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
God chusing a governor and the peoples chusing a governor therefore he chuseth a governor by lot wherein and whereby God chuseth therefore Gods direction and institution is that God shall chuse This is most for Gods glory and for the peoples greatest safety Lots are Gods own Ordinance as appeareth in many places Josh 7.17 So Joshua rose up early in the morning and brought Israel by their Tribes and the Tribe of Judah was taken And he brought the families of Judah and took the family of the Zarhites and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man and Zabdi was taken And he brought his houshold man by man and Achan was taken God could have shewed to Joshua who was the man so well as he shewed to him that there was an offence but he causeth Joshua to enquire his will in such a way as God had prescribed This sheweth that in difficult cases God ordained that people should enquire his minde by lots and this Samuel knew and therefore he enquireth Gods minde by lots in this very case of government this was never repealed to this day for God is not yea and nay God is not contrary or opposite to his own Rules This is certain it is better and safer for people to be directed by God to chuse the man yea although God for our sin should be angry with us yet even in those causes it is better to fall into the hands of God then into the hands of man and this David well considered when he chose to fall into the hands of God and not into the hands of man But further we may observe That this was the usual way namely by lots that the people took to enquire Gods minde in weighty and difficult causes as appeareth Iosh 18.6 I will cast lots for you here before the Lord thus Vers 8 10. read 1 Sam. 14.42 And Saul said casts lots between me and Ionathan my son and Ionathan was taken Here we may see that God appeared and gave a true determination and this was a way to avoyd strife Read 1 Chro. 26.13 And they cast lots both small and great for the house of their fathers Here again we may note That this use of lots was to shew what Gods minde was and to prevent all jealousies or indirect means and to prevent strife Read Nehem. 10.34 We cast lots for the offerings of the wood even the Priests the Levites and the People Read Ionah 1.7 And they said every one to his fellow come and let us cast lots that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us so they cast lots and the lot fell upon Ionah By this it evidently appeareth that the people in weighty cases did enquire to know Gods minde this way namely by lots Secondly We may observe That God doth answer the people this way Thirdly We may observe That the lot did not err nor fail to shew that which the people sought to God for Read Act. 1.24 And they prayed saying Thou Lord which knowest the hearts of all men shew whether of these thou hast chosen Vers 26. And they gave forth their lots and the lot fell on Matthias This sheweth that lots were not abolished but they are now of the same use that they were under the Law this is an example of the Apostles men in an extraordinary measure guided by the good and holy spirit of God and this was written no doubt for our learning this was and is a clear and evident direction in the very case of governors for the Apostles were Gods Embassadors his own Witnesses they were the Pen-men of the holy Scriptures this matter was an eminent and a weighty matter they chose but one of two The Reason is evident because the nature of their cause required no more First Because not any amongst all although holy would serve they must be men that had been the most noted to be eye-witnesses of what Christ had done and suffered and so that they had seen and heard those things themselves Secondly The Apostles were present that had an infallible spirit Thirdly This cause differs from the Governors of a Common-wealth because God in his wisdom ordered the Governors of a Common-wealth to be chosen by God out of all the people and I do conceive with due and humble respect to those that shall see Gods minde more clearly that it is the safest way to follow the most direct and evident Rules prescribed owned and blessed by God in the same cases Now it evidently appeareth that the Prophet Samuel directed immediately by God himself did chuse out of the whole twelve Tribes of Israel by that means God did fully chuse according to Deut. 17. to make him Governor whom the Lord did chuse immediately in this very case of chusing the Governor of a Common-wealth for in this case this president by Samuel was a certain and an approved president in chusing the person that God saw meet to be chief governor This was not about the form of government whether it should be by Iudges or by Kings for of that matter God shewed his minde by Samuel before expresly witnessing against the form of government by Kings but this was a Rule to shew how God is said to chuse the person that he seeth meet to govern I leave it to the consideration of the godly From these places before mentioned first I observe That it plainly and clearly appeareth that lots were ordained by God and that God owned them because God truly appeared and truly gave answer by them and because that God blessed this way of his own devising Secondly I observe That the lot when men cast themselves or referred themselves wholy to or upon God in such cases did never err it always gave a true direction a true determination in all weighty causes Search the Scriptures and it cannot be found that the lot ever erred Let not as fear therefore to chuse our chief governor by lot for let us not doubt God is the same unchangeable God yesterday and to day and the same for ever Will not this way compose all our differences Will it not heal all distempers Will not this way end all our strife Will not this way keep out all Wolves and Foxes and other beasts of prey Shall not we by this way return again to the Lord and by this means God shall be our King his Laws our guide by this means we shall obtain a man from the Lord and we shall be blessed and Peace and Truth shall meet together and so shall we have Iudges in some proportion as at the first and Counsellers as at the beginning and we shall be called a faithful City Thirdly Let us remember the great effusion of blood that hath been shed and the great envies hatred malice that is at this day reigning in the Land Is it not in every Country in every City in every Paâ—ish Nay there are but a few Families comparatively where there are not some breaches
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
so rest in peace because a good Shepherd is their watchman Was not this the very foundation and cause that David Ps 23. found such great comfort and refreshment namely from his Shepherd Dear Friends if God help us to obtain good Shepherds good Governors our strife will end our differences will be composed Corrupt Opinions on the one hand and desperate Blasphemy and Profaneness on the other hand will vanish as smoak before the winde The very presence of Moses destroyed the profaneness of Idolatrous Worship Dear Christian Friends if God help us in this matter then shall peace and truth meet together and as Moses and Aaron they shall kiss one another in the Mount of God Then shall we well provide for the comfort of our children and for their posterity Then shall the generations to come have cause to bless us Then shall the Name of the Lord be praised with joyful hearts Then shall the Lord bless us and we shall be blessed I shall endeavor to write in this ensuing Treatise without partiality without turning to the right or to the left hand without respect of persons further then in a way of righteousness accept of this my mite And let those men who have received more abilities and opportunity put more into the Treasury Dear Friends and Country-men I dare not say that for your sakes I could be content to have my name blotted out of the Book of Life Nor with Paul That for this cause I could be content to be a cast-away from the presence of God for ever For the thought of that would be more bitter then death But this I do say That so far as I know my own heart provided that the loss of my temporal life would be the means to procure this happiness to you namely that you might possess Judges as the first and Counsellors as at the beginning I could be content to lay down this temporal life that for a little season I do here enjoy Beloved Friends I considering that there is so great a distance at this time between Opinions but more especially there is a greater difference between the affections of many I shall desire leave of the courteous Reader that without offence I may propound some other matters to consideration My ends therein are that I may extinguish that heat if not wholly yet in some measure that is burning or smothering in the hearts of many For otherwise these will lie as a block or as a bar in the way to hinder that peace and truth should not meet together I remember Jacob his example herein he being intended and desirous to be reconciled to his brother Esau who had determined or threatned his death He labors to prevent and pacifie his brothers anger by sending presents and soft answers good words before him Such gifts as I have I offer to you Silver and Gold I have but little I desire that I may finde the like acceptance that Jacob did The first and great hinderance that I find laid in the way to hinder Peace and Truth from meeting together is the death of the late King the removing of divers Lords and some others from their present Being or acting as Members of that Court and the pretended wilful breach of a former Covenant I am not desirous to call back those things that are done and past I am not desirous to take abroad those imbers in which wherein hath been or may be contained coals of fire that might or may kindle such fâ—â—â—es as are not easily quenched It is better for peace sake to suffer some yea much wrong then to endeavor to right our selves in such a way as may turn to far greater loss Our Saviour counselleth us rather to suffer wrong then to contend in Law and rather to lose our garment then to contend too earnestly for it In those things wherein sin is committed by others and we no actors nor consenters in it we may in some cases especially then when by seeking revenge we may plunge and throw our selves â—â—to greater dangers and temptations in such cases we may wait patiently and commit those cases to God that judgeth righteously Sin shall slay the wicked doer and God will bring down the evil and the deceitful men He that riseth up to right another mans cause must look well to his own calling and abilities Did not these lie as a bar in the way to hinder Peace and Truth from meeting I should be silent and commit the matter to him that judgeth righteously and so I desire to do I shall not use here any carnal weapons onely make some use of Truth so well as I am able that thereby we may find the way to Peace And first touching the late Kings death consider that we cannot recall that What then Are you resolved to set up the eldest Son upon the Throne of his Father Consider well of it Can you tell whether he will prove wise or foolish Can you tell whether he will care for the Flock Can you tell whether he will love or hate the Flock Can you tell whether you should obtain your desires or whether that the pursuance thereof may not be a means to ruine your selves and many others that desire to live in peace Are you nevertheless resolved to have such a Watchman such a Shepherd Will you expect grapes from thorns I have indeed to my sorrow heard this with my ears lately spoken That if a Turk or any other as bad almost should come hither and contend for the Government there would be a great party for him Oh horrible impiety that men should so far be transported beyond the bounds of Reason and Religion Indeed there is a generation too apparent that by their works by their swearing and prophaneness and hatred of those that love and fear the Lord declare evidently that they are Gods enemies It is therefore not to be wondred that God should give them over to strong delusions to believe lies What if Gods Word declare evidently That the Government by Judges be better more agreeable to his mind more useful and more comfortable to us will you nevertheless have a King consider of it Friends Countrymen Beloved I have no prejudice against a King but this I say I honour love worship and desire to cleave to the Precepts and Commandments of him that is the King of Kings of him who gave me life and is able to raise me up to life when this span of time is past when the King of Terrors hath done his utmost spite I was no actor in the Kings death I had taken a great journey above four years before the death of the King and was many hundreds of miles distant from this Land and returned hither very lately I speak therefore the more freely with more liberty I have endeavored with the greatest care I could to weigh mens words and passages in the ballance of the Sanctuary and I find many that speak loosely carelesly and many more prophanely Is
others from such open provocations of God as swearing whoring false speaking and like sins Presently many are apt to mischieve him it is well for him if he scape with base language as Roundhead Whores-bird Roundhead c. with bitter hatred I have lately seen this and heard it to my sorrow It is said of the wicked That they cast up mire and dirt This I say unto those that fear God Walk humbly circumspectly mourn for these abominations And God will spare you as a man spareth his son in the day of calamity when the wicked shall be destroyed together I pray you that are more sober consider you hear such complaints against the General Officers and Army put these complaints in the ballances of Truth bring them to the Touch-stone You have had experience of the behaviour of both parties on which side did sin prophaneness plundering and such acts of prophaneness most abound Were the Officers and Souldiers of the Malignant Army more holy more harmless then this party of this Army For which side did God witness or do you judg that God seeth not or regards not c. Well seek not evasions do not resolve not to see not to consider not to acknowledg Object But some I believe will find fault with me because I do not name and particularize actions persons times and places more particularly with more evident witnesses c. Answ 1. My time will not suffer me to be so large although I purpose if God will when I come to points wherein I purpose to engage or insist in those things I purpose to be more punctual 2. I answer That men do not use candle-light at noon days when the Sun shines bright but in dark places So are these matters they are not done in corners these matters are accompanied with a cloud of witnesses Your own experiences your own consciences rightly ballanced are more then a thousand witnesses There are extant in some Books many of these particulars where they are more largely handled only I hope it will not be grievous if I put you in minde of those things whereof you have experience already Moreover those miraculous passages of Gods Providence wherein Digitus Dei the finger of God evidently appeared and doth still appear to admiration So that if our hearts be not hardned and our eyes blinded I conceive these are witnesses sufficient But notwithstanding if we shut our eyes if they be not opened I do conceive and answer as Abraham answered to Dives being in torments That if one should arise from the dead you would not believe But let men judg what they please this is the comfort and stay to them whose hearts are right with God namely this That God seeth he regardeth he is a strong God a wise and faithful God he will make bare his arm and mightily work for the good of his chosen and to the confusion of his enemies Object Courteous Reader Christian Friend lest thou shouldst take offence because I kept not more close to the matter propounded Answ I seeing and considering the great bitterness the great heat that evidently appeareth to be in the prejudiced and fore-stalled hearts of many men I endeavored only to qualifie that heat and in part to remove that prejudice otherwise I conceived that there would be no place for Peace and Truth to meet together But to proceed The man that hath most effectually written to my apprehension that yet hath come to my knowledg to hinder Peace and Truth at this time from meeting is Mr William Prynne in his Book called The substance of a Speech made in the House of Commons Touching this man I have no prejudice against him I never saw him to my knowledg I have likewise met with some other of his Labors and upon some consideration of the matters in them contained to my best apprehension this I finde That he hath taken much pains that he is a man endowed with divers good gifts if they be sanctified I do beleeve he is zealously affected and that his intendments are for the glory of God and for the good of the People I love the man and do beleeve that we shall both meet before God and his glorious Angels to both our comforts through the rich mercy and free favor of our God in his dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ I would not cast dirt upon all his Labors but onely I shall endeavor to sift and winnow them and desire him to recollect his thoughts and to revive his Works over again and where he findeth an error I desire him to recall that and to revoke it Who knoweth the errors of his life In many things we sin all This perswasion I have of Mr William Prynne That he is so zealous and so ingenuous that he will not persist in a known error Paul being in an error when he persecuted Christ in his members brought much glory to God great advantage to his Church and left himself as an eminent pattern for others to imitate When and after he saw his error he recanted and repented and repaired his error In the first Scripture alledged I find this place cited out of Mat. 5.9 Blessed are the Peace-makers for they shall be called the children of GOD. This place in his intendments pointeth out that which he hoped as I beleeve should be the issue of his Labors in the work following But here I finde that of Solomon verified That the race is not always to the swift nor riches to men of understanding For had this speech of his prevailed it would have been so far from causing peace that I do beleeve both we and the children yet unborn should have had cause to lament it Had his speech there declared in that book prevailed it would have effected much more sorrow and trouble then before The next Scripture is Psal 68.30 Rebuke the company of spear-men scatter thou the people that delight in War Some Translations read it thus Destroy the Company c. This Text here is placed as a leading exhortation to the Reader to perswade them to follow this example This place compared with that which goeth before and with that which followeth after plainly holds out thus much That Mr Prynne did endeavor to render the Army root and branch odious for the Army consisted of the Head and Members which appeareth in the first leafe in the Title or Inscription of his Book in these words namely The Armies Remonstrance Novemb. 20. is a way to speedy and certain ruine and a meer plot of the Jesuites to destroy us This he presents to the whole Kingdom I hope by this time Mr Prynne seeth cause to recall and revoke this For he inviteth the Kingdom with him to pray That God would destroy the Army in the Scripture before cited I say with Steven the Martyr Act. 7.60 Lord lay not this sin to his charge I answer by way of reply to this Scripture That when men do lay unjust slanders and reproaches upon
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
cannot deny it And likewise let any Iesuite be produced that they have preferred to the Ministry to this day if there be any such as I believe there are none they came in and remain disguised so that the Army doth not know them to be such Secondly Let us consider this That it was contrary to that which the Jesuites and Romish party all along labored after for the Jesuites to desire that the King should be tryed much loss that he should be removed from the Throne of Government which appeareth plainly if we will not be wilfully blind in as much as the Romish Catholiques were chiefest men to help the King to get into his Throne upon his own terms They were the chiefest Enemies to those that feared God such as they termed Roundheads which were of the Armies side If the King had been restored to the Throne of Government it is apparent that the Romish party should have had much more advantage by that then in case the Army prevailed to do Justice upon him I would not spend too much time to light a Candle at Noon-day Rev. 22.11 If any will be filthy let him be so still he shall shortly have his reward Now let us briefly consider of the fruits and success of the Armies proceedings since the late Kings death because Mr Prynne prophecyed in exceeding large terms That the bringing the King to condign and worthy punishment for his breach of the Laws of the most high God with whom is no respect of persons This would bring upon us saith he a speedy and certain ruine and more present and great Wars and effusion of blood amongst our selves This is the very substance of his Prophecy to my apprehension Let us now judg true and righteous judgment as in the presence of the most high and glorious and blessed God Is not the direct contrary of this Prophecy in a great measure fulfilled and come to pass which discovereth that this was no true Prophecy This will evidently appeare if we consider That in the very time of the Kings death God so wonderfully ordered it that not one man lost his life that I heard of by any way in standing up to rescue the late King although it was not acted in a corner This is a matter not to be passed without due consideration And from that time God did so wonderfully turn about the wheel of his Providence That we have had peace and quietness in a great measure both by Sea and Land to this very day in this Common-wealth notwithstanding that the contrary party were numerous and bitter Can we possibly reply against this wherein the very finger of God hath appeared to the astonishment of Gods Enemies I do beleeve indeed That some being led away with those apprehensions That it should have been well pleasing to God that the King though guilty of Idolatry though guilty of much former profaneness of much blood-shed in other places before this War begun Though guilty in putting or suffering or causing many innocent persons to be put to death both in England and Ireland and guilty of letting the wicked go free and exalting them Though guilty of the blood of so many thousand of English-men Though guilty of the capital breaking of Gods Laws in not punishing and suppressing those horrible and openly known Blasphemers Robbers Adulterers Whoremongers and what not sins were committed openly not in darkness but in the sight of the Sun in a continued way of wickedness Of which sins so committed with an high hand it was not possible but that he must be guilty of them Though guilty of many more sins not here to be reckoned up I say some have been led away through infirmitie so that they thought that it would have been well pleasing to God that the late King should have been clad in Royal Apparel and have washed out these spots and been again exalted into his former Throne and been made the Head Guide and Governor of so many thousands I say That for those that have been so misled through infirmities I pray God give them sound and timely repentance and lay not this sin to their charge It is well to be noted That when David caused that one innocent man Vriah to be put to death by subtlety 1 King Chap. 11 12. David gave sentence that such a person should dye and make restitution The Prophet tells him he was the man condemned Observe well That David lay under this sentence till the most high God himself proclaimed a pardon to his person at that time yet so as that David should feel the breach of Gods Law although it is to be considered That David had been an eminent man for Gods honor many years before Let us further consider That God hath since the late Kings death shewed his approbation which hath appeared if we consider That before the late Kings death as we had many Risings which occasioned much trouble danger and blood-shed so likewise God frowned upon us in smiting the fruits of the earth so that Corn and most other provisions failed and were very dear Whereby God did to my apprehension shew That he was displeased that the People or those in whose hands it lay were so slow in proceeding to punish so great an Offender But we may take notice That since the late Kings death God hath turned his favorable countenance towards us wonderfully as appeared by the Harvest of Corn for they had seasonable weather to reap and to lay up their Corn in safety and I hear the people in Cornwal and Devonshire report That their Corn yeelded more encrease in the threshing then former years abundantly in so much that one sheaf yeelded more Corn then two did in some former years Our Fishing and Trading hath prospered Moreover God hath gone forth with our host with our Army so that which way soever they turn themselves God maketh them to prosper and victoriously to prevail The very finger of God appeareth I am ashamed and even astonished to finde any that should object against this yet I find too many that will not see nor acknowledg these wonderful works of a glorious and righteous God Object Some say That the wicked may prosper for a time Did not Nebuchadnezzar prosper and did not Joab prosper c. Answ There is no reasonable proportion in these Arguments for I do evidently see That their Objections in this kinde arise from this root namely because they are partial and unwilling that God should favor the now being Government and Army for whom I do beleeve that in the conclusion both we and the posterity to come shall have cause to praise the name of the Lord for them These Objections arise not out of well ballanced meditations for compare we Nebuchadnezzar and other their victories against the Israelites and we may read That sometimes God suffered the Enemies to prevail against Israel but how was that it was by bringing a multitude of Enemies against a few Israelites
presume more then is meet and causeth us to despise many of Gods Saints and little ones that are not thus apparelled with so many humane authorities And I believe it too evidently appeareth that from this very Root is sprung up such a flame of fire that will with much difficulty be quenched God grant it may be quenched 6. My Endeavors are primarily the glory of God and that Peace and Truth may meet and kiss one another To all those that earnestly and heartily desire and endeavor the same namely Gods Glory Peace and Truth I doubt not but that I may safely and boldly say That if they deck themselves inwardly with lowliness of mind let them be but low enough in their own eyes let them but learn of Jesus Christ to be humble and meek a lesson much urged by Moses the Prophets Christ and his Apostles and yet how little do we profit and I doubt not but Gods Name will be much honored many of our brethren will be much edified the weak much strengthned our selves much more approved in the hearts of others and the flame of the fire of hatred and contention will be much abated and thereby we shall possess our own Souls with more peace and Peace and Truth will meet and embrace one another sooner Dear Countrymen and Christian Friends Be not many Masters knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation Jam. 3.1 As if the Apostle should say Consider that by these contentions we shall receive no profit but much loss Now consider whence come our contentions come they not through pride Yea certainly they do witness the Prophets and Apostles consider That God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble and meek Jam. 4. God will teach the humble his ways Psal 2. Oh Brethren Countrymen and Friends That I could prevail with you in this particular That you would forbear one another and instruct one another and build up and edifie one another in love Let every man esteem other better than himself Let there be no root of bitterness amongst us Psal Wait upon God patiently and he shall bring it to pass thine eyes shall see it and thy heart shall be glad And this I doubt not but that I may safely affirm by the sacred Authority of Gods revealed Will in his Word That if ever thou shalt meet Christ Jesus as thy Husband in his Kingdom to thy comfort thou must come to him as a Bride prepared for her Husband in which preparation this is a principal part namely to be inwardly adorned inriched and furnished with lowliness with humility Pretend what faith in Christ thou wilt or canst whosoever thou art if thou hast not this grace in some good measure thou shalt never meet Jesus Christ to thy comfort Excuse me dear friends if I digress or be large though not large enough in this matter for this is a principal preparation to the way where Peace and Truth dwelleth Time bids me forbear To return to the matter of Mr Prynnes Book in the Book entituled The Sword of Christian Magistracy supported I finde therein many precious sentences alledged or taken from of the Word of God out of the Word of God being the very authority the very writings of the Apostles and Prophets These Scriptures come to me with authority I consent unto them whether they were written before the Coming of Jesus Christ in the Flesh by the Prophets or since the Coming of our blessed Saviour by his Apostles I acknowledg them all and rejoyce to consider the splendor beauty excellency and comfort that is contained in those Scriptures For whether such sentences were written before Christs Coming by the Prophets or since his Coming by the Apostles they were all Gods Ministers his Messengers his Embassadors blessed Messengers God sent them his Word is true and faithful unalterable I consider That God that sent those sentences is not as man variable that is to say of several mindes but is the same yesterday to day and for ever Therefore I hope God will not so far leave me as to refuse the authority of his Word for I had rather my tongue should cleave to the roof of my mouth and that my hand should lose its use then that I should refuse or dislike the Word of God the rule or square of Jerusalem and one of Jerusalems chief joys Within that precious Word is contained all those precious streams that refresh and make glad Jerusalem the City of God God hath magnified his Word above all his Name Psal 138.2 I hope none dare presume to speak any thing to cavil against the Word of God Most of the sentences so alledged by Mr Prynne being the Word of God I do acknowledg and to my understanding they are of moral equity and use I do except against none I have not exactly viewed all I do acknowledg likewise That he hath drawn many necessary Observations and Conclusions from the Scriptures such as I do beleeve are agreeable to the Will of God as they are the truths of God Yet I should humbly desire M. Pryn to review his Labors wherin I do beleeve he may if God help him finde cause to revoke certain matters there in that Book contained Two things in my apprehension are very offensive and sinful First The jeering or deriding men under the names of the Saints or the Brethren Secondly For that it seemeth to me that he doth turn the edg of the Sword against many of those that love and fear God and desire to do his Will In the first leaf in his Epistle directed to the House of Commons I finde him use these expressions To M. Dell and his Independent Saints and the like again is used fol. 2. Mr Dell and some of his Saints and in the same leaf again he expresseth himself thus Saint Lilburn and Saint Overtons And a little further thus The Sectaries and Independent Saints Thus in divers places he reproacheth many under these names of the Saints and the Brethren and such like terms To my understanding this is a just cause of offence First Because this name of Saints and of Brethren are not in themselves evil but they are used and approved of in the Scripture phrases as Deut. 33.2 He came with ten thousands of his Saints Psa 31.32 O love the Lord all ye his Saints Dan. 7.18 The Saints of the most high Mat. 27.52 Many bodies of Saints Rom. 1.7 Called to be Saints And so the name of Brethren Deut. 15.7 33.9 Psa 122.8 For my Brethren and Companions Rom. 12.1 I beseech you therefore Brethren I do beleeve That it is unbeseeming a Christian to call any other Christian or any man Saint by way of reproach We may not play with holy things God giveth this name of Saints and Brethren to his Elect as a Title of honor and respect It cannot be good for any to reproach another with the title or badg or cognizance of his own profession Secondly Because there is
if we deminish Object But is there any president or example that warranteth a people to depose and punish their Governors Answ The condition expressed and recorded in the Book of Joshua doth plainly hold out That the whole body of a people or such as represent or are Deputies for the Common-wealth or part of that body may in cases wherein their Governors act not for God but contrary to his revealed Will in such cases I conceive the Word recorded in the Book of Joshua plainly warranteth and teacheth people That they ought to make such exceptions This people that gave Joshua his Answer were a part of the people And although this Covenant or Caveat had not been expressed yet it had been the peoples duty and wisdom to follow him in Gods ways but not other ways If we take notice and consider that place recorded Numb 25.1 The people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab c. The people for this cause were commanded by God to slay those Governors that were guilty in this matter The Lord said to Moses Take all the heads of the people and hang them up before the Lord against the Sun that the fierce wrath of the Lord may be turned from Israel Numb 25.4 Now this sheweth That it is Gods Will that Governors shall by the people be punished in such cases as are notorious breaches of Gods Law for although these Governors were not equal but inferiour to Moses yet they were Governors of the people as for example all Governors are not Emperors nor all Kings nor all Judges of an equal rank yet they are all of one kind Gods Law bindeth and hath the same authority over all But further consider this it is there recorded for our learning Num. 25.6 That one of the children of Israel brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses and in the sight of c. Note That this man was a Prince Vers 14. Vers 7. And when Phineas the son of Aaron saw it he rose up c. and took a spear in his hand and followed the man of Israel into the Tent and thrust them both through c. From this Text it plainly appeareth That in such openly known sins Princes are liable to punishment nay further That God taketh this as a matter that is so acceptable to him that he rewardeth it with an extraordinary commendation and reward Vers 10. Then the Lord spake unto Moses saying Phineas the son of Aaron hath turned mine anger away from the children of Israel while he was zealous for my sake amongst them therefore I have not consumed the children of Israel in my jealousie Vers 12. Wherefore I say unto him Behold I give unto him my Covenant of Peace Here note That Phineas stood not to search over the Punctilioes of the Common Laws neither was he a Judg nor ordinary Officer to put men to death he stayed not till this man was tryed by his Peers but he considered that God was highly dishonored the case was extraordinary therfore he put his life in his hand and couragiously zealously pursued the transgressor and slew him this is recorded for our learning Rō 15.4 Whatsoever things are written aforetime are writen for our learning It is to be admired That people they should be offended at the Army and at some of the Parliament because they executed Justice upon such an offender as had sinned in the sight of the Sun by setting up Idolatry that had sinned in shedding innocent blood such an offender as was tryed and found guilty to the knowledg of the Land and by the opinion of Lords Commons Army and People witness their Writings in Print and is this so hainous a matter This maketh me call to mind the Prophecy Revel 18.16 17. Alas alas that great City that was clothed in fine linnen and purple and scarlet and guilded with gold and precious stones and pearls For in one hour so great riches are come to desolation And every ship-master and all the people that ocupy ships and whosoever doth trafique on the sea shall stand afar off and cry c. But what saith the Spirit of God Vers 10. O Haeven rejoyce over her and ye holy Apostles for God hath punished her to be revenged on her for your sakes Dear Friends you that are not drunk but in good frames of heart consider that this great Tower of Confusion is fallen the Prophets foretold of these days Isaiah Daniel Hosea Micah and others they tell us plainly That corrupt Governors must down I believe the time is accomplished that God did in his counsel determine these matters therefore hang down your heads no longer but you that wait for the Salvation of Israel lift up your heads I pray you Countrymen note That the Army and the Parliament they being zealous for Gods glory they put their lives in their hands they look all oppositions in the face they executed Justice upon an offender this was Gods work that guarded them with strength this act of theirs was beyond their own abilities I pray you compare this act with that of Phineas is not there the same cause in the offender Is not the zeal of Phineas and their zeal like in the very countenance and of near affinity And hath not God crowned this act of theirs Consider that God hath blessed the fruits of the earth and hath enriched our barns and stores Hath not God blessed us in our fishing abroad not the like for many years before Hath not God blessed us by giving us Victories at Sea and Victories at the Land Whithersoever they turn themselves they are blessed since the death of the late King This maketh me commend to your consideration that blessing that God gave to Joshua and is acknowledged thus There was not a City that God delivered not into his hand nor place was too strong for him Consider it well and apply it If any will be obstinate and blind let them be so I cannot help it But to go on in 2 Kings 11.15 Jehojada the Priest commanded the Captains of the Hundreds that had the rule of the Host Vers 16. And they laid hands on her c. and there she was slain We may here observe That there is a president recorded in Scripture that sheweth That when a principal Governor shall do evil in the sight of the Lord the people did account it to be their duties to punish such great offenders and offences by death thus was Jesabel slain The example of the Israelites likewise is considerable 1 King 12.20 where the ten Tribes by reason that Rehoboam would not hearken to them in easing them of those Taxations that they said were too heavy they therefore deposed or rejected him from being their King for although that Jeroboam forsook Gods Commandments afterwards that was his sin But touching their act in casting off and renouncing all obedience to Rehoboam for his sin of oppression God plainly alloweth that and owneth
are men that prefer Gods glory and the Peoples good much before any private respects to themselves and I do believe if God give us patience we shall see it evidently to appear Let it be our wisdom and care to know and not to exceed the bounds of our lawful Liberties in this matter and the Rule of God forget not I do beseech all you that love God and do desire to do his Will That you will wrestle with God for a blessing in this matter for I believe the time is near that God will restore Judges as at the first and Councellors as at the beginning then shall we be called a City of Righteousness a faithful City Isai 1.26 Touching the great difference that seemeth to be amongst many I have no doubt but that the godly if they obtain a blessing in this matter of Government and study to be quiet shall plainly find a means in Gods own way to compose their differences Dearly Beloved You that are of different opinions and that do unfeignedly desire to do Gods good will and pleasure I would put a great and vast difference between you and those men that manifest by their fruits That the fear of God is not before their eyes that manifest by their fruits That touching Gods Commandments they agree in one opinion which is That they will have little respect to Gods Commandments because concerning these David saith Psal 10.2 The wicked speak with a double heart that is they pretend that they hate diversities of opinions and that they will be comformable to Gods Laws but alas doth it not too evidently appear That they acknowledg not God in all their ways for under pretence of conformity they shelter themselves and so make ready their arrows that they may shoot at them which are upright in heart as David witnesseth Psal 11.2 Job saith of such Job 29.17 I brake also the jaws of the unrighteous man and pluckt the prey out of his teeth And in the next Verse Job saith I was a father unto the poor and when I knew not the cause I sought it out diligently To those that fear the Lord and earnestly desire to do his Wil I say That I believe that by reason that evil Governors have so chased so afflicted and so persecuted you that from the apprehensions of your former miseries you fear all Governors you are very shy of Government But dear Friends let me say this to you Stay a while and look back again God hath promised that he will restore Judges as at the first c. What then then the case will be altered good Governors will love the Flock and defend them from the wicked and ungodly and blood-thirsty men they will feed the Flock God commanded Moses to carry the flock in his bosom neer his heart Numb 11.12 Carry them in thy bosom as a Nurse carrieth her sucking childe unto the Land that I will shew thee Be not afraid therefore for a Nurse that loveth her sucking Childe will love it and not cast it away because of her own trouble nor yet though the child have blemishes and is not so beautiful as some others I pray you be not afraid of Government for if you eye God enquire his counsel who shal govern you fear not follow but the rule prescribed and I doubt not but that God will bless that Government to you the Spirit of God will rest upon them For consider That God is the Author of Government therefore do not fly from Government for this I can tell by experience That I have seen a people that have out of Conscience to my apprehension professedly separated themselves from other Societies in the wilderness and allowed Liberty of Conscience without any disturbance I have seen and noted and experimentally known these people and passages and what have been the fruits of such a boundless monstrous and deformed Liberty They have rent and divided so amongst themselves that it hath come to open hatred one of another and they have even cryed out for to have some Government that men might not speak and do what they list For consider of it That when God doth withdraw his good Spirit from men and let the Devil loose to deceive them it is scarcely credible to beleeve how far such men are drawn away even to blaspheme God and his sacred Word which are unseparable Companions And some may be drawn to beleeve That they may murther their Neighbors and take their Wives Children or Goods Now consider That it is a singular and precious mercy to us that God hath wisely and strongly prescribed Rules and Bounds and Government to these raging waves of the restless Sea beyond which they may not pass Dear Friends Look upon Government as a precious mercy it were not to be expressed the greatness of our misery to be without Governors or to be without the blessed Laws of God to be governed by For consider it well That as the Laws of God are for Gods glory so likewise the Laws of God are for our exceeding great good There is no Law of God but our Good is contained in it and without those Laws we should be miserable The wicked of the world would dishonor God that made us and they would make servants and vassals of us The strong would oppress the weak and would devour another Note well all along from Moses to Samuel and you shall finde That when the condition of the People was in a state of such a Liberty to be without chief Governors then the people committed wickedness and are punished and the way that God delivered them was by raising up good Governors For this take for an assured truth That from good Gouernors and good Laws ariseth blessedness Therefore cleave close to the Laws of God they are a precious treasure And likewise take heed that your Governors be of Gods sending Follow the Rules by God prescribed exactly diligently There are some books written by some that I forbear to name both because the matter seemeth to me to be ended and also because I follow after peace I will not meddle with the Cause they or he pretendeth that moved him to write But this I say They or he have not cause to complain of unkindness from this present Government for he hath just cause to say they were patient and forbearing for I desire those who are guilty to consider in what an high degree they have sinned The Holy Ghost commandeth us That no corrupt communication should proceed out of our mouths and the Apostle Jude sheweth the great evil of those that are hold in their own conceits I desire God to give them repentance if it be possible That the thoughts of their hearts and their transcendent evil may be forgiven to them For consider That let men slatter what they will or can yet there is a glorious God whose eyes are as a flame of fire from his sight such deeds of darkness cannot be hidden and remember That God
and so continued in the breach of Covenant and of Gods Law they had not yet restored God to be their King as in the days of old as in the beginning This is plainly expressed in these words Kings not by me Princes and I knew it not As if God should have said I expected they should repent and turn from their evils and have enquired at and taken my counsel who should be the man that should be their chief Governor but they go on and obstinately follow the counsel of their own hearts They have Kings but not by me they have Princes and I knew it not that is They did not come and make me acquainted they did not enquire of me who should govern them therefore the Enemy shall pursue them But to go on They have transgressed my Covenant and broken my Law whence I gather plainly That the Government by Judges together with their entrance into their places it was part of the Law of God God did ordain and appoint that the Government should be by Judges and that God would have that priviledg that preheminency therein that he would be consulted withall who should be the man that should be principal Governor that is to say God and not the people without the express counsel of God known should appoint the man and name the person and the erring from this here God calleth the transgression of his Law and the breach of his Covenant That this is the very true minde of God I beleeve the very words in the Text and their application by God himself do naturally and plainly hold out so much But secondly I gather this to be the meaning here considering the presidents prescribed and practised by God himself God mediately appointed Moses Joshua Gideon Samuel and some others This sheweth that God did ordain and institute not onely the form of Government by Judges but also God did himself immediately appoint the persons in which nomination we may observe That God did not appoint in these first and purest and uncorrupted times that Government should go by Succession from Father to the eldest Son Moses had children and other of the Judges had children yet God in his wisdom saw it to be most for his glory and for the peoples good that the principal Government should not be continued by descent This plainly appeareth by those presidents in which God himself did the most immediately appear in and the most immediately appoint Afterwards in more corrupted times the people chose by descent but this proved not to be compared with that way which God in his heavenly wisdom did appoint in the first and in the purest and best Times I should further note divers things here as their casting God off their punishments being the fruits the people reaped but I forbear and proceed The Lord saith Deut. 4. Vers 2. to 9. That God had taught them Ordinances therefore keep them saith God What Nation is so great that hath Laws so righteous as all this Law Take heed to thy self and keep thy Soul diligently thou and thy sons and thy sons sons Ye shall put nothing to the Word that I command you neither shall you take ought there from This people they were well disciplined by God they had the presence of God so neer to them and God was so tender over them as appeareth Deut. 32.10 God led him about he taught him he kept him as the apple of his eye Vers 11. As an Eagle stirreth up her nest fluttereth over her birds stretcheth out her wings taketh them and carrieth them on her wings Vers 12. So the LORD alone led him and there was no strange god with him Thus did God neerly shew the people his glorious majesty his power his wisdom his Truth his grace goodness bounty mercy his unchangeableness When we consider of it we may say with the Prophet Isaiah Oh that we had harkened to Gods Commandments then should our prosperity have been like the floods and like to the mighty waters But alass this people grew to be full they were at ease they were wanton which God noted Deut. 32.15 He that should have been upright when he waxed fat spurned with his heels that is he esteemed these precious mercies to be of little value Therefore God seeing this saith Deuteronomy 32. Vers 15. Thou art fat thou art laden with fatness thou art gross therefore he forsook God that made him and regarded not the strong God of his Salvation God being most infinitely wise he knoweth which way is best to remedy this distemper namely these surfets in prosperity This therefore God telleth the people admonishing them in the times of their prosperity to take heed to Gods Commandments and not to turn any way aside to the right or left hand nor to add nor diminish But observe we this people would not harken they would not be convinced that the wisdom of God was best and safest for them God had himself immediately prescribed both the form of Government and the persons yet this people preferred the GOVERNMENT by KINGS such as the HEATHENS round about had of which the LORD had said to them Ye shall not follow their Manners nor Customs before the Government by Judges and therefore the Prophet Samuel telleth them that such things would befall them by having Kings but they would not harken to God to the Prophet Therefore the Lord fore-seeing and knowing what would follow he admonished them they will not now be perswaded Take heed for it is no light matter for hereafter you shall cry out by reason of your afflictions but I will not hear you that is to say you shall feel this breach of my Law and Covenant Kings shall be your Oppressors they will slay my Priests set up Idolatry force you to Idolatry they will worship the hoast of Heaven they will fill the streets of Jerusalem with blood they will be the causes that my anger shall be kindled against you they shall be the causes that I will bring an Enemy upon you and deliver you into captivity Hosea 8. Therefore saith the Lord the Enemy shall pursue you that is to say he shall prevail against you This shall come to pass because you have broken my Law and transgressed my Covenant you have set up Kings but not by me and Princes but I knew it not as if God should say I did not acknowledg the way of Kings I knew it not c. and yet you repent not you return not to me c. Samuel faithfully and plainly fore-told this 1 Sam. You shall cry out by reason of your afflictions at that day but I will not hear you you have chosen a form of Government by Kings and Kings you shall have This sheweth That the matter of Governors and Government is no light matter in Gods estimation we may make as light a matter of it as we will but God knoweth that Kings will afflict us and oppress us Kings will draw us to Idolatry they
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
England might now be wise and learn by our own and other mens harms to cleave close to the most pure most immediate and first Institution of Government recorded in the sacred Scriptures so should we secure our selves and posterity and obtain a blessing and protection from the glorious God of our Salvation Oh dearly beloved consider I pray you now there is such an opportunity as I beleeve God never offered to any generation from the days of Samuel to this present time now I pray you seek Gods favour seriously put forth your best and utmost endeavors that we may obtain Judge as at the first and Counsellors as at the beginning then shall we be called a City of Righteousness a faithful City Isa 1. by this means we shall become good examples to our neighbor Nations and the generations to come shall have cause to praise the Lord for us and the memory of our names recorded in Gods Records shall be eternally blessed Concerning this man Moses being the first president God set to be Governor to his Church and People because Gods Works are most perfect and of most singular use to posterity therefore I judg it necessary to note somewhat touching his qualifications he was a man painful and diligent in his charge he sate to judg the people from morning to night Exod. 18.13 and afterwards in all his life we may note how studious he was and diligent and active in observing Gods Commandments and in exhorting the people to the same matters he was not ambitious to seek great offices and preferments for his own children after his decease which may be noted when Israel the people had highly provoked the Lord so that God threatneth to destroy the people and promiseth Moses that he would so far prefer him that he would make of him that is of his posterity a mighty people Exod. 32.10 Now therefore let me alone that my wrath may wax hot against them for I will consume them but I will make of thee a mighty people Now Moses preferreth the Glory of God and the Peoples good before any by respects either to himself or to his posterity noted Vers 11.12 13. But Moses prayed unto the Lord his God and said O Lord why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people which thou hast brought out of the Land of Egypt c. Wherefore should the Egyptians speak and say He hath brought them out maliciously to slay them in the Mountains c. Turn from thy fierce wrath and change thy mind from this evil towards thy people and remember Abraham Isaac c. Vers 14. Then the Lord changed his mind from the evil which he threatned to do unto his people This is recorded for the learning of succeeding ages to shew of what concernment and what benefit the people get by living under such a Government and Governors as God sendeth such Governors stand in the gap to keep off Gods displeasure and to procure a blessing for the people Many respect not much under what Government they live this was Lots sin who deeply tasted of the cup of Gods displeasure by living under or amongst the ungodly in Sodom But secondly This example of Moses is of singular use an eminent pattern to all Governors succeeding namely this That he sought Gods glory and the Peoples good before his own or his childrens preferment It is to be noted the like of him when God told Moses he should be taken away or dye he doth not request of the Lord to continue the Government to his children but this he doth he loves the people he looketh at Gods glory and the peoples good therefore he remembers the peoples good and maketh earnest prayer recorded for our learning to God entreating God That he would appoint a Governor for the people where note the modesty and humility of his heart his spirit being not lift up above his brethren therefore he expresseth it thus That he may go in and out before the people that the Congregation of the Lord be not as sheep without a shepherd Where we may note That he stileth himself and successor but under these expressions Num. 27.16 Let the God of the spirits of all flesh appoint a man over the Congregation Vers 17. Who may go in and out before them and lead them out and in that the Congregation of the Lord be not as sheep without a shepherd Note his expressions A man over the Congregation not only a King or by the name of Commander but only a man and a shepherd he had true respect and understanding of the nature of his charge and office which was to order to provide for to feed love and defend the stock and not to persecute or to suffer Wolves to devour them not to feed upon them himself therefore note his expression Vers 17. that the Congregation of the Lord He remembred and modestly acknowledgeth the people to be Gods heritage He doth not stile them his Subjects or his Vassals and so seek to leave the people as inheritance of Goods Lands Beasts and Cattel to his Children but he esteems the people and so they were of more value then earthly inheritances Gods inheritance and so in express words he calleth them The Congregation of the Lord the Lords Inheritance the Lords People and therefore he doth not lay claim to them as the Inheritance for his Children he knew Gods minde better he speaks no such matter for succession in Government from the Father to the Son came in long many hundreds of years after in more corrupted Times God did not in these first and purest Times in the original order it to be so neither did Moses expect or desire it because he looked after those matters that were truly his own He truly sought Gods Glory and the Peoples good But thus much to shew his opinion and respect that he had of the people in those days Those first Governors owned the people to be their brethren and so they behaved themselves towards the people as brethren Is not the World much altered in these days when many great men will scarce acknowledg the poor people to be any of their kindred afar off much less as brethren Yea this Governor in these first and purest Times did not only use the People as brethren but as children he carryed them in his bosom neer his heart and tenderly too as sucking children and that also by Gods own direction as Moses himself witnesseth and willingly acknowledgeth But when Kings obtained the Government we may observe how soon the case was altered Abimelech he slayeth his brethren that he might obtain the preeminence and Saul he persecuted an innocent and vertuous man fearing lest he might hinder his son from reigning after him yea he pursueth this with such violence that he maketh little account of Gods Commandments if they stand in his way to hinder him to make sure the Government to his son Jonathan blood is not much valued in his sight witness
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