A62049:72
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.
Thirdly,1 The dignity of Magistracy (wherein they likewise are like to God) consisteth in their executing the Law. In punishing the nocent and acquitting the innocent. Execution is the life of the Law; the lustre and glory of the Prince, the security of the good people. A Law unexecuted is like a sword without an edge for no use or service. And a Magistrate that neglecteth his duty herein, is like a Winters Sun, glorious for Majesty, but yielding no warming or refreshing influences to them that are under him; or like the Kings head on a signpost only for show.
Thirdly,1 The dignity of Magistracy (wherein they likewise are like to God) consisteth in their executing the Law. In punishing the nocent and acquitting the innocent. Execution is the life of the Law; the lustre and glory of the Prince, the security of the good people. A Law unexecuted is like a sword without an edge for no use or service. And a Magistrate that neglecteth his duty herein, is like a Winters Sun, glorious for Majesty, but yielding no warming or refreshing influences to them that are under him; or like the Kings head on a signpost only for shew.
- 1Three uses of the civil sword. 1. Ad vindictam. 2. Ad protectionem b•ner•m. 3. Ad executionem justitiae. Willet. in Rom. 13.
The God of heaven doth not cast away the perfect man, nor help the evil doer, Job 8.20. He beholdeth the righteous with favour, he woundeth the heads of sinners, Psal. 68.21. He cutteth off the workers of iniquity: He killeth and maketh alive, with him is the fountain of life,