A62049:135
Men are gods, or, The dignity of magistracy, and the duty of the magistrate…
Men are gods, or, The dignity of magistracy, and the duty of the magistrate as it was presented in a sermon at the assize holden at Hertford for that county on August 2, 1653 / by George Swinnocke ...
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1660
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.
The hearts of the best are bad enough, and apt to wander, therefore they need all means; the hedge of mans laws as well as of Gods laws to keep them in. Laws are hedges both to fence them in from others violence, and to prevent their their wandering out.
Objection 3.
Paul forbiddeth going to law, 1 Cor. 6.1, 2. therefore no use of a Magistrate.
Answer.
The Apostle doth not absolutely forbid going to law; But 1. before Heathen Judges, when godly Christians might have decided their differences and ended their controversies. They that deny to refer their lighter causes to honest understanding persons, give occasion to others to suspect both their causes and Christianity, v. 1, 3, 4, 5.2. Among brethren, the very name of brethren should allay heats and charm discords, v. 8. The nearer their relation (though spiritual) was, the dearer their affection