objection_n against_o such_o as_o be_v of_o their_o own_o choice_n or_o to_o hope_v that_o it_o will_v excuse_v and_o be_v a_o salve_n for_o their_o disobedience_n 5._o remember_v how_o express_o god_n have_v require_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v yield_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o respect_n &_o obedience_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o less_o room_n for_o dispute_n in_o a_o point_n which_o a_o avaritious_a and_o niggardly_a world_n will_v be_v so_o ready_a to_o callin_a question_n we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o command_n itself_o but_o the_o reaâ—_n of_o it_o annex_v rem_fw-la 13.6_o 7._o for_o this_o cause_n pay_v you_o tribute_n also_o for_o they_o be_v god_n minister_n attend_v continual_o oâ—_n this_o very_a thing_n render_v therefore_o to_o all_o their_o due_n tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a custom_n to_o who_o custom_n yea_o we_o have_v this_o duty_n enforce_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o express_a precept_n oâ—_n christ_n himself_n mat_n 22.21_o render_v therefore_o unto_o caesaâ—_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n choose_v rather_o to_o work_v a_o miracle_n whatever_o may_v have_v be_v plead_v for_o his_o own_o exemption_n than_o omit_v the_o duty_n oâ—_n offend_v by_o not_o do_v it_o as_o you_o may_v see_v mat_n 17_o 26_o 27._o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o those_o natural_a seed_n of_o rebellion_n which_o every_o man_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o wonder_n that_o so_o plain_a a_o precept_n and_o duty_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o regard_v and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v as_o great_a a_o wonder_n if_o that_o government_n that_o want_v this_o honourable_a suppoâ—_n do_v not_o final_o fink_v under_o its_o own_o burden_n with_o a_o that_o depend_v on_o it_o 6._o beware_v of_o murmur_a and_o faction_n god_n be_v high_o displease_v with_o it_o and_o can_v easy_o make_v we_o know_v it_o we_o â—e_v ever_o to_o remember_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o person_n as_o â—ell_v as_o state_n of_o affair_n here_o below_o will_v admit_v of_o perâ—ction_n and_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o able_a ruler_n on_o â—arth_n be_v man_n of_o many_o infirmity_n and_o subject_n to_o misâ—oing_v as_o well_o as_o other_o if_o they_o miss_v it_o in_o some_o thing_n â—et_o if_o in_o the_o main_a they_o be_v right_a we_o have_v reason_n not_o bless_v â—od_a for_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v dissatisfy_v if_o we_o be_v the_o more_o ouâ—_n sin_n and_o whoever_o get_v by_o it_o we_o be_v like_a to_o be_v â—â—rsâ—_n they_o that_o be_v please_v with_o nothing_o that_o be_v preâ—nt_a but_o be_v give_v to_o change_n when_o they_o have_v what_o they_o â—esiâ—â—d_v do_v seldom_o sit_v easy_a under_o it_o it_o be_v sucâ—_n a_o perverse_a humour_n among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o occasion_v a_o revolution_n in_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n which_o we_o read_v â—_o 1_o sam_n 8_o but_o when_o it_o be_v effect_v they_o that_o proâ—ably_o do_v as_o much_o desire_v it_o as_o any_o soon_o think_v they_o â—ad_v little_a cause_n to_o boast_v of_o it_o 1_o sam_n 10.27_o but_o the_o child_n of_o belial_n say_v how_o shall_v this_o man_n save_o we_o &_o â—ey_n despise_v he_o 7._o address_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o behalf_n &_o pray_v earnest_o that_o god_n in_o mercy_n both_o to_o they_o and_o we_o will_v â—ant_v they_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n zeal_n and_o â—â—liness_n and_o make_v they_o man_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o they_o â—ay_v rule_v we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 2_o 1_o 2._o st._n paul_n exhort_v to_o this_o duty_n this_o indeed_o be_v to_o consult_v our_o great_a good_a we_o may_v then_o hope_v to_o lead_v quiet_a &_o peaceable_a â—ves_n as_o he_o speak_v five_o 2_o thus_o if_o we_o do_v god_n will_v own_o 〈◊〉_d for_o as_o in_o v._o 3._o this_o be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o â—ght_n of_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n 8_o final_o let_v we_o put_v away_o all_o iniquity_n far_o from_o we_o &_o â—ave_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o awful_a judgement_n not_o to_o â—ave_n strong_a rod_n for_o sceptre_n to_o rule_v we_o our_o sin_n merit_v the_o lord_n sometime_o threaten_v thus_o to_o punish_v the_o iâ—â—quity_n of_o his_o people_n when_o israel_n have_v degenerate_v &_o their_o religion_n be_v become_v formality_n their_o devotion_n hypocrisy_n the_o lord_n say_v isa_n 29_o 14._o the_o wisdom_n their_o wise_a mâ—n_z shall_v perish_v thus_o samuel_n threaten_v thâ—_n people_n 1_o sam_n 12_o 25._o but_o if_o you_o shall_v still_o do_v wicked_a you_o shaâ—l_v be_v consume_v both_o you_o and_o your_o king_n when_o the_o loâ—â—_n forsake_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o people_n no_o woâ—der_a if_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o complain_v as_o in_o isa_n 3.12_o thâ—_n which_o lead_v thou_o cause_v thou_o to_o err_v but_o the_o rise_v of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d chief_a be_v oftentimes_o in_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o people_n when_o god_n leave_v david_n to_o sin_n in_o number_v the_o people_n sam_n 2_o 4_o 1._o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v because_o god_n anger_n be_v â—â—â—led_v against_o 〈◊〉_d and_o you_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o kindle_v it_o thâ—nk_v often_o then_o of_o samue_n advice_n to_o the_o people_n israel_n â—â—ow_o they_o may_v obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n upâ—â—_n their_o râ—ulers_n and_o upon_o themselves_o 1_o sam_n 12.24_o oâ—ly_a fear_n t_o he_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n with_o all_o your_o heaâ—_n if_o there_o â—e_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o we_o if_o we_o will_v fear_v the_o loâ—_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o he_o if_o we_o will_v deny_v ungodâ—ness_n and_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o truth_n and_o with_o 〈◊〉_d oâ—_n heart_n we_o may_v then_o hope_v that_o our_o rod_n shall_v be_v stroâ—_n and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d who_o god_n shall_v this_o day_n set_v over_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v great_o bless_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v rich_a 〈◊〉_d sing_v unto_o we_o to_o conclude_v let_v we_o now_o look_v up_o to_o god_n each_o of_o we_o in_o 〈◊〉_d respective_a place_n to_o give_v we_o understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n wâ—_n be_v want_v &_o what_o be_v weak_a among_o we_o let_v we_o all_o as_o we_o be_v conâ—ned_v consider_v let_v we_o beg_v â—f_n god_n to_o supply_v we_o with_o what_o be_v lackâ—_n &_o let_v uâ—_n be_v watchful_a &_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v if_o do_v it_o 〈◊〉_d so_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o what_o we_o may_v conclude_v 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v now_o but_o will_v still_o be_v more_o &_o more_o for_o aâ—_n mentation_n and_o to_o add_v no_o more_o if_o thâ—â—_n course_n be_v not_o takeâ—_n we_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o whatever_o blessing_n of_o this_o kind_n whereof_o have_v hear_v at_o this_o time_n be_v yet_o remain_v among_o we_o they_o 〈◊〉_d sooâ—_n be_v remove_v into_o corner_n and_o the_o place_n that_o know_v tâ—_n now_o shall_v know_v they_o no_o more_o finis_fw-la
in_o â—â—ain_n all_o other_o be_v more_o for_o show_v than_o any_o â—â—od_a service_n be_v advise_v therefore_o in_o your_o choice_n to_o avoid_v they_o do_v you_o see_v any_o that_o â—ill_v be_v daunt_v with_o great_a word_n or_o sear_v the_o faâ—s_n of_o man_n that_o will_v tremble_v at_o the_o frown_n of_o 〈◊〉_d i_o that_o can_v do_v they_o a_o diskindness_n or_o at_o the_o â—breats_n of_o one_o that_o can_v do_v they_o a_o favour_n or_o â—â—at_o dare_v not_o with_o phinehas_n show_v themselves_o in_o â—e_a front_n to_o make_v head_n against_o prevail_v imâ—rious_a wickedness_n never_o expect_v much_o of_o such_o man_n a_o sword_n will_v never_o do_v any_o feat_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o coward_n hand_n and_o for_o they_o that_o hope_v for_o desence_n and_o protection_n by_o it_o to_o put_v it_o into_o such_o hand_n as_o these_o be_v to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o the_o great_a indiscretion_n 4._o direction_n let_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v deem_v a_o principal_a qualification_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o government_n able_a man_n be_v man_n fâ—aâ—ing_v god_n exod._n 18.21_o those_o that_o be_v rule_v themselves_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v rule_v other_o in_o his_o â—ear_n and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a government_n which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o blessing_n you_o have_v be_v often_o assure_v and_o especial_o by_o those_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o have_v deliver_v his_o message_n to_o you_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n with_o this_o of_o the_o present_a day_n that_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n in_o honour_n and_o purity_n the_o promote_a of_o piety_n the_o punish_v &_o suppress_v of_o all_o wickedness_n be_v the_o grand_a interest_n of_o a_o people_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o yourselves_o in_o particular_a who_o have_v be_v so_o signal_o own_v of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v i_o yet_o once_o more_o renew_v this_o message_n to_o you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 15.2_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o while_o you_o be_v with_o he_o and_o if_o you_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o you_o but_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v forsake_v you_o be_v assire_v that_o if_o this_o work_n die_v we_o shall_v die_v with_o it_o and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o its_o die_a if_o thâ—se_a that_o rule_n we_o under_o god_n have_v not_o his_o fear_n plant_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o be_v whole_o void_a of_o any_o thing_n within_o that_o may_v oblige_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o he_o irreligious_a man_n will_v be_v no_o better_a ruler_n he_o that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o fear_n god_n he_o that_o have_v no_o more_o religion_n than_o what_o will_v serve_v to_o deceive_v other_o withal_o and_o be_v as_o all_o such_o be_v false_a to_o the_o profession_n that_o he_o make_v of_o religion_n will_v be_v no_o better_o to_o his_o country_n whenever_o he_o think_v he_o may_v be_v so_o to_o his_o advantage_n such_o as_o dont_fw-fr fear_n god_n will_v easy_o be_v vassalize_v to_o the_o will_n of_o any_o that_o be_v great_a than_o themselves_o and_o can_v do_v they_o a_o injury_n these_o will_v be_v very_o corrupt_a judge_n in_o that_o case_n which_o the_o apostle_n dare_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o judge_n act_n 4.14_o viz._n whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o such_o as_o tertullian_n of_o old_a object_v to_o some_o among_o the_o roman_n majore_fw-la formidine_fw-la caesarem_fw-la observatis_fw-la quam_fw-la ipsum_fw-la de_fw-la olympo_fw-la jupiter_fw-la but_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n will_v be_v afraid_a for_o that_o very_a reason_n of_o injure_v man_n they_o will_v as_o they_o be_v custodes_fw-la tabularum_fw-la not_o only_o command_v they_o to_o be_v keep_v and_o provide_v that_o due_a testimony_n may_v be_v bear_v against_o those_o that_o do_v not_o but_o also_o they_o will_v commend_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o by_o a_o pattern_n worthy_a of_o those_o who_o eminency_n render_v their_o example_n more_o observable_a and_o more_o offectual_a in_o a_o word_n this_o fear_n will_v influence_n they_o to_o all_o fidelity_n diligence_n and_o honesty_n impartiality_n pain_n and_o equity_n they_o will_v remember_v that_o the_o judgement_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v wrong_v do_v by_o any_o of_o his_o vicegerent_n here_o below_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o subject_n over_o who_o they_o rule_v have_v a_o fair_a plea_n and_o prohibition_n lie_v against_o it_o in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v call_v over_o again_o and_o justice_n do_v they_o such_o ruler_n as_o these_o will_v be_v nurse_n father_n indeed_o and_o in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o their_o people_n advance_v the_o common_a interest_n be_v zealous_a promoter_n of_o piety_n and_o all_o ungodliness_n they_o will_v reprove_v in_o the_o gate_n these_o be_v the_o strong_a rod_n whereas_o from_o all_o other_o there_o will_v go_v out_o a_o fire_n devour_v all_o the_o fruit_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o people_n 5._o i_o may_v add_v far_o put_v honour_n upon_o such_o as_o will_v stand_v firm_a for_o the_o common_a interest_n and_o make_v the_o weal_n of_o the_o public_a their_o chief_a care_n &_o business_n in_o this_o case_n especial_o they_o that_o be_v give_v to_o change_n be_v not_o to_o be_v medve_v with_o prov._n 24.21_o in_o all_o revolution_n that_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n it_o be_v hazardable_a whether_o the_o public_a will_v not_o come_v by_o the_o loss_n and_o when_o it_o do_v it_o do_v not_o always_o recover_v it_o again_o &_o that_o too_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o long_a time_n first_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n such_o as_o be_v so_o addict_v be_v to_o be_v eschew_v yet_o beware_v of_o think_v that_o all_o that_o have_v be_v asperse_v as_o enemy_n to_o the_o common_a weal_n do_v deserve_v that_o character_n which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o some_o secret_a grudge_n of_o malignant_a man_n against_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o unwise_a to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o that_o can_v do_v god_n and_o their_o country_n service_n for_o the_o calumny_n &_o reproach_n that_o they_o be_v lade_v withal_o by_o their_o ignorant_a and_o unthankful_a neighbour_n 6._o again_o respect_v such_o as_o will_v adorn_v their_o authority_n with_o a_o example_n worthy_a of_o the_o dignity_n that_o they_o sustain_v remember_v that_o great_a example_n if_o they_o be_v good_a will_v confirm_v the_o weak_a and_o it_o they_o be_v bad_a will_v enervate_v and_o weaken_v the_o strong_a law_n when_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o they_o that_o rule_n as_o once_o christ_n say_v in_o that_o case_n mention_v joh._n 8.7_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o cast_v the_o first_o stone_n there_o will_v either_o be_v no_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n or_o no_o good_a will_v come_v of_o it_o they_o be_v very_o unfit_a to_o punish_v other_o who_o be_v themselves_o transgressor_n but_o i_o omit_v what_o particular_n may_v be_v add_v as_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o general_a direction_n give_v and_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o use_v iii_o of_o exhortation_n in_o two_o branch_n 1._o to_o such_o as_o be_v or_o may_v this_o day_n be_v elect_v and_o establish_v the_o civil_a ruler_n of_o this_o people_n you_o see_v honour_v and_o much_o esteem_v wherein_o you_o may_v be_v rich_a blessing_n as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n incessant_o to_o pray_v god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v so_o so_o also_o we_o submissive_o pâ—ay_v you_o that_o you_o will_v be_v so_o be_v you_o therefore_o entreat_v whosoever_o you_o be_v upon_o who_o the_o over_o roll_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v order_v the_o lot_n to_o fall_v this_o day_n to_o approve_v yourselves_o strong_a rods._n esteem_v this_o to_o be_v your_o great_a glory_n the_o contrary_a to_o this_o will_v be_v both_o your_o &_o our_o ruin_n let_v the_o qualification_n which_o have_v at_o this_o time_n be_v describe_v to_o you_o be_v exemplify_v in_o all_o your_o management_n that_o our_o own_o experience_n may_v teach_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o people_n who_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n who_o have_v strong_a rod_n for_o a_o sceptre_n to_o rule_v they_o your_o ability_n be_v under_o god_n our_o strength_n your_o fidelity_n our_o security_n if_o these_o foundation_n be_v destroy_v what_o shall_v the_o righteous_a do_v psal_n 11.3_o if_o these_o foundation_n be_v out_o of_o course_n nothing_o
most_o part_n win_v and_o hold_v thereby_o this_o the_o prophet_n add_v to_o complete_a the_o description_n of_o those_o who_o help_n the_o state_n want_v and_o that_o very_o agreeable_o with_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o rod_n or_o staff_n here_o use_v if_o a_o staff_n have_v no_o strength_n in_o it_o it_o will_v prove_v but_o a_o deceit_n cheat_n and_o disappointment_n to_o whosoever_o make_v use_v of_o it_o it_o be_v its_o strength_n that_o make_v it_o serviceable_a the_o same_o be_v true_a also_o in_o this_o figurative_a use_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o those_o who_o the_o prophet_n here_o style_v rods._n whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a to_o accomplish_v those_o that_o bear_v rule_n that_o the_o state_n may_v safe_o have_v dependence_n upon_o they_o and_o without_o hazard_n lean_a upon_o their_o conduct_n whether_o it_o be_v wisdom_n justice_n piety_n prowess_n that_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o these_o rod_n the_o prophet_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o speak_v of_o they_o under_o this_o consideration_n viz._n as_o so_o accomplish_v for_o man_n in_o authority_n there_o be_v zedekiah_n be_v now_o king_n after_o he_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n appoint_v gedaliah_n governor_n the_o time_n be_v noâ—_n yet_o come_v for_o the_o sceptre_n to_o depart_v from_o judah_n gen._n 49.10_o but_o these_o rod_n be_v not_o strong_a one_o accomplish_v for_o their_o place_n and_o the_o service_n of_o their_o generation_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o prophet_n representation_n of_o their_o calamitous_a circumstance_n next_o follow_v his_o reflection_n upon_o they_o this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n it_o be_v a_o word_n that_o signifi_v the_o deep_a mourn_v 2_o sam._n 1.16_o but_o how_o be_v this_o a_o lamentation_n it_o be_v so_o both_o 1._o formal_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o ground_n of_o great_a sorrow_n that_o a_o state_n once_o famous_a and_o flourish_a and_o which_o be_v more_o so_o peculiar_o favour_v of_o god_n above_o all_o other_o shall_v be_v thus_o cast_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n v._o 12._o 2._o effective_o it_o will_v open_v a_o gap_n to_o numberless_a ruin_n which_o both_o they_o that_o now_o live_v shall_v smart_v under_o and_o they_o also_o shall_v rue_v who_o be_v yet_o unborn_a it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n note_v both_o the_o certainty_n and_o duration_n of_o these_o calamity_n and_o sorrow_n for_o evil_n that_o come_v in_o at_o the_o door_n of_o a_o weak_a remiss_a lax_n government_n do_v use_v to_o be_v speedy_o turn_v out_o again_o so_o you_o have_v the_o case_n of_o this_o people_n open_v so_o far_o as_o concern_v their_o civil_a state_n and_o you_o have_v it_o lament_v as_o very_o sorrowful_a whosoever_o shall_v look_v back_o to_o the_o time_n of_o king_n david_n with_o those_o next_o follow_v and_z shall_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o conquest_n of_o that_o reign_n of_o enemy_n subdue_v city_n take_v country_n subject_v people_n make_v tributary_n religion_n and_o justice_n flourish_v and_o the_o nation_n formidable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o together_o with_o the_o peaceful_a policy_n and_o glory_n of_o solomon_n his_o son_n and_o successor_n and_o shall_v consider_v further_o what_o all_o this_o be_v at_o length_n come_v to_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o prophet_n through_o the_o grievous_a sin_n and_o gross_a imprudence_n of_o the_o high_a rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n accompany_v with_o the_o wretched_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n a_o natural_a consequent_a of_o the_o former_a will_v without_o hesitation_n subscribe_v to_o this_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o lamentation_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o sensible_a man_n heart_n ache_v to_o compare_v the_o misery_n of_o this_o time_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n write_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o former_a these_o thing_n be_v they_o not_o write_v for_o our_o learning_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o obvious_a truth_n that_o from_o hence_o lie_v before_o we_o viz._n that_o no_o great_a misery_n can_v well_o befall_v a_o people_n consider_v in_o their_o politic_a capacity_n than_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o ruler_n as_o the_o prophet_n here_o speak_v of_o or_o to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o other_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o prophet_n here_o lament_n as_o that_o which_o be_v and_o will_v be_v a_o dreadful_a inlet_n to_o undo_n evil_n and_o consequent_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o a_o people_n be_v hence_o infer_v who_o have_v strong_a rod_n for_o sceptre_n to_o rule_v they_o this_o be_v the_o lesson_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a if_o we_o can_v learn_v it_o from_o the_o harm_n of_o other_o and_o not_o our_o own_o faelix_fw-la quem_fw-la faciunt_fw-la aliena_fw-la pericula_fw-la qautum_fw-la this_o therefore_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o recommend_v to_o you_o at_o this_o time_n in_o this_o general_a inference_n from_o the_o word_n as_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o improve_v viz._n doctrine_n able_a and_o faithful_a ruler_n be_v rich_a blessing_n to_o a_o people_n and_o the_o want_n of_o such_o be_v ruinous_n or_o thus_o civil_a ruler_n able_a for_o and_o faithful_a in_o their_o place_n be_v rich_a blessing_n to_o their_o people_n and_o the_o want_n of_o such_o be_v fatal_a when_o those_o that_o be_v vest_v with_o such_o authority_n be_v meet_o accomplish_v for_o their_o place_n and_o faithful_a in_o discharge_v the_o trust_n repose_v in_o they_o they_o be_v incomparable_a blessing_n blessing_n of_o such_o importance_n that_o when_o they_o fail_v it_o bring_v ruin_n upon_o a_o people_n they_o be_v great_a blessing_n themselves_o and_o may_v be_v happy_a instrument_n of_o many_o more_o these_o be_v the_o strong_a rod_n unto_o which_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o context_n ver_fw-la 11._o do_v attribute_v the_o grandeur_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o once_o flourish_a state_n of_o judah_n and_o she_o have_v strong_a rod_n for_o the_o sceptre_n of_o they_o that_o bear_v rule_n and_o her_o stature_n be_v exalt_v among_o the_o thick_a branch_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o o_o tempora_fw-la o_o mores_n thing_n have_v quite_o another_o face_n the_o rod_n have_v no_o strength_n in_o they_o all_o the_o ancient_a glory_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o every_o thing_n cover_v over_o with_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o subject_n speak_v of_o ruler_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v make_v they_o such_o great_a blessing_n 1._o the_o subject_n be_v ruler_n i._n e._n such_o as_o be_v in_o place_n of_o civil_a authority_n and_o have_v the_o government_n of_o other_o of_o these_o the_o prophet_n here_o speak_v and_o the_o metaphorical_a term_n use_v in_o the_o description_n do_v point_n out_o civil_a ruler_n aâ—_n the_o person_n describe_v for_o if_o the_o term_n rod._n may_v be_v apply_v to_o some_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n beside_o civil_a yet_o at_o least_o sceptre_n which_o be_v the_o other_o term_n be_v proper_a badge_n of_o thiâ—_n kind_a of_o authority_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o civiâ—_n ruler_n of_o these_o some_o be_v supreme_a who_o stand_v it_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o dominion_n among_o man_n 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v accountable_a only_o to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n these_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o inferior_a rank_n be_v aâ—_n it_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o rightful_a authority_n and_o like_o the_o sun_n shine_v with_o their_o own_o light_n there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v subordinate_a who_o though_o they_o shine_v also_o in_o their_o proper_a sphere_n yet_o they_o shine_v with_o a_o borrow_a light_n and_o derive_v that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v from_o thâ—_n high_a power_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v authorize_v of_o both_o thâ—_n apostle_n make_v mention_v 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14._o and_o as_o there_o be_v these_o two_o degree_n of_o ruler_n so_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a authority_n reside_v in_o they_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o power_n of_o legislation_n make_v law_n enjoin_v a_o rule_n of_o obedience_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o reward_n and_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o penalty_n in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n all_o which_o â—ome_v it_o seem_v not_o so_o right_o take_v to_o be_v so_o essential_a to_o sovereignty_n that_o it_o can_v be_v grant_v to_o any_o subordinate_a ruler_n without_o admit_v he_o to_o a_o participation_n of_o sovereignty_n or_o rather_o without_o destroy_v that_o sovereignty_n itself_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o executive_a power_n or_o if_o i_o may_v â—â—se_v the_o word_n a_o power_n of_o legisaction_n whereby_o â—he_n law_n enact_v be_v put_v in_o force_n justice_n accord_v to_o law_n administer_v right_o be_v secure_v injury_n be_v suppress_v offender_n be_v punish_v â—â—e_v obedient_a be_v reward_v the_o good_a order_n â—nd_n peace_n design_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o general_n â—eal_v
blessing_n and_o condemn_v other_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o people_n ruin_n what_o a_o honourable_a character_n do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v we_o of_o moses_n joshua_n and_o samuel_n among_o the_o judge_n of_o david_n solomon_n jehosaphat_n and_o some_o other_o among_o the_o king_n and_o what_o a_o everlasting_a brand_n of_o infamy_n the_o scripture_n have_v set_v upon_o those_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n that_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v obvious_a to_o every_o one_o that_o read_v the_o chronicle_n of_o those_o time_n with_o observation_n to_o this_o therefore_o i_o shall_v add_v only_o these_o two_o or_o three_o particular_n wherein_o you_o may_v see_v the_o lord_n commend_v able_a and_o faithful_a ruler_n to_o we_o as_o rich_a blessing_n and_o condemn_v other_o as_o ruinous_a 1._o it_o be_v recommend_v in_o deut._n 1.13_o and_o exod._n 18.21_o to_o all_o that_o have_v the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o elect_v civil_a ruler_n that_o in_o their_o designation_n of_o person_n to_o place_n of_o authority_n they_o shall_v have_v special_a regard_n to_o their_o be_v so_o qualify_v and_o that_o which_o then_o contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o people_n can_v now_o be_v think_v to_o cross_v it_o 2._o the_o lord_n give_v such_o ruler_n in_o mercy_n to_o a_o people_n in_o 2_o chron_n 9.8_o it_o be_v say_v concern_v solomon_n because_o thy_o god_n love_v israel_n to_o establish_v they_o for_o ever_o therefore_o make_v he_o thou_o king_n over_o they_o to_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v a_o bless_a promise_n that_o god_n support_v his_o people_n with_o when_o they_o be_v languish_v under_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o government_n not_o regard_v the_o administration_n of_o justice_n that_o he_o will_v restore_v they_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n isa_n 1.26_o i_o e._n such_o as_o moses_n and_o joshua_n david_n and_o solomon_n and_o when_o such_o as_o these_o be_v remove_v from_o a_o people_n their_o case_n be_v awful_a and_o god_n threaten_v it_o as_o a_o sore_a judgement_n isa_n 3.1_o 2._o 3._o god_n send_v other_o ruler_n in_o wrath_n to_o a_o people_n i_o give_v thou_o a_o king_n in_o my_o anger_n say_v the_o lord_n concern_v saul_n hos_n 13.11_o and_o again_o isa_n 3.4_o god_n threaten_v that_o people_n with_o this_o curse_n i_o will_v give_v child_n to_o be_v their_o prince_n and_o babe_n shall_v rule_v over_o they_o dreadful_a be_v the_o consequent_n of_o this_o mention_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o people_n shall_v be_v oppress_v every_o one_o by_o another_o and_o every_o one_o by_o his_o neighbour_n the_o child_n shall_v behave_v himself_o proud_o against_o the_o ancient_n and_o the_o base_a against_o the_o honourable_a in_o a_o word_n violence_n and_o insolence_n will_v bear_v down_o all_o before_o they_o 4._o able_a and_o faithful_a ruler_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n prov._n 29.14_o the_o king_n that_o faithful_o judge_v the_o poor_a his_o throne_n shall_v be_v establish_v for_o ever_o 2_o chron_n 19_o ult_n deal_v courageous_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o good_a and_o god_n in_o blessing_n they_o bless_v the_o whole_a people_n when_o their_o method_n be_v prudent_a their_o aim_n right_o their_o endeavour_n vigorous_a their_o heart_n valiant_a their_o hand_n strong_a and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o be_v crown_v they_o with_o success_n the_o public_a will_v reap_v the_o benefit_n it_o be_v say_v judge_n 2.7_o the_o people_n serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n joshua_n faithful_o endeavour_v it_o and_o god_n smile_v upon_o his_o endeavour_n god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o the_o people_n flourish_v in_o piety_n and_o prosperity_n but_o it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o joshua_n head_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a before_o they_o know_v the_o difference_n the_o application_n of_o the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v use_v 1_o by_o way_n of_o instruction_n learn_v hence_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o signal_n token_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n to_o a_o people_n when_o they_o have_v such_o man_n to_o rule_v over_o they_o their_o promotion_n come_v not_o from_o the_o east_n or_o from_o the_o west_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 75.6_o 7._o it_o be_v god_n that_o set_v they_o up_o and_o his_o love_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o it_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v 2._o what_o matter_n of_o humble_v it_o be_v to_o a_o people_n when_o such_o be_v either_o deny_v unto_o they_o or_o remove_v from_o they_o when_o the_o elder_n be_v cease_v from_o the_o gate_n lam._n 5.14_o the_o prophet_n say_v upon_o it_o v._o 16._o the_o crown_n be_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n when_o good_a man_n be_v take_v away_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a omen_n but_o when_o such_o good_a man_n thus_o remove_v be_v good_a ruler_n too_o it_o be_v much_o more_o ominous_a such_o loss_n be_v hardly_o repair_v therefore_o they_o be_v a_o lamentation_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n 3._o how_o much_o it_o concern_v ruler_n to_o be_v and_o approve_v themselves_o such_o man_n strong_a rod_n as_o they_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o ruine_n of_o their_o people_n and_o that_o be_v themselves_o rich_a blessing_n they_o themselves_o may_v be_v bless_v both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n 4._o that_o those_o that_o be_v profess_v enemy_n to_o such_o a_o government_n as_o have_v strong_a rod_n to_o rule_v or_o to_o such_o ruler_n as_o these_o be_v upon_o no_o term_n to_o be_v bear_v withal_o but_o i_o may_v not_o enlarge_v on_o these_o particular_n the_o chief_a that_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o present_a improvement_n of_o this_o truth_n shall_v be_v in_o two_o word_n far_o of_o direction_n and_o of_o exhortation_n use_v ii_o of_o direction_n this_o doctrine_n afford_v excellent_a counsel_n to_o all_o such_o as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v and_o liberty_n by_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o royal_a favour_n of_o elect_v person_n into_o any_o office_n of_o civil_a rule_n and_o government_n among_o this_o people_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o you_o as_o a_o necessary_a direction_n in_o the_o work_n that_o be_v now_o before_o you_o it_o high_o concern_v you_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o not_o abuse_v so_o great_a a_o trust_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o service_n that_o require_v your_o utmost_a care_n and_o conscience_n you_o be_v this_o day_n to_o transact_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o weal_n of_o this_o people_n and_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v upon_o you_o of_o god_n to_o observe_v your_o sâ—iâ—its_n design_n and_o end_v in_o this_o day_n work_v to_o bless_v you_o according_o and_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v upon_o you_o some_o to_o rejoice_v in_o all_o the_o happy_a effect_n that_o may_v follow_v your_o prudent_a choice_n other_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o all_o the_o folly_n that_o you_o may_v this_o day_n be_v guilty_a of_o i_o may_v well_o conclude_v myself_o very_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o particular_a method_n and_o custom_n usual_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o your_o election_n but_o i_o suppose_v whatever_o sâ—epâ—_n have_v be_v already_o take_v in_o other_o place_n of_o this_o government_n there_o be_v many_o in_o this_o assembly_n who_o be_v still_o to_o give_v in_o their_o suffrage_n to_o who_o therefore_o i_o will_v more_o particular_o recommend_v this_o rule_n that_o the_o doctrine_n lay_v before_o 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o other_o that_o may_v hereafter_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_o affâ—â—â—_n as_o that_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o attend_v to_o it_o you_o will_v not_o this_o day_n do_v that_o which_o will_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n to_o this_o people_n and_o remain_v so_o â—et_z your_o care_n then_o be_v to_o elect_a such_o as_o may_v be_v able_a for_o their_o place_n and_o faithful_a in_o they_o do_v think_v your_o voice_n be_v so_o your_o own_o that_o you_o may_v bestow_v they_o upon_o who_o you_o will_v mere_o because_o you_o will_n let_v not_o that_o liberty_n you_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o a_o undo_a licentiousness_n beware_v of_o those_o corrupt_a and_o sinister_a end_n which_o be_v too_o too_o apt_a to_o blind_v your_o judgement_n and_o bias_n your_o affection_n from_o the_o rule_n thus_o set_v before_o you_o i_o shall_v but_o hint_n at_o some_o of_o they_o there_o be_v some_o of_o plausible_a pretence_n indeed_o but_o ungoverned_a spirit_n who_o in_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n consult_v only_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o choose_v for_o such_o as_o they_o hope_v will_v most_o indulge_v they_o these_o have_v rather_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o authority_n than_o such_o as_o have_v wisdom_n and_o spirit_n to_o control_v they_o &_o if_o they_o have_v