government I do expect that great afflictions will follow and Governors not entring into their places according to the Rule of Gods Word I shall not expect that the gracious Presence of God will accompany them And this I evidently see by the records of the Sacred Word of God and by the experience of all Ages recorded that where government is corrupted they are a meanes to draw the People from the sincere worship of God and they are a meanes to bring the Wrath of God upon the People I doubt not but there are amongst you many wise godly and men precious in Gods esteem I pray God double the Spirit of his grace upon you and direct you to see much more of Gods minde however let it not be grievous if I put you in minde of those things which you know and which are plainely recorded in Gods sacred Word Moses put the People in minde of the same things often and so did Ioshua and so did Christ and his Apostles This is all that I can do by all the instances or arguments I can alledge it is but only to perswade or put you in minde of what is already recorded plainly in Gods Word which is a bright shining light all that I can say in comparison of Gods sacred Word is far short of the darkest night compared to the brightest shining light of the day therefore all that draweth me or is any motive to me in this cause is this namely The records of the sacred Scriptures shew such a Government and such Governors God did prescribe in such a manner and they were blessed by God they were a blessing to the People and the holy good and blessed spirit of God was given to such God in his wisdom did so appoint On the contrary I have observed both from the Records of the sacred Scriptures and from the Records of all Ages and from well considered experience that although the inventions of men which swerve from the most approved Rules of Gods Word may have a faire shew in some mens eyes yet he that well noteth such inventions shall in the issue finde Gall and Wormewood bitter fruits and Gods good Spirit doth not accompany such inventions which causeth me to keepe a loofe from Mans inventions especially in such a weighty matter and of so great eminent and high concernment both for Gods glory and for the Peoples blessednesse I conceive we cannot possible be too circumspect nor cleave too close and stedfastly to the most approved and blessed forme of Government and Governors prescribed owned and blessed by God and recorded in the sacred Scriptures for our learning Dearely beloved Fathers I speake freely and willingly and with more liberty of speech to you because I am perswaded that your heartâ— do really seeke Gods glory because I believe that you seeke not your selves and have better learned to tread under foote these trifles these sublunary comforts and do seek for an immortall Crown of glory provided for those that seek Gods glory you beloved know how to value Eternity better then a moment better then this short span of time Therefore I pray you be not offended But further where there are many Iudges of equall authority though Men fearing God and seeking Gods glory yet in many or in some causes and most especially in the most weighty causes do not respects sway much As namely loth to displease one another and lothfully to discover themselves Are not numerous companies having all equall authority subject to emulation to jealousies yea and sometimes to be so divided that doth it not sometimes appeare so violent that it occasioneth civil warres or contentions I pray you to consider mortall man is subject to frailty Therefore seeing the Heavenly frame of government is by one â—od and unto Gods Word the whole Host of Heaven is willingly obedient and considering that that government that God appointed in the first and purest times when God most immediately appointed government to his beloved first borne and peculiar Church and People considering that God appointed this forme of government namely by one Man a chiefe Iudge who had sole power to judge and appoint and to determine the weightiest causes is not this the safest way to avoide confusion and contention and most like to be blessed Herein indeed will lie the great weight of all the matter namely that we cleave close to Gods Rules that so a Wolfe may be prevented for getting into the sheepe fold For let us but seeke God in those wayes he hath appointed seriously and heartily and I doubt not but that we shall obtaine a blessing a Man sent of God And then let us never fear but God will accompany such a man with his blessed Spirit Did ever a People seeke GOD humbly following GODS Rules and heartily and failed I believe no Record of Divine authority will demonstrate such an example in such a cause so prosecuted Object But was not this forme of government peculiar to the state of the Israelites is it not abolished at the comming of Kings Answ I desire every one that doth unfeignedly desire to do Gods Will to be wary of this Objection and consider that it is too much for us to turn aside from Gods Institutions but to deny Gods Institutions this is a sin of a deep impression How often doth GOD bid us beware that we do neither add nor diminish this being duly considered I answer First this Order of government by Iudges in this manner was Gods owne Order God did most immediately appoint this Order Secondly God did prescribe this to his Church and People before the Law was given Moses was appoinâ—ed and had his power and place and the rest of the Judges were orderly distributed before the Law was given at Mount Sinai Thirdly this order of government was continued confirmed and blessed immediately by God himself undâ—r the Law Fourthly this O der was further confirmed by GOD when the People in the Dayes of Samuel desired a Government by Kings which appeareth in that GOD plainely affirmeth that the People cast God off when they altered this forme and further it appeareth that God was the same long after by the expressions of the Prophets Fifthly there was never any Government since to this Day to be compared with this Government nor so blessed by God