Thirdly, The word signifies tropically to rule or govern; 1and the reason ariseth clearly from the proper signification of it; because he that is a Ruler or a Governor, is also a binder and a healer: Magistrates bind the people that are under them to order, they bind them by their Laws. Laws are as bonds, they have a binding power, they bind either to obedience or to punishment; and therefore Magistrates are binders, they bind the unruly and disobedient, they bind with the rule of the Law, and with the penalties of the Law. When any break the rule of the Law, then they fall under the penalties of the Law, so that every way a Magistrate is a binder; and as he is a binder, so a healer; The Laws of Government by which people are bound, are for their healing, for the healing of their manners and corruptions; as also, for the healing of those whom they have oppressed or wounded by their evil manners and corruptions. Further, all Governors should, and righteous Governors will improve their power and authority for the healing of those differences that arise among their subjects, or those over whom they are set: In all these respects, Magistrates are healers and binders. Thus the Prophet (Isa. 3.6, 7.) expresseth them, When a man shall take hold of his brother, of the house of his father, saying, thou hast clothing, be thou our Ruler, and let this ruin be under thine hand: Here is a breach, a ruin in the State or Commonwealth, let this be under thy hand, do thou undertake the cure of this; but in that day shall he swear (v. 7.) I will not be a healer: We put in the margin, a binder, that is, I will not be your Governor; your case is so desperate, and you are so obstinate in your way, that I dare not ⟨p. 610⟩undertake your cure, I will not be a healer to you, or I will not be your binder; or as the reason of his refusal is there given by the Prophet, from his own inability or incompetency for that undertaking; In my house is neither bread nor clothing, make me not a Ruler of the people. Thus the word very significantly holds out the office and use of Governors; they are or ought to be binders or healers: the wounds of the Body politic need a healer as much as those of the body natural; Governors are State-Physicians: and therefore we read very well, Shall he that hateth right govern? Mr. Broughton saith, Can a foe to Judgement rule well?
Thirdly, The word signifies tropically to rule or govern; 1and the reason ariseth clearly from the proper signification of it; because he that is a Ruler or a Governour, is also a binder and a healer: Magistrates binde the people that are under them to order, they binde them by their Laws. Laws are as bonds, they have a binding power, they binde either to obedience or to punishment; and therefore Magistrates are binders, they binde the unruly and disobedient, they binde with the rule of the Law, and with the penalties of the Law. When any break the rule of the Law, then they fall under the penalties of the Law, so that every way a Magistrate is a binder; and as he is a binder, so a healer; The Laws of Government by which people are bound, are for their healing, for the healing of their manners and corruptions; as also, for the healing of those whom they have oppressed or wounded by their evil manners and corruptions. Further, all Governours should, and righteous Governours will improve their power and authority for the healing of those differences that arise among their subjects, or those over whom they are set: In all these respects, Magistrates are healers and binders. Thus the Prophet (Isa. 3.6, 7.) expresseth them, When a man shall take hold of his brother, of the house of his father, saying, thou hast clothing, be thou our Ruler, and let this ruine be under thine hand: Here is a breach, a ruine in the State or Commonwealth, let this be under thy hand, do thou undertake the cure of this; but in that day shall he swear (v. 7.) I will not be a healer: We put in the margin, a binder, that is, I will not be your Governour; your case is so desperate, and you are so obstinate in your way, that I dare not ⟨p. 610⟩undertake your cure, I will not be a healer to you, or I will not be your binder; or as the reason of his refusal is there given by the Prophet, from his own inability or incompetency for that undertaking; In my house is neither bread nor clothing, make me not a Ruler of the people. Thus the word very significantly holds out the office and use of Governours; they are or ought to be binders or healers: the wounds of the Body politick need a healer as much as those of the body natural; Governours are State-Physicians: and therefore we read very well, Shall he that hateth right govern? Mr. Broughton saith, Can a foe to Judgement rule well?
- 1Verbum ligandi [Greek or Hebrew] sumitur pro imperare vel rerum potiri, quia qui imperant ligant, &c. Merc. Leges a ligando dicuntur.Verbum ligandi 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 sumitur pro imperare vel rerum potiri, quia qui imperant ligant, &c. Merc. Leges a ligando dicuntur.
