A16342:146
Two sermons preached at Northampton at two several assizes there The one in the…Two sermons preached at Northampton at two severall assises there The one in the…
Two sermons preached at Northampton at two several assizes there The one in the time of the shrievalty of Sir Erasmus Dryden Baronet. Anno Domini, 1621. The other in the time of the shrievalty of Sir Henry Robinson Knight, anno Domini, 1629. By Robert Bolton ... Published by E.B.Two sermons preached at Northampton at two severall assises there The one in the time of the shrevalty of Sir Erasmus Dryden Baronet. Anno Domini, 1621. The other in the time of the shrevalty of Sir Henry Robinson Knight, anno Domini, 1629. By Robert Bolton ... Published by E.B.
London: printed by George Miller, 1635
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.
This righteousness is required in Rulers, and such as are placed above their brethren, to wit, that themselves be reconciled unto GOD in JESUS CHRIST: For sense of this alone is able to beget that right noble, and well-composed temper of spirit, those high and unshaken resolutions, which only are fit to make a Magistrate, and create earthly Gods, as Judges are called, Psal. 82.1.6. Without this righteousness, assuredly whatsoever fair pretexts and representations to the contrary, may dazzle and deceive the worlds eye, yet all is rotten at the heart-root. And the executions of their places, though they may carry things smoothly and palliate with much art and policy, yet questionless, in case of strong temptation, great advantage, rising, and enriching themselves, gratification of some great one, hazard of temporal happiness, &c. will be exorbitant and yielding and at the best, but formal. The cry of that happy soul, which leans, and hath taken up his everlasting resting place, upon the rock of eternity, is constant, and still the same in all cases and causes.1 Let right be done, and a good conscience discharged, and then come what come will. Let me not only loose my place and the favour of the times, but let even the heavens fall, and they will, all is one to me; by the mercy of GOD I shall stand upright under the ruins, and rejoice in the testimony ⟨p. 46⟩of a good conscience, amidst the confusions both of heaven and earth. But to speak in Scripture phrase, (for the other was the speech, even of an honest heathen.) Ever, when standing on the better side, and keeping a good conscience, threateneth danger and disgrace, he grows into Hesters happy resolution: well, whatsoever comes of me, I will take GODs part, and if I perish, I perish. But not to perish so, is to perish everlastingly: and so to perish, is to be eternally saved.
This righteousnesse is required in Rulers, and such as are placed above their brethren, to wit, that themselves be reconciled unto GOD in IESUS CHRIST: For sense of this alone is able to beget that right noble, and well-composed temper of spirit, those high and unshaken resolutions, which onely are fit to make a Magistrate, and create earthly Gods, as Iudges are called,