The descent of authoritie: or, The magistrates patent from heaven Manifested in a sermon preached at Lincolnes assizes, March 13. 1636. By Thomas Hurste Dr. of Divinity, and one of his Majesties chaplains.

THE DESCENT OF AVTHORITIE . Gen. 9.6 .

Whoso sheddeth mans blood , by man shall his blood bee shed .

A Divine may speake of such Texts of Scripture , that it may bee said as it was to him that spake of Hercules his praises , Quis eum vituperat ? Plutar. Apoph . ●…ac . as if that were to light a candle in the Sun-shine . So when we Preachers speake of death , mortality , Gods mercy , mans pronenesse to sinne , &c. Some may say or thinke , Who doubts of this ?

But for this Discourse that I am to speake of , the just power of one man over another , it may seeme to be Apocryphall , or an Exchecker-chamber case . Some ( especially inferiours ) thinke that one should bee as good as another : that as wee were at our births , and shall be at our deaths ; so in our lives we should bee equall . Being Christian brethren in Divinity , and partaking of the same Sacraments : so ( Anabap●istically ) we should bee in Politicks ; and the pearching of one man above another is but humane invention and commanding policy . Whereupon some inferiours are willing to obey principally for feare of punishment , little for conscience sake .

To satisfie us all then , that the superiority of one man over another is no humane usurpation , but a divine institution ; not upheld only by the shores , or underlaid with the bolsters of mans device , but hath the foundation of Gods appointment : take notice how that God who hath made in Heaven Angels and Archangels , in the Firmament the King the Sun , the Queene the Moone , and the common people the Starres ; in the Aire the Eagle and the Flie ; in the Sea the Whale and the Herring ; upon Earth the Lyon and the Grassehopper , hils and vallie , leas and furrowes : the same God hath appointed amongst men , some like the Centurion , to command ; Matth. 8.9 . and others as the Centurions servant , diligently to obey : as in stature some higher like the Anakims , and some lower as Zacheus . Thus God hath ordered , that Whoso sheds mans blood , must not be reprieved till the day of Judgement , or bee punished miraculously , Acts 12.23 . Isa. 37 36. as Herod was , by an Angel sent from Heaven ; or as in Sennacheribs Host , where an Angel came and slew the Host , but by man , and not by Angels shall a malefactors blood bee shed .

Here then is Magna Charta , or High Commission under the great Seale of Heaven directed to Magistrates . Here is DEVS REGI : for so he acknowledgeth , DIEV ET MON DROIT . And then ( give me leave to say a piece of your Commission before you goe to the Hall ) from hence it followeth , CAROLVS ( but DEI GRATIA ) DILECTO ET FIDELI .

So then , if any shall enquire in point of conscience , as they did , Luk. 20.2 . By what authority you doe these things ( I meane divine : ) Why you , my Lords , examine and give sentence , the Justices herein concurre , the Jurers finde guilty , the Jaylors keepe sure , the Plaintifs prosecute , and the Executioners put to death : here is prima lex societatis , & nervus Imperiorum , Carions Chron. the divine Patent or grant , Whoso sheds , &c.

In which words we have Authoritatis prosapiam , the progeny or pedegree , the race or linage , or , if you will , the Descent of Authority set out by Moses , the ancient King of Heralds , who hath informed us in all the ancient genealogies . A discourse not unusefull to us all , that Superiors may know how their tenure is but in capite , God by a Licence of alienation hath assigned them , and that inferiours may know why they owe suit service and homage to their superiors : because their power stands not onely upon the crutches or stilts of humane power , but upon the firme basis of divine institution that some should ride on horse-backe , while others walke on foote .

For the evidencing hereof , observe the Commission . The first and more generall part of it is laid down , Gen. 1.26 . and 28. and likewise in the second verse of this ninth chapter : Sciatis quòd assignavimus vos & quemlibet vestrum conjunctim & divisim to rule over fowles , beasts , fishes . Thus far all mankind hath power . And now in this verse read , we have Assignavimus etiam vos : we see who are of the Quorum , even the Magistrates , who have power over men . The like we may read , Wisdom the ninth , from the beginning to the seventh verse . As the Emperour of Germany is stiled Rex Regum : so is a Magistrate over men , who are petty Princes over the other creatures . All mankinde are like Senatours , all Kings , but the Magistrate is perpetuus Dictator .

But it will be whispered by the Temporall power , Trouble not your selfe for our Patent further than from our gracious King : we have Jaylers and fetters , halters and gibbets , axes and scaffolds , fire and faggots ; we will either finde , or force obedience .

Abundans cautela non nocet . The more tyes , the stronger . Mens Lawes may bee snapped asunder more easily . Secular lawes and power are but the materials , the hemp or haire : Religion is that which entwines and makes it strong . Men may hope that mans lawes may balke Agag , and the fattest of the people : but Gods Lawes say Quicunque , they punish universally . True , the lawes of men are strong , but behold a greater force , a twofold cable . Gods word prevailes more strongly . Where there is either religious devotion , or any melancholy jealous fearfulnesse or suspicion by nature , there is a more serious apprehension of Gods displeasure than mans . Saint Paul ( a wise Teacher ) knew what he did , when hee used the double two-edged argument , Rom. 13.5 . We must needs obey , not only for feare of punishment , but also for conscience sake . Observe among the Romists : if they can but untie the double knot of conscience , they care the lesse for the single tie of corporall punishment . Assure but Ravaillac that it is lawfull to lay his bloudy hands upon the Lords Anoynted , and then he will feare but little hot burning pincers , or the pulling in pieces with wilde horses . When those moles , the the Gunpowder pioners ( following their blinde guides ) were conceited that it was not unlawfull to fire that house wherein ( said they ) bloody lawes were made against them , they then cared neither for Tyburn nor beheading . And that bloody Assasine , who not many yeares since slew a great Peere , no doubt but that his bloody mis-led mind thought it lawfull . If Divines do but once file off the fetters of divine lawes , men will as fast snap asunder mens lawes , as Samson did his coards . Iames Clement , whom the Leaguers hired to kill Henry the third ; and Iohn Chastell , who intended to kill Henry the fourth , were both taught by the Jesuites that the King was not to be obeyed , if not allowed by the Pope . Goodwins Annales , page 23 Insurrection or rebellion never proves loud or dangerous till it pretend Religion . The first noyse is for the libertie or priviledges of the people , that is but like the outworkes : but when the soule is pretended , that is like the maine fort . They begin thus , The free-born Communaltie is oppressed with a small number : though the calamities of this present life may with a constant patience bee endured , yet the soule is to be redeemed even with a thousand deaths : new formes of Religion are obtruded ( the constant pretence of all discontented giddy people . )

Thus we see that the cause of Religion , or the tie of conscience doth move the wheeles of all actions most forcibly . Though it ill becomes them , it is usually in the mouth of all seditious rebels , and then in nomine Domini they are most violent . The holy league , and holy pilgrimes , and the brethren are usually the nicknames of rebels .

Let it not then bee tedious for them who have their Patents sealed at Westminster , to heare that they are also sealed with a teste meipso in Heaven . The tye of conscience looking at Gods ordinance doth helpe to guard Authoritie , as well as the Sheriffe with the posse Comitatûs .

Seeing then you please to usher , Preface and auspicate your waightie affaires with prayers and prayses here in this sacred House , after the example of all good Christians , holy men in the old Testament ; Yea and the devout Heathen also , who did usually begin à Deo Optimo Maximo : So you come hither to do him service , to acknowledge your dependance upon him ; As a labourer or workman comes to know his pleasure that sets him on worke , so you here to be directed by Gods Word . We of our Tribe can do no lesse but give you your due , namely , that your power stands not onely upon the supporters of mans policy , but the strength of the divine Graunt .

Therefore , as it is Psalme 45.4 . Good lucke have you with your honour : ride on with the word of truth and righteousnesse . Your Commission is both from God and the King . It is appointed that Who so sheds mans blood , by man , &c. as may appeare by the meaning of the words , which come now to bee opened unto us .

Herein is layd down the just power and authoritie of the sword : not excluding Ecclesiasticall or Oeconomicall , that of parents or masters ; but the publique temporall power is here more principally intended , because it speaks of bloud-shed .

This verse is set like Bifrons Ianus , or like Noah , who had reference to both Worlds : so this verse is a reason both of the former and latter verses .

1. God is carefull to prevent the eating of blood , verse the 4. that man should have no taste thereof , and by that abstinence so much the more abhorre murther and crueltie . The reason , whoso sheds , &c.

2. It is a reason of the 7. verse . Men may bee encouraged to bring forth fruit and multiply , because God hath taken such a course for our safety and preservation , by pinioning and swadling the hands of murtherers . A man may plant , set , and sow in a garden with hope and chearefulnesse , when it is well fenced , hedged , walled , or empaled . The fortification must bee answerable to the danger . Murther began betimes , even with Cain . God bids bee fruitfull , for hee hath taken a course with murtherers , be they high or low , rich or poore : for it is said Quicunque , generall and indefinite , as Peter said Acts 10.34 . I perceive there is no respect of persons with God : as hee sends his raine to fall , and his Sunne to shine ; so hee would have justice administerd impartially . Musculus observes allegorically ( but it is som-what farfetched ) Of every Beast , ordinary inferiour men that are kept under : or of man , that is , bee hee noble , learned , wise , or any wayes excellent .

Sheddeth mans blood , that is , mortally and wilfully . And here observe 3. things .

1. That any kinde of death is here forbidden as well as the effusion of blood , bee it by poisoning , strangling , or otherwise . A man may shed blood and not kill , as Chirurgions : and a man may kill and not shed blood , as poysoners and stranglers .

2. Phlebotomy is not here forbidden , the opening or cutting of a veine which is not mortall : but the taking away of life is here ment which lies in the blood , as it is in the fourth verse . The heart-blood is the shop or seat of life . Hence it is said , that though the braine be of greater dignity , yet the heart is of greater necessity , because it is the fountaine of life .

No shedding of blood ( though mortally ) is here meant , if it be done by the Magistrate agreeably to the lawes of God and men , no more than the plaintifs , Iurers , Executioners are guilty : for it is said , Rom. 13.4 . The Magistrate beareth not the sword in vaine . But private men upon private quarrells are here restrained .

3. Observe , that blood-shed is here put for it selfe and other sinnes : for this power of the Magistrate is not restrained onely to murther and other causes capitall , yea and to criminall , but to civill also . Else , there would be no use of any Bench , but that which is for life and death . Here then other causes are to bee understood , although denominatio fit à principaliori parte . This maine offence is branded by name , as being inconsistent with society . So that this is a principall , not the onely sinne , for Magistrates to punish : as usually the oath at large is given to the fore-man , and all the rest are implied . Although God be a patient God , Rom. 15.5 . yea the God of patience ; and when wee make bold to expresse him by borrowed speeches , we say he hath leaden feet , hee came sostly , and convented Adam deliberately : yet he will not suffer the murtherer to stay till the great Assizes at Doomes-day , but hee must be punished here by his Lieutenant , man . This hatefull sinne is is named here ( we see ) for all the rest . When Saint Paul had a Viper upon his hand , Acts 28.4 . the Barbarians cried , No doubt this man is a murtherer . They thought murder to be the non-such of sinnes . As Moses here sets downe the pedegree of Authority : so our Saviour sets downe the descent of murther , Iohn 8.44 . He goes higher than Caine , Yea are of your Father the Devill : he was homicida , a manslayer from the beginning . Let those then who are as prodigall of their owne and others blood as doggs and cockes , consider how murther is here branded by name : and so it may well be , for it is injurious to five .

1. To God , whose institution is violated , and his image cancelled and defaced .

2. To the Magistrate , whose sword is taken out of his hand , and hee made like the signe of Saint George . If a man be injured , are there not Courts of justice , both for our profit & for our honour ? What nonsense then is it , for a man in rage or passion , which is a short madnesse , when hee is not his owne man , that hee should wrest the sword out of the hands of the sober , just , deliberate Magistrate , and revenge his quarrell himselfe ?

3. A murcherer is injurious incomparably to that man whom he slayes , so as he cannot give him satisfaction If he take away his goods , he might restore : if his good name , hee might recant : but who can fetchbacke a departed soule ? he onely can give life that first infused it .

4. A murtherer is injurious to himselfe . 1. To his body , making it liable to a violent death : or his life afterwards ( if his conscience be not asleepe ) is a continuall Purgatorie , as wee may observe in some who have beene heires to Cain's murther , they have been likewise inheritors of his despicable wofull wandring . 2 For his soule , he cannot say at his death with our Saviour , Epist. 154. ad Publicol . Consummatum est : for without bitter repentance hee leapes out of the pan into the fire . Saint Augustine doth so dislike manslaughter , that he saith non sibiprobari illud consilium , ut quispiam alium interficiat , nè ab illo occidatur .

5. A blood-shedder mortally and wilfully is injurious to his wife and children , by forfaiting his estate , and depriving them of that which should be for their comfortable livelihood and maintenance . Thomas Aquinas of every beast expounds it of beastly men , intimating that murtherers are metaphorically like beasts , rash , violent , furious , inconsiderate , cruell , unreasonable , and unprovident as they .

Seeing then that Gods Spirit by Moses hath stigmatized this hatefull vice , let not rash anger beginne , malice and revenge prosecute , and a vaine conceit of honour occasion the committing of this desperate sinne , which God will not have stay till the day of Doom , but bee punished by his Deputy , Man : which word now followes .

By man . Wee must not straiten these words as confined to Noah and his immediate successours ; but as the priviledges and jurisdiction in generall of mankinde over other creatures , so likewise the power of man one over another doth still continue .

Againe , wee must not thinke that by man , Providet nè interficiant iussu non expectato publico . Aug. in Exod. the Magistrate is to be so understood , as if they were to be the Executioners , & so condemne under-officers ; for they are the Magistrates hands .

These words , by man , are rarely left out , usually put in , alwayes understood .

By man , the Magistrate ; so the Chaldee Paraphrase , per sententiam Iudicum , and so Cornelius à Lapide upon these words quotes it , and expounds it .

Calvin acknowledgeth the Magistrates authoritie to bee hence derived , sed verba plus complecti dicit . By man , the Magistrate disjunctively , or some other way by man . For it is said , Psalme 55.23 . Blood-thirsty men shall not live out halfe their dayes . So that if the murtherer escape by flight , or that the Magistrate be too remisse or indulgent , yet either in war or quarrell , duell or other casualtie the murtherers life is taken away .

Thus Iunius expounds these words by man in his Analysis of this chapter . Hee saith there are lawes , 1. naturall , of the creatures subjection , verse the second 2. ceremoniall , verse the fourth , forbidding blood-eating 3. civill and politicall , verse the sixth , quum Deus manum sui Magistratûs instruit ad ulciscendum .

Musculus gives an unanswerable reason , why by man we are to understand the Magistrate . If a private man kill the murtherer , and another private man him , and so in infinitum , what will become of the species of mankinde ? God therefore deputes the Magistrate to doe it , and there 's an end . Neither ( saith the same Author ) is this a fault in the Magistrate , to use a sword either defensive or offensive to malefactors . It is not said Quicunque effuderit sanguinem homicidae , latronis , venefici , &c. for these putrified members must either be taken away , or they endanger the whole .

Mercer saith , not by private men , nè nisi maturè & causâ diligenter excussâ occidatur . If it were left to private men , in their choler they would put to death without just cause , as in chance-medly or misadventure , which the Magistrate doth not punish with death .

Peter Martyr here understands the Magistrate , and makes the later words a comment or reason . Quia illum fecit ( scilicet Magistratum ) ad imaginem Dei ; & non HOMINES , sed ELOHIM appellantur . God borrowes the word King , stiling himselfe King of Kings , and for an abundant requitall lends Kings the title of Gods . Though all men are created after Gods image : yet those that are in authoritie have a more speciall resemblance of the Deity . All men of understanding , learning , wealth , and other abilities , are as bullion : but the Magistrate hath the very currant stamp of Gods power .

Piscator also herein concurres , QVI EFFVNDIT , nempe privato affectu , ex odio aut ira : PER HOMINEM , idest , Magistratum .

I have endevoured ( you heare ) to lay the foundation strong , because we are to build much hereupon , Gods Patent to his Deputies , or the Descent of Authority .

It followes , shal his blood be shed . God proportions his punishments . Blood for blood , as it is Exod. 21.23 . or , Life for life , eye for eye , tooth for tooth , &c.

Thus We see the divine justice paying murtherers in their owne coyn : Occidit & occidatur . Oleafter saith upon these words , A principio Mundi occisio occisione vindicatur . This retaliation of blood for blood Christ told Saint Peter of , Matth. 26.52 . Whose killeth with the sword , shall perish by the sword . The same words are used Revel. 13.10 . here is Lex talionis . They that account the life of another cheap , do make the market and price for their own .

From these words , thus opened , these divine truths present themselves to our consideration .

1. Whosoever , that God is impartiall .

2. Sheds mans blood , The hainousnesse of murther here named .

3. By man , The Descent of Authority .

4. Shall his blood be shed , The proportioning of Gods punishments to mans sinnes .

But as I made choice of these words for this time and place : so I will insist onely in the third and most usefull to us , the terminus à quo of Authority , or the Descent of it .

Master Harding , to set the Crowne the faster upon the Popes head , is content that it should stand but totteringly upon the heads of temporall Princes , as if no hand could set it on fast , but that of the Bishop of Rome . And therefore he saith most injuriously , that they can have no more power than the people had over whom they exercise their jurisdiction : as if they had no other right , but by composition from their subjects ; forgetting these places , Prov. 8.15 , 16. By mee Kings raigne . And againe repeating it twice , By mee Princes rule . And Dan. 2.21 . He removes and sets up Kings , without the Pope his intervening . His usurpation was not heard of till many yeares after . To the like effect spake our Saviour to Pilate , Iohn 19.11 . Thou couldst have no power at al , except it were given thee from above Thus S. Paul Rom. 13.1 . There is no power but of God . Which made him recant , as it were , Acts 23.5 . I wist not that it was the high Priest : For it is written , ( namely Exod. 22.28 . ) Thou shalt not revile the Gods , ( for so it is rendred in the last Translation ) this phrase being given to Magistrates : and perhaps from hence the Heathen worshipped mortall Gods . Cyrus is said to be Gods anoynted , Isaiah 4 5.1 . In the first part of the Homily against wilfull rebellion it is said , since Lucifer the Arch-rebel , and our first parents in Paradise broke the bonds of duty , God hath established authority , first in families , then in Cities , Townes , and Kingdomes . Even subordinate Authority is from God , though like cosen-germane it be once removed from God and the King . Yea Magistrates in little Corporations and Iurisdictions , they are the younger brothers of Authority : there is the same blood , though not the same splendour or revenue . The varnish or gilt of power is the same , though the walls or materialls bee finer or courser . Caesars image , or the Kings stampe makes silver as currant as gold .

And this Descent may appeare or be vouched ,

1. From the excellency , use , and benefit of it , as it is said , Iames 1.17 . Every good and perfect gift comes downe from above . Now this is the very sine qua non of society and outward blessings ; not onely for the bene esse , but for the very esse of a Common-Wealth : without this people are like a riotous rout in warre without leaders in order , as sheepe without a Shepherd , or a body without an head .

2. This Descent appeares by Gods admirable upholding & continuing it , maugre mans reluctations ; God preserves still the ceremony and the substance . First , those additions of ceremony , which makes it have the more due valuation from the people , as Crownes , Thrones , Scepters , Attenders , great Officers , for the supreme ; and Gownes , Tippets , Hoods , Maces , Swords , White staves , caps of maintenance , for the subordinate Magistrates .

And as the ceremony , so the substance of it is upheld : and this God doth 4. wayes .

1. By his Word , as you have heard out of S. Paul , the Prophet Daniel , & other testimonies of Scripture .

2. By his Spirit to Godly men , and by the instinct and dictate of nature to Heathen and ungodly men ; not to hurt Authority though they have opportunitie . 1 Sam. 24. observe Davids excellent speech , and more excellent carriage to Saul , when he was in the cave in his power , although Saul did prosecute him causelesly , implacably , and infinitly . And although some men quarrell sometimes at Magistatum the person ; yet not at Magistratum , the government : their desires are not to dull or breake the sword , but onely to change the hand , as usually restlesse giddy people do , like them in Israel , 1. Sam. 8.19 . Nay , but wee will have a King to reigne over us , as they would exchange their Iudges for Kings . Ketts and Flammocks , with such other viperous rebels , their projects are not to extinguish government , but to exchange Governours , putting themselves or their leaders in place . And still our mutterers and rash discontented people , their quarrell is not so much against Authority it selfe : but if they bee inferiors , it is because they have none themselves , they will give no applause to the actors , because they beare no part themselves . And if they bee of an higher straine , it is because they may not rule their Rulers . So that as a coy dame or amorous woer , they must have clothes , but no taylour can fitt them : either the garment of Authority is too long or short , too straight or wide . As a sick man must drinke , yet all is insipid ; no chamber nor bed gives him content : yet the fault is not in the things themselves , but in his indisposition . Vsually they that are discontented at Governours , it is because themselves or some of their friends are not in higher place . As all mankind acknowledge a Deity , yet goe severall wayes in their devotions : So all by nature and the Spirit of God are taught the admirable use of Authority , although they be affected divers waies for Governours and government , according as their owne ends leade them .

3. God upholds & preserves Authority by his wife , faithfull , godly Ministers . Even our poore Tribe helpeth to carry the Canopy over Authority : else , what need our Declarations sometimes at S. Pauls Crosse , or other solemn places , to justifie the proceedings of State in matters of conscience ? Thus you shal find wise S. Paul to Titus Bishop of the Cretians , Tit. 3.1 . Put them in minde to be subject to Principalities and Poners , to obey Magistrates . And thus our prudent Bishops and their Commissioners doe inquire in the Articles at their Visitations ; Doth your Minister exhort the people to obedience to his Majestie , and all Magistrates in authority under him ? Dr. Boys in his 〈◊〉 , pag 458. Even statizing worldlings that account but slightly of us , yet think that we serve as posts at least upon which the Injunctions & Mandates of the Magistrates are to be fixed .

4. God preserves Authority by his admirable discovery and prevention of wicked plots against Governors and Government . As Murthers have been strangely revealed by Birds , & Dogs ; so even wicked intendments against Magistrates have beene wonderfully disclosed , not onely miraculously punished , as it is set downe , Num. 16.29 , 30. If these men die a common death , &c. But if the Lord make a new thing , yee shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord ; Intimating , that God will miraculously punish rebellion . The very patient Earth , the hackney of all injurious trampling , will open her mouth and swallow them up .

As God miraculously punisheth , so he also discloseth rebellions and treacheries . Ecclesiastes 10.20 . Curse not the King , no not in thy thought : for the birds of the Aire will reveale it . Thus carefull is God to preserve his of-spring , both the person and the power . Now as Gamaliel said , Acts 5.39 . If it be of God , it will continue : if not , it will come to nought . If Authority were onely humane pride , or invention , it would long before now have had a fall . It is worth our remembrance , Theatre of Gods judgements . that by conspiracies Magistrates are seldome hurt , and as seldome the conspiratours escape : as is observed in Corah and his company , Num. 16. of Absalom , 2 Sam. 16. and many others . In the time of that wise King who conjoyned the Roses , insurrection was ( if not a quotidian ) an anniversary feaver : yet as he was ever molested , so hee was ever aloft and prevailed . The like was in the time of our late gracious Queene , and peaceable King , by the powder-plotters and others .

And when it pleaseth God rarely to let the Magistrates suffer for the punishment of the people , yet those rebels are so hatefull to God and all good men , as makes the like courses abhorred for the future , and so Authority to be preserved and continued . Augustus Caesar used to say , Proditionem amo , proditores non item . Charles the fourth , Emperour of Germany , prevailed with three or foure of his enemies Captaines to be perfidious to their Master , upon hopes of great summes of money : and when he sped , he paid them with counterfait coyne , affirming it to be good enough for counterfait service .

When the city of Rhodes was besieged by the Turke , a Noble man , upon hopes to have one of Solymans daughters , did many secret services for the Turke perfidiously against his owne City : which when Solyman wonne , hee caused the treacherous man to be flayed alive , saying it was not lawfull for a Christian to marry a Turke , except hee put off his old skin . And that Banister , who treacherously betrayed his Lord and Master ; when he expected his thousand pounds , King Richard gave him not a farthing , saying , that hee who would bee untrue to so good a Master , must needs be false to all others . In our Law crimen laesae Majestatis is accounted so grievous an offence , to conspire against the breath of him who is the breath of our nostrills , as that it is no plea for him that is non compos mentis , although it be for ordinary homicide . And in the state oeconomicall , murther committed by one that is in subjection , is accounted petty treason : so hatefull by the lawes of God and man is disobedience .

Quest. 1. Why doth the omnipotent God depute fraile men to be his Lieutenants ? why not an Angel , or a legion of his powerfull heavenly attendants or pages ?

Answ. That the excellency of the successe may be ascribed to God , where it is due , and not to men , as Saint Paul saith , 2 Cor. 4.7 . Wee have this treasure in earthen vessels . When we daily see strong sinnes pulled downe by the preaching of weake men , we justly conclude , that it is the power of God accompanying his ordinance . And when wee observe that men Magistrates , and not Angels , do sway the world , quelling and captivating daring vices , wee acknowledge it to be Gods power . If Magistrates were like Angels , of miraculous power ; like Argus , one of them to have an hundred eyes , or , as Briareus , an hundred hands ; which they have indeed virtually , not formally ; if every one of them were as rich and wise as Salomon , or strong as Sampson , or that they could destroy mankinde , as the Angel did seventie thousand amongst the Israelites , wee might thinke it was their own power . But now we see it is a secret vertue in the divine ordinance . An horse hath strength enough to cast his rider , and runne away from him , but doth not usually . And as strong oxen are guided by little children , in regard of the image of God in mankinde : thus are a multitude of strong and violent people ruled by Magistracy ; not onely for feare of punishment , but even for conscience sake .

This reason is given by God himselfe , Iudges 7.2 . The people are too many : lest Israel vaunt , saying , mine owne hand hath saved me . So if Angels ruled , it would bee judged to be by their owne power . But God for his owne glory hath appointed men of the same mold , of the same stuffe by nature , borne and dye alike , usually better qualified with experience , learning , wisedome , and integrity : yet they are but men , and in the judgement of rash self-conceited by-standers , not better qualified than others ; for in their simple judgement they thinke they see more than the gamesters . God , I say , for his owne glory doth hang great plummets upon weake lines , as in the Ministery , so in the Magistracy , that God working such strong effects by weake causes , we may say , as it is Psalme 115.1 . Not unto us , O Lord , but unto thy name , &c.

2. God deputes mankinde , not Angels , ex gratia , it being a great favour , first , to the party injured . Secondly , to the party injuring . Thirdly , to the Magistrate , the party punishing .

First , to the party injured , for the propinquity . As the Scripture saith , yee need not go to Heaven , Deut 30.18 . nor to the deepe , but the word is neare thee : So may wee say of government , ( especially in these itinerary circuits ) Iustice is administred even at our doores .

Secondly , to the party to be punished , as the people said to Moses , Exod. 20.19 . Speake thou with us , but let not God speake , lest we die . If God should punish by extraordinary judgements , as the Egyptians ; or with miraculous plagues , as he did to Corah and the like , it would be most terrible to malefactors : whereas now being by men , they may parly for their lives , they must be cast or acquitted by their Peeres or equals .

Thirdly , to the Magistrate . As he hath made him his Deputy , so he puts valuation upon him by imploying him . And thereby he doth quicken in men industry , paines , and care , that they may come to be Magistrates , that is , sublimated manhood . God as the Sun , doth irradiate Magistracy as the Moone , with his brightnesse . As Christ was himselfe baptized , but never baptized any , and gave the Eucharist but once , to put a valuation upon his ordinance in the hands of the Ministers . So in the Magistracy he graces his Deputy , Man , putting the honour and imployment upon him . It is said , Matth. 9.8 . The multitudes saw it , and glorified God which had given such power unto men . As there for miracles , so here for authority . If David did breake out so pathetically , O Lord , Psal. 8.4 . what is man ! Thou hast made him Lord , &c. How much more may wee say , Lord , what is a Magistrate , that thou dost thus advance him , even over men !

Quest. 2. Doth not God challenge authority to be his Domaine ? which he will not let out , but keep in his own hands , saying , as it is , Deuter. 32.35 . which is quoted by Saint Paul , Rom 12.9 . Vengeance is mine , I will repay . Whereupon Saint Paul makes his appeale , 2 Tim. 4.14 . Alexander did me much evill , the Lord reward him , &c.

Answ. By these places it is meant that private men must not usurpe : for else , what God doth by his Deputies , he doth it as it were by himselfe . As the Lord Keeper writes teste meipso ; and the Iudges of other Courts , and the Iustices may write Carolus Dei , &c. noting in whose right and power they doe it . Saint Paul disclaimes it onely as being a private man . God will hereafter avenge , Nisi priùs Iustitiarii venerint , &c. and in the meane time he doth it by them as his Substitutes .

Quest. 3. But is not this old Grant out of date ? Are not Christian Magistrates put out of Commission by Christs comming .

Answ. Thus thinke the Anabaptists , whose objections Zanchius well answers , urging Christs subjection to Pilate , Saint Pauls appealing to Caesar , and the other Apostles clearing themselves , but yet submitting to the Magistrates , acknowledging the power to be of God .

This Descent of Authority may teach us :

First , To take notice of that Jesuiticall doctrine and practice to lay violent hands upon Gods Deputies upon a pretence of Religion . Murther , as you have heard , is a most wicked sinne , and disobedience is as the sin of witchcraft . Now treason is the committing or putting together both these sinnes . The old warrantable doctrine and practice of the Church in the primitive times was , prayers unto , and supplications for the Governours . This was the Churches force , both defensive and offensive : and still with all godly learned Christians it is concluded , Vide Epise . Daven . Determin . that Renuente Principe populus non debet moliri Reformationem .

Like unto these , but not so ill , are those that offer violence with their tongues , though not with their hands : such as are disrespective to them that are in authority , not speaking of them , or to them , publickly or privately , as to Gods Vicegerents , but with quips and girds , to please themselves , and to stroke the people . This is rather like unto Satyricall Poets , than answerable to Saint Pauls advice , 1 Tim. 5.1 . Rebuke not an Elder , but intreat him as a father . And like his doctrine was his practice to Agrippa and Festus : and thus was the Prophet Daniels to the Assyrian and Persian Kings .

Contrary to these holy men are those monsters in a Kingdome , who endeavour by all meanes possible to enervate and weaken Authority , thereby to make it contemptible . God casts his divine lustre upon them , as Moses was when he had beene talking with God : Epiphanius of Hereticks . And these ; as Moles , are alwaies vexing and disturbing firme ground , blinde without knowledge , and despicable when their plots are discovered .

Let none then in Pulpits or Parlours deprave Governours and government : if they doe , those words , Num. 16.7 . may bee truly applied to them , Ye take too much upon you . Authority is Gods ordinance , and must not bee made unsavory by finding and creating faults in Governours . It is strange , that they who would be accounted the children of God , doe not digest the Deputies of God : for they have beene , are , and ( it is to be feared ) ever will bee opsite and Antipodes to all Governours , both Ecclesiasticall and Civill .

They will say , Objection . Our quarrell is not against government , but the faults of Governours : and they thinke with Absalom , Oh if they were in place , &c.

This is the common hackney pretence or colour . Answer . But let these mote-finders consider , that Magistrates in a Common-wealth are like parents in an house , politicall fathers . Is it fit for a sonne to bee like Cham ? Though the father bee guilty , shall a sonne talke of nothing but his fathers faults , discovering his fathers nakednesse , especially when this sonne himselfe is idle and disobedient ? Will some men , like children , nothing but eat , drinke , sleepe , play , ( indeed there is little else expected of them ) and yet like fell , ill conditioned children , will they cry , exclaime , and disturbe others ? Let these sonnes of Belial , who cannot beare the yoke of Governours , bee examined in their private vocations , how lazy , how oppressing , and how unprofitable to the Christian World . These people are like Chorus upon the Stage : being private men , and their wings too big for their nests , and their feet for their shooes , they desire still to roule and enlarge themselves as snow-balls , and like the Babel-builders , will make themselves a turret or pillar by popularity Tell me , vaine disturber , how wouldst thou like a servant thus qualified , to say , my master is unfit for his place : he is silly , ignorant , negligent , or the like : he doth not as a master should doe . True indeed , hee doth not , if hee suffer without punishment such a saucy servant .

2. This Descent of Authority may teach us how neare of Kindred Magistrates and Ministers are : the one is Dei gratiâ , & the other is providentiâ divinâ : sometimes they are inherent in the same person . Our blessed Saviour was both a King and a Priest , Moses and David were both victorious Magistrates and divine Prophets . And if they bee not joyntly in one person , yet wee see they are brethren , as Abraham said to Lot , proceeding from the same spring-head : celestiall , God ; terrestriall , the King . And this the later end of an Act of Parliament intimates for the uniformity of Common prayer : If the Ordinary have punished , then not the temporall power : and if not that , then the Ordinary . If either punish , it is sufficient , because both come from the same fountaine .

For us in our Pulpits , to slight this high ordinance , were as great indiscretion , as for the Magistrates upon their Benches to disparage our Profession . Without doubt Magistrates may bee capable of the just reproofe of the Clergie , and the Clergy of the just censure of the Magistracy . But all must take heed , somuch as they can , that neither of their excellent Callings suffer by it . The people will neglect both , if they doe not protect us from injuries : and wee teach the people conscionably to obey them .

Magistrates are Gods Deputies , and Ministers his Ambassadors , 2. Cor. 5.20 . As it is said in another case , Ruth 4.11 . these two like Rachel and Leah do build up the house of Israel , Panermitan . Sir John Doderidge conjunctim . . better than divisim . Theologia & Ius must fraternizare . They both looke at the same end , namely rectifying of the manners . Both Moses his hands must be held up , that vicious Amaleck may be pulled downe . If the sinews of government bee slackned by inconsiderate Teachers , and that they doe not uphold one another , as the Elme the Vine , sinne and vice will more easily thrust in .

But when Magistrates , Christs Substitutes in his Kingly Office ; and the Ministers , Christs Substitutes in his Priestly Office ; stay one another , as buttresses below or spars above : then the temporall sword cuts deepe in the outward man , and the spirituall in the conscience .

Wee are all Ministers of God , both Magistrates and Priests . So Saint Paul intimates , Rom. 13.4 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , speaking of the Magistrate : which word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 is commonly used for our Tribe , as Philp. 1.1 . With the Bishops and Deaecons : and 1 Tim. 3.12 . Deacons must be the husbands of one wife . This is a part of the Epistle when Deacons are admitted into Orders .

If the word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 then be used for them both , because they are imployed to doe service for one Master , let them not counter-worke one against another : but as the walls uphold the roofe , and the roofe keepes drie the walls ; so should these ordinances assist one another ; that the temporall power may regulate the outward man , words and actions ; & the spiritual sword the inuer man , thoughts & conscience . Those that would occasion any civill warre or breach betwixt these two , endeavour to disable those shores that beare them up . It is great rashnesse for some unadvised Teachers , and discontented people , like themselves , who love to dance after their ill tuned pipes , to be alwaies throwing dirt into the faces of Governours and government : being private men they hate and envie all those that have power .

An eminent Prelate of our Church said in his Sermon to the Parliament , The Church cannot dwell but in the State , nor the Common-wealth flourish without the Church . When the Church , the house of grace , is a welcome inmate to the State , which is a wise fabrick of policy , not onely humane , but a divine ordinance . In a word , let these ordinances , like husband & wife , live with harmony and love together . The soule cannot act ( quoad nos ) but by the body , nor the body live without the soule : so these ordinances .

Lastly , and in briefe , lest I bee injurious to your imployments whilest I plead for them , this may be usefull both to Superiours and inferiours .

First , to Magistrates and Superiours . My Lords and others , give me leave onely to put you in minde of the pedegree or Descent of your Authority . It is from above , from God , of the blood Royall , both from another , and for another . As a Nobleman doth or should endeavour to imitate the vertues of him that raised his house : so let Magistrates carriage not be bitter or insipid , but sweet , pure , cleane , like the fountaine from whence it came . They must not be like old courtiers or rich citizens , forgetting from whence they had their beginning . A man in authority is not genus generalissimum , quo nihil superius : as he is genus hujus , so he is species illius , like the Moon , borrowing light from the Sun ; they must not , as butchers or graziers , then , judge by the feeling only , but all their proceedings must resemble that image and superscription which it hath from the great Caesar , the Lord chiefe Justice of Heaven and Earth . They must like rivers returne tribute and homage to that Ocean whence their power commeth . They must doe better than private men for example sake , more good and lesse evill , considering their high descent and Ancestours , whom they must labour to resemble so farre as humane infirmitie will permit , by endeavouring to be holy , just , mercifull , impartiall , wise , deliberate , as he is from whom they derive their power . I might easily be large in shewing that God is so , and that his Deputies should be so .

Yea further , Let all , even inferiour Officers , and Jurors , and whosoever beare any part in the punishing of sinne ; let them labour to bee just and free from any sharking or oppression . We finde that Authority is of an excellent race , nobly descended ; and therefore it should be generous , not making the vigour and power of Authority to be onely a modus acquirendi , like the Publicans . It was lawfull to pay tribute to Caesar : our Saviour did not gainsay it , but bid Render unto Caesar . And he told Saint Peter , Matth 22.21 Matth. 17.27 . Lest we should give offence , though the children be free , yet take twentie pence for thee and me . But then the Publicans made that bitter or harsh , which would otherwise have been better digested : because they did not onely take for their masters , like tame hawkes , but like wilde hawkes snatched also for themselves Such were the toll-gatherers or receivers of the publike revenue for the Romanes amongst the Jews : who , because they gathered publike payments , were termed Publicans . Although their calling was good , Matth. 9.10 . Luke 18.10 . and some of their persons good ( witnesse our Saviours conversing with them , and the Publican praying with the Pharisee , and Zacheus who was Princip● Publicanorum : Luke 19.2 . Matth. 9.9 Matthew . the Publicane was afterwards an Apostle ) yet their imployment was not very acceptable . People were then slow in paying publike money : and ●hen the gatherers oppressions , and private exactions over and above their masters dues , made them more hard of digestion . Suetonius reports of one Sabinus , that had a monument for him with this inscription , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , for a faichfull Publicane : as if that were a great commendation , considering that occasiones faciunt latrones . But let men in authority , from the highest to the lowest prove the descent of their power by its justice and generosity .

2. Let people learne from hence to acknowledg this Descent of Authority , and that therefore they must neither usurp it , nor slight it , nor disobey it .

First , not usurp it . They must stay for a lawfull calling : private men and women must onely act in their owne spheres and circuits , as Masters over servants , and parents over children . Saint Pauls spirit was troubled in him at the idolatrie of the Athenians ; ●…cts 17.16 . but being a private man he onely exhorted , but did nothing .

Secondly , People must not slight it , because it is so nobly borne , as appeares by this Heraldry booke of Moses , where we finde , as it is Act. 19.35 . that this goddesse Magistracy is that image of power which is come downe from Heaven . Being so highly descended , it is scandalum Magnatum to speake slightly of it . And it is highly imployed also : for either of these wayes may this fault be committed . Magistracy hath the priviledges both waies ; being highly born , as Nobles ; and highly imployed , as great Officers .

Thirdly , We must obey and submit to this ordinance , even for conscience sake . Take Saint Peters advice , 1 Pet. 2.13 , 14 which is a part of the Epistle appointed to bee read the twentie seventh day of this moneth , the day of our gracious King his entry to the Kingdome , Submit your selves to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake : whether it bee to the King , as supreme ; or unto Governours , as unto them that are sent by him . For the Lords sake , the Founder of it ; and for its owne sake , being so incomparably beneficiall for people . Not to esteeme of these and obey them , as Gods Deputies , is a kind of civill Atheisme . For we may say justly as the people to Herod unjustly , The ordinance of God and not of man .

And that wee may the better submit , Acts 12.22 . take these helpes following .

1. Make it not our imployment to finde and make faults in Governours . For then out of envie we shall thinke them faulty without cause . Moses said , Numb. 16.15 . I have beene no waies injurious to them . Indeed hee had meekely , justly , and miraculously brought them out of the land of Egypt : yet observe in the third verse Corah and his company quarrelled , Why lift ye your selves above the congregation of the Lord ? And though the patient Earth miraculously punished them , yet in the 41. verse all the multitude murmured , saying , Ye have killed , &c. And then God slew more of them . Magistrates and Ministers are like cities upon hils , all eyes are fixed & observing them . They cannot possibly avoyd this dilemma , fork , or crotch from peevish , censorious by-standers . If they be quick and active , then they are busie and cruell : if mercifull and gentle , then they are dull , lazy , and remisse in their places . Iohn Baptist came neither eating nor drinking , Mat. 11.18 , 19. and they said he had a Devill . The Sonne of man came eating and drinking , and they said , Behold a glutton and a wine-bibber . If a Governour bee like Solomon taking care for the building of a Temple , the fruits of peace and devotion : yet the people will say , 2. Sam. 16.7 . as it is 2. Chron. 10 4. The yoke is grievous . And David being an active man , conquering the Jebusites , hee is accounted Vir sanguinum . For as the Sea , though of it selfe indifferently quiet , yet there are ever and anon some whistling winds to make it troublesome : So there are alwaies some like Ieroboam , who stroke the people with cavils against Governours , thereby to sowre and leaven them . From which censorious conceits proceed daring speeches ; M●… Lord Ver●lam in Hen. 7. And liberty of speech , it is the female of Sedition , and in time the Grand-mother of treason . Take heed of the bewitching arguments ; Romists on the one side ; and the miscalled Sions Plea , and the like , on the other : by which under a cloake of Religion they labour to make the people disaffected to their Governours and government .

2. Remember whence Magistrates come . Looke upon them , not personally , but relatively . When an Ambassadour comes , wee doe not presently inquire or prie how learned , rich , wise , or nobly borne hee is , but from what a great Master hee comes and doth represent . Alexander would be accounted the sonne of a God , thereby to keepe his people in obedience .

3. Doe as ye would be done by . How would ye have your children and servants carry themselves in your private families ? Not usurpe , nor sleight , nor disobey you . And if ye come to any publike imployment , would ye have them that are under you observe nothing but your warpings and failings , yea worse , creating jealousies and suspicions without cause ? Lycurgus being asked why the government was not popular , answered , Tu prius in domo tua efficito principatum popularem .

4. Consider that the worst kind of Governours or Government is better than an Anarchy : And therefore that Magistracy is a great blessing , being the very life of society . No marvell then that Saint Iude reckoneth speaking ill of dignities among great faults .

5. Forget not Gods command , Honour thy father , &c. not onely Naturall , but Politicall ; thy father in the kingdome , as well as in the family : that thy dayes may be long ; being peaceable subjects here , and glorious citizens hereafter : the Magistrate is parens patriae .

6. Pray to God , who doth dispose the hearts of Rulers and people ; that the one may governe , and the other obey conscionably , using these and the like prayers , with which I will conclude .

Almighty God , whose Kingdome is everlasting , and power infinite , have mercy upon the whole congregation , and so rule the heart of thy chosen servant Charles , our King and Governour , and the hearts of all that are in authority under him , that they knowing whose Ministers they are , may above all things seeke thy honour and glory : and that we duely considering whose authority they have ( as wee have beene taught ) may faithfully serve , honour , and humbly obey them , in thee and for thee , according to thy blessed Word and Ordinance through Christ our Lord . Amen .

FINIS .