A16342:272
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.
Me thinks the very providence of reasonable men should move you that are Magistrates, in this and other corporations, to relieve your poor with the forfeitures of oaths, and Ale-houses: But when you have besides GODs blessed Law, ⟨p. 101⟩so mighty against drunkards, blasphemers. And that King Charles also hath so graciously confirmed those blessed Acts provided in that case, to sharpen the sword, and strengthen the arm of Authority for that purpose, you ought to be extraordinarily vigilant, active, and conscionable in the execution of them, otherwise assure your selves, you rob GOD of his honour, the King of his service, and the poor of their alms, and your selves of good consciences. And this fourfold cord without repentance, and quickening, is able to bind the curse of GOD fearfully to the consciences of those which should be faulty this way. I charge none in this point, but only them, whose consciences if they will give them leave to speak out, ma• justly accuse; if any of your hearts should condemn you, GOD is greater then your hearts, and will pay you home: be not deceived, nor flat your selves with any ungrounded self conceit. It is a principle, even in moral policy, that an ill executor of the Laws is worse in a State, then a great breaker of them. Not to punish an offence,1 being under your charge, and in your power, is •o commit it.
Me thinkes the very providence of reasonable men should move you that are Magistrates, in this and other corporations, to relieve your poore with the forfeitures of oathes, and Ale-houses: But when you have besides GODs blessed Law, ⟨p. 101⟩so mighty against drun•ards, blasphemers. And that King Charles also hath so graciously confirmed those blesed Acts provided in that case, to sharpen the sword, and strengthen the arme of Authority for that purpose, you ought to be extraordinarily vigilant, active, and conscionable in the execution of them, otherwise assure your selves, you rob GOD of his honour, the King of his service, and the poore of their almes, and your selves of good consciences. And this fourefold cord without repentance, and quickning, is able to bind the curse of GOD fearefully to the consciences of tose which should be faulty this way. I charge none in this point, but onely them, whose consciences if they will give them leave to speake out, ma justly accuse; if any of your hearts should condemne you, GOD is greater then your hearts, and will pay you home: be not deceived, nor flatte your selves with any ungrounded selfe conceit. It is a principle, even in morall policy, that an ill executour of the Lawes is worse in a State, then a great breaker of them. Not to punish an offence,