so rest in peace because a good Shepherd is their watchman Was not this the very foundation and cause that David Ps 23. found such great comfort and refreshment namely from his Shepherd Dear Friends if God help us to obtain good Shepherds good Governors our strife will end our differences will be composed Corrupt Opinions on the one hand and desperate Blasphemy and Profaneness on the other hand will vanish as smoak before the winde The very presence of Moses destroyed the profaneness of Idolatrous Worship Dear Christian Friends if God help us in this matter then shall peace and truth meet together and as Moses and Aaron they shall kiss one another in the Mount of God Then shall we well provide for the comfort of our children and for their posterity Then shall the generations to come have cause to bless us Then shall the Name of the Lord be praised with joyful hearts Then shall the Lord bless us and we shall be blessed I shall endeavor to write in this ensuing Treatise without partiality without turning to the right or to the left hand without respect of persons further then in a way of righteousness accept of this my mite And let those men who have received more abilities and opportunity put more into the Treasury Dear Friends and Country-men I dare not say that for your sakes I could be content to have my name blotted out of the Book of Life Nor with Paul That for this cause I could be content to be a cast-away from the presence of God for ever For the thought of that would be more bitter then death But this I do say That so far as I know my own heart provided that the loss of my temporal life would be the means to procure this happiness to you namely that you might possess Judges as the first and Counsellors as at the beginning I could be content to lay down this temporal life that for a little season I do here enjoy Beloved Friends I considering that there is so great a distance at this time between Opinions but more especially there is a greater difference between the affections of many I shall desire leave of the courteous Reader that without offence I may propound some other matters to consideration My ends therein are that I may extinguish that heat if not wholly yet in some measure that is burning or smothering in the hearts of many For otherwise these will lie as a block or as a bar in the way to hinder that peace and truth should not meet together I remember Jacob his example herein he being intended and desirous to be reconciled to his brother Esau who had determined or threatned his death He labors to prevent and pacifie his brothers anger by sending presents and soft answers good words before him Such gifts as I have I offer to you Silver and Gold I have but little I desire that I may finde the like acceptance that Jacob did The first and great hinderance that I find laid in the way to hinder Peace and Truth from meeting together is the death of the late King the removing of divers Lords and some others from their present Being or acting as Members of that Court and the pretended wilful breach of a former Covenant I am not desirous to call back those things that are done and past I am not desirous to take abroad those imbers in which wherein hath been or may be contained coals of fire that might or may kindle such fâ—â—â—es as are not easily quenched It is better for peace sake to suffer some yea much wrong then to endeavor to right our selves in such a way as may turn to far greater loss Our Saviour counselleth us rather to suffer wrong then to contend in Law and rather to lose our garment then to contend too earnestly for it In those things wherein sin is committed by others and we no actors nor consenters in it we may in some cases especially then when by seeking revenge we may plunge and throw our selves â—â—to greater dangers and temptations in such cases we may wait patiently and commit those cases to God that judgeth righteously Sin shall slay the wicked doer and God will bring down the evil and the deceitful men He that riseth up to right another mans cause must look well to his own calling and abilities Did not these lie as a bar in the way to hinder Peace and Truth from meeting I should be silent and commit the matter to him that judgeth righteously and so I desire to do I shall not use here any carnal weapons onely make some use of Truth so well as I am able that thereby we may find the way to Peace And first touching the late Kings death consider that we cannot recall that What then Are you resolved to set up the eldest Son upon the Throne of his Father Consider well of it Can you tell whether he will prove wise or foolish Can you tell whether he will care for the Flock Can you tell whether he will love or hate the Flock Can you tell whether you should obtain your desires or whether that the pursuance thereof may not be a means to ruine your selves and many others that desire to live in peace Are you nevertheless resolved to have such a Watchman such a Shepherd Will you expect grapes from thorns I have indeed to my sorrow heard this with my ears lately spoken That if a Turk or any other as bad almost should come hither and contend for the Government there would be a great party for him Oh horrible impiety that men should so far be transported beyond the bounds of Reason and Religion Indeed there is a generation too apparent that by their works by their swearing and prophaneness and hatred of those that love and fear the Lord declare evidently that they are Gods enemies It is therefore not to be wondred that God should give them over to strong delusions to believe lies What if Gods Word declare evidently That the Government by Judges be better more agreeable to his mind more useful and more comfortable to us will you nevertheless have a King consider of it Friends Countrymen Beloved I have no prejudice against a King but this I say I honour love worship and desire to cleave to the Precepts and Commandments of him that is the King of Kings of him who gave me life and is able to raise me up to life when this span of time is past when the King of Terrors hath done his utmost spite I was no actor in the Kings death I had taken a great journey above four years before the death of the King and was many hundreds of miles distant from this Land and returned hither very lately I speak therefore the more freely with more liberty I have endeavored with the greatest care I could to weigh mens words and passages in the ballance of the Sanctuary and I find many that speak loosely carelesly and many more prophanely Is
spring forth it causeth the Corn to grow whereby man is nourished Now consider whence or how this creature the Sun is so wonderfully and excellently made is it not from the wisdom and excellency of the most high God that made it and governeth it Now let us but consider That if God should but with-hold his hand if God should but withdraw himself his wisdom his power his faithfulness his skill for want of such a Work-master these glorious works of God would be confused and fail This sheweth that there is a necessity for the well-being of matters of great consequence especially such as are the Governments over and amongst men that the Governors be chosen men we cannot be too circumspect what Governors we do receive and that they be men chosen of God c. If we err in this Governor we shall finde that great trouble will follow Consider likewise the Stars of Heaven which although they are to us innumerable yet every Star hath his proper place they go their appointed journeys and courses which they keep without jarring or alteration performing those operations to them appointed Consider likewise the Tydes how they do ebb and flow keeping within the limits of time and proportion Thus far they flow and so return in their due and appointed seasons And doth not this come to pass from the excellency and perfection of that God that created and is the Governor of them Consider likewise amongst men in every great and useful work if the guide and governor of the work be skilful and able doth not the work committed to him prosper proportionably On the contrary if a foolish man a disordered person have the government in chief of such matters are they not likely to fail and be confused Consider likewise in a Ship when the Master is godly wise skilful and able is not the Voyage by him likely to come to good issue But on the contrary if a foolish disordered unjust man be the Master is not the undertaking endangered if not overthrown And is not this matter namely the Government of a Common-wealth to be looked upon with as much regard Ought not men to be very heedful and circumspect who and what manner of persons they accept to govern them Doth not this matter immediately concern Gods glory Doth it not concern the good and comfort of our Souls of our Bodies of our Estates and of our Children Yes certainly the matter is of great concernment And yet are we not to lament this namely That men oft rush upon the chusing of Governors as the horse into the battel with too little fear or wit Men are too much of these tempers First Either they will admit of no Government whence springeth misery confusion and every evil work by this means some say as Pharaoh said to Moses Exod. 5.2 Who is the Lord that I should hear his voyce and let Israel go I know not the Lord neither will I let Israel go Thus will it be with many who acknowledg none to be their Rulers And some David speaketh of Psal 12.4 who say in their hearts Our tongues are our own who is Lord over us These men know not what they do they desire that which would assuredly make them miserable But of this in another place if God will Or secondly Others they desire to have Government but they consider not of how great concernment Government is of Hence it comes to pass that like the people in Samuels time men will have a King they will have a Governor not duly weighing and considering what maner of Governor they desire whether he be godly or ungodly whether he be wise or foolish whether he be a man sent of God or a man of their own inordinate desires whether he come in to be the true Shepherd by the door of Gods Word according to the rule there prescribed or whether he come in at the window or creep in some other way by friends beauty riches eloquence fraud flattery Thus lamentable experience teacheth us hath been the practise of the People and Nations from the time of Samuel to this day too often Hence it cometh to pass that so many Wolves enter into the sheep-fold who miserably devour persecute destroy the sheep The consideration of these miseries which arise from and attend upon those people that have wolves in sheeps clothing instead of true Shepherds occasions us to search and enquire what may be the true ground or fountain whence this evil springeth There are two main and principal Causes which occasioned God to suffer Jsrael to be so misled so seduced so deceived so afflicted The one Reason was Because the people slighted dis-esteemed and undervalued this pearl of great price namely to have God to be their King and to have him immediately to choose their Governors for them The second Reason was Because the people did not diligently observe and cleave to the Commandments of God but instead thereof they followed their own inventions And if we shall warily consider what the cause hath been and is why the People and Nations have done and do so miscarry in their Governments it ariseth from these two fore-named Grounds namely the slighting Gods Mercies and departing from prescribed Rules For the first of these read Deut. 6.11 to 16. where God admonisheth them to take heed and to beware lest when they had abundance when they had eaten and were full that they did not then slight disesteem or forget God Reason God gave them in this admonition as namely because vers 12. God brought them out of Egypt out of a low condition vers 15. and because God was a jealous God among them and lest the wrath of God were kindled against them to destroy them Notwithstanding those and many other Exhortations and Cautions which the Lord from time to time laid before them to warn them yet they soon and often turned aside from God the Fountain of living water and digged to themselves broken Cisterns that would not hold good water And touching the second namely their departing from the Rules prescribed Moses did often admonish them as in this Chapter vers 16. Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God c. Vers 17. But you shall keep diligently the Commandments of the Lord your God and his Testimonies and his Ordinances c. Dearly beloved this is very apparent That Government is of very great concernment Therefore it is to be prized at a great value We ought with great diligence to seek and to search the Scriptures that so we may find the right and pure way prescribed owned and blessed by God for the choice of our Governors By this means we shall obtain a blessing from God we shall have true Shepherds we shall discover wolves in sheeps clothing who slily creep in to devour and to destroy If God so often willeth us to take heed to keep all his Commands then certainly this which is of so great concernment is not to be slighted but
valued at a high price Now to the end that we may more deeply imprint this in our affections and that we may never forget the great good and benefit of good Government it behoves us to consider what should be the Reason that God permitteth such corrupt Governors to be in the world It is not because God wants either Power Wisdom or Will to do us good for as a father pitieth his children so and much more is our Gods favor toward us And as the Heavens are higher then the Earth so is his Mercy c. God is of great bounty abundant in goodness rich in mercy If it be so as it is certainly so then we may learn this That the cause why God suffereth us to err in this matter of Government is for his Glory and for our learning for our good Good things are best seen to be good by their contraries The benefit of light is best discerned when we have been in darkness The absence of the Sun and cold in Winter causeth us to value the benefit of his nearer presence in the Summer The full loatheth the hony-comb but to the hungry bitter things seem sweet When God brought Jsrael out of Egypt he could have brought them to Canaan a nearer way God seeth it meet that we must sow in tears before we reap in joy God placed Adam our Grandfather in happiness he valued an apple at a higher price then Gods favor therefore God made him to know sorrow that seeing the difference he might be more wary afterwards and value better things according to their worth Israel was Gods first born Son and God bestowed this favor not to be enough valued upon them namely this That he did immediately appoint the persons that should govern them But Israel were full and fat they were wanton and slighted Gods mercy in this matter Therefore God suffered them to reap the fruit of their inventions They disliked that form of Government which God had prescribed which God had owned and blessed They would alter that form of Government appointed by God namely that of Judges and they would have a King Against this form of Government by Kings God expresly declared his dislike for here note it was not about the person but about the form of Government the difference lay directly between Government by Judges and Government by Kings They were at the first content that God should choose the person and to make him King who the Lord their God chose But after they fell more grosly they chose Kings themselves without enquiring of God as I purpose if God will to shew afterwards Well consider we of it God gave them a King in his wrath c. Note well what God saith Deut. 28.47 48. Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness and with a good heart for the abundance of all things Therefore thou shalt serve thy enemies in hunger and in thirst and in nakedness and in need of all things and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck c. Beloved friends Let us not cast away our Reason that noble faculty of our Souls consider that both they and we have had a long and large experience of the difference between Judges and Kings Compare those Judges of Israel before Kings were with those Kings that were after them Consider this That of or amongst those Judges immediately appointed by God from Moses to Samuel there was not one of them but were blessed by God his good Spirit helped them to judg righteously Secondly God made them a blessing to the People they did not addict themselves to voluptuous pleasure nor to build stately Palaces not to idolatrous wives not to many wives not to voluptuous diet or much wine not to multiplicity of attendants not to Plays Pastimes Hawking and Hunting not to Oppression of their Brethren not to idleness not to swearing profaneness They did not nourish and promote and put great Titles of Honor upon men and keep company with such most familiarly which openly and often blasphemed and despised God the most high God by swearing revelling whoring and what not profaneness nor did those blessed Judges neglect the due administration of Justice and Judgment Quest But what did these Judges then What manner of persons were they Ans First Note that God sent them they came into the sheepfold by the door by Gods appointment they did not creep slighly in by beauty friends eloquence mony indiscreet Elections of the people not by any unjust fraud or force Hence it came to pass that God blessed them with a good portion of his good and blessed Spirit God owned them Hence it came to pass likewise That the sheep owned them and willingly obeyed their voyce and followed them in the paths of righteousness These Judges likewise loved the People see how Moses intercedes and pleads with God by prayer and supplication for them Oh it is a precious benefit to people to enjoy godly Governours These Judges were humble meek painfull they did not swell with conceit that their veins were full of Royal bloud For they still acknowledg the people to be their brethren It 's said of Moses when Jethro came to see him that he judged the people from morning to evening And afterwards his burthen or charge was not laid aside by Jethro's counsel only it was eased It is said of Samuel That besides the pains he took where he dwelt in judging the people he likewise went about and judged the people in other places year by year Now dear friends concerning the fruits that came by Kings I appeal to God to his sacred word to the Records to the Chronicles to the experience both of our own and other Nations whether Kings have been to be compared with those Judges have not Kings been addicted to those vices and very empty of such graces as were requisite for men in such eminent places For though some may cavil and object that some Kings were good I shall if God permit and assist answer I hope to satisfaction both this and all other objections that I have yet heard of and can remember that tend to confirm and strengthen the continuance and beings of Kings amongst us Because I judge that from evident grounds plainly laid down in the sacred Scriptures the word of God the most true and the most unerring rule to direct us Kings were neither the first nor the best way of Government Consider likewise those precious promises of God who hath not left us without hope for the word of God seemeth to me plainly to declare and shew that in these last days which days and times I believe to be these verytimes or times very near approaching as by the opinion of many Godly and learned men in which God will destroy corrupt Government and Governors and will exalt his mountain in the top of the Mountains and will give and restore to us Judges as at the first and Counsellors as at the beginning
Afterwards thou shalt be called a City of righteousness a faithful City Isai 1.25 26 27. ch 2.2 3 4. Of this I purpose to speak more afterwards Dearly beloved friends thus much I can and do affirm to you all in the presence of that all-seeing â—od who will bring hidden things deeds of darkness to light even in the presence of that God who I do Love Fear Worship who is my Hope my Joy from whom I received all the Good I have from whom I expect my comfort for the time to come I have not so far as I know my own heart any prejudice nor respect of persons nor any past present or future by or sinister respect in the writing this little Treatise I have never received the value of one penny in recompence of my endeavors and for the time to come I am so far from thoughts that way That I do expect rather that I shall receive injury hereby and that this may be a great hinderance to me in wordly respects only this is my comfort That I know whom I have trusted And this further can I say likewise That at the writing hereof I know not nor did ever see either those truly honourable Generals the Lord Fairfax nor the Lord Cromwel nor any Captain or Souldier amongst them except some few I lately saw in or neer to London as I passed by them nor do I know any one of them if I see them again so far as I conceive It is possible some of my acquaintance may be in the Army but if it be so I know it not And concerning those worthy men for so I esteem them to be that now sit in the Parliament I never saw any one of them to my knowledg except one who I have seen I think three or four times yet I know not certainly whether he be of the Parliament or no only I think he is Whereas I affirm that I know not any of the Army or of the Parliament I intend that I know not the persons of the men but by their fruits I know much concerning them Some may judge this to be superfluous to mention but I shall shew you what moveth me so to do In discoursing with divers men I find to my best apprehension That there is such a crooked and perverse generation of men that imagine mischief that invent base false and slanderous reports against Parliament Generals Army and indeed against the most that truly fear God Blame me not therefore courteous Reader if I labour to prevent slanderous and lying Tongues And this likewise I affirm That with due regard of Gods presence in the fear of God being much sensible of my own weakness seriously considering of how great weight it is to write books and to present them to publique view I am very fearful to presume above what is meet and this I say further that my purpose is to propound the matters and causes I shall principally insist upon in this following Treatise I purpose likewise according to the measure of light grace and opportunity that God shall give me to prove and clear the matters propounded and then having presented the cause I shall earnestly desire of God to stir some persons who are more learned and better able then my self and to enable and direct them so That they may more largely and clearly shew forth to publique view the mind of God in these matters of Government and Governors It is now a long season that the Nations have been so kept under by Corrupt Governors above two thousand years during which time where or who was the man that durst or did punctually discover the Corruption of Governors or of Government 1. This is one reason that moveth me to present the cause to publike view namely because I know not or do not discern that any one writer from Samuels days to this time the pens of the Scriptures excepted that hath punctually written upon this subject 2. This is another moving cause because now being a time of more Liberty and considering that I my children and posterity are concerned in the case of Government I conceive there is reason good why I should present this cause to publike consideration 3. This is another motive I look upon the great effusion of bloud that hath been shed about this matter the cause for ought I know being not yet wholy determined but is still so that I conceive that our godly Governors are ready to prefer Gods glory and the common good before their own interests in those matters that they shall clearly see to be the mind and will of God 4. This is another motive seeing apparently our miserable condition people being divided in judgment and in affection so that our condition is much like a ship in a Tempest Therefore the end of my endeavors shall be so far as God shall assist that I may reconcile differences and that Peace and Truth may meet together as Moses and Aaron met together in the mount of God and kissed each other And as this is the end I propound to my self so likewise I purpose it shall be the Title or Superscription Dearly beloved friends all you that love and fear the Lord all you that have obtained like precious faith I earnestly intreat you to assist me in this work with your prayers with your most best uttermost and strongest abilities Contend for the truth in love but strive not lust not to be contentious Reject not that Truth that Good wholy which is accompanied with some blemishes Men cast not away a good garment because of a little dirt Consider the great differences and troubles about Governors and Government Therefore I humbly request thee to weigh try prove examine search the Scripture cleave to the Truth Seek the favour of God with more then ordinary prayer That the good holy Spirit of God may lead thee into truth For it is evident that many unclean Spirits many false and lying Spirits are permitted to deceive many in these our days This point of Government is of great concernment if God help us to discern the good and right way prescribed practised owned and blessed by God to chuse persons so that God may be said to chuse for us to shut up all windows and by-ways that so Wolves Foxes and beasts of prey may be kept from the Sheep If God help us to discern the way the true and right way and in that way to set open the door that the good and true Shepherds may enter whose fruits will soon discover them to be good and true Shepherds for they will love the flock they will watch over them not for the fleece mostly but to defend them from beasts of prey These good Shepherds will seek the comfort of the Flock they will drive them to the wholesom pastures and to the still waters where they may be refreshed where they may bless the name of the Lord and lie down without fear for true love casteth out fear and
difference in Gods Word between man chusing the man and God chusing the man Samuel had order from God to appoint one of Ishai his sons to the Government and yet nevertheless God would not give Samuel that priviledg to chuse the man God reserved that honor to himself Good it had been for the people had they kept close to God in that particular Beloved Country-men Custom hath worn out Truth but let us enquire for the old and good ways of our gracious God Christ saith It was not so in the beginning Further consider That all Governors high and low they are all subject to Gods Commandments both to do and to suffer For if we should admit that the Chief Governors call them by what Titles you will were to be free from punishment should we not by that means diminish part of Gods Laws which containeth two parts namely for man to do or to suffer Consider further That that Law of God that bindeth all men without respect of persons to the observation of it must of necessity allow a way for the observation of it would it not otherwise shew an imperfection in it Now for men to say That chief Governors are onely accountable to God Consider that God is in Heaven and hath given us his Laws wholy to be observed upon Earth by all men high and low either by doing or suffering therefore we having Gods Laws upon Earth here below must see them observed by all men by doing or suffering Is it not an absurd thing to say That when a man breaketh Gods Laws upon Earth he must be punished onely in Heaven and in the mean time be suffered to run forward to do more mischief There will be another account to be given there and other punishments without Faith and Repentance Consider further That God for the sins of Kings gave commission to men on Earth to put them them to death read 2 King 9.7 And thou shalt smite all the house of Ahab thy master that I may avenge the blood of my servants the Prophets and the blood of all the servants of the Lord For the whole house of Ahab shall be destroyed Now note what followed 2 King 10.30 And the Lord said unto Jehu because thou hast diligently executed that which was right in my eyes and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all things that were in my heart therefore thy sons unto the fourth generation shall sit upon the Throne of Israel Now before this we may note That Jehu had not onely slain Jehoram 2 King 9.24 but also Ahaziah King of Judah vers 27. We may observe That this Ahaziah was noted to do evil in the sight of the Lord Chap. 8.27 And there he is noted for marrying a woman addicted to Idolatry after this God commendeth Jehu This I beleeve That in all parts of the World where Kings are and are lawfully according to Gods will made Kings if I were there present I should labor in all lawful matters to be obedient to them and I beleeve that it is the duty of all men so to do But in any place where ever such Governors shall turn from Gods Commandments and shall draw people from Gods Service and shall in stead of feeding defending and seeking the good of the Flock â—â—ek to devour and destroy the Flock doubtless Gods Laws have force against them in such cases And also if in Gods way I might be free I should chuse it much sooner for servitude is not pleasing But where Governors are called by God in his own way there God will bless them with his good Spirit Therefore I chuse willingly to be obedient to such because that is my greatest comfort under God and is indeed true Liberty My purpose was to have been large in this matter but there is come to my hand a Book written by one Mr John Goodwin called The Defence of the Honorable Sentence passed upon the late King by the High Court of Justice to which Book I refer the Reader for further satisfaction He hath written largely learnedly and faithfully upon that subject so far as I am able to judg I should desire all men to wait patiently upon God and I do undoubtedly beleeve God will further clear these proceedings I do beleeve the time is come that the Government by Kings is finished in our Land To my best understanding the Prophets speak evidently That God will restore Judges as at the first Then shall we be called a faithful City a City of Righteousness Isai 1.26 Now I shall humbly crave leave of the Ministers and Messengers of the Lord that I may without offence to them or to any others for I desire to walk without giving any just cause of offence to any man whatsoever speak a word to them I do perceive divers of the Ministry do or have taken offence at the proceedings of the Army and of the present Government Beloved dearly beloved Fathers you are men whom I love and have in high estimation for your works sake How beautiful are the feet of those that bring the glad tydings of peace and of salvation I desire that I may propound to your consideration some few lines You see that by reason of the late Wars and because the State hath yet had so much business there is not that Reformation of many things amiss as it were to be and is desired I pray you to consider you are conversant in the meditation of Gods Law You I beleeve exhort the people to turn from their evil ways and to be obedient to and observant of Gods Laws I humbly desire you to give a good example to the people they look much upon your actings You study the Word of God I beseech you do not hinder the work of the Lord If you desire Reformation let it be done orderly and then it will prosper Therefore I pray you to strengthen the hands of the present Government which I beleeve do truly endeavor to do Gods will encourage the Army with whom Gods gracious presence is evidently to be seen There are offences too many abroad but woe be to them saith our blessed Saviour by whom offences do come I do beseech you to consider whether or no there would not have been much more Reformation if you had not drawn back and discouraged in a great measure this present Government I humbly beseech you if you know any that do publiquely sow or stir up strife I pray you to perswade them to forbear Consider I pray you you know that a Kingdom divided is dangerous and it cannot stand with safety and comfort I pray you call to minde that motherly and tender respect Rebecca shewed to both her children Esau being offended with Jacob Rebecca doth not seek to make a party although she knew that Jacob was her obedient son and had obtained both the birth-right and the blessing by means whereof Jacob was truly Esau his superior but she considered the dangerous consequences of manifest division
Our tongues are our own What Lord shall controul us It were well or better then it is with too many if they were no worse then the beasts that perish for many now cannot or do not agree so lovingly as the unreasonable beasts that shall perish Do not the wilde Bears agree amongst themselves But to leave the world in the broad way to destruction I entreat you Countrymen you that desire to do Gods will do you seek to be made conformable to that glorious image of God Lev. 11.45 Be ye holy saith God for I am holy Ephes 4.2 16. Follow the Truth in love forbearing one another and forgiving one another Mat. 5.43 44 46. Joh. 13.34 Consider I pray you That that wisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable then gentle and easie to be entreated full of mercy Jam. 3.17 Vers 14. But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts rejoyce not neither be lyars against the Truth for this wisdom is not from above but is earthly sensual and devilish Dear Friends amongst the many sins of our times I finde or shall rehearse three or four predominate corruptions and notorious sins namely First Contempt of the Ministry Secondly Contempt of those that most truly fear God And thirdly Dividing and separating one from another upon too slender grounds I could reckon up many more but these I onely mention at the present The Devil laboreth to deceive men in those things that are most precious in those things that may be most effectual to draw us from God For the first God saith Do my Prophets no harm 1 Chron. 6.22 And again the Apostle saith That we should have the Ministers of God in high esteem for their works sake And Nahum 1.15 Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that declareth peace which are the Ministers and Embassadors of the most high God Thus the Prophet Isaiah expresseth his estimation by Gods own direction concerning the Ministers Isai 52.7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that declareth and publisheth peace and good tidings and publisheth Salvation saying unto Sion thy God reigneth Thus Rom. 10.15 How beautiful are the feet of them that bring the glad tidings of peace and tidings of good things Observe here That if the feet of Gods Ministers which is the lowest part of the body and most soiled by dirt be so beautiful of what high estimation ought the person of the Ministers to be of It it an argument That where we see men so abuse and contemn the Ministry that those men are apt to slight the Word of God If one bring us a precious Jewel would it not be a great part of ingratitude to throw dirt and dung in his face that brought it And observe well where you see men so much abuse slight and contemn the Ministry there and then it is more then probable God is withdrawing his gracious presence from those men When Cam once discovered his fathers nakedness was not he neer to a curse And are not Ministers our spiritual Fathers Consider how the Galatians behaved themselves towards Paul their Minister Gal. 4.13 14. And ye know how that through infirmity of the flesh I preached the Gospel unto you Which tryal ye despised not but received me as an Angel of God yea as Christ Jesus In the primitive Times of the Church in the next Times after those great persecutions we may read what estimation and respect both Constantine and the Christians yeelded and gave to the Ministers and shall we decline so far from the Rules of Scriptures and from the Examples of the Churches in the purest Times Friends or Country-men Consider what Jude speaketh Vers 8. Notwithstanding these sleepers despise Government and speak evil of them that are in auâ—hority Vers 9. Yet Michael the Archangel when he strove against the Devil and disputed about the body of Moses durst not blame him with cursed speaking Vers 10. But these speak evil of those things they know not Vers 11. Woe be unto them c. Consider that evil words do corrupt Doth a Fountain send out sweet water and bitter c. Remember I pray you That that wisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable Look well first to your own hearts and you shall there finde cause enough to bear more with those things which you conceive to be errors in other men but especially in Ministers The Devil laboreth most to corrupt men in those matters that are of the greatest concernment For consider that the Ministry they perswade men to serve the true God in an eminent way If therefore the Devil can but bring their Ministry into contempt then the people will take but little heed to their Ministry So likewise if he can draw men to disgrace those that fear God and have most respect to Gods Commandments this is a very effectual way to draw others into those ways that are opposite to them that lead to certain destruction Remember Christs caveat Mat. 18. Take heed that you offend not one of these little ones c. And touching the third matter consider that Satan laboreth to sow discord amongst brethren for this weakens both parties and the known Rule is to be noted Divide and Rule and doubtless in such Divisions the Devil he ruleth too often and too apparently Moses commendeth to us an humble frame of spirit and left it in his last Exhortation to the people when he saith Deut. 32.2 My Doctrine shall drop as the rain and my speech shall distill as the dew as the showre upon the herbs and as the great rain upon the grass His speeches were weighty lovely and precious Note I pray you how and in what a beautiful frame and habit he blesseth and commendeth to the people an humble frame of heart and spirit Deut. 33.1 Now this is the blessing wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the Children of Israel Vers 2. The Lord came from Sinai c. Vers 3. Though he love his people yet all the Saints are in thy hands and they are humbled at thy feet to receive thy words Note I pray you to observe and lay it up as a Treasure in your hearts That God accounteth men then fit to profit or receive Gods Word when they are humbled at his feet that is when we lie most low which is plainly shewed in these words At the feet of God which is the lowest part in our apprehensions Consider that this grace is of great esteem in Gods sight Mark upon what terms the glad tydings of Salvation are tendred even to such as were in a low condition to such as were in their blood and no eye pityed them to such as see their own not so much other mens wants to those that are lost in themselves David saith Psal 25. God will teach the humble c. Countrymen Friends Beloved We have many risings of heart amongst us many differences do but obtain and keep and make use
Kings immediately in shewing the People the great evills that they should reape by Kings noted 1 Sam. 8. From Ver. 9. to Ver. 19. Kings will take your Sonnes and your Daughters from you and will appoint them to serve themselves This God doth not say was lawfull for Kings to doe for Gods Law was expresse to the contrary Exod. 22.21 Moreover thou shalt not do injury to a stranger Neither did Gods Lawes permit that they should wrong any man and Samuel useth that as a strong argument to convince them of their evill namely in these words 1 Sam. 12.3 Behold here J am beare record before the Lord of mee whose Ox have I taken or whose Asse have I taken or whom have I done wrong unto or whom have I hurt Ver. 4. Then the People said thou hast done us no wrong nor hast hurt us neither hast thou taken any thing of any Mans hand Hereby appeareth the Peoples great evill and ingratitude and their unrighteousnesse in forsaking that government with which they could find no fault Further this shewed that Kings would prove great evills because they would be great wrongers and great oppressors because they would take by violence their choisest comforts from the People And further this shewed that Kings would rule by the Rules of their owne wills in our dayes called their prerogatives this is shewed in these expressions Kings will take these and these things from you but this they ought not to do for herein Samuel sheweth his integrity we may observe that the Law of God ought to be the guide the Rule and the bounds to all men high and low to King and People this is evident Deut. 17.16 to 20. There God saith that the King should have the Booke of the Law and that hee should reade therein all the dayes of his life that hee may learne to feare the Lord his God and to keepe all the words of this Law and these Ordinances to do them that his heart be not lifted up above his Brethren and that hee turne not to the right hand or to the left hand c. From hence we may see that the King is not to do what hee listeth but he is as expresly commanded to observe and do the Law as any other man yea and in some sort more because his example is more prevalent to draw others either to good or evill But further wee may here note the difference betweene Kings and Iudges the Kings they will do thus and thus they will breake the bounds set unto them but the Iudges were humble meeke men this God knew when hee put in that clause so nearely linked to the observation of his Law namely that his heart be not lifted up above his Brethren experience hath taught us much of this could we be warned That Kings their hearts will be lifted up Observe I pray you the Iudges they acknowledged the People to be their Brethren but Kings they say their blood and their discent is more Royall more Illustruous more Excellent then those they call the baser sort and the more ignoble It is to be noted that in the first and purest times those men that were truly godly truly vertuous those men that were most precize that were the most observant of the Law of God Those men then were accounted to be the most noble and so we finde they were in Gods esteeme for wee finde Moses taken from keeping the sheepe And Gideon from threshing and David from the Sheepe-fold and made Rulers of the People But the World is now turned upside-downe for what do some men now applaud and worship but the Blood Royall and Noble Blood we have men now that are truly noble and eminent for Piety that sway the government of the Common-wealth but what is the tumult They say they cannot see their Nobility I would speake soberly and forbearingly consider warily and truly is it not because the God of this World hath blinded the eyes of many men But let us further note that this King Saul or a King or the Government by Kings would not onely deprive the People of their Sonnes and Daughters but also Kings would take their seede and their Vinyards 1 Sam. 8.15 Their Men-servants and their Maide-servants and the chiefe of your yong men and your Asses and Sheepe and yee shall be his servants Note I pray you that this People had great liberty and freedome under the government by Iudges could they have improved these with thankfull and contented hearts but they would reject and slight these mercies they would be governed by Kings under which Government they should endure many afflictions but when it commeth to this height that they themselves should be servants then they begin to be more sensible then they cry out but saith God Ver. 18. The Lord will not hear you in the day and time of these afflictions By this evident admonition it plainly appeared that God opposed in threatning manner this government by Kings for note that the cause here was not so much about the person to be made King but it was about the forme of government by Kings Note further how Samuel humbly and patiently doth argue the cause with the People Chap. 12. ver 7. to 13. where Samuel putteth the People in minde how God had not bin wanting to them but from time to time had raised up and appointed good governors for them Which governors God protected guided and blessed to them and made them Saviours and not oppressors nor destroyers to them sometimes for their sinnes and to prove them whether they would cleave to God and to shew them the benefit that it was to have God to appoint good governors and for other ends which God knew to be for his glory and their good God did leave them without chiefe Iudges and then we see the People they run into many by-paths and sinfull courses and then God suffered them to feele afflictions by enemies but note that when the people considered the cause and sought the favour of God and cryed to God to helpe them God never failed but answereth their petitions note in what manner God answered them he raised up Iudges vvhich God made to be blessings and Saviours to the People From this expostulation of Samuel we may observe that God by Samuel reproveth the People for altering that forme of government which God in his wisdome had prescribed and blessed to the People And the People could not deny the truth of this but further note that God to the end that posterity to come might evidently see his displeasure for that cause because the People had altered the forme of government by Iudges and instead thereof had wilfully and obstinately desired a government by Kings Therefore the Lord sheweth the People by an eminent and wonderfull way expressed thus 1 Sam. 12.17 I will call unto the Lord and he shall send Thunder and Raine that yee may perceive and see how that your wickednesse is great which yee
have done in the sight of the Lord in asking you a King Ver. 18. Then Samuel called unto the Lord and the Lord sent Thunder and Raine the same Day and all the People feared the Lord and Samuel exceedingly Ver. 19. The People said wee have sinned in asking us a King besides all our other sins c. Concerning this King we have occasion to note that Gods Presence did remove now and stand at a further distance then before God did not wholy depart from them but remembering the multitude of his mercies he did still favour the People but as the Tabernacle for the sinnes of the People was removed out of the Host Exod. 33.7.8 Yet not wholy out of their sight so here God removed his gracious presence further off from the People The next King was David who was a good and vertuous King God would not afflict the People so much that they should have no good Kings Davids blemishes I forbear though some blemishes he had such as I believe were not to be found amongst the Iudges that were immediately appointed by God to their place after succeeded Solomon how far he declined from the straight Rules of Gods revealed Will are to be found recorded in the Booke of Kings Rehoboam Reigned he had 18. Wives and threescore Concubines and desired many Wives 2 Cro 11 21 23. He forsooke the Law of the Lord and all Israel with him for which cause Shishack came up against Jerusalem and tooke the strong Cities which were of Iuda The People were made servants to Shishack 2 Cro. 12.1 to 9. Further he did evill and prepared not his heart to seeke the Lord. Ver. 14. Ahijam reigneth he walked in all the sinnes which his Father had done before him and his heart was not perfect with the Lord 1 King 15.3 Asa reigned he did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord he put down his Mother because she had an Idoll in a Grove 1 King 15. Nadab reigned he did evill in the sight of the Lord and made Israel sinne 1 King 15.26 Baashaw reigneth he did evill in the sight of the Lord and caused Israel to sinne 1 King 16. Elah he reigned did evill being drunke was slaine 1 King 16. Omri reigneth he did evill in the sight of the Lord worse then all that were before him 1 King 16. Zimri reigneth was burnt 1 King 16.18 Ahab the sonne of Omri reigneth and did worse then all before him 1 King 16.3 Ahaziah reigneth he did evill he sought helpe of Baallzebub the God of Ecron 2 King 1. Iehoram reigneth he did evill in the sight of the Lord. 2 Kin. 3.2 Iehosaphat reigneth he did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord. 2 Kings Ioram reigneth he did evill 2 Kin. 8.9 Jehoram sonne of Iehosaphat reigneth he did evill 2 Kin 8.17 Jehu reigneth he regarded not to walke in the Law of the Lord God 2 Ki. 10.31 He is an occasion to cause Israel to sin therefore they are smitten in all the Coasts of Israel Ver. 23. Athalia reigneth did evill is slaine 2 Ki. 11.3.6 Iehoash reigneth he did good in the Eyes of the Lord during the time the Priest taught him 2 Ki. 12.2 But the high places were not taken away he is slaine Ver. 21. Iehoaash sonne of Iehu reigneth did evill in the sight of the Lord and causeth Israel to be delivered into the hands of their enemies 2 Ki. 13.2.3 The Destruction of the People was so great that there was left but 50 Horsemen and 10 Charrets and 10000 Footemen they were destroyed and made like Dust beaten to powder 2 Ki. 13.6 7. Iehoash sonne of Iehoaash reigneth he did evill in the sight of the Lord. 2 Ki. 13.10.11 Ieroboam reigneth he did evill in the sight of the Lord. 2 Ki. 14.23 24. Amaziah reigneth did uprightly in the Eyes of the Lord but not like David 2 Ki. 14.3 Azariah reigneth did uprightly in the Eyes of the Lord but they burnt Incense in the high places and the Lord smote the King and hee was a Leper to the Day of his Death 2 Ki. 15.3 4 5. Zachariah reigneth hee did evill in the sight of the Lord 2 Ki. 15.8.9 Shallum reigneth is slaine 2 Ki. 15 14. Menahem reigneth did evill 2 Ki. 15.17 18. Pekahiah reigneth He did evill in the sight of the Lord. 2 Ki. 15.23 24. Pekah reigneth He did evill 2 Ki. 15.28 The People carried away captive Iotham reigneth He did uprightly but the People burnt incense in the high places in his Dayes the Lord sent enemies upon the People 2 Ki. 5.34 37. Ahab reigneth He consecrated his Sonne in the fire he did much evill 2 Ki. 16. Hoshea reigneth Hee did evill in the sight of the Lord he becommeth servant to Salmanasser King of Ashur 2 Ki. 17.2 3. The People besieged and carried captive Ver. 6. Because they kept not Gods commands diligently 37. Hezechiah reigneth He did uprightly according to all that David 2 Ki. 18. Manasseh reigneth Hee did evill in the sight of the Lord after the abomination of the Heathen 2 Ki. 21.2 He did much evill and filled Jerusalem from corner to corner with innocent blood 2 Ki. 21.16 And hee caused Iuda to sinne and to do evill Ver. 16. Ammon reigneth He did much evill in the sight of the Lord 2 Ki. 21.20 Iosiah He reigneth He did uprightly in the sight of the Lord 2 Ki. 22.2 Iehoahaz his Sonne reigneth he did much evill in Gods sight 2 Ki. 23.32 The Land in his Dayes was put under great tribute Ver. 33. Iehojachin reigneth He did evill 2 Ki. 23.37 very much evill Iehojachin his Sonne He reigneth He did much evill 2 Ki. 24.9 The People carried captive in his Dayes very much People Ver. 13.4 Zedechiah He reigneth and He did evill in the sight of the Lord very much 2 Ki. 24.9 20. It is well to be considered of that amongst all the Iudges of Israel that came into their places according to Gods institution there was not one man of them that I know of that was taken away by the Sword of the enemy nor by treachery slaine by their owne People nor came to any untimely Death save one man and that was not for practicall evill of himselfe but for suffering sinne to go without due punishment in his children But contrarily they are noted much for Humility Sincerity and Piety Certainly the Spirit of God doth wisely describe Governors for our learning had we but hearts wisely and diligently to observe them But note contrarily that amongst the Kings how many were taken away by untimely Deaths some by Gods command slaine some by the Sword of the enemy some carried captive and the greater part slaine by the People and the most of them are noted to bee notorious sinners I shall rehearse some of them although I believe not all The first fruits of their King Abimelecke Iudg. 9.6.53 The next was Saul slaine was his owne Executioner 1 Sam. 31.4 Nadab slaine by
one of his own people 1 Ki. 15.27 Elah slaine in like manner 1 Ki. 16.9 And of Baasha his predecessors progeny God saith 1 Ki. 16.4 he that dieth of Baasha his stock in the City him shall the Dogs eate and he that dieth in the field the Fowles After him Zimri pursued by the People burneth himselfe 1 Ki. 16.18 Jehoram slain by his own people 2 Ki. 9. Ahaziah slaine in like manner 2 Ki. 9.27 Iesabell slaine 2 Ki. 9. Ahab slaine his posterity slaine 2 Ki. 10.6 by the Elders of his own people Ver. 7. Athalia slaine by her own people 2 Ki. 11.3.16 Iehoash slaine by his own servants 2 Ki. 12.20 Shallum slaine by his own people 2 Ki. 15.10.12 Pekahiah slaine by his own people 2 Ki. 15 25. Pekah slaine by his owne people 2 Ki. 15.30 Amon slaine by his own people 2 Ki. 21.23 I know not any one of these but that they are noted to be notorious sinners I doe let passe some others slaine and carried captives only these briefly as the shortnesse of time will permit the Lord give us hearts to understand the meaning of the blessed spirit of God aright Note here that God in his righteous Iudgements suffered and appointed Kings to be punished on earth God did not let them alone to be punished in another World I do believe that all these were not to be approved in the instruments and manner of their slaughters but some of them are approved and all of them are noted to bee taken away by Gods righteous judgements for the breach of his Laws and Commandments Now let the sincere godly hearted unpartially compare this government by Kings with that government by judges in which I pray God to direct you aright Thus have I endeavoured to present to our view the Kings that reigned over Iudah and Israel the Lord give us understanding to consider what bitter fruits the People reaped by changing their forme of Government I shall onely in this matter consider that doubtlesse these Kings many of them or others in their room would have beene much better had the People kept closer to the Rules prescribed and from time to time enquired of God who should have beene the man that should have governed them for we may note that although God promsed David that some of his posterity should governe yet they ought to have made him King whom the Lord should chuse Deut. 17. But we may note that God did so withdraw his good Spirit from the people that I remember not that it is recorded from Solomons time and after that the People did ever solemnly enquire counsell of God Who should governe them I doe believe that if the people had solemnely and seriously sought to God in this matter God would have provided some of Davids posterity from time to time and so have blessed and guided them by his good Spirit that they should have beene much better then they were but I doe believe God suffered them to swerve that we by their examples might learne wisdome whatsoever was written before time was written for our learning Having thus far proceeded in laying downe or describing the Cause or Foundation wherefore or whereupon I endeavour in the feare and love of the great and most high God according to the measure of Grace received to describe such a government Governors together with their entrances and authority as God hath prescribed owned and blessed in all which I doe consider that from the time of the Prophet Samuel to this day there hath beene so great a swerving and declining from that first most pure and cleare Fountaine from those most straight wholesome and good Rules Precepts and Commandments described by that most high and onely Wise God therefore I pray you blame mee not if I decline from humane authorities in all this description I desire to enquire for the old and good wayes of our good God And I consider that Gods Wayes his good Will and Pleasure is most certainely most wisely most apparently made knowne in the Scriptures written by the Prophets and Apostles men that most truly and faithfully made knowne Gods good Will and Pleasure without mixture of their owne or other mens inventions Therefore I shall most chiefly and only in comparison alledge the authority of the Scriptures and the rather because I consider that as the interposition of the Earth between the Sun and Moone darkneth that light and maketh an Eclipse whereby we are hindered from the more apparent and clear light and benefit that otherwise we might receive so I feare it would come to passe if I should follow other inventions I am sure that in this way the true light is most unerring I shall next endeavour to shew what encouragement I finde recorded in the sacred Scripture that do strengthen or encourage me to believe That God now in these latter Dayes and Times will restore and reforme government so that we shall have Judges as at the first and counsellors as at the beginning and then wee shall be called a City of righteousnesse a faithfull City I shall begin to propound to consideration this Scripture Esai 1.24 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts the mighty one of Israel Ah I will ease me of mine adversaries and avenge mee of mine en mies Ver. 25. Then will I turne mine hand upon thee burne out thy drosse till it be pure and take away all thy tinne Ver. 26. And I will restore thy Judges as at the first and thy counsellers as at the beginning afterwards thou shalt be called a City of righteousnesse a faithfull City From this place I observe That corrupt Governors are the great hinderances of Reformation because the Church shall then be a City of righteousnesse when they have Judges as at the first Secondly I observe That such corrupt Governors and Governments God hath determined shall be put downe this is expressed in these words J will ease me of my enemies and burne out thy Drosse this is plainely implyed in these words I will restore thy Judges as at the first c. Thirdly I observe that at this time when the Prophet Esay wrote this sentence or this precious promise The government that then was in being which was a government by Kings was neither the first government nor the best or pure government but hereby noted to be a corrupt government If this were not the plaine and true meaning of these words I believe God would not have made this to be the way and meanes whereby the Church should become in Gods estimation a City of righteousnesse and a faithfull City and this appeareth if we do consider that the way how and cause why they should become a City of righteousnesse was Because a better government should be to the Church and People of God and that which then was in being should be destroyed but then the government was by Kings Fourthly I observe that this government should be reformed or regulated according to the first
God chusing a governor and the peoples chusing a governor therefore he chuseth a governor by lot wherein and whereby God chuseth therefore Gods direction and institution is that God shall chuse This is most for Gods glory and for the peoples greatest safety Lots are Gods own Ordinance as appeareth in many places Josh 7.17 So Joshua rose up early in the morning and brought Israel by their Tribes and the Tribe of Judah was taken And he brought the families of Judah and took the family of the Zarhites and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man and Zabdi was taken And he brought his houshold man by man and Achan was taken God could have shewed to Joshua who was the man so well as he shewed to him that there was an offence but he causeth Joshua to enquire his will in such a way as God had prescribed This sheweth that in difficult cases God ordained that people should enquire his minde by lots and this Samuel knew and therefore he enquireth Gods minde by lots in this very case of government this was never repealed to this day for God is not yea and nay God is not contrary or opposite to his own Rules This is certain it is better and safer for people to be directed by God to chuse the man yea although God for our sin should be angry with us yet even in those causes it is better to fall into the hands of God then into the hands of man and this David well considered when he chose to fall into the hands of God and not into the hands of man But further we may observe That this was the usual way namely by lots that the people took to enquire Gods minde in weighty and difficult causes as appeareth Iosh 18.6 I will cast lots for you here before the Lord thus Vers 8 10. read 1 Sam. 14.42 And Saul said casts lots between me and Ionathan my son and Ionathan was taken Here we may see that God appeared and gave a true determination and this was a way to avoyd strife Read 1 Chro. 26.13 And they cast lots both small and great for the house of their fathers Here again we may note That this use of lots was to shew what Gods minde was and to prevent all jealousies or indirect means and to prevent strife Read Nehem. 10.34 We cast lots for the offerings of the wood even the Priests the Levites and the People Read Ionah 1.7 And they said every one to his fellow come and let us cast lots that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us so they cast lots and the lot fell upon Ionah By this it evidently appeareth that the people in weighty cases did enquire to know Gods minde this way namely by lots Secondly We may observe That God doth answer the people this way Thirdly We may observe That the lot did not err nor fail to shew that which the people sought to God for Read Act. 1.24 And they prayed saying Thou Lord which knowest the hearts of all men shew whether of these thou hast chosen Vers 26. And they gave forth their lots and the lot fell on Matthias This sheweth that lots were not abolished but they are now of the same use that they were under the Law this is an example of the Apostles men in an extraordinary measure guided by the good and holy spirit of God and this was written no doubt for our learning this was and is a clear and evident direction in the very case of governors for the Apostles were Gods Embassadors his own Witnesses they were the Pen-men of the holy Scriptures this matter was an eminent and a weighty matter they chose but one of two The Reason is evident because the nature of their cause required no more First Because not any amongst all although holy would serve they must be men that had been the most noted to be eye-witnesses of what Christ had done and suffered and so that they had seen and heard those things themselves Secondly The Apostles were present that had an infallible spirit Thirdly This cause differs from the Governors of a Common-wealth because God in his wisdom ordered the Governors of a Common-wealth to be chosen by God out of all the people and I do conceive with due and humble respect to those that shall see Gods minde more clearly that it is the safest way to follow the most direct and evident Rules prescribed owned and blessed by God in the same cases Now it evidently appeareth that the Prophet Samuel directed immediately by God himself did chuse out of the whole twelve Tribes of Israel by that means God did fully chuse according to Deut. 17. to make him Governor whom the Lord did chuse immediately in this very case of chusing the Governor of a Common-wealth for in this case this president by Samuel was a certain and an approved president in chusing the person that God saw meet to be chief governor This was not about the form of government whether it should be by Iudges or by Kings for of that matter God shewed his minde by Samuel before expresly witnessing against the form of government by Kings but this was a Rule to shew how God is said to chuse the person that he seeth meet to govern I leave it to the consideration of the godly From these places before mentioned first I observe That it plainly and clearly appeareth that lots were ordained by God and that God owned them because God truly appeared and truly gave answer by them and because that God blessed this way of his own devising Secondly I observe That the lot when men cast themselves or referred themselves wholy to or upon God in such cases did never err it always gave a true direction a true determination in all weighty causes Search the Scriptures and it cannot be found that the lot ever erred Let not as fear therefore to chuse our chief governor by lot for let us not doubt God is the same unchangeable God yesterday and to day and the same for ever Will not this way compose all our differences Will it not heal all distempers Will not this way end all our strife Will not this way keep out all Wolves and Foxes and other beasts of prey Shall not we by this way return again to the Lord and by this means God shall be our King his Laws our guide by this means we shall obtain a man from the Lord and we shall be blessed and Peace and Truth shall meet together and so shall we have Iudges in some proportion as at the first and Counsellers as at the beginning and we shall be called a faithful City Thirdly Let us remember the great effusion of blood that hath been shed and the great envies hatred malice that is at this day reigning in the Land Is it not in every Country in every City in every Paâ—ish Nay there are but a few Families comparatively where there are not some breaches
when the glorious and brightest Sun appeareth the eye of the blessed God and their Maker looked clearely upon them and vouchsafed to some of those poore prisoners of hope to looke upon him also have not you godly Souldiers bin a means to redeem us the people of England had we grace to see it to acknowledge and be thankfull for it from that Egyptian bondage a corrupt forme of government wherein we like Lands Beasts and Asses were left as inheritance from the Father to the supposed Sonnes the Father of one Religion the Sonne of another did they not run and ride with fury and all possible speed horse and man from generation to Generation to seize upon us thus entring in at Windowes back-doores and in By-pathes they too often proved inâ— sheepes clothing and the blessed Spirit of God was not given unto them and they kept the People from true Shepherds men of Gods sending upon whom the good and blessed Spirit of God would have rested I should much admire that all men should not joyfully see and acknowledge so great deliverance and salvation were it not that I consider Gods righteous judgements for sinne and also considering how prevalent custome is insomuch that often times it consumeth truth and yet is lean still are not your Carriers horses often very sore loaded and yet being accustomed to beare burdens they are even contented or looke no higher they keepe jogging on loth to go out of their pace nor out of their accustomed way although it sometimes be up to their bellies in mire and dirt where because of times quick motion I must leave them to their content and I and my house will by Gods gracious assistance freely joyfully and with all hearty praise blesse the God of our protection salvation and deliverance for our freedome and better way Have you dearely beloved godly Souldiers bin used by God as instruments to accomplish the precious promises of God recorded concerning Babels fall corrupt government and governors and should I forget you No verily for I believe that the generations to come shall have cause to blesse God for you and your memory shall be blessed times quick motion bids me unwillingly to forbeare and because I conceive I shall never more in this World speake of you or to you in this kinde till I believe wee shall very shortly meete though of our selves unworthy yet through the free and abundant mercy of God in Christ with joyfull hearts before God and his blessed Angells with whom we shall be and never more be separated to eternity this span of time hasteneth and shorteneth our glasse runs apace as swiftly as the Sun runs round the World when our worke is done come Lord Iesus come graciously and quickly Therefore I shall at present conclude my speech to you Revel 12.10 being sorry that I have not opportunity to see the faces of many of you and to rejoyce with you for all the great workes God by youâ— hands Numb 23.23 According to this time it shall be said of Iacob and Israel what hath the Lord wrought Then I heard a loude voyce saying now is salvation and strength the Kingdome of our God and the power of his Christ for the accuser of our Brethren is cast downe Ver. 11. But they overcame him by the bloud of that Lambe and by the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death Vers 12. Therefore rejoyce yee Heavens and yee that dwell in them And now beloved Countreymen let me speake a word to you may I not say to many of you with Ieremy O that mine eyes were a Fountaine of teares that I might weepe day and night for the iniquity of the People is it possible that after such cleare evident and wonderfull gracious workes and actings of our good God in these very times that any rationall man should be so far led aside and prejudiced that he should not acknowledge with joy and thankfulnesse to God and to those that God hath used as instruments of so great deliverance it is possible for some they cry out Oh the King the King is gone is so great pompe and riches come to desolation in one houre others they would have all opinions openly manifested to be tolerated under pretence of liberty of conscience others would have their owne opinions and no other to be tolerated that they may lord it over their weake Brethren Others they speake with a double heart as David tooke notice and so make ready their arrowes and bend their bowes that they may shoote at all that are upright in heart Psal 11. For they speake against Government and Governors saying they hate these opinionists they by this meanes shew too evidently by their fruits that this is but a cloake for their owne sinnes for under pretext of conformity they shoote at Government and governors and in truth at those that are the humble true and faithfull servants of our God at all such as are circumspect and fear to offend God I would first say to them that unfeignedly desire to do Gods Will though in some matters some having larger talents then others there be difference in their judgements although in many matters the difference being throughly and truely considered is more in shew then in reall substance would you take the best and safest way Then begin in the right manner and place labour to strengthen and encourage this present government who I believe many of them do humbly cordially and unfeinedly desire to do Gods good Will now stand still and see the salvation of God proceede regularly pray earnestly to God for them that the good Spirit of his grace may leade them into all truth for doubtlesse in their peace your peace and prosperity in a great measure is contained Let government be thoroughly setled according to Gods owne wayes which if we pray earnestly and walke humbly with our God I believe God will direct them to establish government according to Gods minde you would have this issued namely what liberty shall be granted to severall or to all opinions which is a matter unpossible to be done for much must be left to the judgement of authority it cannot be avoided because many opinions doe not yet appear and the Governors do not know their own hearts before hand I know this by well observed experience and could instance in many cases but I forbeare Therefore joyne unanimously in this to seeke and to pray God so to direct our present governors that they may be so directed by God that they may discerne and follow that way for the calling of our Iudges into their places that God hath prescribed owned and blessed for this is the roote from whence our greatest safety under God consisteth Such Governors sent of God I know God will blesse with his holy Spirit and agree upon what you will before hand it will be of little moment because it is not agreeable to Gods proceedings and if governors enter in at
forme and in the persons for that Babylon that great City of corruptions is compacted in and by disorder corrupt governors government is the very root of all her abominations And note it well when Gods Church shall become a City of righteousnesse a faithfull City God nameth this as the principall ingredient and cause namely that they shall have Iudges as at the first and counsellors as at the beginning Observe well that frame of that Heavenly Ierusalem Rev. 21.2 The holy City the new Ierusalem Come downe from God out of Heaven as a bride trimmed for her husband Note well in what a beautifull and perfect order she is proportioned read the Chapter see there what blessings came to the People when good Order commeth Ver. 4. Then God shall wipe away all teares from their eyes and there shall be no more death neither sorrow Ver. 5. And hee that sate upon the Throne said c. write Ver. 6. It is done I am Alpha and Omega c. Ver 11. Having the glory of God and her shining was like unto a stone most precious c. Note I pray you what a direct opposition there is between the Babylon of confusion and this City ruled and proportioned by the Wisdome of God you know that Babells Tower brought confusion at the first building and from that day to this that great strumpet is corrupted and defiled by forsaking Gods blessed Rules recorded she slighted Gods Wisdome shee would not follow his Prescriptions but turned from God and followed her owne inventions Therefore shee not being trimmed as a Bride prepared for such a glorious God he being jealous of his glory doth give her a Bill of divorce for her adultery let this serve for to warn us to follow Gods Prescriptions his Rules and Presidents recorded in the Word of truth Note it well the maine end of the Creation of Heaven Earth Man and the rest of the Creatures was and is that man may learn to see the difference betweene Gods good government and evill governments betweene Gods Wisdome contained in the sacred Rules of Gods holy Word and between mans seeming better inventions contrived by mans own wisdom Is not this the lesson that God teacheth us from our cradle to ur deat Observe well God letteth us see the difference between his Government recorded and prescribed in his Word of Truth and between the Devils Government who is the Father of lyes Amongst the Nations of the World God suffers evil Governments and Governors It is not because he wanteth wisdom power opportunity or goodness to reform such but God teacheth man to see the benefit and excellency of good Governors and Government by letting them see evil and corrupt Governors We have a long and large experience from Samuel and from Moses to this day recorded for our instruction I pray God that we may now at length learn to profit and to set a high value and price upon good Government proceed exactly let no Governor enter into his place but purely through the door of Gods Word follow those Rules most purely and plainly prescribed by God himself Consider what is the main the very end of Gods actings and mans actings all our prosperity our sufferngs all our afflictions is not this the very moving cause and the highest end To teach us that it is safest and most for our comfort that we should follow those Rules prescribed by God without turning aside to any hand or upon any pretence and especially in this weighty matter of Governors and Government God looketh upon this with a wary and with a jealous eye he knowing of what neer concernment it is for his glory and mans good Therefore when the people went about but to alter the form of government by himself prescribed in what high contempt doth God take this He saith That the people had cast God away from governing and reigning over them in so doing Consider do but take away two things namely good Governors and Gods good Rules of direction contained in his sacred Word and this world the people in it would be turned into a confused Chaos a heap of rubbish of ruinous desolations much worse then that Chaos recorded Gen. 1. When in the beginning the Earth was voyd and without form and in darkness Witness divers Nations that at this day have not Gods Laws his blessed Word to govern them but have evil Governors in such places it is certain and true they do degenerate so much from goodness that the strongest captivateth and oppresseth the weaker and they do devour one another yea they sell mens flesh and womens and childrens flesh as we do buy and sell beef in the shambles Dearly beloved we are the very same by nature were it not that we submit to the Government of a good and blessed God and to his Laws and to his blessed Rules Therefore now I pray you to set a high price upon Government good Government for God loveth to bestow the richest and choycest mercies upon those that value them according to their true worth he will not prostitute such rich jewels such precious favors unto such a people as make light account of them for swine will trample upon pearls of the greatest value but God giveth Grace to the humble and to the thirsty by the hungry food is thankfully and gladly accepted but the full loatheth the hony comb Israel was wanton they slighted Gods form of Government and those good Governors that were the most immediately appointed by God himself therefore God maketh them to see the difference he maketh them servants to serve strangers in a strange Land in hunger and cold and nakedness and oppressed and in the want of all things the Lord reach us instruction Therefore now dearly beloved Fathers joyne all your hearts and endeavours together for Gods glory set aside cast behinde you all comberances all by-respects tread under your feete these sublunary matters in comparison of Gods glory the good of your Nation the good of your selves and of your and our posterity consider that Satan tempted our blessed Saviour with the seeming shew of these empty deceiptefull deadly lying Serpents namely making a shew of that to be found in worldly honors and preferments which is not to be found in them if Satan laboured with Christ much more with his Disciples to perswade that these earthly things are more worth then Gods favour for the shew of these which were not his to give laboured to draw Christ from God Therefore in comparison cast behinde you under your feet these venomous Cockatrices Egges of worldly honors let them not be preferred before Gods commands For these deceiptfull shewes of these momentany vanities do deceitfully worke too much upon our affections to leade us aside out of that good way that leadeth to true blessednesse into that broad path that many great and wordly rich men do walke in which leadeth to certain Destruction I believe amongst you that now govern this Common-wealth there
are of Gods precious servants that do truely and unfeignedly endeavour and desire to do Gods Will well then here is a precious opportunity for if you should study all your life to do an act well pleasing to God this is the very act being an act concerning these worldly matters that is acceptable to God namely to follow Gods choisest Rules of direction with all your heart with all diligence in the matter of the form of government and the persons to be governors that so Gods blessed Spirit may rest upon them For consider that if you mistake or turne aside from Gods Commandements and so do mistake in the forme and persons we are undone the glory and splendor of your labours are lost for if the person of our chiefe Governor be not chosen exactly according to the choisest Rules gathered out of the blessed and good Word of our God how shall we the People lie downe and rest in peace without trouble and feare for we know that in by-pathes Wolves and Foxes do come into the Sheepfold which although they should come softly to us as if they meant us no hurt yet our hearts cannot be quiet for Wolves and Foxes meane us no good Nay further if they should come disguised in sheeps clothing so that we know them not by outward appearance yet if any should come in by any indirect means which God forbid in those paths those beasts of prey come in certainly our hearts cannot be securely and contentedly quiet because we shall look back upon former experiences recorded in the Scriptures where we may finde that such men as have attained to the places of chief Governors not in a way of God upon such persons God hath not bestowed his good but an evil spirit and such persons have proved to draw the people to sin and have been a means to bring the fierce wrath of God upon the people Therefore I do seriously confess in the presence of our glorious God that when I do consider the great danger weight and charge of a chief Governors place I see no cause in any worldly respect that is truly real and substantial why any man should covet desire or thirst after it but contrarily considering the great charge of souls the great account they must give to God for to whom much many Talents are given of them much shall be required God is a jealous God of his honor Considering likewise the shortness of our lives being but even comparatively a moment and considering likewise the danger that attendeth men in eminent places they are set in slippery places and considering likewise what diligence God requireth and self-denial in such places To me it plainly appeareth That a quiet or peaceably life with competency is much to be preferred and is truly and solidly better for a mans own comfort Moses and Gideon are recorded in Gods Records for their humility and wisdom and for that they looked upon places of charge Governors places as being very weighty to bear above their own abilities Consider therefore that if any man should attain Government in any by-paths not being sent of God into what a deep miserable and woful case for soul and body should such plunge themselves and so many thousands of Soules for this undoubtedly I shall expect that where any doe attaine governors places not according to Gods Rules that to such God will not give his good Spirit but rather an evill and a deceiving Spirit Note I pray you that although God was offended with the People yet because the People followed Gods counsell in accepting the person that God saw meete to Governe them therefore the Spirit of God came upon Saul all the time that hee rightfully reigned but presently when God had rejected him from governing it is noted and recorded that an evill spirit came upon him though hee retained his place after Therefore I humbly request you lay aside all worldly respects in this case and joyne all your strength diligence and hearts cheerefully and unanimously for Gods glory and the good of us your People and of our and of your posterity Remember dearely beloved how often God doth repeate these instructions namely that his People should diligently take heede to observe and note his Commandements and meditate in them day and night to doe and to observe them how often doth God admonish them to take heede not to add nor diminish to or from his Commandements and not to turne aside to the right nor left hand how many eminent examples hath God recorded of his anger against such as have cast away his Commandements and likewise his blessing upon them that with the greatest intention have followed those wayes that God directed and our Saviour telleth us that those that doe Gods Commandements are like to the wise builder that builded upon a Rocke Consider what great compassion God hath shewed to us that are Gentiles by nature and were Aliens from the Israel of God and Strangers from the Covenant of the Promises now God hath broken downe that partition wall and hath given us hope of salvation and hath made us partakers of those precious promises of Grace that are like to the balme of Gilead God through his blessed Sonne and our Saviour hath freely forgiven us our Offences and hath given unto us an assured hope of salvation Remember then what Christ saith that if wee love him wee should keepe his Commandements And consider wee shall get no benefit by turning from our God if we could obtaine the wings of the Morning and go over the face of the whole Earth yet we sall certainely finde that there is no God like to our God nor no devices or inventions of Men to be compared with those most beautifull and perfect wayes of our God And notwithstanding that Israel knew all this yet how apt were they and how often did they forsake the strong and gracious God and rejected his Commandements And preferred their owne inventions before Gods Commandements and before his Blessed Institutions in so much that GOD complained that the Ox acknowledgeâ— his owner and the Asse his Masters Cribbe but Israel would not obey the Lord their God Consider what could God have spoken or done more unto us hee hath sent his Prophets rising up early hee hath set before us Life and Death Good and Evill Prosperity and Adversity God hath set before us an eternall weight of glory a Crowne of glory God hath given us us unworthy such great and precious favours hope nay sure hope that we shall shortly our glasse runnes apace see God and enjoy him and the company of his blessed Saints and Angells to all eternity who is the Fountaine and perfection of all good beyond what the eye hath seene or the eare heard and beyond what ever entered into the heart of man to conceive Consider I pray you that notwithstanding that Israel knew many of these things yet they forsooke the Fountaine of living waters in so much that God saith of them Esai 48.18 Oh that thou haddest hearkened to my Commandements then had thy prosperity beene as the Flood and thy righteousnesse as the Waves of the Sea thy seede also had beene as the Sand that is numerous and our blessed Saviour saith Mat. 23.27 O Jerusalem Ierusalem which killest the Prophets and stonest them that are sent unto thee how often would I have gathered thy Children together as the Hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and you would not Ver. 38. Therefore behold your habitation shall be left unto you desolate But Dearely beloved Fathers I hope better things of you God hath used you already as instruments of his glory to doe great things God hath by you opened such a door for Reformation as I believe hath not beene since the dayes of Samuel the Prophet Now you have a precious Pearlâ— in your hands now you have an opportunity the Lord give you hearts not to slight it but to improve it for the honour of God and for the good of his Church and People you may I believe if God give you hearts be a meanes that wee may have Iudges as at the first and Counsellors as at the beginning then shall wee be called a City of righteousnesse and a faithfull City Isa 1.16 And then shall Peace and Truth meete together as Moses mâ—t Aaron in the Mount of God and they kissed each other Exodus 4.27 And then shall wee be a People whose governors and government shall be like in forme like unto the resemblance of that blessed forme and frame of government in Heavenly places amongst the blessed Saints and Angels which they do and the Elect children of God shall enjoy to all Eternity The consideration of that blessed and happy Government in Heaven drew mee to desire that our Government upon Earth might be in some proportion like to it this was the first mover under G d that caused me to write these few Lines and it is the utmost and onely end of My Endeavours FINIS Imprimatur Iohn Downame Decemb. 28. 1649. Errors in Printing discovered to be rectified Pag. 20. line 26. for revive read review P. 29. l. 28. for offered r. afforded P. 39. l. 18. Some words omitted P. 40. l. 14. for task r. case P. 53. l. 3. for second r. first and second Table P. 81. l. 26. for speak r. joyn P. 100. l. 26. for mediately r. immediately P. 113. l. 16. after Abimelech there wants part of a sentence P. 125. l. 37. put out onely P. 141. l. 11. for to r. for P. 157. l. 6. for Lawyers r. Laws