Maxims of Pious Policy, Discourse · Part
But now to manage both Religion and Juſtice wel, two Cardinall vertues are eſpecially required.
1 Prudence.
2 Fortitude.
Eſay 33. 6.1. PRudence, wiſedome and knowledge is the ſtability of our aimes; a change of Government, whether religious or civill, without prudence is perillous, Omnis ſub…a …tatio eſt peri…uleſ…; for it is in a body politique at in a body naturall: by a man of underſtanding and knowledg the ſtate Prov▪ …8. 2.of a Land is prolonged, ſaith Solomon▪ as Juſtice will … a change Injurious, nor Religion a change corrupt▪ … …ſdome will never reſent it, unleſſe it appear to be a change for the beſt, to the ſecurity of both▪ conducible to publique good and ſafety, to peace, to eaſe and liberty, or common ſenſe and reaſon will dictate what calamities muſt follow. A generall diſſatisfaction, and popular diſcontent was ever by the wiſeſt Stateſ▪men apprehended ominous: but a diſunion and diviſion amongſt the godly, and thoſe beſt affected to the waies of Religion, and Juſtice in the fundamentalls of each, is by the wiſeſt God concluded fatall, and above all things amongſt wiſe men to Zech. 11. 14, 15, 16.be feared, and to be remedied.
To every purpoſe there is both time and judgement, (ſaith Eccleſ 8▪ 56.the wiſe man) and a wiſe mans heart diſcerneth it, but he that is imprudent conſidereth it not: wherefore the miſery of man is great upon him, wickedneſſe and ſin (ſaith Solomon) doth confound the wiſdome of the wiſe, whereby they loſe their judgments, ſlip their ſeaſons, and procure ſudden, certaine, inevitable and irrecoverable miſeries to themſelves and others. Every State hath its Criſts, and time ſubjects it to motion and mutation, the reaſon is given in Politiques, quie p…eſt… humana in hominum voluntatibus radic…tur. Judgment the reſult of all purpoſes, of all actions and attempts, is wrapt up within time: hence is that rule in Politicks, Conſiliarius …em… melior eſt quam tempur. The Acts of States muſt be correſpondent to the neceſſity of the times, and the greateſt perſons muſt vail, muſt ſubject to the time, to the authority that is. We find in Hiſtories, the judgment and reſolutions of the greateſt Princes and Counſellors have been neceſſitated to ſubject to the will, and unjuſt demands of Rebells, the ſad effects of imprudence.
We may read that the Acts of State do alter according to the urgencies of the people, or preſent exigencies of time, wherein it is more honorable toyeeld to the juſt demands of friends, as the means, the only means to prevent the imperious commands of Rebells. An equall ſatisfaction of every intereſt without wrong to Chriſt and his truth, is the beſt policy under heaven, the only means to prevent civill broyles, all Hiſtories, ſacred and morall, declare the calamitous events occaſioned by ſuch breaches.
2. Whereby the higheſt & moſt honorable undertakings of the wiſeſt and moſt prudent Stateſ-men, have frequently been ſubjected to the worſt ſucceſſes… to that end, it is the beſt reaſon of State, for perſons publick to remove every ground of private jealouſie in what concerns their own particular intereſt or benefit; and to give a reall demonſtration, by ſome ſelfe-denying act, that it is the Publick they ſerve▪ although to their private dammage. It is ſaid of Iſrael that hee was an empty vine, Hoſea 11. 1.bringing forth fruit to himſelf.
1. Iſrael though a vine, a choice and a precious plant, excelling al plants. 2. Though a vine ſupported with the wall of ſtrength, promiſing ſecurity to himſelfe. 3. Though a vine ſpreading with greatneſſe, and flouriſhing with honour, having leaves and promiſing fruits unto others: yet Iſrael is, 4. A vine that is empty of fruit. There is a worme at the root of this vine▪ which drawes this ſtrength, conſumes this honor, fruſtrates th…ſe hopes, ſelf-intereſt, which undermines perſonal, nationall, felicity, proſperity, which renders Iſrael em…ty and unfruitfull to God, to the Publick, to himſelf, Self-ends perverts the wiſeſt men in their beſt actions, and renders them the worſt in the eye of God and good men▪ of God who judgath of the action by the end, to whom our diſpoſitions are manifeſt.
Prudence is neceſſary to adviſe, to conſult with in all actions, but eſpecially to bet our companion in grand deſigns and undertakings. No wiſeman will ever attempt any action without good advice, much leſſe will he undertake important affaires upon ſleighty debates, Ieſt by overmuch haſt and violence ſuch enterpriſes prove unſucceſſefull: Quintus Fabius eſteemed it more honor to be reputed ſlow, then to hazard his affairs by precipitance.
1. Prudence to improve thoſe opportunities within time, leſt if they …ee once loſt, …he beſt advice meet with the worſt event, and the miſery of a State thereupon be great, for ſudden and laſting miſeries, due ever follow the loſſe of opportunities; Therefore (ſaith the Politician) opportunities muſt be cloſely purſued, that no advantage of time …e loſt, …ro… …apill…ta … eſt oc…aſi… … le… (ſaith he) whileſt like fool… we … ou… ſelves to win the game, we depart the greateſt loſ… ▪ Upon wh… advantage Mag…a Ch…r…, & Ch…rta de Forreſta, and other Gra… and Acts were obtained, and how maintained, our own Chronicles record. And it is not only wiſdome to get, but o… the two pieces, 'tis the greateſt policy to preſerve what is ſo obtained▪ Would it not to that end, be great prudence to ſettle the land Forces, 1. in the ſeverall Counties in confiding hands? The officers commanding, the members commanded to be truly religious, and of approved integrity and fidelities? hath not time, and experience diſcovered in every County, City, Town and Village, who are faithfull, w… diſaffected, and who by ſuch influences are able and willing to do doe publick ſervice or prejudice, having eſtate or eſteem, parts or authority for any ſuch imployment, martiall or civill? This conſideration is none of the leaſt, nor of the leaſt advantage to promote an eſtabliſhment, to preſerve a ſafe, a ſure peace, not only with reſpect to the Militia of the State but to all Civill offices in every Corporation, City, Towne, Village, or in any Court whatſoever in the Common-wealth.
2. Prudence not only to furniſh a formidable Navy in truſty hands at preſent, but for future incouragement unto Sea-men, to do a… the State of Spair, to gain …en for all ſervices by Sea or land, with mony and good pay. Our ſhips are the walls and bulwarks of theſe Iſlands, & thereby not only the State is ſecured, but the Trade preſerved, and the neceſſities of the poor ſupplyed, to the great advantage of the Nation. Wherefore Queen Elizabeth of famous memory, afforded Sea-men and Souldiers the beſt encouragement beyond all others, becauſe they ſerved for the good of the whole; poore Seamen ſhee freed from all taxes, for goods imported and exported, whereby ſhe gained their hearts, was enabled hereby for any ſervice, became terrible to the whole world, rendred this Common-wealth ſecure, proſperous and peaceable, beyond all others: Merchants being thereby …ncouraged.
3 Prudence to ſecure and ſtrengthen all the Ports, Forts, Havens, and Harbors with the Inland Garriſons of the Common-wealth, to examine the ſtrength thereof, and how each is furniſhed with all manner of proviſion, powder, bullet, match, cordage, arms and Ordinance, that upon any invaſion or occaſion there may be no want in our Magazines, and that a true Bill of Account be rendred to the Councell of State, and thoſe ſtores maintained, & conſtantly preſerved without imbe…lement.
4. Prudence to ſupply the treaſure of the Kingdom ſo much exhauſted, of ſo great concernment, of ſo neceſſary uſe, (money being the ſinews of War) that there may be a ſufficient ſtock at all times for all publick ſervices▪ ſhould Seamen, Souldiers, and other ſervants to the State, want their due pay, diſcontented at home, and corrupted abroad, would not this hazard our Publick affaires? States muſt conſider the neceſſities of poore men, who cannot forbear their wages, nor allow of time, and days for receipt, nor pay fees to procure their dear earned wages: a great grievance to the ſubject crying in the eares of God, creating Jam. 5. 4.a generall murmur in the hearts of all men, whereby ſuch States diſcourage the hearts, weaken the hands of thoſe, without whoſe ſervice they cannot ſubſiſt in the time of need.
5. Prudence to prevent the combinations and underminings of fained and male-contented friends. The old Serpent ſtill retaines his principles, Divide & Impera, hee works upon ſuch perſons by ſuch inſtruments, fit to effect and perfect this deſign by men of parts, of reputation with the people▪ by them ſtaining the honor of the perſons, of the actions of our worthies, by malicious calumniations, by vile aſperſions, only to prejudice their upright intentions, in the affections of the vulgar, and to obſtruct their faithfull indeavors, whatſoever is contradictory to the corrupt and ambitious end… of ſuch, (though moſt ſutable to the preſent exigence… of State, conducible to the good of the republick,) theſe perſons vigorouſly oppoſe, therein accompliſhing the deſignes of open adverſaries, beyond the greateſt confederation with them, pleading for, but by their acts and violence wholly undermining the Publick, like the ſons of Kora… who did not pretend the abſolute eradication of government, nor the depoſition of Moſes and Aaron ab offi…i…, but intended a more equall diſtribution of power, (Moſes and Aaron invading the rig… and liberties of that people as … themſelves) yet this act tended to ſedition, to … that … of government … to violate the … fear, on the peoples part, and therefore is puniſhed from heaven with the ſaddeſt, ſoreſt judgments; but the worſt deſign i… ▪ that if the people cannot be divided from you, ſuch will ſ…k to ….divide you from them, or if that prevail not, to divide your among your ſelves▪ the firſt is dangerous, but this laſt is deadly.
6 Prudence to regulate future elections, that the perſons elected for plety toward God, for juſtice towards men, for prudence in publick affairs, for reſolution, courage and faithfulneſſe be ſuch, as that no reſpect unto themſelves, nor the fear, nor yet the favour of others may poyſe them from the zealous and conſcionable purſuit of any cauſe of publike advantage, although attended with perſonall prejudices, accompanied with the greateſt difficulties; Hee is a publick perſon who hath a publick ſpirit; who is more divine then popular, more popular then perſonall, who ſeeks his particular intereſt leaſt; the honor of God, the affairs of the Lord Chriſt and of his Kingdom and Goſpel moſt earneſtly. The Electors to be perſons wiſe, judicious, and well affected. Power diſtributed into ſafer hands is not loſt either to the benefit of the whole, or to the good of every part, it concerns every part that the whole be ſafe, it concerns the whole body to preſerve every member from perill, no ſociety can be ſafe without preſerving its due parts whereof it is compounded from being hurt. It is a martiall rule, that every Souldier carries his neighbors life in his hands, in breaking his ranks he loſeth his own, for betraying his fellow Souldiers. Thoſe who betray the publick juſtice, deprive them of a private liberty, Eſa… by his prophaneneſſe loſt▪ both Heb. 12. 16, 17.bleſſing and birthright which Jacob inherited.
7. Prudence to look up all publick counſells, ſo ſecurely, ſo ſecretly, that ſuch matters as are to be debated Communi concilio, none be preſent at, who lie under any cloud of ſuſpition, none who hold any correſpondency with publick enemies, who will impart the debates and reſolutions of State, to ſuch who prejudice the enterpriſes, and fruſtrate the deſignes thereof.
8. Prudence to indeavour the friendſhip of forain States and Kingdoms (if with honor) though with the expence of ſom treaſure, the ſame might be purchaſed) this conduceth much to the good ſucceſſe, and happy events of all affairs, domeſtick or forain, both in reſpect of Councell and ſtrength, on all neceſſary and urgent occaſions. I ſhall alſo add the priviledg it would be to this State, to have ſuch a golden key by the ſide thereof, as would open the cloſeſt cabbinet counſells of all forain States, eſpecially of ſuch who may deſign to prejudice the peace and proſperity of this. It is unknown how much this State had been damnified, if ſome (whom I could name) had not been faithfull and wiſe, in the due obſervance of theſe laſt rules, (perſons worthy all honor) pitie but ſome character of ſpeciall honour ſhould be ſet upon them and theirs, by whom Parliament, City, and Countrey have been preſerved and delivered, ere they knew their danger, then imminent, when the whole dreamt of ſecurity by Treaties. I cannot remember the miſchief… then intended without horror, nor the care of thoſe Worthies (without the privity of the Houſe) to prevent them without honor, they being acquainted by certain intelligence, with the endeavours of forain Princes, the higheſt reſolutions, deepeſt deſignes, ſecret motions, ſubtill intentions, military proviſions, and martiall preparations of domeſtick and forain enemies, the cabinet-counſell of the enemy being opened to Sir Hen. Mild…, when to no other beſide him, who made as wiſe, as faithfull improvement of his intelgence to the good of the whole in apparent perill, as any one man in this Republick.
2. Concerning Fortitude, Reſolution and Courage, without which the honor of the day, and the goodneſſe or beauty of the way is loſt, I ſhall add a word or two. Stateſmen under the Goſpell have higher precepts, better preſidents, ſtronger reaſons to ſtand up and ingage for the defence of their liberties, then C…riu…, S…ipio, Cato among the Romans, then Themiſtocles, … Ariſti…es, among the Athenians: a Roman, Lace…em…ian or Ath…ni…, may be very zealous for civill liberties, as wee read in … in Cicero and other authors, what Livius, what … and many others acted and ſuffered, for the obtaining of their civill … with what reſolution & courage Ier. 9▪ ….they reſiſted thoſe who oppoſed▪ yea but propoſed ſuch rules, or counſelled to ſuch … as …ended to the infringement thereof, depoſing ſome, baniſhing others, putting others to death and confiſcating the goods of all ſuch as they reputed enemies, Chriſtians under the Goſpell have as much reaſon, having power and opportunity to preſerve what God and Nature hath inveſted them with, and being loſt, to reſtore thoſe rights a… their native birth right.
Let prophane Eſau's under-value their freedoms; Paul a Roman will defend his priviledges, and valiant Shammah his field of of …ntils (who ſtands his ground when deſerted by the people) againſt an Army of the Philiſtims, whom he conquers. Joabs argument may put us upon higher Acts, our liberties being ſuperlative. Be valiant, ſaith he, for our people, and for the Cities of our God, and let the Lord doe what i… ….good in his owne ſight. Be valiant for the Lord and for his truth, ſaith Jeremy. When men have more valour for their civill, then they have for divine liberties, more reſolution and courage in thoſe cauſes, which concerne themſelves and the outward man, then thoſe which concerne the Lords honour, their ſouls eternall welfare; they act but at Heathens, who did many heroick Acts, but what ſingular thing doe yee? the Acts of Chriſtians ſhould be performed with the greateſt reſpect to God. We will not loſe civil immunities, becauſe the price of the bloud of our anceſtors, the inheritance of our fore-fathers. Naboth would not therefore part with his vineyard, no not to the King, although he would have purchaſed it, and given him to the full value thereof. But Goſpell liberties are tranſcendent, to take from our children and poſterities their glory, y…a Gods glory; to deprive them of that legacy, and deed of gift bequeathed them by Chriſt in his laſt teſtament, the price of his precious bloud, is ſuch ſacriledge as there is no robbery like unto it under heaven; and deſperate is that State where all men are willing to captivate their ſouls for the freedome of their bodies, to preſſe their conſciences to death, to ſave their goods.
The Apoſtle who perſwadeth us to ſeek freedom… a… the hands of the Supreame Power, doth alſo adviſe us ſo to uſe … 15, 16.that liberty that it be not a cloak of malitiouſneſs, of pride, of preſumption, of ſelfe-willedneſſe; ſo to uſe it as not to abuſe authority, as not to pervert, or inforce the ſupream power of a State, to patronage our private and ſinfull intereſts, to own our violent attempts, or unwarrantable engagements; but to be as the ſervants of Chriſt, for humility, honour and affection towards all who have the Image of God upon them, and in the feare of God to give the greateſt civill reſpect to thoſe in authority, be they good, be they bad. Therefore the act of ſuch who would diminiſh the divine authority of the Magiſtrate, who endeavour to take that from him which God hath Pſal: 8 2. 5. 2 Pet: …. 10. Iude 9. 10:given him, or would enforce him to, give what is not his to give, is ſo full of ſinfull preſumption, and deteſtable uſurpation, that ſuch cannot but feare to periſh in the gaine-ſaying of Corah. Alſo ſuch who would perſwade the Magiſtrate to part with his reſtrictive power in matters of religion, invite him to give that ſword given him by God, into the hands of furious men, who would deſtroy all government, violate all bands▪ both ſacred and civill, and with as much right, (and ſome will plead reaſon too, who are againſt magiſtratical authority, and would levell all into an equality,) theſe may deſire his reſtrictive power in naturall and in civill acts, yea with as much reaſon, and right alſo, they may abridge parents and maſters of their reſtrictive authority over children and ſervants (H…eſco referens) as they may deprive the Magiſtrate of his.
To gaine our owne liberty with the loſſe of Chriſts, argueth want of reſolution, for were ſuch willing to ſubject their wills and conſciences to Gods word, to obedience to his divine Will, a… well by ſuffering, as by acting when called thereunto, they would not tranſgreſſe the bounds to adventure upon ſuch prepoſterous courſes. Becauſe former Repreſentatives preſumed too much, ſhall future aſſume nothing, no not a power of reſtraint? v… …orum ſtupori qui non exhorreſcunt. True Reſolution muſt be fetched from heaven, through God Pſal. 6 12. Ier: 10. 23. Ier: 31. 1, 2▪ Eſay …8. 15.we ſhall do valiantly; that reſolution which is accompanied with a dependance on our owne wiſdome, …or ſtrength, is to reſt upon an Arme of fleſh, is to make a lye our refuge.
To maintaine the ſtrength of your reſolution, two conſiderations are worthy your obſervance.
1 The conſideration of the goodneſſe of your …uſe▪ every Pſal. 74 2…cauſe is good ſo farre forth as God is engaged therein; Ariſe O Lord, ſaith the Prophet, plead thine owne cauſe. The more you engage for God, the more you engage God unto you. You know that text, and how it is applyed by Rehobeam 1 …hr. 13 9, 10.againſt Jeroboam, we keep the charge of the Lord our God, but yee have forſaken him. God himſelf is with us, …ight ye not againſt him, for ye ſhall not proſper. Yee know how H…z… kiah 2 …h… 14 9, 1…, 11, 1…, 13. 2 …h…. 16. 9▪ 2 … 19 2. 2 …h…o. 35. 21, 22, 23, 24.incouraged his Souldiers, when they went forth againſt the Army of Senacherib; be not afraid for all the multitude that is with him, for there be moe with us, with him is an arm of fleſh, but with us; is the Lord our God, to fight our battell…. If the Lord be ingaged in a cauſe, who dare appear againſt him▪ to ingage therein without God, procures but war and blood in Kingdom…, laſting troubles, & continual miſeries, as we ſee in the caſes of Aſa, Jehoſap…at, & Joſia…, good Kings, yet for ſome ſmall miſcarriages (for comparatively they were not great) they procured unto themſelves and to their Kingdoms wrath. The particular acts of publick perſons, are prejudiciall to the publick State, to the whole Nation, and when the Lord hath any ſpeciall controverſie with a Nation, and ſome great judgment to in flict, he leaveth ſuch perſons, to the power of ſuch corruptions, 2 Sam. 24. 1.againſt the ſtrength of all humble advice and counſell to the contrary, that thereby he may make a way to his wrath. But now if the Lord ingage with us, let enemies conſederate, let Nations aſſociate, their power ſhall be broken, their counſell Eſay 8, 9, 10ſhall not ſtand (ſaith the Prophet.) For the Lord is with us, all ſuch as are incenſed againſt us ſhall be as nothing, all that war againſt us (ſaith the ſame Prophet) ſhall periſh, for God Eſay 41. 10, 11▪ 12.is with us. The Lord when he gave the charge of Iſrael to Joſhua, tells him, that he would be with him, and would not …ail him nor forſake him; only he chargeth him to be ſtrong and very couragious, that he might obſerve to doe all that is written in the Law, for then ſhould he make his way proſperous, then …oſ. 1. 7, 8.ſhould …e have good ſucceſſe, Gods preſence and bleſſing whitherſoever he went, in all his actions and undertakings▪ Now,
2▪ That cauſe is good which is begun by rule, … carried on by the ſame meaſure, with an uniforme and conſtant motion to holy and honourable ends, if any Act be done to pleaſe man, out of feare or favour unto any, or if it be done out of private ſelfe, or ſiniſter reſpect to perſonall ends and intereſt, Mat▪ 16. 22.honour, or eſtate, thoſe acts are odious in the ſight of God, and will be dreadfull againſt the ſouls of ſuch men, when God awakens conſcience. The ſinners in Zion are afraid, fearfulneſs Eſay 33. 14▪ 15. Hoſea 11. 1.hath ſurpriſed the hypocrites: who among us ſhal dwell with the devouring fire, who among us ſhall dwell with the everlaſting burnings? If done with reſpect to the honour of God only, ſuch acts are acceptable.
Secondly, Good, if uniforme, if our motions he ſtraight, without deflectibility, conſtant and permanent without inſtability. The Apoſtle tells us that ſuch as are like waves Iames 1. 7. Gen: 49 4.rouling and ſwelling by the motion of the winde, ſuch ſhall never excell, never receive wiſdome, whereby to excell, … the hands of God. Such whoſe mindes are fixed upon ſeverall objects, intereſts, and ends▪ whereby their wil… are poſſeſſed with an habituall and native flectibility, to one object at one time, with ſome deflectibility in reſpect unto ſome other at another time, divers from what before they intended; theſe are double minded, and therefore unſtable in all their wayes; as we ſee in Bala…, …e durſt not but obey the command of God, and yet inclined to gratifie the humours of B…la…k, to Numb: 23. …1…. 2 Pet: 2 15, 16. Hoſea 7. 11, 12, 13.obtaine his owne covetous ends, and to attaine the ſame by his ſinfull wits, …e undermines the divine will of God. It is a fatall ſimplicity, preceding deſtruction, for our owne ends to gratifie, to comply with enemies to God: ſuch perſons muſt needs be man of uncertain mindes, and various reſolutions.
Thirdly, I… our eye be upon the Rule, upon that w…y wherein the Lord would have us walke, to beginne, to continue therein in a counter motion to the ſinnes of the … with the remotion of ſuch corruptions, diſcovered by the word, by the holineſſe, and righteouſneſſe of divine … D…. … 10▪ Hoſea 1…. 9.croſſing our corrupt ends, … and intereſts, (to which … our hearts … …lu…d) ſuch a… are good. But … of ou… hearts be ſo ſtrong and … ſtumble, and fal, that we take offence & diſpleaſure at the truths of God diſcovered, or the works and providence of God adminiſtred, becauſe unſuitable to our wils, to our intereſts; this caſe is very dangerous, God will never owne it nor us therein.
Secondly, the ſtrength of your authority, that would bee conſidered in the next place. Poteſtat juxta neceſſitatem habitat, is a Pythagorian Maxim, violent neceſſities have enforced private Heſt: 4. 16.perſons to publick actions, when againſt all law, as w… ſee in the caſes of Heſter and of Jehojadah▪ It is an everlaſting Rule in politicks, that no State can admit any law or priviledge whatſoever, but the ſame at ſome times, and in caſes of neceſſitie and urgency, muſt be violated. Wiſe men in the conſideration of the Acts of Stateſ-men ſhould reſpect the reaſons, and the ends of their acts, more then the acts themſelves; the reaſon of State lies in the publicke ſafety, the J… Reipubl cae is the bond of Parliament, and viv… Ratio & manifeſta equi…as, is the very anima legis and the fundamentall of all imperiall lawes in all Kingdom… and Common-wealths. This is a maxime in Theologie, as well as in morality, that the law is good becauſe it is juſt. The affairs of State ſhould not bee managed by cuſtome, by the opinions or affections of men, by the private ends, or intereſts of any, but by Religion, by Reaſon, by Conſcience, the rules of all acts being divine, and all humane motions muſt be ſutable to the decrees of God, of natures law, to the rules of equity, and for the welfare of the Republicke: and the neceſſity of law, is to be weighed in the ſcale of preſervation of publicke peace, of liberty, of profit, and of the ſafety of the whole, before reſpect unto any private perſon, honor, or advantage. The ſtrict and grammaticall conſtruction of Law bindes not a private perſon in a publick caſe: If my neighbours houſe be on a fire, I may pull down the houſe next it, rather then endanger a City, or ſtreet: a ſervant may by violence pluck his Maſter out of doors, in caſe his perſon be in perill by fire. What Jury will condemn a man that ſteals a loa…e of bread to ſave his owne and his childrens life, if hee could not obtaine it by begging?
If a Patient be ſick, and his Phyſitian forbids him wine, or ſtrong water, this patient and his friends will be very reſpective and ſtrict in the due obſervance of that rule. But now in caſe of a ſwoone (though the Patient deſire it not, yea, deny it, refuſe it, being inſenſible of his ſtate, and of that neceſſity) his friends force him to take quantum ſufficit, notwithſtanding the order to the contrary. This Phyſitian (being rationall) neither can nor will be offended therewith, the neceſſity of his patient being of more force in this preſent caſe, then his former preſcription was in the other, which although it did not expreſly except any, yet neceſſarily did imply an exception in this caſe; that inhibition onelyonly reſpecting this end, the life and health of the patient, which by no other meanes at this time could be provided for, but by ſuch a violation: the like may be ſaid in ſuch caſes, wherein the ſafety of a State conſiſteth.
Never State had more preſſing neceſſities then you now, in reſpect of your own ſecurity: your perſons, poſterities, honours, and eſtates, yet more in reſpect of your friends who have been firm to you hitherto, and moſt of all in reſpect to the people (in generall much diſſatisfied) to the ſouldier who is diſcontented, and ſhould thereupon forſake you, what dangers muſt neceſſarily invade you, your wiſdomes underſtand; you had need be active to afford generall content to all men if poſsible, at leaſt to encourage friends to act freely under you. You were firſt ſent by the people, who elected you to this end, who entruſted you with power to act what in your reaſon conduced moſt powerfully, and effectually to their good, liberty, and ſafety.
Secondly, you are continued in the ſame place and power, and left to act in the Commonwealth, for ſuch a time as this, to ſave your ſelves and all that firſt adhered to you: for all ſhall ſuffer, ſhall fare alike. 'Tis folly to diſpute your authority, for there is no viſible authority left in the State for any to act by, but yours as moſt Supreame; and againe, That power muſt be obeyed actively, in caſe of ſcandall, and to avoid offence, which in other caſes may lawfully be d…ed. Suppoſe your commands unjuſt, illegall, and injuriou… … againſt Law, againſt Priviledge, yet due obedience … thereto is more warrantable from our Lord Chriſt… example in paying tribute unto Caeſar, then diſobedience to the ſcandall of the Goſpell in private perſons can be juſtifiable; yea admit the power it ſelfe uſurped (as in Athalia) yet obedience under it in thoſe perſons, who want both Call and Authority to reforme, or remedy what is irregular, is by the Lord commanded and commended. And what oppoſition is againſt that power, is by the Lord himſelfe condemned, as we ſee in the caſe between Rehoboam and Jeroboam.
But laſtly all power is primarily, and eſſentially, and originally in, and from the people, as the firſt ſubject, they being the creator of all that authority, which is derivative. It is theirs abſolutely and totally by right of poſſeſsion. But becauſe common people have but common capacities, and are not competent judges in affairs of moſt materiall importance, tending to publick peace and ſafety, therefore reaſon and juſtice hath diſtributed and committed this power into ſeverall hands, that communi concilio, ſuch members elected by themſelves, be they more, be they fewer, may act and execute thoſe matters for them, which they cannot commodiouſly, and immediately act for themſelves, the people ſtill retaining to themſelves that exerciſe of power which belongs to their peculiar and perſonall liberties, dignities and proprieties, in lives and eſtates, in perſons and goods, as due to themſelves or theirs, diſperſing the former to that end only to ſtrengthen and not to ſtraighten themſelves, in their proper and native rights. The power of Derivatives or Relatives is moſt eminent in that ſubject which ſtands in the neareſt relation: power is more in the wife then any under the husband in the family, heat is more in fire, then it is in water made hot by fire. Quicquid efficit tale magis eſt tale, thoſe that ſtand in the neareſt relation unto, are the livelieſt Repreſentation of the People, in thoſe is power moſt tranſcendent. When Pope Julius Secundus had offended the Colledge of Cardinals, (the repreſentative of the Catholick Church of Rome) they ſent a citation to ſummon him, (who challengeth Supremacy over Kings and kingdoms, Church and States, notwithſtanding all his preheminence, his power,) to anſwer to certaine depoſitions, they then and there cenſured, and depoſed him as inſufficient to govern, and decreed that that power formerly in him, was now lawfully devolved into the hands of the generall Councell, and was by them to be diſpoſed of according to order, for the rule and government of the univerſall Church, to which order every perſon was comanded to ſubmit. So the Romanes when Tarquinius Superbus had rendred regall government odious to the Commons of Rome by his Tyranny, and exorbitancy, the Senate depoſed him, cenſured him to baniſhment, and altered the frame of the Government from Kings to Conſuls; it is hence a knowne maxime in civill law, and owned by moſt Nations, that he who changeth Government, (from a Monarchy to a Tyranny) loſeth the right of the former. In France the Patricii Regni, in Spaine the perſon repreſenting that power Juſtitiae Arregonicae; in Hungaria, Bohemia, Polonia, Germania; ſome who have been Patroni Reipublicae, the Conſervators of their liberties, againſt the invaſion of oppreſſing Tyrants, the Protectors of their Lawes, theſe have brought the greateſt Princes to the deepeſt cenſures, Hiſtories are full of inſtances.
Theſe States ſtating this for a fundamentall, that treaſon againſt a State is more criminall then againſt a King, the whole being greater then a part; Thoſe hold every State or Kingdome to be an Independent body, no one having denomination over the other, neither owing an account of their actions each unto other, but only to thoſe by whom they are entruſted. One State may as well take liberty to prejudge another in matter of vote, with as much reaſon as they may in matter of fact; and what State would tolerate ſuch uſurpation? neither are conſociated kingdoms further concerned in the affairs each of other, but for mutuall helpefulneſſe to the remotion of common dangers, by the conjunction of Councels, and powers, ſtill preferring their Liberties, priviledges, and intereſts, diſtinct, peculiar, and intire. The end of conſociation being to ſtrengthen, not to ſtraighten each other in their proper due and native rights; to equals appertaine only a power of equality, not of ſubjection.
What Trajanus the Emperour deſired of the Senate of Rome that that ſword received from them, might by them be drawne againſt himſelfe, ſhould he rule amongſt them contrary unto law, is not unknowne. I will not mention the law of Conradus the Emperour, knowne to every Hiſtorian, 'tis a fundamentall Rule in all Politicks, Inſtituere & deſtituere eſt ejuſdem poteſtatis, and in Divinity it holds as firm, ſhall he that hates Job 34 1….right, governe? (ſaith Job) that the Hypocrite raigne not leſt the people be inſnared. Solomon tels us that a poor and wiſe … 4 1….child is better then an old and fooliſh King, who will not be admoniſhed, for out of Priſon he commeth to raigne, whereas he that is borne to a Kingdome becommeth poore. The power of a King is poteſtas juris non injuriae, ſubjects will not, cannot alwayes beare. In all States it was ever held pernicious to permit any man to grow ſo great, ſo mighty, that no man might or durſt controle him.
In Scotland at a generall Aſſembly convened 1553. this concluſion was determined by univerſall conſent, Principes omnes t…m ſuprem… quam inferiores, &c. All Rulers, ſupream or inferiour, may, and ought to be reformed, or depoſed by thoſe by whom they are confirmed or admitted unto office, as oft as they break their promiſe by oath to their ſubjects, becauſe the Prince is no leſſe bound unto his Subjects, then the Subject is unto him, and therefore that oath which ought to be kept by both, the breach thereof is to be reformed equally in both, according to the laws of the kingdome, and the conditions made by either party.
They tell us in their Hiſtories, that ſuch acts as be intolerable in private perſons, are much leſſe to bee favoured in Princes, becauſe Regis ad exemplum, that 'tis a corruption in thoſe kingdoms, which favour the vices of any perſon, noble o… ignoble, that 'tis a ſervill State, wherein the nobility is either ſo timerous, or ſo beſotted with affection, or favour to a bad King, that they will rather indulge him in vice, or tyranny, then be perſwaded to diſcharge their duty and conſcience to God or good men; that Princes themſelves are very unhappy beyondall men, might they be permitted to do what they liſt, and none be admitted to cenſure them.
To conclude this Argument, where there is a good cauſe▪ where there is ſufficient authority, what difficulties ſhould diſcourage that heart, weaken that hand, faithfully ſet, skilfully exerciſed in the Lords ſervice? what ſaid Nehemiah, whe… his enemies plotted, and his friends feared? ſhall ſuch a man as I flee (ſaith hee?) Who is there that being as I am, (a publick perſon called to ſo publick a work, wherein the Lords honour is ſo much concerned,) would goe into the Temple to ſave his life? I will not goe in.
The Lord to encourage Zorobabel in his ſervice againſt all oppoſition, tells him, that he would be a wall of fire round about Jeruſalem unwalled, and the glory in the midſt of her; a wall round about for ſecurity, for protection, of fire to the deſtruction of all her enemies that ſhould riſe up againſt her, and in the midſt ſhould not only be his glory, preſence, and power, to ſtrengthen, to encourage their ſpirits, but to preſent and render their perſons and actions amiable and honorable to the world, to Angells, and to good men.
Oh that the ſpirit of life from God may enter into the body of this State, that this Parliament once ſo intereſted in the affections of the people generally, whoſe hearts were pinned upon their lips, whoſe purſes, and lives freely were engaged for them, may by their laſt actions recover their loſt honors. It was ſaid of Br…tus, Nemo primum contemptior Romae ſuit, Nemo minus poſtea. It was a pretious ſpeech of his, who being demanded by a Prince, the yeers of his age, hee anſwered but forty five, when he was indeed ſeventy five, from the time of his naturall birth, becauſe ſaith he, Annos m…tis nunquam vit… nominabo, thoſe yeers ſpent in the ſervice of the world, the fleſh, and the luſts of his own heart; wherein hee was a ſlave to ſin, to ſelf, and lived without Chriſt, hee eſteemed not in the number of the yeers of his life, hee called them the yeers of death: wee ſhould not account our ſelves really alive, untill wee live to the honour and for the ſervice of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt.
Oh that every member of this Houſe did act his part faithfully, ſincerely, as member of a new elected Parliament, as a member of the body of Chriſt, as a new man, Non ſumus noti, niſi …enati, ſuch as act conſcionably for God, ſhall bee had by him and his Saints in everlaſting Jer. …. 2. Jud. 5. 18▪honour, h… will not forget their labours, not their Eſay 60. 15.hazards, nor their love; yea, the poſterities and families Eſay 58. 12.of ſuch as ſtand in the breach, who repair the waſts of former ages, who reſtore the foundations of future generations, Eſay 61. 34.ſhall bee had in precious eſteem; as a blot of eternall infamy will remain upon thoſe, noble or ignoble, Nehem▪ …. 5.who diſowne the Lords ſervice, and pluck their ſhoulders from his yoak.
To encourage you therefore in this honourable ſervice for God, and the Cities of our God, let the eye of your faith bee intent upon theſe four conſiderations as grounds of preſent and future confidence.
1. Thoſe State-miracles, and great wonders which the Lord … 6…. …. …, 5. Pſal 4…. 8.of Hoaſts hath done in and for this Nation, and by this Parliament, the mercies wee have received (although the fruits of faith and prayer) yet have exceeded infinitely our thoughts, imaginations, but the greateſt mercies are yet to receive, precious was the faith, and ſtrong was the argument of that woman: Judg. 1…. 2….If the Lord would have deſtroyed us, would hee at this time (note that) have ſhewed us all theſe things? It's my argument, I think 'tis invincible, one mercy is an engagement unto another, Hoſt. 6. 13.in falling thou ſhalt ſurely fall, it was a Divine prediction.
2. Though the ſins of the Land be many, yet the Lords controverſie is not at this time with his Saints, but with the Jer. 51. 5, 6.inhabitants of Babylon, whatever the ſins of the Saints be he will pardon, will ſave his ſervants, but ruine his enemies. Iſrael hath not been forſaken, nor Judah of his God, of the Lord of Hoaſts, though the Land was filled with ſin againſt the holy one of Iſrael, this is the time of the Lords vengeance, but he wil render unto Babylon her recompence.
Wee live in that period of time, wherein time ſhall have end Rev. 10. 6. Rev. 16. 14.or be no more, (in that ſenſe that John meant it,) the time of the rage of the enemies, the reign of Antichriſt.
The Kingdomes of this world ſhall be the Lords, and his Eſay … 9. Hagg 2. 21, 22.Chriſts, his enemies ſhall be his foot-ſtool, and the pride of all oppoſite glory ſhall be ſtained, the heavens and the earth ſhaken, that the Lord may overthrow the thrones of Kingdoms, and deſtroy the ſtrength thereof; The moſt high God rules … the Kingdoms of men, and times, thrones and Dominions, are Dan. 4. 17. Dan: 7. 6, 27.his prerogative, they have their periods unto a time or times, & the dividing of time, and then the judgement ſits: this time is at hand.
3. Should the Lord proſper his enemies, himſelf ſhould be the greateſt loſer, and ſuffer moſt in his own honour. For,
1. Theſe enemies would blaſpheme his name, and tyrannize the more over his Saints, who ſhould be as ſheep appointed for the ſlaughter, they would reproach the footſteps of the Lords anointed, and in deriſion ſay, Where is now their God? Deut: 32▪ 2….they would with deſpightfull heart confederate to their ruine, and conſpire to cut them off from being a Nation, that the name of Iſrael may be no more in remembrance; their ſword wil make no diſtinction between a Presbyterian and an Independent, if the image of God bee in either, it is his grace which they deſpiſe, but the Lord who hath reproved Kings, will alſo Pſal: 106.Princes, for the ſakes of his ſervants.
Pſal: 30. 9. Pſal. 137. 4. Exo6. 8. 26.2. The Lord ſhould loſe the honor of the high praiſe of the Saints, how can they ſing the Lords ſong under captive enemies? The Lords ſac ifice is an abomination to an Aegyptian, for a time he may ſuffer Aegyptians to oppreſſe, and Aſſyrians to rule with rigour, but when the Lord by theſe afflictions Eſay 52▪ 5.hath humbled their hearts, refined them, and fitted them for deliverance, ingaged their ſpirits in his ſervice, what men or powers now ſtand in oppoſition to interrupt the motion of his grace, even the greateſt mountains ſhall melt before him, his Pſ: 102. 13, 14. …eph▪ 3. 8, &c.name ſhall be then known unto his adverſaries, and the Nations tremble at his preſence.
4. And laſtly, The Lord hath prepared a remedy to adminiſter proportionable and ſutable to our diſeaſe; hee hath not left us without balme in this our Gi…ad. When the Lord ſent Heb▪ 10. 5. Jer. 14. …, 9.his Son out of his boſome to undertake the work of ſalvation, he fitted him a body for that work: he is not as a ſtranger in our land, as a way faring man that turneth aſide, to tarry for a night as one aſtonied, as a mighty man that cannot ſaves (that is) he is not as a man that hath no calling, no opportunity, no wil to meddle, he is not a… one deprived of power and ſtrength by aſtoniſhment, but the Lord our God in the midſt of us hath been Zeph. 3. 17.mighty for to ſave us, he hath not broken the ſtaffe and ſtay of this Nation, the mighty man, the man of war, the Judge, the Eſay 3. 1, 2, 3.Prophet, the prudent and the ancient, but hath given us as wiſe and honorable a Parliament, as ever any age ſince the creation enjoyed, and therewith ſuch an Army (our adverſaries being Judges) for piety and juſtice, for prudence and courage, as no ſtorie ſince the dayes of Joſhua can parallel their noble & heroick acts: this Army under God the arm of our Salvation, the dread of Rome, the crown of this Nation; that had not the Lord delighted in us, he would not have raiſed us up ſuch Saviours, nor have performed theſe mighty works for us, by ſuch honored inſtruments; he doth not extraordinary things for ordinary ends, upon theſe grounds, who after all theſe conſiderations profeſſing godlineſſe will dare to be ſo unnaturall, as to lay violent hands upon their beſt friends, to violate the bonds of nature, of grace: to conſpire againſt the lives of ſuch who have fought for their liberties, thereby betraying their owns perſons, with their poſterities, to certaine ruine, to ſubject both to the ſervitude of any Imperious Lords, or Law-givers, rather then to their own who intend them the greateſt felicity? Oh my ſoul enter not into their ſecret, mine honor be not thou united Gen. 4. ….into their Aſſembly, ſaid that good Father, curſed bee their anger, for it is fierce, and their wrath, for it is cruell. It is more honorable in any who apprehend themſelves injured, to bear with patience, rather then to remedy or reform what they conceive irregular, by any one act of hoſtility, ſuch may learn of Heathens, rather to ſuffer many then to offer any injuries. So ſaith Socrates, upon private diſcontent, upon particular revenge to contrive the ruine of a Nation, (though themſelves periſh therewith) is prodigious and ſtupendious wickedneſſe; the event of war is uncertain, but this is certain, if that work which theſe would overturne bee of men, it will of it ſelf come to nought, but if it be of God it cannot be overthrowne, and they ſhall bee Acts 3. 38.found fighters againſt God. Beſides more is loſt by ſpoyl in one yeers war, then would be in many yeers due obſervance of the juſt commands of State, although to ſome perſonall prejudice▪ It is reported that when Ariſtides perceived the ill effects of ſome differences, which aroſe between Th…miſteel…s and himſelf, to compoſe them, he … by this argument, we are not mean in this Common … will prove no ſmall offence to others, diſparagement to our ſelves, and prejudice to …he publick: I… we muſt need… …rive … contend, who ſhall ex…ell … It were a … to … Chriſtians if the Goſpel ſhould not teach us better. O… thee we did convert our reaſonings into re…dies▪ our … into …ty. The envy of Ephraim …all depart, and Judah … no Eſay 11. 13.more ve… Ephraim, the adverſaries to both ſhall bee … and the ſtick of Ephraim, and of Judah, ſhall be one … in the Ezek. 37. 19. Iam: 4. 17, 1….hand of the Lord. In theſe divided and diſtracte… … grace of the heart, the holineſſe of the life, appears in the … ſtudious deſire, and diligent endeavour to make peace …o maintain the unity of the ſpirit in the bond of peace; there is but one God, one Faith, Oh that there were in us one heart; it is a ſad Zech: 1…. 1….token that the Lord will ſee an idol ſhepheard over the land, or leave ſuch to that tyranny and bondage, which ſhall be worſe to them then Prelacy; and if the ſtaffe of bonds continue broken by as, if we ſtil divide in our opinions, in our affections, and wound each other with the tongue, and with the pen, which wounds are ſharper then ſwords, we may juſtly fear, and muſt expect a more ſmarting ſcourge then ever we yee felt; a Kingdome divided againſt it ſelf, a Parliament, an Army, a People divided how can they ſtand? Remember the miſeries of the Pal…tinate, of Germany, how civill diſcords and diſagreements in matters of Religion▪ expoſed them to thirty years wars and miſeries thereby. Oh that we were wiſe to know in this our day the things of our peace! Why did the Lord Chriſt die to reconcile us, who are but a remnant preſerved from death, reſerved to life, to eternity, and ſhall we bite and devour, and deſtroy each other? the Lord give us humble and ſelf-de…ying hearts, that we may not ſeek our own, but the things of Jeſus Chriſt.
Hag▪ 2. … Rev: 6. 12. Rev: 16. 18.The Lord is now ſhaking heaven and earth, and what befell the civil S…me of Rome Pagan, ſhall befall the State of Rome Papal… ▪ All Magiſtratical, all Eccleſiaſticall, all authority oppoſite to Chriſts Miniſteriall S…ep…er, muſt and ſhall be thrown downs. All Kings, Princes, and States in this laſt age ſhall be ſubjected to the Government of our Lord Chriſt, or periſh. Therefore Zeph: 1. 7. …. 9. 1.bee ſilent all fleſh at the preſence of the Lord, becauſe the day of the Lord is at hand; a day of darkneſſe and darkeneſſe, becauſe the way of the Lord is in the whirle-wind, his footſteps in the mighty waters▪ out of a Chaos the Lord framed heaven and earth, out of confuſion and irregularities hee can extract peace and order.
The greateſt mercies ariſe from the moſt hopeleſſe beginnings, a dead people ſhall bee a glorious Nation.
Faith ſubdueth Kingdomes, conquereth the hearts of mutinous men. Therefore pray for the good, and for the peace of England, O let them proſper who love it. For our Brethren, for our Companions ſake, Pray that peace may bee within the walls, and proſperity within the palaces of the Nation; Becauſe of the Houſe of the Lord our God, let us ſeek the good of England, in the peace whereof is our peace, the peace of our pretious wives, and of our dear children.
Oh that fatall ſimplicitie which is in our hearts, whereby we wrangle our ſelves into blood, whereby we countenance and by our diviſions confederate with apparent enemies, againſt reall friends, againſt thoſe who are Hujus Reipublica Reſtitutores, (as was ſaid of Vale…tinianus,) & ſanctorum refugium. Oh the ſenſleſſe ſtupidity of this Malignant generation, who are like thoſe Pears that Solinus ſpeakes of; which although they be wounded, yet cannot be awakened!
Oh the horrible ingratitude of this Nation to the Lord, about to deliver it from bondage, to conduct us into Canaan, and becauſe of ſome diſappointments, ſome difficulties wee murmur and rebell againſt thoſe raiſed up by God for our deliverance. Populi ad ſervitudinem pr…parati. It is a Germane Proverb, That wee muſt bow our knees to that tree which gives us ſhadow; there is more prudence in due obedience to the Authority of this Parliament, then there is piety in any compliance with the ends of ſuch as are profeſſed enemies to the peace of this State, then there is policy upon the beſt pretence, to divide amongſt our ſelves. Apud Chriſtians … qui pa…i…r, ſed qui … … miſer eſt, (ſaith Jerome) and not only true Chriſtianity, but the beſt magnanimity conſiſts in the conqueſt of our ownwills.
Fortior eſt qui ſe, quam qui fortiſſima vincit M…nia, nec virtus altius ire poteſt.
FINIS.