A12171:93
The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax
The bruised reed, and smoking flax Some sermons contracted out of the 12. of Matth. 20. At the desire, and for the good of weaker Christians. By R. Sibbes. D.D.The bruised reede, and smoaking flax Some sermons contracted out of the 12. of Matth. 20. At the desire, and for the good of weaker Christians. By R. Sibbes. D.D.
London: printed by M. Flesher for R. Dawlman, 1630
THE Bruised Reed, and Smoking Flax.THE Bruised Reed, and Smoaking Flax.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
As for civill Magistrates, 1they for civill exigences and reasons of State, must let the Law have its course: yet thus far they should imitate this mild King, as not to mingle bitterness and passion with authority derived ⟨p. 78⟩from GOD. Authority is a beam of Gods Majesty, and prevaileth most where there is least mixture of that which is mans. It requireth more than ordinary wisdom to manage it aright. This string must not be too much strained up, nor too much let loose. Justice is an harmonical thing. Herbs hot or cold beyond a certain degree kill. We see even contrary Elements preserved in one body by a wise contemperation. Justice in rigour is oft extreme injustice, where some considerable circumstances should incline ⟨p. 79⟩to moderation, and the reckoning will be easier for bending rather to moderation than rigour.
As for civill Magistrates, 1they for civill exigences and reasons of State, must let the Law have its course: yet thus farre they should imitate this milde King, as not to mingle bitternesse and passion with authority derived ⟨p. 78⟩from GOD. Authority is a beam of Gods Majesty, and prevaileth most where there is least mixture of that which is mans. It requireth more than ordinary wisedome to manage it aright. This string must not bee too much strained up, nor too much let loose. Iustice is an harmonicall thing. Herbs hot or cold beyond a certaine degree kill. We see even contrary Elements preserved in one body by a wise contemperation. Iustice in rigour is oft extreame injustice, where some considerable circumstances should incline ⟨p. 79⟩to moderation, and the reckoning wil be easier for bending rather to moderation than rigor.
- 13. For civil Magistrates.