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of_o his_o christ_n for_o the_o accuser_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v cast_v down_o ver._n 11._o but_o they_o overcome_v he_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o that_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n verse_n 12._o therefore_o rejoice_v you_o heaven_n and_o you_o that_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o now_o belove_a countryman_n let_v i_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o you_o may_v i_o not_o say_v to_o many_o of_o you_o with_o jeremy_n o_o that_o my_o eye_n be_v a_o fountain_n of_o tear_n that_o i_o may_v weep_v day_n and_o night_n for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o people_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o after_o such_o clear_a evident_a and_o wonderful_a gracious_a work_n and_o act_n of_o our_o good_a god_n in_o these_o very_a time_n that_o any_o rational_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o lead_v aside_o and_o prejudice_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v with_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o that_o god_n have_v use_v as_o instrument_n of_o so_o great_a deliverance_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o some_o they_o cry_v out_o oh_o the_o king_n the_o king_n be_v go_v be_v so_o great_a pomp_n and_o riches_n come_v to_o desolation_n in_o one_o hour_n other_o they_o will_v have_v all_o opinion_n open_o manifest_v to_o be_v tolerate_v under_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n other_o will_v have_v their_o own_o opinion_n and_o no_o other_o to_o be_v tolerate_v that_o they_o may_v lord_n it_o over_o their_o weak_a brethren_n other_o they_o speak_v with_o a_o double_a heart_n as_o david_n take_v notice_n and_o so_o make_v ready_a their_o arrow_n and_o bend_v their_o bow_n that_o they_o may_v shoot_v at_o all_o that_o be_v upright_o in_o heart_n psal_n 11._o for_o they_o speak_v against_o government_n and_o governor_n say_v they_o hate_v these_o opinionist_n they_o by_o this_o mean_n show_v too_o evident_o by_o their_o fruit_n that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o cloak_n for_o their_o own_o 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can_v instance_n in_o many_o case_n but_o i_o forbear_v therefore_o join_v unanimous_o in_o this_o to_o seek_v and_o to_o pray_v god_n so_o to_o direct_v our_o present_a governor_n that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o direct_v by_o god_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v and_o follow_v that_o way_n for_o the_o call_n of_o our_o judge_n into_o their_o place_n that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v own_a and_o bless_v for_o this_o be_v the_o root_n from_o whence_o our_o great_a safety_n under_o god_n consist_v such_o governor_n send_v of_o god_n i_o know_v god_n will_v bless_v with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o agree_v upon_o what_o you_o will_v before_o hand_n it_o will_v be_v of_o little_a moment_n because_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o god_n proceed_n and_o if_o governor_n enter_v in_o at_o
lawful_a thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o at_o joshua_n command_n the_o people_n be_v arm_v to_o the_o war_n and_o that_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o he_o without_o ask_v leave_n of_o other_o inferior_a officer_n or_o of_o the_o people_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o david_n saul_n solomon_n etc._n etc._n do_v many_o act_n of_o war_n and_o peace_n without_o any_o such_o manacle_n i_o will_v not_o multiply_v scripture_n to_o prove_v such_o apparent_a matter_n now_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o direct_a breach_n of_o god_n command_n in_o a_o high_a and_o great_a measure_n for_o mr_n prynne_n to_o take_v from_o the_o king_n his_o lawful_a privilege_n my_o understanding_n fail_v i_o this_o sin_n have_v be_v punish_v severe_o both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o king_n let_v the_o godly_a wise_n consider_v it_o belove_a countryman_n it_o be_v no_o light_a matter_n who_o we_o make_v to_o be_v or_o receive_v to_o be_v either_o king_n or_o governor_n we_o have_v need_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n we_o have_v need_v to_o inquire_v of_o god_n who_o shall_v govern_v we_o for_o we_o must_v give_v and_o yield_v unto_o god_n steward_n and_o our_o lawful_a governor_n so_o much_o and_o no_o less_o power_n than_o god_n have_v afford_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n for_o the_o looseness_n wantonness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o people_n when_o they_o inquire_v not_o of_o god_n when_o they_o attend_v not_o to_o the_o prescribe_a rule_n of_o his_o word_n to_o know_v who_o shall_v guide_v they_o but_o rash_o careless_o and_o slight_o follow_v their_o own_o invention_n about_o governor_n i_o say_v it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n that_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n shall_v deceive_v they_o and_o whereas_o they_o may_v lie_v down_o by_o the_o still_a water_n in_o peace_n without_o fear_n if_o they_o will_v take_v counsel_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v govern_v they_o for_o the_o want_n of_o this_o watchfulness_n for_o want_v of_o inquire_v of_o god_n and_o keep_v close_o to_o those_o pattern_n those_o rule_v appoint_v by_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v will_n the_o sacred_a and_o unerring_a rule_n of_o truth_n the_o scripture_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o people_n err_v in_o their_o choice_n and_o in_o accept_v of_o those_o person_n to_o govern_v they_o that_o be_v not_o man_n appoint_v by_o god_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o people_n they_o be_v molest_v persecute_a devour_v and_o rest_n in_o continual_a fear_n and_o the_o misery_n be_v they_o see_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o disease_n god_n well_o know_v this_o therefore_o when_o he_o will_v show_v mercy_n to_o israel_n his_o first_o bear_v son_n when_o no_o strange_a god_n be_v with_o he_o than_o he_o take_v especial_a care_n to_o provide_v good_a shepherd_n which_o shepherd_n he_o furnish_v with_o his_o bless_a spirit_n he_o command_v they_o to_o carry_v the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n in_o their_o bosom_n god_n bless_v direct_v strengthen_v protect_v such_o governor_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v moses_n a_o man_n much_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n a_o man_n enrich_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v well_o know_v weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o what_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v for_o the_o people_n good_a that_o god_n and_o not_o the_o people_n shall_v appoint_v a_o man_n to_o be_v the_o shepherd_n of_o his_o people_n no_o doubt_v he_o consider_v as_o much_o the_o people_n liberty_n as_o we_o do_v and_o that_o the_o people_n may_v unwarrantable_o have_v choose_v themselves_o a_o governor_n after_o his_o decease_n but_o he_o see_v much_o of_o god_n mind_n and_o the_o people_n good_a rest_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o person_n therefore_o moses_n know_v that_o the_o people_n may_v err_v in_o choose_v themselves_o a_o leader_n he_o therefore_o serious_o and_o earnest_o desire_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v appoint_v a_o man_n numb_a 27.16_o let_v the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n appoint_v a_o man_n over_o the_o congregation_n verse_n 17._o who_o may_v go_v out_o and_o in_o before_o they_o that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o as_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n mark_v how_o god_n answer_v they_o that_o seek_v for_o safety_n and_o direction_n to_o he_o and_o trust_v not_o in_o themselves_o here_o we_o may_v note_v two_o considerable_a matter_n first_o that_o moses_n look_v more_o at_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a then_o at_o the_o prefer_v his_o child_n to_o government_n a_o true_a note_n of_o a_o true_a shepherd_n second_o note_v that_o in_o the_o government_n that_o in_o these_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n when_o israel_n his_o strength_n be_v as_o a_o unicorn_n then_o when_o god_n prescribe_v governor_n in_o mercy_n to_o his_o first_o bear_v son_n government_n go_v not_o by_o succession_n from_o father_n to_o son_n in_o those_o time_n from_o moses_n to_o samuel_n time_n indeed_o afterward_o when_o the_o people_n will_v slight_v god_n and_o obstinate_o cast_v god_n off_o from_o be_v their_o king_n it_o be_v considerable_a likewise_o that_o god_n remove_v then_o his_o gracious_a presence_n far_o off_o from_o they_o then_o before_o though_o for_o his_o own_o goodness_n sake_n he_o do_v not_o whole_o depart_v from_o they_o yet_o he_o stand_v at_o a_o far_a distance_n from_o they_o from_o that_o time_n to_o this_o government_n have_v usual_o follow_v by_o natural_a generation_n from_o father_n to_o the_o elder_a son_n i_o say_v not_o that_o it_o have_v be_v thus_o by_o god_n commandment_n for_o i_o purpose_n if_o god_n will_v in_o time_n convenient_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o that_o to_o try_v the_o case_n hence_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o good_a father_n beget_v a_o evil_a son_n the_o people_n have_v be_v miserable_o afflict_v o_o that_o people_n will_v be_v wise_a to_o learn_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n well_o let_v the_o world_n do_v what_o they_o please_v i_o purpose_v see_v god_n have_v promise_v to_o restore_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o that_o i_o will_v not_o cast_v away_o my_o confidence_n and_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v perform_v his_o word_n and_o that_o we_o may_v see_v it_o perform_v object_n but_o why_o may_v not_o the_o people_n have_v choose_v themselves_o a_o governor_n be_v there_o any_o great_a matter_n in_o that_o ans_fw-fr the_o people_n be_v so_o well_o instruct_v in_o joshua_n his_o time_n that_o after_o his_o time_n the_o state_n be_v leave_v vacant_a of_o a_o principal_a guide_n they_o do_v not_o count_v it_o to_o be_v safe_a for_o they_o to_o choose_v themselves_o therefore_o they_o ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n and_o attend_v to_o god_n direction_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o action_n judges_z 1.1_o after_o that_o joshua_n be_v dead_a the_o child_n of_o israel_n ask_v the_o lord_n say_v who_o shall_v go_v up_o for_o we_o etc._n etc._n on_o the_o contrary_a look_v how_o it_o fare_v when_o the_o people_n choose_v themselves_o and_o by_o succession_n record_v judge_n 9.6_o and_o all_o the_o man_n of_o shechem_n come_v and_o make_v abimilech_n king_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n own_o invention_n in_o which_o they_o consult_v not_o they_o inquire_v not_o of_o god_n who_o shall_v govern_v they_o if_o we_o read_v the_o place_n record_v for_o our_o learning_n we_o may_v see_v what_o great_a affliction_n do_v befall_v they_o which_o do_v evident_o spring_v from_o this_o root_n namely_o their_o mistake_v the_o man_n more_o i_o purpose_v concern_v this_o matter_n afterward_o if_o god_n will_n our_o saviour_n say_v if_o the_o first_o fruit_n be_v holy_a so_o be_v the_o branch_n this_o be_v the_o first_o precedent_n i_o conceive_v reveal_v that_o the_o son_n of_o a_o chief_n judge_n succeed_v in_o government_n next_o after_o his_o father_n death_n and_o i_o conceive_v the_o people_n like_v this_o so_o well_o that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n till_o they_o have_v forget_v this_o and_o grow_v wanton_a till_o they_o reject_v god_n there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a example_n or_o practice_n this_o i_o insert_v only_o as_o a_o taste_n and_o to_o prepare_v your_o mind_n to_o consider_v of_o what_o concernment_n it_o be_v to_o eye_n god_n in_o choose_v governor_n for_o we_o may_v not_o warrantable_o deprive_v governor_n of_o those_o lawful_a right_n &_o privilege_n grant_v they_o by_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n to_o remove_v a_o king_n or_o governor_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v here_o for_o where_o i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o people_n to_o remove_v depose_v and_o punish_v a_o governor_n in_o case_n
note_v that_o god_n reject_v he_o from_o be_v king_n 1_o sam._n 15._o ver_fw-la 26._o thou_o have_v cast_v away_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v away_o thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v king_n over_o jsrael_n ver._n 28._o then_o samul_n say_v unto_o he_o the_o lord_n have_v rend_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n from_o thou_o this_o day_n and_o note_v now_o that_o when_o saul_n be_v depose_v chap._n 16.14_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n depart_v from_o saul_n and_o a_o evil_a spirit_n send_v of_o the_o lord_n vex_v he_o we_o may_v note_v that_o because_o the_o people_n make_v david_n king_n a_o man_n choose_v by_o god_n and_o not_o by_o the_o people_n rash_a proceed_n that_o god_n give_v to_o david_n his_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n 1_o sam._n 16.13_o then_o samuel_n take_v a_o horn_n of_o oil_n and_o anoint_a he_o david_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v upon_o david_n from_o that_o day_n forward_o here_o we_o may_v note_v that_o it_o be_v no_o vain_a thing_n that_o god_n shall_v appoint_v our_o governor_n for_o we_o god_n let_v the_o people_n taste_v of_o the_o difference_n between_o king_n and_o judge_n in_o that_o solomon_n set_v up_o or_o countenance_v idolatry_n and_o lay_v great_a taxation_n upon_o the_o people_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v so_o far_o not_o by_o very_o much_o as_o afterward_o the_o people_n feel_v under_o the_o government_n of_o other_o king_n which_o be_v set_v up_o rash_o by_o the_o people_n without_o such_o a_o immediate_a call_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v not_o be_v anoint_v with_o oil_n by_o any_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n this_o i_o note_v the_o rather_o because_o i_o have_v respect_n to_o god_n his_o express_a command_n and_o direction_n which_o be_v never_o reverse_v to_o this_o very_a day_n record_v deut._n 17.14_o where_o god_n say_v if_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o will_v set_v a_o king_n over_o i_o like_a as_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v about_o i_o ver._n 25._o thou_fw-mi shall_v make_v he_o king_n over_o thou_o who_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v choose_v i_o shall_v only_o at_o the_o present_a observe_v these_o two_o note_n from_o this_o place_n first_o that_o god_n do_v not_o hereby_o either_o command_v or_o allow_v that_o the_o people_n shall_v set_v up_o a_o government_n by_o king_n for_o the_o lord_n say_v if_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o will_v set_v a_o king_n over_o i_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n then_o the_o people_n they_o will_v have_v a_o king_n the_o people_n here_o do_v not_o inquire_v of_o god_n first_o now_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o people_n say_v we_o will_v have_v a_o king_n that_o therefore_o god_n do_v either_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o this_o matter_n but_o the_o direct_a contrary_n appear_v 1_o sam._n 8._o in_o most_o eminent_a manner_n but_o second_o i_o do_v observe_v that_o god_n say_v thou_o shall_v if_o thou_o will_v be_v wilful_a and_o have_v a_o king_n yet_o thou_o shall_v make_v he_o king_n who_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v choose_v here_o i_o put_v a_o real_a difference_n between_o a_o king_n or_o governor_n be_v choose_v by_o god_n immediate_o and_o between_o the_o choice_n that_o the_o people_n make_v i_o purpose_v if_o god_n will_v to_o speak_v more_o of_o this_o in_o place_n afterward_o but_o this_o rule_n also_o the_o people_n soon_o forsake_v namely_o they_o make_v themselves_o king_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n wherein_o i_o conceive_v they_o do_v not_o inquire_v of_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o man_n therefore_o the_o lord_n say_v they_o have_v prince_n and_o he_o know_v it_o not_o that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o do_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n inquire_v of_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v king_n thus_o much_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v better_a with_o the_o people_n when_o they_o eye_v god_n and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n when_o god_n choose_v the_o person_n than_o it_o be_v when_o they_o fall_v more_o foul_o as_o afterward_o they_o do_v but_o this_o still_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v institute_v that_o form_n of_o government_n by_o king_n or_o much_o less_o that_o this_o form_n of_o government_n be_v as_o good_a and_o as_o well_o approve_v of_o by_o god_n or_o so_o bless_v as_o the_o government_n by_o judge_n but_o to_o go_v on_o to_o speak_v more_o punctual_o or_o more_o particular_o to_o the_o be_v of_o king_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v to_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o true_a proportion_n as_o god_n have_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a and_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o first_o king_n that_o i_o find_v record_v be_v abimeleck_n judge_n 9_o it_o be_v note_v that_o this_o man_n be_v no_o lawful_a governor_n appoint_v by_o god_n but_o one_o that_o usurp_v the_o kingdom_n because_o he_o enter_v not_o by_o and_o according_a to_o the_o true_a way_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o god_n have_v prescribe_v which_o i_o believe_v be_v principal_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o people_n do_v not_o inquire_v of_o god_n who_o shall_v govern_v they_o but_o contrary_o the_o people_n choose_v he_o out_o of_o or_o for_o sinister_a respect_n because_o of_o affinity_n kindred_n and_o also_o because_o he_o enter_v by_o force_n we_o may_v see_v what_o be_v record_v judge_n 9_o by_o this_o man_n government_n there_o be_v very_o sad_a event_n or_o fruit_n that_o follow_v or_o spring_v for_o he_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o evil_a and_o bloodshed_n this_o serve_v to_o warn_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o inquire_v of_o god_n who_o shall_v govern_v we_o and_o that_o we_o do_v follow_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o evident_a rule_n and_o precedent_n prescribe_v and_o record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o sure_a rule_n of_o truth_n our_o saviour_n teach_v that_o the_o true_a shepherd_n enter_v at_o the_o true_a door_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o wolf_n and_o fox_n do_v enter_v in_o at_o the_o window_n that_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v by_o some_o way_n that_o god_n have_v not_o prescribe_v as_o by_o friend_n out_o of_o by_o respect_n or_o by_o fraud_n force_n money_n beauty_n personage_n eloquence_n or_o such_o like_a all_o of_o they_o not_o in_o such_o away_o as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o most_o unerring_a rule_n of_o truth_n after_o he_o arise_v saul_n to_o be_v king_n concern_v his_o person_n he_o be_v true_o and_o rightful_o call_v be_v choose_v by_o god_n but_o concern_v the_o form_n of_o government_n by_o king_n this_o be_v the_o people_n invention_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n as_o appear_v 1_o sam._n 8.5_o the_o people_n say_v make_v we_o a_o king_n to_o judge_v we_o like_o all_o nation_n from_o this_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o people_n demand_n to_o have_v this_o or_o that_o man_n in_o particular_a to_o be_v their_o king_n but_o they_o desire_v only_o to_o have_v a_o king_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o sin_n lay_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n to_o the_o form_n of_o government_n before_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o judge_n which_o form_n of_o government_n god_n do_v immediate_o prescribe_v and_o own_v it_o and_o bless_v it_o but_o this_o form_n of_o government_n by_o king_n the_o people_n they_o do_v invent_v it_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o concern_v those_o nation_n god_n have_v express_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o follow_v the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o second_o against_o this_o way_n of_o government_n by_o king_n god_n do_v i_o believe_v express_o evident_o and_o eminent_o oppose_v himself_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o god_n say_v that_o by_o this_o mean_n or_o way_n that_o the_o people_n here_o lust_v after_o they_o have_v cast_v off_o god_n from_o be_v their_o king_n or_o reign_v over_o they_o which_o be_v express_v 1_o sam._n 8.7_o they_o have_v not_o cast_v thou_o away_o but_o they_o have_v cast_v i_o away_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o reign_v over_o they_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v plain_o imply_v and_o express_v that_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n lie_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o form_n and_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n as_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o sin_v in_o desire_v another_o governor_n although_o i_o believe_v this_o also_o be_v their_o sin_n but_o they_o now_o have_v reject_v the_o form_n of_o government_n by_o i_o immediate_o prescribe_v further_o god_n oppose_v this_o form_n of_o government_n by_o
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for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o people_n good_a ease_n and_o comfort_n there_o must_v be_v no_o inferior_a governor_n that_o he_o approve_v not_o for_o that_o will_v be_v direct_o against_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o heavenly_a government_n and_o against_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o these_o first_o and_o pure_a institution_n and_o moses_n must_v i_o mean_v the_o chief_a governor_n must_v choose_v immediate_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o convenience_n the_o chief_a next_o to_o himself_o namely_o the_o governor_n of_o thousand_o this_o most_o near_o resemble_v god_n precedent_n god_n choose_v moses_n and_o moses_n choose_v they_o under_o he_o the_o word_n be_v express_v and_o i_o dare_v not_o alter_v they_o i_o dare_v not_o prefer_v my_o wisdom_n before_o god_n wisdom_n nor_o dare_v i_o add_v nor_o diminish_v to_o or_o from_o god_n prescription_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o hundred_o fifty_n and_o ten_o may_v be_v choose_v proportionable_a to_o this_o precedent_n provide_v that_o the_o chief_a governor_n approve_v of_o they_o now_o that_o this_o way_n be_v most_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o government_n distribute_v resemble_v or_o supply_v that_o defect_n of_o man_n who_o can_v be_v every_o where_o present_a nor_o here_o all_o cause_n for_o otherwise_o they_o all_o represent_v but_o one_o entire_a and_o absolute_a governor_n therefore_o god_n appoint_v one_o chief_a governor_n namely_o moses_n like_v to_o himself_o but_o through_o the_o occasion_n of_o man_n weakness_n to_o supply_v that_o defect_n god_n suffer_v the_o government_n to_o be_v distribute_v second_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n that_o the_o chief_a governor_n shall_v appoint_v or_o at_o the_o least_o approve_v the_o rest_n because_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v meet_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o as_o be_v express_o record_v thrd_o consider_v that_o it_o do_v strengthen_v uphold_v and_o knit_v together_o 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be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o people_n good_a that_o the_o chief_a governor_n shall_v appoint_v or_o approve_v of_o the_o rest_n at_o the_o least_o five_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v god_n appointment_n by_o the_o record_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n not_o only_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o sure_a but_o also_o in_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o chief_a governor_n all_o along_o from_o time_n to_o time_n this_o appear_v joshua_n 1.17_o as_o we_o obey_v moses_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o we_o will_v obey_v thou_o but_o moses_n have_v the_o authority_n to_o appoint_v governor_n therefore_o joshua_n have_v so_o and_o it_o appear_v by_o joshua_n his_o act_n afterward_o thus_o we_o may_v read_v that_o saul_n and_o david_n do_v appoint_v governor_n record_v in_o many_o place_n
be_v of_o god_n precious_a servant_n that_o do_v true_o and_o unfeigned_o endeavour_v and_o desire_v to_o do_v god_n will_v well_o then_o here_o be_v a_o precious_a opportunity_n for_o if_o you_o shall_v study_v all_o your_o life_n to_o do_v a_o act_n well_o please_v to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o very_a act_n be_v a_o act_n concern_v these_o worldly_a matter_n that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n namely_o to_o follow_v god_n choice_a rule_n of_o direction_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n and_o the_o person_n to_o be_v governor_n that_o so_o god_n bless_a spirit_n may_v rest_v upon_o they_o for_o consider_v that_o if_o you_o mistake_v or_o turn_v aside_o from_o god_n commandment_n and_o so_o do_v mistake_v in_o the_o form_n and_o person_n we_o be_v undo_v the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o your_o labour_n be_v lose_v for_o if_o the_o person_n of_o our_o chief_a governor_n be_v not_o choose_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o choice_a rule_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o bless_a and_o good_a word_n of_o our_o god_n how_o shall_v we_o the_o people_n lie_v down_o and_o rest_n in_o peace_n without_o trouble_n and_o fear_v for_o we_o know_v that_o in_o bypath_n wolf_n and_o fox_n do_v come_v into_o the_o sheepfold_n which_o although_o they_o shall_v come_v soft_o to_o we_o as_o if_o they_o mean_v we_o no_o hurt_n yet_o our_o heart_n can_v be_v quiet_a for_o wolf_n and_o fox_n mean_v we_o no_o good_a nay_o further_o if_o they_o shall_v come_v disguise_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n so_o that_o we_o know_v they_o not_o by_o outward_a appearance_n yet_o if_o any_o shall_v come_v in_o by_o any_o indirect_a mean_n which_o god_n forbid_v in_o those_o path_n those_o beast_n of_o prey_n come_v in_o certain_o our_o heart_n can_v be_v secure_o and_o content_o quiet_a because_o we_o shall_v look_v back_o upon_o former_a experience_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o may_v find_v that_o such_o man_n as_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o place_n of_o chief_a governor_n not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o person_n god_n have_v not_o bestow_v his_o good_a but_o a_o evil_a spirit_n and_o such_o person_n have_v prove_v to_o draw_v the_o people_n to_o sin_n and_o have_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o people_n therefore_o i_o do_v serious_o confess_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o glorious_a god_n that_o when_o i_o do_v consider_v the_o great_a danger_n weight_n and_o charge_n of_o a_o chief_a governor_n place_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n in_o any_o worldly_a respect_n that_o be_v true_o real_a and_o substantial_a why_o any_o man_n shall_v covet_v desire_v or_o thirst_n after_o it_o but_o contrary_o consider_v the_o great_a charge_n of_o soul_n the_o great_a account_n they_o must_v give_v to_o god_n for_o to_o who_o much_o many_o talent_n be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v god_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n of_o his_o honour_n consider_v likewise_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n be_v but_o even_o comparative_o a_o moment_n and_o consider_v likewise_o the_o danger_n that_o attend_v man_n in_o eminent_a place_n they_o be_v set_v in_o slippery_a place_n and_o consider_v likewise_o what_o diligence_n god_n require_v and_o self-denial_n in_o such_o place_n to_o i_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o a_o quiet_a or_o peaceable_o life_n with_o competency_n be_v much_o to_o be_v prefer_v and_o be_v true_o and_o solid_o better_a for_o a_o man_n own_o comfort_n moses_n and_o gideon_n be_v record_v in_o god_n record_n for_o their_o humility_n and_o wisdom_n and_o for_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o place_n of_o charge_n governor_n place_n as_o be_v very_o weighty_a to_o bear_v above_o their_o own_o ability_n consider_v therefore_o that_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v attain_v government_n in_o any_o by-path_n not_o be_v send_v of_o god_n into_o what_o a_o deep_a miserable_a and_o woeful_a case_n for_o soul_n and_o body_n shall_v such_o plunge_v themselves_o and_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o soul_n for_o this_o undoubted_o i_o shall_v expect_v that_o where_o any_o do_v attain_v governor_n place_n not_o according_a to_o god_n rule_n that_o to_o such_o god_n will_v not_o give_v his_o good_a spirit_n but_o rather_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o deceive_a spirit_n note_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o although_o god_n be_v offend_v with_o the_o people_n yet_o because_o the_o people_n follow_v god_n counsel_n in_o accept_v the_o person_n that_o god_n see_v meet_v to_o govern_v they_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o saul_n all_o the_o time_n that_o he_o rightful_o reign_v but_o present_o when_o god_n have_v reject_v he_o from_o govern_v it_o be_v note_v and_o record_v that_o a_o evil_a spirit_n come_v upon_o he_o though_o he_o retain_v his_o place_n after_o therefore_o i_o humble_o request_v you_o lay_z aside_o all_o worldly_a respect_n in_o this_o case_n and_o join_v all_o your_o strength_n diligence_n and_o heart_n cheerful_o and_o unanimous_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o we_o your_o people_n and_o of_o our_o and_o of_o your_o posterity_n remember_v dear_o belove_v how_o often_o god_n do_v repeat_v these_o instruction_n namely_o that_o his_o people_n shall_v diligent_o take_v heed_n to_o observe_v and_o note_v his_o commandment_n and_o meditate_v in_o they_o day_n and_o night_n to_o do_v and_o to_o observe_v they_o how_o often_o do_v god_n admonish_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n not_o to_o add_v nor_o diminish_v to_o or_o from_o his_o commandment_n and_o not_o to_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o right_a nor_o left_a hand_n how_o many_o eminent_a example_n have_v god_n record_v of_o his_o anger_n against_o such_o as_o have_v cast_v away_o his_o commandment_n and_o likewise_o his_o blessing_n upon_o they_o that_o with_o the_o great_a intention_n have_v follow_v those_o way_n that_o god_n direct_v and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o that_o do_v god_n commandment_n be_v like_a to_o the_o wise_a builder_n that_o build_v upon_o a_o rock_n consider_v what_o great_a compassion_n god_n have_v show_v to_o we_o that_o be_v gentile_n by_o nature_n and_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o promise_n now_o god_n have_v break_v down_o that_o partition_n wall_n and_o have_v give_v we_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o have_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o those_o precious_a promise_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v like_a to_o the_o balm_n of_o gilead_n god_n through_o his_o bless_a son_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v free_o forgive_v we_o our_o offence_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o a_o assure_a hope_n of_o salvation_n remember_v then_o what_o christ_n say_v that_o if_o we_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o consider_v we_o shall_v get_v no_o benefit_n by_o turn_v from_o our_o god_n if_o we_o can_v obtain_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o go_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n yet_o we_o shall_v certain_o find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n like_a to_o our_o god_n nor_o no_o device_n or_o invention_n of_o man_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o most_o beautiful_a and_o perfect_a way_n of_o our_o god_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o israel_n know_v all_o this_o yet_o how_o apt_a be_v they_o and_o how_o often_o do_v they_o forsake_v the_o strong_a and_o gracious_a god_n and_o reject_v his_o commandment_n and_o prefer_v their_o own_o invention_n before_o god_n commandment_n and_o before_o his_o bless_a institution_n in_o so_o much_o that_o god_n complain_v that_o the_o ox_n acknowledgeâ—_n his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n will_v not_o obey_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n consider_v what_o can_v god_n have_v speak_v or_o do_v more_o unto_o we_o he_o have_v send_v his_o prophet_n rise_v up_o early_o he_o have_v set_v before_o we_o life_n and_o death_n good_a and_o evil_a prosperity_n and_o adversity_n god_n have_v set_v before_o we_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n god_n have_v give_v we_o we_o unworthy_a such_o great_a and_o precious_a favour_n hope_v nay_o sure_a hope_n that_o we_o shall_v short_o our_o glass_n run_v apace_o see_v god_n and_o enjoy_v he_o and_o the_o company_n of_o his_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n to_o all_o eternity_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o good_a beyond_o what_o the_o eye_n have_v see_v or_o the_o ear_n hear_v and_o beyond_o what_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v consider_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o notwithstanding_o that_o israel_n know_v many_o of_o these_o thing_n yet_o they_o forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n in_o so_o much_o that_o god_n say_v of_o they_o esai_n 48.18_o oh_o that_o thou_o have_v hearken_v to_o my_o commandment_n than_o have_v thy_o prosperity_n be_v as_o the_o flood_n and_o thy_o righteousness_n as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n thy_o seed_n also_o have_v be_v as_o the_o sand_n that_o be_v numerous_a and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v mat._n 23.27_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o that_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o as_o the_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o ver._n 38._o therefore_o behold_v your_o habitation_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a but_o dear_o belove_a father_n i_o hope_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o god_n have_v use_v you_o already_o as_o instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n god_n have_v by_o you_o open_v such_o a_o door_n for_o reformation_n as_o i_o believe_v have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n the_o prophet_n now_o you_o have_v a_o precious_a pearlâ—_n in_o your_o hand_n now_o you_o have_v a_o opportunity_n the_o lord_n give_v you_o heart_n not_o to_o slight_v it_o but_o to_o improve_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n you_o may_v i_o believe_v if_o god_n give_v you_o heart_n be_v a_o mean_n that_o we_o may_v have_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o faithful_a city_n isa_n 1.16_o and_o then_o shall_v peace_n and_o truth_n meet_v together_o as_o moses_n mâ—t_v aaron_n in_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n and_o they_o kiss_v each_o other_o exodus_fw-la 4.27_o and_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v a_o people_n who_o governor_n and_o government_n shall_v be_v like_a in_o form_n like_v unto_o the_o resemblance_n of_o that_o bless_a form_n and_o frame_v of_o government_n in_o heavenly_a place_n among_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n which_o they_o do_v and_o the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n shall_v enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o consideration_n of_o that_o bless_a and_o happy_a government_n in_o heaven_n draw_v i_o to_o desire_v that_o our_o government_n upon_o earth_n may_v be_v in_o some_o proportion_n like_o to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n under_z g_z d_o that_o cause_v i_o to_o write_v these_o few_o line_n and_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a and_o only_o end_n of_o my_o endeavour_n finis_fw-la imprimatur_fw-la john_n downame_n decemb._n 28._o 1649._o error_n in_o print_v discover_v to_o be_v rectify_v pag._n 20._o line_n 26._o for_o revive_v read_v review_n p._n 29._o l._n 28._o for_o offer_v r._n afford_v p._n 39_o l._n 18._o some_o word_n omit_v p._n 40._o l._n 14._o for_o task_n r._n case_n p._n 53._o l._n 3._o for_o second_o r._n first_o and_o second_o table_n p._n 81._o l._n 26._o for_o speak_v r._n join_v p._n 100_o l._n 26._o for_o mediate_o r._n immediate_o p._n 113._o l._n 16._o after_o abimelech_n there_o want_v part_n of_o a_o sentence_n p._n 125._o l._n 37._o put_v out_o only_o p._n 141._o l._n 11._o for_o to_o r._n for_o p._n 157._o l._n 6._o for_o lawyer_n r._n law_n
value_v at_o a_o high_a price_n now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v more_o deep_o imprint_v this_o in_o our_o affection_n and_o that_o we_o may_v never_o forget_v the_o great_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o good_a government_n it_o behoove_v we_o to_o consider_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o god_n permit_v such_o corrupt_a governor_n to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n want_v either_o power_n wisdom_n or_o will_v to_o do_v we_o good_a for_o as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o and_o much_o more_o be_v our_o god_n favour_n towards_o we_o and_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n god_n be_v of_o great_a bounty_n abundant_a in_o goodness_n rich_a in_o mercy_n if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v certain_o so_o than_o we_o may_v learn_v this_o that_o the_o cause_n why_o god_n suffer_v we_o to_o err_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o government_n be_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o for_o our_o learning_n for_o our_o good_a good_a thing_n be_v best_a see_v to_o be_v good_a by_o their_o contrary_n the_o benefit_n of_o light_n be_v best_a discern_v when_o we_o have_v be_v in_o darkness_n the_o absence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o cold_a in_o winter_n cause_v we_o to_o value_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o near_a presence_n in_o the_o summer_n the_o full_a loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n but_o to_o the_o hungry_a bitter_a thing_n seem_v sweet_a when_o god_n bring_v jsrael_n out_o of_o egypt_n he_o can_v have_v bring_v they_o to_o canaan_n a_o near_a way_n god_n see_v it_o meet_v that_o we_o must_v sow_v in_o tear_n before_o we_o reap_v in_o joy_n god_n place_v adam_n our_o grandfather_n in_o happiness_n he_o value_v a_o apple_n at_o a_o high_a price_n than_o god_n favour_n therefore_o god_n make_v he_o to_o know_v sorrow_n that_o see_v the_o difference_n he_o may_v be_v more_o wary_a afterward_o and_o value_v better_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o worth_n israel_n be_v god_n first_o bear_v son_n and_o god_n bestow_v this_o favour_n not_o to_o be_v enough_o value_v upon_o they_o namely_o this_o that_o he_o do_v immediate_o appoint_v the_o person_n that_o shall_v govern_v they_o but_o israel_n be_v full_a and_o fat_a they_o be_v wanton_a and_o slight_v god_n mercy_n in_o this_o matter_n therefore_o god_n suffer_v they_o to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o invention_n they_o dislike_v that_o form_n of_o government_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v which_o god_n have_v own_v and_o bless_a they_o will_v alter_v that_o form_n of_o government_n appoint_v by_o god_n namely_o that_o of_o judge_n and_o they_o will_v have_v a_o king_n against_o this_o form_n of_o government_n by_o king_n god_n express_o declare_v his_o dislike_n for_o here_o note_n it_o be_v not_o about_o the_o person_n but_o about_o the_o form_n of_o government_n the_o difference_n lie_v direct_o between_o government_n by_o judge_n and_o government_n by_o king_n they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o content_n that_o god_n shall_v choose_v the_o person_n and_o to_o make_v he_o king_n who_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n choose_v but_o after_o they_o fall_v more_o gross_o they_o choose_v king_n themselves_o without_o inquire_v of_o god_n as_o i_o purpose_v if_o god_n will_v to_o show_v afterward_o well_o consider_v we_o of_o it_o god_n give_v they_o a_o king_n in_o his_o wrath_n etc._n etc._n note_v well_o what_o god_n say_v deut._n 28.47_o 48._o because_o thou_o serve_v not_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o joyfulness_n and_o with_o a_o good_a heart_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n therefore_o thou_o shall_v serve_v thy_o enemy_n in_o hunger_n and_o in_o thirst_n and_o in_o nakedness_n and_o in_o need_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o he_o shall_v put_v a_o yoke_n of_o iron_n upon_o thy_o neck_n etc._n etc._n belove_a friend_n let_v we_o not_o cast_v away_o our_o reason_n that_o noble_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n consider_v that_o both_o they_o and_o we_o have_v have_v a_o long_a and_o large_a experience_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o judge_n and_o king_n compare_v those_o judge_n of_o israel_n before_o king_n be_v with_o those_o king_n that_o be_v after_o they_o consider_v this_o that_o of_o or_o among_o those_o judge_n immediate_o appoint_v by_o god_n from_o moses_n to_o samuel_n there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o but_o be_v bless_v by_o god_n his_o good_a spirit_n help_v they_o to_o judge_n righteous_o second_o god_n make_v they_o a_o blessing_n to_o the_o people_n they_o do_v not_o addict_v themselves_o to_o voluptuous_a pleasure_n nor_o to_o build_v stately_a palace_n not_o to_o idolatrous_a wife_n not_o to_o many_o wife_n not_o to_o voluptuous_a diet_n or_o much_o wine_n not_o to_o multiplicity_n of_o attendant_n not_o to_o play_n pastime_n hawk_v and_o hunt_v not_o to_o oppression_n of_o their_o brethren_n not_o to_o idleness_n not_o to_o swear_v &_o profaneness_n they_o do_v not_o nourish_v and_o promote_v and_o put_v great_a title_n of_o honour_n upon_o man_n and_o keep_v company_n with_o such_o most_o familiar_o which_o open_o and_o often_o blaspheme_v and_o despise_v god_n the_o most_o high_a god_n by_o swear_v revel_a whore_v and_o what_o not_o profaneness_n nor_o do_v those_o bless_a judge_n neglect_v the_o due_a administration_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n quest_n but_o what_o do_v these_o judge_n then_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n be_v they_o ans_fw-fr first_o note_v that_o god_n send_v they_o they_o come_v into_o the_o sheepfold_a by_o the_o door_n by_o god_n appointment_n they_o do_v not_o creep_v sligh_o in_o by_o beauty_n friend_n eloquence_n money_n indiscreet_a election_n of_o the_o people_n not_o by_o any_o unjust_a fraud_n or_o force_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o god_n bless_v they_o with_o a_o good_a portion_n of_o his_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n god_n own_v they_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v likewise_o that_o the_o sheep_n own_v they_o and_o willing_o obey_v their_o voice_n and_o follow_v they_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n these_o judge_n likewise_o love_v the_o people_n see_v how_o moses_n intercede_v and_o plead_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o they_o oh_o it_o be_v a_o precious_a benefit_n to_o people_n to_o enjoy_v godly_a governor_n these_o judge_n be_v humble_a meek_a painful_a they_o do_v not_o swell_v with_o conceit_n that_o their_o vein_n be_v full_a of_o royal_a blood_n for_o they_o still_o acknowledge_v the_o people_n to_o be_v their_o brethren_n it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n when_o jethro_n come_v to_o see_v he_o that_o he_o judge_v the_o people_n from_o morning_n to_o evening_n and_o afterward_o his_o burden_n or_o charge_n be_v not_o lay_v aside_o by_o jethro_n counsel_v only_o it_o be_v ease_v it_o be_v say_v of_o samuel_n that_o beside_o the_o pain_n he_o take_v where_o he_o dwell_v in_o judge_v the_o people_n he_o likewise_o go_v about_o and_o judge_v the_o people_n in_o other_o place_n year_n by_o year_n now_o dear_a friend_n concern_v the_o fruit_n that_o come_v by_o king_n i_o appeal_v to_o god_n to_o his_o sacred_a word_n to_o the_o record_n to_o the_o chronicle_n to_o the_o experience_n both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n whether_o king_n have_v be_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o judge_n have_v not_o king_n be_v addict_v to_o those_o vice_n and_o very_o empty_a of_o such_o grace_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o man_n in_o such_o eminent_a place_n for_o though_o some_o may_v cavil_v and_o object_n that_o some_o king_n be_v good_a i_o shall_v if_o god_n permit_v and_o assist_v answer_v i_o hope_v to_o satisfaction_n both_o this_o and_o all_o other_o objection_n that_o i_o have_v yet_o hear_v of_o and_o can_v remember_v that_o tend_v to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v the_o continuance_n and_o being_n of_o king_n among_o we_o because_o i_o judge_v that_o from_o evident_a ground_n plain_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o most_o true_a and_o the_o most_o unerring_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o king_n be_v neither_o the_o first_o nor_o the_o best_a way_n of_o government_n consider_v likewise_o those_o precious_a promise_n of_o god_n who_o have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o hope_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o i_o plain_o to_o declare_v and_o show_v that_o in_o these_o last_o day_n which_o day_n and_o time_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v these_o verytimes_o or_o time_n very_o near_o approach_v as_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o which_o god_n will_v destroy_v corrupt_a government_n and_o governor_n and_o will_v exalt_v his_o mountain_n in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o will_v give_v and_o restore_v to_o we_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n
afterward_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n isai_n 1.25_o 26_o 27._o &_o ch_n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o of_o this_o i_o purpose_n to_o speak_v more_o afterward_o dear_o belove_a friend_n thus_o much_o i_o can_v and_o do_v affirm_v to_o you_o all_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o all-seeing_a â—od_n who_o will_v bring_v hide_a thing_n deed_n of_o darkness_n to_o light_n even_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o god_n who_o i_o do_v love_n fear_v worship_n who_o be_v my_o hope_n my_o joy_n from_o who_o i_o receive_v all_o the_o good_a i_o have_v from_o who_o i_o expect_v my_o comfort_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o have_v not_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n any_o prejudice_n nor_o respect_n of_o person_n nor_o any_o past_a present_a or_o future_a by_o or_o sinister_a respect_n in_o the_o write_n this_o little_a treatise_n i_o have_v never_o receive_v the_o value_n of_o one_o penny_n in_o recompense_n of_o my_o endeavour_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o thought_n that_o way_n that_o i_o do_v expect_v rather_o that_o i_o shall_v receive_v injury_n hereby_o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o i_o in_o worldly_a respect_n only_o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n that_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v trust_v and_o this_o further_a can_v i_o say_v likewise_o that_o at_o the_o write_n hereof_o i_o know_v not_o nor_o do_v ever_o see_v either_o those_o true_o honourable_a general_n the_o lord_n fairfax_n nor_o the_o lord_n cromwell_n nor_o any_o captain_n or_o soldier_n among_o they_o except_o some_o few_o i_o late_o see_v in_o or_o near_o to_o london_n as_o i_o pass_v by_o they_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o one_o of_o they_o if_o i_o see_v they_o again_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v possible_a some_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n may_v be_v in_o the_o army_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o i_o know_v it_o not_o and_o concern_v those_o worthy_a man_n for_o so_o i_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v that_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o parliament_n i_o never_o see_v any_o one_o of_o they_o to_o my_o knowledge_n except_o one_o who_o i_o have_v see_v i_o think_v three_o or_o four_o time_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o certain_o whether_o he_o be_v of_o the_o parliament_n or_o no_o only_o i_o think_v he_o be_v whereas_o i_o affirm_v that_o i_o know_v not_o any_o of_o the_o army_n or_o of_o the_o parliament_n i_o intend_v that_o i_o know_v not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o man_n but_o by_o their_o fruit_n i_o know_v much_o concern_v they_o some_o may_v judge_v this_o to_o be_v superfluous_a to_o mention_v but_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o what_o move_v i_o so_o to_o do_v in_o discourse_v with_o divers_a man_n i_o find_v to_o my_o best_a apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n of_o man_n that_o imagine_v mischief_n that_o invent_v base_a false_a and_o slanderous_a report_n against_o parliament_n general_n army_z and_o indeed_o 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we_o follow_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n without_o turn_v to_o the_o right_n or_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n for_o i_o believe_v if_o we_o do_v follow_v our_o own_o invention_n in_o these_o weighty_a matter_n peace_n and_o truth_n will_v hardly_o meet_v together_o if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o agree_v in_o this_o weighty_a point_n namely_o that_o our_o governor_n be_v such_o true_a shepherd_n as_o come_v in_o at_o the_o true_a door_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n then_o we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o such_o will_v love_v the_o sheep_n and_o upon_o such_o god_n will_v bestow_v his_o bless_a spirit_n upon_o they_o to_o guide_v they_o such_o god_n will_v own_v and_o the_o people_n will_v find_v the_o benefit_n by_o they_o and_o will_v hear_v their_o voice_n we_o be_v not_o leave_v without_o hope_n for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o restore_v judge_n as_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n isai_n 1.26_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v again_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a happiness_n that_o it_o be_v to_o have_v god_n to_o reign_v over_o we_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o other_o part_n of_o mr_n prynne_n his_o speech_n and_o endeavour_n which_o be_v to_o render_v the_o army_n as_o enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o first_o leaf_n in_o the_o superscription_n or_o in_o the_o directory_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o point_v out_o to_o the_o reader_n what_o he_o intend_v in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n or_o matter_n of_o his_o write_n the_o word_n be_v these_o viz._n the_o army_n remonstrance_n novemb_n 20._o be_v a_o way_n to_o speedy_a and_o certain_a ruin_n and_o a_o mere_a plot_n of_o jesuit_n to_o destroy_v we_o this_o if_o we_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o substance_n of_o mr_n prynne_n in_o his_o speech_n will_v evident_o appear_v that_o he_o labour_v to_o render_v the_o army_n as_o enemy_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o those_o that_o seek_v to_o bring_v another_o war_n and_o more_o bloodshede_v as_o those_o that_o be_v favourite_n to_o and_o complotter_n with_o papist_n jesuit_n as_o those_o that_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v whether_o this_o charge_n be_v true_a or_o no_o and_o first_o let_v we_o begin_v at_o the_o root_n after_o consider_v the_o fruit_n that_o grow_v upon_o the_o branch_n mr_n prynne_n make_v this_o the_o root_n or_o ground_n that_o the_o army_n labour_v to_o bring_v the_o late_a king_n to_o a_o just_a trial_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n he_o say_v that_o this_o be_v plot_v by_o jesuit_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v hinder_v the_o re-establish_a the_o late_a king_n in_o his_o throne_n now_o when_o it_o be_v upright_o consider_v of_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v appear_v direct_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o proposition_n even_o as_o light_n be_v contrary_a to_o darkness_n which_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o matter_n 1._o that_o the_o officer_n hold_v no_o correspondency_n with_o jesuit_n so_o know_v to_o be_v nor_o do_v they_o favour_v the_o jesuit_n so_o much_o as_o other_o man_n 2._o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v many_o jesuite_n in_o the_o army_n disguise_v yet_o it_o have_v be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o principle_n to_o their_o prosperity_n to_o depose_v those_o member_n of_o parliament_n seclude_v or_o restrain_v and_o likewise_o it_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o religion_n and_o intention_n of_o jesuite_n to_o bring_v the_o king_n to_o a_o lawful_a trial_n first_o touch_v the_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o my_o apprehension_n that_o the_o army_n i_o mean_v the_o principal_a leader_n of_o the_o army_n hold_v no_o correspondency_n with_o the_o jesuite_n first_o because_o their_o tenant_n their_o religion_n and_o their_o practice_n be_v direct_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jesuite_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v this_o that_o the_o jesuite_n maintain_v the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o they_o the_o jesuite_n teach_v and_o maintain_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n and_o to_o further_a that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o lay-people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o own_o language_n the_o jesuite_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o lay-people_n to_o dispute_v religious_a matter_n much_o less_o to_o speak_v to_o a_o assembly_n of_o people_n by_o way_n of_o prophecy_n and_o many_o other_o like_o matter_n too_o tedious_a to_o rehearse_v now_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v unpartial_o the_o army_n both_o in_o their_o profession_n and_o practice_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o the_o army_n hold_v no_o correspondency_n with_o the_o jesuite_n appear_v in_o this_o because_o in_o all_o this_o war_n they_o use_v the_o utmost_a of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o pull_v down_o or_o destroy_v or_o captivate_v that_o party_n indeed_o it_o be_v considerable_a that_o the_o king_n party_n be_v a_o great_a party_n of_o either_o jesuite_n or_o those_o that_o high_o esteem_v jesuite_n and_o by_o letter_n and_o writing_n discover_v and_o intercept_v it_o too_o evident_o appear_v that_o they_o hold_v correspondency_n with_o they_o but_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o i_o remember_v that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o army_n be_v taint_v with_o that_o infection_n nor_o that_o any_o write_n be_v discover_v or_o other_o act_n do_v by_o they_o that_o may_v lead_v we_o to_o have_v such_o hard_a thought_n of_o they_o and_o since_o that_o time_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o those_o minister_n that_o they_o appoint_v or_o those_o that_o they_o favour_n be_v such_o man_n that_o do_v teach_v sound_a doctrine_n we_o
if_o we_o diminish_v object_n but_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n that_o warrant_v a_o people_n to_o depose_v and_o punish_v their_o governor_n answ_n the_o condition_n express_v and_o record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n do_v plain_o hold_v out_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o people_n or_o such_o as_o represent_v or_o be_v deputy_n for_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o part_n of_o that_o body_n may_v in_o case_n wherein_o their_o governor_n act_v not_o for_o god_n but_o contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n in_o such_o case_n i_o conceive_v the_o word_n record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n plain_o warrant_v and_o teach_v people_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v such_o exception_n this_o people_n that_o give_v joshua_n his_o answer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o people_n and_o although_o this_o covenant_n or_o caveat_n have_v not_o be_v express_v yet_o it_o have_v be_v the_o people_n duty_n and_o wisdom_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o god_n way_n but_o not_o other_o way_n if_o we_o take_v notice_n and_o consider_v that_o place_n record_v numb_a 25.1_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o commit_v whoredom_n with_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n etc._n etc._n the_o people_n for_o this_o cause_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o slay_v those_o governor_n that_o be_v guilty_a in_o this_o matter_n the_o lord_n say_v to_o moses_n take_v all_o the_o head_n of_o the_o people_n and_o hang_v they_o up_o before_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v turn_v from_o israel_n numb_a 25.4_o now_o this_o show_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o governor_n shall_v by_o the_o people_n be_v punish_v in_o such_o case_n as_o be_v notorious_a breach_n of_o god_n law_n for_o although_o these_o governor_n be_v not_o equal_a but_o inferior_a to_o moses_n yet_o they_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o people_n as_o for_o example_n all_o governor_n be_v not_o emperor_n nor_o all_o king_n nor_o all_o judge_n of_o a_o equal_a rank_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o of_o one_o kind_n god_n law_n bind_v and_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n over_o all_o but_o further_a consider_v this_o it_o be_v there_o record_v for_o our_o learning_n num._n 25.6_o that_o one_o of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n bring_v unto_o his_o brethren_n a_o midianitish_a woman_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o etc._n etc._n note_v that_o this_o man_n be_v a_o prince_n verse_n 14._o verse_n 7._o and_o when_o phineas_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n see_v it_o he_o rise_v up_o etc._n etc._n and_o take_v a_o spear_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o follow_v the_o man_n of_o israel_n into_o the_o tent_n and_o thrust_v they_o both_o through_o etc._n etc._n from_o this_o text_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o in_o such_o open_o know_v sin_n prince_n be_v liable_a to_o punishment_n nay_o further_o that_o god_n take_v this_o as_o a_o matter_n that_o be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o he_o reward_v it_o with_o a_o extraordinary_a commendation_n and_o reward_n verse_n 10._o then_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n say_v phineas_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n have_v turn_v my_o anger_n away_o from_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n while_o he_o be_v zealous_a for_o my_o sake_n among_o they_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o consume_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o my_o jealousy_n verse_n 12._o wherefore_o i_o say_v unto_o he_o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o he_o my_o covenant_n of_o peace_n here_o note_n that_o phineas_n stand_v not_o to_o search_v over_o the_o punctilio_n of_o the_o common_a law_n neither_o be_v he_o a_o judge_n nor_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o put_v man_n to_o death_n he_o stay_v not_o till_o this_o man_n be_v try_v by_o his_o peer_n but_o he_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v high_o dishonour_v the_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a therefore_o he_o put_v his_o life_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o courageous_o &_o zealous_o pursue_v the_o transgressor_n and_o slay_v he_o this_o be_v record_v for_o our_o learning_n ronvere_n 15.4_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n it_o be_v to_o be_v admire_v that_o people_n they_o shall_v be_v offend_v at_o the_o army_n and_o at_o some_o of_o the_o parliament_n because_o they_o execute_v justice_n upon_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o have_v sin_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o set_v up_o idolatry_n that_o have_v sin_v in_o shed_v innocent_a blood_n such_o a_o offender_n as_o be_v try_v and_o find_v guilty_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o land_n and_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o lord_n commons_z army_z and_o people_n witness_v their_o write_n in_o print_n and_o be_v this_o so_o heinous_a a_o matter_n this_o make_v i_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o prophecy_n revel_v 18.16_o 17._o alas_o alas_o that_o great_a city_n that_o be_v clothe_v in_o fine_a linen_n and_o purple_a and_o scarlet_a and_o guild_v with_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n and_o pearl_n for_o in_o one_o hour_n so_o great_a riches_n be_v come_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o shipmaster_n and_o all_o the_o people_n that_o ocupy_v ship_n and_o whosoever_o do_v traffic_v on_o the_o sea_n shall_v stand_v afar_o off_o and_o cry_v etc._n etc._n but_o what_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n verse_n 10._o o_o haeven_n rejoice_v over_o she_o and_o you_o holy_a apostle_n for_o god_n have_v punish_v she_o to_o be_v revenge_v on_o she_o for_o your_o sake_n dear_a friend_n you_o that_o be_v not_o drink_v but_o in_o good_a frame_n of_o heart_n consider_v that_o this_o great_a tower_n of_o confusion_n be_v fall_v the_o prophet_n foretell_v of_o these_o day_n isaiah_n daniel_n hosea_n micah_n and_o other_o they_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o corrupt_a governor_n must_v down_o i_o believe_v the_o time_n be_v accomplish_v that_o god_n do_v in_o his_o counsel_n determine_v these_o matter_n therefore_o hang_v down_o your_o head_n no_o long_o but_o you_o that_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o israel_n lift_v up_o your_o head_n i_o pray_v you_o countryman_n note_n that_o the_o army_n and_o the_o parliament_n they_o be_v zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n they_o put_v their_o life_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o look_v all_o opposition_n in_o the_o face_n they_o execute_v justice_n upon_o a_o offender_n this_o be_v god_n work_v that_o guard_v they_o with_o strength_n this_o act_n of_o they_o be_v beyond_o their_o own_o ability_n i_o pray_v you_o compare_v this_o act_n with_o that_o of_o phineas_n be_v not_o there_o the_o same_o cause_n in_o the_o offender_n be_v not_o the_o zeal_n of_o phineas_n and_o their_o zeal_n like_a in_o the_o very_a countenance_n and_o of_o near_a affinity_n and_o have_v not_o god_n crown_v this_o act_n of_o they_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v bless_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v enrich_v our_o barn_n and_o store_n have_v not_o god_n bless_v we_o in_o our_o fish_n abroad_o not_o the_o like_a for_o many_o year_n before_o have_v not_o god_n bless_v we_o by_o give_v we_o victory_n at_o sea_n and_o victory_n at_o the_o land_n whithersoever_o they_o turn_v themselves_o they_o be_v bless_v since_o the_o death_n of_o the_o late_a king_n this_o make_v i_o commend_v to_o your_o consideration_n that_o blessing_n that_o god_n give_v to_o joshua_n and_o be_v acknowledge_v thus_o there_o be_v not_o a_o city_n that_o god_n deliver_v not_o into_o his_o hand_n nor_o place_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o consider_v it_o well_o and_o apply_v it_o if_o any_o will_v be_v obstinate_a and_o blind_a let_v they_o be_v so_o i_o can_v help_v it_o but_o to_o go_v on_o in_o 2_o king_n 11.15_o jehojada_n the_o priest_n command_v the_o captain_n of_o the_o hundred_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o host_n verse_n 16._o and_o they_o lay_v hand_n on_o she_o etc._n etc._n and_o there_o she_o be_v slay_v we_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o precedent_n record_v in_o scripture_n that_o show_v that_o when_o a_o principal_a governor_n shall_v do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o people_n do_v account_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o punish_v such_o great_a offender_n and_o offence_n by_o death_n thus_o be_v jesabel_n slay_v the_o example_n of_o the_o israelite_n likewise_o be_v considerable_a 1_o king_n 12.20_o where_o the_o ten_o tribe_n by_o reason_n that_o rehoboam_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o they_o in_o ease_v they_o of_o those_o taxation_n that_o they_o say_v be_v too_o heavy_a they_o therefore_o depose_v or_o reject_v he_o from_o be_v their_o king_n for_o although_o that_o jeroboam_n forsake_v god_n commandment_n afterward_o that_o be_v his_o sin_n but_o touch_v their_o act_n in_o cast_v off_o and_o renounce_v all_o obedience_n to_o rehoboam_n for_o his_o sin_n of_o oppression_n god_n plain_o allow_v that_o and_o ow_v
that_o act_n of_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v 1_o king_n 12.24_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n you_o shall_v not_o go_v up_o nor_o fight_v against_o your_o brethren_n for_o this_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o i_o the_o people_n sin_n lie_v in_o another_o way_n they_o inquire_v not_o of_o the_o lord_n who_o shall_v govern_v they_o therein_o lay_v their_o evil_n from_o that_o root_n spring_v up_o their_o error_n and_o this_o error_n be_v the_o very_a cause_n i_o do_v undoubted_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v so_o many_o corrupt_a governor_n that_o rule_v over_o they_o it_o may_v evident_o be_v see_v that_o man_n usual_o run_v into_o extreme_n and_o all_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o circumspect_a in_o follow_v god_n commandment_n they_o depart_v from_o the_o rule_n now_o dear_o belove_a countryman_n i_o judge_v it_o will_v be_v seasonable_a because_o such_o precious_a liberty_n be_v not_o usual_a to_o consider_v a_o little_a what_o our_o condition_n be_v and_o what_o we_o be_v and_o in_o 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man_n of_o war_n as_o do_v live_v upon_o the_o labour_n of_o honest_a and_o true_a man_n they_o when_o they_o espy_v a_o prey_n present_o up_o topsail_n top_n gallant_a sail_n and_o all_o the_o sail_n it_o be_v ofttimes_o better_a for_o the_o true_a honest_a and_o plain-dealing_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v less_o haste_n observe_v it_o well_o your_o honest_a merchant_n man_n make_v less_o speed_n to_o pursue_v after_o other_o because_o they_o mind_v their_o own_o sure_o moses_n that_o godly_a man_n make_v no_o such_o haste_n nor_o do_v the_o good_a judge_n of_o israel_n they_o stay_v till_o they_o be_v call_v by_o god_n certain_o i_o shall_v note_v it_o to_o be_v the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a shepherd_n or_o governor_n when_o they_o do_v first_o consider_v the_o great_a weight_n and_o concernment_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o people_n good_a that_o government_n be_v of_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v hearty_o and_o due_o consider_v there_o be_v not_o just_a cause_n for_o so_o great_a haste_n moses_n and_o gideon_n and_o the_o rest_n consider_v the_o great_a weight_n for_o say_v moses_n my_o ability_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o gideon_n say_v he_o be_v but_o mean_a in_o his_o own_o esteem_n for_o such_o a_o work_n it_o be_v like_a they_o consider_v that_o except_o god_n do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n promise_v to_o assist_v they_o with_o his_o bless_a spirit_n they_o shall_v be_v insufficient_a for_o so_o weighty_a employment_n indeed_o if_o any_o look_n at_o their_o own_o glory_n and_o ease_n and_o worldly_a riches_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n then_o if_o such_o make_v speed_n but_o consider_v that_o if_o any_o want_n god_n bless_a spirit_n into_o what_o a_o true_o miserable_a condition_n do_v they_o plunge_v both_o themselves_o and_o those_o poor_a people_n that_o must_v be_v judge_v preserve_v and_o protect_v by_o they_o i_o do_v confess_v i_o see_v no_o such_o cause_n of_o haste_n when_o matter_n be_v true_o consider_v of_o there_o will_v or_o will_v be_v less_o bloodshed_n and_o more_o peace_n if_o man_n be_v true_o conscientious_a of_o their_o duty_n crown_n will_v be_v of_o less_o esteem_n it_o be_v well_o to_o be_v note_v that_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n god_n own_a and_o bless_v the_o people_n as_o his_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a inheritance_n and_o so_o carry_v himself_o to_o they_o for_o moses_n have_v child_n yet_o god_n so_o honour_v and_o love_v the_o people_n that_o he_o do_v not_o leave_v they_o the_o people_n to_o the_o judge_n as_o their_o inheritance_n although_o the_o judge_n be_v bless_v judge_n but_o do_v keep_v they_o as_o his_o own_o inheritance_n and_o so_o provide_v man_n who_o inward_a affection_n he_o know_v and_o god_n do_v immediate_o appoint_v judge_n himself_o for_o they_o and_o those_o god_n bless_v with_o his_o good_a spirit_n all_o of_o they_o such_o do_v not_o claim_v the_o people_n as_o their_o inheritance_n and_o so_o leave_v they_o as_o beast_n land_n or_o house_n to_o their_o child_n this_o continue_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n but_o when_o the_o people_n prefer_v their_o own_o invention_n before_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o will_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o king_n and_o so_o cast_v off_o god_n from_o reign_v over_o they_o than_o a_o decline_a people_n and_o a_o forsake_v god_n not_o long_o after_o god_n make_v david_n a_o promise_n that_o some_o of_o his_o posterity_n shall_v hold_v the_o people_n as_o their_o inheritance_n in_o some_o proportion_n government_n go_v then_o by_o succession_n but_o consider_v now_o belove_v countryman_n that_o there_o be_v no_o king_n upon_o earth_n have_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o david_n have_v now_o the_o partition_n wall_n be_v break_v down_o god_n be_v reconcile_v if_o we_o believe_v therefore_o for_o any_o king_n now_o to_o claim_v government_n by_o succession_n they_o must_v show_v some_o charter_n some_o gift_n from_o god_n for_o it_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v search_v the_o sacred_a record_n of_o god_n will_v reveal_v and_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o can_v see_v no_o such_o scripture_n if_o they_o can_v show_v any_o hide_a light_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o i_o may_v see_v it_o too_o but_o till_o then_o i_o shall_v conceive_v that_o we_o believer_n be_v god_n inheritance_n and_o god_n by_o my_o consent_n shall_v be_v our_o king_n and_o appoint_v our_o governor_n in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o people_n i_o and_o my_o posterity_n may_v rest_v in_o secure_a peace_n for_o then_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o bless_v such_o governor_n with_o his_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n belove_a countryman_n god_n have_v prefer_v we_o in_o honour_n above_o beast_n or_o land_n and_o shall_v we_o like_o those_o ass_n beast_n prostrate_v ourselves_o to_o such_o a_o servile_a condition_n object_n but_o suppose_v a_o king_n can_v say_v his_o forefather_n obtain_v the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o sword_n by_o conquest_n answ_n i_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o the_o worst_a and_o mean_a title_n of_o all_o for_o our_o indian_n that_o know_v not_o god_n can_v show_v such_o a_o title_n for_o their_o unjust_a encroachment_n upon_o other_o man_n life_n and_o estate_n and_o consider_v that_o that_o man_n that_o possess_v but_o the_o good_n or_o land_n of_o another_o man_n by_o violence_n shall_v hold_v that_o no_o long_o than_o till_o the_o other_o man_n have_v power_n to_o take_v they_o again_o but_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n and_o his_o word_n must_v be_v our_o guide_n but_o further_o consider_v that_o suppose_v that_o we_o shall_v grant_v to_o a_o king_n as_o good_a a_o title_n to_o government_n as_o moses_n joshua_n saul_n have_v who_o be_v man_n immediate_o appoint_v by_o god_n which_o no_o king_n i_o believe_v can_v show_v the_o like_a yet_o these_o can_v not_o rightful_o claim_v the_o people_n as_o inheritance_n to_o leave_v to_o their_o child_n that_o be_v god_n proper_a right_n and_o god_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n king_n must_v therefore_o show_v such_o a_o promise_n make_v to_o they_o by_o god_n and_o record_v in_o god_n word_n as_o david_n have_v or_o else_o i_o must_v desire_v leave_n to_o be_v excuse_v if_o i_o conceive_v that_o i_o and_o my_o posterity_n through_o the_o gracious_a bounty_n of_o a_o good_a god_n in_o christ_n do_v look_v upon_o myself_o as_o free_v and_o not_o as_o a_o bondman_n and_o yet_o further_o can_v king_n show_v as_o good_a a_o promise_n as_o david_n have_v yet_o god_n must_v choose_v the_o man_n which_o shall_v be_v governor_n for_o god_n word_n be_v express_v deut._n 17._o thou_o shall_v make_v he_o king_n who_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v choose_v this_o be_v a_o sentence_n record_v and_o never_o repeal_v to_o this_o day_n there_o be_v a_o apparent_a
difference_n in_o god_n word_n between_o man_n choose_v the_o man_n and_o god_n choose_v the_o man_n samuel_n have_v order_n from_o god_n to_o appoint_v one_o of_o ishai_n his_o son_n to_o the_o government_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o god_n will_v not_o give_v samuel_n that_o privilege_n to_o choose_v the_o man_n god_n reserve_v that_o honour_n to_o himself_o good_a it_o have_v be_v for_o the_o people_n have_v they_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n in_o that_o particular_a belove_a countryman_n custom_n have_v wear_v out_o truth_n but_o let_v we_o inquire_v for_o the_o old_a and_o good_a way_n of_o our_o gracious_a god_n christ_n say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o beginning_n further_o consider_v that_o all_o governor_n high_a and_o low_a they_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o god_n commandment_n both_o to_o do_v and_o to_o suffer_v for_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v that_o the_o chief_a governor_n call_v they_o by_o what_o title_n you_o will_v be_v to_o be_v free_a from_o punishment_n shall_v we_o not_o by_o that_o mean_n diminish_v part_n of_o god_n law_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n namely_o for_o man_n to_o do_v or_o to_o suffer_v consider_v further_o that_o that_o law_n of_o god_n that_o bind_v all_o man_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v a_o way_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o will_v it_o not_o otherwise_o show_v a_o imperfection_n in_o it_o now_o for_o man_n to_o say_v that_o chief_a governor_n be_v only_o accountable_a to_o god_n consider_v that_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o have_v give_v we_o his_o law_n whole_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o earth_n by_o all_o man_n high_a and_o low_a either_o by_o do_v or_o suffer_v therefore_o we_o have_v god_n law_n upon_o earth_n here_o below_o must_v see_v they_o observe_v by_o all_o man_n by_o do_v or_o suffer_v be_v it_o not_o a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o when_o a_o man_n break_v god_n law_n upon_o earth_n he_o must_v be_v punish_v only_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v suffer_v to_o run_v forward_o to_o do_v more_o mischief_n there_o will_v be_v another_o account_n to_o be_v give_v there_o and_o other_o punishment_n without_o faith_n and_o repentance_n consider_v further_o that_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o king_n give_v commission_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n to_o put_v they_o they_o to_o death_n read_v 2_o king_n 9.7_o and_o thou_o shall_v smite_v all_o the_o house_n of_o ahab_n thy_o master_n that_o i_o may_v avenge_v the_o blood_n of_o my_o servant_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o ahab_n shall_v be_v destroy_v now_o note_v what_o follow_v 2_o king_n 10.30_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o jehu_n because_o thou_o have_v diligent_o execute_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o my_o eye_n and_o have_v do_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o ahab_n according_a to_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n therefore_o thy_o son_n unto_o the_o four_o generation_n shall_v sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n now_o before_o this_o we_o may_v note_v that_o jehu_n have_v not_o only_o slay_v jehoram_n 2_o king_n 9.24_o but_o also_o ahaziah_n king_n of_o judah_n vers_fw-la 27._o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o ahaziah_n be_v note_v to_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n 8.27_o and_o there_o he_o be_v note_v for_o marry_v a_o woman_n addict_v to_o idolatry_n after_o this_o god_n commend_v jehu_n this_o i_o believe_v that_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o king_n be_v and_o be_v lawful_o according_a to_o god_n will_v make_v king_n if_o i_o be_v there_o present_a i_o shall_v labour_v in_o all_o lawful_a matter_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o they_o and_o i_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n so_o to_o do_v but_o in_o any_o place_n where_o ever_o such_o governor_n shall_v turn_v from_o god_n commandment_n and_o shall_v draw_v people_n from_o god_n service_n and_o shall_v in_o stead_n of_o feed_v defend_v and_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o the_o flock_n â—â—ek_v to_o devour_v and_o destroy_v the_o flock_n doubtless_o god_n law_n have_v force_n against_o they_o in_o such_o case_n and_o also_o if_o in_o god_n way_n i_o may_v be_v free_a i_o shall_v choose_v it_o much_o soon_o for_o servitude_n be_v not_o please_v but_o where_o governor_n be_v call_v by_o god_n in_o his_o own_o way_n there_o god_n will_v bless_v they_o with_o his_o good_a spirit_n therefore_o i_o choose_v willing_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o such_o because_o that_o be_v my_o great_a comfort_n under_o god_n and_o be_v indeed_o true_a liberty_n my_o purpose_n be_v to_o have_v be_v large_a in_o this_o matter_n but_o there_o be_v come_v to_o my_o hand_n a_o book_n write_v by_o one_o mr_n john_n goodwin_n call_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o honourable_a sentence_n pass_v upon_o the_o late_a king_n by_o the_o high_a court_n of_o justice_n to_o which_o book_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n he_o have_v write_v large_o learned_o and_o faithful_o upon_o that_o subject_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o judge_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o wait_v patient_o upon_o god_n and_o i_o do_v undoubted_o believe_v god_n will_v further_o clear_v these_o proceed_n i_o do_v believe_v the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o the_o government_n by_o king_n be_v finish_v in_o our_o land_n to_o my_o best_a understanding_n the_o prophet_n speak_v evident_o that_o god_n will_v restore_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o faithful_a city_n a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n isai_n 1.26_o now_o i_o shall_v humble_o crave_v leave_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v without_o offence_n to_o they_o or_o to_o any_o other_o for_o i_o desire_v to_o walk_v without_o give_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o they_o i_o do_v perceive_v divers_a of_o the_o ministry_n do_v or_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o army_n and_o of_o the_o present_a government_n belove_a dear_o belove_a father_n you_o be_v man_n who_o i_o love_v and_o have_v in_o high_a estimation_n for_o your_o work_n sake_n how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o those_o that_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o salvation_n i_o desire_v that_o i_o may_v propound_v to_o your_o consideration_n some_o few_o line_n you_o see_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o late_a war_n and_o because_o the_o state_n have_v yet_o have_v so_o much_o business_n there_o be_v not_o that_o reformation_n of_o many_o thing_n amiss_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v and_o be_v desire_v i_o pray_v you_o to_o consider_v you_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n law_n you_o i_o believe_v exhort_v the_o people_n to_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o and_o observant_a of_o god_n law_n i_o humble_o desire_v you_o to_o give_v a_o good_a example_n to_o the_o people_n they_o look_v much_o upon_o your_o act_n you_o study_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o beseech_v you_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o you_o desire_v reformation_n let_v it_o be_v do_v orderly_o and_o then_o it_o will_v prosper_v therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o present_a government_n which_o i_o believe_v do_v true_o endeavour_v to_o do_v god_n will_v encourage_v the_o army_n with_o who_o god_n gracious_a presence_n be_v evident_o to_o be_v see_v there_o be_v offence_n too_o many_o abroad_o but_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o who_o offence_n do_v come_v i_o do_v beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v much_o more_o reformation_n if_o you_o have_v not_o draw_v back_o and_o discourage_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n this_o present_a government_n i_o humble_o beseech_v you_o if_o you_o know_v any_o that_o do_v public_o sow_v or_o stir_v up_o strife_n i_o pray_v you_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o forbear_v consider_v i_o pray_v you_o you_o know_v that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v be_v dangerous_a and_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o safety_n and_o comfort_n i_o pray_v you_o call_v to_o mind_v that_o motherly_a and_o tender_a respect_n rebecca_n show_v to_o both_o her_o child_n esau_n be_v offend_v with_o jacob_n rebecca_n do_v not_o seek_v to_o make_v a_o party_n although_o she_o know_v that_o jacob_n be_v her_o obedient_a son_n and_o have_v obtain_v both_o the_o birthright_n and_o the_o blessing_n by_o mean_n whereof_o jacob_n be_v true_o esau_n his_o superior_a but_o she_o consider_v the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o manifest_a division_n
our_o tongue_n be_v our_o own_o what_o lord_n shall_v control_v we_o it_o be_v well_o or_o better_a than_o it_o be_v with_o too_o many_o if_o they_o be_v no_o worse_o than_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v for_o many_o now_o can_v or_o do_v not_o agree_v so_o love_o as_o the_o unreasonable_a beast_n that_o shall_v perish_v do_v not_o the_o wild_a bear_n agree_v among_o themselves_o but_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n in_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n i_o entreat_v you_o countryman_n you_o that_o desire_v to_o do_v god_n will_v do_v you_o seek_v to_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o that_o glorious_a image_n of_o god_n leu._n 11.45_o be_v you_o holy_a say_v god_n for_o i_o be_o holy_a ephes_n 4.2_o 16._o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n forbearing_z one_o another_z and_o forgive_a one_o another_o mat._n 5.43_o 44_o 46._o joh._n 13.34_o consider_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a then_o gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n jam._n 3.17_o verse_n 14._o but_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a envy_v and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n rejoice_v not_o neither_o be_v liar_n against_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o wisdom_n be_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a dear_a friend_n among_o the_o many_o sin_n of_o our_o time_n i_o find_v or_o shall_v rehearse_v three_o or_o four_o predominate_a corruption_n and_o notorious_a sin_n namely_o first_o contempt_n of_o the_o ministry_n second_o contempt_n of_o those_o that_o most_o true_o fear_v god_n and_o three_o divide_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o upon_o too_o slender_a ground_n i_o can_v reckon_v up_o many_o more_o but_o these_o i_o only_o mention_v at_o the_o present_a the_o devil_n labour_v to_o deceive_v man_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o precious_a in_o those_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o draw_v we_o from_o god_n for_o the_o first_o god_n say_v do_v my_o prophet_n no_o harm_n 1_o chron._n 6.22_o and_o again_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o high_a esteem_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o nahum_n 1.15_o behold_v upon_o the_o mountain_n the_o foot_n of_o he_o that_o declare_v peace_n which_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n thus_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n express_v his_o estimation_n by_o god_n own_o direction_n concern_v the_o minister_n isai_n 52.7_o how_o beautiful_a upon_o the_o mountain_n be_v the_o foot_n of_o he_o that_o declare_v and_o publish_v peace_n and_o good_a tiding_n and_o publish_v salvation_n say_v unto_o zion_n thy_o god_n reign_v thus_o rom._n 10.15_o how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o that_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n and_o tiding_n of_o good_a thing_n observe_v here_o that_o if_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n minister_n which_o be_v the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o most_o soil_v by_o dirt_n be_v so_o beautiful_a of_o what_o high_a estimation_n ought_v the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n to_o be_v of_o it_o it_o a_o argument_n that_o where_o we_o see_v man_n so_o abuse_v and_o contemn_v the_o ministry_n that_o those_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o slight_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o one_o bring_v we_o a_o precious_a jewel_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o ingratitude_n to_o throw_v dirt_n and_o dung_n in_o his_o face_n that_o bring_v it_o and_o observe_v well_o where_o you_o see_v man_n so_o much_o abuse_v slight_a and_o contemn_v the_o ministry_n there_o and_o then_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a god_n be_v withdraw_v his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o those_o man_n when_o cam_n once_o discover_v his_o father_n nakedness_n be_v not_o he_o near_o to_o a_o curse_n and_o be_v not_o minister_n our_o spiritual_a father_n consider_v how_o the_o galatian_n behave_v themselves_o towards_o paul_n their_o minister_n gal._n 4.13_o 14._o and_o you_o know_v how_o that_o through_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n i_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o you_o which_o trial_n you_o despise_v not_o but_o receive_v i_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n yea_o as_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o time_n after_o those_o great_a persecution_n we_o may_v read_v what_o estimation_n and_o respect_n both_o constantine_n and_o the_o christian_n yield_v and_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o shall_v we_o decline_v so_o far_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n friend_n or_o countryman_n consider_v what_o judas_n speak_v verse_n 8._o notwithstanding_o these_o sleeper_n despise_v government_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n verse_n 9_o yet_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o he_o strive_v against_o the_o devil_n and_o dispute_v about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n dare_v not_o blame_v he_o with_o curse_a speak_v verse_n 10._o but_o these_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n they_o know_v not_o verse_n 11._o woe_n be_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n consider_v that_o evil_a word_n do_v corrupt_a do_v a_o fountain_n send_v out_o sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a etc._n etc._n remember_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a look_v well_o first_o to_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v there_o find_v cause_n enough_o to_o bear_v more_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o you_o conceive_v to_o be_v error_n in_o other_o man_n but_o especial_o in_o minister_n the_o devil_n labour_v most_o to_o corrupt_a man_n in_o those_o matter_n that_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n for_o consider_v that_o the_o ministry_n they_o persuade_v man_n to_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o eminent_a way_n if_o therefore_o the_o devil_n can_v but_o bring_v their_o ministry_n into_o contempt_n than_o the_o people_n will_v take_v but_o little_a heed_n to_o their_o ministry_n so_o likewise_o if_o he_o can_v draw_v man_n to_o disgrace_v those_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o have_v most_o respect_n to_o god_n commandment_n this_o be_v a_o very_a effectual_a way_n to_o draw_v other_o into_o those_o way_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o that_o lead_v to_o certain_a destruction_n remember_v christ_n caveat_n mat._n 18._o take_v heed_n that_o you_o offend_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o etc._n etc._n and_o touch_v the_o three_o matter_n consider_v that_o satan_n labour_v to_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n for_o this_o weaken_v both_o party_n and_o the_o know_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v note_v divide_v and_o rule_v and_o doubtless_o in_o such_o division_n the_o devil_n he_o rule_v too_o often_o and_o too_o apparent_o moses_n commend_v to_o we_o a_o humble_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o leave_v it_o in_o his_o last_o exhortation_n to_o the_o people_n when_o he_o say_v deut._n 32.2_o my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o rain_n and_o my_o speech_n shall_v distil_v as_o the_o dew_n as_o the_o shower_n upon_o the_o herb_n and_o as_o the_o great_a rain_n upon_o the_o grass_n his_o speech_n be_v weighty_a lovely_a and_o precious_a note_v i_o pray_v you_o how_o and_o in_o what_o a_o beautiful_a frame_n and_o habit_n he_o bless_v and_o commend_v to_o the_o people_n a_o humble_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n deut._n 33.1_o now_o this_o be_v the_o blessing_n wherewith_o moses_n the_o man_n of_o god_n bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n verse_n 2._o the_o lord_n come_v from_o sinai_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 3._o though_o he_o love_v his_o people_n yet_o all_o the_o saint_n be_v in_o thy_o hand_n and_o they_o be_v humble_v at_o thy_o foot_n to_o receive_v thy_o word_n note_v i_o pray_v you_o to_o observe_v and_o lay_v it_o up_o as_o a_o treasure_n in_o your_o heart_n that_o god_n account_v man_n then_o fit_a to_o profit_v or_o receive_v god_n word_n when_o they_o be_v humble_v at_o his_o foot_n that_o be_v when_o we_o lie_v most_o low_a which_o be_v plain_o show_v in_o these_o word_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o low_a part_n in_o our_o apprehension_n consider_v that_o this_o grace_n be_v of_o great_a esteem_n in_o god_n sight_n mark_v upon_o what_o term_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n be_v tender_v even_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o low_a condition_n to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o blood_n and_o no_o eye_n pity_v they_o to_o such_o as_o see_v their_o own_o not_o so_o much_o other_o man_n want_v to_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o themselves_o david_n say_v psal_n 25._o god_n will_v teach_v the_o humble_a etc._n etc._n countryman_n friend_n beloved_n we_o have_v many_o rise_n of_o heart_n among_o we_o many_o difference_n do_v but_o obtain_v and_o keep_v and_o make_v use_n
of_o a_o humble_a heart_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o peace_n and_o truth_n will_v meet_v notwithstanding_o all_o other_o opposition_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a so_o long_o as_o you_o carry_v in_o your_o company_n proud_a heart_n you_o shall_v not_o enjoy_v and_o obtain_v peace_n and_o truth_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a he_o know_v the_o proud_a afar_o off_o what_o say_v jam._n 4.1_o from_o whence_o be_v war_n and_o contention_n among_o you_o be_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o from_o your_o pleasure_n that_o fight_n in_o your_o member_n verse_n 2._o you_o lust_n and_o have_v not_o you_o envy_v and_o desire_v immoderate_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o exhortation_n with_o that_o ephes_n 4.29_o let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o the_o use_n of_o edify_v that_o it_o may_v minister_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n verse_n 30._o and_o grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n verse_n 31._o let_v all_o bitterness_n and_o anger_n and_o wrath_n and_o evil_a speak_n be_v put_v away_o with_o all_o maliciousness_n verse_n 32._o be_v you_o courteous_a one_o to_o another_o free_o forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n free_o forgive_v you_o there_o have_v be_v or_o be_v still_o a_o great_a variety_n distance_n and_o difference_n of_o opinion_n among_o too_o many_o if_o i_o shall_v or_o can_v answer_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o a_o work_n much_o beyond_o my_o compass_n yet_o new_a opinion_n spring_v up_o i_o shall_v still_o have_v more_o and_o continue_a labour_n and_o trouble_v yet_o i_o shall_v propound_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o well-affected_a that_o way_n that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v own_a and_o bless_v for_o the_o compose_n and_o end_v of_o all_o difference_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v arise_v much_o labour_n and_o travel_n and_o pain_n be_v and_o have_v be_v take_v to_o compose_v difference_n i_o pray_v you_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v that_o god_n who_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n better_a than_o man_n himself_o this_o god_n bring_v his_o church_n and_o choose_a people_n out_o of_o egypt_n through_o the_o wilderness_n be_v a_o type_n and_o figure_n show_v we_o how_o we_o must_v through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n through_o many_o temptation_n and_o trial_n pass_v before_o we_o arrive_v at_o the_o land_n and_o place_n of_o our_o rest_n many_o be_v the_o sentence_n record_v by_o moses_n that_o man_n of_o god_n which_o show_n that_o god_n take_v a_o especial_a care_n of_o his_o church_n and_o choose_a and_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n so_o especial_o in_o this_o matter_n namely_o that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o difference_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n appertain_v to_o god_n in_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o in_o such_o difference_n as_o do_v arise_v or_o shall_v be_v among_o man_n which_o likewise_o have_v a_o reference_n to_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n in_o all_o of_o these_o case_n god_n leave_v not_o the_o people_n without_o order_n and_o mean_n to_o try_v determine_v and_o compose_v difference_n for_o otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v the_o people_n great_a misery_n but_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o wisdom_n and_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n now_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v well_o of_o it_o the_o way_n that_o god_n ordain_v and_o own_a and_o bless_v to_o that_o end_n to_o compose_v difference_n be_v by_o appoint_v moses_n to_o give_v judgement_n in_o all_o case_n of_o difference_n this_o plain_o appear_v exod._n 18.15_o 16._o by_o this_o mean_v all_o matter_n of_o difference_n be_v deside_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o minister_n counsel_n be_v of_o great_a use_n as_o appear_v deut._n 17.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o there_o god_n do_v direct_o command_v his_o people_n to_o seek_v counsel_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o likewise_o do_v will_n and_o command_v we_o to_o hearken_v to_o their_o counsel_n the_o gospel_n be_v not_o against_o that_o good_a order_n that_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n prescribe_v now_o belove_a friend_n the_o way_n to_o compose_v difference_n i_o believe_v will_v lie_v much_o in_o this_o namely_o that_o we_o high_o esteem_v of_o the_o counsel_n of_o our_o governor_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a government_n be_v establish_v and_o strengthen_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o who_o can_v or_o dare_v prescribe_v a_o better_a form_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n than_o god_n himself_o have_v describe_v and_o prescribe_v and_o never_o repeal_v moses_n be_v the_o first_o in_o god_n ordination_n and_o have_v the_o preeminence_n of_o matter_n of_o judicature_n and_o aaron_n likewise_o have_v his_o charge_n and_o authority_n very_o near_o assistant_n to_o moses_n the_o minister_n counsel_n be_v to_o be_v of_o force_n by_o moses_n all_o matter_n whether_o they_o be_v breach_n of_o the_o first_o or_o second_o table_n whether_o they_o be_v matter_n more_o immediate_o commit_v against_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v mediate_o commit_v against_o our_o neighbour_n all_o these_o matter_n be_v examine_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o moses_n god_n appoint_v he_o to_o judge_n and_o to_o put_v a_o issue_n to_o all_o matter_n the_o minister_n have_v their_o place_n likewise_o their_o counsel_n be_v of_o great_a use_n i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v more_o particular_o to_o these_o in_o place_n afterward_o this_o use_v only_o i_o commend_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o who_o it_o may_v concern_v namely_o that_o see_v that_o god_n have_v give_v such_o authority_n to_o governor_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n have_v for_o this_o be_v not_o cancel_v or_o remove_v by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o contrary_o this_o be_v confirm_v as_o seasonable_o i_o hope_v will_v plain_o appear_v consider_v of_o that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 6.4_o if_o then_o you_o have_v judgement_n of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o life_n set_v they_o up_o which_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o this_o the_o way_n to_o heal_v their_o distemper_a difference_n namely_o by_o governor_n or_o judge_n and_o rather_o than_o they_o shall_v pretend_v some_o excuse_n he_o say_v set_v they_o up_o which_o be_v the_o least_o esteem_a etc._n etc._n not_o that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v that_o they_o shall_v set_v up_o any_o careless_o but_o vers_fw-la 5._o he_o speak_v this_o to_o shame_v they_o this_o matter_n be_v of_o such_o great_a concernment_n it_o behove_v we_o for_o the_o good_a of_o we_o and_o of_o our_o posterity_n to_o take_v special_a care_n that_o so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o our_o power_n let_v we_o use_v all_o circumspect_a care_n that_o we_o allow_v of_o set_v up_o and_o obey_v such_o man_n as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o god_n mind_n there_o lie_v much_o weight_n in_o it_o for_o let_v our_o difference_n be_v what_o they_o will_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v or_o can_v be_v yet_o the_o governor_n will_v they_o must_v they_o ought_v to_o hear_v try_v and_o judge_v of_o they_o this_o be_v doubtless_o god_n own_o way_n it_o have_v his_o image_n and_o inscription_n i_o grant_v that_o if_o any_o governor_n any_o whatever_o shall_v not_o act_v for_o god_n but_o against_o god_n law_n the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n or_o their_o representative_n have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v power_n to_o depose_v and_o punish_v such_o for_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n both_o the_o governor_n and_o the_o govern_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_n to_o god_n command_n but_o belove_a friend_n do_v not_o so_o far_o trust_v to_o this_o your_o liberty_n that_o by_o reason_n thereof_o you_o neglect_v to_o inquire_v and_o take_v counsel_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v your_o governor_n have_v a_o especial_a eye_n to_o the_o rule_v contain_v in_o his_o word_n about_o this_o matter_n ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n for_o consider_v well_o of_o it_o let_v the_o experience_n record_v in_o scripture_n let_v the_o experience_n record_v in_o other_o nation_n let_v our_o own_o experiment_n record_v in_o this_o k_n and_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o a_o government_n be_v once_o settle_a it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o remove_v or_o alter_v either_o the_o person_n or_o the_o form_n of_o government_n once_o establish_v although_o we_o shall_v apparent_o see_v that_o they_o be_v evil_a towards_o god_n and_o we_o we_o have_v i_o believe_v much_o cause_n to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n that_o he_o have_v grant_v unto_o we_o more_o liberty_n now_o in_o these_o matter_n than_o our_o father_n obtain_v from_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n to_o this_o day_n those_o governor_n that_o now_o we_o enjoy_v both_o in_o the_o parliament_n and_o in_o the_o army_n i_o believe_v they_o
be_v a_o jealous_a god_n there_o be_v a_o great_a ado_n a_o great_a tumult_n but_o i_o believe_v the_o great_a part_n know_v not_o what_o they_o will_v have_v do_v some_o cry_n out_o against_o the_o government_n who_o if_o they_o well_o consider_v of_o it_o they_o know_v not_o their_o own_o heart_n for_o this_o i_o do_v believe_v let_v they_o have_v what_o government_n they_o desire_v yet_o they_o will_v still_o find_v some_o matter_n to_o be_v discontent_n belove_a country_n man_n a_o great_a part_n of_o england_n surfeit_n with_o pride_n and_o wantonness_n take_v heed_n god_n have_v many_o way_n to_o abate_v our_o pride_n and_o to_o humble_v we_o do_v we_o not_o forget_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o give_v we_o his_o holy_a and_o sacred_a word_n in_o our_o own_o language_n do_v we_o not_o forget_v that_o other_o place_n worship_v idol_n and_o have_v their_o inquisition_n house_n where_o many_o sad_a heart_n do_v not_o behold_v the_o light_n of_o either_o sun_n or_o moon_n i_o do_v very_o believe_v if_o some_o man_n be_v in_o other_o country_n and_o shall_v speak_v but_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o what_o they_o say_v here_o they_o shall_v then_o know_v the_o difference_n of_o government_n but_o if_o some_o do_v speak_v what_o they_o listen_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n yet_o let_v we_o all_o lie_v it_o to_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o righteous_a god_n and_o now_o i_o desire_v without_o offence_n to_o propound_v to_o they_o that_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n namely_o whether_o that_o now_o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o the_o government_n be_v desirous_a and_o do_v endeavour_v a_o reformation_n first_o ought_v not_o there_o to_o be_v in_o all_o good_a christian_n a_o readiness_n and_o willingness_n and_o not_o a_o backwardness_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o join_v in_o and_o to_o help_v forward_o this_o work_n it_o be_v record_v for_o out_o learning_n judg._n 5.15_o that_o for_o the_o division_n of_o reuben_n there_o be_v great_a thought_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v note_v that_o when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o benjamite_n destroy_v their_o city_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v over_o how_o do_v they_o lament_v for_o their_o brethren_n they_o have_v no_o pleasure_n that_o a_o tribe_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n read_v judge_n 21.2_o and_o the_o people_n come_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o abode_n there_o till_o even_o before_o god_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o weep_v with_o great_a lamentation_n verse_n 3._o and_o say_v o_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n why_o be_v this_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o israel_n that_o this_o day_n one_o tribe_n of_o israel_n shall_v want_v we_o may_v see_v here_o what_o a_o love_a and_o godly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v in_o this_o people_n they_o be_v so_o far_o off_o from_o rejoice_v that_o there_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v a_o tribe_n separate_v from_o israel_n that_o they_o do_v consult_v and_o consider_v and_o use_v mean_n that_o this_o tribe_n may_v not_o whole_o be_v cut_v off_o o_o that_o i_o can_v evident_o now_o in_o these_o time_n of_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n see_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n but_o alas_o do_v it_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_n appear_v that_o here_o be_v now_o but_o a_o few_o wet_a eye_n but_o little_a lamentation_n for_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o dear_a friend_n on_o all_o hand_n lay_v it_o to_o heart_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o that_o there_o be_v no_o near_a affinity_n in_o your_o affection_n do_v you_o expect_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o you_o be_v not_o to_o move_v forward_o towards_o this_o unite_n in_o brotherly_a fellowship_n till_o you_o be_v send_v to_o or_o till_o you_o be_v draw_v to_o it_o with_o strong_a band_n i_o pray_v you_o consider_v be_v not_o our_o union_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o near_o a_o relation_n as_o any_o bond_n or_o tie_n that_o israel_n have_v be_v not_o christ_n precept_n and_o exhortation_n and_o command_n as_o prevalent_a and_o as_o evident_a and_o as_o strong_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o unity_n and_o a_o close_n in_o brotherly_a fellowship_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o before_o under_o the_o law_n do_v not_o christ_n say_v a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o do_v not_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v our_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n who_o be_v the_o samaritan_n neighbour_n be_v it_o not_o he_o that_o bind_v up_o his_o wound_n luke_n 10.30_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o have_v faith_n to_o remove_v mountain_n yet_o without_o love_n it_o profit_v we_o nothing_o the_o apostle_n ask_v this_o question_n he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n that_o he_o have_v see_v how_o shall_v that_o man_n love_n god_n that_o he_o have_v not_o see_v i_o stand_v not_o in_o such_o know_a truth_n to_o particularize_v chapter_n and_o verse_n where_o can_v you_o read_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o his_o apostle_n where_o these_o matter_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o be_v see_v belove_a friend_n may_v i_o not_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o you_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o what_o will_v you_o have_v we_o to_o do_v be_v there_o not_o many_o let_v in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o reach_v out_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o our_o brethren_n or_o neighbour_n for_o some_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o brotherhood_n be_v there_o not_o many_o sinful_a practice_n and_o much_o disorder_n answ_n be_v there_o not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o you_o to_o heal_v and_o to_o make_v up_o these_o breach_n let_v i_o propound_v this_o to_o your_o consideration_n do_v but_o remove_v one_o poisonous_a weed_n out_o of_o your_o heart_n and_o instead_o thereof_o plant_v two_o sweet_a smell_a herb_n and_o meet_v when_o you_o will_v i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v by_o god_n assistance_n but_o that_o all_o other_o difference_n may_v easy_o be_v compose_v so_o that_o you_o may_v join_v together_o in_o brotherly_a fellowship_n a_o great_a many_o of_o you_o that_o now_o stand_v at_o distance_n the_o poisonous_a weed_n to_o be_v remove_v be_v pride_n pluck_v up_o that_o by_o the_o root_n the_o grace_n or_o herb_n to_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o steed_n thereof_o be_v love_v one_o to_o another_o and_o humility_n be_v sure_o these_o be_v safe_o preserve_v in_o give_v honour_n go_v one_o before_o another_o friend_n or_o countryman_n you_o stumble_v at_o some_o fail_n but_o do_v you_o not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n leap_v over_o mountain_n and_o plung_v yourselves_o into_o dangerous_a place_n it_o be_v the_o very_a leaven_n christ_n reprove_v in_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisce_n they_o tithe_v mint_n and_o annise_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o weighty_a matter_n you_o be_v loath_a to_o close_v lest_o you_o shall_v hold_v communion_n with_o sinner_n it_o may_v be_v so_o but_o consider_v well_o that_o that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a let_v we_o search_v well_o our_o own_o heart_n let_v we_o try_v they_o well_o and_o i_o do_v believe_v we_o shall_v see_v as_o many_o and_o as_o great_a sin_n there_o as_o we_o do_v see_v in_o many_o of_o those_o with_o who_o we_o will_v not_o close_o because_o they_o be_v sinner_n remember_v forget_v not_o what_o condition_n we_o be_v in_o when_o christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o shed_v out_o his_o precious_a blood_n for_o we_o be_v we_o not_o then_o all_o over_o from_o head_n to_o heel_v defile_v in_o our_o blood_n and_o do_v then_o christ_n reach_v out_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o fellowship_n to_o we_o and_o be_v we_o so_o shy_a one_o of_o another_o christ_n wish_v we_o to_o be_v merciful_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a dear_o belove_a country_n man_n i_o must_v forbear_v time_n quick_a motion_n bid_v i_o go_v on_o i_o pray_v you_o yet_o that_o i_o may_v propound_v to_o your_o consideration_n whether_o reformation_n be_v not_o now_o more_o meet_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n now_o in_o this_o time_n of_o liberty_n and_o when_o we_o may_v have_v the_o strength_n of_o authority_n to_o help_v we_o than_o separation_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o we_o seek_v nor_o great_o the_o love_n fellowship_n or_o communion_n of_o many_o more_o than_o we_o now_o do_v i_o propound_v it_o in_o as_o easy_a term_n as_o i_o can_v for_o
form_n of_o government_n which_o god_n do_v in_o his_o wisdom_n appoint_v to_o his_o belove_a first_o bear_v son_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n of_o government_n from_o moses_n to_o samuel_n be_v much_o better_a than_o that_o government_n of_o king_n which_o succeed_v afterward_o in_o more_o corrupt_a time_n when_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o people_n and_o be_v such_o a_o government_n as_o the_o people_n invent_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o heathen_n second_o this_o government_n of_o god_n be_v better_a and_o the_o people_n worse_a because_o god_n bless_v his_o own_o direction_n and_o prescription_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o of_o all_o the_o judge_n that_o god_n appoint_v immediate_o or_o in_o which_o the_o people_n ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n those_o governor_n god_n bless_v they_o with_o his_o good_a and_o holy_a spirit_n all_o of_o they_o from_o moses_n to_o samuel_n there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o a_o evil_a governor_n that_o i_o can_v find_v and_o they_o all_o prove_v blessing_n to_o the_o people_n but_o those_o governor_n that_o the_o people_n choose_v and_o invent_v themselves_o many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o god_n do_v not_o so_o bless_v with_o his_o good_a and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o they_o prove_v curse_n and_o cross_n to_o the_o people_n and_o be_v great_a affliction_n to_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v in_o abimeleck_n in_o jeroboam_fw-la in_o ahab_n and_o other_o next_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v the_o best_a form_n of_o government_n from_o moses_n to_o samuel_n which_o appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o diverse_a scripture_n exod._n 5._o god_n there_o say_v you_o shall_v be_v my_o chief_a treasure_n though_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v i_o this_o place_n show_v that_o god_n prefer_v this_o people_n at_o this_o time_n above_o all_o other_o people_n therefore_o it_o may_v plain_o be_v gather_v that_o god_n take_v more_o special_a regard_n to_o appoint_v they_o a_o better_a government_n than_o other_o nation_n but_o other_o nation_n have_v king_n at_o that_o time_n and_o god_n prescribe_v and_o appoint_v to_o they_o judge_n at_o that_o time_n therefore_o government_n by_o judge_n in_o that_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n be_v better_a than_o government_n by_o king_n read_v exod._n 33.16_o so_o shall_v i_o and_o thy_o people_n have_v pre-eminence_n above_o all_o people_n that_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n here_o again_o the_o same_o be_v repeat_v to_o show_v that_o this_o people_n have_v pre-eminence_n above_o all_o other_o people_n and_o shall_v they_o be_v prefer_v in_o small_a matter_n and_o not_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o government_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n read_v levit._n 9.23_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n appear_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n from_o this_o place_n it_o appear_v that_o in_o this_o most_o excellent_a mercy_n they_o be_v far_o prefer_v before_o other_o people_n for_o do_v any_o other_o people_n see_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o do_v no_o very_o read_v levit._n 26.12_o deut._n 4.5_o behold_v i_o have_v teach_v you_o ordinance_n and_o law_n as_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n command_v i_o that_o you_o shall_v do_v ver._n 6._o keep_v they_o therefore_o and_o do_v they_o for_o that_o be_v your_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n ver._n 7._o for_o what_o nation_n be_v so_o great_a to_o who_o the_o god_n come_v so_o near_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v near_o unto_o we_o in_o all_o etc._n etc._n ver._n 8._o and_o what_o nation_n be_v so_o great_a that_o have_v law_n so_o righteous_a as_o all_o this_o law_n that_o i_o set_v before_o you_o this_o day_n ver._n 9_o but_o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o keep_v thy_o soul_n diligent_o that_o thou_o forget_v not_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o depart_v not_o out_o of_o thy_o heart_n all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o teach_v they_o thy_o son_n and_o thy_o son_n son_n ver._n 2._o you_o shall_v put_v nothing_o to_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o take_v aught_o there_o from_o that_o you_o may_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n dear_a friend_n let_v we_o well_o weigh_v the_o very_a express_v and_o direct_a force_n of_o such_o a_o plain_a downright_a rule_n of_o god_n god_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v law_n and_o commandment_n such_o as_o no_o people_n on_o earth_n have_v the_o like_a consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o law_n and_o precept_n and_o ordinance_n this_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o their_o government_n for_o rule_n and_o law_n and_o ordinance_n impli_v most_o plain_o two_o thing_n the_o governor_n and_o the_o govern_v for_o else_o to_o what_o purpose_n have_v god_n give_v the_o law_n if_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v governor_n to_o see_v those_o law_n execute_v we_o see_v it_o to_o be_v of_o necessity_n and_o most_o principal_a concernment_n that_o in_o all_o combination_n or_o society_n wherein_o many_o act_n together_o there_o must_v be_v order_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o government_n we_o see_v likewise_o that_o this_o government_n be_v regulate_v and_o order_v wise_o just_o merciful_o etc._n etc._n this_o put_v a_o beauty_n upon_o all_o matter_n to_o be_v act_v by_o society_n this_o order_n in_o government_n it_o put_v a_o shine_a lustre_n upon_o all_o piece_n of_o work_n and_o upon_o all_o society_n do_v but_o withdraw_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a government_n and_o let_v either_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o negligent_a person_n or_o a_o disorder_a epicure_n or_o a_o tyrant_n manage_v action_n and_o you_o shall_v present_o find_v that_o work_v or_o society_n guide_v by_o such_o will_v either_o turn_v into_o a_o chaos_n or_o into_o disorder_n or_o at_o the_o least_o in_o the_o best_a case_n the_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n of_o such_o society_n will_v be_v take_v away_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v then_o gather_v from_o these_o scripture_n be_v that_o no_o nation_n under_o heaven_n have_v so_o good_a a_o government_n which_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o that_o none_o have_v so_o righteous_a law_n and_o ordinance_n as_o this_o people_n of_o jsrael_n have_v now_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n now_o in_o these_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n now_o in_o this_o time_n when_o god_n show_v his_o glory_n so_o eminent_o now_o in_o this_o time_n when_o god_n come_v so_o near_o unto_o this_o people_n as_o no_o nation_n upon_o earth_n have_v such_o a_o government_n such_o governor_n which_o be_v plain_o imply_v and_o express_v under_o these_o word_n law_n and_o ordinance_n this_o be_v true_a than_o it_o follow_v plain_o that_o this_o government_n by_o judge_n be_v better_a than_o the_o government_n by_o king_n for_o at_o that_o time_n they_o have_v king_n in_o their_o heathen_a government_n the_o egyptian_n they_o have_v a_o king_n a_o tyrant_n a_o unrighteous_a oppressor_n a_o ripe_a of_o the_o devil_n but_o god_n say_v that_o at_o that_o very_a time_n the_o ordinance_n and_o law_n the_o wholeframe_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o government_n be_v better_a than_o all_o other_o nation_n do_v enjoy_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o government_n by_o king_n we_o can_v no_o way_n evade_v or_o avoid_v in_o a_o plain_a way_n of_o righteousness_n this_o truth_n it_o follow_v plain_o direct_o and_o strong_o but_o further_a it_o appear_v clear_o that_o this_o government_n be_v better_a than_o that_o government_n by_o king_n because_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n see_v this_o government_n to_o be_v best_a for_o his_o church_n and_o people_n god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o government_n by_o judge_n god_n do_v prescribe_v this_o government_n and_o bless_v this_o government_n and_o god_n be_v not_o as_o man_n his_o work_n be_v not_o imperfect_a god_n see_v and_o know_v at_o once_o what_o be_v best_a consider_v then_o that_o god_n be_v likewise_o unchangeable_a concern_v the_o government_n by_o king_n god_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o it_o he_o see_v that_o but_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o approve_v not_o of_o it_o because_o nevertheless_o god_n prescribe_v to_o the_o people_n this_o way_n of_o government_n by_o judge_n this_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n and_o god_n say_v this_o government_n be_v the_o best_a no_o nation_n have_v so_o good_a a_o government_n take_v it_o in_o what_o respect_v you_o will_v or_o can_v take_v it_o further_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o these_o ordinance_n of_o god_n these_o law_n this_o government_n prescribe_v and_o bless_v by_o god_n himself_o do_v continue_v in_o force_n to_o this_o day_n they_o be_v never_o change_v nor_o repeal_v to_o this_o very_a day_n object_n but_o do_v we_o not_o find_v that_o there_o be_v some_o good_a king_n as_o
have_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o ask_v you_o a_o king_n ver._n 18._o then_o samuel_n call_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n send_v thunder_n and_o rain_v the_o same_o day_n and_o all_o the_o people_n fear_v the_o lord_n and_o samuel_n exceed_o ver._n 19_o the_o people_n say_v we_o have_v sin_v in_o ask_v we_o a_o king_n beside_o all_o our_o other_o sin_n etc._n etc._n concern_v this_o king_n we_o have_v occasion_n to_o note_v that_o god_n presence_n do_v remove_v now_o and_o stand_v at_o a_o further_a distance_n than_o before_o god_n do_v not_o whole_o depart_v from_o they_o but_o remember_v the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o do_v still_o favour_v the_o people_n but_o as_o the_o tabernacle_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o host_n exod._n 33.7.8_o yet_o not_o whole_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n so_o here_o god_n remove_v his_o gracious_a presence_n further_o off_o from_o the_o people_n the_o next_o king_n be_v david_n who_o be_v a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a king_n god_n will_v not_o afflict_v the_o people_n so_o much_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o good_a king_n david_n blemish_n i_o forbear_v though_o some_o blemish_n he_o have_v such_o as_o i_o believe_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o judge_n that_o be_v immediate_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o their_o place_n after_o succeed_v solomon_n how_o far_o he_o decline_v from_o the_o straight_a rule_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n be_v to_o be_v find_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n rehoboam_n reign_v he_o have_v 18._o wife_n and_o threescore_o concubine_n and_o desire_v many_o wife_n 2_o cro_n 11_o 21_o 23._o he_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o israel_n with_o he_o for_o which_o cause_n shishack_n come_v up_o against_o jerusalem_n and_o take_v the_o strong_a city_n which_o be_v of_o juda_n the_o people_n be_v make_v servant_n to_o shishack_n 2_o cro._n 12.1_o to_o 9_o further_o he_o do_v evil_a and_o prepare_v not_o his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n ver._n 14._o ahijam_n reign_v he_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o sin_n which_o his_o father_n have_v do_v before_o he_o and_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o perfect_a with_o the_o lord_n 1_o king_n 15.3_o asa_n reign_v he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o put_v down_o his_o mother_n because_o she_o have_v a_o idol_n in_o a_o grove_n 1_o king_n 15._o nadab_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v israel_n sin_n 1_o king_n 15.26_o baashaw_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cause_v israel_n to_o sin_n 1_o king_n 16._o elah_n he_o reign_v do_v evil_a be_v drink_v be_v slay_v 1_o king_n 16._o omri_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n worse_o than_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o 1_o king_n 16._o zimri_n reign_v be_v burn_v 1_o king_n 16.18_o ahab_n the_o son_n of_o omri_n reign_v and_o do_v worse_a than_o all_o before_o he_o 1_o king_n 16.3_o ahaziah_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a he_o seek_v help_v of_o baallzebub_n the_o god_n of_o ecron_n 2_o king_n 1._o jehoram_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o kin._n 3.2_o jehosaphat_n reign_v he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o king_n joram_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a 2_o kin._n 8.9_o jehoram_fw-la son_n of_o jehosaphat_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a 2_o kin_n 8.17_o jehu_n reign_v he_o regard_v not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n 2_o ki._n 10.31_o he_o be_v a_o occasion_n to_o cause_n israel_n to_o sin_n &_o therefore_o they_o be_v smite_v in_o all_o the_o coast_n of_o israel_n ver._n 23._o athalia_fw-la reign_v do_v evil_a be_v slay_v 2_o ki._n 11.3.6_o jehoash_fw-mi reign_v he_o do_v good_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n during_o the_o time_n the_o priest_n teach_v he_o 2_o ki._n 12.2_o but_o the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o take_v away_o he_o be_v slay_v ver._n 21._o jehoaash_a son_n of_o jehu_n reign_v do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cause_v israel_n to_o be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n 2_o ki._n 13.2.3_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o people_n be_v so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v leave_v but_o 50_o horseman_n and_o 10_o charret_n and_o 10000_o footman_n they_o be_v destroy_v and_o make_v like_o dust_n beat_v to_o powder_n 2_o ki._n 13.6_o 7._o jehoash_fw-mi son_n of_o jehoaash_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o ki._n 13.10.11_o jeroboam_fw-la reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o ki._n 14.23_o 24._o amaziah_n reign_v do_v upright_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o like_o david_n 2_o ki._n 14.3_o azariah_n reign_v do_v upright_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o burn_v incense_n in_o the_o high_a place_n and_o the_o lord_n smite_v the_o king_n and_o he_o be_v a_o leper_n to_o the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n 2_o ki._n 15.3_o 4_o 5._o zachariah_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o ki._n 15.8.9_o shallum_n reign_v be_v slay_v 2_o ki._n 15_o 14._o menahem_fw-mi reign_v do_v evil_a 2_o ki._n 15.17_o 18._o pekahiah_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o ki._n 15.23_o 24._o pekah_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a 2_o ki._n 15.28_o the_o people_n carry_v away_o captive_a jotham_n reign_v he_o do_v upright_o but_o the_o people_n burn_v incense_v in_o the_o high_a place_n in_o his_o day_n the_o lord_n send_v enemy_n upon_o the_o people_n 2_o ki._n 5.34_o 37._o ahab_n reign_v he_o consecrate_v his_o son_n in_o the_o fire_n he_o do_v much_o evil_n 2_o ki._n 16._o hoshea_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o become_v servant_n to_o salmanasser_n king_n of_o ashur_n 2_o ki._n 17.2_o 3._o the_o people_n besiege_v and_o carry_v captive_a ver._n 6._o because_o they_o keep_v not_o god_n command_v diligent_o 37._o hezechiah_n reign_v he_o do_v upright_o according_a to_o all_o that_o david_n 2_o ki._n 18._o manasseh_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n after_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o heathen_a 2_o ki._n 21.2_o he_o do_v much_o evil_n and_o fill_v jerusalem_n from_o corner_n to_o corner_n with_o innocent_a blood_n 2_o ki._n 21.16_o and_o he_o cause_v juda_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o do_v evil_a ver._n 16._o ammon_n reign_v he_o do_v much_o evil_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o ki._n 21.20_o josiah_n he_o reign_v he_o do_v upright_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o ki._n 22.2_o jehoahaz_n his_o son_n reign_v he_o do_v much_o evil_n in_o god_n sight_n 2_o ki._n 23.32_o the_o land_n in_o his_o day_n be_v put_v under_o great_a tribute_n ver._n 33._o jehojachin_n reign_v he_o do_v evil_a 2_o ki._n 23.37_o very_o much_o evil_n jehojachin_n his_o son_n he_o reign_v he_o do_v much_o evil_n 2_o ki._n 24.9_o the_o people_n carry_v captive_a in_o his_o day_n very_o much_o people_n ver._n 13.4_o zedechiah_o he_o reign_v and_o he_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n very_o much_o 2_o ki._n 24.9_o 20._o it_o be_v well_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o that_o among_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n that_o come_v into_o their_o place_n according_a to_o god_n institution_n there_o be_v not_o one_o man_n of_o they_o that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o enemy_n nor_o by_o treachery_n slay_v by_o their_o own_o people_n nor_o come_v to_o any_o untimely_a death_n save_o one_o man_n and_o that_o be_v not_o for_o practical_a evil_n of_o himself_o but_o for_o suffer_v sin_n to_o go_v without_o due_a punishment_n in_o his_o child_n but_o contrary_o they_o be_v note_v much_o for_o humility_n sincerity_n and_o piety_n certain_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v wise_o describe_v governor_n for_o our_o learning_n have_v we_o but_o heart_n wise_o and_o diligent_o to_o observe_v they_o but_o note_v contrary_o that_o among_o the_o king_n how_o many_o be_v take_v away_o by_o untimely_a death_n some_o by_o god_n command_v slay_v some_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o enemy_n some_o carry_v captive_a and_o the_o great_a part_n slay_v by_o the_o people_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v note_v to_o be_v notorious_a sinner_n i_o shall_v rehearse_v some_o of_o they_o although_o i_o believe_v not_o all_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o king_n abimelecke_n judg._n 9.6.53_o the_o next_o be_v saul_n slay_v be_v his_o own_o executioner_n 1_o sam._n 31.4_o nadab_n slay_v by_o
one_o of_o his_o own_o people_n 1_o ki._n 15.27_o elah_n slay_v in_o like_a manner_n 1_o ki._n 16.9_o and_o of_o baasha_n his_o predecessor_n progeny_n god_n say_v 1_o ki._n 16.4_o he_o that_o die_v of_o baasha_n his_o stock_n in_o the_o city_n he_o shall_v the_o dog_n eat_v and_o he_o that_o die_v in_o the_o field_n the_o fowl_n after_o he_o zimri_n pursue_v by_o the_o people_n burn_v himself_o 1_o ki._n 16.18_o jehoram_n slay_v by_o his_o own_o people_n 2_o ki._n 9_o ahaziah_n slay_v in_o like_a manner_n 2_o ki._n 9.27_o jesabell_n slay_v 2_o ki._n 9_o ahab_n slay_v his_o posterity_n slay_v 2_o ki._n 10.6_o by_o the_o elder_n of_o his_o own_o people_n ver._n 7._o athalia_fw-la slay_v by_o she_o own_o people_n 2_o ki._n 11.3.16_o jehoash_fw-mi slay_v by_o his_o own_o servant_n 2_o ki._n 12.20_o shallum_n slay_v by_o his_o own_o people_n 2_o ki._n 15.10.12_o pekahiah_n slay_v by_o his_o own_o people_n 2_o ki._n 15_o 25._o pekah_n slay_v by_o his_o own_o people_n 2_o ki._n 15.30_o amon_n slay_v by_o his_o own_o people_n 2_o ki._n 21.23_o i_o know_v not_o any_o one_o of_o these_o but_o that_o they_o be_v note_v to_o be_v notorious_a sinner_n i_o do_v let_v pass_v some_o other_o slay_v and_o carry_v captive_n only_o these_o brief_o as_o the_o shortness_n of_o time_n will_v permit_v the_o lord_n give_v we_o heart_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n aright_o note_v here_o that_o god_n in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n suffer_v and_o appoint_v king_n to_o be_v punish_v on_o earth_n god_n do_v not_o let_v they_o alone_o to_o be_v punish_v in_o another_o world_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v approve_v in_o the_o instrument_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o slaughter_n but_o some_o of_o they_o be_v approve_v and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v note_v to_o be_v take_v away_o by_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n and_o commandment_n now_o let_v the_o sincere_a godly_a heart_a unpartial_o compare_v this_o government_n by_o king_n with_o that_o government_n by_o judge_n in_o which_o i_o pray_v god_n to_o direct_v you_o aright_o thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v to_o present_v to_o our_o view_n the_o king_n that_o reign_v over_o judah_n and_o israel_n the_o lord_n give_v we_o understanding_n to_o consider_v what_o bitter_a fruit_n the_o people_n reap_v by_o change_v their_o form_n of_o government_n i_o shall_v only_o in_o this_o matter_n consider_v that_o doubtless_o these_o king_n many_o of_o they_o or_o other_o in_o their_o room_n will_v have_v be_v much_o better_a have_v the_o people_n keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n inquire_v of_o god_n who_o shall_v have_v be_v the_o man_n that_o shall_v have_v govern_v they_o for_o we_o may_v note_v that_o although_o god_n promse_v david_n that_o some_o of_o his_o posterity_n shall_v govern_v yet_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v make_v he_o king_n who_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v deut._n 17._o but_o we_o may_v note_v that_o god_n do_v so_o withdraw_v his_o good_a spirit_n from_o the_o people_n that_o i_o remember_v not_o that_o it_o be_v record_v from_o solomon_n time_n and_o after_o that_o the_o people_n do_v ever_o solemn_o inquire_v counsel_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v govern_v they_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o if_o the_o people_n have_v solemn_o and_o serious_o seek_v to_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n god_n will_v have_v provide_v some_o of_o david_n posterity_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o so_o have_v bless_v and_o guide_v they_o by_o his_o good_a spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v much_o better_a than_o they_o be_v but_o i_o do_v believe_v god_n suffer_v they_o to_o swerve_v that_o we_o by_o their_o example_n may_v learn_v wisdom_n whatsoever_o be_v write_v before_o time_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v in_o lay_v down_o or_o describe_v the_o cause_n or_o foundation_n wherefore_o or_o whereupon_o i_o endeavour_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o high_a god_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v to_o describe_v such_o a_o government_n governor_n together_o with_o their_o entrance_n and_o authority_n as_o god_n have_v prescribe_v own_a and_o bless_v in_o all_o which_o i_o do_v consider_v that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n to_o this_o day_n there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o swerve_v and_o decline_v from_o that_o first_o most_o pure_a and_o clear_a fountain_n from_o those_o most_o straight_o wholesome_a and_o good_a rule_n precept_n and_o commandment_n describe_v by_o that_o most_o high_a and_o only_o wise_a god_n therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o blame_v i_o not_o if_o i_o decline_v from_o humane_a authority_n in_o all_o this_o description_n i_o desire_v to_o inquire_v for_o the_o old_a and_o good_a way_n of_o our_o good_a god_n and_o i_o consider_v that_o god_n way_n his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v most_o certain_o most_o wise_o most_o apparent_o make_v know_v in_o the_o scripture_n write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n man_n that_o most_o true_o and_o faithful_o make_v know_v god_n good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o mixture_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n invention_n therefore_o i_o shall_v most_o chief_o and_o only_o in_o comparison_n allege_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o consider_v that_o as_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o earth_n between_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n darkness_n that_o light_n and_o make_v a_o eclipse_n whereby_o we_o be_v hinder_v from_o the_o more_o apparent_a and_o clear_a light_n and_o benefit_n that_o otherwise_o we_o may_v receive_v so_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v if_o i_o shall_v follow_v other_o invention_n i_o be_o sure_a that_o in_o this_o way_n the_o true_a light_n be_v most_o unerring_a i_o shall_v next_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o encouragement_n i_o find_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o do_v strengthen_v or_o encourage_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n and_o time_n will_v restore_v and_o reform_v government_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n i_o shall_v begin_v to_o propound_v to_o consideration_n this_o scripture_n esai_n 1.24_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o mighty_a one_o of_o israel_n ah_o i_o will_v ease_v i_o of_o my_o adversary_n and_o avenge_v i_o of_o my_o en_fw-fr mie_fw-mi ver._n 25._o then_o will_v i_o turn_v my_o hand_n upon_o thou_o &_o burn_v out_o thy_o dross_n till_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o take_v away_o all_o thy_o tin_n ver._n 26._o and_o i_o will_v restore_v thy_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o thy_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n afterward_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n from_o this_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o corrupt_a governor_n be_v the_o great_a hindrance_n of_o reformation_n because_o the_o church_n shall_v then_o be_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n when_o they_o have_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o second_o i_o observe_v that_o such_o corrupt_a governor_n and_o government_n god_n have_v determine_v shall_v be_v put_v down_o this_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v ease_v i_o of_o my_o enemy_n and_o burn_v out_o thy_o dross_n this_o be_v plain_o employ_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v restore_v thy_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o etc._n etc._n three_o i_o observe_v that_o at_o this_o time_n when_o the_o prophet_n esay_n write_v this_o sentence_n or_o this_o precious_a promise_n the_o government_n that_o then_o be_v in_o be_v which_o be_v a_o government_n by_o king_n be_v neither_o the_o first_o government_n nor_o the_o best_a or_o pure_a government_n but_o hereby_o note_v to_o be_v a_o corrupt_a government_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o plain_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n i_o believe_v god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v this_o to_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n shall_v become_v in_o god_n estimation_n a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o faithful_a city_n and_o this_o appear_v if_o we_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o way_n how_o and_o cause_n why_o they_o shall_v become_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n be_v because_o a_o better_a government_n shall_v be_v to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o then_o be_v in_o be_v shall_v be_v destroy_v but_o then_o the_o government_n be_v by_o king_n four_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o government_n shall_v be_v reform_v or_o regulate_v according_a to_o the_o first_o
fornication_n and_o live_v in_o pleasure_n note_v usual_o that_o be_v one_o note_n they_o live_v voluptuous_o with_o she_o these_o word_n with_o she_o imply_v a_o near_a conjunction_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o smoke_n of_o that_o her_o burn_a verse_n 10._o and_o shall_v stand_v afar_o off_o for_o fear_n of_o her_o torment_n and_o why_o be_v it_o not_o because_o it_o threaten_v they_o say_v alas_o alas_o that_o great_a city_n babylon_n that_o mighty_a city_n be_v fall_v be_v fall_v for_o in_o one_o day_n thy_o judgement_n be_v come_v verse_n 11._o and_o the_o merchant_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v weep_v and_o wail_v over_o she_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 17._o and_o every_o shipmaster_n and_o all_o that_o occupy_v ship_n and_o ship-man_n and_o whosoever_o traffic_v on_o the_o sea_n shall_v cry_v alas_o alas_o that_o great_a city_n etc._n etc._n be_v make_v desolate_a but_o note_v i_o pray_v you_o what_o the_o bless_a servant_n of_o god_n esteem_v of_o this_o fall_n of_o babylon_n this_o be_v note_v verse_n 20._o o_o heaven_n rejoice_v over_o she_o and_o you_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n for_o god_n have_v punish_v she_o to_o be_v revenge_v on_o she_o for_o your_o sake_n i_o pray_v you_o consider_v why_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v in_o such_o primary_n and_o particular_a manner_n rejoice_v over_o she_o answ_n be_v it_o not_o because_o she_o rule_v by_o her_o prerogative_n by_o her_o own_o will_n and_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o write_n of_o they_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n therefore_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o write_n this_o great_a whore_n have_v slight_v be_v note_v in_o such_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a manner_n to_o rejoice_v at_o her_o down-fall_a to_o conclude_v if_o she_o be_v fall_v or_o fall_v i_o hope_v god_n will_v keep_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o underprop_v she_o to_o keep_v she_o up_o thus_o i_o believe_v by_o this_o babel_n of_o confusion_n be_v plain_o hold_v out_o by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n that_o corrupt_a government_n and_o corrupt_a governor_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v thereby_o which_o babel_n of_o corruption_n must_v be_v put_v down_o this_o be_v the_o root_n of_o confusion_n must_v be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o very_a root_n and_o further_a note_n that_o the_o very_a true_a way_n to_o be_v beautiful_a and_o good_a order_n must_v arise_v from_o good_a government_n and_o good_a governor_n therefore_o if_o ever_o we_o do_v become_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o faithful_a city_n let_v we_o very_o circumspect_o and_o with_o all_o diligence_n labour_v that_o we_o may_v have_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o in_o the_o first_o and_o in_o those_o most_o uncorrupted_a time_n when_o god_n do_v the_o most_o immediate_o appoint_v government_n and_o governor_n let_v we_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n rule_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o err_v thus_o much_o brief_o i_o have_v write_v to_o show_v some_o ground_n that_o strengthen_v i_o to_o expect_v that_o now_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n god_n will_v do_v some_o eminent_a matter_n in_o the_o reformation_n of_o government_n and_o to_o my_o apprehension_n these_o act_n of_o god_n in_o these_o time_n do_v hold_v out_o such_o a_o thing_n namely_o that_o god_n be_v exalt_v his_o poor_a afflict_a and_o so_o much_o despise_v servant_n and_o people_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o consideration_n i_o shall_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n which_o i_o hope_v and_o believe_v i_o be_o guide_v by_o now_o proceed_v to_o describe_v government_n according_a as_o i_o find_v it_o prescribe_v own_a and_o bless_v by_o god_n and_o record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o as_o at_o the_o first_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n therefore_o first_o i_o find_v that_o god_n do_v begin_v the_o model_n or_o the_o form_n or_o the_o composition_n of_o government_n at_o the_o head_n or_o chief_a ruler_n moses_n be_v the_o first_o touch_v his_o entrance_n he_o be_v call_v immediate_o by_o god_n and_o so_o be_v divers_z other_o till_o samuel_n time_n and_o because_o god_n precedent_n and_o do_n be_v do_v in_o such_o perfect_a manner_n with_o such_o wisdom_n and_o so_o exact_o useful_a and_o fit_a for_o those_o employment_n that_o god_n dispose_v they_o unto_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a to_o commend_v something_o to_o consideration_n touch_v this_o man_n and_o first_o god_n set_v out_o or_o describe_v his_o parentage_n exod._n 2.1_o there_o go_v a_o man_n of_o levi_n and_o take_v to_o wife_n a_o daughter_n of_o levi_n verse_n 2._o and_o the_o woman_n conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n which_o be_v moses_n here_o god_n do_v not_o describe_v any_o great_a difference_n between_o his_o parentage_n and_o the_o parentage_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o people_n that_o god_n call_v he_o to_o govern_v the_o like_a be_v note_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o judge_n which_o god_n do_v immediate_o call_v and_o in_o the_o best_a of_o king_n david_n who_o be_v a_o man_n god_n do_v immediate_o in_o mercy_n appoint_v to_o govern_v his_o people_n israel_n this_o david_n the_o best_a of_o the_o king_n be_v choose_v by_o god_n and_o take_v not_o for_o his_o eminent_a kindred_n but_o out_o of_o a_o low_a condition_n from_o hence_o i_o observe_v that_o god_n do_v not_o look_v or_o choose_v governor_n out_o of_o or_o by_o respect_n as_o man_n usual_o do_v man_n usual_o look_v upon_o the_o outward_a man_n this_o be_v samuel_n error_n man_n look_v at_o beauty_n riches_n kindred_n rich_a or_o great_a parentage_n at_o eloquence_n and_o the_o like_a which_o respect_v usual_o lead_v man_n to_o choose_v those_o man_n that_o prove_v usual_o neither_o any_o great_a promoter_n of_o god_n glory_n nor_o of_o the_o people_n good_a god_n look_v at_o the_o inner_a man_n at_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o principal_o god_n look_v at_o his_o own_o institution_n when_o such_o a_o man_n be_v make_v judge_n as_o enter_v into_o his_o office_n and_o charge_n pure_o according_a to_o god_n institution_n â—o_o as_o god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v prescribe_v than_o god_n bless_v such_o with_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o moses_n plead_v his_o insufficiency_n for_o that_o work_n god_n appoint_v he_o unto_o record_v for_o our_o learning_n exod._n 4.10.11_o then_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o who_o have_v give_v the_o mouth_n to_o man_n or_o who_o have_v make_v the_o dumb_a or_o the_o deaf_a or_o he_o that_o see_v or_o the_o blind_a have_v not_o i_o the_o lord_n therefore_o go_v now_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o this_o consideration_n hold_v out_o to_o we_o of_o what_o high_a and_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v to_o observe_v with_o carefulness_n and_o diligence_n how_o our_o governor_n enter_v in_o and_o take_v their_o office_n and_o charge_n in_o government_n we_o can_v be_v too_o circumspect_a in_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o keep_v close_o to_o those_o first_o most_o pure_a and_o unblemished_a direction_n that_o god_n have_v most_o immediate_o prescribe_v that_o be_v most_o clear_o reveal_v in_o his_o sacred_a word_n for_o that_o be_v our_o most_o certain_a guide_n and_o the_o most_o sure_a way_n to_o our_o future_a safety_n that_o possible_o we_o can_v attain_v or_o reach_v unto_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o of_o all_o the_o judge_n that_o god_n do_v immediate_o choose_v i_o can_v find_v but_o that_o god_n endow_v they_o all_o with_o his_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o but_o prove_v to_o seek_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a from_o moses_n to_o samuel_n which_o be_v so_o long_o as_o the_o people_n follow_v god_n institution_n in_o their_o government_n and_o observe_v well_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o people_n be_v negligent_a in_o follow_v those_o first_o and_o pure_a institution_n most_o clear_o and_o primary_o prescribe_v by_o god_n concern_v government_n than_o god_n do_v withdraw_v his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o they_o and_o what_o misery_n and_o affliction_n follow_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o posterity_n god_n in_o his_o sacred_a wisdom_n have_v leave_v record_v for_o our_o learning_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n and_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n how_o do_v these_o king_n draw_v the_o people_n from_o god_n into_o sin_n and_o bring_v the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o people_n and_o do_v not_o all_o this_o proceed_v from_o this_o root_n namely_o from_o this_o because_o they_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o circumspect_a observance_n of_o god_n prescription_n and_o because_o they_o lean_v to_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o invention_n oh_o that_o we_o the_o people_n of_o
watchfulness_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o do_v so_o near_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o we_o and_o of_o our_o posterity_n i_o find_v that_o god_n do_v describe_v a_o clear_a evident_a and_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o chief_a or_o principal_a judge_n or_o governor_n and_o the_o other_o governor_n inferior_a to_o they_o in_o regard_n or_o respect_n of_o their_o calling_n or_o of_o god_n send_v they_o into_z and_o unto_o those_o place_n of_o government_n therefore_o i_o shall_v observe_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o first_o ordain_v the_o head_n or_o chief_a governor_n and_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o chief_a judge_n we_o find_v that_o god_n do_v himself_o immediate_o appoint_v moses_n exod._n 3.10_o come_v now_o therefore_o i_o will_v send_v thou_o unto_o pharaoh_n that_o thou_o may_v bring_v my_o people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n ver._n 12._o and_o certain_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o etc._n etc._n here_o be_v moses_n call_v so_o likewise_o god_n do_v immediate_o appoint_v joshua_n read_v joshua_n 1.1_o now_o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o joshua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n moses_n minister_n say_v ver._n 2._o moses_n my_o servant_n be_v dead_a now_o therefore_o arise_v go_v over_o this_o jordan_n etc._n etc._n read_v num._n 27.18_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n take_v joshua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n in_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o put_v thy_o hand_n upon_o he_o etc._n etc._n we_o may_v note_v here_o that_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o moses_n do_v earnest_o entreat_v god_n that_o he_o will_v appoint_v a_o governor_n or_o shepherd_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o the_o people_n moses_n know_v of_o what_o concernment_n it_o be_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a that_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v a_o good_a shepherd_n note_v that_o god_n do_v not_o present_o answer_v moses_n thus_o let_v the_o people_n choose_v a_o governor_n themselves_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a god_n ow_v this_o way_n of_o his_o own_o prescribe_v as_o appear_v because_o as_o god_n do_v immediate_o choose_v moses_n as_o be_v before_o consider_v so_o also_o here_o again_o god_n proceed_v as_o before_o and_o do_v immediate_o choose_v joshua_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a governor_n of_o his_o people_n and_o second_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n give_v this_o further_a manifestation_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o these_o word_n in_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o god_n show_v that_o the_o people_n may_v have_v err_v if_o they_o have_v choose_v for_o they_o can_v see_v but_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o god_n know_v exact_o who_o will_v be_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o for_o the_o people_n good_a he_o know_v in_o who_o his_o bless_a spirit_n be_v next_o read_v judge_n 1.1_o after_o that_o joshua_n be_v dead_a the_o child_n of_o israel_n ask_v the_o lord_n say_v who_o shall_v go_v up_o for_o we_o against_o the_o canaanite_n we_o may_v here_o note_v that_o the_o people_n have_v be_v so_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n and_o joshua_n that_o they_o do_v account_v it_o to_o be_v god_n will_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o let_v god_n choose_v their_o chief_a governor_n no_o doubt_n this_o people_n do_v not_o do_v this_o unadvised_o but_o upon_o knowledge_n and_o due_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n for_o they_o that_o god_n shall_v choose_v their_o principal_a governor_n for_o they_o therefore_o they_o use_v the_o mean_n they_o inquire_v god_n mind_n who_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v due_o consider_v that_o this_o people_n nor_o any_o of_o their_o posterity_n do_v never_o seek_v god_n in_o such_o weighty_a cause_n humble_o hearty_o earnest_o but_o god_n do_v usual_o most_o if_o not_o always_o condescend_v unto_o they_o and_o answer_v they_o gracious_o whether_o they_o inquire_v god_n mind_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o urim_n or_o whether_o by_o lot_n i_o can_v tell_v but_o god_n answer_v both_o these_o way_n and_o god_n own_v and_o prescribe_v both_o these_o way_n as_o appear_v by_o samuel_n his_o practice_n in_o choose_v saul_n by_o god_n immediate_a direction_n 1_o sam_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v note_v further_o that_o the_o people_n be_v record_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o people_n that_o do_v cleave_v close_o to_o and_o be_v observant_a of_o god_n commandment_n josu_n 24.31_o and_o israel_n serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o elder_n that_o overlived_a joshua_n and_o have_v know_v all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o israel_n we_o may_v note_v that_o after_o this_o generation_n the_o people_n grow_v wanton_a and_o forsake_v the_o straight_a and_o pure_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o the_o lord_n deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n judge_n 2.12_o 13.14_o but_o the_o way_n that_o god_n help_v they_o be_v by_o raise_v up_o judge_n judg._n 2.16_o read_v judge_n 3.9_o and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n stir_v up_o a_o saviour_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o save_v they_o ver._n 10._o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o judge_v israel_n here_o we_o may_v note_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n for_o although_o the_o people_n have_v do_v wicked_o yet_o when_o they_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n hear_v they_o and_o second_o we_o may_v note_v that_o god_n ow_v this_o way_n that_o himself_o choose_v government_n immediate_o thus_o we_o may_v read_v that_o god_n do_v immediate_o send_v gideon_n judg._n 6.14_o and_o the_o lord_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o say_v go_v in_o this_o thy_o might_n and_o thou_o shall_v save_v israel_n have_v not_o i_o send_v thou_o i_o note_v that_o where_o god_n do_v immediate_o send_v or_o appoint_v government_n from_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n god_n do_v not_o institute_v or_o appoint_v the_o son_n to_o succeed_v in_o government_n next_o after_o the_o father_n death_n and_o this_o continue_v all_o the_o time_n of_o those_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n and_o those_o time_n wherein_o god_n do_v most_o immediate_o appoint_v government_n in_o favour_n and_o in_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o succession_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v none_o of_o god_n institution_n in_o those_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n god_n choose_v samuel_n to_o be_v governor_n or_o chief_a governor_n immediate_o by_o which_o and_o by_o the_o former_a governor_n mention_v before_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o god_n do_v prescribe_v and_o own_o and_o bless_v this_o way_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v god_n mind_n and_o will_v to_o choose_v governor_n himself_o immediate_o the_o next_o way_n that_o god_n do_v prescribe_v of_o choose_v governor_n be_v by_o lot_n whereby_o god_n do_v immediate_o choose_v the_o chief_a governor_n record_v 1_o sam._n 10.19_o now_o therefore_o stand_v you_o here_o before_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o your_o tribe_n and_o according_a to_o your_o thousand_o verse_n 20._o and_o when_o samuel_n have_v gather_v together_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n be_v take_v and_o afterward_o he_o assemble_v the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n according_a to_o their_o family_n and_o the_o family_n of_o matri_fw-la be_v take_v so_o saul_n the_o son_n of_o kish_n be_v take_v and_o samuel_n say_v see_v you_o not_o he_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v by_o this_o place_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o god_n do_v ordain_v this_o way_n for_o the_o choose_n the_o principal_a governor_n namely_o by_o lot_n whereby_o god_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v there_o be_v some_o judge_n the_o manner_n of_o who_o choice_n be_v not_o so_o express_o record_v those_o most_o eminent_a be_v such_o as_o god_n first_o raise_v up_o and_o use_v as_o instrument_n in_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a manner_n such_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v may_v be_v make_v useful_a for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o people_n good_a such_o as_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o to_o work_v deliverance_n for_o the_o people_n such_o as_o in_o that_o respect_n may_v be_v call_v saviour_n and_o such_o as_o be_v man_n well_o know_v to_o be_v man_n of_o courage_n humility_n and_o p_o ety_n we_o find_v that_o god_n afford_v deliverance_n protection_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o people_n by_o such_o man_n as_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v so_o raise_v up_o this_o way_n be_v the_o near_a to_o these_o most_o pure_a and_o immediate_a
god_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n four_o this_o way_n be_v a_o way_n that_o god_n do_v most_o immediate_o act_v appoint_v and_o practice_v and_o bless_v from_o moses_n to_o samuel_n and_o god_n never_o repeal_v or_o contradict_v this_o immediate_a way_n of_o he_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a if_o the_o people_n former_o cast_v off_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n remove_v from_o they_o and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o they_o never_o turn_v to_o god_n to_o seek_v his_o face_n be_v much_o harden_v in_o their_o sin_n yet_o if_o god_n now_o give_v we_o heart_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o see_v the_o evil_n of_o they_o and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o turn_v again_o and_o to_o long_o and_o lament_v with_o a_o earnest_a affection_n to_o do_v god_n will_v without_o turn_v to_o the_o right_n or_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n without_o add_v or_o diminish_v and_o if_o we_o do_v humble_o and_o unfeigned_o seek_v his_o favour_n who_o can_v tell_v but_o god_n may_v full_o answer_v our_o petition_n god_n have_v do_v already_o so_o much_o for_o we_o in_o open_v a_o way_n to_o further_o we_o in_o this_o particular_a as_o have_v not_o be_v from_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n to_o these_o time_n i_o believe_v i_o may_v safe_o affirm_v it_o five_o consider_v what_o a_o rich_a jewel_n what_o a_o precious_a favour_n we_o shall_v obtain_v in_o case_n that_o our_o good_a god_n hear_v our_o petition_n and_o do_v immediate_o appear_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o chief_a governor_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v a_o true_a shepherd_n and_o not_o a_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n than_o we_o shall_v be_v certain_a that_o the_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n will_v rest_v upon_o such_o a_o man_n and_o not_o a_o evil_a and_o deceitful_a spirit_n then_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v draw_v to_o god_n and_o not_o cause_v to_o forsake_v god_n then_o the_o people_n will_v be_v bless_v of_o god_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o such_o governor_n then_o shall_v we_o obtain_v a_o man_n from_o the_o lord_n then_o shall_v we_o have_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n consider_v i_o pray_v you_o be_v not_o this_o jewel_n this_o precious_a favour_n worth_a the_o look_v after_o be_v it_o not_o worthy_a our_o most_o fervent_a prayer_n have_v we_o not_o safe_a rule_n and_o clear_a to_o warrant_v and_o to_o direct_v we_o to_o cry_v to_o god_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o government_n do_v not_o israel_n cry_v to_o god_n and_o inquire_v of_o god_n for_o governor_n do_v not_o god_n himself_o prescribe_v and_o practice_v this_o way_n to_o choose_v governor_n himself_o most_o immediate_o be_v we_o not_o command_v that_o in_o every_o thing_n our_o request_n shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n do_v ever_o a_o people_n return_v empty_a from_o god_n in_o such_o seeking_n of_o god_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o usual_o most_o if_o not_o always_o god_n answer_v gracious_o and_o grant_v people_n request_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o chief_a governor_n consider_v further_o you_o have_v endure_v much_o trouble_n war_n and_o bloodshed_n about_o government_n if_o we_o shall_v now_o fall_v short_a and_o mistake_v in_o our_o governor_n than_o our_o labour_n be_v lose_v we_o be_v undo_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o we_o obtain_v a_o man_n from_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o rich_a recompense_n for_o all_o our_o former_a labour_n therefore_o lâ—t_v we_o not_o lose_v such_o a_o precious_a favour_n for_o want_n of_o ask_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v tell_v but_o god_n may_v immediate_o answer_v we_o in_o some_o way_n of_o his_o own_o prescribe_v however_o let_v we_o not_o fear_n nor_o doubt_n our_o prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a they_o shall_v be_v keep_v in_o god_n good_a treasury_n six_o consider_v that_o if_o you_o shall_v mistake_v in_o the_o form_n of_o government_n or_o in_o the_o person_n which_o must_v govern_v we_o all_o such_o mistake_n be_v very_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v amend_v for_o when_o a_o government_n and_o governor_n be_v establish_v let_v experience_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o may_v soon_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o misery_n which_o be_v not_o ordinary_o take_v notice_n of_o nor_o true_o discern_v then_o know_v how_o to_o be_v free_a we_o may_v cry_v out_o but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o help_v ourselves_o it_o be_v a_o long_a time_n since_o any_o man_n dare_v plain_o show_v to_o his_o familiar_a friend_n where_o his_o grievance_n lay_v if_o it_o concern_v government_n consider_v it_o wary_o and_o deep_o and_o thorough_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o thousand_o and_o that_o your_o posterity_n and_o yourselves_o may_v remember_v with_o joyful_a heart_n how_o you_o prefer_v god_n prescription_n god_n rule_n god_n precedent_n and_o the_o true_a good_a and_o safe_o of_o your_o nation_n before_o any_o other_o momentany_a light_a and_o vanish_v deceive_a respect_n whatsoever_o seven_o consider_v that_o where_o people_n choose_v the_o form_n of_o government_n and_o governor_n they_o be_v most_o usual_o mistake_v because_o they_o can_v discern_v no_o more_o but_o the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o few_o among_o many_o can_v discern_v that_o they_o know_v not_o who_o god_n know_v to_o be_v meet_v kindred_n be_v a_o relation_n that_o in_o outward_a appearance_n be_v of_o great_a force_n but_o by_o that_o mean_v abimelech_n obtain_v the_o way_n to_o government_n judg._n 9.2_o say_v i_o pray_v you_o in_o the_o audience_n of_o all_o the_o man_n of_o shechem_n remember_v also_o that_o i_o be_o your_o bone_n and_o your_o flesh_n verse_n 3._o then_o his_o mother_n brethren_n speak_v of_o he_o in_o the_o audience_n of_o all_o the_o man_n of_o shechem_n all_o these_o word_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v move_v to_o follow_v abimelech_n for_o say_v they_o he_o be_v our_o brother_n but_o note_v what_o follow_v verse_n 23._o but_o god_n send_v a_o evil_a spirit_n between_o abimelech_n and_o the_o man_n of_o shechem_n there_o you_o may_v read_v what_o misery_n and_o bloodshed_n befall_v the_o people_n i_o will_v short_o note_v three_o thing_n from_o this_o example_n first_o that_o even_o those_o that_o immoderate_o thirst_v after_o government_n be_v usual_o unmeet_a man_n second_o it_o usual_o be_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o hurt_n of_o such_o governor_n and_o usual_o a_o mean_n to_o shorten_v their_o own_o life_n three_o that_o it_o usual_o most_o prove_v very_o bitter_a to_o those_o very_a man_n that_o prefer_v other_o for_o by_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a when_o people_n venture_v to_o choose_v the_o principal_a governor_n and_o do_v not_o therein_o serious_o inquire_v of_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o man_n that_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o as_o we_o have_v many_o example_n in_o this_o kind_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o bless_v that_o let_v god_n choose_v their_o governor_n in_o chief_a but_o further_a remember_v that_o samuel_n be_v mistake_v in_o the_o person_n among_o david_n brethren_n fit_a for_o government_n how_o much_o soon_o may_v we_o be_v mistake_v how_o many_o have_v be_v lift_v to_o chief_a governor_n place_n by_o kindred_n by_o unadvised_a multitude_n by_o fraud_n by_o force_n by_o eloquence_n by_o beauty_n by_o hypocritical_a pretence_n therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o suspect_v your_o own_o heart_n lean_v not_o to_o your_o own_o wisdom_n for_o although_o custom_n have_v overshadow_a truth_n from_o our_o view_n for_o a_o long_a season_n so_o that_o truth_n look_v so_o strange_o now_o we_o see_v it_o that_o we_o can_v hardly_o believe_v it_o be_v truth_n yet_o now_o i_o pray_v you_o let_v we_o own_o truth_n lest_o if_o he_o depart_v again_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n we_o shall_v not_o know_v he_o again_o therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o seek_v after_o god_n rule_n of_o truth_n take_v his_o counsel_n who_o shall_v be_v our_o chief_a governor_n and_o this_o benefit_n will_v certain_o follow_v the_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n will_v rest_v upon_o that_o man_n next_o concern_v lot_n this_o be_v a_o way_n that_o god_n himself_o prescribe_v though_o at_o some_o more_o distance_n as_o appear_v 1_o sam._n god_n direct_v samuel_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v choose_v their_o chief_a governor_n this_o way_n namely_o by_o lot_n by_o which_o way_n the_o lord_n and_o not_o the_o people_n do_v appoint_v their_o ruler_n and_o samuel_n no_o doubt_n have_v respect_n to_o god_n prescribe_v rule_n deut._n 17._o thou_o shall_v make_v he_o king_n who_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v choose_v whereby_o it_o appear_v evident_o that_o samuel_n so_o understand_v god_n will_n in_o that_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a difference_n between_o
and_o so_o do_v the_o governor_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o juda_n i_o shall_v refer_v these_o matter_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o of_o the_o learned_a if_o any_o lust_n to_o be_v contentious_a i_o strive_v not_o to_o contend_v but_o contend_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o seek_v for_o peace_n and_o truth_n and_o now_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v requisite_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n touch_v the_o lawyer_n god_n law_n if_o we_o observe_v they_o well_o be_v pithy_a and_o short_a they_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o little_a room_n if_o we_o subtract_v the_o historical_a matter_n or_o matter_n which_o show_v god_n act_n and_o man_n act_n which_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o law_n but_o rather_o show_v god_n glory_n and_o man_n conversation_n from_o the_o direct_a commandment_n of_o god_n in_o what_o a_o little_a volume_n will_v god_n law_n be_v contain_v which_o show_v the_o purity_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o of_o god_n law_n the_o law_n of_o some_o country_n contain_v great_a book_n or_o volume_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n law_n many_o lawyer_n look_v much_o upon_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o common_a law_n i_o will_v there_o be_v many_o more_o look_v faithful_o to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o law_n contain_v in_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n we_o read_v but_o little_a of_o other_o law_n during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o law_n do_v original_o spring_v from_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o lawyer_n and_o from_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o people_n scarce_o any_o word_n be_v sufficient_a so_o to_o express_v the_o truth_n but_o either_o the_o judge_n or_o the_o lawyer_n or_o the_o people_n will_v break_v through_o the_o law_n i_o believe_v there_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o of_o shame_n to_o consider_v it_o the_o best_a way_n that_o i_o know_v to_o reform_v this_o be_v to_o keep_v close_a to_o the_o true_a original_a which_o be_v the_o most_o true_a perfect_a and_o clear_a rule_n and_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o rule_n because_o all_o other_o rule_n be_v but_o derivative_n from_o thence_o doubtless_o our_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o few_o as_o may_v be_v and_o those_o law_n distribute_v into_o such_o several_a place_n where_o the_o people_n dwell_v such_o as_o do_v concern_v those_o people_n in_o those_o part_n for_o the_o people_n ease_n and_o comfort_n second_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o our_o own_o language_n so_o as_o the_o people_n may_v read_v and_o observe_v they_o because_o god_n do_v afford_v that_o benefit_n to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o give_n and_o publish_v his_o law_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o excellency_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o end_n why_o judge_n be_v multiply_v as_o god_n glory_n be_v the_o chief_a so_o likewise_o the_o people_n ease_n and_o comfort_n be_v express_v so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v in_o those_o law_n that_o be_v branch_n of_o god_n law_n as_o god_n glory_n be_v the_o high_a and_o true_a end_n of_o they_o so_o likewise_o the_o people_n ease_n and_o comfort_n by_o and_o from_o they_o be_v to_o be_v respect_v a_o great_a help_n both_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o people_n comfort_n be_v to_o have_v good_a and_o faithful_a judge_n for_o such_o will_v not_o so_o much_o seek_v themselves_o which_o be_v true_o to_o destroy_v themselves_o as_o they_o will_v seek_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a these_o thing_n have_v be_v mighty_o pervert_v yet_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o hope_n but_o that_o god_n will_v restore_v judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n what_o ever_o i_o have_v write_v in_o this_o little_a book_n or_o treatise_n i_o do_v and_o have_v only_o propound_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o you_o that_o do_v love_n honour_n and_o fear_v the_o true_a and_o ever_o live_a god_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o i_o do_v humble_o with_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o to_o the_o learned_a acknowledge_v i_o be_o but_o a_o weak_a frail_a man_n of_o myself_o i_o may_v err_v therefore_o if_o any_o man_n can_v and_o will_v show_v we_o any_o error_n provide_v that_o they_o bring_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n sacred_a word_n according_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o sincere_a meaning_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v god_n will_v give_v i_o a_o heart_n willing_o not_o constrain_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o error_n i_o ever_o hold_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o we_o can_v please_v god_n better_o nor_o bring_v more_o true_a honour_n and_o safety_n to_o ourselves_o then_o by_o hunble_a unfeigned_a and_o willing_a acknowledgement_n of_o any_o of_o our_o error_n in_o some_o proportion_n suitable_a to_o our_o offence_n receive_v nothing_o from_o i_o further_o than_o you_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o in_o what_o ever_o i_o have_v here_o in_o this_o book_n write_v i_o have_v set_v god_n always_o in_o my_o sight_n i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o ever_o in_o his_o sight_n to_o who_o i_o must_v give_v account_n for_o what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o account_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a moment_n to_o write_v any_o book_n neither_o have_v i_o write_v if_o i_o have_v not_o believe_v god_n call_v i_o to_o it_o of_o myself_o i_o can_v do_v no_o good_a matter_n but_o this_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o in_o this_o writing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n i_o be_o strengthen_v protect_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o the_o true_a and_o everliving_a god_n to_o who_o i_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o give_v as_o be_v god_n due_a and_o my_o duty_n all_o praise_n and_o service_n glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n because_o god_n be_v worthy_a of_o it_o for_o he_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o his_o will_n sake_n they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v create_v rev._n 4.11_o now_o belove_v and_o approve_a commander_n and_o soldier_n you_o that_o have_v be_v helper_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a although_o i_o have_v not_o make_v mention_n of_o your_o name_n in_o this_o little_a treatise_n yet_o you_o be_v in_o my_o eye_n as_o man_n of_o precious_a esteem_n and_o so_o i_o believe_v you_o be_v in_o god_n account_n precious_a i_o mean_v such_o as_o out_o of_o godly_a zeal_n and_o true_a love_n have_v act_v in_o these_o war_n of_o which_o sort_n i_o bâ—lâ—eve_v there_o be_v many_o among_o your_o army_n may_v i_o not_o account_v you_o among_o david_n worthy_n yes_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v and_o further_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o many_o of_o you_o revel_v 21.27_o be_v write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o that_o you_o ver._n 24._o be_v of_o the_o people_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o it_o ver._n 1._o that_o new_a heaven_n ver._n â—_o that_o holy_a city_n that_o new_a jerusalem_n god_n himself_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n with_o you_o verse_n 4._o and_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o your_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n for_o the_o first_o thing_n be_v pass_v cha_n 22.12_o and_o behold_v i_o come_v short_o say_v god_n and_o my_o reward_n be_v with_o i_o to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n as_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v ver._n 14._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o their_o right_n may_v be_v in_o the_o treâ—_n of_o life_n ver._n 11._o he_o that_o be_v righteous_a let_v he_o be_v righteous_a still_o and_o he_o that_o be_v holy_a let_v he_o be_v holy_a still_o have_v you_o be_v co-acter_n in_o fight_a god_n battle_n and_o shall_v i_o or_o my_o posterity_n be_v forgetful_a that_o you_o many_o of_o you_o have_v bear_v a_o mean_n that_o we_o enjoy_v god_n word_n free_o preach_v and_o that_o we_o still_o enjoy_v god_n sacred_a word_n in_o our_o own_o language_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o force_v to_o bow_v down_o to_o dumb_a idol_n to_o idolatry_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o those_o dark_a miserable_a noisome_a golgotha_n those_o place_n which_o have_v be_v the_o destruction_n of_o thousand_o where_o no_o eye_n can_v see_v or_o speak_v to_o they_o to_o pity_v they_o where_o they_o have_v be_v murder_v out_o of_o the_o view_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v those_o accurse_a inquisition_n house_n this_o comfort_n only_o they_o have_v which_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n can_v not_o take_v from_o they_o that_o there_o be_v one_o open_a place_n where_o the_o bright_a and_o beautiful_a eye_n like_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o morning_n