WHen Nachash the King of the Ammonites ( Right Worshipfull and beloued in Christ ) had now brought the inhabitantes of Iabesh Gilead into so greate distresse , that onely vpon seauen dayes respite they were to yeelde vp their Citie into the enemies handes vpon a very hard condition ( which was , that euery one of the Citizens should haue his right eye plucked out . ) The people of Israel , partly because they saw Samuel their Iudge to be olde and feeble , and partly , because they perceiued the sonnes of Samuel , Ioel and Abiah , though ruling in the place and stead of their Father ; yet not walking in the wayes and steps of their Father , as dispayring to haue any ayde or deliuerance by their Iudges , ( in which state of gouernment , God had for many yeeres so happily preserued them ) They come ( with one consent ) to their Iudge , and desire that they may haue a King . 1. Sam. 11.12 Samuel when he had vsed many meanes , and many forcible argumentes to disswade them from this their malcontented and dispayring minde , and seeing euidently that no perswasions could take any place in their wilfull hartes , doth now at the last , call vpon the Lord in the time of Wheate-haruest , for a sodaine and miraculous thunder and storme of raine , that thereby , as it were by an other voyce of God , the people might be further certified , both how greeuously they had offended , and how for their offence the Lorde was highly displeased with them . When the Israelites saw apparantly that Samuel had no sooner called vnto the Lord for that thunder and raine , but that presently his request was heard , and that in terrible manner , in the sight and hearing of the whole people , they were astonished : and being wonderfully striken with sodaine feare , They desire Samuel to pray to the Lord for them , that they die not , adding these wordes ( which now I haue read ) as a reason of their petition , and a confession of their desart : For ( say they ) we haue sinned , besides all our other sinnes , in asking vs a King . What this offence was which the Prophet doth seeke so many wayes to lay open vnto them , it shall the better appeare if we consider these two especiall obseruations .

First , the mightie prouidence , and infinite goodnesse of God extended towardes that people , so many yeeres together , during the tyme of the gouernment of the Iudges . And secondly how small & weake the occasions were for the which they desire to shake off that blessed gouernment : as also on the other side , what great and waighty causes they had to haue bin contented with that estate wherein God had so long and so miraculously protected them .

How long the people had liued , deliuered , defended , and gouerned by Iudges , S. Augustine doth record it in his .18 . booke de Ciuitate Dei , where he affirmeth , Aug. de Ciuitate dei , lib 18. Cap. 22 : that at that time wherein Rome was buylt ( which was by Romulus , in the time of Iosias king of Iuda ) the Hebrewes had bin seauen hundred and eighteene yeeres in the land of Canaan ; whereof ( sayth he ) seauen & twentie appertaine to Iosua , three hundred twentie and nine to the Iudges , and three hundred sixtie and two to the Kinges : where he maketh three seuerall estates of Gouernment , vnder which it pleased God that his people Israel should liue . The first was vnder Dukes , as in the dayes of Moses and Iosua . The second was by Iudges , which differed from Iosua , for he was appoynted a gouernour in the time of prosperitie , when Sehon the King of the Amorits and Ogge the King of Basan were ouerthrowne and vanquished : but the Iudges were first inaugurated and inuested into their callinges in some great distresses , by the affecting of some notable deliuerance . Neither were they like the Dictators , aduaunced amongst the Heathen ; for they were chosen by the voyces of men , but these by the voyce of God him selfe . They were chosen out of men of greatest accompt , and best furnished for the vndergoing of such a charge : but these were raysed vp miraculously out of the inferiour sort , and lowest degrees of people , and inabled extraordinarily by the gyftes and presence of the Almightie , as it is sayd in the second Chapter of the Iudges : The Lord raysed vp Iudges , Iudg. 2.16.18 . which deliuered them out of the handes of their oppressours : And when the Lord did raise vp any Iudges , the Lord ( as it is sayd there ) was with that Iudge , and did deliuer the people out of the handes of the enemies all the dayes of that Iudges life .

There were also many differences betwixt them and the Kinges which folowed . In the Kinges , succession of blood tooke place : in the Iudges it tooke no place . The Kings , had a greater authoritie in ruling and commaunding then the Iudges would chalenge . The affayres hauing good successe against the Madianites , the people offered to Gedeon , Iudg 8.22 . that he should Reigne as king ouer them : But Gedeon answered , Neither will I reigne ouer you , neyther shall my childe reigne ouer you ; but the Lord shall still raigne ouer you . The Kinges were some of them holy , and some wicked : Heb. 11.32 . Iudg. 2.18 . the Iudges were all the faythfull seruantes of God , though some times erring , yet alwayes rysing againe by repentance . The Kinges did some of them saue the people from inuasions , and some not : but the Iudges did euer deliuer them from the hands of their oppressours : And therefore they haue the Hebrewe name Moshegrim , Iud 3 9. Sauiours , giuen vnto them , as in the thirde Chapter of the Iudges it is sayd of Othoniel , that the Lord did stirre vp a Sauiour vnto the children of Israel . And in the ninth of Nehemias , Nehe 9.27 . where there is mention made of the former mercies of God during the time of the Iudges : it is added , that God of his mercie gaue his people Sauiours , who saued them out of the handes of their aduersaries . Some do adde hereunto , that the Iudges more then any other , were the most euident types and figures of that deliuerance which we haue by Christ , from the tyrranie of sinne , death , and Sathan .

A fourth kinde of gouernement , vnder which the people afterwarde liued , is mentioned by Iosephus in the .xx. chapter of his Antiquities , Ioseph Antiq. lib. 20. Cap. penult 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . After the death of these ( to wit ) Herod and Archelaus , their gouernment was Aristocratie , wherin the chiefe authority of the nation was committed to the High-priestes . Ioseph Antiq. lib. 14. cap. 10. Of that gouernment he maketh mention before , when he declareth how Gabinius had diuided the Kingdome into fiue parts ; and ordeyned fiue Counsayles , called Synedriv : he sheweth what ensued of it , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They altering the gouernment , lyued in Aristocratie . They had then , and long before , three seuerall orders of their counsayles : one was an authoritie geuen to three chosen Men , who should decide all causes in money matters . The second was a councell of twentie three Iudges : they were to heare the causes of lyfe and death . The thirde was a councell of seauentie one : their office was to determine of most waightie matters , of the high Priesthood , or of a whole Tribe , or of a false Prophet . Concerning the excellencie of euery one of these foure gouernmentes , and which of them ought to haue the preheminence to be most to be desired amongst Christians , I holde with Caluin , Valdè otiosum est , Caluin institut . lib. 4 cap. 20. sect. 8. quis potissimus sit politiae status a priuatis hominibus disputari , quibus de constituenda aliqua republica deliberare nen licet . It is a very idle thing , that about the best estate of gouernement , a disputation should be had amongst priuate men , who haue no authority to consult of the ordering of any Common-wealth . It is a most singular token of the mightie power and prouidence of God , that so manie seuerall Nations ouer the face of the whole worlde , are vpholden and maynteined by so many seuerall sortes of gouernementes , That Quemadmodum non nisi inaequali temperatura elementa inter se cohaerent , ita hae regiones sua quadam inaequalitate optimè continentur : As in bodily essences , the foure elementes do cleaue togither by vnequall temperaturs , so as it were by a certaine inequalitie , all these seuerall countries are holden togither : But for euery particuler Nation , he very well requireth , that Voluntas Domini satisfacial : The will of God ought to suffice euery man . Si illi Visum est reges , regnis praeficere , liberis ciuitatibus senatus aut decuriones , quoscunque locis praefecerit in quibus degimus , nostrum est ijs nos morigeros ac obedientes praestare : Whether it please God to place Kinges ouer kingdomes ; or to set Senatours , Counsailours , and Aldermen , ouer free Cities , whom soeuer the Lord shall establish in those places wherein we liue , we ought to yeelde submission and obedience to them .

Some do highly aduaunce the gouernment of many , because many are not so soone corrupted as one may be ; euen as a great quantitie of water will not so soone putrifie , as will a small portion : But these must on the other side consider , that it is a great deale more hard to finde many good , then one : and it is most likely , that such a one will prooue best , whom the Nobilitie of Royall blood , and Princely ensamples of predecessours , do inuite vnto vertue . They rest much vpon the libertie which ought to be in man , and whereunto ( they say ) man is horne : But we see , that ( by nature ) as some are framed fit to commaund , so others are made fit to obey . It is an excellent kinde of libertie , when men being set free from the thraldome of their owne lustes , do vnder the rule of superiours , Tul. parad . penult. obey godly and holsome lawes . As the Oratour doth well describe a Free-man , Qui legibus non propter metum paret , sed eas sequitur atque colit quia id salutare maxime esse iudicat , Which doth not obey the Lawes for feare , but doth follow them and imbrace them , because he doth iudge it a thing holsome and necessarie for the safegarde of man . For better it is to dwell where nothing is lawfull , then to dwell where all thinges are lawful . Iudg. 2.16 . The Iudges which were approoued in a kinde of Aristocratie , are sayd to be raysed vp of God . Psal. 21.3 . So also the same is sayd in other places of Kinges . Prou. 8.15 . The wisedome of God doth pronounce it : By mee Kinges doe reigne : Dan. 2.21 . and Princes decree iustice . Daniel sayth , that the Lord doth change times & seasons : Iere. 27.6 . he taketh away Kings , and setteth vp Kinges . Nabuchadnezzar in respect of his kingdome , is called The Seruant of God : and a iudgement is threatned against all people which will not submit their necke vnder his yoke . There is no power , Rom. 13.1 . but of God : and whosoeuer doth resist power , doth resist the ordinance of God . 1. Pet. 2.13 . Of all powers , the authoritie of the King ( who is named by the Apostle Peter such a chiefe or supreame power as for the Lordes sake , is to be obeyed ) doth seeme first to be most agreeable to nature , Hieron . epist. 4. ad Rusticum . as S. Ierome doth witnesse in his . 4. Epistle : In apibus principes sunt , grues vnam sequuntur ordine literato , Imperator vnus , Iudex vnus prouinciae , in naui vnus gubernator , in domo vnus dominus , in quamuis grandi exercitu vnius signum expectatur . Bees haue their chiefe gouernor . The Cranes do follow one in exquisite order . There is one chiefe commaunder , one chiefe Iudge of a Prouince , one gouernour of all in the Shippe , one Maister in a house : In an armie be it neuer so great , the ensigne of one is especially regarded and attended on . In the body of man , though the limmes and partes be many , yet they all obey one head .

Secondly , most fit for the cutting off of seditions and rebellions : and therefore the Romains in all their extreamest dangers had recourse vnto this Tanquam ad anchoram sacram , as to their shoote anchor , as to their last & best refuge , as Liuy witnesseth , Liu. lib. 6. Trepidi patres ad summum auxilium decurrunt , dictatorem dici placet , The fearefull Senators did flie to their chiefest succour , ( which was , to choose out one to haue supreame aucthoritie ) whom it pleased them to cal a Dictator . Liu. lib. 22 . And when Hannibal pressed the Romains Ad dictatorem dicendum remedium iamdiu desideratum ciuitas confugit , The Citie went to the choosing and pronouncing of the Dictator , 〈…〉 lib. 6. which was the remedie they long expected : Because , as in an other place he writeth , Dictatoris edictum pro numine semper obseruatum est , The commaundement and proclamation of the Dictator , was esteemed to be as the voyce of God : there was no appealing from him . 〈…〉 lib. 2. Agedum dictatorem à quo prouecatio non est creemus : Come ( sayd the Consull Appius ) let vs make a Dictator , 〈…〉 lib. 6. from whom it shall not be lawfull for any man to appeale . Tantus erat Dictatoris terror apud hostes vt eo creato statim à moenibus discesserint . So great was the terrour of the Dictator , euen amongst the enemies , that as sone as he was created , they raised their siege and departed . Wherby appeareth playnely , that the ancient Romains as wel in warre as in peace , founde this as a sure anchor holde against all seditions and dangers , to enioy one , such a Magistrate , as from whom there should be no appeale , and whose authoritie should possesse , as it were , the roome of God vpon the earth . The Carians were once a wealthy and flourishing people : but by seditions , which came by the hauing of many heads & gouernours , they were brought to ruine and vtter desolation : wherevpon there arose a prouerbe , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Multi duces disperdidere Cariam , Homer . Too many Guydes vndid the countey Caria .

When many Souldiers were mutinous , prudent Vlysses did represse them with these wordes , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Multos imperitare malum est , rex vnicus esto . T is not good too many to rule , let onely be one King . Which verse ( as Aemilius Probus doth testifie ) Dion did also vse when Heraclides began his faction .

Thirdly , the gouernement of one Monarch doth seeme to resemble most liuely the image of Gods power & maiestie : For as in the firmament , the Sunne , Moone , and Starres , do as it were represent some image of the glory of the Eternall : So the rule of Monarches , in their seuerall kingdomes vpon earth , doth call to our considerations the gouernment and high maiestie of the omnipotent God . And most certainly at this time of the alteration of the estate of the Iewish common-wealth , the wil and purpose of God is in his seruant king Dauid , Psal. 22 , 3. Psal. 2 , 6. to erect an Image & type of the kingdome of Christ . But here ( may some say ) If the will of God were now in Dauid and his posteritie , to set foorth a figure of the kingdom of Christ , how can the Israelites be said to sinne so great a sinne , in asking a king , when they asked onely that , which was determined in the purpose of God ? Why doeth the Lorde so punish their request , in sending them so wicked a king as was Saul , ● . Sam. 13 11 ● . Sam. 15 , 9. who besides his often and wilfull difobedience against the commandement of God , did most cruelly murder the priests of God , ● . Sam. 22 , 18 , causing to bee slaine at one time fourescore and fiue , which ware the linnen Ephod , if in desiring a king , their will did concurre with the will of God ? Yee are heere to obserue , that the Israelites had no respect to the purpose of God , but onely they shewed foorth the fruites of despairing and malcontented affections . In the spoile of the goods of Iob , ●ob . 1.15 , 17 , 21. the Caldeans and Sabeans had no regarde to the will and purpose of God , which was most iust and holy to examine sharply one of his seruants , and to make him a schoolemaster of patience to all posteritie : their desire was onely iniuriously to enrich themselues with the spoyle of Iob. In the death of our sauiour Christ , the high Priestes , Scribes , & Pharises had no respect to the will of God , Act. 2.23 . which was most mercifull and iust , by that all sufficient raunsome for sinne , to saue all beleeuers : their intent was onely to bee reuenged of him , whom they hated with deadly malice , Euen so , these Israelites haue no desire here to obey the secret decree of God , in the kingdome of Dauid and of his ofspring , to set out a resemblance of the kingdome of Christ , but onely their purpose is , with a desperat discontentment to shake off the gouernment of their good iudges Samuel , contrary to the reuealed wil of God , which had before decreed , Iud. 2.18 . that Whosoeuer was approued to be raised vp of God for their deliuerer , he should afterward iudge Israel all the dayes of his life . And therefore they worthily receiue a punishment of their obstinate disobedience against the expresse commandement of God . And yet notwithstanding this historie doeth shew vs that the appointment of God was performed in Samuel , 1. Sam 7 , 41. who is said , To haue iudged Israel all the dayes of his life . Seuen and twentie yeeres and seuen moneths hee had iudged , ● . Sam. 13 , 2. when Saul beganne to reigne . Two yeeres was Saul king : for although he liued aboue twelue yeeres after that hee was elected king , yet forasmuch as in the second yeere hee was denounced to bee reiected of God , ● . Sam. 11 , 7. his kingdome is named to be but of two yeres in continuance . And during that time also , the authoritie of Samuel is not abolished , for euen in these affaires against Nachash the Ammonite , a punishment was in a publique Proclamation threatened against euery one which would not followe Saul and Samuel , Act. 13.21 . although in the Actes of the Apostles , because the kingdome is the more excellent state of gouernment , the whole fourtie yeeres be attributed to Saul , as the greater power and maiestie , swallowing vp the lesse . As concerning the miraculous prouidence of God extended towardes the Israelites during the time that Samuel was their Iudge , there neede no further testimonies , but that onely place in the seuenth chapter of this booke , 1. Sam. 7 , 13 . wher it is sayd , That the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the dayes of Samuel . The Philistines were the deadliest and fiercest enemies that euer molested the Israelits . Seeing then that God ouerthrew their cruellest & mightiest enemies , & that not once or twice , but euen al the dayes of Samuel : what a wretched ingratitude was this , that because a few aduersaries had gotten aduantage against one of their Cities , they should therfor vnthankfully shake off that happie gouernment , vnder which God had graunted them so many triumphant victories ? But what were the causes of this their vnkind & froward desire of alteration ? First they would be liked to other nations rounde about them , as they say : 1. Sam. 8 , 5.20 . Make vs a King to gouerne vs , like all other nations . And afterward againe : We will be like all other Countries , a King shall iudge vs , and goe out before vs , and fight our battayles . Forraine gouernementes , although they be in them selues most excellent ( as no doubt those were which were established vnder kings ) are not to be drawen as ensamples to other nations wherein another estate of gouernment hath alreadie taken place . Wee cannot affirme that because this or that is nowe done in the common wealth of Geneua , ●oh. 12 , 42.1 . or because this or that was once done in the Elderships and Councels of the Iewes , therefore the same ought to bee done in other seniories and assemblies where there is not that Ius gladij , that ciuill authoritie & power , which we see plainly was in them . Their Synagogues had the ordering of ciuill punishments , Math. 10 , 17. to condemne to bee scourged , those whom they iudged to offend : Math. 26 , 47 , ●7 . they could send out officers with swords and staues to apprehend Christ , they could examine witnesses against him , and binde him and deliuer him to Pilate . And whereas when Pilate bade them take him and iudge him after their owne lawe : ●oh. 18 , 31. they answered , That it was not lawfull for them to put any man to death . Chrysostome doeth one way expound it , that it may well bee meant of that kinde of death , which ( to aggrauate the shame ) they sought especially to haue executed on Christ . For otherwise they had authoritie to stone to death , as it may seeme that Steuen was condenmed by them , because as the lawe was , that the witnesses should cast the first stone , Deut. 17 , 7. so the witnesses in the stoning of Stephen , Act. 7 , 58. doe orderly lay downe their clothes at the feete of Saul . In the Chapter following , their power doth extend to draw out men , Act. 8 , 3. women and children , and to thrust them into prison : which authoritie Saul could put in execution at Damascus , Act. 9 , 1. much more at the citie Hierusalem .

Tertullus their Oratour doeth acknowledge this before the gouernor Faelix when he sayth of Paul , We tooke him , Act. 24.6 . & would haue iudged him according to our law , but that the chiefe captaine Lysias came vpon vs , and with great violence tooke him out of our handes .

The ensamples of those which are chiefe gouernors in Aristocratie , ought not to be drawen vnto them which are subiects vnder a Monarchie . There is in euery dominion a supreame power , which the Greeks do cal call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines Maiestatem , the Italians Signoria , and we in England do name it by the French word Soueraintie . Wheresoeuer that chiefe authoritie doth remayne , whether it be in one or in many , from thence must be deriued the ordering of all thinges , both in Church and Common-wealth .

● . Sam. 8.20 These Israelites here desire that they might haue a King to goe before them , & to fight their battayles . Their request had not displeased God , had there not been before an other forme of gouernment established amongst them : for otherwise of a Monarchie , that may well be sayd which S. Augustine doth write against Faustus the Manichee , Aug. contra Fastum Manichaeum lib. 22 cap. 75. Ordo ille naturalis mortalium paci accommodatus hoc poscit vt suscipiendi belli auctoritas atque consilium sit penes principem , exequendi autem iussa bellica ministerium milites debeant paci salutique communi . The naturall order most fit for the peace of mankind , doth require this ; that the authoritie and counsell of taking Warre in hand , be in the power of the Prince : and the dutie of executing the commaundementes of Warre , is a thing that the Souldiers doe owe , for the maynteinance of the peace of the Common-wealth . And a litle after , Vir iustus si forte sub rege etiam sacrilego militet , rectè possit illo iubente bellare , ciuicae pacis ordinem seruans , cui quod iubetur vel non esse contra dei praeceptum certum est , vel vtrum sit certum non est , ita vt fortasse reum regem faciat iniquitas imperandi , innocentem autem militem ostendat ordo seruiendi . A iust man , if he be a Souldier vnder his King being wicked , may at his commaundement fight , keeping the order of ciuill peace with his fellow subiectes , when that which is commaunded is not directly against the word of God : or whether it be or no , it is not certainely knowne ; so that perhappes a sinne in commaunding may make the king guyltie , and yet the order of obeying may declare the Souldier innocent . Num. 13.3 . Iosu . 11. Iosu. 6 , 6. When God ruled his people by Moses and Iosua , they as Dukes and Magistrates , disposed all thinges both in warre and peace , in ordering both Church & Common-wealth , in causing the people to be circumcised , in buylding Aulters , and euery way gouerning the charge committed to them . When afterwarde he raysed vp Iudges , he endued them not onely with warlike vertue , but that they might better also reforme abuses in the Church , Iudg. 4 , 4. he gaue sometimes to the Women , as vnto Debora : sometimes to Men , as vnto Samuel , 1. Sam. 3 , 20 the spirit of prophecying . When after , he established Kinges , the Scriptures do plentifully declare vnto vs what supremacie was graunted to them ouer all persons , 1. Chro. 13. 1. Chro. 23 , 4. and in all causes , as well ecclesiasticall as ciuill . Dauid armed his people with the authoritie of the sworde , against all their publike enemies : he caused the Arke to be remooued from a priuate mans house : he placed the orders of the Priestes and Leuites , Psal. 132.5 . and had a principall care to finde out a seate for the Lordes seruice , an habitation for the mightie God of Iacob . Salomon deposed the wicked Priest Abiathar , and placed Sadoc a better in his roome . 1. Reg. 2 , 35. 2. Chro. 8 , 14. He established the orders of the Leuites and other officers : and ( least any man shoulde thinke that Salomon did herein more then he might ) it is said by expresse wordes that this his charge of the Church was the commaundement of Dauid the man of God . Asia armed his people against the enemies of Gods Church , 2. Chro. 14. 2. Chro. 15.13 , 16. 2. Chro. 20.3 . he made a decree , that they should be slaine which would not seek and worship the Lord God of Israel , hee deposed Maacha from her regencie , because of her idolatrie . Iehosaphat ordered the warres of the house of Iuda : he sent foorth Elisham and Iehoram Priests to instruct the people : 2. Chro. 17 , 8. 2. Chro. 19.8 . 2. Chro. 29.1 . 2. Chro. 31.4 . he placed in authority the Priests and chiefe nobles for the iudgement of the cause of the Lord. Ezechias by lawfull warre withstood Sennacheribs vnlawfull oppressions . He repayred the temple , rooted out idolatrie , and appointed the courses of the Priests and Leuites . Iosias tooke order for the pulling downe of idolatrie , 2. Reg. 23.4 and the execution of the priests of Baal . Afterward when the Romanes had conquered Iurie , for as much as there is no power but of God , S. Peter doth also to them attribute this supremacie , 1. Pet. 2.13 . Rom. 13 , 4. calling the king a chiefe and supreme gouernour : and shewing also what manner of supremacie he hath : to wit , such a chiefe power as doeth extend it selfe generally to the punishment of euill doers , and to the praise of them that doe well . As largely then as goeth good or euill , that is , through the obseruation and breach of euery commaundement of either of the two tables , & throughout all nations that can bee either in the Church or common wealth : so farre goeth the supremacie of Princes in their dominions , to shewe foorth their iustice in punishing , their mercie in fauouring , and their loue in rewarding . Saint Paul speaketh as well of the Romane Emperours of his time , Rom. 3 , 4. as also of all other higher powers which are to ensue in any other age or place , that they beare not the sworde for nought , but are the ministers of God , to take vengeance of euill doers .

1. Sam. 8 , 3 , The second cause why these people desire to shake off the gouernment of Samuel , was , 1. Sam. 2 , 3 , 4. because his sonnes ruling in his steed , did receiue bribes , and peruert iudgement . Samuel doeth in this twelfth Chapter expostulate this matter at large with them , & is cleared sufficiently in the conscience , & testimonie of them all . The iniquities which his sonnes committed , 1. Sam. 8 , 2. were not because he did not prescribe good wayes vnto them , but because they did not walke in the wayes and steps of their father . If a man haue but a small familie , he shall yet be abused by some : What then must wee thinke of those higher powers , who haue so many vnder officers in so infinite places , deriuing their authoritie from them ? 1 Reg 2 , 22 Salomon when hee commaunded Ioab to bee put to death for those wilfull murders which hee had before committed , saith , that he did then Patre suo Dauide inscio , His father Dauid not knowing of it . So herein Samuel his children , and in all ages vnder Christian Princes , many thinges are done by inferiour Magistrates , which come not to the knowledge of superiour powers , and whereof no fault is to be imputed to them , seeing the offences proceede not of want of good and holsome lawes : but , for that there is not due obedience yeelded vnto them .

The thirde cause , 1. Sam. 8 , 1. why they so greedily gape for alteration , was , because they distrusted in the power and prouidence of God . They thought that the weakenesse of aged Samuel , was not sufficient to deliuer them from the oppression of Nachash the Ammonite . The punishment which God layde vpon their distrustfull forefathers , might haue been a sufficient warning to them , Num. 13 , 3. to haue shewed them the greeuousnesse and horror of this sinne . When Moses had sent of euery Tribe one , to view the land of Canaan ( amongst whom , were Iosua , of the tribe of Ephraim ; and Caleb , of the tribe of Iuda : ) at their returne , many of them gaue great reportes of the power and strength of the Canaanites , Num. 13 , 34. that they were mightie men , Num. 14.2 , 9. like Giants , and the sonnes of Enachim : and that the Israelites were but as Grashoppers in respect of them . The people began by and by to murmure & dispayre , and to prepare a returne into Aegypt . Iosua and Caleb did what they could to encourage the people , bidding them not to feare , Psal. 78 , 18. for ( say they ) they are but bread for vs : the Shield is departed from them : the Lord is on our side : But the Israelites were so farre from receiuing comfort , that they cried out one to an other , to fling stones agaynst their comforters . This distrusting minde did so highly displease God , Num. 26 , 64. that they were cut off and destroyed with many feareful plagues , so that of aboue sixe hundred thousande of them , there came but two into the land of Promise . The Lord had let that people see by sundry ensamples , that there is no power so small , but that hee is able sufficiently to strengthen it against the enemies of his trueth . Abraham hauing but three hundred and eighteene men , Gen. 14 , 14 ouerthrewe the power of fiue Kings . Samson with a iawe bone slew a thousand . Sisera the captaine of the hoste of Iabin king of Canaan , Iudg. 15 , 19. was of great strength , he had .900 . charets of yron , Iudg 4 , 13. & 22. yet was he slaine at the last by the hande of a silly woman . And to Samuel , 1. Sam. 7 , 13. though he were old , yet the Lord gaue him power to his dying day , to subdue and keepe vnder the haughty Philistines . By this continual experience of the power of God , they might haue euidently seene , that there is no strength so feeble , but God can plentifully inable it , for the fighting of the Lordes battayles : and thereupon they should haue gathered courage and comfort , & not with such wretchlesse vnthankfulnesse , started backe from the lyuing God . What a most ingratefull part was this , 1. Sam. 3 , 20 when Samuel had so long time propounded vnto them the heauenly trueth of God , and for the space of aboue .xxvii. yeeres , as a most carefull Magistrate defended them from all inuasions & oppressions , now in olde age to forsake him , & as weery of his gouernment , to desire a King to be placed ouer them ? These Israelites do deale with Samuel , as afterward the subiectes of Dauid did with their king , at the time of the rebellion of Absolom . Dauid had then reigned .xxx. yeeres , & therefore was about lx. yeeres of age ( for he was about .xxx. yeeres olde at the death of Saul . Psal. 3.1 . ) How his people did cary them selues in Absoloms conspiracie , he declareth him selfe in his .3 . Psalme , wherin he complaineth that in that his time of neede , he found many so to become his enemies , that in most despitefull maner they obiected vnto him , that there was no helpe for him in his God . But these vnfaythful Subiectes , were like vnto the Swallowes which tary with vs in the Spring and Sommer , but in the colde of Winter doe wholly forsake vs : they were like the Doues , which sit vpon the house in fayre weather : but if once a storme do come , they are presently gone : or rather they were like that currish kind of lazy Dogges , that will fawne vpon their maisters by the fiers side , but if they see him goe abrode in foule weather , they are content to let him goe alone : or like vnto cursed Vipers , seeing that as much as in them lyed , they sought to rent the bowels of him of whom next vnder God they had their beeing , their strength , & wealth , and whatsoeuer they possessed . The sinne of many in these our dayes , is by manie degrees more haynous and detestable , then was the offence of the Israelites in the dayes either of Dauid or of Samuel . They desired an exchange of their gouernour : but yet they desired to haue a King erected out of the middest of their brethren , according to the law in Deutronomie . Deut. 17.15 . Out of thy brethren shalt thou appoynt thy selfe a King : thou mayst not set ouer thee a stranger , which is not thy brother . How greeuously then do they offende , which desire to haue brought in vpon their Prince a forraine power , the power of a Priest of Rome ? How horrible is their sinne ( if there be any such monster in nature ) that do gape for the inuasion of a forreine Prince , to weaken or abrogate that authoritie , which right , and blood , and the law , hath placed ouer them ? What measure we should looke for of Strangers , the dealinges of the Spaniards in the Low-countries may be a sufficient warning vnto vs . Their Nobles haue been murdered , their auncient inhabitants spoyled , or dryuch to flie their natiue soyle . Their famous and flourishyng Cities so oppressed and dispeopled , that the grasse doth grow in those streetes , which haue bin heretofore by wealthy Citizens and Marchants so notably frequented and replenished . Naples may likewise serue for instruction herein : where , when the Spaniards preuayled , they were presently most miserably plagued with many new taxes & tributes , whereof before , they neuer had mention . No man could haue a fire , but he must first pay sixe shyllinges for the chimney : none permitted to eate sundry kindes of meates , but first he must fine for them : none to kill a Fowle , but first sticke vp a fether to giue warning for the Impost : so that the farmer of the Butcherie & Poultrie , receiued dayly the summe of three hundred Duckets . None fared the better because he bare the name of a Catholick . Religion was not the thing which the hungry Souldiers respected : Protestant or Papist , if he were rich , and had a fleece , all was one .

1. San. 8 , 3.11 . The Israelites found them selues greeued , that Samuels children receiued some thinges of them : But by Samuels answere it may appeare , that the receiptes of his sonnes , were nothing to those infinite taxes & oppressions which a Tyrant should bring vpon them . It was well sayd of the Poet , Temporibus diris igitur iussuque Neronis Iuuenal . satyr . 10. Longinum , & magnos Senecae praediuitis hortos , clausit et egregias Lateranorum obsidet aedes tota cohors . &c. In bloody times , and in rage of Nero the tyrant Longinus great substance , gardens of Seneca , buildinges of Laterans serue for fit spoylinges for the men armed .

Quintus Aurilius , when he ( hauing a faire house in Alba ) was drawen to execution in the tyrannie of Sylla , cryed out , O house at Alba , thou wast the cause of my death ! In ciuill vprores , and in inuasions of strangers , no man can chalenge any priuiledge for his integritie or profession . Be they Catholiques in name ( as are now the Romanistes ) or Catholiques in deede ( as are true faythful Christians ) be they Ministers , be they Marchants , be they Recusants , be they Reformers , if they be wealthy , & haue any thing to loose , all is one . The most fearefull punishment of all , is that which Samuel doth warne them off , that when the Lord shal lay oppression and bondage vpon them , as a plague for their discontentment , they shall cry vnto the Lord for helpe , and not be heard : 1. Sam. 8.18 . Ye shall cry out ( sayth he ) at that day , because of the King which you haue chosen to your selues , and the Lord at that day will not hearken vnto you . There are three especiall dueties required in all good Subiectes in any established Common-wealth , whereof euery one is wanting in these inconstant Israelites . The first is in hart to be loyall to the supreame Gouernour . Eccl. 10.20 . Curse not the King ( sayth the Wise man ) no not in thy hart , least the birdes of the ayre doe cary the voyce , and the fethered fowles bewray thee . Whatsoeuer is amisse in superiour powers , seeing that ( as Salomon witnesseth ) The hart of the King is in the hand of the Lord : Pro 21.1 . it is the part of vs that are inferiors , to pray to God to renew and guyde their hartes with his principal spirit : but in the meane time , in no case , either to take vp or moue against them , or once in hart to wish for the subuertion of their estate . When Nero , Caligula , or such Heathen tyrantes possessed the Scepter and Empire , yet did the Apostles of Christ Exhort euery soule to be subiect to them : Rom. 3.1 . 1. Tim. 2.2 . and all prayers and supplications to be made to God for them . Baruch . 1 11 Pray for the life of Nabuchadnezzar king of Babilon , and for Baltasar his sonne , that their dayes vpon earth may be as the dayes of heauen , that ye may long do them seruice , and finde fauour in their sight .