if_o we_o diminish_v object_n but_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n that_o warrant_v a_o people_n to_o depose_v and_o punish_v their_o governor_n answ_n the_o condition_n express_v and_o record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n do_v plain_o hold_v out_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o people_n or_o such_o as_o represent_v or_o be_v deputy_n for_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o part_n of_o that_o body_n may_v in_o case_n wherein_o their_o governor_n act_v not_o for_o god_n but_o contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n in_o such_o case_n i_o conceive_v the_o word_n record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n plain_o warrant_v and_o teach_v people_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v such_o exception_n this_o people_n that_o give_v joshua_n his_o answer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o people_n and_o although_o this_o covenant_n or_o caveat_n have_v not_o be_v express_v yet_o it_o have_v be_v the_o people_n duty_n and_o wisdom_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o god_n way_n but_o not_o other_o way_n if_o we_o take_v notice_n and_o consider_v that_o place_n record_v numb_a 25.1_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o commit_v whoredom_n with_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n etc._n etc._n the_o people_n for_o this_o cause_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o slay_v those_o governor_n that_o be_v guilty_a in_o this_o matter_n the_o lord_n say_v to_o moses_n take_v all_o the_o head_n of_o the_o people_n and_o hang_v they_o up_o before_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v turn_v from_o israel_n numb_a 25.4_o now_o this_o show_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o governor_n shall_v by_o the_o people_n be_v punish_v in_o such_o case_n as_o be_v notorious_a breach_n of_o god_n law_n for_o although_o these_o governor_n be_v not_o equal_a but_o inferior_a to_o moses_n yet_o they_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o people_n as_o for_o example_n all_o governor_n be_v not_o emperor_n nor_o all_o king_n nor_o all_o judge_n of_o a_o equal_a rank_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o of_o one_o kind_n god_n law_n bind_v and_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n over_o all_o but_o further_a consider_v this_o it_o be_v there_o record_v for_o our_o learning_n num._n 25.6_o that_o one_o of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n bring_v unto_o his_o brethren_n a_o midianitish_a woman_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o etc._n etc._n note_v that_o this_o man_n be_v a_o prince_n verse_n 14._o verse_n 7._o and_o when_o phineas_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n see_v it_o he_o rise_v up_o etc._n etc._n and_o take_v a_o spear_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o follow_v the_o man_n of_o israel_n into_o the_o tent_n and_o thrust_v they_o both_o through_o etc._n etc._n from_o this_o text_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o in_o such_o open_o know_v sin_n prince_n be_v liable_a to_o punishment_n nay_o further_o that_o god_n take_v this_o as_o a_o matter_n that_o be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o he_o reward_v it_o with_o a_o extraordinary_a commendation_n and_o reward_n verse_n 10._o then_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n say_v phineas_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n have_v turn_v my_o anger_n away_o from_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n while_o he_o be_v zealous_a for_o my_o sake_n among_o they_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o consume_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o my_o jealousy_n verse_n 12._o wherefore_o i_o say_v unto_o he_o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o he_o my_o covenant_n of_o peace_n here_o note_n that_o phineas_n stand_v not_o to_o search_v over_o the_o punctilio_n of_o the_o common_a law_n neither_o be_v he_o a_o judge_n nor_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o put_v man_n to_o death_n he_o stay_v not_o till_o this_o man_n be_v try_v by_o his_o peer_n but_o he_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v high_o dishonour_v the_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a therefore_o he_o put_v his_o life_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o courageous_o &_o zealous_o pursue_v the_o transgressor_n and_o slay_v he_o this_o be_v record_v for_o our_o learning_n ronvere_n 15.4_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n it_o be_v to_o be_v admire_v that_o people_n they_o shall_v be_v offend_v at_o the_o army_n and_o at_o some_o of_o the_o parliament_n because_o they_o execute_v justice_n upon_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o have_v sin_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o set_v up_o idolatry_n that_o have_v sin_v in_o shed_v innocent_a blood_n such_o a_o offender_n as_o be_v try_v and_o find_v guilty_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o land_n and_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o lord_n commons_z army_z and_o people_n witness_v their_o write_n in_o print_n and_o be_v this_o so_o heinous_a a_o matter_n this_o make_v i_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o prophecy_n revel_v 18.16_o 17._o alas_o alas_o that_o great_a city_n that_o be_v clothe_v in_o fine_a linen_n and_o purple_a and_o scarlet_a and_o guild_v with_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n and_o pearl_n for_o in_o one_o hour_n so_o great_a riches_n be_v come_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o shipmaster_n and_o all_o the_o people_n that_o ocupy_v ship_n and_o whosoever_o do_v traffic_v on_o the_o sea_n shall_v stand_v afar_o off_o and_o cry_v etc._n etc._n but_o what_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n verse_n 10._o o_o haeven_n rejoice_v over_o she_o and_o you_o holy_a apostle_n for_o god_n have_v punish_v she_o to_o be_v revenge_v on_o she_o for_o your_o sake_n dear_a friend_n you_o that_o be_v not_o drink_v but_o in_o good_a frame_n of_o heart_n consider_v that_o this_o great_a tower_n of_o confusion_n be_v fall_v the_o prophet_n foretell_v of_o these_o day_n isaiah_n daniel_n hosea_n micah_n and_o other_o they_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o corrupt_a governor_n must_v down_o i_o believe_v the_o time_n be_v accomplish_v that_o god_n do_v in_o his_o counsel_n determine_v these_o matter_n therefore_o hang_v down_o your_o head_n no_o long_o but_o you_o that_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o israel_n lift_v up_o your_o head_n i_o pray_v you_o countryman_n note_n that_o the_o army_n and_o the_o parliament_n they_o be_v zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n they_o put_v their_o life_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o look_v all_o opposition_n in_o the_o face_n they_o execute_v justice_n upon_o a_o offender_n this_o be_v god_n work_v that_o guard_v they_o with_o strength_n this_o act_n of_o they_o be_v beyond_o their_o own_o ability_n i_o pray_v you_o compare_v this_o act_n with_o that_o of_o phineas_n be_v not_o there_o the_o same_o cause_n in_o the_o offender_n be_v not_o the_o zeal_n of_o phineas_n and_o their_o zeal_n like_a in_o the_o very_a countenance_n and_o of_o near_a affinity_n and_o have_v not_o god_n crown_v this_o act_n of_o they_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v bless_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v enrich_v our_o barn_n and_o store_n have_v not_o god_n bless_v we_o in_o our_o fish_n abroad_o not_o the_o like_a for_o many_o year_n before_o have_v not_o god_n bless_v we_o by_o give_v we_o victory_n at_o sea_n and_o victory_n at_o the_o land_n whithersoever_o they_o turn_v themselves_o they_o be_v bless_v since_o the_o death_n of_o the_o late_a king_n this_o make_v i_o commend_v to_o your_o consideration_n that_o blessing_n that_o god_n give_v to_o joshua_n and_o be_v acknowledge_v thus_o there_o be_v not_o a_o city_n that_o god_n deliver_v not_o into_o his_o hand_n nor_o place_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o consider_v it_o well_o and_o apply_v it_o if_o any_o will_v be_v obstinate_a and_o blind_a let_v they_o be_v so_o i_o can_v help_v it_o but_o to_o go_v on_o in_o 2_o king_n 11.15_o jehojada_n the_o priest_n command_v the_o captain_n of_o the_o hundred_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o host_n verse_n 16._o and_o they_o lay_v hand_n on_o she_o etc._n etc._n and_o there_o she_o be_v slay_v we_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o precedent_n record_v in_o scripture_n that_o show_v that_o when_o a_o principal_a governor_n shall_v do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o people_n do_v account_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o punish_v such_o great_a offender_n and_o offence_n by_o death_n thus_o be_v jesabel_n slay_v the_o example_n of_o the_o israelite_n likewise_o be_v considerable_a 1_o king_n 12.20_o where_o the_o ten_o tribe_n by_o reason_n that_o rehoboam_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o they_o in_o ease_v they_o of_o those_o taxation_n that_o they_o say_v be_v too_o heavy_a they_o therefore_o depose_v or_o reject_v he_o from_o be_v their_o king_n for_o although_o that_o jeroboam_n forsake_v god_n commandment_n afterward_o that_o be_v his_o sin_n but_o touch_v their_o act_n in_o cast_v off_o and_o renounce_v all_o obedience_n to_o rehoboam_n for_o his_o sin_n of_o oppression_n god_n plain_o allow_v that_o and_o ow_v
one_o of_o his_o own_o people_n 1_o ki._n 15.27_o elah_n slay_v in_o like_a manner_n 1_o ki._n 16.9_o and_o of_o baasha_n his_o predecessor_n progeny_n god_n say_v 1_o ki._n 16.4_o he_o that_o die_v of_o baasha_n his_o stock_n in_o the_o city_n he_o shall_v the_o dog_n eat_v and_o he_o that_o die_v in_o the_o field_n the_o fowl_n after_o he_o zimri_n pursue_v by_o the_o people_n burn_v himself_o 1_o ki._n 16.18_o jehoram_n slay_v by_o his_o own_o people_n 2_o ki._n 9_o ahaziah_n slay_v in_o like_a manner_n 2_o ki._n 9.27_o jesabell_n slay_v 2_o ki._n 9_o ahab_n slay_v his_o posterity_n slay_v 2_o ki._n 10.6_o by_o the_o elder_n of_o his_o own_o people_n ver._n 7._o athalia_fw-la slay_v by_o she_o own_o people_n 2_o ki._n 11.3.16_o jehoash_fw-mi slay_v by_o his_o own_o servant_n 2_o ki._n 12.20_o shallum_n slay_v by_o his_o own_o people_n 2_o ki._n 15.10.12_o pekahiah_n slay_v by_o his_o own_o people_n 2_o ki._n 15_o 25._o pekah_n slay_v by_o his_o own_o people_n 2_o ki._n 15.30_o amon_n slay_v by_o his_o own_o people_n 2_o ki._n 21.23_o i_o know_v not_o any_o one_o of_o these_o but_o that_o they_o be_v note_v to_o be_v notorious_a sinner_n i_o do_v let_v pass_v some_o other_o slay_v and_o carry_v captive_n only_o these_o brief_o as_o the_o shortness_n of_o time_n will_v permit_v the_o lord_n give_v we_o heart_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n aright_o note_v here_o that_o god_n in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n suffer_v and_o appoint_v king_n to_o be_v punish_v on_o earth_n god_n do_v not_o let_v they_o alone_o to_o be_v punish_v in_o another_o world_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v approve_v in_o the_o instrument_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o slaughter_n but_o some_o of_o they_o be_v approve_v and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v note_v to_o be_v take_v away_o by_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n and_o commandment_n now_o let_v the_o sincere_a godly_a heart_a unpartial_o compare_v this_o government_n by_o king_n with_o that_o government_n by_o judge_n in_o which_o i_o pray_v god_n to_o direct_v you_o aright_o thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v to_o present_v to_o our_o view_n the_o king_n that_o reign_v over_o judah_n and_o israel_n the_o lord_n give_v we_o understanding_n to_o consider_v what_o bitter_a fruit_n the_o people_n reap_v by_o change_v their_o form_n of_o government_n i_o shall_v only_o in_o this_o matter_n consider_v that_o doubtless_o these_o king_n many_o of_o they_o or_o other_o in_o their_o room_n will_v have_v be_v much_o better_a have_v the_o people_n keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n inquire_v of_o god_n who_o shall_v have_v be_v the_o man_n that_o shall_v have_v govern_v they_o for_o we_o may_v note_v that_o although_o god_n promse_v david_n that_o some_o of_o his_o posterity_n shall_v govern_v yet_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v make_v he_o king_n who_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v deut._n 17._o but_o we_o may_v note_v that_o god_n do_v so_o withdraw_v his_o good_a spirit_n from_o the_o people_n that_o i_o remember_v not_o that_o it_o be_v record_v from_o solomon_n time_n and_o after_o that_o the_o people_n do_v ever_o solemn_o inquire_v counsel_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v govern_v they_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o if_o the_o people_n have_v solemn_o and_o serious_o seek_v to_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n god_n will_v have_v provide_v some_o of_o david_n posterity_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o so_o have_v bless_v and_o guide_v they_o by_o his_o good_a spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v much_o better_a than_o they_o be_v but_o i_o do_v believe_v god_n suffer_v they_o to_o swerve_v that_o we_o by_o their_o example_n may_v learn_v wisdom_n whatsoever_o be_v write_v before_o time_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v in_o lay_v down_o or_o describe_v the_o cause_n or_o foundation_n wherefore_o or_o whereupon_o i_o endeavour_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o high_a god_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v to_o describe_v such_o a_o government_n governor_n together_o with_o their_o entrance_n and_o authority_n as_o god_n have_v prescribe_v own_a and_o bless_v in_o all_o which_o i_o do_v consider_v that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n to_o this_o day_n there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o swerve_v and_o decline_v from_o that_o first_o most_o pure_a and_o clear_a fountain_n from_o those_o most_o straight_o wholesome_a and_o good_a rule_n precept_n and_o commandment_n describe_v by_o that_o most_o high_a and_o only_o wise_a god_n therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o blame_v i_o not_o if_o i_o decline_v from_o humane_a authority_n in_o all_o this_o description_n i_o desire_v to_o inquire_v for_o the_o old_a and_o good_a way_n of_o our_o good_a god_n and_o i_o consider_v that_o god_n way_n his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v most_o certain_o most_o wise_o most_o apparent_o make_v know_v in_o the_o scripture_n write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n man_n that_o most_o true_o and_o faithful_o make_v know_v god_n good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o mixture_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n invention_n therefore_o i_o shall_v most_o chief_o and_o only_o in_o comparison_n allege_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o consider_v that_o as_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o earth_n between_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n darkness_n that_o light_n and_o make_v a_o eclipse_n whereby_o we_o be_v hinder_v from_o the_o more_o apparent_a and_o clear_a light_n and_o benefit_n that_o otherwise_o we_o may_v receive_v so_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v if_o i_o shall_v follow_v other_o invention_n i_o be_o sure_a that_o in_o this_o way_n the_o true_a light_n be_v most_o unerring_a i_o shall_v next_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o encouragement_n i_o find_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o do_v strengthen_v or_o encourage_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n and_o time_n will_v restore_v and_o reform_v government_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n i_o shall_v begin_v to_o propound_v to_o consideration_n this_o scripture_n esai_n 1.24_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o mighty_a one_o of_o israel_n ah_o i_o will_v ease_v i_o of_o my_o adversary_n and_o avenge_v i_o of_o my_o en_fw-fr mie_fw-mi ver._n 25._o then_o will_v i_o turn_v my_o hand_n upon_o thou_o &_o burn_v out_o thy_o dross_n till_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o take_v away_o all_o thy_o tin_n ver._n 26._o and_o i_o will_v restore_v thy_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o thy_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n afterward_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n from_o this_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o corrupt_a governor_n be_v the_o great_a hindrance_n of_o reformation_n because_o the_o church_n shall_v then_o be_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n when_o they_o have_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o second_o i_o observe_v that_o such_o corrupt_a governor_n and_o government_n god_n have_v determine_v shall_v be_v put_v down_o this_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v ease_v i_o of_o my_o enemy_n and_o burn_v out_o thy_o dross_n this_o be_v plain_o employ_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v restore_v thy_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o etc._n etc._n three_o i_o observe_v that_o at_o this_o time_n when_o the_o prophet_n esay_n write_v this_o sentence_n or_o this_o precious_a promise_n the_o government_n that_o then_o be_v in_o be_v which_o be_v a_o government_n by_o king_n be_v neither_o the_o first_o government_n nor_o the_o best_a or_o pure_a government_n but_o hereby_o note_v to_o be_v a_o corrupt_a government_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o plain_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n i_o believe_v god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v this_o to_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n shall_v become_v in_o god_n estimation_n a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o faithful_a city_n and_o this_o appear_v if_o we_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o way_n how_o and_o cause_n why_o they_o shall_v become_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n be_v because_o a_o better_a government_n shall_v be_v to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o then_o be_v in_o be_v shall_v be_v destroy_v but_o then_o the_o government_n be_v by_o king_n four_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o government_n shall_v be_v reform_v or_o regulate_v according_a to_o the_o first_o
endeavour_n aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o peace_n &_o truth_n may_v meet_v together_o wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o excellency_n benefit_n and_o necessity_n of_o good_a government_n and_o governor_n a_o love_a reply_n to_o mr_n william_n prynnes_n speech_n make_v to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o afterward_o publish_v some_o matter_n be_v propound_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o also_o to_o particular_a and_o to_o all_o opinion_n the_o first_o pure_a best_a and_o most_o bless_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o government_n prescribe_v by_o god_n and_o record_v in_o god_n sacred_a word_n together_o with_o the_o way_n of_o entrance_n or_o god_n call_v of_o person_n to_o place_n of_o chief_a government_n the_o great_a consequence_n thereof_o wherein_o be_v show_v that_o government_n by_o succession_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v none_o of_o god_n institution_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n and_o also_o the_o government_n by_o judge_n be_v plain_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o best_a form_n of_o government_n be_v god_n immediate_a direction_n most_o bless_a and_o approve_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o a_o people_n great_a good_a comfort_n and_o safety_n by_o john_n blackleach_n isai_n 1.26_o and_o i_o will_v restore_v thy_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o thy_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n afterward_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o faithful_a city_n deut._n 28.1_o if_o thou_o shall_v obey_v diligent_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o his_o commandment_n than_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v set_v thou_o on_o high_a above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n gen._n 49.18_o o_o lord_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n london_n print_v by_o john_n macock_n for_o the_o author_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v in_o popes-head-alley_n 1656._o to_o my_o dear_o belove_a countryman_n of_o england_n and_o to_o all_o of_o what_o country_n soever_o namely_o to_o all_o such_o as_o love_v the_o true_a only_o glorious_a and_o bless_a god_n and_o endeavour_v unfeigned_o to_o do_v his_o will_n to_o such_o as_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n be_v to_o you_o through_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n dear_o belove_v upon_o the_o serious_a and_o often_o consideration_n of_o that_o happy_a and_o bless_a condition_n and_o unparaleld_a benefit_n which_o the_o bless_a angel_n do_v and_o the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n shall_v enjoy_v to_o eternity_n in_o have_v god_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o their_o exceed_a great_a reward_n the_o benefit_n thereof_o for_o number_n and_o greatness_n far_o exceed_v what_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n have_v see_v or_o the_o ear_n hear_v or_o what_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v among_o other_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v god_n to_o govern_v they_o who_o wisdom_n be_v most_o absolute_o perfect_a to_o lead_v they_o and_o to_o direct_v they_o revel_v 19.11_o john_n say_v i_o see_v heaven_n open_a and_o behold_v a_o white_a horse_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o he_o be_v call_v faithful_a and_o true_a and_o he_o judge_v and_o fight_v righteous_o verse_n 12._o and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o on_o his_o head_n be_v many_o crown_n and_o he_o have_v a_o name_n write_v that_o no_o man_n know_v but_o himself_o verse_n 13._o and_o he_o be_v clothe_v in_o a_o garment_n dip_v in_o blood_n and_o his_o name_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n verse_n 14._o and_o the_o host_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n follow_v he_o upon_o white_a horse_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 15._o and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o with_o it_o he_o shall_v smite_v the_o heathen_a and_o rule_v they_o etc._n etc._n from_o this_o place_n be_v full_a of_o consolation_n i_o shall_v only_o collect_v this_o one_o point_n of_o observation_n pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n by_o i_o intend_v namely_o that_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o heaven_n the_o bless_a angel_n the_o saint_n and_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v this_o unmatchable_a this_o exceed_a great_a benefit_n namely_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n follow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o white_a horse_n which_o show_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a angel_n and_o saint_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o and_o subject_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o may_v easy_o discern_v our_o own_o weakness_n in_o guide_v ourselves_o we_o all_o like_o sheep_n be_v apt_a to_o go_v astray_o and_o to_o run_v into_o many_o danger_n but_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a to_o direct_v we_o he_o be_v strong_a to_o protect_v we_o he_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n abundant_a in_o mercy_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o mercy_n he_o likewise_o be_v able_a to_o fill_v and_o to_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n with_o good_a thing_n with_o he_o be_v the_o wellspring_n of_o life_n glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o thou_o o_o thou_o city_n of_o god_n by_o this_o mean_n namely_o by_o be_v guide_v by_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o fear_v we_o may_v lie_v down_o and_o rest_n in_o peace_n because_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o keeper_n read_v psal_n 23._o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o lead_v i_o further_o to_o consider_v of_o government_n among_o man_n here_o on_o earth_n upon_o diligent_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reveal_v will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n i_o find_v that_o on_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a concernment_n to_o have_v good_a government_n good_a shepherd_n such_o as_o be_v send_v of_o god_n search_v the_o scripture_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o the_o people_n enjoy_v godly_a wise_a faithful_a governor_n they_o be_v endow_v with_o many_o other_o singular_a and_o great_a blessing_n from_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o their_o governor_n be_v corrupt_a the_o people_n be_v disturb_v oppress_a and_o afflict_a the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a so_o copious_a so_o evident_a in_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o that_o i_o shall_v spend_v the_o less_o time_n in_o quotation_n read_v the_o story_n of_o the_o judge_n the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o the_o chronicle_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o be_v bless_v to_o you_o by_o god_n will_v help_v you_o clear_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n will_v show_v that_o from_o good_a and_o evil_a governor_n proceed_v the_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n of_o the_o nation_n search_v the_o chronicle_n and_o record_n of_o the_o age_n and_o time_n from_o moses_n his_o time_n to_o these_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o from_o this_o principle_n from_o this_o root_n namely_o from_o government_n arise_v the_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n of_o the_o people_n and_o nation_n if_o we_o look_v but_o back_o from_o the_o time_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o we_o shall_v see_v this_o state_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o suitable_o to_o those_o person_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a governor_n and_o that_o both_o in_o religious_a duty_n and_o in_o other_o temporal_a matter_n the_o experience_n the_o record_n of_o all_o age_n do_v abundant_o testify_v be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o what_o great_a concernment_n government_n be_v of_o to_o render_v a_o people_n bless_v or_o despise_v of_o god_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o and_o more_o clear_o see_v the_o singular_a benefit_n that_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o good_a government_n i_o shall_v propound_v brief_o some_o particular_n to_o consideration_n for_o instance_n look_v upon_o the_o universal_a work_n the_o creation_n of_o god_n consider_v the_o sun_n how_o it_o go_v his_o due_a course_n not_o fail_v to_o perform_v his_o great_a journey_n round_o about_o this_o world_n in_o twenty_o four_o hour_n the_o sun_n know_v his_o rise_n and_o his_o go_v down_o not_o alter_v nor_o fail_v one_o minute_n of_o time_n nor_o fail_v one_o foot_n of_o ground_n in_o all_o his_o great_a and_o unwearied_a journey_n o_o how_o excellent_a be_v all_o thy_o work_n o_o god_n consider_v likewise_o those_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o operation_n with_o which_o the_o sun_n be_v beautify_v and_o enrich_v as_o namely_o first_o light_z which_o show_v man_n the_o way_n and_o work_v he_o be_v to_o perform_v without_o light_a man_n be_v miserable_a second_o the_o sun_n heat_v the_o air_n and_o comfort_v man_n and_o all_o creature_n three_o the_o sun_n cause_v the_o bud_n of_o the_o herb_n to_o
god_n choose_v a_o governor_n and_o the_o people_n choose_v a_o governor_n therefore_o he_o choose_v a_o governor_n by_o lot_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o god_n choose_v therefore_o god_n direction_n and_o institution_n be_v that_o god_n shall_v choose_v this_o be_v most_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o people_n great_a safety_n lot_n be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n as_o appear_v in_o many_o place_n josh_n 7.17_o so_o joshua_n rise_v up_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o bring_v israel_n by_o their_o tribe_n and_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n be_v take_v and_o he_o bring_v the_o family_n of_o judah_n and_o take_v the_o family_n of_o the_o zarhites_n and_o he_o bring_v the_o family_n of_o the_o zarhites_n man_n by_o man_n and_o zabdi_n be_v take_v and_o he_o bring_v his_o household_n man_n by_o man_n and_o achan_n be_v take_v god_n can_v have_v show_v to_o joshua_n who_o be_v the_o man_n so_o well_o as_o he_o show_v to_o he_o that_o there_o be_v a_o offence_n but_o he_o cause_v joshua_n to_o inquire_v his_o will_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o god_n have_v prescribe_v this_o show_v that_o in_o difficult_a case_n god_n ordain_v that_o people_n shall_v inquire_v his_o mind_n by_o lot_n and_o this_o samuel_n know_v and_o therefore_o he_o enquire_v god_n mind_n by_o lot_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o government_n this_o be_v never_o repeal_v to_o this_o day_n for_o god_n be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o god_n be_v not_o contrary_a or_o opposite_a to_o his_o own_o rule_n this_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v better_a and_o safe_a for_o people_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o god_n to_o choose_v the_o man_n yea_o although_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n shall_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o yet_o even_o in_o those_o cause_n it_o be_v better_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n then_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o this_o david_n well_o consider_v when_o he_o choose_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o not_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o further_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n namely_o by_o lot_n that_o the_o people_n take_v to_o inquire_v god_n mind_n in_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a cause_n as_o appear_v josh_n 18.6_o i_o will_v cast_v lot_n for_o you_o here_o before_o the_o lord_n thus_o verse_n 8_o 10._o read_v 1_o sam._n 14.42_o and_o saul_n say_v cast_v lot_n between_o i_o and_o jonathan_n my_o son_n and_o jonathan_n be_v take_v here_o we_o may_v see_v that_o god_n appear_v and_o give_v a_o true_a determination_n and_o this_o be_v a_o way_n to_o avoid_v strife_n read_v 1_o chro._n 26.13_o and_o they_o cast_v lot_n both_o small_a and_o great_a for_o the_o house_n of_o their_o father_n here_o again_o we_o may_v note_v that_o this_o use_n of_o lot_n be_v to_o show_v what_o god_n mind_n be_v and_o to_o prevent_v all_o jealousy_n or_o indirect_a mean_n and_o to_o prevent_v strife_n read_v nehem._n 10.34_o we_o cast_v lot_n for_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o wood_n even_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n and_o the_o people_n read_v jonah_n 1.7_o and_o they_o say_v every_o one_o to_o his_o fellow_n come_v and_o let_v we_o cast_v lot_n that_o we_o may_v know_v for_o who_o cause_n this_o evil_n be_v upon_o we_o so_o they_o cast_v lot_n and_o the_o lot_n fall_v upon_o jonah_n by_o this_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o the_o people_n in_o weighty_a case_n do_v inquire_v to_o know_v god_n mind_n this_o way_n namely_o by_o lot_n second_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n do_v answer_v the_o people_n this_o way_n three_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o lot_n do_v not_o err_v nor_o fail_v to_o show_v that_o which_o the_o people_n seek_v to_o god_n for_o read_v act._n 1.24_o and_o they_o pray_v say_v thou_o lord_n which_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n show_v whether_o of_o these_o thou_o have_v choose_v verse_n 26._o and_o they_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n and_o the_o lot_n fall_v on_o mathias_n this_o show_v that_o lot_n be_v not_o abolish_v but_o they_o be_v now_o of_o the_o same_o use_n that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o law_n this_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n man_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n guide_v by_o the_o good_a and_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v write_v no_o doubt_n for_o our_o learning_n this_o be_v and_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o evident_a direction_n in_o the_o very_a case_n of_o governor_n for_o the_o apostle_n be_v god_n ambassador_n his_o own_o witness_n they_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o matter_n be_v a_o eminent_a and_o a_o weighty_a matter_n they_o choose_v but_o one_o of_o two_o the_o reason_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o cause_n require_v no_o more_o first_o because_o not_o any_o among_o all_o although_o holy_a will_v serve_v they_o must_v be_v man_n that_o have_v be_v the_o most_o note_a to_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v and_o so_o that_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v those_o thing_n themselves_o second_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a that_o have_v a_o infallible_a spirit_n three_o this_o cause_n differ_v from_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n because_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n order_v the_o governor_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o god_n out_o of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o i_o do_v conceive_v with_o due_a and_o humble_a respect_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v see_v god_n mind_n more_o clear_o that_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o follow_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o evident_a rule_n prescribe_v own_a and_o bless_v by_o god_n in_o the_o same_o case_n now_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n direct_v immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o do_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n by_o that_o mean_v god_n do_v full_o choose_v according_a to_o deut._n 17._o to_o make_v he_o governor_n who_o the_o lord_n do_v choose_v immediate_o in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o choose_v the_o governor_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n for_o in_o this_o case_n this_o precedent_n by_o samuel_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o a_o approve_a precedent_n in_o choose_v the_o person_n that_o god_n see_v meet_v to_o be_v chief_a governor_n this_o be_v not_o about_o the_o form_n of_o government_n whether_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o judge_n or_o by_o king_n for_o of_o that_o matter_n god_n show_v his_o mind_n by_o samuel_n before_o express_o witness_v against_o the_o form_n of_o government_n by_o king_n but_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o show_v how_o god_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v the_o person_n that_o he_o see_v meet_v to_o govern_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o godly_a from_o these_o place_n before_o mention_v first_o i_o observe_v that_o it_o plain_o and_o clear_o appear_v that_o lot_n be_v ordain_v by_o god_n and_o that_o god_n own_v they_o because_o god_n true_o appear_v and_o true_o give_v answer_v by_o they_o and_o because_o that_o god_n bless_v this_o way_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v second_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o lot_n when_o man_n cast_v themselves_o or_o refer_v themselves_o whole_o to_o or_o upon_o god_n in_o such_o case_n do_v never_o err_v it_o always_o give_v a_o true_a direction_n a_o true_a determination_n in_o all_o weighty_a cause_n search_v the_o scripture_n and_o it_o can_v be_v find_v that_o the_o lot_n ever_o err_v let_v not_o as_o fear_v therefore_o to_o choose_v our_o chief_a governor_n by_o lot_n for_o let_v we_o not_o doubt_v god_n be_v the_o same_o unchangeable_a god_n yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o will_v not_o this_o way_n compose_v all_o our_o difference_n will_v it_o not_o heal_v all_o distemper_n will_v not_o this_o way_n end_v all_o our_o strife_n will_v not_o this_o way_n keep_v out_o all_o wolf_n and_o fox_n and_o other_o beast_n of_o prey_n shall_v not_o we_o by_o this_o way_n return_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v god_n shall_v be_v our_o king_n his_o law_n our_o guide_n by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v obtain_v a_o man_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v bless_v and_o peace_n and_o truth_n shall_v meet_v together_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o have_v judge_n in_o some_o proportion_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o faithful_a city_n three_o let_v we_o remember_v the_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n that_o have_v be_v shed_v and_o the_o great_a envy_n hatred_n malice_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n reign_v in_o the_o land_n be_v it_o not_o in_o every_o country_n in_o every_o city_n in_o every_o paâ—ish_n nay_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o family_n comparative_o where_o there_o be_v not_o some_o breach_n
afterward_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n isai_n 1.25_o 26_o 27._o &_o ch_n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o of_o this_o i_o purpose_n to_o speak_v more_o afterward_o dear_o belove_a friend_n thus_o much_o i_o can_v and_o do_v affirm_v to_o you_o all_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o all-seeing_a â—od_n who_o will_v bring_v hide_a thing_n deed_n of_o darkness_n to_o light_n even_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o god_n who_o i_o do_v love_n fear_v worship_n who_o be_v my_o hope_n my_o joy_n from_o who_o i_o receive_v all_o the_o good_a i_o have_v from_o who_o i_o expect_v my_o comfort_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o have_v not_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n any_o prejudice_n nor_o respect_n of_o person_n nor_o any_o past_a present_a or_o future_a by_o or_o sinister_a respect_n in_o the_o write_n this_o little_a treatise_n i_o have_v never_o receive_v the_o value_n of_o one_o penny_n in_o recompense_n of_o my_o endeavour_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o thought_n that_o way_n that_o i_o do_v expect_v rather_o that_o i_o shall_v receive_v injury_n hereby_o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o i_o in_o worldly_a respect_n only_o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n that_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v trust_v and_o this_o further_a can_v i_o say_v likewise_o that_o at_o the_o write_n hereof_o i_o know_v not_o nor_o do_v ever_o see_v either_o those_o true_o honourable_a general_n the_o lord_n fairfax_n nor_o the_o lord_n cromwell_n nor_o any_o captain_n or_o soldier_n among_o they_o except_o some_o few_o i_o late_o see_v in_o or_o near_o to_o london_n as_o i_o pass_v by_o they_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o one_o of_o they_o if_o i_o see_v they_o again_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v possible_a some_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n may_v be_v in_o the_o army_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o i_o know_v it_o not_o and_o concern_v those_o worthy_a man_n for_o so_o i_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v that_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o parliament_n i_o never_o see_v any_o one_o of_o they_o to_o my_o knowledge_n except_o one_o who_o i_o have_v see_v i_o think_v three_o or_o four_o time_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o certain_o whether_o he_o be_v of_o the_o parliament_n or_o no_o only_o i_o think_v he_o be_v whereas_o i_o affirm_v that_o i_o know_v not_o any_o of_o the_o army_n or_o of_o the_o parliament_n i_o intend_v that_o i_o know_v not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o man_n but_o by_o their_o fruit_n i_o know_v much_o concern_v they_o some_o may_v judge_v this_o to_o be_v superfluous_a to_o mention_v but_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o what_o move_v i_o so_o to_o do_v in_o discourse_v with_o divers_a man_n i_o find_v to_o my_o best_a apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n of_o man_n that_o imagine_v mischief_n that_o invent_v base_a false_a and_o slanderous_a report_n against_o parliament_n general_n army_z and_o indeed_o against_o the_o most_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n blame_v i_o not_o therefore_o courteous_a reader_n if_o i_o labour_v to_o prevent_v slanderous_a and_o lie_a tongue_n and_o this_o likewise_o i_o affirm_v that_o with_o due_a regard_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v much_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o weakness_n serious_o consider_v of_o how_o great_a weight_n it_o be_v to_o write_v book_n and_o to_o present_v they_o to_o public_a view_n i_o be_o very_o fearful_a to_o presume_v above_o what_o be_v meet_v and_o this_o i_o say_v further_o that_o my_o purpose_n be_v to_o propound_v the_o matter_n and_o cause_n i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v upon_o in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n i_o purpose_v likewise_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n grace_n and_o opportunity_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v i_o to_o prove_v and_o clear_v the_o matter_n propound_v and_o then_o have_v present_v the_o cause_n i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v of_o god_n to_o stir_v some_o person_n who_o be_v more_o learned_a and_o better_a able_a than_o myself_o and_o to_o enable_v and_o direct_v they_o so_o that_o they_o may_v more_o large_o and_o clear_o show_v forth_o to_o public_a view_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o these_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o governor_n it_o be_v now_o a_o long_a season_n that_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v so_o keep_v under_o by_o corrupt_a governor_n above_o two_o thousand_o year_n during_o which_o time_n where_o or_o who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o dare_v or_o do_v punctual_o discover_v the_o corruption_n of_o governor_n or_o of_o government_n 1._o this_o be_v one_o reason_n that_o move_v i_o to_o present_v the_o cause_n to_o public_a view_n namely_o because_o i_o know_v not_o or_o do_v not_o discern_v that_o any_o one_o writer_n from_o samuel_n day_n to_o this_o time_n the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n except_v that_o have_v punctual_o write_v upon_o this_o subject_n 2._o this_o be_v another_o move_a cause_n because_o now_o be_v a_o time_n of_o more_o liberty_n and_o consider_v that_o i_o my_o child_n and_o posterity_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o case_n of_o government_n i_o conceive_v there_o be_v reason_n good_a why_o i_o shall_v present_v this_o cause_n to_o public_a consideration_n 3._o this_o be_v another_o motive_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n that_o have_v be_v shed_v about_o this_o matter_n the_o cause_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v not_o yet_o whole_o determine_v but_o be_v still_o so_o that_o i_o conceive_v that_o our_o godly_a governor_n be_v ready_a to_o prefer_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o common_a good_a before_o their_o own_o interest_n in_o those_o matter_n that_o they_o shall_v clear_o see_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 4._o this_o be_v another_o motive_n see_v apparent_o our_o miserable_a condition_n people_n be_v divide_v in_o judgement_n and_o in_o affection_n so_o that_o our_o condition_n be_v much_o like_o a_o ship_n in_o a_o tempest_n therefore_o the_o end_n of_o my_o endeavour_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o as_o god_n shall_v assist_v that_o i_o may_v reconcile_v difference_n and_o that_o peace_n and_o truth_n may_v meet_v together_o as_o moses_n and_o aaron_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n and_o kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o end_n i_o propound_v to_o myself_o so_o likewise_o i_o purpose_v it_o shall_v be_v the_o title_n or_o superscription_n dear_o belove_a friend_n all_o you_o that_o love_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n i_o earnest_o entreat_v you_o to_o assist_v i_o in_o this_o work_n with_o your_o prayer_n with_o your_o most_o best_a uttermost_a and_o strong_a ability_n contend_v for_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n but_o strive_v not_o lust_v not_o to_o be_v contentious_a reject_v not_o that_o truth_n that_o good_a whole_o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o some_o blemish_n man_n cast_v not_o away_o a_o good_a garment_n because_o of_o a_o little_a dirt_n consider_v the_o great_a difference_n and_o trouble_n about_o governor_n and_o government_n therefore_o i_o humble_o request_v thou_o to_o weigh_v try_v prove_v examine_v search_v the_o scripture_n cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a prayer_n that_o the_o good_a &_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v thou_o into_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o unclean_a spirit_n many_o false_a and_o lie_a spirit_n be_v permit_v to_o deceive_v many_o in_o these_o our_o day_n this_o point_n of_o government_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o good_a and_o right_a way_n prescribe_v practise_v own_a and_o bless_v by_o god_n to_o choose_v person_n so_o that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o choose_v for_o we_o to_o shut_v up_o all_o window_n and_o byway_n that_o so_o wolf_n fox_n and_o beast_n of_o prey_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o sheep_n if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n the_o true_a and_o right_a way_n and_o in_o that_o way_n to_o set_v open_a the_o door_n that_o the_o good_a and_o true_a shepherd_n may_v enter_v who_o fruit_n will_v soon_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v good_a and_o true_a shepherd_n for_o they_o will_v love_v the_o flock_n they_o will_v watch_v over_o they_o not_o for_o the_o fleece_n most_o but_o to_o defend_v they_o from_o beast_n of_o prey_n these_o good_a shepherd_n will_v seek_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o flock_n they_o will_v drive_v they_o to_o the_o wholesome_a pasture_n and_o to_o the_o still_a water_n where_o they_o may_v be_v refresh_v where_o they_o may_v bless_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o lie_v down_o without_o fear_n for_o true_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n and_o
but_o that_o the_o parliament-man_n will_v have_v be_v so_o weary_v that_o they_o will_v have_v seek_v to_o have_v relinquish_v this_o and_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o the_o people_n will_v by_o this_o mean_n have_v be_v distract_v divide_a and_o molest_v with_o taxation_n to_o bear_v this_o great_a charge_n beside_o many_o other_o grievance_n i_o forbear_v four_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o mr_n prynne_v endeavour_n together_o they_o hold_v out_o thus_o much_o first_o he_o labour_v to_o exalt_v he_o to_o the_o throne_n to_o that_o honour_n to_o be_v our_o shepherd_n our_o governor_n a_o man_n who_o i_o believe_v god_n have_v appoint_v to_o death_n second_o he_o seek_v the_o set_n up_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o a_o kingly_a government_n which_o i_o believe_v god_n have_v number_v and_o finish_v three_o he_o seek_v to_o destroy_v or_o to_o weaken_v those_o which_o be_v instrumental_o our_o best_a friend_n four_o he_o hold_v it_o safe_o for_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o more_o advantageous_a for_o to_o have_v the_o constant_a government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o such_o a_o great_a number_n of_o parliament-man_n rather_o than_o by_o one_o as_o chief_a and_o other_o officer_n as_o judges_z distribute_v unto_o their_o several_a charge_n but_o how_o far_o this_o will_v have_v be_v from_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o how_o far_o this_o will_v have_v burden_a the_o people_n and_o put_v they_o from_o their_o peace_n and_o comfort_n i_o purpose_v if_o god_n will_v to_o show_v afterward_o in_o the_o place_n thereof_o more_o at_o large_a all_o these_o arise_v from_o this_o root_n he_o see_v the_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v trouble_v and_o out_o of_o order_n and_o i_o believe_v he_o labour_v painful_o to_o cure_v and_o remedy_v those_o trouble_n but_o god_n hide_v from_o his_o eye_n what_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n and_o thence_o proceed_v his_o mistake_n in_o the_o remedy_n consider_v only_o this_o task_n when_o moses_n sit_v and_o the_o whole_a people_n come_v about_o he_o from_o morning_n to_o night_n it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o burden_n both_o to_o he_o and_o they_o but_o in_o case_n many_o mose_n many_o judge_n have_v be_v appoint_v to_o sit_v and_o determine_v every_o case_n of_o the_o people_n than_o cause_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v long_o in_o the_o issue_v they_o and_o both_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v be_v more_o burden_a but_o i_o forbear_v in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o a_o disease_n true_o and_o evident_o know_v it_o be_v in_o a_o ready_a and_o probable_a way_n to_o be_v cure_v with_o more_o ease_n more_o speed_n less_o danger_n and_o less_o cost_n on_o the_o contrary_a physician_n mistake_v the_o disease_n ofttimes_o administer_v such_o potion_n as_o do_v more_o hurt_n and_o do_v more_o endanger_v so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o distemper_n be_v mistake_v my_o advice_n therefore_o be_v this_o that_o we_o follow_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n without_o turn_v to_o the_o right_n or_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n for_o i_o believe_v if_o we_o do_v follow_v our_o own_o invention_n in_o these_o weighty_a matter_n peace_n and_o truth_n will_v hardly_o meet_v together_o if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o agree_v in_o this_o weighty_a point_n namely_o that_o our_o governor_n be_v such_o true_a shepherd_n as_o come_v in_o at_o the_o true_a door_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n then_o we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o such_o will_v love_v the_o sheep_n and_o upon_o such_o god_n will_v bestow_v his_o bless_a spirit_n upon_o they_o to_o guide_v they_o such_o god_n will_v own_v and_o the_o people_n will_v find_v the_o benefit_n by_o they_o and_o will_v hear_v their_o voice_n we_o be_v not_o leave_v without_o hope_n for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o restore_v judge_n as_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n isai_n 1.26_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v again_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a happiness_n that_o it_o be_v to_o have_v god_n to_o reign_v over_o we_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o other_o part_n of_o mr_n prynne_n his_o speech_n and_o endeavour_n which_o be_v to_o render_v the_o army_n as_o enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o first_o leaf_n in_o the_o superscription_n or_o in_o the_o directory_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o point_v out_o to_o the_o reader_n what_o he_o intend_v in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n or_o matter_n of_o his_o write_n the_o word_n be_v these_o viz._n the_o army_n remonstrance_n novemb_n 20._o be_v a_o way_n to_o speedy_a and_o certain_a ruin_n and_o a_o mere_a plot_n of_o jesuit_n to_o destroy_v we_o this_o if_o we_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o substance_n of_o mr_n prynne_n in_o his_o speech_n will_v evident_o appear_v that_o he_o labour_v to_o render_v the_o army_n as_o enemy_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o those_o that_o seek_v to_o bring_v another_o war_n and_o more_o bloodshede_v as_o those_o that_o be_v favourite_n to_o and_o complotter_n with_o papist_n jesuit_n as_o those_o that_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v whether_o this_o charge_n be_v true_a or_o no_o and_o first_o let_v we_o begin_v at_o the_o root_n after_o consider_v the_o fruit_n that_o grow_v upon_o the_o branch_n mr_n prynne_n make_v this_o the_o root_n or_o ground_n that_o the_o army_n labour_v to_o bring_v the_o late_a king_n to_o a_o just_a trial_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n he_o say_v that_o this_o be_v plot_v by_o jesuit_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v hinder_v the_o re-establish_a the_o late_a king_n in_o his_o throne_n now_o when_o it_o be_v upright_o consider_v of_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v appear_v direct_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o proposition_n even_o as_o light_n be_v contrary_a to_o darkness_n which_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o matter_n 1._o that_o the_o officer_n hold_v no_o correspondency_n with_o jesuit_n so_o know_v to_o be_v nor_o do_v they_o favour_v the_o jesuit_n so_o much_o as_o other_o man_n 2._o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v many_o jesuite_n in_o the_o army_n disguise_v yet_o it_o have_v be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o principle_n to_o their_o prosperity_n to_o depose_v those_o member_n of_o parliament_n seclude_v or_o restrain_v and_o likewise_o it_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o religion_n and_o intention_n of_o jesuite_n to_o bring_v the_o king_n to_o a_o lawful_a trial_n first_o touch_v the_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o my_o apprehension_n that_o the_o army_n i_o mean_v the_o principal_a leader_n of_o the_o army_n hold_v no_o correspondency_n with_o the_o jesuite_n first_o because_o their_o tenant_n their_o religion_n and_o their_o practice_n be_v direct_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jesuite_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v this_o that_o the_o jesuite_n maintain_v the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o they_o the_o jesuite_n teach_v and_o maintain_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n and_o to_o further_a that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o lay-people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o own_o language_n the_o jesuite_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o lay-people_n to_o dispute_v religious_a matter_n much_o less_o to_o speak_v to_o a_o assembly_n of_o people_n by_o way_n of_o prophecy_n and_o many_o other_o like_o matter_n too_o tedious_a to_o rehearse_v now_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v unpartial_o the_o army_n both_o in_o their_o profession_n and_o practice_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o the_o army_n hold_v no_o correspondency_n with_o the_o jesuite_n appear_v in_o this_o because_o in_o all_o this_o war_n they_o use_v the_o utmost_a of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o pull_v down_o or_o destroy_v or_o captivate_v that_o party_n indeed_o it_o be_v considerable_a that_o the_o king_n party_n be_v a_o great_a party_n of_o either_o jesuite_n or_o those_o that_o high_o esteem_v jesuite_n and_o by_o letter_n and_o writing_n discover_v and_o intercept_v it_o too_o evident_o appear_v that_o they_o hold_v correspondency_n with_o they_o but_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o i_o remember_v that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o army_n be_v taint_v with_o that_o infection_n nor_o that_o any_o write_n be_v discover_v or_o other_o act_n do_v by_o they_o that_o may_v lead_v we_o to_o have_v such_o hard_a thought_n of_o they_o and_o since_o that_o time_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o those_o minister_n that_o they_o appoint_v or_o those_o that_o they_o favour_n be_v such_o man_n that_o do_v teach_v sound_a doctrine_n we_o
difference_n in_o god_n word_n between_o man_n choose_v the_o man_n and_o god_n choose_v the_o man_n samuel_n have_v order_n from_o god_n to_o appoint_v one_o of_o ishai_n his_o son_n to_o the_o government_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o god_n will_v not_o give_v samuel_n that_o privilege_n to_o choose_v the_o man_n god_n reserve_v that_o honour_n to_o himself_o good_a it_o have_v be_v for_o the_o people_n have_v they_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n in_o that_o particular_a belove_a countryman_n custom_n have_v wear_v out_o truth_n but_o let_v we_o inquire_v for_o the_o old_a and_o good_a way_n of_o our_o gracious_a god_n christ_n say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o beginning_n further_o consider_v that_o all_o governor_n high_a and_o low_a they_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o god_n commandment_n both_o to_o do_v and_o to_o suffer_v for_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v that_o the_o chief_a governor_n call_v they_o by_o what_o title_n you_o will_v be_v to_o be_v free_a from_o punishment_n shall_v we_o not_o by_o that_o mean_n diminish_v part_n of_o god_n law_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n namely_o for_o man_n to_o do_v or_o to_o suffer_v consider_v further_o that_o that_o law_n of_o god_n that_o bind_v all_o man_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v a_o way_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o will_v it_o not_o otherwise_o show_v a_o imperfection_n in_o it_o now_o for_o man_n to_o say_v that_o chief_a governor_n be_v only_o accountable_a to_o god_n consider_v that_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o have_v give_v we_o his_o law_n whole_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o earth_n by_o all_o man_n high_a and_o low_a either_o by_o do_v or_o suffer_v therefore_o we_o have_v god_n law_n upon_o earth_n here_o below_o must_v see_v they_o observe_v by_o all_o man_n by_o do_v or_o suffer_v be_v it_o not_o a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o when_o a_o man_n break_v god_n law_n upon_o earth_n he_o must_v be_v punish_v only_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v suffer_v to_o run_v forward_o to_o do_v more_o mischief_n there_o will_v be_v another_o account_n to_o be_v give_v there_o and_o other_o punishment_n without_o faith_n and_o repentance_n consider_v further_o that_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o king_n give_v commission_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n to_o put_v they_o they_o to_o death_n read_v 2_o king_n 9.7_o and_o thou_o shall_v smite_v all_o the_o house_n of_o ahab_n thy_o master_n that_o i_o may_v avenge_v the_o blood_n of_o my_o servant_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o ahab_n shall_v be_v destroy_v now_o note_v what_o follow_v 2_o king_n 10.30_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o jehu_n because_o thou_o have_v diligent_o execute_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o my_o eye_n and_o have_v do_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o ahab_n according_a to_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n therefore_o thy_o son_n unto_o the_o four_o generation_n shall_v sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n now_o before_o this_o we_o may_v note_v that_o jehu_n have_v not_o only_o slay_v jehoram_n 2_o king_n 9.24_o but_o also_o ahaziah_n king_n of_o judah_n vers_fw-la 27._o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o ahaziah_n be_v note_v to_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n 8.27_o and_o there_o he_o be_v note_v for_o marry_v a_o woman_n addict_v to_o idolatry_n after_o this_o god_n commend_v jehu_n this_o i_o believe_v that_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o king_n be_v and_o be_v lawful_o according_a to_o god_n will_v make_v king_n if_o i_o be_v there_o present_a i_o shall_v labour_v in_o all_o lawful_a matter_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o they_o and_o i_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n so_o to_o do_v but_o in_o any_o place_n where_o ever_o such_o governor_n shall_v turn_v from_o god_n commandment_n and_o shall_v draw_v people_n from_o god_n service_n and_o shall_v in_o stead_n of_o feed_v defend_v and_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o the_o flock_n â—â—ek_v to_o devour_v and_o destroy_v the_o flock_n doubtless_o god_n law_n have_v force_n against_o they_o in_o such_o case_n and_o also_o if_o in_o god_n way_n i_o may_v be_v free_a i_o shall_v choose_v it_o much_o soon_o for_o servitude_n be_v not_o please_v but_o where_o governor_n be_v call_v by_o god_n in_o his_o own_o way_n there_o god_n will_v bless_v they_o with_o his_o good_a spirit_n therefore_o i_o choose_v willing_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o such_o because_o that_o be_v my_o great_a comfort_n under_o god_n and_o be_v indeed_o true_a liberty_n my_o purpose_n be_v to_o have_v be_v large_a in_o this_o matter_n but_o there_o be_v come_v to_o my_o hand_n a_o book_n write_v by_o one_o mr_n john_n goodwin_n call_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o honourable_a sentence_n pass_v upon_o the_o late_a king_n by_o the_o high_a court_n of_o justice_n to_o which_o book_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n he_o have_v write_v large_o learned_o and_o faithful_o upon_o that_o subject_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o judge_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o wait_v patient_o upon_o god_n and_o i_o do_v undoubted_o believe_v god_n will_v further_o clear_v these_o proceed_n i_o do_v believe_v the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o the_o government_n by_o king_n be_v finish_v in_o our_o land_n to_o my_o best_a understanding_n the_o prophet_n speak_v evident_o that_o god_n will_v restore_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o faithful_a city_n a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n isai_n 1.26_o now_o i_o shall_v humble_o crave_v leave_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v without_o offence_n to_o they_o or_o to_o any_o other_o for_o i_o desire_v to_o walk_v without_o give_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o they_o i_o do_v perceive_v divers_a of_o the_o ministry_n do_v or_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o army_n and_o of_o the_o present_a government_n belove_a dear_o belove_a father_n you_o be_v man_n who_o i_o love_v and_o have_v in_o high_a estimation_n for_o your_o work_n sake_n how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o those_o that_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o salvation_n i_o desire_v that_o i_o may_v propound_v to_o your_o consideration_n some_o few_o line_n you_o see_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o late_a war_n and_o because_o the_o state_n have_v yet_o have_v so_o much_o business_n there_o be_v not_o that_o reformation_n of_o many_o thing_n amiss_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v and_o be_v desire_v i_o pray_v you_o to_o consider_v you_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n law_n you_o i_o believe_v exhort_v the_o people_n to_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o and_o observant_a of_o god_n law_n i_o humble_o desire_v you_o to_o give_v a_o good_a example_n to_o the_o people_n they_o look_v much_o upon_o your_o act_n you_o study_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o beseech_v you_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o you_o desire_v reformation_n let_v it_o be_v do_v orderly_o and_o then_o it_o will_v prosper_v therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o present_a government_n which_o i_o believe_v do_v true_o endeavour_v to_o do_v god_n will_v encourage_v the_o army_n with_o who_o god_n gracious_a presence_n be_v evident_o to_o be_v see_v there_o be_v offence_n too_o many_o abroad_o but_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o who_o offence_n do_v come_v i_o do_v beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v much_o more_o reformation_n if_o you_o have_v not_o draw_v back_o and_o discourage_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n this_o present_a government_n i_o humble_o beseech_v you_o if_o you_o know_v any_o that_o do_v public_o sow_v or_o stir_v up_o strife_n i_o pray_v you_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o forbear_v consider_v i_o pray_v you_o you_o know_v that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v be_v dangerous_a and_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o safety_n and_o comfort_n i_o pray_v you_o call_v to_o mind_v that_o motherly_a and_o tender_a respect_n rebecca_n show_v to_o both_o her_o child_n esau_n be_v offend_v with_o jacob_n rebecca_n do_v not_o seek_v to_o make_v a_o party_n although_o she_o know_v that_o jacob_n be_v her_o obedient_a son_n and_o have_v obtain_v both_o the_o birthright_n and_o the_o blessing_n by_o mean_n whereof_o jacob_n be_v true_o esau_n his_o superior_a but_o she_o consider_v the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o manifest_a division_n
some_o and_o the_o apostle_n guide_v by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n rejoice_v to_o behold_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o the_o rather_o now_o i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o it_o because_o now_o you_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o do_v it_o therefore_o circumspect_o and_o speedy_o because_o such_o precious_a time_n of_o reformation_n as_o now_o you_o have_v be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o the_o rather_o now_o do_v it_o because_o the_o government_n i_o doubt_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o support_v and_o strengthen_v you_o in_o this_o great_a and_o excellent_a work_n of_o reformation_n one_o matter_n more_o belove_a father_n i_o humble_a desire_n you_o to_o take_v into_o consideration_n if_o you_o shall_v discourage_v this_o present_a government_n be_v man_n that_o do_v desire_v affectionate_o to_o do_v god_n will_v i_o be_o very_o persuade_v and_o if_o you_o shall_v labour_v again_o to_o bring_v a_o government_n over_o we_o by_o king_n which_o god_n forbid_v weigh_v well_o these_o two_o matter_n i_o pray_v you_o first_o concern_v king_n you_o be_v both_o uncertain_a of_o obtain_v a_o king_n and_o also_o unlikely_a and_o what_o effect_n and_o fruit_n such_o endeavour_n will_v produce_v in_o the_o issue_n who_o can_v tell_v it_o may_v occasion_v much_o trouble_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o live_v in_o peace_n can_v you_o tell_v whether_o the_o king_n you_o desire_v or_o labour_n for_o if_o you_o shall_v do_v so_o be_v wise_a or_o foolish_a whether_o he_o be_v godly_a or_o ungodly_a what_o experience_n have_v we_o of_o it_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o high_a and_o exceed_o great_a concernment_n who_o we_o receive_v to_o rule_v over_o we_o but_o what_o if_o he_o shall_v prove_v a_o persecutor_n both_o of_o you_o and_o god_n people_n be_v it_o not_o very_o hazardable_a for_o in_o government_n by_o king_n we_o must_v take_v the_o next_o of_o kindred_n by_o birth_n though_o we_o shall_v evident_o see_v that_o he_o be_v a_o evil_a person_n or_o else_o we_o must_v endure_v another_o war._n but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v obtain_v a_o good_a king_n yet_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v set_v in_o slippery_a place_n he_o may_v soon_o be_v take_v away_o what_o then_o his_o next_o of_o kin_n or_o his_o next_o successor_n may_v be_v a_o persecutor_n we_o have_v have_v many_o experience_n in_o this_o kind_n to_o teach_v we_o and_o yet_o i_o fear_v we_o have_v profit_v too_o little_a king_n edward_n a_o hopeful_a king_n quick_o go_v the_o next_o queen_n mary_n persecute_v his_o most_o belove_a friend_n search_v the_o record_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o there_o god_n plain_o show_v which_o god_n plain_o foretell_v the_o bitter_a fruit_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v reap_v by_o have_v king_n we_o may_v behold_v what_o miserable_a fruit_n the_o people_n reap_v by_o king_n solomon_n heavy_a taxation_n jeroboam_n idolatry_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o reckon_v up_o ahab_n and_o other_o and_o some_o in_o the_o street_n shed_v the_o blood_n of_o innocent_n but_o among_o all_o the_o judge_n there_o be_v not_o one_o man_n but_o he_o be_v bless_v of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o the_o people_n if_o he_o be_v call_v and_o enter_v into_o his_o place_n by_o god_n appointment_n indeed_o when_o people_n will_v not_o consult_v with_o and_o inquire_v of_o god_n to_o know_v who_o god_n see_v meet_v to_o govern_v they_o than_o god_n may_v just_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n to_o choose_v a_o king_n abimelech_n that_o may_v prove_v a_o scourge_n to_o they_o but_o second_o i_o pray_v you_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v one_o motive_n why_o you_o shall_v rather_o adhere_v unto_o and_o desire_v a_o government_n by_o judge_n namely_o because_o moses_n and_o aaron_n be_v near_o in_o relation_n near_o in_o kindred_n it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o god_n do_v in_o the_o very_a first_o governor_n that_o he_o do_v in_o mercy_n appoint_v to_o govern_v his_o first_o bear_v son_n his_o church_n and_o peculiar_a people_n order_v it_o so_o that_o both_o do_v spring_n from_o one_o root_n moses_n and_o aaron_n be_v brethren_n they_o be_v very_o familiar_a such_o god_n give_v to_o the_o people_n which_o hold_v out_o that_o god_n see_v such_o a_o government_n to_o be_v most_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a namely_o such_o as_o be_v most_o near_o relate_v such_o as_o be_v brethren_n such_o as_o come_v from_o a_o low_a condition_n but_o when_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o people_n god_n appoint_v one_o of_o another_o tribe_n a_o mighty_a man_n the_o son_n of_o a_o mighty_a man_n in_o power_n and_o in_o wealth_n to_o be_v their_o king_n 1_o sam._n 9.1_o to_o my_o apprehension_n it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o have_v judge_n and_o minister_n than_o minister_n and_o king_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o first_o king_n put_v to_o death_n ahimelech_n the_o priest_n and_o all_o his_o father_n house_n the_o priest_n that_o be_v in_o nob_n 1_o sam._n 22.11_o 16._o and_o further_o verse_n 19_o nob_n the_o city_n of_o the_o priest_n saul_n smite_v with_o the_o sword_n do_v the_o judge_n any_o of_o they_o such_o a_o act_n and_o do_v not_o the_o king_n many_o of_o they_o do_v worse_a act_n consider_v of_o these_o thing_n i_o pray_v you_o and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o to_o see_v aright_o dear_o belove_a father_n you_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n you_o be_v man_n that_o i_o high_o esteem_v of_o for_o your_o work_n sake_n therefore_o be_v not_o offend_v with_o i_o i_o hope_v in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o little_a treatise_n you_o will_v see_v cause_n not_o to_o be_v offend_v that_o i_o labour_n for_o god_n glory_n principal_o and_o that_o peace_n and_o truth_n may_v meet_v as_o moses_n and_o aaron_n meet_v in_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n and_o kiss_v each_o other_o nor_o for_o that_o i_o desire_v that_o we_o may_v have_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o for_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n and_o now_o man_n and_o brethren_n you_o that_o be_v different_a in_o judgement_n or_o in_o practice_n suffer_v i_o pray_v you_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n i_o desire_v peace_n and_o truth_n if_o your_o desire_n be_v the_o same_o i_o hope_v we_o shall_v more_o near_o accord_n i_o humble_o entreat_v that_o no_o man_n may_v lust_n to_o be_v contentious_a it_o be_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n counsel_v 1_o thes_n 4.11_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n that_o you_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a remember_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o through_o pride_n come_v contention_n jam._n 3._o do_v a_o fountain_n send_v forth_o sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a ephes_n 4.29_o let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o happy_a condition_n in_o which_o man_n be_v create_v and_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o be_v degenerate_v we_o may_v just_o take_v up_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n lamentation_n o_o that_o our_o eye_n may_v be_v a_o fountain_n of_o tear_n that_o we_o may_v weep_v day_n and_o night_n for_o our_o iniquity_n it_o be_v record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o mankind_n proceed_v from_o one_o root_n we_o have_v all_o one_o father_n and_o one_o blood_n run_v through_o all_o our_o vein_n one_o law_n of_o god_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o rule_n and_o guide_v we_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o promise_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v one_o judge_n that_o must_v judge_v we_o all_o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o good_a hope_n god_n tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o show_v of_o godliness_n we_o have_v or_o pretend_v yet_o that_o without_o love_n all_o profit_v we_o nothing_o this_o be_v that_o new_a commandment_n that_o god_n give_v to_o man_n namely_o that_o we_o shall_v love_v one_o another_o without_o this_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v god_n with_o comfort_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o man_n that_o be_v in_o honour_n be_v like_a to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v psa_n 149.12_o 20._o which_o occasion_n the_o prophet_n to_o say_v isai_n 29.13_o this_o people_n come_v near_o to_o i_o and_o honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n only_o nay_o may_v not_o i_o say_v that_o their_o condition_n be_v far_o better_a than_o we_o for_o we_o depart_v far_o from_o god_n too_o many_o man_n do_v and_o from_o his_o rule_n prescribe_v in_o his_o law_n and_o do_v behave_v ourselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o control_v we_o david_n give_v that_o as_o a_o brand_n or_o mark_v of_o a_o wicked_a man_n psal_n 12._o he_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n
be_v man_n that_o prefer_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a much_o before_o any_o private_a respect_n to_o themselves_o and_o i_o do_v believe_v if_o god_n give_v we_o patience_n we_o shall_v see_v it_o evident_o to_o appear_v let_v it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n and_o care_n to_o know_v and_o not_o to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o lawful_a liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n forget_v not_o i_o do_v beseech_v all_o you_o that_o love_n god_n and_o do_v desire_n to_o do_v his_o will_n that_o you_o will_v wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o i_o believe_v the_o time_n be_v near_o that_o god_n will_v restore_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o councillor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n isai_n 1.26_o touch_v the_o great_a difference_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v among_o many_o i_o have_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o godly_a if_o they_o obtain_v a_o blessing_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a shall_v plain_o find_v a_o mean_n in_o god_n own_o way_n to_o compose_v their_o difference_n dear_o belove_v you_o that_o be_v of_o different_a opinion_n and_o that_o do_v unfeigned_o desire_v to_o do_v god_n good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n i_o will_v put_v a_o great_a and_o vast_a difference_n between_o you_o and_o those_o man_n that_o manifest_a by_o their_o fruit_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o before_o their_o eye_n that_o manifest_a by_o their_o fruit_n that_o touch_v god_n commandment_n they_o agree_v in_o one_o opinion_n which_o be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v little_a respect_n to_o god_n commandment_n because_o concern_v these_o david_n say_v psal_n 10.2_o the_o wicked_a speak_v with_o a_o double_a heart_n that_o be_v they_o pretend_v that_o they_o hate_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v comformable_a to_o god_n law_n but_o alas_o do_v it_o not_o too_o evident_o appear_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v not_o god_n in_o all_o their_o way_n for_o under_o pretence_n of_o conformity_n they_o shelter_v themselves_o and_o so_o make_v ready_a their_o arrow_n that_o they_o may_v shoot_v at_o they_o which_o be_v upright_o in_o heart_n as_o david_n witness_v psal_n 11.2_o job_n say_v of_o such_o job_n 29.17_o i_o break_v also_o the_o jaw_n of_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n and_o pluck_v the_o prey_n out_o of_o his_o tooth_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n job_n say_v i_o be_v a_o father_n unto_o the_o poor_a and_o when_o i_o know_v not_o the_o cause_n i_o seek_v it_o out_o diligent_o to_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n i_o say_v that_o i_o believe_v that_o by_o reason_n that_o evil_a governor_n have_v so_o chase_v so_o afflict_v and_o so_o persecute_v you_o that_o from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o your_o former_a misery_n you_o fear_v all_o governor_n you_o be_v very_o shy_a of_o government_n but_o dear_a friend_n let_v i_o say_v this_o to_o you_o stay_v a_o while_n and_o look_v back_o again_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v restore_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o etc._n etc._n what_o then_o then_o the_o case_n will_v be_v alter_v good_a governor_n will_v love_v the_o flock_n and_o defend_v they_o from_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a and_o bloodthirsty_a man_n they_o will_v feed_v the_o flock_n god_n command_v moses_n to_o carry_v the_o flock_n in_o his_o bosom_n near_o his_o heart_n numb_a 11.12_o carry_v they_o in_o thy_o bosom_n as_o a_o nurse_n carry_v her_o suck_a child_n unto_o the_o land_n that_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o be_v not_o afraid_a therefore_o for_o a_o nurse_n that_o love_v her_o suck_a child_n will_v love_v it_o and_o not_o cast_v it_o away_o because_o of_o she_o own_o trouble_n nor_o yet_o though_o the_o child_n have_v blemish_n and_o be_v not_o so_o beautiful_a as_o some_o other_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o government_n for_o if_o you_o eye_n god_n &_o inquire_v his_o counsel_n who_o shall_v govern_v you_o fear_v not_o follow_v but_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o god_n will_v bless_v that_o government_n to_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v rest_v upon_o they_o for_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o government_n therefore_o do_v not_o fly_v from_o government_n for_o this_o i_o can_v tell_v by_o experience_n that_o i_o have_v see_v a_o people_n that_o have_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o my_o apprehension_n profess_o separate_a themselves_o from_o other_o society_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o allow_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n without_o any_o disturbance_n i_o have_v see_v and_o note_v and_o experimental_o know_v these_o people_n and_o passage_n and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o a_o boundless_a monstrous_a and_o deform_a liberty_n they_o have_v rend_v and_o divide_v so_o among_o themselves_o that_o it_o have_v come_v to_o open_a hatred_n one_o of_o another_o and_o they_o have_v even_o cry_v out_o for_o to_o have_v some_o government_n that_o man_n may_v not_o speak_v and_o do_v what_o they_o listen_v for_o consider_v of_o it_o that_o when_o god_n do_v withdraw_v his_o good_a spirit_n from_o man_n and_o let_v the_o devil_n loose_a to_o deceive_v they_o it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a to_o believe_v how_o far_o such_o man_n be_v draw_v away_o even_o to_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o his_o sacred_a word_n which_o be_v unseparable_a companion_n and_o some_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v murder_v their_o neighbour_n and_o take_v their_o wife_n child_n or_o good_n now_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a and_o precious_a mercy_n to_o we_o that_o god_n have_v wise_o and_o strong_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o bound_n and_o government_n to_o these_o rage_a wave_n of_o the_o restless_a sea_n beyond_o which_o they_o may_v not_o pass_v dear_a friend_n look_v upon_o government_n as_o a_o precious_a mercy_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v express_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o misery_n to_o be_v without_o governor_n or_o to_o be_v without_o the_o bless_a law_n of_o god_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o for_o consider_v it_o well_o that_o as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v for_o god_n glory_n so_o likewise_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v for_o our_o exceed_a great_a good_a there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n but_o our_o good_a be_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o without_o those_o law_n we_o shall_v be_v miserable_a the_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n will_v dishonour_v god_n that_o make_v we_o and_o they_o will_v make_v servant_n and_o vassal_n of_o we_o the_o strong_a will_v oppress_v the_o weak_a and_o will_v devour_v another_o note_v well_o all_o along_o from_o moses_n to_o samuel_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n to_o be_v without_o chief_a governor_n than_o the_o people_n commit_v wickedness_n and_o be_v punish_v and_o the_o way_n that_o god_n deliver_v they_o be_v by_o raise_v up_o good_a governor_n for_o this_o take_v for_o a_o assure_a truth_n that_o from_o good_a governor_n and_o good_a law_n arise_v blessedness_n therefore_o cleave_v close_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o be_v a_o precious_a treasure_n and_o likewise_o take_v heed_n that_o your_o governor_n be_v of_o god_n send_v follow_v the_o rule_n by_o god_n prescribe_v exact_o diligent_o there_o be_v some_o book_n write_v by_o some_o that_o i_o forbear_v to_o name_n both_o because_o the_o matter_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v end_v and_o also_o because_o i_o follow_v after_o peace_n i_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o cause_n they_o or_o he_o pretend_v that_o move_v he_o to_o write_v but_o this_o i_o say_v they_o or_o he_o have_v not_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o unkindness_n from_o this_o present_a government_n for_o he_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o say_v they_o be_v patient_a and_o forbear_n for_o i_o desire_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a to_o consider_v in_o what_o a_o high_a degree_n they_o have_v sin_v the_o holy_a ghost_n command_v we_o that_o no_o corrupt_a communication_n shall_v proceed_v out_o of_o our_o mouth_n and_o the_o apostle_n judas_n show_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o those_o that_o be_v hold_v in_o their_o own_o conceit_n i_o desire_v god_n to_o give_v they_o repentance_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o transcendent_a evil_n may_v be_v forgive_v to_o they_o for_o consider_v that_o let_v man_n slatter_v what_o they_o will_v or_o can_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o glorious_a god_n who_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n from_o his_o sight_n such_o deed_n of_o darkness_n can_v be_v hide_v and_o remember_v that_o god_n
they_o and_o lay_v they_o up_o let_v they_o be_v put_v into_o the_o treasury_n of_o your_o heart_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o dear_o belove_a father_n i_o pray_v you_o accept_v favourable_o of_o these_o few_o follow_a line_n wherein_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o present_v to_o your_o godly_a consideration_n such_o a_o platform_n or_o draught_n of_o government_n as_o be_v draw_v from_o or_o out_o of_o the_o unblemished_a and_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n prescribe_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n those_o straight_a and_o unerring_a rule_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o description_n thereof_o i_o have_v endeavour_v without_o add_v or_o diminish_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n from_o god_n receive_v to_o present_v it_o to_o you_o with_o faithfulness_n these_o reason_n follow_v have_v move_v i_o to_o present_v these_o follow_a line_n to_o your_o consideration_n first_o aim_v at_o god_n glory_n have_v a_o especial_a respect_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o precious_a promise_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n second_o because_o that_o i_o myself_o and_o my_o posterity_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o cause_n three_o because_o that_o such_o a_o opportunity_n i_o believe_v have_v not_o be_v offer_v from_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n to_o this_o time_n consider_v i_o look_v upon_o you_o as_o man_n that_o aim_v principal_o at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o not_o so_o much_o at_o any_o worldly_a respect_n yond_o know_v and_o see_v the_o brittlenesse_n the_o uncertainty_n the_o mutability_n and_o vanity_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v in_o any_o worldly_a comfort_n compare_v with_o those_o true_a weighty_a precious_a treasure_n provide_v promise_a and_o reserve_v for_o all_o those_o that_o love_n god_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o do_v unfeigned_o desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n four_o i_o do_v consider_v that_o your_o act_n now_o and_o the_o platform_n of_o government_n that_o you_o be_v now_o consider_v of_o be_v such_o as_o be_v like_a to_o concern_v posterity_n it_o will_v concern_v england_n ireland_n scotland_n and_o our_o neighbour_n nation_n they_o will_v wary_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o it_o will_v concern_v the_o island_n in_o the_o indies_n barmoedas_n virginia_n new_a england_n newfound_v land_n and_o other_o place_n consider_v therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o with_o the_o great_a respect_n that_o you_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o those_o rule_n and_o warrantable_a precedent_n record_v in_o god_n reveal_v will_v the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o pray_v you_o turn_v not_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n remember_v what_o a_o express_a charge_n god_n give_v to_o joshua_n chap._n 1.8_o let_v not_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n that_o thou_o may_v observe_v and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o then_o shall_v thou_o make_v thy_o way_n prosperous_a and_o then_o shall_v thou_o have_v good_a success_n i_o beseech_v you_o dear_a father_n consult_v not_o too_o much_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n follow_v not_o the_o many_o and_o uncertain_a precedent_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n if_o you_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n rule_n you_o shall_v not_o err_v you_o shall_v be_v safe_a and_o then_o shall_v i_o and_o my_o posterity_n some_o of_o your_o little_a child_n shroud_v ourselves_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o your_o wing_n with_o more_o peace_n and_o comfort_n conceive_v ourselves_o by_o god_n providence_n to_o be_v secure_v from_o the_o many_o wolf_n and_o bear_n and_o lion_n that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o hurt_v we_o i_o have_v travel_v through_o many_o difficulty_n forsake_a wife_n child_n and_o some_o worldly_a comfort_n that_o i_o may_v present_v these_o follow_a line_n to_o your_o consideration_n which_o i_o will_v not_o mention_v but_o to_o this_o end_n that_o it_o may_v take_v some_o impression_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o cause_v you_o advise_o to_o read_v and_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o follow_a line_n and_o that_o so_o all_o my_o labour_n may_v not_o be_v lose_v and_o these_o matter_n cast_v aside_o as_o waste_v paper_n to_o that_o end_n i_o pray_v you_o not_o to_o look_v so_o much_o at_o the_o garment_n as_o at_o the_o substance_n and_o not_o so_o much_o at_o the_o order_n or_o form_n as_o at_o the_o truth_n and_o true_a mean_v of_o what_o i_o have_v tender_v to_o you_o but_o whatever_o my_o success_n shall_v be_v i_o know_v my_o dependency_n and_o who_o i_o have_v trust_v dear_o belove_a father_n i_o mean_v not_o to_o exclude_v my_o request_n from_o be_v present_v and_o be_v intend_v by_o i_o to_o be_v tender_v to_o those_o two_o worthy_a servant_n of_o god_n sir_n thomas_n fairfax_n and_o sir_n oliver_n cromwell_n be_v father_n of_o this_o commonwealth_n in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o worthy_a governor_n of_o this_o commonwealth_n to_o you_o all_o i_o present_v my_o request_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v contain_v in_o these_o follow_a line_n dear_o belove_a father_n you_o have_v now_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a or_o precious_a opportunity_n put_v into_o your_o hand_n of_o reformation_n be_v but_o faithful_a in_o this_o and_o god_n will_v make_v you_o ruler_n of_o more_o and_o great_a city_n of_o heavenly_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o you_o can_v settle_v government_n according_a to_o your_o desire_n i_o pray_v you_o let_v the_o administration_n of_o justice_n come_v through_o as_o few_o hand_n as_o with_o equity_n you_o may_v that_o so_o the_o poor_a may_v come_v at_o their_o right_n with_o as_o little_a difficulty_n or_o charge_n and_o with_o as_o much_o ease_n as_o may_v be_v which_o i_o do_v believe_v you_o do_v endeavour_v i_o humble_a request_n of_o you_o likewise_o that_o you_o will_v take_v off_o from_o the_o commonwealth_n what_o burden_n and_o taxation_n you_o 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will_v cause_v the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o break_v out_o against_o we_o consider_v of_o it_o we_o have_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n what_o the_o fruit_n of_o king_n have_v be_v search_v diligent_o the_o record_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n from_o samuel_n his_o time_n to_o this_o present_a day_n and_o the_o record_n of_o all_o age_n how_o often_o have_v the_o people_n be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o in_o religion_n in_o war_n in_o bloodshed_n under_o the_o government_n of_o king_n the_o father_n of_o one_o religion_n the_o son_n of_o another_o how_o much_o war_n and_o contention_n have_v there_o be_v for_o to_o obtain_v crown_n and_o kingdom_n consider_v of_o it_o be_v it_o so_o under_o the_o government_n by_o judge_n prescribe_v by_o god_n do_v they_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o idolatry_n or_o contrary_o do_v they_o not_o from_o time_n to_o time_n persuade_v the_o people_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o of_o the_o judge_n do_v strive_v for_o the_o government_n but_o contrary_o the_o very_a first_o of_o the_o king_n do_v shed_v much_o blood_n have_v in_o aspire_a mind_n to_o obtain_v the_o crown_n etc._n etc._n search_v the_o book_n of_o the_o judge_n concern_v abimelech_n and_o his_o fruit_n countryman_n belove_v consider_v of_o it_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o such_o experience_n such_o admonition_n such_o warning_n as_o god_n have_v give_v we_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o from_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n if_o these_o will_v not_o prevail_v though_o abraham_n shall_v send_v one_o to_o we_o from_o the_o dead_a it_o will_v not_o prevail_v one_o admonition_n more_o i_o desire_v we_o may_v remember_v god_n say_v to_o israel_n they_o be_v full_a and_o fat_a they_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o their_o own_o land_n in_o the_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o will_v not_o observe_v god_n law_n and_o covenant_n without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n they_o will_v follow_v their_o own_o invention_n therefore_o say_v the_o lord_n they_o shall_v serve_v their_o enemy_n in_o hunger_n cold_a and_o nakedness_n in_o the_o want_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n consider_v dear_o belove_v that_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o government_n do_v arise_v the_o happiness_n and_o blessedness_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o pray_v you_o therefore_o let_v we_o set_v a_o high_a price_n upon_o government_n let_v we_o proceed_v wary_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n let_v we_o inquire_v of_o god_n let_v we_o follow_v the_o pure_a the_o most_o clear_a and_o evident_a precedent_n and_o prescription_n without_o turn_v to_o the_o right_n or_o left_a hand_n let_v we_o inquire_v for_o the_o old_a and_o good_a way_n prescribe_v own_a and_o bless_v by_o god_n himself_o against_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n and_o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v see_v and_o regard_v we_o and_o remember_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o own_o compassion_n of_o his_o own_o precious_a promise_n isai_n 1.26_o god_n will_v restore_v which_o argue_v they_o then_o be_v not_o in_o be_v judges_z as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n i_o may_v multiply_v testimony_n the_o scripture_n be_v obvious_a and_o copious_a but_o time_n bid_v i_o forbear_v therefore_o i_o go_v on_o to_o consider_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o king_n concern_v who_o the_o most_o high_a and_o wise_a god_n do_v both_o see_v and_o know_v what_o and_o when_o the_o first_o king_n shall_v be_v and_o how_o long_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o king_n shall_v continue_v and_o when_o their_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v finish_v of_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o now_o the_o end_n of_o king_n and_o all_o other_o affliction_n work_v together_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o god_n elect_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o god_n will_v use_v some_o king_n as_o instrument_n in_o some_o particular_n to_o be_v helpful_a to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n object_n some_o and_o too_o many_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n that_o king_n be_v good_a for_o god_n church_n and_o people_n for_o say_v they_o do_v not_o god_n make_v promise_n to_o king_n of_o good_a thing_n and_o be_v not_o some_o king_n good_a instrument_n in_o some_o thing_n to_o promote_v god_n glory_n do_v not_o solomon_n build_v a_o temple_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr one_o instance_n consider_v adam_n our_o great_a grandfather_n after_o he_o have_v break_v god_n commandment_n and_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n after_o this_o and_o present_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o what_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o transgression_n god_n out_o of_o his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n make_v a_o promise_n of_o great_a worth_n to_o adam_n and_o to_o his_o posterity_n namely_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v breaks_z the_o serpent_n head_n consider_v now_o will_v it_o be_v safe_a or_o sound_o argue_v to_o argue_v thus_o adam_n do_v well_o because_o god_n in_o mercy_n give_v he_o a_o precious_a promise_n no_o very_o or_o will_v it_o be_v safe_a to_o say_v that_o we_o some_o of_o his_o posterity_n may_v follow_v his_o step_n in_o sin_v because_o that_o he_o obtain_v a_o precious_a promise_n no_o very_o because_o we_o be_v first_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o god_n covenant_n to_o his_o law_n and_o also_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o root_n from_o whence_o this_o promise_n spring_v be_v not_o from_o or_o because_o god_n be_v please_v with_o or_o approve_v of_o adam_n transgression_n but_o the_o promise_v spring_v out_o of_o god_n abundant_a and_o rich_a mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n from_o the_o premise_a respect_n and_o consideration_n i_o gather_v and_o conclude_v that_o those_o gracious_a promise_n or_o act_n wherein_o god_n use_v king_n as_o instrument_n or_o actor_n in_o some_o good_a thing_n these_o do_v neither_o approve_v of_o the_o government_n by_o king_n nor_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o king_n be_v approve_v by_o god_n and_o much_o less_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o government_n by_o king_n be_v of_o equal_a goodness_n with_o the_o government_n by_o judge_n in_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a that_o god_n prescribe_v own_a and_o bless_v the_o government_n by_o judge_n and_o contrary_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a evident_a and_o copious_a that_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o government_n by_o king_n but_o do_v express_o disapprove_v of_o that_o form_n of_o government_n by_o king_n and_o to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o king_n to_o this_o very_a day_n object_n some_o do_v use_v this_o argument_n to_o strengthen_v the_o continuance_n of_o king_n namely_o that_o god_n do_v foretell_v that_o king_n shall_v be_v and_o some_o king_n god_n do_v himself_o appoint_v ans_fw-fr god_n do_v foretell_v that_o israel_n will_v kick_v with_o their_o foot_n and_o slight_a his_o commandment_n god_n do_v foretell_v that_o the_o people_n will_v reap_v bitter_a fruit_n from_o king_n this_o do_v not_o show_v that_o god_n do_v allow_v or_o approve_v either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o god_n do_v appoint_v some_o king_n immediate_o show_v that_o in_o this_o way_n if_o the_o people_n have_v keep_v close_o to_o god_n and_o have_v go_v no_o further_o backward_o from_o his_o rule_n and_o direction_n than_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v better_a and_o safe_a for_o the_o people_n it_o be_v too_o much_o to_o alter_v the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o and_o aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n when_o they_o slight_v god_n and_o do_v not_o inquire_v of_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v their_o king_n from_o time_n to_o time_n when_o they_o follow_v the_o rule_n and_o make_v he_o king_n who_o the_o lord_n do_v choose_v it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o god_n choose_v saul_n immediate_o by_o lot_n wherein_o we_o may_v note_v that_o although_o god_n be_v angry_a yet_o he_o take_v thus_o much_o care_n for_o the_o people_n that_o god_n let_v saul_n rightful_o reign_v no_o long_a as_o king_n but_o so_o long_o as_o he_o walk_v in_o god_n way_n and_o during_o that_o time_n god_n give_v saul_n some_o portion_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n or_o a_o spirit_n which_o make_v he_o suitable_a in_o some_o proportion_n to_o govern_v his_o people_n as_o appeareth_z 1_o sam._n 10.9_o god_n give_v saul_n another_o heart_n and_o all_o those_o token_n come_v to_o pass_v etc._n etc._n and_o when_o saul_n depart_v from_o god_n and_o forsake_v his_o law_n we_o may_v
england_n may_v now_o be_v wise_a and_o learn_v by_o our_o own_o and_o other_o man_n harm_n to_o cleave_v close_o to_o the_o most_o pure_a most_o immediate_a and_o first_o institution_n of_o government_n record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o shall_v we_o secure_v ourselves_o and_o posterity_n and_o obtain_v a_o blessing_n and_o protection_n from_o the_o glorious_a god_n of_o our_o salvation_n oh_o dear_o belove_v consider_v i_o pray_v you_o now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o opportunity_n as_o i_o believe_v god_n never_o offer_v to_o any_o generation_n from_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n to_o this_o present_a time_n now_o i_o pray_v you_o seek_v god_n favour_n serious_o put_v forth_o your_o best_a and_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n isa_n 1._o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v become_v good_a example_n to_o our_o neighbour_n nation_n and_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v shall_v have_v cause_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o we_o and_o the_o memory_n of_o our_o name_n record_v in_o god_n record_n shall_v be_v eternal_o bless_v concern_v this_o man_n moses_n be_v the_o first_o precedent_n god_n set_v to_o be_v governor_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n because_o god_n work_n be_v most_o perfect_a and_o of_o most_o singular_a use_n to_o posterity_n therefore_o i_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o note_v somewhat_o touch_v his_o qualification_n he_o be_v a_o man_n painful_a and_o diligent_a in_o his_o charge_n he_o sit_v to_o judge_n the_o people_n from_o morning_n to_o night_n exod._n 18.13_o and_o afterward_o in_o all_o his_o life_n we_o may_v note_v how_o studious_a he_o be_v and_o diligent_a and_o active_a in_o observe_v god_n commandment_n and_o in_o exhort_v the_o people_n to_o the_o same_o matter_n he_o be_v not_o ambitious_a to_o seek_v great_a office_n and_o preferment_n for_o his_o own_o child_n after_o his_o decease_n which_o may_v be_v note_v when_o israel_n the_o people_n have_v high_o provoke_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o god_n threaten_v to_o destroy_v the_o people_n and_o promise_v moses_n that_o he_o will_v so_o far_o prefer_v he_o that_o he_o will_v make_v of_o he_o that_o be_v of_o his_o posterity_n a_o mighty_a people_n exod._n 32.10_o now_o therefore_o let_v i_o alone_o that_o my_o wrath_n may_v wax_v hot_a against_o they_o for_o i_o will_v consume_v they_o but_o i_o will_v make_v of_o thou_o a_o mighty_a people_n now_o moses_n prefer_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o people_n good_a before_o any_o by_o respect_n either_o to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o posterity_n note_a verse_n 11.12_o 13._o but_o moses_n pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o say_v o_o lord_n why_o do_v thy_o wrath_n wax_v hot_a against_o thy_o people_n which_o thou_o have_v bring_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n etc._n etc._n wherefore_o shall_v the_o egyptian_n speak_v and_o say_v he_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o malicious_o to_o slay_v they_o in_o the_o mountain_n etc._n etc._n turn_v from_o thy_o fierce_a wrath_n and_o change_v thy_o mind_n from_o this_o evil_n towards_o thy_o people_n and_o remember_v abraham_n isaac_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 14._o then_o the_o lord_n change_v his_o mind_n from_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o threaten_v to_o do_v unto_o his_o people_n this_o be_v record_v for_o the_o learning_n of_o succeed_a age_n to_o show_v of_o what_o concernment_n and_o what_o benefit_n the_o people_n get_v by_o live_v under_o such_o a_o government_n and_o governor_n as_o god_n send_v such_o governor_n stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o keep_v off_o god_n displeasure_n and_o to_o procure_v a_o blessing_n for_o the_o people_n many_o respect_v not_o much_o under_o what_o government_n they_o live_v this_o be_v lot_n sin_n who_o deep_o taste_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o god_n displeasure_n by_o live_v under_o or_o among_o the_o ungodly_a in_o sodom_n but_o second_o this_o example_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o singular_a use_n a_o eminent_a pattern_n to_o all_o governor_n succeed_v namely_o this_o that_o he_o seek_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a before_o his_o own_o or_o his_o child_n preferment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v the_o like_a of_o he_o when_o god_n tell_v moses_n he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o or_o die_v he_o do_v not_o request_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o continue_v the_o government_n to_o his_o child_n but_o this_o he_o do_v he_o love_v the_o people_n he_o look_v at_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a therefore_o he_o remember_v the_o people_n good_a and_o make_v earnest_a prayer_n record_v for_o our_o learning_n to_o god_n entreat_v god_n that_o he_o will_v appoint_v a_o governor_n for_o the_o people_n where_o note_v the_o modesty_n and_o humility_n of_o his_o heart_n his_o spirit_n be_v not_o lift_v up_o above_o his_o brethren_n therefore_o he_o express_v it_o thus_o that_o he_o may_v go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o the_o people_n that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o as_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n where_o we_o may_v note_v that_o he_o style_v himself_o and_o successor_n but_o under_o these_o expression_n num._n 27.16_o let_v the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n appoint_v a_o man_n over_o the_o congregation_n verse_n 17._o who_o may_v go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o they_o and_o lead_v they_o out_o and_o in_o that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o as_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n note_v his_o expression_n a_o man_n over_o the_o congregation_n not_o only_o a_o king_n or_o by_o the_o name_n of_o commander_n but_o only_o a_o man_n and_o a_o shepherd_n he_o have_v true_a respect_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o office_n which_o be_v to_o order_n to_o provide_v for_o to_o feed_v love_n and_o defend_v the_o stock_n and_o not_o to_o persecute_v or_o to_o suffer_v wolf_n to_o devour_v they_o not_o to_o feed_v upon_o they_o himself_o therefore_o note_v his_o expression_n verse_n 17._o that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o remember_v and_o modest_o acknowledge_v the_o people_n to_o be_v god_n heritage_n he_o do_v not_o style_v they_o his_o subject_n or_o his_o vassal_n and_o so_o seek_v to_o leave_v the_o people_n as_o inheritance_n of_o good_n land_n beast_n and_o cattle_n to_o his_o child_n but_o he_o esteem_v the_o people_n and_o so_o they_o be_v of_o more_o value_n then_o earthly_a inheritance_n god_n inheritance_n and_o so_o in_o express_a word_n he_o call_v they_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n inheritance_n the_o lord_n people_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o lay_v claim_n to_o they_o as_o the_o inheritance_n for_o his_o child_n he_o know_v god_n mind_n better_o he_o speak_v no_o such_o matter_n for_o succession_n in_o government_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n come_v in_o long_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o in_o more_o corrupt_a time_n god_n do_v not_o in_o these_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n in_o the_o original_n order_n it_o to_o be_v so_o neither_o do_v moses_n expect_v or_o desire_v it_o because_o he_o look_v after_o those_o matter_n that_o be_v true_o his_o own_o he_o true_o seek_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a but_o thus_o much_o to_o show_v his_o opinion_n and_o respect_n that_o he_o have_v of_o the_o people_n in_o those_o day_n those_o first_o governor_n own_v the_o people_n to_o be_v their_o brethren_n and_o so_o they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o the_o people_n as_o brethren_n be_v not_o the_o world_n much_o alter_v in_o these_o day_n when_o many_o great_a man_n will_v scarce_o acknowledge_v the_o poor_a people_n to_o be_v any_o of_o their_o kindred_n afar_o off_o much_o less_o as_o brethren_n yea_o this_o governor_n in_o these_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n do_v not_o only_o use_v the_o people_n as_o brethren_n but_o as_o child_n he_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n near_o his_o heart_n and_o tender_o too_o as_o suck_v child_n and_o that_o also_o by_o god_n own_o direction_n as_o moses_n himself_o witness_v and_o willing_o acknowledge_v but_o when_o king_n obtain_v the_o government_n we_o may_v observe_v how_o soon_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v abimelech_n he_o slay_v his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o preeminence_n and_o saul_n he_o persecute_v a_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a man_n fear_v lest_o he_o may_v hinder_v his_o son_n from_o reign_v after_o he_o yea_o he_o pursue_v this_o with_o such_o violence_n that_o he_o make_v little_a account_n of_o god_n commandment_n if_o they_o stand_v in_o his_o way_n to_o hinder_v he_o to_o make_v sure_o the_o government_n to_o his_o son_n jonathan_n blood_n be_v not_o much_o value_v in_o his_o sight_n witness_v
the_o death_n of_o god_n priest_n 1_o sam._n 22.19_o and_o nob_n the_o city_n of_o the_o priest_n smite_v he_o with_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n both_o child_n and_o suckling_n both_o ox_n and_o ass_n and_o sheep_n with_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o david_n life_n which_o he_o earnest_o seek_v witness_v his_o unjust_a molestation_n of_o the_o people_n who_o he_o force_v from_o their_o own_o dwelling_n to_o pursue_v a_o innocent_a and_o good_a man_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o king_n more_o follow_v afterward_o but_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o judge_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n but_o further_o we_o may_v note_v that_o this_o man_n moses_n and_o his_o successor_n to_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n such_o as_o god_n institute_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o as_o creep_v in_o at_o the_o window_n and_o in_o by-path_n not_o in_o the_o way_n god_n institute_v but_o moses_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o successor_n to_o samuel_n we_o read_v much_o record_v concern_v their_o virtue_n their_o pain_n and_o diligence_n but_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o they_o addict_v themselves_o to_o gather_v great_a estate_n to_o leave_v to_o their_o child_n and_o such_o as_o they_o have_v fleece_v from_o their_o brethren_n the_o people_n unjust_o nor_o do_v we_o read_v much_o of_o their_o banquet_a house_n nor_o of_o their_o sumptuous_a palace_n nor_o of_o their_o numerous_a servant_n nor_o of_o their_o hunt_n and_o hawk_v nor_o of_o their_o excerable_a swear_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o of_o their_o prerogative_n royal_a to_o overtop_v and_o annihilate_v god_n commandment_n and_o to_o seize_v upon_o the_o wrack_n of_o poor_a distress_a merchant_n and_o seaman_n which_o suffer_v shipwreck_n upon_o their_o border_n a_o custom_n i_o believe_v hateful_a and_o abominable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o direct_o in_o opposition_n to_o his_o command_n who_o command_v we_o to_o help_v and_o relieve_v the_o oppress_a and_o afflict_a and_o not_o to_o strive_v to_o add_v to_o their_o affliction_n by_o take_v away_o that_o little_a that_o god_n have_v otherwise_o spare_v to_o they_o i_o hear_v of_o one_o ship_n since_o my_o arrival_n that_o the_o people_n see_v themselves_o in_o danger_n forsake_v the_o ship_n yet_o after_o this_o ship_n be_v so_o bring_v to_o the_o shore_n that_o much_o of_o the_o load_n be_v rich_a and_o of_o value_n be_v save_v from_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o sea_n but_o not_o return_v to_o the_o owner_n that_o i_o can_v yet_o learn_v i_o humble_o entreat_v you_o that_o be_v our_o governor_n make_v diligent_a enquiry_n that_o no_o more_o such_o cry_a sin_n be_v commit_v lest_o it_o bring_v upon_o we_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o return_v neither_o be_v these_o judge_n note_v to_o keep_v a_o company_n about_o they_o of_o swearer_n or_o other_o vicious_a person_n such_o as_o i_o here_o name_v not_o but_o such_o as_o your_o ear_n have_v hear_v of_o and_o such_o as_o god_n abominate_v these_o judge_n in_o these_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n be_v humble_a faithful_a watchful_a and_o pious_a man_n man_n who_o act_n be_v record_v by_o god_n direction_n to_o all_o generation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v example_n to_o follow_v o_fw-la lord_n shall_v we_o ever_o live_v to_o see_v those_o or_o such_o as_o those_o governor_n that_o be_v in_o those_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n have_v thou_o give_v we_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n bless_a be_v thy_o name_n i_o believe_v thou_o have_v promise_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n have_v speak_v thus_o much_o although_o it_o be_v very_o much_o less_o than_o the_o scripture_n record_v for_o our_o learning_n touch_v the_o qualification_n &_o virtue_n of_o these_o judge_n in_o these_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n wherein_o god_n do_v the_o most_o eminent_o and_o the_o most_o immediate_o appoint_v and_o prescribe_v government_n and_o governor_n to_o and_o for_o his_o church_n and_o peculiar_o choose_v people_n israel_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o propound_v to_o consideration_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v to_o draw_v out_o of_o god_n sacred_a word_n what_o find_v there_o record_v concern_v the_o principal_a governor_n and_o other_o governor_n distribute_v in_o several_a administration_n and_o also_o their_o power_n and_o limitation_n and_o also_o the_o entrance_n of_o they_o into_o their_o place_n i_o find_v that_o god_n in_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v it_o meet_v for_o his_o church_n and_o choose_v and_o peculiar_a people_n to_o ordain_v institute_v and_o appoint_v one_o chief_a judge_n and_o not_o many_o thus_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o in_o the_o record_n of_o joshua_n &_o of_o all_o the_o judge_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n that_o one_o chief_a judge_n have_v the_o charge_n for_o although_o judah_n and_o israel_n be_v divide_v it_o be_v there_o to_o be_v note_v that_o afterward_o they_o become_v as_o two_o distinct_a and_o difference_v government_n and_o also_o we_o note_v that_o this_o be_v not_o so_o in_o those_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n wherein_o god_n do_v the_o most_o immediate_o and_o clear_o appoint_v government_n and_o also_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o division_n do_v not_o strengthen_v they_o nor_o do_v it_o turn_v to_o their_o peace_n and_o welfare_n as_o afterward_o appear_v and_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n for_o although_o god_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o we_o may_v also_o consider_v that_o god_n suffer_v and_o bring_v upon_o the_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n many_o trial_n and_o affliction_n which_o yet_o god_n know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n this_o people_n will_v not_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o god_n first_o institution_n therefore_o god_n cause_v they_o to_o see_v the_o difference_n of_o government_n to_o see_v the_o difference_n between_o his_o prescription_n and_o institution_n and_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o also_o that_o god_n may_v show_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o irregular_a proceed_n to_o we_o that_o shall_v come_v in_o these_o latter_a time_n whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n consider_v this_o i_o dare_v not_o turn_v aside_o from_o god_n commandment_n in_o those_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n wherein_o god_n appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o governor_n and_o but_o one_o as_o chief_a and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o government_n most_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a these_o reason_n guide_v i_o thereunto_o first_o because_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n do_v see_v meet_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o witness_v the_o immediate_a pattern_n god_n give_v to_o the_o people_n moses_n joshua_n gideon_n samuel_n and_o the_o rest_n second_o because_o this_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o that_o glorious_a government_n in_o heaven_n one_o god_n distinguish_v but_o not_o divide_v in_o three_o person_n which_o govern_v over_o all_o god_n invit_v we_o to_o be_v like_a to_o himself_o and_o seat_v forth_o himself_o for_o we_o to_o imitate_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a say_v the_o lord_n a_o place_n well_o know_v from_o hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o that_o government_n be_v best_a that_o be_v most_o like_a most_o conformable_a to_o god_n government_n in_o heaven_n three_o we_o know_v that_o force_v unite_v be_v strong_a and_o occasion_n less_o difference_n and_o discord_n we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o record_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n the_o many_o trouble_n war_n and_o discord_n that_o many_o several_a government_n bring_v forth_o and_o produce_v if_o man_n shall_v commit_v the_o constant_a government_n of_o a_o land_n into_o many_o hand_n of_o equal_a authority_n call_v they_o by_o what_o name_v you_o will_v will_v not_o this_o be_v the_o issue_n and_o fruit_n thereof_o first_o they_o shall_v turn_v from_o the_o first_o and_o most_o pure_a way_n prescribe_v by_o god_n which_o god_n forbid_v and_o also_o will_v not_o such_o governor_n be_v themselves_o over_o burden_a with_o business_n and_o will_v not_o the_o people_n be_v wear_v away_o weary_v and_o oppress_v thereby_o it_o be_v jethroe_n counsel_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o lord_n allow_v or_o approve_v of_o it_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v record_v exo._n 18.18_o thou_o both_o weary_a thyself_o and_o this_o people_n that_o be_v with_o thou_o verse_n 21._o provide_v thou_o among_o all_o the_o people_n man_n of_o courage_n fear_v god_n man_n deal_v true_o and_o haâ—ing_a covetousness_n
as_o appear_v by_o the_o record_n of_o the_o chronicle_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o juda_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o experiment_n of_o all_o age_n six_o god_n wisdom_n be_v most_o perfect_a and_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a seven_o this_o order_n be_v never_o repeal_v in_o any_o age_n to_o this_o day_n eight_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o when_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o his_o belove_a people_n it_o shall_v be_v show_v the_o most_o eminent_o and_o apparent_o by_o restore_a judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n nine_o this_o government_n by_o one_o chief_a as_o head_n and_o governor_n do_v the_o near_a resemble_v that_o heavenly_a frame_n of_o government_n ten_o consider_v who_o ever_o thou_o be_v that_o harbour_v such_o thought_n that_o such_o thought_n do_v arise_v from_o unsound_a principle_n i_o believe_v not_o well_o balance_v consideration_n because_o admit_v or_o suppose_v thou_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n now_o to_o prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o government_n what_o form_n of_o government_n can_v thou_o invent_v consider_v that_o god_n witness_v evident_o and_o eminent_o that_o when_o god_n prescribe_v government_n by_o judge_n in_o such_o order_n as_o divine_a record_n do_v mention_n this_o form_n be_v better_a than_o any_o other_o nation_n have_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n no_o nation_n be_v so_o bless_v by_o god_n in_o those_o time_n that_o have_v law_n and_o ordinance_n so_o righteous_a by_o which_o be_v mean_v governor_n or_o judge_n and_o law_n to_o be_v their_o rule_n as_o god_n in_o those_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n do_v prescribe_v to_o his_o first_o bear_v son_n and_o further_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v not_o now_o a_o separate_a people_n from_o the_o true_a israel_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o stranger_n to_o those_o law_n which_o god_n then_o in_o those_o time_n give_v to_o they_o but_o contrary_o we_o by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o true_a olive_n tree_n we_o now_o be_v part_n of_o god_n household_n and_o do_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n first_o bear_v son_n and_o though_o they_o be_v our_o elder_a brethren_n yet_o now_o also_o god_n have_v in_o his_o rich_a abundant_a and_o not_o to_o be_v sufficient_o express_v mercy_n beget_v we_o also_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n so_o that_o we_o also_o be_v their_o young_a brethren_n therefore_o for_o any_o man_n to_o conceive_v that_o he_o can_v invent_v a_o better_a form_n of_o government_n than_o any_o in_o the_o world_n in_o those_o time_n have_v and_o a_o better_a form_n of_o government_n than_o god_n himself_o do_v the_o most_o immediate_o prescribe_v and_o own_o and_o confirm_v and_o bless_v such_o a_o man_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o have_v need_v to_o consider_v this_o matter_n first_o very_o advise_o least_o want_a wisdom_n to_o prescribe_v and_o power_n to_o uphould_v and_o power_n to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v such_o his_o invention_n he_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o opposer_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o likewise_o exalt_v his_o wisdom_n above_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o next_o matter_n i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v meet_a to_o propound_v to_o consideration_n other_o judge_n or_o governor_n that_o be_v in_o order_n inferior_a to_o this_o chief_a judge_n before_o mention_v exod._n 18.25_o and_o moses_n choose_v man_n of_o courage_n out_o of_o all_o israel_n and_o make_v they_o head_n over_o the_o people_n ruler_n over_o thousand_o ruler_n over_o hundred_o ruler_n over_o fifty_n and_o ruler_n over_o ten_o ver._n 26._o and_o they_o judge_v the_o people_n at_o all_o season_n but_o they_o bring_v the_o hard_a cause_n to_o moses_n for_o they_o judge_v all_o small_a matter_n themselves_o the_o end_n wherefore_o judgement_n or_o judge_n be_v thus_o distribute_v be_v to_o that_o intent_n that_o both_o the_o chief_a governor_n may_v not_o be_v over_o burden_v nor_o the_o people_n over_o burden_v record_v exod._n 18.18_o thou_o both_o weary_a thyself_o and_o this_o people_n that_o be_v with_o thou_o great_o the_o end_n be_v due_o consider_v we_o may_v more_o easy_o distribute_v the_o governor_n governor_n be_v suitable_a to_o this_o proportion_n to_o be_v distribute_v into_o the_o several_a shiers_n city_n town_n and_o place_n where_o the_o people_n live_v which_o plain_o appear_v the_o end_n be_v consider_v for_o the_o very_a affection_n of_o a_o love_a father_n be_v so_o prevalent_a that_o love_n cause_v he_o to_o seek_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o child_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o their_o comfort_n and_o convenience_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o family_n now_o consider_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v the_o family_n of_o the_o chief_a governor_n it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a case_n to_o consider_v have_v not_o the_o people_n be_v i_o can_v wish_v it_o be_v not_o so_o still_o force_v to_o travel_v many_o mile_n to_o their_o great_a detriment_n for_o to_o get_v those_o cause_n decide_v and_o determine_v that_o may_v with_o much_o ease_n have_v be_v end_v at_o or_o near_o to_o their_o own_o dwelling_n yea_o moreover_o have_v they_o obtain_v the_o determine_n or_o end_v of_o their_o cause_n without_o make_v many_o or_o diverse_a such_o chargeable_a journey_n to_o the_o undo_n of_o too_o many_o man_n widow_n and_o poor_a fatherless_a child_n have_v not_o many_o for_o want_n of_o mean_n be_v force_v to_o loose_v their_o right_n and_o lawful_a maintenance_n consider_v of_o it_o dear_a father_n and_o now_o let_v it_o be_v remedy_v and_o doubtless_o god_n will_v short_o say_v unto_o you_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o these_o thing_n come_v be_v ruler_n over_o more_o and_o better_a thing_n enter_v into_o thy_o master_n joy_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n consider_v that_o oppression_n be_v a_o cry_a sin_n god_n will_v certain_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o oppress_a the_o cry_n of_o old_a and_o young_a the_o cry_n of_o the_o widow_n and_o of_o the_o orphan_n god_n will_v certain_o hear_v they_o god_n will_v do_v it_o for_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o therefore_o dear_o belove_v father_n i_o humble_o beseech_v you_o let_v governor_n be_v distribute_v into_o the_o several_a shire_n city_n town_n and_o place_n where_o the_o people_n dwell_v and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v in_o these_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n namely_o let_v the_o determination_n of_o cause_n be_v in_o proportion_n to_o these_o first_o pattern_n let_v not_o the_o end_n be_v neglect_v which_o be_v that_o god_n law_n be_v observe_v and_o the_o people_n may_v be_v ease_v i_o pray_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v record_v concern_v samuel_n that_o good_a and_o pious_a governor_n he_o rather_o than_o the_o people_n shall_v travel_v far_o do_v travel_v himself_o to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o people_n dwell_v 1_o sam._n 7.16_o and_o samuel_n go_v about_o year_n by_o year_n to_o bethell_n and_o gilgall_a and_o mispeh_n and_o judge_v israel_n in_o all_o those_o place_n no_o doubt_v he_o appoint_v judge_n all_o over_o the_o land_n that_o do_v judge_v the_o people_n l_o kewise_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o avoid_v multiplicity_n of_o judge_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n to_o judge_v at_o one_o timâ—_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o cause_n i_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o for_o the_o people_n comfort_n not_o so_o suitable_a to_o the_o first_o and_o most_o pure_a institution_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o burden_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v governor_n in_o such_o cause_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n constant_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o from_o that_o end_n of_o the_o multiply_a governor_n record_v exod._n 18._o which_o be_v to_o ease_v the_o people_n and_o moses_n and_o that_o god_n commandment_n may_v not_o be_v break_v and_o from_o the_o act_n and_o precedent_n that_o moses_n leave_v there_o record_v it_o appear_v that_o many_o governor_n be_v needful_a in_o their_o several_a place_n but_o not_o many_o governor_n of_o equal_a authority_n constant_o to_o act_v in_o one_o cause_n and_o not_o in_o the_o weighty_a cause_n more_o and_o most_o especial_o my_o reason_n mention_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o precedent_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n himself_o now_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o describe_v that_o way_n for_o the_o call_n or_o entrance_n of_o thâ—se_a governor_n into_o their_o place_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a and_o great_a consequence_n to_o we_o next_o under_o god_n we_o can_v possible_o use_v too_o much_o diligence_n nor_o too_o much_o intention_n nor_o too_o much_o
and_o so_o do_v the_o governor_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o juda_n i_o shall_v refer_v these_o matter_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o of_o the_o learned_a if_o any_o lust_n to_o be_v contentious_a i_o strive_v not_o to_o contend_v but_o contend_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o seek_v for_o peace_n and_o truth_n and_o now_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v requisite_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n touch_v the_o lawyer_n god_n law_n if_o we_o observe_v they_o well_o be_v pithy_a and_o short_a they_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o little_a room_n if_o we_o subtract_v the_o historical_a matter_n or_o matter_n which_o show_v god_n act_n and_o man_n act_n which_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o law_n but_o rather_o show_v god_n glory_n and_o man_n conversation_n from_o the_o direct_a commandment_n of_o god_n in_o what_o a_o little_a volume_n will_v god_n law_n be_v contain_v which_o show_v the_o purity_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o of_o god_n law_n the_o law_n of_o some_o country_n contain_v great_a book_n or_o volume_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n law_n many_o lawyer_n look_v much_o upon_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o common_a law_n i_o will_v there_o be_v many_o more_o look_v faithful_o to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o law_n contain_v in_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n we_o read_v but_o little_a of_o other_o law_n during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o law_n do_v original_o spring_v from_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o lawyer_n and_o from_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o people_n scarce_o any_o word_n be_v sufficient_a so_o to_o express_v the_o truth_n but_o either_o the_o judge_n or_o the_o lawyer_n or_o the_o people_n will_v break_v through_o the_o law_n i_o believe_v there_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o of_o shame_n to_o consider_v it_o the_o best_a way_n that_o i_o know_v to_o reform_v this_o be_v to_o keep_v close_a to_o the_o true_a original_a which_o be_v the_o most_o true_a perfect_a and_o clear_a rule_n and_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o rule_n because_o all_o other_o rule_n be_v but_o derivative_n from_o thence_o doubtless_o our_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o few_o as_o may_v be_v and_o those_o law_n distribute_v into_o such_o several_a place_n where_o the_o people_n dwell_v such_o as_o do_v concern_v those_o people_n in_o those_o part_n for_o the_o people_n ease_n and_o comfort_n second_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o our_o own_o language_n so_o as_o the_o people_n may_v read_v and_o observe_v they_o because_o god_n do_v afford_v that_o benefit_n to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o give_n and_o publish_v his_o law_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o excellency_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o end_n why_o judge_n be_v multiply_v as_o god_n glory_n be_v the_o chief_a so_o likewise_o the_o people_n ease_n and_o comfort_n be_v express_v so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v in_o those_o law_n that_o be_v branch_n of_o god_n law_n as_o god_n glory_n be_v the_o high_a and_o true_a end_n of_o they_o so_o likewise_o the_o people_n ease_n and_o comfort_n by_o and_o from_o they_o be_v to_o be_v respect_v a_o great_a help_n both_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o people_n comfort_n be_v to_o have_v good_a and_o faithful_a judge_n for_o such_o will_v not_o so_o much_o seek_v themselves_o which_o be_v true_o to_o destroy_v themselves_o as_o they_o will_v seek_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a these_o thing_n have_v be_v mighty_o pervert_v yet_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o hope_n but_o that_o god_n will_v restore_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n what_o ever_o i_o have_v write_v in_o this_o little_a book_n or_o treatise_n i_o do_v and_o have_v only_o propound_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o you_o that_o do_v love_n honour_n and_o fear_v the_o true_a and_o ever_o live_a god_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o i_o do_v humble_o with_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o to_o the_o learned_a acknowledge_v i_o be_o but_o a_o weak_a frail_a man_n of_o myself_o i_o may_v err_v therefore_o if_o any_o man_n can_v and_o will_v show_v we_o any_o error_n provide_v that_o they_o bring_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n sacred_a word_n according_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o sincere_a meaning_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v god_n will_v give_v i_o a_o heart_n willing_o not_o constrain_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o error_n i_o ever_o hold_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o we_o can_v please_v god_n better_o nor_o bring_v more_o true_a honour_n and_o safety_n to_o ourselves_o then_o by_o hunble_a unfeigned_a and_o willing_a acknowledgement_n of_o any_o of_o our_o error_n in_o some_o proportion_n suitable_a to_o our_o offence_n receive_v nothing_o from_o i_o further_o than_o you_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o in_o what_o ever_o i_o have_v here_o in_o this_o book_n write_v i_o have_v set_v god_n always_o in_o my_o sight_n i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o ever_o in_o his_o sight_n to_o who_o i_o must_v give_v account_n for_o what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o account_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a moment_n to_o write_v any_o book_n neither_o have_v i_o write_v if_o i_o have_v not_o believe_v god_n call_v i_o to_o it_o of_o myself_o i_o can_v do_v no_o good_a matter_n but_o this_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o in_o this_o writing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n i_o be_o strengthen_v protect_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o the_o true_a and_o everliving_a god_n to_o who_o i_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o give_v as_o be_v god_n due_a and_o my_o duty_n all_o praise_n and_o service_n glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n because_o god_n be_v worthy_a of_o it_o for_o he_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o his_o will_n sake_n they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v create_v rev._n 4.11_o now_o belove_v and_o approve_a commander_n and_o soldier_n you_o that_o have_v be_v helper_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a although_o i_o have_v not_o make_v mention_n of_o your_o name_n in_o this_o little_a treatise_n yet_o you_o be_v in_o my_o eye_n as_o man_n of_o precious_a esteem_n and_o so_o i_o believe_v you_o be_v in_o god_n account_n precious_a i_o mean_v such_o as_o out_o of_o godly_a zeal_n and_o true_a love_n have_v act_v in_o these_o war_n of_o which_o sort_n i_o bâ—lâ—eve_v there_o be_v many_o among_o your_o army_n may_v i_o not_o account_v you_o among_o david_n worthy_n yes_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v and_o further_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o many_o of_o you_o revel_v 21.27_o be_v write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o that_o you_o ver._n 24._o be_v of_o the_o people_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o it_o ver._n 1._o that_o new_a heaven_n ver._n â—_o that_o holy_a city_n that_o new_a jerusalem_n god_n himself_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n with_o you_o verse_n 4._o and_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o your_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n for_o the_o first_o thing_n be_v pass_v cha_n 22.12_o and_o behold_v i_o come_v short_o say_v god_n and_o my_o reward_n be_v with_o i_o to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n as_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v ver._n 14._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o their_o right_n may_v be_v in_o the_o treâ—_n of_o life_n ver._n 11._o he_o that_o be_v righteous_a let_v he_o be_v righteous_a still_o and_o he_o that_o be_v holy_a let_v he_o be_v holy_a still_o have_v you_o be_v co-acter_n in_o fight_a god_n battle_n and_o shall_v i_o or_o my_o posterity_n be_v forgetful_a that_o you_o many_o of_o you_o have_v bear_v a_o mean_n that_o we_o enjoy_v god_n word_n free_o preach_v and_o that_o we_o still_o enjoy_v god_n sacred_a word_n in_o our_o own_o language_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o force_v to_o bow_v down_o to_o dumb_a idol_n to_o idolatry_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o those_o dark_a miserable_a noisome_a golgotha_n those_o place_n which_o have_v be_v the_o destruction_n of_o thousand_o where_o no_o eye_n can_v see_v or_o speak_v to_o they_o to_o pity_v they_o where_o they_o have_v be_v murder_v out_o of_o the_o view_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v those_o accurse_a inquisition_n house_n this_o comfort_n only_o they_o have_v which_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n can_v not_o take_v from_o they_o that_o there_o be_v one_o open_a place_n where_o the_o bright_a and_o beautiful_a eye_n like_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o morning_n
be_v of_o god_n precious_a servant_n that_o do_v true_o and_o unfeigned_o endeavour_v and_o desire_v to_o do_v god_n will_v well_o then_o here_o be_v a_o precious_a opportunity_n for_o if_o you_o shall_v study_v all_o your_o life_n to_o do_v a_o act_n well_o please_v to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o very_a act_n be_v a_o act_n concern_v these_o worldly_a matter_n that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n namely_o to_o follow_v god_n choice_a rule_n of_o direction_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n and_o the_o person_n to_o be_v governor_n that_o so_o god_n bless_a spirit_n may_v rest_v upon_o they_o for_o consider_v that_o if_o you_o mistake_v or_o turn_v aside_o from_o god_n commandment_n and_o so_o do_v mistake_v in_o the_o form_n and_o person_n we_o be_v undo_v the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o your_o labour_n be_v lose_v for_o if_o the_o person_n of_o our_o chief_a governor_n be_v not_o choose_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o choice_a rule_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o bless_a and_o good_a word_n of_o our_o god_n how_o shall_v we_o the_o people_n lie_v down_o and_o rest_n in_o peace_n without_o trouble_n and_o fear_v for_o we_o know_v that_o in_o bypath_n wolf_n and_o fox_n do_v come_v into_o the_o sheepfold_n which_o although_o they_o shall_v come_v soft_o to_o we_o as_o if_o they_o mean_v we_o no_o hurt_n yet_o our_o heart_n can_v be_v quiet_a for_o wolf_n and_o fox_n mean_v we_o no_o good_a nay_o further_o if_o they_o shall_v come_v disguise_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n so_o that_o we_o know_v they_o not_o by_o outward_a appearance_n yet_o if_o any_o shall_v come_v in_o by_o any_o indirect_a mean_n which_o god_n forbid_v in_o those_o path_n those_o beast_n of_o prey_n come_v in_o certain_o our_o heart_n can_v be_v secure_o and_o content_o quiet_a because_o we_o shall_v look_v back_o upon_o former_a experience_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o may_v find_v that_o such_o man_n as_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o place_n of_o chief_a governor_n not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o person_n god_n have_v not_o bestow_v his_o good_a but_o a_o evil_a spirit_n and_o such_o person_n have_v prove_v to_o draw_v the_o people_n to_o sin_n and_o have_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o people_n therefore_o i_o do_v serious_o confess_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o glorious_a god_n that_o when_o i_o do_v consider_v the_o great_a danger_n weight_n and_o charge_n of_o a_o chief_a governor_n place_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n in_o any_o worldly_a respect_n that_o be_v true_o real_a and_o substantial_a why_o any_o man_n shall_v covet_v desire_v or_o thirst_n after_o it_o but_o contrary_o consider_v the_o great_a charge_n of_o soul_n the_o great_a account_n they_o must_v give_v to_o god_n for_o to_o who_o much_o many_o talent_n be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v god_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n of_o his_o 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body_n shall_v such_o plunge_v themselves_o and_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o soul_n for_o this_o undoubted_o i_o shall_v expect_v that_o where_o any_o do_v attain_v governor_n place_n not_o according_a to_o god_n rule_n that_o to_o such_o god_n will_v not_o give_v his_o good_a spirit_n but_o rather_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o deceive_a spirit_n note_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o although_o god_n be_v offend_v with_o the_o people_n yet_o because_o the_o people_n follow_v god_n counsel_n in_o accept_v the_o person_n that_o god_n see_v meet_v to_o govern_v they_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o saul_n all_o the_o time_n that_o he_o rightful_o reign_v but_o present_o when_o god_n have_v reject_v he_o from_o govern_v it_o be_v note_v and_o record_v that_o a_o evil_a spirit_n come_v upon_o he_o though_o he_o retain_v his_o place_n after_o therefore_o i_o humble_o request_v you_o lay_z aside_o all_o worldly_a respect_n in_o this_o case_n and_o join_v all_o your_o strength_n diligence_n and_o heart_n cheerful_o and_o unanimous_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o we_o your_o people_n and_o of_o our_o and_o of_o your_o posterity_n remember_v dear_o belove_v how_o often_o god_n do_v repeat_v these_o instruction_n namely_o that_o his_o people_n shall_v diligent_o take_v heed_n to_o observe_v and_o note_v his_o commandment_n and_o meditate_v in_o they_o day_n and_o night_n to_o do_v and_o to_o observe_v they_o how_o often_o do_v god_n admonish_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n not_o to_o add_v nor_o diminish_v to_o or_o from_o his_o commandment_n and_o not_o to_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o right_a nor_o left_a hand_n how_o many_o eminent_a example_n have_v god_n record_v of_o his_o anger_n against_o such_o as_o have_v cast_v away_o his_o commandment_n and_o likewise_o his_o blessing_n upon_o they_o that_o with_o the_o great_a intention_n have_v follow_v those_o way_n that_o god_n direct_v and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o that_o do_v god_n commandment_n be_v like_a to_o the_o wise_a builder_n that_o build_v upon_o a_o rock_n consider_v what_o great_a compassion_n god_n have_v show_v to_o we_o that_o be_v gentile_n by_o nature_n and_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o promise_n now_o god_n have_v break_v down_o that_o partition_n wall_n and_o have_v give_v we_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o have_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o those_o precious_a promise_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v like_a to_o the_o balm_n of_o gilead_n god_n through_o his_o bless_a son_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v free_o forgive_v we_o our_o offence_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o a_o assure_a hope_n of_o salvation_n remember_v then_o what_o christ_n say_v that_o if_o we_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o consider_v we_o shall_v get_v no_o benefit_n by_o turn_v from_o our_o god_n if_o we_o can_v obtain_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o go_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n yet_o we_o shall_v certain_o find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n like_a to_o our_o god_n nor_o no_o device_n or_o invention_n of_o man_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o most_o beautiful_a and_o perfect_a way_n of_o our_o god_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o israel_n know_v all_o this_o yet_o how_o apt_a be_v they_o and_o how_o often_o do_v they_o forsake_v the_o strong_a and_o gracious_a god_n and_o reject_v his_o commandment_n and_o prefer_v their_o own_o invention_n before_o god_n commandment_n and_o before_o his_o bless_a institution_n in_o so_o much_o that_o god_n complain_v that_o the_o ox_n acknowledgeâ—_n his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n will_v not_o obey_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n consider_v what_o can_v god_n have_v speak_v or_o do_v more_o unto_o we_o he_o have_v send_v his_o prophet_n rise_v up_o early_o he_o have_v set_v before_o we_o life_n and_o death_n good_a and_o evil_a prosperity_n and_o adversity_n god_n have_v set_v before_o we_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n god_n have_v give_v we_o we_o unworthy_a such_o great_a and_o precious_a favour_n hope_v nay_o sure_a hope_n that_o we_o shall_v short_o our_o glass_n run_v apace_o see_v god_n and_o enjoy_v he_o and_o the_o company_n of_o his_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n to_o all_o eternity_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o good_a beyond_o what_o the_o eye_n have_v see_v or_o the_o ear_n hear_v and_o beyond_o what_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v consider_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o notwithstanding_o that_o israel_n know_v many_o of_o these_o thing_n yet_o they_o forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n in_o so_o much_o that_o god_n say_v of_o they_o esai_n 48.18_o oh_o that_o thou_o have_v hearken_v to_o my_o commandment_n than_o have_v thy_o prosperity_n be_v as_o the_o flood_n and_o thy_o righteousness_n as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n thy_o seed_n also_o have_v be_v as_o the_o sand_n that_o be_v numerous_a and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v mat._n 23.27_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o that_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o as_o the_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o ver._n 38._o therefore_o behold_v your_o habitation_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a but_o dear_o belove_a father_n i_o hope_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o god_n have_v use_v you_o already_o as_o instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n god_n have_v by_o you_o open_v such_o a_o door_n for_o reformation_n as_o i_o believe_v have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n the_o prophet_n now_o you_o have_v a_o precious_a pearlâ—_n in_o your_o hand_n now_o you_o have_v a_o opportunity_n the_o lord_n give_v you_o heart_n not_o to_o slight_v it_o but_o to_o improve_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n you_o may_v i_o believe_v if_o god_n give_v you_o heart_n be_v a_o mean_n that_o we_o may_v have_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o faithful_a city_n isa_n 1.16_o and_o then_o shall_v peace_n and_o truth_n meet_v together_o as_o moses_n mâ—t_v aaron_n in_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n and_o they_o kiss_v each_o other_o exodus_fw-la 4.27_o and_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v a_o people_n who_o governor_n and_o government_n shall_v be_v like_a in_o form_n like_v unto_o the_o resemblance_n of_o that_o bless_a form_n and_o frame_v of_o government_n in_o heavenly_a place_n among_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n which_o they_o do_v and_o the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n shall_v enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o consideration_n of_o that_o bless_a and_o happy_a government_n in_o heaven_n draw_v i_o to_o desire_v that_o our_o government_n upon_o earth_n may_v be_v in_o some_o proportion_n like_o to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n under_z g_z d_o that_o cause_v i_o to_o write_v these_o few_o line_n and_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a and_o only_o end_n of_o my_o endeavour_n finis_fw-la imprimatur_fw-la john_n downame_n decemb._n 28._o 1649._o error_n in_o print_v discover_v to_o be_v rectify_v pag._n 20._o line_n 26._o for_o revive_v read_v review_n p._n 29._o l._n 28._o for_o offer_v r._n afford_v p._n 39_o l._n 18._o some_o word_n omit_v p._n 40._o l._n 14._o for_o task_n r._n case_n p._n 53._o l._n 3._o for_o second_o r._n first_o and_o second_o table_n p._n 81._o l._n 26._o for_o speak_v r._n join_v p._n 100_o l._n 26._o for_o mediate_o r._n immediate_o p._n 113._o l._n 16._o after_o abimelech_n there_o want_v part_n of_o a_o sentence_n p._n 125._o l._n 37._o put_v out_o only_o p._n 141._o l._n 11._o for_o to_o r._n for_o p._n 157._o l._n 6._o for_o lawyer_n r._n law_n