under_o the_o command_n &_o conduct_v of_o such_o ruler_n god_n have_v way_n enough_o to_o discharge_v they_o to_o take_v they_o from_o such_o a_o people_n or_o iâ—â—he_n do_v not_o so_o yet_o to_o cause_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o profit_v they_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o which_o i_o have_v but_o these_o few_o word_n to_o offer_v and_o so_o shall_v close_v be_v able_a and_o faithful_a ruler_n such_o rich_a blessing_n and_o will_v we_o contribute_v to_o this_o our_o happiness_n then_o 1._o let_v we_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o such_o mercy_n when_o the_o lord_n give_v king_n to_o be_v nurse_n father_n to_o his_o people_n as_o he_o promise_v isa_n 49_o 23._o shall_v not_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n resound_v throughout_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o â—ughter_n of_o zion_n do_v we_o also_o see_v such_o advance_v to_o â—bordinate_a place_n of_o power_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o 〈◊〉_d promotion_n be_v from_o god_n it_o be_v he_o that_o set_v they_o up_o â—d_a 756_o 7._o they_o be_v of_o he_o râ—m_n 13.1_o and_o by_o he_o â—y_a rule_n prov._n 8.16_o we_o cast_v the_o lot_n but_o the_o lord_n that_o 〈◊〉_d on_o high_a have_v the_o whole_a dispose_n of_o it_o prov._n 16_o 33._o 〈◊〉_d that_o our_o choice_n be_v also_o of_o god_n appointment_n if_o â—ey_n be_v of_o our_o desire_v they_o be_v of_o his_o give_v and_o as_o â—hen_o other_o bear_v rule_n over_o a_o people_n it_o be_v a_o signal_n of_o â—ods_n displeasure_n under_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o mourn_v 〈◊〉_d when_o our_o rod_n be_v strong_a it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o lord_n â—avour_n and_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o praise_n in_o psal_n 72._o â—fter_o the_o psalmist_n have_v in_o a_o prophetical_a contemplation_n â—lebrated_v the_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o common-weal_n of_o â—rael_n in_o a_o day_n when_o they_o enjoy_v the_o blessing_n which_o â—e_a doctrine_n speak_v of_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o which_o felicity_n â—_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n close_v â—l_o with_o repeat_v acclamation_n of_o praise_n and_o honour_n 〈◊〉_d god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o at_o five_o 18.19_o bless_a be_v the_o â—ord_n god_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o only_o do_v wondrous_a thing_n â—nd_o bless_v be_v his_o glorious_a name_n for_o ever_o and_o let_v the_o whole_a â—arth_n be_v fill_v with_o his_o glory_n amen_o &_o amen_o 2._o let_v we_o high_o prize_n and_o honour_n they_o that_o preâ—ept_v of_o the_o apostle_n with_o reference_n to_o ruler_n ecclesiastical_a be_v of_o as_o great_a force_n in_o this_o case_n 1_o thes_n 5.13_o where_o â—e_n charge_v we_o to_o esteem_v they_o that_o be_v over_o we_o very_o â—ighly_o and_o undervalue_v mercy_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v long_o continue_v consider_v it_o and_o be_v wise_a we_o have_v not_o many_o such_o to_o spare_v certain_o then_o it_o be_v our_o prudence_n â—nd_v interest_n not_o to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o remove_v they_o again_o let_v our_o high_a esteem_n of_o they_o be_v testify_v by_o a_o honourable_a deference_n towards_o they_o the_o apostle_n paulâ—aith_v â—aith_z concern_v they_o rom._n 13.7_o that_o honour_n be_v to_o be_v render_v they_o they_o be_v god_n psal_n 82.6_o and_o as_o such_o there_o be_v a_o civil_a worship_n and_o reverence_n due_a to_o they_o both_o in_o word_n &_o action_n speak_v no_o evil_a of_o dignity_n abhor_v that_o unchristian_a way_n of_o detraction_n backbiting_a and_o slander_n if_o they_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o cry_v sin_n and_o shame_n for_o we_o thus_o to_o treat_v they_o do_v our_o enemy_n charge_n we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n wherein_o we_o have_v be_v use_v to_o requite_v those_o that_o with_o great_a pain_n have_v travail_v for_o the_o public_a good_a let_v we_o refute_v this_o slander_n and_o if_o we_o can_v do_v no_o more_o yet_o at_o least_o let_v we_o love_n &_o honour_v such_o as_o have_v rule_n over_o we_o 3._o take_v we_o care_v that_o we_o do_v make_v they_o or_o provoke_v they_o to_o be_v other_o wise_a as_o they_o be_v sometime_o accessary_a to_o our_o sin_n when_o they_o either_o connive_v at_o we_o do_v they_o allow_v we_o in_o they_o or_o indulge_v we_o afterward_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v to_o their_o male-administrations_a if_o we_o seek_v to_o corrupt_v discourage_v pervert_n and_o disbhearten_v or_o any_o way_n weaken_v they_o there_o be_v a_o very_a laudable_a spirit_n in_o the_o people_n when_o they_o say_v to_o ezra_n chap._n 10.4_o arise_v this_o matter_n belenge_v unto_o thou_o we_o also_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n &_o do_v it_o and_o that_o matter_n do_v according_o succeed_v very_o happy_o but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o perverse_a spirit_n of_o dislike_n and_o contradiction_n in_o we_o to_o thwart_v the_o counsel_n and_o control_v the_o method_n of_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o public_a if_o those_o counsel_n prove_v abortive_a and_o those_o method_n vain_a it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v and_o we_o may_v thank_v ourselves_o for_o it_o 4._o i_o shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o my_o commission_n and_o i_o hope_v neither_o those_o of_o your_o patience_n if_o i_o put_v you_o in_o remembrance_n that_o you_o be_v subject_a to_o those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o you_o st_o paul_n leave_v this_o in_o charge_n with_o titus_n respect_v his_o cretan_n tit._n 3_o 1._o and_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n as_o obvious_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o also_o positive_o enjoin_v we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n eccl._n 8_o 2._o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o keep_v the_o king_n commandment_n and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o what_o can_v be_v more_o express_a than_o that_o of_o the_o aâ—le_n peter_n 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o finance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o â—g_z as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o unto_o they_o that_o send_v by_o they_o the_o general_a precept_n of_o obedience_n apostle_n do_v here_o particular_o apply_v with_o respect_n â—ll_a degree_n of_o authority_n both_o supreme_a &_o subordinate_a 〈◊〉_d so_o plain_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n v._n 15._o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n must_v violate_v reaâ—_n &_o conscience_n to_o gain_n say_v it_o the_o apostle_n paul_n urge_v the_o same_o duty_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 1._o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o high_a power_n and_o sw_v that_o the_o christian_n obligation_n thereunto_o have_v its_o â—ginal_a from_o a_o power_n which_o no_o man_n can_v dispute_v but_o be_v utmost_a peril_n v._o 2._o whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v the_o â—er_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o resist_v 〈◊〉_d receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n we_o may_v argue_v 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o context_n v._o 4._o from_o the_o â—mon_a good_a which_o shall_v then_o flourish_v when_o there_o be_v â—irit_n of_o wisdom_n prudence_n &_o judgement_n in_o those_o that_o 〈◊〉_d &_o of_o subjection_n in_o other_o &_o upon_o this_o account_n must_v needs_o be_v subject_a as_o the_o apostle_n add_v v._o 5_o â—mly_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n there_o be_v but_o â—_o thing_n that_o can_v rational_o be_v pretend_v to_o dispense_v 〈◊〉_d this_o obligation_n the_o first_o be_v when_o the_o command_v â—â—en_o do_v cross_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o second_o be_v â—n_v the_o authority_n command_v be_v not_o legal_a as_o to_o first_o it_o be_v a_o rule_v case_n act._n 5.29_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v or_o than_o man_n active_a obedience_n be_v due_a where_o it_o may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n else_o not_o yet_o here_o all_o enâ—ours_n be_v to_o be_v careful_o use_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o â—he_v repugnancy_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v between_o â—s_n divine_a &_o humane_a be_v not_o only_o in_o our_o imaginal_n for_o otherwise_o while_o we_o pretend_v to_o obey_v the_o lord_n refuse_v obedience_n unto_o man_n we_o shall_v be_v find_v which_o without_o doubt_n be_v the_o unhappy_a condition_n of_o some_o disobedient_a both_o to_o god_n &_o man_n as_o to_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o illegality_n of_o the_o authority_n command_v i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o whatever_o dispute_v there_o may_v be_v about_o the_o various_a method_n that_o be_v in_o use_n among_o man_n for_o the_o designation_n of_o person_n to_o place_n of_o authority_n or_o about_o those_o that_o be_v vest_v with_o authority_n whether_o they_o come_v rightful_o by_o it_o or_o no_o certain_o they_o that_o have_v the_o liberty_n or_o elect_v their_o own_o ruler_n have_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o insist_v upon_o this_o
blessing_n and_o condemn_v other_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o people_n ruin_n what_o a_o honourable_a character_n do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v we_o of_o moses_n joshua_n and_o samuel_n among_o the_o judge_n of_o david_n solomon_n jehosaphat_n and_o some_o other_o among_o the_o king_n and_o what_o a_o everlasting_a brand_n of_o infamy_n the_o scripture_n have_v set_v upon_o those_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n that_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v obvious_a to_o every_o one_o that_o read_v the_o chronicle_n of_o those_o time_n with_o observation_n to_o this_o therefore_o i_o shall_v add_v only_o these_o two_o or_o three_o particular_n wherein_o you_o may_v see_v the_o lord_n commend_v able_a and_o faithful_a ruler_n to_o we_o as_o rich_a blessing_n and_o condemn_v other_o as_o ruinous_a 1._o it_o be_v recommend_v in_o deut._n 1.13_o and_o exod._n 18.21_o to_o all_o that_o have_v the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o elect_v civil_a ruler_n that_o in_o their_o designation_n of_o person_n to_o place_n of_o authority_n they_o shall_v have_v special_a regard_n to_o their_o be_v so_o qualify_v and_o that_o which_o then_o contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o people_n can_v now_o be_v think_v to_o cross_v it_o 2._o the_o lord_n give_v such_o ruler_n in_o mercy_n to_o a_o people_n in_o 2_o chron_n 9.8_o it_o be_v say_v concern_v solomon_n because_o thy_o god_n love_v israel_n to_o establish_v they_o for_o ever_o therefore_o make_v he_o thou_o king_n over_o they_o to_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v a_o bless_a promise_n that_o god_n support_v his_o people_n with_o when_o they_o be_v languish_v under_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o government_n not_o regard_v the_o administration_n of_o justice_n that_o he_o will_v restore_v they_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n isa_n 1.26_o i_o e._n such_o as_o moses_n and_o joshua_n david_n and_o solomon_n and_o when_o such_o as_o these_o be_v remove_v from_o a_o people_n their_o case_n be_v awful_a and_o god_n threaten_v it_o as_o a_o sore_a judgement_n isa_n 3.1_o 2._o 3._o god_n send_v other_o ruler_n in_o wrath_n to_o a_o people_n i_o give_v thou_o a_o king_n in_o my_o anger_n say_v the_o lord_n concern_v saul_n hos_n 13.11_o and_o again_o isa_n 3.4_o god_n threaten_v that_o people_n with_o this_o curse_n i_o will_v give_v child_n to_o be_v their_o prince_n and_o babe_n shall_v rule_v over_o they_o dreadful_a be_v the_o consequent_n of_o this_o mention_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o people_n shall_v be_v oppress_v every_o one_o by_o another_o and_o every_o one_o by_o his_o neighbour_n the_o child_n shall_v behave_v himself_o proud_o against_o the_o ancient_n and_o the_o base_a against_o the_o honourable_a in_o a_o word_n violence_n and_o insolence_n will_v bear_v down_o all_o before_o they_o 4._o able_a and_o faithful_a ruler_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n prov._n 29.14_o the_o king_n that_o faithful_o judge_v the_o poor_a his_o throne_n shall_v be_v establish_v for_o ever_o 2_o chron_n 19_o ult_n deal_v courageous_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o good_a and_o god_n in_o blessing_n they_o bless_v the_o whole_a people_n when_o their_o method_n be_v prudent_a their_o aim_n right_o their_o endeavour_n vigorous_a their_o heart_n valiant_a their_o hand_n strong_a and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o be_v crown_v they_o with_o success_n the_o public_a will_v reap_v the_o benefit_n it_o be_v say_v judge_n 2.7_o the_o people_n serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n joshua_n faithful_o endeavour_v it_o and_o god_n smile_v upon_o his_o endeavour_n god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o the_o people_n flourish_v in_o piety_n and_o prosperity_n but_o it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o joshua_n head_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a before_o they_o know_v the_o difference_n the_o application_n of_o the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v use_v 1_o by_o way_n of_o instruction_n learn_v hence_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o signal_n token_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n to_o a_o people_n when_o they_o have_v such_o man_n to_o rule_v over_o they_o their_o promotion_n come_v not_o from_o the_o east_n or_o from_o the_o west_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 75.6_o 7._o it_o be_v god_n that_o set_v they_o up_o and_o his_o love_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o it_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v 2._o what_o matter_n of_o humble_v it_o be_v to_o a_o people_n when_o such_o be_v either_o deny_v unto_o they_o or_o remove_v from_o they_o when_o the_o elder_n be_v cease_v from_o the_o gate_n lam._n 5.14_o the_o prophet_n say_v upon_o it_o v._o 16._o the_o crown_n be_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n when_o good_a man_n be_v take_v away_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a omen_n but_o when_o such_o good_a man_n thus_o remove_v be_v good_a ruler_n too_o it_o be_v much_o more_o ominous_a such_o loss_n be_v hardly_o repair_v therefore_o they_o be_v a_o lamentation_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n 3._o how_o much_o it_o concern_v ruler_n to_o be_v and_o approve_v themselves_o such_o man_n strong_a rod_n as_o they_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o ruine_n of_o their_o people_n and_o that_o be_v themselves_o rich_a blessing_n they_o themselves_o may_v be_v bless_v both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n 4._o that_o those_o that_o be_v profess_v enemy_n to_o such_o a_o government_n as_o have_v strong_a rod_n to_o rule_v or_o to_o such_o ruler_n as_o these_o be_v upon_o no_o term_n to_o be_v bear_v withal_o but_o i_o may_v not_o enlarge_v on_o these_o particular_n the_o chief_a that_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o present_a improvement_n of_o this_o truth_n shall_v be_v in_o two_o word_n far_o of_o direction_n and_o of_o exhortation_n use_v ii_o of_o direction_n this_o doctrine_n afford_v excellent_a counsel_n to_o all_o such_o as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v and_o liberty_n by_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o royal_a favour_n of_o elect_v person_n into_o any_o office_n of_o civil_a rule_n and_o government_n among_o this_o people_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o you_o as_o a_o necessary_a direction_n in_o the_o work_n that_o be_v now_o before_o you_o it_o high_o concern_v you_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o not_o abuse_v so_o great_a a_o trust_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o service_n that_o require_v your_o utmost_a care_n and_o conscience_n you_o be_v this_o day_n to_o transact_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o weal_n of_o this_o people_n and_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v upon_o you_o of_o god_n to_o observe_v your_o sâ—iâ—its_n design_n and_o end_v in_o this_o day_n work_v to_o bless_v you_o according_o and_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v upon_o you_o some_o to_o rejoice_v in_o all_o the_o happy_a effect_n that_o may_v follow_v your_o prudent_a choice_n other_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o all_o the_o folly_n that_o you_o may_v this_o day_n be_v guilty_a of_o i_o may_v well_o conclude_v myself_o very_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o particular_a method_n and_o custom_n usual_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o your_o election_n but_o i_o suppose_v whatever_o sâ—epâ—_n have_v be_v already_o take_v in_o other_o place_n of_o this_o government_n there_o be_v many_o in_o this_o assembly_n who_o be_v still_o to_o give_v in_o their_o suffrage_n to_o who_o therefore_o i_o will_v more_o particular_o recommend_v this_o rule_n that_o the_o doctrine_n lay_v before_o 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o other_o that_o may_v hereafter_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_o affâ—â—â—_n as_o that_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o attend_v to_o it_o you_o will_v not_o this_o day_n do_v that_o which_o will_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n to_o this_o people_n and_o remain_v so_o â—et_z your_o care_n then_o be_v to_o elect_a such_o as_o may_v be_v able_a for_o their_o place_n and_o faithful_a in_o they_o do_v think_v your_o voice_n be_v so_o your_o own_o that_o you_o may_v bestow_v they_o upon_o who_o you_o will_v mere_o because_o you_o will_n let_v not_o that_o liberty_n you_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o a_o undo_a licentiousness_n beware_v of_o those_o corrupt_a and_o sinister_a end_n which_o be_v too_o too_o apt_a to_o blind_v your_o judgement_n and_o bias_n your_o affection_n from_o the_o rule_n thus_o set_v before_o you_o i_o shall_v but_o hint_n at_o some_o of_o they_o there_o be_v some_o of_o plausible_a pretence_n indeed_o but_o ungoverned_a spirit_n who_o in_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n consult_v only_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o choose_v for_o such_o as_o they_o hope_v will_v most_o indulge_v they_o these_o have_v rather_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o authority_n than_o such_o as_o have_v wisdom_n and_o spirit_n to_o control_v they_o &_o if_o they_o have_v
light_n that_o commend_v some_o government_n as_o necessary_a condemn_v a_o bad_a one_o 2._o nor_o second_o do_v it_o mend_v the_o matter_n much_o if_o a_o people_n have_v such_o to_o rule_v they_o as_o be_v not_o suitable_o qualify_v who_o have_v either_o no_o wisdom_n to_o discern_v time_n &_o judgement_n or_o if_o they_o have_v wisdom_n that_o wisdom_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o justice_n or_o that_o justice_n not_o strengthen_v by_o courage_n or_o this_o courage_n not_o influence_v by_o piety_n but_o they_o be_v though_o ambitious_a of_o the_o honour_n yet_o careless_a of_o the_o charge_n of_o government_n impatient_a in_o examination_n rash_a in_o judge_v partial_a in_o their_o sentence_n culpable_a in_o their_o deportment_n example_n of_o that_o impiety_n which_o they_o shall_v suppress_v in_o other_o and_o what_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o such_o but_o the_o ruin_n of_o a_o people_n they_o do_v know_v or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v not_o regard_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o public_a and_o be_v sure_a will_v never_o expose_v themselves_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o they_o have_v more_o advantage_n than_o other_o to_o wrong_v the_o public_a and_o as_o little_a conscience_n as_o any_o to_o restrain_v they_o these_o be_v they_o that_o will_v justify_v the_o wicked_a for_o a_o reward_n and_o take_v away_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a from_o he_o isa_n 5.23_o instead_o of_o right_v those_o that_o be_v injure_v they_o will_v add_v to_o the_o wrong_n religion_n suffer_v deep_o by_o they_o and_o especial_o by_o their_o immorality_n &_o the_o crafty_a oppressor_n take_v heart_n in_o his_o wickedness_n presume_v either_o to_o escape_v their_o observance_n or_o to_o have_v their_o connivance_n whoever_o seek_v the_o hurâ—_n of_o their_o people_n these_o will_v do_v little_a to_o purpose_n to_o prevent_v they_o but_o if_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n present_a they_o will_v become_v party_n in_o the_o design_n and_o please_v themselves_o if_o they_o may_v have_v but_o the_o luck_n to_o build_v their_o own_o private_a fortune_n on_o the_o public_a ruin_n or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o do_v not_o thus_o of_o set_a purpose_n they_o will_v do_v the_o same_o out_o of_o ignorance_n sluggishness_n or_o cowardice_n that_o other_o do_v out_o of_o design_n and_o that_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o mischievous_a to_o the_o public_a solomon_n paint_v these_o man_n to_o the_o life_n prov._n 28.15_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o a_o range_v bear_n so_o be_v a_o wicked_a ruler_n over_o the_o poor_a people_n this_o be_v the_o character_n of_o folly_n set_v in_o great_a dignity_n eccles_n 10.6_o and_o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o many_o misery_n that_o flow_v from_o such_o a_o conduct_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o enlarge_v much_o in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v two_o or_o three_o consideration_n further_o concern_v those_o ruler_n in_o special_a that_o have_v be_v characterise_v in_o this_o discourse_n and_o i_o come_v to_o the_o application_n 1._o consider_v such_o ruler_n will_v study_v and_o promote_v those_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o weal_n of_o their_o people_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v rich_a blessing_n to_o they_o it_o be_v for_o their_o sake_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o that_o solomon_n in_o 2_o chron._n 1.10_o beg_v wisdom_n of_o god_n prudentiam_fw-la regitivam_fw-la that_o he_o may_v know_v to_o go_v out_o and_o come_v in_o before_o his_o people_n they_o know_v that_o for_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v they_o their_o promotion_n with_o all_o the_o advantage_n that_o attend_v it_o and_o that_o unless_o they_o do_v according_o improve_v it_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o yield_v a_o account_n of_o the_o pâ—â—ce_n that_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n they_o esteem_v the_o salus_n populi_n the_o public_a good_a to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a subordinate_a end_n of_o government_n and_o that_o whosever_v do_v not_o faithful_o endeavour_v the_o same_o can_v never_o attain_v the_o ultimate_a and_o though_o the_o lord_n have_v advance_v they_o above_o their_o fellow_n creature_n and_o make_v they_o god_n among_o &_o in_o a_o sense_n over_o man_n yet_o they_o will_v remember_v that_o they_o be_v minister_n for_o their_o good_a rom._n 13_o 4._o and_o according_o do_v whatsoever_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n that_o it_o may_v be_v advance_v under_o their_o management_n that_o if_o god_n bless_v they_o therein_o they_o may_v live_v the_o desire_n of_o their_o people_n their_o death_n whether_o civil_a or_o natural_a be_v lament_v or_o their_o memory_n bless_v 2._o consider_v as_o they_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n to_o keep_v out_o and_o to_o keep_v off_o evil_a from_o their_o people_n so_o they_o will_v diligent_o and_o vigorous_o improve_v it_o they_o may_v do_v much_o none_o more_o to_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o approach_a evil._n and_o they_o will_v do_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v especial_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o sin_n which_o open_v the_o door_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n they_o will_v conscientious_o oppose_v not_o only_o by_o strict_a law_n and_o severe_a punishment_n but_o also_o by_o labour_v to_o be_v such_o a_o pattern_n of_o piety_n themselves_o as_o shall_v be_v a_o powerful_a incentive_a to_o the_o well-minded_a and_o as_o great_a a_o dread_n to_o those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o and_o though_o when_o such_o ruler_n have_v do_v their_o best_a there_o may_v be_v very_o heinous_a transgression_n among_o their_o people_n yet_o they_o will_v endeavour_v that_o those_o transgression_n shall_v remain_v personal_a and_o not_o amount_v to_o public_a crime_n by_o be_v allow_v of_o or_o wink_v at_o and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n the_o wall_n of_o god_n protection_n about_o a_o people_n be_v break_v down_o these_o be_v the_o man_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o repair_v the_o breach_n and_o they_o may_v by_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n seasonable_o show_v in_o a_o suitable_a witness-bearing_a against_o the_o cry_a sin_n that_o kindle_v the_o lord_n anger_n turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n from_o such_o a_o people_n so_o do_v phinehas_n numb_a 25.7_o 8._o 3._o consider_v the_o success_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a form_n of_o government_n and_o most_o suitable_a law_n do_v under_o god_n main_o depend_v upon_o the_o ability_n and_o fidelity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o government_n which_o further_o show_v such_o as_o these_o to_o be_v exceed_o great_a blessing_n though_o there_o be_v diverse_a form_n of_o government_n lawful_a and_o many_o law_n just_a in_o themselves_o yet_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o expedient_a for_o every_o people_n as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o prudence_n in_o ruler_n to_o know_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o fit_v for_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o law_n be_v most_o accomodable_a to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o so_o also_o it_o contribute_v not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o people_n when_o they_o be_v under_o such_o a_o method_n of_o government_n and_o under_o such_o law_n as_o suit_v they_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o proper_a circumstance_n and_o design_n but_o yet_o let_v all_o this_o be_v suppose_v of_o a_o people_n it_o be_v all_o nothing_o if_o such_o ruler_n as_o these_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o be_v want_v if_o they_o that_o have_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n in_o their_o hand_n want_v either_o skill_n or_o courage_n or_o conscience_n to_o manage_v it_o a_o right_a the_o government_n will_v soon_o become_v ineffectual_a and_o the_o law_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n which_o have_v its_o life_n and_o power_n from_o a_o honest_a and_o vigorous_a execution_n of_o it_o and_o whatever_o a_o people_n privilege_n be_v though_o they_o have_v the_o best_a contrive_a model_n of_o government_n in_o the_o world_n and_o law_n as_o suitable_a as_o can_v be_v make_v for_o they_o yet_o if_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o they_o be_v not_o man_n of_o such_o principle_n as_o those_o that_o have_v be_v mention_v they_o will_v be_v miserable_a notwithstanding_o lamentable_a instance_n of_o which_o do_v abound_v in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o monarchy_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n which_o though_o they_o have_v a_o body_n of_o judicial_a law_n compile_v for_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o yet_o never_o any_o common_a weal_n full_a of_o fraud_n oppression_n injury_n violence_n and_o wickedness_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o the_o frequent_a complaint_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v testify_v than_o these_o be_v when_o unable_a or_o unfaithful_a ruler_n have_v the_o administration_n of_o those_o law_n among_o they_o 4_o consider_v the_o lord_n by_o who_o prince_n rule_n and_o noble_n even_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n prov._n 8.16_o do_v warrant_v able_a and_o faithful_a ruler_n to_o we_o for_o public_a and_o great_a
in_o â—â—ain_n all_o other_o be_v more_o for_o show_v than_o any_o â—â—od_a service_n be_v advise_v therefore_o in_o your_o choice_n to_o avoid_v they_o do_v you_o see_v any_o that_o â—ill_v be_v daunt_v with_o great_a word_n or_o sear_v the_o faâ—s_n of_o man_n that_o will_v tremble_v at_o the_o frown_n of_o 〈◊〉_d i_o that_o can_v do_v they_o a_o diskindness_n or_o at_o the_o â—breats_n of_o one_o that_o can_v do_v they_o a_o favour_n or_o â—â—at_o dare_v not_o with_o phinehas_n show_v themselves_o in_o â—e_a front_n to_o make_v head_n against_o prevail_v imâ—rious_a wickedness_n never_o expect_v much_o of_o such_o man_n a_o sword_n will_v never_o do_v any_o feat_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o coward_n hand_n and_o for_o they_o that_o hope_v for_o desence_n and_o protection_n by_o it_o to_o put_v it_o into_o such_o hand_n as_o these_o be_v to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o the_o great_a indiscretion_n 4._o direction_n let_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v deem_v a_o principal_a qualification_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o government_n able_a man_n be_v man_n fâ—aâ—ing_v god_n exod._n 18.21_o those_o that_o be_v rule_v themselves_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v rule_v other_o in_o his_o â—ear_n and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a government_n which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o blessing_n you_o have_v be_v often_o assure_v and_o especial_o by_o those_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o have_v deliver_v his_o message_n to_o you_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n with_o this_o of_o the_o present_a day_n that_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n in_o honour_n and_o purity_n the_o promote_a of_o piety_n the_o punish_v &_o suppress_v of_o all_o wickedness_n be_v the_o grand_a interest_n of_o a_o people_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o yourselves_o in_o particular_a who_o have_v be_v so_o signal_o own_v of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v i_o yet_o once_o more_o renew_v this_o message_n to_o you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 15.2_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o while_o you_o be_v with_o he_o and_o if_o you_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o you_o but_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v forsake_v you_o be_v assire_v that_o if_o this_o work_n die_v we_o shall_v die_v with_o it_o and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o its_o die_a if_o thâ—se_a that_o rule_n we_o under_o god_n have_v not_o his_o fear_n plant_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o be_v whole_o void_a of_o any_o thing_n within_o that_o may_v oblige_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o he_o irreligious_a man_n will_v be_v no_o better_a ruler_n he_o that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o fear_n god_n he_o that_o have_v no_o more_o religion_n than_o what_o will_v serve_v to_o deceive_v other_o withal_o and_o be_v as_o all_o such_o be_v false_a to_o the_o profession_n that_o he_o make_v of_o religion_n will_v be_v no_o better_o to_o his_o country_n whenever_o he_o think_v he_o may_v be_v so_o to_o his_o advantage_n such_o as_o dont_fw-fr fear_n god_n will_v easy_o be_v vassalize_v to_o the_o will_n of_o any_o that_o be_v great_a than_o themselves_o and_o can_v do_v they_o a_o injury_n these_o will_v be_v very_o corrupt_a judge_n in_o that_o case_n which_o the_o apostle_n dare_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o judge_n act_n 4.14_o viz._n whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o such_o as_o tertullian_n of_o old_a object_v to_o some_o among_o the_o roman_n majore_fw-la formidine_fw-la caesarem_fw-la observatis_fw-la quam_fw-la ipsum_fw-la de_fw-la olympo_fw-la jupiter_fw-la but_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n will_v be_v afraid_a for_o that_o very_a reason_n of_o injure_v man_n they_o will_v as_o they_o be_v custodes_fw-la tabularum_fw-la not_o only_o command_v they_o to_o be_v keep_v and_o provide_v that_o due_a testimony_n may_v be_v bear_v against_o those_o that_o do_v not_o but_o also_o they_o will_v commend_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o by_o a_o pattern_n worthy_a of_o those_o who_o eminency_n render_v their_o example_n more_o observable_a and_o more_o offectual_a in_o a_o word_n this_o fear_n will_v influence_n they_o to_o all_o fidelity_n diligence_n and_o honesty_n impartiality_n pain_n and_o equity_n they_o will_v remember_v that_o the_o judgement_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v wrong_v do_v by_o any_o of_o his_o vicegerent_n here_o below_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o subject_n over_o who_o they_o rule_v have_v a_o fair_a plea_n and_o prohibition_n lie_v against_o it_o in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v call_v over_o again_o and_o justice_n do_v they_o such_o ruler_n as_o these_o will_v be_v nurse_n father_n indeed_o and_o in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o their_o people_n advance_v the_o common_a interest_n be_v zealous_a promoter_n of_o piety_n and_o all_o ungodliness_n they_o will_v reprove_v in_o the_o gate_n these_o be_v the_o strong_a rod_n whereas_o from_o all_o other_o there_o will_v go_v out_o a_o fire_n devour_v all_o the_o fruit_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o people_n 5._o i_o may_v add_v far_o put_v honour_n upon_o such_o as_o will_v stand_v firm_a for_o the_o common_a interest_n and_o make_v the_o weal_n of_o the_o public_a their_o chief_a care_n &_o business_n in_o this_o case_n especial_o they_o that_o be_v give_v to_o change_n be_v not_o to_o be_v medve_v with_o prov._n 24.21_o in_o all_o revolution_n that_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n it_o be_v hazardable_a whether_o the_o public_a will_v not_o come_v by_o the_o loss_n and_o when_o it_o do_v it_o do_v not_o always_o recover_v it_o again_o &_o that_o too_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o long_a time_n first_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n such_o as_o be_v so_o addict_v be_v to_o be_v eschew_v yet_o beware_v of_o think_v that_o all_o that_o have_v be_v asperse_v as_o enemy_n to_o the_o common_a weal_n do_v deserve_v that_o character_n which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o some_o secret_a grudge_n of_o malignant_a man_n against_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o unwise_a to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o that_o can_v do_v god_n and_o their_o country_n service_n for_o the_o calumny_n &_o reproach_n that_o they_o be_v lade_v withal_o by_o their_o ignorant_a and_o unthankful_a neighbour_n 6._o again_o respect_v such_o as_o will_v adorn_v their_o authority_n with_o a_o example_n worthy_a of_o the_o dignity_n that_o they_o sustain_v remember_v that_o great_a example_n if_o they_o be_v good_a will_v confirm_v the_o weak_a and_o it_o they_o be_v bad_a will_v enervate_v and_o weaken_v the_o strong_a law_n when_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o they_o that_o rule_n as_o once_o christ_n say_v in_o that_o case_n mention_v joh._n 8.7_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o cast_v the_o first_o stone_n there_o will_v either_o be_v no_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n or_o no_o good_a will_v come_v of_o it_o they_o be_v very_o unfit_a to_o punish_v other_o who_o be_v themselves_o transgressor_n but_o i_o omit_v what_o particular_n may_v be_v add_v as_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o general_a direction_n give_v and_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o use_v iii_o of_o exhortation_n in_o two_o branch_n 1._o to_o such_o as_o be_v or_o may_v this_o day_n be_v elect_v and_o establish_v the_o civil_a ruler_n of_o this_o people_n you_o see_v honour_v and_o much_o esteem_v wherein_o you_o may_v be_v rich_a blessing_n as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n incessant_o to_o pray_v god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v so_o so_o also_o we_o submissive_o pâ—ay_v you_o that_o you_o will_v be_v so_o be_v you_o therefore_o entreat_v whosoever_o you_o be_v upon_o who_o the_o over_o roll_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v order_v the_o lot_n to_o fall_v this_o day_n to_o approve_v yourselves_o strong_a rods._n esteem_v this_o to_o be_v your_o great_a glory_n the_o contrary_a to_o this_o will_v be_v both_o your_o &_o our_o ruin_n let_v the_o qualification_n which_o have_v at_o this_o time_n be_v describe_v to_o you_o be_v exemplify_v in_o all_o your_o management_n that_o our_o own_o experience_n may_v teach_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o people_n who_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n who_o have_v strong_a rod_n for_o a_o sceptre_n to_o rule_v they_o your_o ability_n be_v under_o god_n our_o strength_n your_o fidelity_n our_o security_n if_o these_o foundation_n be_v destroy_v what_o shall_v the_o righteous_a do_v psal_n 11.3_o if_o these_o foundation_n be_v out_o of_o course_n nothing_o