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…

If Government then hath such power, and works such wonders in Pagan Kingdoms, what heavens upon earth, what worlds of happiness, ⟨p. 12⟩by GODs mercy, may be comfortably expected, when it is seasoned and sinewed with the truth of Religion and power of Christianity, which is the chiefest top and well-spring of all true virtues, even as GOD is of all good things. For all other ornaments and excellencies of Nature, Art, Policy, are as but a dead and lifeless carcass, except they be animated and quickened with the true fear of GOD, and religious forwardness for his glory. Nay, a graceless Magistrate is a grievous plague, for when he follows the public administration of Justice, only as a trade, with unquenchable, and unconscionable thirst of gain, and attaining his own ends, being not in heart persuaded that Justice is GODs own work, and himself his Agent in this business; the sentence of right, GODs own verdict, and himself his Minister to deliver it. Formalities of Justice do but serve to smoother right, and that which was necessarily ordained for the common good, is through shameful abuse, made the cause of common misery, which is too manifest by too many woeful experiences.

If Government then hath such power, and workes such wonders in Pagan Kingdomes, what heavens upon earth, what worlds of happinesse, ⟨p. 12⟩by GODs mercy, may be comfortably expected, when it is seasoned and sinewed with the truth of Religion and power of Christianity, which is the chiefest top and well-spring of all true virtues, even as GOD is of all good things. For all other ornaments and excellencies of Nature, Art, Pollicy, are as but a dead and livelesse carkasse, except they be animated and quickned with the true feare of GOD, and religious forwardnesse for his glory. Nay, a gracelesse Magistrate is a grievous plague, for when he followes the publique administration of Iustice, onely as a trade, with unquenchable, and unconscionable thirst of gaine, and attaining his owne ends, being not in heart perswaded that Iustice is GODs owne worke, and himselfe his Agent in this businesse; the sentence of right, GODs owne verdict, and himselfe his Minister to deliver it. Formalities of Iustice doe but serve to smoother right, and that which was necessarily ordained for the common good, is through shamefull abuse, made the cause of common misery, which is too manifest by too many wofull experiences.