A26892:8066
A Christian Directory
A Christian directory, or, A sum of practical theology and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortify every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.A Christian directory, or, A summ of practical theologie and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortifie every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Part 4 › Chapter 3: Directions for Subjects concerning their duty to their Rulers.
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.
§. 58. Direct. 29. Be ready to your power to defend your Governors against all Treasons, Conspiracies 1and Rebellions: For this is a great part of the duty of your relation. The Wisdom and Goodness necessary to Government, is much personal in the Governors themselves: But the strength (without which Laws cannot be executed, nor the people preserved) is in the People, and the Princes interest2 in them: Therefore if you withdraw your help in time of need, you desert and betray your Rulers whom you should defend. If you say, It is they that are your Protectors: I answer, True: but by your selves. They protect you by Wisdom, Counsel, and Authority, and you must protect them by obedience and strength. Would you have them protect you rather by mercenaries or foreigners? If not, you must be willing to do your parts, and not think it enough in Treasons, Invasions or Rebellions to sit still and save your selves, and let him that can lay hold on the Crown possess it. What Prince would •s the Governor of a people that he knew would forsake him in his need?
§. 58. Direct. 29. Be ready to your power to defend your Governours against all Treasons, Conspiracies 1and Rebellions: For this is a great part of the duty of your relation. The Wisdom and Goodness necessary to Government, is much personal in the Governours themselves: But the strength (without which Laws cannot be executed, nor the people preserved) is in the People, and the Princes interest2 in them: Therefore if you withdraw your help in time of need, you desert and betray your Rulers whom you should defend. If you say, It is they that are your Protectors: I answer, True: but by your selves. They protect you by Wisdom, Counsel, and Authority, and you must protect them by obedience and strength. Would you have them protect you rather by mercenaries or foreigners? If not, you must be willing to do your parts, and not think it enough in Treasons, Invasions or Rebellions to sit still and save your selves, and let him that can lay hold on the Crown possess it. What Prince would •s the Governour of a people that he knew would forsake him in his need?