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honour_n	david_n	king_n	saul_n	1,226	5	9.8585	5	false

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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A45330	The beauty of magistracy in an exposition of the 82 Psalm, where is set forth the necessity, utility, dignity, duty, and mortality of magistrates : here many other texts of Scripture occasionally are cleared, many quæries and cases of conscience about the magistrates power, are resolved, many anabaptistical cavils are confuted, and many seasonable observations containing many other heads of divinity, are raised : together with references to such authors as clear any point more fully / by Thomas Hall ... ; with an additional sermon on verse 6, by George Swinnock.	Hall, Thomas, 1610-1665.; Swinnock, George, 1627-1673. Men are gods.	1660 (1660)	Wing H427; ESTC R18061	228,882	316

favour it should be towards the poor This is the very end why Rulers are set up viz. to execute judgement and do Justice amongst the people Isa. 56. 1. Hos. 12. 6. Amos 5. 24. Zach. 7. 9. Therefore t is that David prayed for his Son Solomon that God would give him a clear understanding and right judgement to discern between good and evil and an upright heart to walk answerable to light received that so he might Iudge the people with righteousness and the poor with judgement Psal. 72. 1 2. and Solomon himself makes the like prayer 1 Kings 3. 9. and the Queen of sheba tells him that God had raised him for this end 1 Kings 10. 9. It was the honour of the Kings of Aegypt that they bound their Judges by Oath not to act unjustly no though they themselves should command them so to do Cloathing is an Ornament and Diadem is a glory all Magistrates like Iob should put on righteousness as a robe and judgement as a Diadem Job 29. 14. So did Christ Isa. 11. 5. This was Davids honour that he executed Justice and Judgement to all his people 2 Chron. 18. 14. This is so lovely a thing that Absclom when he would entice the people from David tells them that if he were made Judge in the Land though David did not Yet he would do them justice 2 sam 15. 4. As Injustice is all Vice so Justice comprehends all Vertue so excellent a thing is Justice This is our duty Micah 6. 8. as every man in his place must do justly so specially the Magistrate 2. T is our Security Isa. 33. 15 16. it establisheth Thrones Prov. 16. 12. 29. 14. Ier. 22. 3 4. and preserves a people from ruine Amos 5. 15. There is no one thing religion excepted that doth more secure and adorn a Nation then Iustice doth T is both Col●mna Corona Reipublicae it is a Prop to make it subsist firm in it self and as a Crown to render it glorious in the eyes of others T is as the Cement in the building which holds all together Take this away and Nations will quickly run to ruine Ier. 5. 1. 21. 12. Gall is bitter and Hemlock is poysonous now when Judgement is turned into Gall and righteousness into Hemlock judgement is not far from that people Hos. 10. 4. Amos 6. 12. The Law thunders out curses against such as pervert judgement specially the judgement of the fatherless and the widow Deut 27. 19. Prov. 24. 24. 3. T is our Glory Righteousness exalts a Nation Prov. 14. 34. and brings a blessing on it Tlse Lord bless thee O habitation of justice Ier. 31. 33. So that what Solomon saith of Wisdom is most true of Justice Exalt her and she shall exalt thee to honour she shall be to thee an Ornament of grace and a Crown of glory shall she deliver to thee Prov. 4. 8 9. Justice and Judgement is more acceptable to God then Sacri●ice Prov 21. 3. without it all duties are an abomination Isa. 1. 15. Amos 5. 21 24. and our prayers in vain Iosh. 7. 20. A Heathen could say that the choicest gift that ever God gave to man considering what miseries he is subject to was government by justice which bridleth and reftraineth the presumption of the furious preserveth the innocent in his honesty and yieldeth equally to every man his due Now that Justice may be rightly dispensed to all seven rules must be observed Do Justice 1. Discreetly 2. Speedily 3. Impartially and Universally 4. Resolutely and Couragiously 5. Righteously and Exactly 6. Soberly 7. Diligently 1. A good Magistrate will execute justice Discreetly he is not rash nor heady but he ponders all Circumstances of person time and place and judgeth accordingly Now as a word spoken in season or as t is in the fountain a word set upon its wheels having a due concurrence of all Circumstances is like Apples of Gold in pictures of Silver not only ly delightfull to the eye but profitable to the possessor Prov. 25. 11. so an act of Justice rightly circumstantiated is both pleasant and profitable He must not regard bare accusations for who then should be innocent Christ himself was accused for a Blasphemer and an Enemy to Caesar and the Apostles were called Deceivers and yet they were true men 2 Cor. 6. 8. Besides wicked men are very subtile in concealing forging and wrapping up their sinfull practises Micah 7. 3. but a Prudent Magistrate will sift and search out the truth of a matter De●t 17. 4. Iob 29. 16. For want of this wise David was overseen and gave away good Mephib●sheths estate unheard upon the bare accusation of a self-seeking Ziba 2 S●● 19. 29. and it was hard to censure Queen Vash●i before she was heard speak for her self Hester 1. 19. T was good counsel and he did practice it himself which Al●xander gave to his Judges that when they had heard one party speak they should stop one ear to hear what the other party could say for himself T is folly to speak before we know the depth of the matter before us Prov. 18. 13. God will have both parties heard Exod 22. 9. 2. Speedily He must expedite causes and not make a long harvest of a little crop Delay oft makes the remedy worse then the disease To tire out the poor the fatherless and the widow with redious suits and dilatory courses till they have no means left to prosecute their righteous cause is an act of great unrighteousness Christ is described and a Magistrate cannot follow a better coppy to be one that seeketh judgement and executeth justice speedily Isa. 16. 5. So did David Psalm 101. ult As t is ill to do right rashly so t is a wrong to do it delayingly and as they do a double courtesie who do it speed●ly so they do double right who do it though discreetly and deliberately yet quickly When the Poor woman petitioned Philip King of Macedon to hear her cause he answered that he was not at leisure then said she Be ●ut King The King laying to heart her speech gave speedy audience not only to her but to all men from that day forward and the Emperour Tr● jan on horseback ready to go to battle alighted to hear the complaint of a poor woman Impartially and Universally to All without fear of foes or favour to friends As Gods justice knows no Relations Isa. 27. 11. Ier. 22. 4 24. So Magistrates in point of Justice must know none Levi in this case did know neither Father nor Mother Brethren nor Children Deut 33. 9. David punisht his Abs●lom with a three years banishment for his sratricide 1 Kings 13. 38. King Asa deposed his own Mother for her Idolatry 1 Kings 15. 13. and that resolution of Saul was Heroick if it had been well grounded Though the fault be found in Ionathan my Son he shall surely dye 1 Sam. 14. 39. T

God by Nature and he hath given them to be Gods by Name The Deity was by Incarnation cloathed with the Humane Nature and Humanity is here by Gods designation cloathed with the divine name I will praise thee before the Gods saith David Psal. 83. 1. that is The tune of my heart shall be high in singing thy praise even before them that are by thy command highest in place The Sun in the higher world shineth most gloriously yet he communicateth some of his light to the Moon whereby she surpasseth and is as Queen among the glittering Stars So God the true Sun is infinitely above all he shineth eminently with his own native light and lustre yet he bestoweth of his beauty and brightness on some men whereby they excel and are above others in this lower world For the Explication of this truth I shall only shew in what respects Magistrates are called Gods and then proceed to Application Magistrates are in a two-fold respect called Gods 1. In respect of their honourable dignity 2. In respect of their answerable Duty It speaketh that their priviledge is high and that their practices should be holy 1. In respect of their Dignity God speaketh the nature of Magistracy to be honourable by the names which he giveth to the Magistrate Government is not a mean employment but a great preserment Magistracy is here by God himself invested with Majesty It is observable that God ascribeth to Magistrates the most honourable names among men Great men 2 Sam. 3. 38. Nobles 2 Chron. 23. 30. Princes Psal. 83. 11. Kings his Kings Psal. 18. ult Fathers 1 Sam. 29. 11. Chief of the people Iudg. 20. 2. Heads over the people Exod. 18. 25. Dignities Glories Iude v. 8. The Ancients of the people Isai. 3. 12. not only because aged persons were ordinarily elected for with the ancient is wisdom and in length of dayes understanding Iob 12. 12. but also because aged persons are honourable persons Men are commanded to bow down before the hoary head and reverence the Ancient Levit. 19. 32. Nay God giveth Magistrates not only those names which are in most esteem amongst men but the names of Angels Angels are the perfection as it were of the Creation the top-stone of this glorious building When the Spirit of God would speak a thing or person to be excellent it doth resemble them to Angels My Lord is wise as an Angel of God 2 Sam. 14. 20. And Acts 6. 15. They beheld his face as if it had been the face of an Angel Farther the great happiness of holy ones in heaven is set forth by their likeness to Angels They shall be as Angels Matth. 22. 30. Now what glorious persons then are Magistrates that have the names of Angels given them Angels are called Dominions Principalities Powers Col. 1. 16. Ephes. 1. 21. So are Magistrates Iude v. 8. Titus 3. 1. Be subject to Principalities and Powers But the Text speaketh more of their dignity Magistrates have not only the highest names of the most honourable visible creatures Men and of the most honourable invisible creatures Angels but of the Creatour of God himself the Fountain and Standard of all Dignity and Honour I have said ye are Gods When Iacob would manifest to Iosephs children the extraordinary respect he had for their father he doth it thus My Name be named on them and the Names of my Father Abraham and Isaac Gen. 48. 16. It is a great honour to be called the servant of God Paul gloried in this Titus 1. 1. So did David more in being a subject to God then a King over men Psal. 36. Ti●e It is a greater honour and favour to be called Gods son Ioh. 1. 12. 1 Ioh. 3. 1. Is it a mean thing saith David to be the Kings Son in law 1 Sam. 18. 23. Magistrates are children of the most High they are ●ons to the King of Kings But the greatest honour of all is to be called Gods for God to say My name be named on them This is the highest name that can be given Here is a ne●●plus ultra This is the highest Name which is above all names and as the Diamond to the Ring addeth both vertue and value to whatsoever it is affixed As because Gold is the most precious excellent metal therefore we lay gold over other things we guild peuter brass yea silver it self So because God is the most excellent name it is laid to other things that thereby their worth may be set forth As the Sons of God Job 1. 6. The City of God Psal. 46. 4. The River of God Psal. 65. 9. The Kingdom of God Now in their dignity Magistrates resemble God in these two or three particulars and therefore are fitly called Gods First in receiving honour from others Honour accompanyeth power as the shadow the body There is naturally in man an aw and respect towards those that are Magistrates They are the Fathers of their Countrey and their subjects like children owe them both obedience and reverence Divine worship is to be given only to God in heaven but civil worship may be given to Gods on earth David speaketh of himself being a King His glory is great in thy salvation Honour and Majesty hast thou put upon him Psal. 21. 5. Ioseph when advanced to be a Ruler in Egypt rideth in the second Chariot and hath one crying befor him Bow the knee The most high God that giveth them Kingdoms doth also give them Glory and Majesty and honour Dan. 5. 28 29. God indeed hath the greatest honour as the Supreme Governour and Law-giver but Magistrates receive it upon his account as they are his Representatives and Vicegerents When I went out to the gate saith Iob that is to the place of administring justice for that work was done in the gates as Ruth 4. 1. Iob 5. 4. Psal. 127. 5. the young men saw me and hid themselves and the aged arose and stood up the Princes refrained talking and they laid their hands on their mouths Iob 29. 8 9. My son saith Solomon fear thou the Lord and the King Prov. 24. 21. God is the proper object of fear hence the Greeks call him fear but the Gods because invested with his authority and intrusted with the administration of his Kingdom upon earth are also to be feared as Superiour to us though inferiour to God Secondly their dignity appeareth and in this they resemble God also in giving Laws to others Magistrates have power to enact laws for the encouraging of vertue and discouraging of vice for the preservation of peace among their people Zanchy saith There are three offices of the Magistrate whereof one is to ordain laws for the worship of God and the welfare of men There is indeed one Supreme and absolute Law-giver Iames 4. 12. whose will and word must be the rule of others laws Besides in spirituals none can give laws to bind the conscience but

hath no shadow to refresh but is full of prickles good for nothing but to stop gaps and after to be burnt which desires to Tyrannize over people Iudges 9. 8 to 16. Good men are modest they know Honours are Burdens and they will not meddle with them till they be called to them They that are worthy must be sued to they are sooner found in retirement then in Popularity as Moses following I●thro's Flock Gideon in the Barn David at the Fold Saul hid amongst the Stuff ● Sam. 10. 22. and ● Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus was called from the Plough to be Dictator 4. This is matter of singular Consolation to Magistrates that since their Office is Gods Ordinance he will defend it against all the rage of men and Devils he is the God of Order and he 'l preserve it in despight of all its enemies As he calls his to Dignity so he 'l keep them in it Psal. 132. 17 18. Isa. 42. 6. 45. 13. as the Judgement is not yours but Gods so he 'l assist you in it against all Opposers be they never so great Ioshua 1. 5. 2 Chron. 19. 6. He that hath set the Crown upon your heads will keep it there if you uphold his Kingdom he 'l uphold yours if you be mind●ull of Gods work he will not be unmindfull of your reward Nehem. 13. 22. Isa. 38. 3. Keep Gods way and he 'l keep you as he did Moses Ioshua Hezek ah ●●i●h David Constantin● 〈◊〉 and others Though you meet with many troubles run many hazards and pass through many dangers and d●fficulties by reason of Atheists Idolaters Libertines and all the rable of Hell yet in six troubles the Lord wi●l be with you and in the seventh he will not leave you he 'l be your assistant in your labours your comforter in tentations your director in straits and your Oedipus in doubts he will subdue your people under you and incline their hearts to obedience Psal. 47. 3. 144. 10. he 'l give you Peace of Conscience in the faithfull discharge of your duty and a Crown of glory hereafter T is very necessary in these Tumultuous times for Magistrates to be well assured that their calling is from God it will wonderfully uphold their spirits in a time of trial When Luther had writ a Book in defence of the Civil Magistrate and proved it to be Gods Ordinance and very pleasing to him when Freder●ck Duke of Saxo●y had read it t is ●aid that for joy he lifted up his hands to Heaven and gave thanks to God that now he knew out of the Holy Scriptures that his calling was ordained of God and that with a good conscience he might now perform the duties of it T is an act of Dignation and not of Indigence that God makes use of any to be Instruments of conveying his blessing to others ho● agens liberrimum he can do his own work without us he needs us not T is a great honour that he is pleased to imploy us either in Magi●tra●y or Ministry when he hath once invested us in those offices and we discharge them faithfully he takes the despight that is done to us as done to himself ● Thess. 4. 8. When the Israelites rejected Samuel God comforts him with this they have not rejected thee but they have rejected me who set thee as a Judge over them and have gifted thee with graces for the faithfull discharge of thy office ● Sam. 8. 7. You are Gods more immediate Servants Ier. 27. 6. Rom. 13. 2. the dishonour that is done to you reflects upon your Master and if David so sharply revenged the abuse that was done to his Embassadors by the Amonites ● Sam. 10. 45. let not the Levelling Ammonites of our time who vilifie both Magistracy and Ministry think to escape unpunished ● Sam. 26. 9. Prov. 17. 11. 24. 21 22. Rom. 13. 2. Magistrates are called Fathers and he that cursed his Father was to die for it Lev. 20. 9. 5. Bless God for Magistracy Every day we should be praising him for this Ordinance that we can rise in Peace and rest in Peace Travail in Peace and come to Gods house in Peace and sit every man under his own Vine and Fig-tree in Peace all this and a thousand times more we enjoy by the means of Magistracy ● Kings 4. 25 Micah4 4. T is these Mordecays that bring Wealth and Peace to a People Hester 10. 3. Magistrates are the greatest Servants in the world they wake that we may sleep they labour that we may rest in Peace by them violence is supprest Justice executed Religion maintained and humane Societies preserved Psa. 72. per●otum 85. 10 11 12 13. These are or should be eyes to the blind legs to the lame terrors to the wicked Towers to the Righteous Fathers to the Fatherless Widows and oppressed Take away Government and what would Nations be but Dens of Devils and Cages of unclean Birds We see how wickedness abounds though we have Magistrates to restrain it but Oh the abominations that would be in the world if there were no Government What Idolatry Witchcraft Blasphemy Heresie Murder Theft Atheism Barbarism Routs and Riots Cruelty and Villany would overflow in all places When there was no King in Israel then every mans lust was a Law and they fell to Idolatry uncleanness and much wickedness as appears Iudges 17. 6. and 18. ult and 19. 1. hence the taking away of the Judge and the Prophet is reckoned as a sore judgement and the very inlet to Oppression and Confusion Isa. 3. 1. 2 5. 24. 1 2. Amos 2. 3. Hosea 10. 3. 13. 11. Amongst all those heavy curses which David calls for against his malitious enemies this is the first Let a wicked man Rule over him Psal. 109. 6. What 's an Army without a General a School without a Master a Family without a Governour or a Nation without Rulers they need no forreign force to destroy them they would soon destroy themselves Hab. 1. 13. 14. S●obaeus tells us of a Persian Law that after the death of their King every man had five dayes liberty to do what he pleased that by beholding the wickedness and disorder of those few dayes they might prize Government the better all their dayes after When Moses was absent but forty dayes in the Mount the Israelites presently worship a Calf In the Book of Iudges we read of the death of Ehud Gideon and their Governour and presently the people change their Gods and did evil in the sight of the Lord to their own destruction Iudges 2. 19 20. 4. 2. 8. 33. Take Government out of the world and then take the Sun out of the Firmament and leave it no more a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a beautiful structure but a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a confused heap without this men would be like Ismael wild men every mans hand would be against his Brother

Judges especially must take heed what they do 2. Chr. 19. 6. and therefore t was a great over-sight in D●vid to give away good Miph bosheths land before he had heard him speak for himself 2 Sam. 19. 29. 8. As God judgeth by Law though he be Lord Paramount of all the world and being absolute in himself might make his will his Law and none may say unto him What dost thou yet he judgeth according to the Law of nature 2. By the Moral Law 3. By the Gospel So Rulers must rule by Law and not by Lust. Deut. 17. 11. then their words have power with them Eccles. 8. 4. then they are the higher powers indeed whom none may resist but at his own peril Rom. 13. 2. whereas a Ruler and his will or lust is the Higher Weakness rather then the Higher Power The strength of Princes lyeth in the Law as Sampsons strength lay in his locks and these are the peoples security Laws are the best walls of a City without them even walled Cities want defence they are as Physick to the body both for preventing and removing of diseases yea they are as the soul to the body without them the Common-wealth would neither have beauty nor being Where the Magistrate obeyes the Laws and the people obey the Magistrate there is both beauty strength and safety Such Magistrates as Practice their own Laws may the more boldly punish the Transgressors of them David that went before his people in an holy Example threatens judgement against the workers of iniquity Psal. 101. T was Lycurgus his honour that he never made a ●aw which himself did not practice 9. God doth communicate his Goodness to all he causeth his Sun to shine upon the just and unjust So publick persons should have publick Spirits their gifts and goodness should diffuse themselves for the good of the whole Their great care should be to promote the publich Interest more then their own So did Moses Ex●d 32. 10 11 32. Nehemiah Chap. 5. 6. to 19. and David Psal. 137. 5 6. Acts 13. 36 who served God and not himself in his generation T was Caesars high Commendation that he never had himself after the world had him for a Governour his mind was so set on the publick that he forgot his own private affairs The Stars have their brightness not for themselves but for the use of others T is for Tyrants to seek themselves it becomes good Governours to seek the good of their people T is therefore made one special Qualification Property of a Magistrate that he be not covetous nor self-seeking Exod. 18. 22. he must not only be an Able Wise Religious Just man but he must be one especially that ha●es covetousness that bitter Root of Bribery Partiality Symony Perjury Sacriledge and Pusillanimity A Magistrate should be a Magnanimous Valiant man but this sin dispirits a man and makes him cold and cowardly in the cause of God Now all those Governours that are thus Qualified and do resemble God in the Particulars mentioned shall have Gods protection the blessing of their people the comfort of a good conscience when they come to die as Moses Samuel Hezekiah Nehemiah and at the day of Judgement when the wicked shall cry to be hid they shall appear with comfort and confidence before Christs Tribunal See nine Properties of a good Magistrate in Mr. Frosts Ser. folio p. 288 289. Dr. Halls Solomon● Politicks Vol. 1. folio p. 209. See eight Qualifications in Mr. Gurnals Ser. on Isa. 3 26. p. 29 c. Mr. Livesy Iehosaphats charge p. 135 c. Mr. Baxters Sheet of Directions to Justices of the Peace Yong Gentlemen that are towards the Law may do well in their minority throughly to peruse Plutarchs lives and specially his Morals Seneca Xenephons Cyropaedia and Mr. Peachams compleat Gentleman they are full of excellent Notions both for Speculation and Practice and are all Translated into English for common use Quest. Will not this discourage inferior people when they hear great ones called Gods and see them exalted when they are made to serve in inferior callings Answ. Not at all for there is much of God may be seen even in their callings The Husbandmans calling is lookt upon as a mean imployment yet the Lord tells us that t is he who teacheth him to Plow Sow and Harrow Isa. 28. 24 25 26. As he teacheth the Warrier to fight Psal. 18. 34. and the Ruler how to sway the Scepter and Bezaliel his curious works Exodus 35. 22. so he giveth Wisdom to the Husbandman how to order his affairs with discretion T is reported of Heracli●us that when his Schollars had found him in a Tradesmans shop whither they were ashamed to enter he encouraged them saying Quod neque tali loco dii desunt immortales That the Gods were as well present in such places as in others intimating that a divine power and wisdom might be discerned even in those common Arts which are so much despised Hence Tarentinu● perswaded his friends to go with him to a Forge and he would shew them Gods handy work there Introite inquit sunt his etiam Dii so may we say of other Artificers Come in and see Gods handy work here There 's no calling so mean but some foot-steps of a Deity may be seen there and though thou be not the Head thou hast the less to account for yet the hands feet and toes are usefull in their places and if thou walk humbly with thy God in them thou maist come to heaven before Princes who oft-times are Gods in name but Devils indeed T is the glory of a land when Ministers preach Magistrates protect People obey and each in their places help to preserve humane Society Observation 8. God is not only present but President and chief Ruler amongst the Rulers of the world he 's King of Kings and Lord of Lords 1 Tim. 6. 15. Rev. 17. 14. his eye is with them on the throne Iob 36. 7. he sits on the bench amongst them and is in their Assemblies hence their Seat is called The holy place Eccles. 8. 10. God is Lord-chief-Justice on the Bench with them He doth not only look on them but he stands in the midst of them and erects his Throne in their Thrones he eyes their Affections takes notice of their actions attends their charges and passeth a censure upon their censures As he hath a more especial interest in them so he hath a more especial eye upon them Sen●ca would have men to do all Tanquam spectet Cato but Judges should do all Tanquam spectet Deus remembring Gods Al-seeing eye is still upon them Iehosaphat could not ride Circuit with his Judges but God doth He is with them not only by way of assistance and protection but also by way of Observation he takes notice of every sentence that passeth and will bring it again to

but on some there is Affixed a special note of certainty because of mans especially great mens extraordinary sottishness and infidelity Ye shall die like men That is like other ordinary men as ye came from the earth so to earth you must return Death fears not you more then other men Ish and Adam the Noble and Ignoble are alike to that grim Serjeant Death Though men have lived like Gods yet they must die like Adam or any other base contemptible man yea if wicked ye shall die like beasts for all your honour Psal. 49. ult though in respect of your Dignity you have been like Saul taller by the head and shoulders then the rest of the people yet in your death there shall be no difference you must to the grave as other men and then to judgement for that is included in the word Death Heb. 9. 27. It is appointed for all men once to die and after death comes judgement And fall like one of the Princes These words have many Glosses put upon them 1. Some understand them of a fall by a Natural death q. d. Ye Rulers of the people for all your state and pomp shall fall by death like others of your rank that have been before you that were as high in honour and great in power as your selves and yet they dyed and so must you Their graves amongst you read a Lecture of Mortality to you they are gone off the stage of the world and you are come on it is not long but you also must die and make room for your successors and thus the word fall is put for dying in Scripture Gen. 14. 10. Psal. 91. 7. 2. Others take this fall to be by a Violent Death He had before said they should die as other men but now he riseth higher and tells them of a more especial Judgement which should befall them rather then others and that is ye shall fall how is that Why for your Tyranny and abuse of your power against God and his people ye shall be cast out of your Seats your pride shall have a fall and that by a Violent Death for so I find the word fall taken very frequently in Scripture for Perishing by a Violent death as falling by the sword Exod. 32. 28. Hos. 5. 5. 7. 7. or by the Pestilence 1 Chron. 21. 14. 1 Cor. 10. 8. Tyrants seldom go to their graves in Peace Most of the Caesars fell by the hands of the people q. d. If you be like Tyrants in sin expect to be like them in Punishment as I cast them out of their Thrones for their Insolence and Violence so will I cast you out and you shall fall like one of these Tyrannical Princes 3. Others take it for the falling as the Princes of other Nations q d. though you are the Princes of Gods people yet are you not thereby Priviledged from the Arrest of death for the most gracious Saint dyeth as well as the most notorious sinner Grace is an Antidote against the poyson of death but not a Preservative against undergoing death 4. Others take it for a falling from an high and flourishing condition so as they shall be had in contempt of all This is a truth and the word fall is oft so used in Scripture Isai. 3. 8. Psal. 118. 13. Ier. 51. 8. But this sense is too strait for this place The Exegesis implies a greater falling then from their estates 5. Other learned men render the words thus And ye shall fall like others or ye shall fall like one of the Vulgar But this Version will not hold and that for two Reasons 1. It hath no foundation in the Original nor in the Septuagint nor in any of the Oriental Versions 2. It is a pure Tautology ye shall die like Adam i. e. like ordinary men and shall fall like one of the Vulgar i. e. like ordinary men The three first senses are most genuine as agreeing best with the Original the sense of the Text and the like Scripture phrase The sum and substance of all is this q. d. It is true I have said and I say so still that ye are by office Gods and by Commission ye are all the sons of the most high God whom he hath intrusted with some part of his Iudiciary power but yet this doth not exempt you from Mortality for though in Dignity you are above others yet Death will level you and you must to the grave as well as others who are ordinary men and as others of your own rank have have done before you and then you who have Iudged others shall be judged with others for after death comes judgement Observation 1. The Scriptures of the Old Testament are the Word of God Christ cites this very Text in the New Testament Iohn 10. 34 35. against the calumniating Pharisees yea Christ and his Apostles to shew the divine authority of the Old Testament even in Gospel times did fetch Arguments oft-times out of the Old Testament to confirm their Doctrine and practice About 400 places are cited out of the Old Testament in the New But of this I have spoken elsewhere at large Observation 2. Magistrates have their power and commission from God It is he that said and it is his Word that comes to them which makes them Gods on earth Magistracy is no fancy of mans inventing nor plant of his planting for then it had long since been rooted up by those sons of Be●ial that have so oft opposed it yet could never prevail against it If God had not been in this Bush so oft set on fire it had been consumed long ere this it could never have stood so many thousand years against the rage and fury of men and Devils We may use the same Argument to prove the Divinity of Magistracy which sometimes we do to prove the Divinity of the Scriptures viz. the strange preservation of it in all revolutions and changes amidst those wars and confusions which have been in the world Some indeed have thrown off their Governours but never yet could throw off a Government As soon as one is off another is in the saddle yea so connatural it is to the Principles and notions of mans mind that a Government is found even amongst Heathens where no Scripture is found to teach it But of this see more on Verse 1. Observation 3. It is lawful to give Titles of honour even to wicked Magistrates Those in this Psalm were none of the best yea all things considered they were as vile as the vilest yet you see the Holy Ghost gives them their Titles of honour still I have said ye are Gods and as if that were not sufficient he presently adds and ye are All mark that not good Magistrates only but also the bad even All in respect of their place and office are the children of the most High which may for ever silence those sots which say we may give

Titles of honour to Godly Magistates but not to the Ungodly But of this see more Verse 1. Observation 4. Even wicked Magistrates have their power from God Rom. 13. 1. All power is of God and yet the Rulers at that time were Heathenish Persecutors It is true the abuse of the power is not from God but the Power it self is as the abuse of the Ministry and marriage are not of God though the Ministry and marriage it self be Be the Magistrates superiour or inferiour wise men or fools good or bad there is no power but it is of God The Apostle speaks not Indefinitly The higher powers are of God but he speaks Vniversally and Exclusively there is no power be it what it will but is of God Though the manner of getting into power by fraud and force may be unlawful and of man yet the power and office it self is of God and that not only by permission for so is sin and the Devils power but by special ordination The Powers that be are ordained of God for the greater manifestation of his Wisdom Power Justice and Goodness We must therefore shew all due respect and reverence to Magistrates as Magistrates be they never so Vile for though in respect of their wickedness their persons may deserve contempt yet their calling is Honourable There is a ray and sparkle of Gods Soveraignty and Image in Authority and in that respect whatever the persons are they must be Honoured We should not be too scrupulous in enquiring how men come to their power but rather study how we may walk wisely winningly and Religiously towards such as are in power Observation 5. God is the most High He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords the most High over all the earth and to be exalted above all Gods Psal. 86. 8. 96. 4. 113. 4. This Title of most High is often given to God Gen. 14. 18 22. Psal. 7. 17. 46. 4. Luk. 1. 32 35. 6. 35. 8. 28. Acts 16. 17. Heb. 7. 1. and is one of those ten Names which are attributed to God to set forth his transcendent and surpassing Excellency Majesty Power and Authority over and above all Though others be High yet there is an Higher then they Eccles. 5. 8. even the High and lofty one who dwelleth in the high and holy place and judgeth those that are high Iob 21. 22. Psal. 113. 5. Isa. 33. 5. No Towers Pillars Places or Persons so high but he can bring them down It is this most High that ruleth the Kingdoms of men and giveth them to whom he pleaseth Dan. 4. 32. 5. 18. He is the great Jehovah the Lord Paramount of Heaven and Earth there 's none to be compared to him Psal. 135. 15. I know that the Lord is great and our Lord is above all Gods whether they be so Deputed as Magistrates or Reputed as Idols He is not only great but Greatness it self not only high but the most High beyond the Tongues expression or the hearts imagination It is infinite and so unspeakable we may assoon measure the Sea with a spoon or put it in a bushel as comprehend with our shallow understandings his excellent Greatness it is therefore called Unsearchable Psal. 145. 3. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised his Greatness is Vnsearchable All the power perfection beauty and excellency that is dispersed through the whole world that and ten thousand times more is in the Lord by way of Eminency and Transcendency All the glory that is in Angels men and all creatures compared to his is but as a drop to the Sea a shadow to the Substance or one little sand to a great Mountain Heaven Earth and Sea compared to him are parum nihil meer Nothing In Isa. 40. 12 15 16 17. we have a most lively expression of the power of God Who hath measured the water in the hollow of of his hand and meeted out the Heavens with a span and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the Mountains in scales and the Hills in a ballance c. He doth these great things with ease as if it were but Spanning Measuring Weighing c. Hence it is that Greatness is truly and properly ascribed to God alone He only is great Deut. 32. 3. 2 Sam. 7. 22. Psal. 96. 4. 99. 2 3. 145. 3. Titus 2. 13. Excellent is that Doxology of David 1 Chron. 29. 11 12. Thine O Lord is the Greatness and the Power and the Glory and the Victory and the Majesty for all that is in Heaven and Earth is thine thine is the Kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted above all both riches and honour come of thee c. He is mighty in power there is no opposing him Psal. 147. 5. mighty in counsel there is no out-witting him Ier. 32. 13. mighty in working there is no out-doing him Deut. 32. 4. and great in judgement there is no withstanding him Exod 7. 4. 1. Then Trust in this Great God what though thou have great enemies great Tentations within without yet remember thou hast the great God to assist thee A weak creature when backt by a stronger will venture on a stronger then it self When the Prophet Micaiah saw two Kings sitting on their Thrones he was not afraid because he saw a greater then they 1 Kings 22. 10 19. Moses by an eye of faith beheld him who was invisible and therefore did not fear the wrath of the King Heb. 11. 27. Did we stand by our own strength we might well fear but our help standeth in the Name of the Lord Psal. 124. ult This upheld Abraham in his straits he doubted not because God who had promised was able to perform Rom. 4. 18. and this upheld Paul I know whom I have believed and that he is faithful and able to keep what I have committed to him 2 Tim. 1. 12. Get an holy Magnanimity of Spirit God loves to do great things for those that greatly trust in him as we see in those three Worthies who were Gyants rather then children Dan. 3. Oppose this mighty God to all the might that comes against thee Whilst others boast of their friends Navies Confederates Strong-holds c. do thou make thy boast of God and say The Lord is my Light and my salvation whom should I fear there is none amongst the Gods to be compared to him Psal. 27. 1 2 3 86. 8. When Charles the fifth in a challenge to the King of France commanded his Herald to proclaim all his Titles Charles Emperour of such a place King of such a place Duke of such a place ● bids defiance to the King of France The King of France on the other side bids his Herald proclaim no more but this The King of France the King of France the King of France bids defiance to Charles the Emperour of Germany Intimating that one Kingdom