when_o the_o glorious_a and_o bright_a sun_n appear_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o their_o maker_n look_v clear_o upon_o they_o and_o vouchsafe_v to_o some_o of_o those_o poor_a prisoner_n of_o hope_n to_o look_v upon_o he_o also_o have_v not_o you_o godly_a soldier_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o redeem_v we_o the_o people_n of_o england_n have_v we_o grace_v to_o see_v it_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o from_o that_o egyptian_a bondage_n a_o corrupt_a form_n of_o government_n wherein_o we_o like_v land_n beast_n and_o ass_n be_v leave_v as_o inheritance_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o suppose_v son_n the_o father_n of_o one_o religion_n the_o son_n of_o another_o do_v they_o not_o run_v and_o ride_v with_o fury_n and_o all_o possible_a speed_n horse_n and_o man_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n to_o seize_v upon_o we_o thus_o enter_v in_o at_o window_n backdoor_n and_o in_o bypath_n they_o too_o often_o prove_v inâ—_n sheep_n clothing_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o true_a shepherd_n man_n of_o god_n send_v upon_o who_o the_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n will_v have_v rest_v i_o shall_v much_o admire_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v not_o joyful_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v so_o great_a deliverance_n and_o salvation_n be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o consider_v god_n righteous_a judgement_n for_o sin_n and_o also_o consider_v how_o prevalent_a custom_n be_v insomuch_o that_o often_o time_n it_o consume_v truth_n and_o yet_o be_v lean_a still_o be_v not_o your_o carrier_n horse_n often_o very_o sore_o load_v and_o yet_o be_v accustom_v to_o bear_v burden_n they_o be_v even_o content_v or_o look_v no_o high_o they_o keep_v jog_v on_o loath_a to_o go_v out_o of_o their_o pace_n nor_o out_o of_o their_o accustom_a way_n although_o it_o sometime_o be_v up_o to_o their_o belly_n in_o mire_n and_o dirt_n where_o because_o of_o time_n quick_a motion_n i_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o content_n and_o i_o and_o my_o house_n will_v by_o god_n gracious_a assistance_n free_o joyful_o and_o with_o all_o hearty_a praise_n bless_v the_o god_n of_o our_o protection_n salvation_n and_o deliverance_n for_o our_o freedom_n and_o better_a way_n have_v you_o dear_o belove_v godly_a soldier_n be_v use_v by_o god_n as_o instrument_n to_o accomplish_v the_o precious_a promise_n of_o god_n record_v concern_v babel_n fall_n corrupt_a government_n and_o governor_n and_o shall_v i_o forget_v you_o no_o very_o for_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v shall_v have_v cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o you_o and_o your_o memory_n shall_v be_v bless_v time_n quick_a motion_n bid_v i_o unwilling_o to_o forbear_v and_o because_o i_o conceive_v i_o shall_v never_o more_o in_o this_o world_n speak_v of_o you_o or_o to_o you_o in_o this_o kind_n till_o i_o believe_v we_o shall_v very_o short_o meet_v though_o of_o ourselves_o unworthy_a yet_o through_o the_o free_a and_o abundant_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o joyful_a heart_n before_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a angel_n with_o who_o we_o shall_v be_v and_o never_o more_o be_v separate_v to_o eternity_n this_o span_n of_o time_n hasten_v and_o shorten_v our_o glass_n run_v apace_o as_o swift_o as_o the_o sun_n run_v round_o the_o world_n when_o our_o work_n be_v do_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v gracious_o and_o quick_o therefore_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a conclude_v my_o speech_n to_o you_o revel_v 12.10_o be_v sorry_a that_o i_o have_v not_o opportunity_n to_o see_v the_o face_n of_o many_o of_o you_o and_o to_o rejoice_v with_o you_o for_o all_o the_o great_a work_v god_n by_o youâ—_n hand_n numb_a 23.23_o according_a to_o this_o time_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o jacob_n and_o israel_n what_o have_v the_o lord_n wrought_v then_o i_o hear_v a_o loud_a voice_n say_v now_o be_v salvation_n and_o strength_n the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n 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 sin_n for_o under_o pretext_n of_o conformity_n they_o shoot_v at_o government_n and_o governor_n and_o in_o truth_n at_o those_o that_o be_v the_o humble_a true_a and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o our_o god_n at_o all_o such_o as_o be_v circumspect_a and_o fear_v to_o offend_v god_n i_o will_v first_o say_v to_o they_o that_o unfeigned_o desire_v to_o do_v god_n will_v though_o in_o some_o matter_n some_o have_v large_a talent_n than_o other_o there_o be_v difference_n in_o their_o judgement_n although_o in_o many_o matter_n the_o difference_n be_v thorough_o and_o true_o consider_v be_v more_o in_o show_n then_o in_o real_a substance_n will_v you_o take_v the_o best_a and_o safe_a way_n then_o begin_v in_o the_o right_a manner_n and_o place_n labour_v to_o strengthen_v and_o encourage_v this_o present_a government_n who_o i_o believe_v many_o of_o they_o do_v humble_o cordial_o and_o unfeigned_o desire_v to_o do_v god_n good_a will_n now_o stand_v still_o and_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n proceed_v regular_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o they_o that_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o his_o grace_n may_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o doubtless_o in_o their_o peace_n your_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v contain_v let_v government_n be_v thorough_o settle_v according_a to_o god_n own_o way_n which_o if_o we_o pray_v earnest_o and_o walk_v humble_o with_o our_o god_n i_o believe_v god_n will_v direct_v they_o to_o establish_v government_n according_a to_o god_n mind_n you_o will_v have_v this_o issue_v namely_o what_o liberty_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o several_a or_o to_o all_o opinion_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n unpossible_a to_o be_v do_v for_o much_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n it_o can_v be_v avoid_v because_o many_o opinion_n do_v not_o yet_o appear_v and_o the_o governor_n do_v not_o know_v their_o own_o heart_n before_o hand_n i_o know_v this_o by_o well_o observe_v experience_n and_o 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
the_o window_n and_o in_o bypath_n expect_v bitter_a fruit_n god_n have_v not_o promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o such_o let_v the_o experience_n record_v in_o scripture_n the_o sure_a rule_n of_o truth_n teach_v we_o this_o such_o corrupt_a governor_n will_v be_v what_o they_o true_o be_v and_o they_o will_v alter_v break_v through_o and_o evade_v god_n law_n much_o more_o your_o agreement_n observe_v we_o therefore_o god_n precedent_n and_o rule_n cleave_v fast_o and_o close_o to_o god_n now_o observe_v god_n do_v first_o settle_v government_n a_o chief_a judge_n before_o he_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o judge_n or_o people_n moses_n be_v choose_v before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v to_o direct_v both_o he_o and_o the_o people_n therefore_o do_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n break_v out_o preposterous_o and_o now_o to_o all_o discontent_n whether_o through_o weakness_n or_o malice_n consider_v you_o do_v run_v well_o you_o be_v coactor_n in_o the_o late_a war_n what_o hinder_v you_o you_o complain_v of_o taxation_n and_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n by_o your_o irregularity_n and_o gaine-saying_n do_v not_o you_o unavoidable_o pull_v these_o charge_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n both_o upon_o yourselves_o and_o upon_o we_o may_v not_o matter_n be_v quiet_v soon_o an_o with_o less_o charge_n do_v not_o you_o so_o crooked_o imagine_v evil_a matter_n you_o complain_v of_o this_o government_n in_o many_o thing_n both_o unjust_o and_o unworthy_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o that_o seek_v after_o peace_n have_v true_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o you_o foâ—_n these_o matter_n consider_v will_v not_o the_o issue_n prove_v bitter_a and_o dangerous_a to_o yourselves_o bear_v the_o burden_n the_o more_o willing_o because_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n our_o governor_n doubtless_o they_o study_v how_o to_o ease_v and_o help_v you_o and_o we_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a to_o study_v evil_a against_o they_o consider_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o god_n have_v divolve_v and_o turn_v the_o government_n let_v we_o not_o strive_v against_o god_n we_o see_v it_o be_v not_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n it_o must_v not_o be_v that_o because_o you_o think_v that_o be_v good_a to_o have_v government_n so_o and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v better_a thus_o and_o a_o three_o he_o conceive_v contrary_a to_o we_o both_o in_o all_o these_o case_n it_o must_v not_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v what_o any_o of_o we_o think_v meet_v further_o than_o what_o god_n counsel_n have_v determine_v which_o i_o believe_v god_n will_v guide_v this_o present_a government_n who_o charge_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o drect_v our_o course_n and_o this_o i_o believe_v that_o their_o heart_n and_o ear_n be_v free_a and_o open_a to_o hear_v any_o regular_a and_o love_a counsel_n for_o david_n say_v he_o will_v hear_v the_o advice_n of_o his_o servant_n dear_o belove_a countryman_n i_o pray_v you_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a we_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o sad_a event_n of_o war_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o profit_v it_o be_v because_o god_n have_v yet_o great_a affliction_n to_o bring_v upon_o we_o labour_v to_o pray_v for_o to_o uphold_v and_o to_o encourage_v this_o present_a government_n and_o ourselves_o to_o walk_v even_o and_o humble_o with_o god_n and_o i_o dare_v affirm_v it_o be_v the_o near_a the_o safe_a way_n and_o best_a please_v to_o god_n and_o the_o most_o for_o our_o own_o comfort_n how_o ever_o i_o be_o much_o grieve_v for_o many_o especial_o for_o those_o malevolent_a inventor_n of_o evil_a thing_n because_o they_o provoke_v wrath_n against_o themselves_o now_o dear_o belove_v father_n the_o true_o virtuous_a general_n the_o lord_n general_a fairfax_n and_o the_o lord_n lieutenant_n general_a cromwell_n who_o though_o i_o never_o see_v either_o of_o they_o yet_o i_o know_v they_o by_o their_o godly_a and_o gracious_a act_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o we_o the_o people_n of_o england_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o posterity_n can_v but_o unfeigned_o love_v they_o how_o have_v god_n use_v they_o as_o instrument_n to_o free_v we_o from_o that_o miserable_a bondage_n to_o they_o therefore_o and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o worthy_a and_o godly_a man_n that_o now_o govern_v this_o land_n may_v not_o that_o which_o be_v record_v be_v speak_v of_o you_o all_o numb_a 24.5_o how_o goodly_a be_v thy_o tent_n o_o jacob_n and_o thy_o habitation_n oh_o israel_n as_o the_o valley_n be_v they_o stretch_v forth_o as_o garden_n by_o the_o river_n side_n as_o the_o aloe_n tree_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v plant_v as_o the_o cedar_n beside_o the_o water_n ver._n 8._o god_n bring_v he_o out_o of_o egypt_n his_o strength_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o unicorn_n he_o shall_v eat_v the_o nation_n his_o enemy_n and_o bruise_v their_o bone_n and_o shoot_v they_o through_o with_o his_o arrow_n ver._n 9_o he_o couch_v and_o lie_v down_o as_o a_o young_a lion_n and_o as_o a_o lion_n who_o shall_v stir_v he_o up_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o bless_v thou_o and_o curse_a be_v he_o that_o curse_v thou_o dear_o and_o unfeigned_o belove_a father_n suffer_v i_o to_o use_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n moses_n often_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n know_v how_o weak_a and_o frail_a our_o nature_n be_v and_o how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o forget_v those_o most_o perfect_a and_o bless_a direction_n of_o our_o good_a god_n consider_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o as_o our_o god_n be_v a_o god_n abundant_a in_o mercy_n rich_a in_o mercy_n so_o also_o he_o have_v make_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o exod._n 20.5_o for_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n a_o jealous_a god_n exod._n 34.14_o because_o the_o lord_n who_o name_n be_v jealous_a be_v a_o jealous_a god_n deut._n 4.23_o take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o lest_o you_o forget_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n ver._n 24._o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n &_o a_o jealous_a god_n chap._n 6.9_o jos_n 24.19_o joshua_n say_v he_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n he_o will_v not_o pardon_v your_o iniquity_n nor_o your_o sin_n if_o you_o forsake_v the_o lord_n ver._n 24._o and_o the_o people_n say_v unto_o joshua_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n will_v we_o serve_v and_o his_o voice_n will_v we_o obey_v 1_o king_n 19.10_o eze._n 39.25_o rev._n 1.13_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n clothe_v with_o a_o garment_n down_o to_o the_o foot_n and_o gird_v about_o the_o pap_n with_o a_o golden_a girdle_n ver._n 14._o his_o head_n and_o hair_n be_v white_a as_o white_a wool_n and_o as_o snow_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n revel_v 2.1_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n ver._n 5._o remember_v thereofre_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n rev._n 22.12_o behold_v i_o come_v short_o and_o my_o reward_n be_v with_o i_o ver._n 3._o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n ver._n 14._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n remember_v that_o god_n be_v jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n who_o say_v express_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v that_o which_o seem_v good_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n but_o all_o that_o god_n command_v note_v this_o rule_n well_o it_o be_v god_n own_o word_n and_o counsel_n the_o neglect_v this_o rule_n be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o root_n and_o branch_n of_o a_o world_n of_o mischief_n eye_n the_o word_n of_o god_n thorough_o follow_v those_o bless_a rule_n prescribe_v by_o god_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n this_o be_v your_o wisdom_n and_o safety_n no_o doubt_n when_o israel_n choose_v abimeleck_n it_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n when_o they_o choose_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o king_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o they_o when_o the_o people_n live_v without_o any_o government_n that_o condition_n seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n although_o it_o bring_v the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o when_o they_o worship_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o worship_v jdol_n and_o other_o wickedness_n no_o doubt_n these_o matter_n do_v seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n therefore_o dear_o belove_v lean_a not_o to_o your_o own_o wisdom_n to_o your_o own_o strength_n follow_v the_o straight_a rule_n of_o god_n sacred_a word_n in_o the_o pure_a manner_n and_o time_n the_o most_o plain_o describe_v consider_v that_o government_n be_v of_o very_o weighty_a concernment_n proceed_v wary_o with_o all_o diligence_n in_o the_o
afterward_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o faithful_a city_n isai_n 1.25_o 26_o 27._o &_o ch_n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o of_o this_o i_o purpose_n to_o speak_v more_o afterward_o dear_o belove_a friend_n thus_o much_o i_o can_v and_o do_v affirm_v to_o you_o all_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o all-seeing_a â—od_n who_o will_v bring_v hide_a thing_n deed_n of_o darkness_n to_o light_n even_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o god_n who_o i_o do_v love_n fear_v worship_n who_o be_v my_o hope_n my_o joy_n from_o who_o i_o receive_v all_o the_o good_a i_o have_v from_o who_o i_o expect_v my_o comfort_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o have_v not_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n any_o prejudice_n nor_o respect_n of_o person_n nor_o any_o past_a present_a or_o future_a by_o or_o sinister_a respect_n in_o the_o write_n this_o little_a treatise_n i_o have_v never_o receive_v the_o value_n of_o one_o penny_n in_o recompense_n of_o my_o endeavour_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o thought_n that_o way_n that_o i_o do_v expect_v rather_o that_o i_o shall_v receive_v injury_n hereby_o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o i_o in_o worldly_a respect_n only_o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n that_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v trust_v and_o this_o further_a can_v i_o say_v likewise_o that_o at_o the_o write_n hereof_o i_o know_v not_o nor_o do_v ever_o see_v either_o those_o true_o honourable_a general_n the_o lord_n fairfax_n nor_o the_o lord_n cromwell_n nor_o any_o captain_n or_o soldier_n among_o they_o except_o some_o few_o i_o late_o see_v in_o or_o near_o to_o london_n as_o i_o pass_v by_o they_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o one_o of_o they_o if_o i_o see_v they_o again_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v possible_a some_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n may_v be_v in_o the_o army_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o i_o know_v it_o not_o and_o concern_v those_o worthy_a man_n for_o so_o i_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v that_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o parliament_n i_o never_o see_v any_o one_o of_o they_o to_o my_o knowledge_n except_o one_o who_o i_o have_v see_v i_o think_v three_o or_o four_o time_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o certain_o whether_o he_o be_v of_o the_o parliament_n or_o no_o only_o i_o think_v he_o be_v whereas_o i_o affirm_v that_o i_o know_v not_o any_o of_o the_o army_n or_o of_o the_o parliament_n i_o intend_v that_o i_o know_v not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o man_n but_o by_o their_o fruit_n i_o know_v much_o concern_v they_o some_o may_v judge_v this_o to_o be_v superfluous_a to_o mention_v but_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o what_o move_v i_o so_o to_o do_v in_o discourse_v with_o divers_a man_n i_o find_v to_o my_o best_a apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n of_o man_n that_o imagine_v mischief_n that_o invent_v base_a false_a and_o slanderous_a report_n against_o parliament_n general_n army_z and_o indeed_o against_o the_o most_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n blame_v i_o not_o therefore_o courteous_a reader_n if_o i_o labour_v to_o prevent_v slanderous_a and_o lie_a tongue_n and_o this_o likewise_o i_o affirm_v that_o with_o due_a regard_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v much_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o weakness_n serious_o consider_v of_o how_o great_a weight_n it_o be_v to_o write_v book_n and_o to_o present_v they_o to_o public_a view_n i_o be_o very_o fearful_a to_o presume_v above_o what_o be_v meet_v and_o this_o i_o say_v further_o that_o my_o purpose_n be_v to_o propound_v the_o matter_n and_o cause_n i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v upon_o in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n i_o purpose_v likewise_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n grace_n and_o opportunity_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v i_o to_o prove_v and_o clear_v the_o matter_n propound_v and_o then_o have_v present_v the_o cause_n i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v of_o god_n to_o stir_v some_o person_n who_o be_v more_o learned_a and_o better_a able_a than_o myself_o and_o to_o enable_v and_o direct_v they_o so_o that_o they_o may_v more_o large_o and_o clear_o show_v forth_o to_o public_a view_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o these_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o governor_n it_o be_v now_o a_o long_a season_n that_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v so_o keep_v under_o by_o corrupt_a governor_n above_o two_o thousand_o year_n during_o which_o time_n where_o or_o who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o dare_v or_o do_v punctual_o discover_v the_o corruption_n of_o governor_n or_o of_o government_n 1._o this_o be_v one_o reason_n that_o move_v i_o to_o present_v the_o cause_n to_o public_a view_n namely_o because_o i_o know_v not_o or_o do_v not_o discern_v that_o any_o one_o writer_n from_o samuel_n day_n to_o this_o time_n the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n except_v that_o have_v punctual_o write_v upon_o this_o subject_n 2._o this_o be_v another_o move_a cause_n because_o now_o be_v a_o time_n of_o more_o liberty_n and_o consider_v that_o i_o my_o child_n and_o posterity_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o case_n of_o government_n i_o conceive_v there_o be_v reason_n good_a why_o i_o shall_v present_v this_o cause_n to_o public_a consideration_n 3._o this_o be_v another_o motive_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n that_o have_v be_v shed_v about_o this_o matter_n the_o cause_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v not_o yet_o whole_o determine_v but_o be_v still_o so_o that_o i_o conceive_v that_o our_o godly_a governor_n be_v ready_a to_o prefer_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o common_a good_a before_o their_o own_o interest_n in_o those_o matter_n that_o they_o shall_v clear_o see_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 4._o this_o be_v another_o motive_n see_v apparent_o our_o miserable_a condition_n people_n be_v divide_v in_o judgement_n and_o in_o affection_n so_o that_o our_o condition_n be_v much_o like_o a_o ship_n in_o a_o tempest_n therefore_o the_o end_n of_o my_o endeavour_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o as_o god_n shall_v assist_v that_o i_o may_v reconcile_v difference_n and_o that_o peace_n and_o truth_n may_v meet_v together_o as_o moses_n and_o aaron_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n and_o kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o end_n i_o propound_v to_o myself_o so_o likewise_o i_o purpose_v it_o shall_v be_v the_o title_n or_o superscription_n dear_o belove_a friend_n all_o you_o that_o love_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n i_o earnest_o entreat_v you_o to_o assist_v i_o in_o this_o work_n with_o your_o prayer_n with_o your_o most_o best_a uttermost_a and_o strong_a ability_n contend_v for_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n but_o strive_v not_o lust_v not_o to_o be_v contentious_a reject_v not_o that_o truth_n that_o good_a whole_o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o some_o blemish_n man_n cast_v not_o away_o a_o good_a garment_n because_o of_o a_o little_a dirt_n consider_v the_o great_a difference_n and_o trouble_n about_o governor_n and_o government_n therefore_o i_o humble_o request_v thou_o to_o weigh_v try_v prove_v examine_v search_v the_o scripture_n cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a prayer_n that_o the_o good_a &_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v thou_o into_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o unclean_a spirit_n many_o false_a and_o lie_a spirit_n be_v permit_v to_o deceive_v many_o in_o these_o our_o day_n this_o point_n of_o government_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o good_a and_o right_a way_n prescribe_v practise_v own_a and_o bless_v by_o god_n to_o choose_v person_n so_o that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o choose_v for_o we_o to_o shut_v up_o all_o window_n and_o byway_n that_o so_o wolf_n fox_n and_o beast_n of_o prey_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o sheep_n if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n the_o true_a and_o right_a way_n and_o in_o that_o way_n to_o set_v open_a the_o door_n that_o the_o good_a and_o true_a shepherd_n may_v enter_v who_o fruit_n will_v soon_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v good_a and_o true_a shepherd_n for_o they_o will_v love_v the_o flock_n they_o will_v watch_v over_o they_o not_o for_o the_o fleece_n most_o but_o to_o defend_v they_o from_o beast_n of_o prey_n these_o good_a shepherd_n will_v seek_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o flock_n they_o will_v drive_v they_o to_o the_o wholesome_a pasture_n and_o to_o the_o still_a water_n where_o they_o may_v be_v refresh_v where_o they_o may_v bless_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o lie_v down_o without_o fear_n for_o true_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n and_o
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
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 what_o relation_n we_o do_v true_o stand_v according_a to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o god_n sacred_a word_n the_o most_o bless_a and_o unerring_a rule_n of_o truth_n god_n in_o great_a rich_a and_o singular_a mercy_n undeserved_a by_o we_o have_v put_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o between_o we_o and_o these_o senseless_a creature_n land_n house_n and_o such_o earthly_a inheritance_n how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v that_o when_o a_o king_n die_v the_o breath_n be_v scarce_o out_o of_o his_o body_n or_o his_o body_n quite_o cold_a there_o be_v such_o post-haste_n such_o run_v and_o ride_v to_o proclaim_v one_o king_n in_o his_o room_n what_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a haste_n sure_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o do_v they_o not_o take_v we_o as_o young_a heir_n take_v their_o father_n inheritance_n as_o beast_n land_n house_n this_o make_v i_o to_o consider_v sometime_o the_o manner_n and_o act_n of_o such_o 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
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
be_v not_o indeed_o true_a shepherd_n but_o wolf_n and_o fox_n and_o shall_v we_o love_v they_o so_o well_o that_o we_o shall_v take_v they_o by_o succession_n and_o not_o inquire_v of_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o man_n three_o if_o we_o be_v yet_o more_o negligent_a so_o that_o when_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o they_o too_o often_o prove_v wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n yet_o do_v we_o observe_v god_n law_n which_o lay_v such_o open_a to_o punishment_n the_o reason_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v evident_a that_o cause_v the_o people_n from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o use_v such_o pain_n and_o diligence_n to_o obtain_v from_o former_a king_n grant_n that_o the_o king_n shall_v not_o oppress_v or_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o people_n or_o their_o consent_n to_o several_a such_o act_n in_o parliament_n be_v it_o not_o because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v keep_v in_o obscurity_n the_o time_n fore_o determine_v by_o god_n be_v not_o then_o accomplish_v who_o or_o where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o dare_v or_o do_v so_o far_o adventure_v to_o declare_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o that_o particular_a namely_o that_o king_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o true_a latitude_n of_o it_o for_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v full_o plain_o and_o clear_o open_v the_o people_n may_v easy_o have_v see_v that_o they_o have_v have_v less_o need_n of_o such_o promise_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v a_o more_o strong_a a_o more_o clear_a and_o shine_a light_n than_o all_o the_o law_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a ground_n why_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o grant_v that_o the_o people_n can_v obtain_v from_o former_a king_n they_o prove_v too_o weak_a to_o hold_v down_o their_o loftiness_n witness_v queen_n mary_n do_v not_o she_o and_o many_o other_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o draw_v the_o poor_a people_n to_o idolatry_n and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o poor_a servant_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o charter_n that_o the_o people_n have_v obtain_v in_o former_a age_n be_v it_o not_o because_o the_o people_n be_v keep_v partly_o in_o fear_n of_o their_o great_a overtop_a power_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n they_o be_v keep_v in_o ignorance_n that_o the_o king_n and_o great_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v equal_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o most_o especial_o because_o god_n time_n fore-determine_a for_o the_o reformation_n of_o government_n not_o be_v full_o complete_v the_o people_n do_v not_o see_v nor_o cleave_v steadfast_o to_o god_n prescription_n to_o the_o way_n god_n in_o his_o word_n appoint_v for_o the_o call_n of_o governor_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o people_n be_v careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o governor_n they_o make_v too_o light_a account_n of_o governor_n not_o thorough_o see_v it_o to_o be_v of_o any_o great_a concernment_n and_o do_v not_o god_n so_o withdraw_v his_o good_a spirit_n of_o illumination_n from_o the_o people_n that_o he_o deny_v they_o wisdom_n power_n or_o opportunity_n to_o punish_v offend_v governor_n dear_o belove_v suffer_v this_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v full_o and_o free_o open_v and_o i_o believe_v we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o fear_v to_o set_v up_o one_o as_o chief_a and_o this_o likewise_o will_v be_v beneficial_a to_o we_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v so_o much_o bloodshed_n for_o to_o obtain_v crown_n and_o kingdomâ—â—_n i_o pray_v you_o further_a to_o consider_v that_o if_o a_o people_n shall_v set_v up_o government_n compose_v of_o many_o head_n or_o many_o member_n make_v or_o head_n or_o chief_a have_v all_o equal_a authority_n in_o the_o steed_n or_o for_o the_o want_n of_o one_o chief_a governor_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v their_o place_n their_o power_n and_o act_n constant_o to_o judge_v and_o determine_v the_o affair_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v consider_v that_o they_o likewise_o be_v subject_a to_o err_v yea_o be_v they_o not_o often_o time_n more_o subject_a to_o err_v and_o to_o break_v god_n law_n now_o in_o such_o case_n of_o delinquency_n must_v not_o there_o be_v leave_v a_o way_n open_a to_o punish_v they_o which_o must_v be_v some_o other_o invention_n and_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v thus_o ad_fw-la infinitum_fw-la multiply_v what_o number_n you_o will_v consider_v oâ—_n the_o benefit_n that_o a_o people_n get_v by_o have_v one_o chief_a governor_n from_o this_o example_n suppose_v there_o be_v a_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n in_o a_o campeâ—_n and_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v one_o hundred_o general_n over_o every_o thousand_o of_o man_n one_o general_n and_o suppose_v that_o every_o one_o of_o these_o general_n have_v a_o equal_a authority_n and_o not_o any_o one_o to_o command_v in_o chief_a consider_v will_v the_o camp_n be_v in_o great_a security_n because_o their_o cheiftaine_n or_o general_n be_v many_o no_o one_o command_v in_o chief_a above_o the_o rest_n no_o very_o but_o in_o much_o more_o danger_n thereby_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o common_a enemy_n but_o also_o in_o danger_n of_o emulation_n and_o strife_n among_o themselves_o and_o suppose_v further_o that_o these_o general_n shall_v agree_v that_o no_o act_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o any_o one_o of_o these_o general_n that_o shall_v be_v valid_a and_o of_o force_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o the_o people_n thereby_o shall_v be_v more_o burden_v because_o when_o they_o have_v a_o matter_n they_o can_v not_o have_v it_o end_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a will_v not_o their_o matter_n be_v long_o in_o agitation_n and_o obtain_v with_o great_a charge_n and_o difficulty_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a danger_n trouble_n and_o burden_n not_o to_o be_v bear_v to_o the_o general_n themselves_o let_v we_o therefore_o be_v exhort_v to_o follow_v god_n wisdom_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o a_o parliament_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n may_v be_v of_o eminent_a use_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o people_n especial_o in_o such_o time_n as_o these_o till_o matter_n be_v full_o end_v and_o settle_v and_o after_o they_o may_v assemble_v and_o meet_v to_o that_o end_n that_o god_n commandment_n may_v be_v observe_v by_o all_o and_o to_o question_n and_o punish_v any_o governor_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n because_o god_n approve_v and_o bless_v two_o or_o three_o that_o meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n to_o do_v god_n work_v but_o be_v not_o the_o constant_a government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o man_n and_o must_v not_o he_o have_v so_o much_o power_n as_o joshua_n have_v and_o other_o good_a judge_n of_o israel_n the_o more_o we_o strengthen_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o good_a governor_n the_o more_o it_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o safety_n consider_v another_o instance_n if_o a_o merchant_n or_o a_o great_a tradesman_n have_v many_o people_n to_o deal_v with_o all_o by_o reason_n whereof_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o employ_v 20_o or_o 40_o man_n under_o he_o to_o dispatch_v business_n these_o be_v not_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o shall_v constant_o act_v in_o every_o business_n for_o then_o if_o they_o have_v all_o equal_a authority_n no_o one_o command_v in_o chief_n they_o will_v one_o hinder_v another_o and_o business_n will_v go_v more_o slow_o forward_a therefore_o the_o end_n why_o he_o call_v or_o take_v more_o man_n to_o help_v he_o it_o be_v to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v at_o once_o tend_v upon_o and_o dispatch_v several_a occasion_n and_o also_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o master_n order_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n orderly_o to_o be_v subject_a one_o to_o another_o thus_o do_v god_n ordain_v one_o moses_n chief_a governor_n to_o who_o god_n commit_v the_o government_n which_o do_v near_o resemble_v god_n government_n in_o heaven_n but_o through_o man_n weakness_n not_o be_v able_a to_o act_v like_o god_n therefore_o god_n permit_v moses_n to_o ordain_v other_o ruler_n inferior_a to_o himself_o and_o those_o be_v distribute_v among_o the_o people_n over_o thousand_o and_o hundred_o and_o fifty_n and_o tenn_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o end_n be_v not_o that_o all_o those_o ruler_n shall_v act_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o same_o cause_n that_o moses_n act_v in_o neither_o be_v any_o of_o those_o governor_n much_o less_o be_v they_o all_o to_o have_v equal_a authority_n with_o moses_n this_o do_v further_o appear_v by_o the_o authority_n that_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n have_v
successive_o i_o do_v but_o labout_o to_o set_v before_o you_o these_o instance_n and_o it_o be_v because_o i_o be_o not_o like_a so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v to_o have_v any_o more_o opportunity_n in_o this_o world_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o cause_n blame_v i_o not_o therefore_o if_o i_o propound_v these_o thing_n to_o your_o consideration_n for_o i_o and_o my_o posterity_n be_v like_a to_o be_v subject_a to_o what_o form_n of_o government_n you_o establish_v and_o i_o evident_o see_v that_o from_o government_n will_v arise_v great_a blessing_n if_o it_o be_v such_o government_n as_o god_n approve_v if_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v prescribe_v than_o i_o know_v that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n will_v rest_v upon_o such_o governor_n on_o the_o contrary_n i_o know_v that_o if_o you_o mistake_v in_o government_n i_o do_v expect_v that_o great_a affliction_n will_v follow_v and_o governor_n not_o enter_v into_o their_o place_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n i_o shall_v not_o expect_v that_o the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n will_v accompany_v they_o and_o this_o i_o evident_o see_v by_o the_o record_n of_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n record_v that_o where_o government_n be_v corrupt_v they_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o draw_v the_o people_n from_o the_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o people_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v among_o you_o many_o wise_a godly_a and_o man_n precious_a in_o god_n esteem_n i_o pray_v god_n double_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o grace_n upon_o you_o and_o direct_v you_o to_o see_v much_o more_o of_o god_n mind_n however_o let_v it_o not_o be_v grievous_a if_o i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o you_o know_v and_o which_o be_v plain_o record_v in_o god_n sacred_a word_n moses_n put_v the_o people_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n often_o and_o so_o do_v joshua_n and_o so_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v do_v by_o all_o the_o instance_n or_o argument_n i_o can_v allege_v it_o be_v but_o only_o to_o persuade_v or_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o be_v already_o record_v plain_o in_o god_n word_n which_o be_v a_o bright_a shine_a light_n all_o that_o i_o can_v say_v in_o comparison_n of_o god_n sacred_a word_n be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o dark_a night_n compare_v to_o the_o bright_a shine_a light_n of_o the_o day_n therefore_o all_o that_o draw_v i_o or_o be_v any_o motive_n to_o i_o in_o this_o cause_n be_v this_o namely_o the_o record_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n show_v such_o a_o government_n and_o such_o governor_n god_n do_v prescribe_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o they_o be_v bless_v by_o god_n they_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o the_o people_n and_o the_o holy_a good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o such_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n do_v so_o appoint_v on_o the_o contrary_n i_o have_v observe_v both_o from_o the_o record_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o from_o the_o record_n of_o all_o age_n and_o from_o well_o consider_v experience_n that_o although_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n which_o swerve_v from_o the_o most_o approve_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n may_v have_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o some_o man_n eye_n yet_o he_o that_o well_o note_v such_o invention_n shall_v in_o the_o issue_n find_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n bitter_a fruit_n and_o god_n good_a spirit_n do_v not_o accompany_v such_o invention_n which_o cause_v i_o to_o keep_v a_o loof_o from_o man_n invention_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o weighty_a matter_n and_o of_o so_o great_a eminent_a and_o high_a concernment_n both_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o people_n blessedness_n i_o conceive_v we_o can_v possible_o be_v too_o circumspect_a nor_o cleave_v too_o close_o and_o steadfast_o to_o the_o most_o approve_a and_o bless_a form_n of_o government_n and_o governor_n prescribe_v own_a and_o bless_v by_o god_n and_o record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o our_o learning_n dear_o belove_a father_n i_o speak_v free_o and_o willing_o and_o with_o more_o liberty_n of_o speech_n to_o you_o because_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o your_o heartâ—_n do_v real_o seek_v god_n glory_n because_o i_o believe_v that_o you_o seek_v not_o yourselves_o and_o have_v better_o learn_v to_o tread_v under_o foot_n these_o trifle_n these_o sublunary_a comfort_n and_o do_v seek_v for_o a_o immortal_a crown_n of_o glory_n provide_v for_o those_o that_o seek_v god_n glory_n you_o belove_a know_v how_o to_o value_v eternity_n better_o than_o a_o moment_n better_a than_o this_o short_a span_n of_o time_n therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v not_o offend_v but_o further_a where_o there_o be_v many_o judge_n of_o equal_a authority_n though_o man_n fear_v god_n and_o seek_v god_n glory_n yet_o in_o many_o or_o in_o some_o cause_n and_o most_o especial_o in_o the_o most_o weighty_a cause_n do_v not_o respect_n sway_n much_o as_o namely_o loath_a to_o displease_v one_o another_o and_o lothful_o to_o discover_v themselves_o be_v not_o numerous_a company_n have_v all_o equal_a authority_n subject_n to_o emulation_n to_o jealousy_n yea_o and_o sometime_o to_o be_v so_o divide_v that_o do_v it_o not_o sometime_o appear_v so_o violent_a that_o it_o occasion_v civil_a war_n or_o contention_n i_o pray_v you_o to_o consider_v mortal_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o frailty_n therefore_o see_v the_o heavenly_a frame_n of_o government_n be_v by_o one_o â—od_n and_o unto_o god_n word_n the_o whole_a host_n of_o heaven_n be_v willing_o obedient_a and_o consider_v that_o that_o government_n that_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n when_o god_n most_o immediate_o appoint_v government_n to_o his_o belove_a first_o bear_v and_o peculiar_a church_n and_o people_n consider_v that_o god_n appoint_v this_o form_n of_o government_n namely_o by_o one_o man_n a_o chief_a judge_n who_o have_v sole_a power_n to_o judge_v and_o appoint_v and_o to_o determine_v the_o weighty_a cause_n be_v not_o this_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o contention_n and_o most_o like_a to_o be_v bless_v herein_o indeed_o will_v lie_v the_o great_a weight_n of_o all_o the_o matter_n namely_o that_o we_o cleave_v close_o to_o god_n rule_n that_o so_o a_o wolf_n may_v be_v prevent_v for_o get_v into_o the_o sheep_n fold_n for_o let_v we_o but_o seek_v god_n in_o those_o way_n he_o have_v appoint_v serious_o and_o hearty_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v a_o blessing_n a_o man_n send_v of_o god_n and_o then_o let_v we_o never_o fear_v but_o god_n will_v accompany_v such_o a_o man_n with_o his_o bless_a spirit_n do_v ever_o a_o people_n seek_v god_n humble_o follow_v god_n rule_n and_o hearty_o and_o fail_v i_o believe_v no_o record_n of_o divine_a authority_n will_v demonstrate_v such_o a_o example_n in_o such_o a_o cause_n so_o prosecute_v object_n but_o be_v not_o this_o form_n of_o government_n peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v it_o not_o abolish_v at_o the_o come_n of_o king_n answ_n i_o desire_v every_o one_o that_o do_v unfeigned_o desire_v to_o do_v god_n will_v to_o be_v wary_a of_o this_o objection_n and_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o we_o to_o turn_v aside_o from_o god_n institution_n but_o to_o deny_v god_n institution_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o a_o deep_a impression_n how_o often_o do_v god_n bid_v we_o beware_v that_o we_o do_v neither_o add_v nor_o diminish_v this_o be_v due_o consider_v i_o answer_v first_o this_o order_n of_o government_n by_o judge_n in_o this_o manner_n be_v god_n own_o order_n god_n do_v most_o immediate_o appoint_v this_o order_n second_o god_n do_v prescribe_v this_o to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v moses_n be_v appoint_v and_o have_v his_o power_n and_o place_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o judge_n be_v orderly_o distribute_v before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v at_o mount_n sinai_n three_o this_o order_n of_o government_n be_v continue_v confirm_v and_o bless_v immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o under_o the_o law_n four_o this_o o_o der_fw-mi be_v further_o confirm_v by_o god_n when_o the_o people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n desire_v a_o government_n by_o king_n which_o appear_v in_o that_o god_n plain_o affirm_v that_o the_o people_n cast_v god_n off_o when_o they_o alter_v this_o form_n and_o further_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n be_v the_o same_o long_a after_o by_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n five_o there_o be_v never_o any_o government_n since_o to_o this_o day_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o this_o government_n nor_o so_o bless_v by_o god_n
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
not_o then_o let_v we_o within_o some_o little_a considerate_a time_n before_o the_o time_n be_v end_v which_o god_n direct_v you_o to_o set_v apart_o for_o this_o work_n proceed_v to_o choose_v by_o lot_n it_o be_v a_o safe_a way_n it_o be_v a_o way_n god_n himself_o prescribe_v it_o never_o err_v will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o way_n to_o remove_v all_o jealousy_n and_o subtlety_n and_o to_o compose_v all_o difference_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o strife_n but_o dear_a father_n i_o pray_v you_o however_o in_o some_o convenient_a time_n choose_v some_o one_o chief_a governor_n eminent_o know_v for_o courage_n and_o for_o piety_n and_o give_v he_o all_o the_o lawful_a power_n that_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n give_v unto_o joshua_n and_o to_o other_o lawful_a governor_n this_o will_v be_v a_o way_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o people_n for_o we_o your_o child_n safety_n and_o comfort_n for_o god_n wisdom_n be_v infinite_o beyond_o all_o man_n invention_n i_o pray_v you_o let_v we_o not_o have_v a_o titular_a governor_n if_o you_o shall_v not_o think_v meet_a to_o condescend_v to_o any_o of_o these_o way_n i_o know_v who_o i_o trust_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v show_v myself_o obedient_a in_o all_o lawful_a matter_n to_o such_o as_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v meet_a to_o appoint_v and_o i_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o entreat_v god_n so_o to_o direct_v you_o with_o his_o good_a and_o bless_a spirit_n that_o you_o may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v to_o he_o now_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v meet_a to_o speak_v something_o touch_v those_o governor_n inferior_a to_o the_o former_a which_o be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o chief_a governor_n and_o for_o the_o people_n ease_n and_o comfort_n now_o again_o i_o look_v upon_o the_o most_o glorious_a perfect_a and_o beautiful_a frame_n of_o government_n which_o the_o bless_a angel_n do_v and_o the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n shall_v enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n where_o i_o find_v one_o bless_a god_n the_o governor_n and_o the_o rest_n all_o appoint_v and_o distribute_v into_o their_o several_a place_n by_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o that_o bless_a god_n this_o lead_v i_o to_o conceive_v that_o god_n proportion_v his_o work_n like_v unto_o himself_o for_o so_o god_n do_v in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o creature_n therein_o god_n make_v one_o man_n governor_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o man_n name_v the_o creature_n and_o dispose_v other_o matter_n it_o have_v be_v man_n happiness_n provide_v that_o god_n glory_n have_v be_v maintain_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n may_v have_v continue_v in_o and_o according_a to_o that_o lovely_a order_n second_o god_n make_v that_o one_o man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n like_v to_o himself_o and_o i_o believe_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n compose_v or_o frame_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n in_o some_o proportion_n like_o to_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o heavenly_a government_n my_o time_n will_v not_o admit_v to_o speak_v much_o of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n part_v whereof_o god_n do_v communicate_v or_o bestow_v upon_o moses_n and_o so_o let_v he_o represent_v his_o place_n so_o far_o as_o may_v stand_v with_o god_n glory_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o moses_n may_v be_v subject_a to_o god_n commandment_n for_o therein_o god_n reserve_v to_o himself_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o adam_n the_o great_a emperor_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n commandment_n from_o these_o consideration_n i_o shall_v proceed_v when_o god_n in_o those_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n do_v appoint_v the_o distribution_n of_o governor_n record_v thus_o exod_a 18.25_o and_o moses_n choose_v man_n of_o courage_n out_o of_o all_o israel_n and_o make_v they_o head_n over_o the_o people_n ruler_n over_o thousand_o ruler_n over_o hundred_o ruler_n over_o fifty_n and_o ruler_n over_o ten_o here_o i_o find_v that_o god_n give_v moses_n authority_n to_o appoint_v the_o governor_n that_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o people_n which_o authority_n i_o do_v believe_v do_v undoubted_o belong_v to_o all_o good_a governor_n be_v chief_a governor_n only_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o people_n here_o be_v neâ—re_o to_o moses_n so_o that_o moses_n know_v many_o or_o all_o of_o they_o therefore_o i_o believe_v that_o god_n that_o be_v the_o god_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o order_n will_v allow_v that_o where_o people_n live_v further_o off_o and_o the_o chief_a governor_n may_v not_o know_v all_o the_o man_n who_o dwelling_n be_v further_o off_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v so_o well_o know_v the_o qualification_n and_o fitness_n of_o man_n for_o government_n in_o such_o case_n it_o do_v much_o differ_v but_o moses_n must_v i_o mean_v the_o chief_a governor_n must_v doubtless_o approve_v of_o all_o governor_n under_o he_o that_o govern_v 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 the_o whole_a frame_n of_o government_n force_v unite_v be_v the_o strong_a four_o it_o do_v prevent_v division_n and_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o reform_v abuse_n when_o inferior_a governor_n be_v offender_n thus_o god_n when_o he_o see_v his_o law_n break_v do_v remove_v and_o punish_v delinquent_n for_o if_o you_o shall_v admit_v of_o governor_n against_o the_o mind_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o chief_a governor_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o that_o state_n so_o do_v must_v be_v corrupt_v divide_a or_o sore_o shake_v and_o endanger_v in_o short_a time_n for_o let_v but_o god_n law_n take_v place_n and_o then_o the_o governor_n in_o chief_a be_v subject_a alike_o with_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o rest_n act_v for_o god_n have_v power_n to_o punish_v he_o because_o god_n be_v their_o high_a governor_n and_o they_o must_v obey_v god_n although_o it_o be_v against_o the_o chief_a of_o man_n therefore_o the_o danger_n can_v be_v great_a thereby_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o 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