THIS Psalme was penned by the Prophet Dauid , as appeareth by the title , for it is called A Psalme of Dauid . And howsoeuer the time when it was penned bee not expressed : yet the Psalme it selfe seemeth to intimate , that he made it at his first comming to the Crowne . For the argument of it is a solemne vow , wherin the Prophet bindeth himselfe , to the performance of his duetie , in the due ordering and gouerning of himselfe , his family , and his Kingdome . Now this vow is first propounded in the first verse , I will sing Mercie and Iudgement , to thee , O Lord will I sing . And then expounded in the rest of the Psalme . Wherein we are to consider , 1. What he promiseth for himselfe . 2. What he promiseth concerning others . For himselfe he promiseth two things . 1. That he will endeauour to doe well , namely , to be an example of good vnto others , both in his publike and priuate conuersation . 2. I will doe wisely , &c. 2 That he will be carefull to preserue himselfe from euill , both from occasions offered without , by euill obiects & euill examples . 3 I will set no wicked thing &c. And also from occasions within his own heart , where he knew there was matter enough to corrupt him , though there were no outward prouocation at all . 4 A froward heart &c. Concerning others we are to consider . 1 What hee promiseth concerning those that should haue accesse to him . And because he knew , that two sorts of persons would seeke to insinuate themselues into his fauour , such as were maliciously sclanderous , making other mens disgrace a step for them to climbe by : & such as were ambitiously proud , aspiring to places of honour without desert , therfore he sheweth how he wil cary himselfe towards them . 5 The one he wil destroy , the other he will not suffer , that all other wicked persons might know , what entertainment they were to looke for at his hands . 2 What he promiseth concerning such as he was to imploy , either as Counsellors of Estate , in the affaires of his kingdome , or as seruants in the businesses of his family : where he sheweth . 1 What manner of persons he wil make choice of . Ver. 6. Mine eyes shal be to the faithfull of the land , &c. 2. Whom he would refuse vers. 7. namely deceitful persons , & such as tel lies . 3. What he promiseth concerning all his Subiects & his whole Kingdome in generall . And because the comfort & peace of good subiects consisteth in taking away the wicked , he promiseth to suppres all such to the vttermost of his power , in this verse which I haue chosen . And thus we see how these words do depend vpon the rest of the Psal.

Wherein , for our more orderly proceeding , we are to consider foure things in generall . 1. King Dauids iustice & seuerity in punishing offenders , in these words . I will destroy the wicked , & cut off the workers of iniquity . Wherein we may note . 1. The action which he wil performe , set out in two words , destroy and cut off . 2. The obiect of the action , or the persons on whom he will execute Iustice in this manner , namely , the wicked , & the workers of Iniquity . Where the latter phraise expoundeth the former . 2. His equall proceeding therein , he wil destroy Al the wicked & cut off All the workers of iniquitie , without partialitie . 3. His diligence , he will do it betimes , without delay . 4. The end why he will doe it betimes , without delay . 4. The end why he will doe it , that Ierusalem the City of the Lord , may be purged from euill .

I wil destroy . This is not so to be vnderstood , as if the Prophet would inflict a like punishment vpon all offenders , for that were iniustice . For as there is difference of offences , so there must be difference of punishments . All offenders must be punished , but ( as we shall see afterwards ) euery one according to the qualitie of his falt . Our instruction then from hence is this ; That they that are in authority , Prou. 20.26 are bound to punish the wicked . Solomon saith , A wise king scattereth the wick d and bringeth the wheele ouer them . And the Lord commanded Moses , that if any man did fasly accuse his brother , looke what punishment soeuer hee should haue suffered , if the accusation had beene true , Deut. 19.19 21. the same punishment should be inflicted vpon the accuser himse fe . Yee sha●l doe to him as he had thought to haue done to his brother . Thine eye shall haue no compassion : but life for life , eie for eie , tooth for tooth , hand for hand , foote for foote . And in an other place , if a man by due examination of his cause , were found worthy to be beaten , Deut. 25.1.2 . Leui. 24.16 the Iudge must cause him to lie downe , and to be beaten before his face . Againe , the Lord gaue a special and a strict charge , that he that blasphemed the name of the Lord should be put to death : all the congregation should stone him to death . So likewise , Num. 5.301 whosoeuer did any thing presumptuously ▪ was to be cut off from among his people . I confesse that men at the first are to be allured to obedience by rewards and other gentle courses , but if that will not serue the turne , then seuerity must be vsed , Praemio et paena . Solon . and punishments must be inflicted . Whereupon the Philosopher said , hat the common wealth was vpheld by two things , namely by rewards and punishments . But howsoeuer , if there be not seuerity to keepe men in awe , the common wealth cannot be well gouerned . And therefore it was the commandement of Artaxerxes King of Persia vnto Ezra , that whosoeuer would not doe the law of his God , and the Kings law , he should haue iudg●ment &c. And there are many reasons which may further confirme the truth of this point . For first if pu●ishment be not inflicted vpon offenders ▪ much euill and hurt will follow thereupon as namely , first of all the offender himsefe , and others also are animated and encouraged in their lewde courses : Their hands are streng●hened that they cannot returne from their wickednesse , as the Prophet saith in another sence . Ier. 23.14 . a a Maxima peccandi ille cebra impunitatis spes . Cic. Milone . The greatest prouocation that can bee , is hope of impunitie . Neither is any greater cause of euill , then libertie to doe euill . Because Eli would not correct his sonnes , but rather stroked their heads when they did amisse , therefore they behaued themselues so vilely in their places , as by reason of their sinne , men abhorred the Offering of the Lord . And because Dauid did so cocker Adoniah , as he would not displease him from his Childhood , to say , 1. Sam. 2.17 23.24 . 1. Ki. 1.5.6 . Why hast thou done so ? Therefore there was none more ready to take the Crowne from his Fathers head . As it is in priuate families , so it is in Common-wealthes , when men are not punished according to their deserts , they become more dissolute . And therefore Bernard saith well , b b Nulla maio mali c● usa , quam licentia mali . Cas. b b Impunitas incuriae soboles , insolen iae mater , t●ansgressionum ●ut . ix . Ber. de Consid. l. 3. Impunitie is the brood of carelesnesse , the mother of insolencie , the nurse of transgressions . c c Ad pecca●dum p aecipi tes f●n , qui impune peccant . Tract. 1. contra Demetr. Alex ab Alex. lib. 3 cap. 5. Psal. 10.5.6 Eccles 8.11 . And Cyprian , They that sinne without controlement , runne headlong to sinne . Impunitie is the fewell , that feedeth the fury of dissolute and vnbridled persons . And therefore , it was wisely prouided by the Romanes , that their Magistrates should neuer come in publike without their Officers , to beare halberds and rods before them , for the terror of those that should offend . As wicked men deale with Almightie God , so doe they deale with the Magistrate his Deputie . Dauid saith of the wicked , that because his wayes alwayes prosper , and the Iudgements of God are out of his sight , therefore he saith in his heart , I shall neuer be moued , nor be in danger , and , God hath forgotten , he hideth away his face , and will neuer see . And Solomon saith , Because sentence against an euill worke is not executed speedily , therefore the heart of the children of men is fully set in them to doe euill . So when the Magistrate is negligent in punishing offenders , they and others are more emboldened to sinne . We read in the booke of Iudges , Iud. 17 6 & 18 1 & 19.1 . & 21 25. of many grieuous abhominations , that were committed among the Israelites as namely Micahs making of a grauen and a molten Image , and consecrating of a Leuite for Idolatrous seruice : the Danites spoyling their brethren by force of Armes , and sacking of their cities ▪ the horrible abuse offered to the Leuites wife &c. And the cause of all is said to be this In those dayes there was no King in Israel there was no Magistrate nor Law to punish them , but euery man did that which was good in his owne eyes .

Secondly , when men are suffered to transgresse without punishment , the wrath of God is prouoked , and publike calamities are pulled downe vpon the land . The Lord tolde the people of Israel , that if blood were shed in the land , and the murderer not put to death , Num. 35.33 the land was defiled and made lyable to Gods heauie displeasure . When Ahab charged the Prophet Elijah , that he was the man that troubled Israel , 1. Kin. 18.18 . and caused that great famine that was in the land : he answered boldly , That it was he and his Fathers house that troubled Israel , in that he suffered so much Idolatry to be vnpunished . When Achan had stollen the consecrated thing , the wrath of the Lord was so kindled against all the Host of Israel , Iosh. 7.11.12 . that they could not stand , but were discomfited before their enemies . Ye● , the Lord threatned , that he would be no more with them , vnlesse they destroyed that person from among them . When that villany was committed vpon the Leuites Concubine and the Beniamites would not deliuer those wicked men that had done it , Iudg. 20.12.13 . &c. that they might be put to death to put away euill from Israel , the Lord stirred vp the rest of their brethren to make war e against them , till the whole Tribe was almost destroyed . 2. Sam. 21.1 . So long as the murder committed by Saul vpon the Gibeonites , was vnpunished , the Lord sent a grieuous famine vpon the land of Israel three yeares together . And whiles Ionah , that had fled from the presence of God , Ionah . 1.4 . was in the Shippe , a great winde and a mightie Tempost , raised by the Lord pursued the Ship , that it was like to be broken , and all the Marriners in danger of drowning . On the contrary side , wh●●●● c● is executed vpon wicked doers , the wrath of God is turned away , and he is pacified and appeased . When the wrath of Lord was kindled against Israel , Num. 25.3.4 . because he had ioined himselfe to Baal-Peor : the Lord himselfe commanded Moses to take all the heads of the people , and hang them vp before the Lord against the sunne , that the indignation of the Lords wrath might be turned from Israel . And according , when Phinehas ▪ Ps. 106.30 . in an holy zeale , had thrust through the man of Israel and the Midianitish woman with a speare , the plague ceased from the children of Israel . And Dauid relating the same storie said , that Phinehas stood vp and executed iudgement , and the plague was staied . When Achan and all that belonged vnto him were stoned vnto death , Iosh. 7.25.26 . & 8. tot . the Lord turned from his fierie wrath against Israel , so that whereas before their enemies chased them and smote them , Ionah . 1 , 15 now they atchieued many great and famous victories . When Ionah was once cast into the sea , 2. Sam. 21.9.14 . the sea presently ceased from her raging . When the seauen sons of Saul were hanged vp in Gibea of Saul as the Gibeonites requited God was then appeased with the land And in a word , 1. King . 18.40.45 . when Eliah had slaine the fou●e hundred faulse Prophets & idolatrous priests of Baal , whereas before there had beene neither d●aw nor raine for a long time , the Lord presently sent raine in abundance , whereby the former famine ceased . And therefore , if Magistrates desire , either to preuent the iudgements that are threatned , or hang ouer the land , or to remoue those that are already inflicted , they must carefully looke to the punishing of such as by their wickednesse increase the wrath of God vpon the land . Nehem. 13.18 .

Thirdly , where wicked men escape vnpunished , yea not onely so , Prou. 28.28 & 29.2 . but ( as oft it falleth out ) are exalted , there the good are grieued and discouraged : yea , as Salomon saith , they are constrained to hide themselues and to sigh and mourne for sorrow . It is a true saying , a a Bonis nocet qui malis parcit . he hurteth the good , that spareth them that are euill . The Apostle insinuateth , that Magistrates ought to prouide , that those that are vnder them may leade a quiet and a peaceable life in all godlinesse and honestie . 1. Tim. 2.2 . But it cannot bee , that men should liue peaceably and quietly , vnlesse wicked men by punishments be restrained and kept in awe , for they will be so insolent , as a man of a quiet disposition cannot dwell by them ; but the more he shall seeke for peace , Psal. 120.7 . the more will they be bent to warre , as Dauid saith of his enemies . Neither is it pos●ible that godlinesse and honestie should flourish where wicked persons are vncontrouled . For as weedes let grow doe ouertoppe the good corne , and choake it : so lewd persons left at liberty , hinder the growth of pietie and godlinesse .

And as all these euils doe follow vpon the neglect of this duetie : so on the contrary side , much good will redounde to the commonwealth , where it is carefully and diligently put in practise . As first of all , the party delinquent is by this meanes reformed , and brought to liue in better order . For that that Salomon speaketh of children , is true also of elder persons , that foolishnesse is bound in their heart , Pro. 22.15 . but the rod of correction shall driue it away from them . And therefore , he saith in another place . & 20.30 . The blewnesse of the wound serueth to purge the euill , and the stripes within the bowels of the belly . And hereof we haue an example in the incestuous person , who being excommunicated and deliuered vnto Satan , was thereby brought to such humiliation and repentance , 2. Cor. 2.6.7 that the Apostle exhorteth the Corinthians to receiue him againe into the bosome of the Church , least he should be swallowed vp of ouermuch heauinesse . And many amongst vs haue confessed , that had it not beene for correction , they had neuer come to good . But if it be so , as sometimes we see it commeth to passe , that a man is so hardned in euill , as that by punishment he cannot be quite reclaimed : yet he is so curbed and kept in awe , as he dare not sinne so boldly as otherwise he would . b b Meliores sunt quos dirigit amor , sed plu es quos co●●igit timor For howsoeuer it bee true , that the better sort are directed by loue , yet the greater sort are corrected by feare . c c Oderunt peccare mali formidine pocnae . And euen the worst that are , will abstaine from euill for feare of punishment .

Secondly , by the punishment of malefactors , others will be admonished to walke more warily . The Lord tolde Moses that when due punishment should be inflicted vpon the false witnesses , Deut 19.19 20. & 21.21 The rest should heare and feare , and should henceforth commit no more any such wickednesse among them . And commaundement is giuen , that the stubborne and disobedient Sonne should be stoned with stones , that all Israel may heare it and feare . 1. Tim. 5.20 Prou. 21.11 . And the Apostle chargeth Timotheus , to rebuke them openly that sinne , that the rest also may feare . And Solomon saith expresly , that when a Scorner is punished , the simple will be wise . a a Animaduersiones quo notoriores , eo plus ad exemplum emendatione inque proficiunt . Sen. de ira . l 3. And doubtlesse , publicke chastisements and punishments are very profitable for the example and amendment of others . b b Vt fulnuna pâncorum periculo cadunt , omi●unsmetu . sic animadue●siones terrent latius quam nocent . For as the Thunderbolt falleth with the danger of a few , but with the feare of all : so the terror of punishments teacheth further then the smart . c c Metus ad omnes , poena ad paucos peruenit . Cic. pro A Cluentio . Punitis malis f●iunt iusti attentiores , et Chrysost. in Ps. 7. For the feare is extended to all men , but the punishment to a few . To this purpose Chrysostom● hath a good saying . ( d ) When the euill are punished , saith he the righteous are made more carefull . For as a sound man when he seeth one that is wounded either feared or launced , is made more carefull of his owne health : so when a man seeth a malefactor brought to deserued punishment , he is admonished to take heede of such courses . It was a true saying in the generall of the Proconsul to Cyprian at his Martyrdome , though ill applyed to him in particuler e e In sanguine tuo caeteri discent discipli . In thy blood the rest wil learne discipline .

Lust of all , when as by due execution of Iustice dissolute persons are cut off , the whole bodie of the Common-wealth is preserued from infection f f Cic. in M. Anton. Phil. 8. As in a found body , if there be any thing that endangereth the rest of the body , we suffer it be feared and cut , that some one me●b●r may rather perish then the whole body : so in the body of the Common-wealth , that the whole may be preserued , let all that is hurtfull be cut off . g g Cuncta prius tentand● , s●d ●um dicab●le vulnus Ense residendum , ne pars sincera trahatu . Ouid Metam lib. 1. All oth●r courses ( ●s the Poet said are first to be taken ; and all other meanes to be vsed , but if the wound be incurerable , it must be cut off , that the found parts be not infected . a a Truncatur 〈◊〉 a●tus , vt l●ceat reliquis securum viuere membris . Claudian . And sometimes we cut off a ioynt , that the rest of the members may be without feare .

And thus we see the necessity of the performance of this duety : Now for the better effecting thereof , it is necessary that good Lawes be established , and that they bee carefully and duely executed . It cannot be denied , but that we haue in this kingdome as good and as wholesome Lawes , as any nation in Christendome , onely it is to be lamented that the execution of them is so much neglected . It were to be wished that they that haue authority in this case , would be carefull , that the Lawes made with so good aduice , and so great wisedome , may not be like an abor●iue fruit , dead as soone as they are borne .

Lawe , though neuer so excellent , without execution , Leges vel obliuione vel contemptu pabolit●e , securi orem lu●uni fecere . Cor. Tacit. Annal. lib. 3. 2. Chr. 34.4 are but like a body without a soule , like a sword that rusteth in the sheath , and like a medicine that is not applied . b And as one saith well , when the Lawes are abolished , either by forgetfulnesse or contempt , they make men more secure and riotous . Now the Lawes will neuer bee well executed , nor abuses reformed , vnlesse the Magistrate , as much as lyeth in him , see it done with his owne eies . There is a worthy president thereof in good Iosiah of whom it is said , that when he began to root out idolatry , they brake downe in his fight the Altars of Baalim , and cut downe the Images that were vpon them . Yea he went throughout all the land of Israell , to destroy the Altars , and the groues , and to breake and stampe to powder the images , &c. and then returned to Ierusalem : hee would not trust his officers with the businesse , but saw it done himselfe . c c Sabel . Ennead. 5. lib. 4. When the Romanes had nominated Titus Manlius Torquatus to be Consul , he aleadging the infirmity of his eyes , refused the honour , and said , he should bring in a very euill and pernitious example , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . if he should vndertake to gouern the common-wealth with other mens eies . And therefore Homer requireth of a Magistrate , that he haue eies before and behinde that he may looke euery way . Otherwise , if they referre all to vnder officers , who it may be , either loue the sinne themselues , or else are many times corrupted with bribes , they shall easily be deceiued .

This doctrine doth serue : first , for the reproofe of all those , Vse 1. that being in authority , are not carefull to punish disordered persons . As there are many that are too indulgent , and winke too much at those that deserue punishment . Some because they are guilty themselues , cannot with any face punish sinne in others . If the Magistrate be a swearer , or a drankard , or a whore-maister , or a prophaner of the Sabboath , how can he set himselfe to punish these vices in other men ? Others , againe there are , that forbeare to punish malefactors , because they would be counted pittifull and mercifull men , not remembring the old prouerbe , that foolish pittie waxeth the citie . b b Multi ibi nomen crudelita tis imponunt etc August de bono discipl . Many saith Saint Augustine , call that cruelty , when for loue of discipline , the fault committed is reuenged by the punishments of the offender : whereas the sentence of him that punisheth , satisfieth the law , and redoundeth to the good , not onely of them that are present , but euen of them also that are yet vnborne . c c Seueritas vtilitate publica rependitur . Cor. Tac : Annal lib. 14. So that , the seueritie that is vsed in this case , is recompenced with the publike benefits . d d Maluit Domitius crudelis in animad. vertendo , quam in praeter mittando dissolutus videri . Cic. in ver. lib. 5. Num. 12.3 . Exod. 32.27.28 . 1. King . 2.5 6.7.8 . It is said of Domitius , that he had rather seeme cruell in punishing , then dissolute in sparing . Moses was a very meeke man , aboue all that were vpon the earth : and yet he batheth his hands in the blood of his brethren , when they had dishonoured God , by making and worshiping the golden calfe . And Dauid that was al his life of so milde a disposition , and so tender hearted , that when opportunity was offered him twice , he would not lay his hands vpon Saul though he were his mortall enemie , yea his heart did smite him , when he had but cut off the lap of his garment , yet at his death hee maketh a bloody will , and chargeth Solomon that hee should cause the gray head of Ioab and Shemei to goe to the graue with blood . Both of them by this cruelty sanctified their heads , whiles they executed the vengeance committed vnto them by God which otherwise , by sparing they should haue pollunted . Caluin instit . lib. 4. cap. 20. sect. 10. Exo. 32.29 As Moses bad the Isaelites concecrate their hands to the Lord , euery man vpon his sonne and vpon his brother . Others yet there be , that vse too much conniuencie in this case , because they would be thought to be quiet and peaceable . And this is commonly the fault of such as he annuall Magistrates , who because they are not long to continue in place of authoritie , are loath to be too busie and too medling for their time . They desire euery bodies good word , let them that come after them , looke to the reformation of things that are amisse . But they forget in the meane while the Apostles exhortation , who saith , follow peace with all men and holinesse , without which no man shall see the Lord . Heb. 12.14 . So farre as peace may stand with holinesset so farre a man should labour to be peaceable , but if it cannot stand with holinesse warre is to be preferred before such peace . When Iehoram asked Iehu , Is it peace Iehu ? he answeted , What peace , 2. Kin. 9.22 whiles the whoredomes of thy mother Iezebel , and her witchcrafts are great in number ? So should euery godly Magistrate resolue in a holy zeale , neuer to be at peace with wicked persons , so long as their sinnes are vnpunished . Last of all ▪ there be others , that are ready to speake and write for leaude persons , to rescue them , as it were from , the hand and stroake of the Magistrate . As we see by common experience , that there is none so vile , but one or other will intreate for him , abusing that fauour or credite which they haue with men of authoritie , to the countenancing and bolstering vp of vngodlinesse , Well , let all these persons know , that if by any of these meanes they subduce a malefactor from deserued punishment , they make themselues guilty of his sinne . It is a true saying , a a Iudex damnatu , cum no cens absoluitur . the Iudge is condemned when the offender is absolued . b b qui non votat peccare cum potest iubet Sen. Prou. 24.24 & 17.15 . And hee that doth not restraine a man , when it is in his power , doth command him to sinne . Againe , Solomon saith , He that saith to the wicked , thou art righteous , him shall the people curse , and the multitude shall abhorre him . And in another place , Hee that iustifieth the wicked is abhomination to the Lord Giuing vs to vnderstand , that whereas they thinke by this meanes , to winn the fauour and estimation of men , they make themselues odious both to God and all good men . Besides the Scripture maketh it cleare and euident , that by this remissenesse they make themselues lyable to the wrath of God . When the Lord sent Saul in expedition against the Amalekites , and gaue him a charge to smite them , 1. Sam. 15.3 and to destroy all that appertained vnto them , and to haue no compassion on them , but to stay both man and woman , 8. infant and suc●ling , &c. And he contrary to this charge , tooke A●ag the King aliue , Samuel was sent to tell him , 23. that because he had in that manner cast away the word of the Lord , the Lord had cast him away from being King . And whereas Ahab had by Gods assistance discomfited Benhadad the King of Syria , and had not put him to death , 1. King . 20.42 . but vpon certaine conditions had let him goe , a Prophet was sent vnto him with this message . Because thou hast let goe out of thine hand a man whom I appointed to die , thy lif● shall goe for his life , and thy people for his people . Malefacctors and wicked persons by the law of God are appointed to die , the Lord hath giuen Magistrates a charge to that purpose , if therefore they , for foolish pity , or any other respect let them escape , they may iustly feare , that Gods hand will be vpon themselues . And many times we see by experience , that a wicked wretch reserued from due punishment , proueth a continuall vexation to him that hath spared him . As the nations that inhabited the land of Canaan being not cast out and destroyed by the Israelites , Iosh. 23.13 . Iud 2.3 . as God had commanded them , were made by the iust iudgement of God , A snare and destruction vnto them , and a whippe on their sides , and a thorne in their eyes .

Secondly , this doctrine doth serue to admonish all that are in authoritie , Rom. 13.4 . to set themselues with care and conscience to performe this duetie . The Magistrate must not beare the sword for naught , as the Apostle saith , he must not be like a Scarre-Cro●e to let the birds picke strawes out of his nose , but he must draw the sword that God hath put in his hand , to cut off such as will not otherwise bee reclaimed . And herein he must spare none . If a pecuniary m●●● be to be inflicted , a a qui non habe in ac●e , luat in corpore . hee that hath it not in his purse , let him pay it on his skinne . If he deserue a corporall punishment , the Magistrate must not omit it , Deu. 19.21 his eye must haue no compassion . And herein he hath the example of our Sauiour Christ , who comming to driue the buyers and sellers out of the Temple , doth not prepare his eares to heare them , but a whippe to scourge them . Bern. de consid . lib. 1. Hee maketh no words , nor receiueth any answere , for he sitteth not as a Iudge , but pursueth them as a reuenger . The Magistrate must doe likewise , his zeale must bee inflamed against the generall impudency of the times , he must make vngodly persons afraide of his countenance , so as they shall not dare to come in his sight . As Iob saith , that when he was in prosperitie , his authoritie did so terrifie the wicked of his time , that they durst not shew their heads , they were chased from among men , Iob 30.3.4.5.6 . and were constrained to flee into wildernesse 〈◊〉 and there to hide themselues in ol●●i●s of riuers , and holes of the earth , and rockes , where they cut vp nettles by the bushes , and the iuriper rootes were their meate . Yea the least sinne that is must not escape vnpunished . We see by experience , that many times a little itch turneth to a filthie leprosie , that spreadeth it selfe ouer the whole body : so a masse of euill doth often arise of a small beginning . A graine of poyson is enough to take away a mans life , and the least euill is sufficient to spoile a whole citie . Casus in p●li● And therefore in euils we are not to respect the waight of them , but the danger , not the greatnesse , but the contagiousnesse . The least mote of euill , as one saith , is not to be neglected . The Magistrate must take heede that by the name of a little eui l , hee bee not dece●ued with this paralogisme , forgiue this , this is but a small falt , and forgiue this , this is but a small fault , and so euery fault shall be accounted small , and none shall be punished . As in a diseased body , Phisitians labour to leaue no corrupt humour , that may endanger the body : so the Magistrate must leaue nothing in the common-wealth , that may be hurtfull to it . a a Part●● saepe scin●●lla neglecta magnum excitauit incendium . Curt. lib. 6. A little sparke not regarded , hath many times raised a great f●re : so a little euill neglected , hath often turned to a great mischife . But as the Magistrate must punish all sinne in generall , so more especially such as make most to the dishonour of God , as blasphemous swearing , drunkennesse , whoredome , profanation of the Sabboath , and such like .

Now herein many Magistrates are much to blame . They are seuere enough to punish the least disgrace that is offered to their owne persons . But let God be neuer so much dishonoured , and his Sabboathes neuer so greatly polluted , there are but a few that doe regard i● . I confesse there hath beene a good beginning made this last yeare , for the reformation of the Sabboath . The right honourable the Lord Maior that now is , and the other officers that assisted him , haue taken great paines in restraining the abuses and disorders , that are in Ta●●rn●s and Alehouses on that day . I wish the like care may be continued in the next yeare . And therefore I would intreate the Lord Elect that is to succeede , that the example of those that haue gone before him may encourage him to vndertake this good worke of the Lord . He shall finde it an easier matter then it was before , because the yee are already well broken to his hands , vngodlinesse is already well curbed , it were pittie that by any future remissenesse , it should get head againe . And let me exhort the right worshipfull Sheriffes , that are newly come in place : that as they are famous in this respect , that they are brothers by nature ( a thing seldome or neuer seene before in this cittie ) so also they would ioine together in brotherly affection , that with one heart and one hand they may set themselues , to the vttermost of their authoritie , to punish and roote out all vngodly persons . So shall they transferre a blessed memory of their names to all posteritie , and no doubt the Lord will remember them in goodnesse for the same .

There is another sort of wicked persons , that deserue to be seuerely pun shed . And they are those which foolish people call wise men and wise women : but indeede are wisards and sorce●ers , very ●i●mes of the diuell , that take vpon them by the a●●● of the diuell to helpe men to things that are l●st or stoine . These are so odious in the sight of God , as hee can by no mea●es endure them . Let none be found among you ( saith the Lord that vs●th witchcra●●●r is a r garder of times or a sorcerer , Deu 18 10 11.12 . or a ●k●●er or that c●●●●●●eth with spirits , or a soothsayer● or that a ●eth counsel of the dead For all that doe such things , are ●bho● nation vnto the Lord . And therefore ●e hath giuen expresse commandement , that they shall bee put to death . Thou shalt not suffer a witch , ( and and these vpon the point are no better to liue . And againe , If a man or woman haue a spirit of diuination , Exo 22.18 Leui. 20.27 or soo h●saying ●a● doubtlesse these haue they shall die the death , they shall stone them to death , their blo●d shall be vpon them . An as Dauid saith of idols that all that trust in them are like vnto them ? Psal. 115.8 So all that 〈◊〉 vnto these instruments of the diuell , are euery w●nt as abomi●able to God as themselues are . And therefore hee doth precisely co●demne all such pract●ses . Leu 19.31 . Ye shall not regard them that work with spirits neither soo●h sayers : ye shall not seeke to t em ●o be defiled by them I am the ●o d your God . And in another p●a● ▪ If any turne af er such as worke with spirits and after sooth sayers to goe a who●●ing after them : Leu. 20.6 . then will I set my face against that man , and will cut him off from amo●g his people . And how seuerely th s threatning was execu●ed , 〈◊〉 a● pea●e in two fearefull examples . The one is of Ahaziah king of Israel who being h●rt with a fall out of a window , 2. Kin. 1.2 3.4.16.1 . sent messengers to enquire of Baa●zebub the God of ●kron , that is of the diuell , to see whether he should recouer of his disease or no. But the Lord sent him word by his messengers , and after caused the Prophet Eliah to tell him to his face , that because he had enquired of Baal zebub , as if there had beene no God in Israell , therefore hee should not come downe off the bed , on which hee was gone vp , but should dye the death . And it came to passe accordingly . The other is of Saul who , ●s the Scripture saith in plaine tearmes ; 1. Chron. 10.13 14. died for his transgressions , which hee committed against the Lord , euen against the word of the Lord which hee kep● not , and because hee sought and asked counsell of one that had a familiar spirit , and asked not of the Lord therefore he● slew him , &c. Seeing then this practise is so damnable , and so much displeasing vnto Go , it shall be a worke worthy the care of a Christian Magistrate , by due punishment to restraine the a●e .