A62049:87
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.
Thus should Magistrates resemble his Majesty, not perverting justice either for having, or for hope of a reward. A bribe received or expected clogs or obscures the course of Justice. A golden pen must not write the discharge: when the hand of a Judge is greased with gold, it cannot hold the sword of justice, but will let it slip, at least strike very partially.
Thou shalt not wrest judgement, thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift; for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous, Deut. 16.19.
The Roman story telleth us of two persons that were Competitors for some place of preferment, and that a Senator being asked, for which of the two he would give his voice; answered, For neither; because saith he, One hath nothing, and the other hath never enough. He knew that poverty and covetousness are both unmeet qualifications for a Ruler. The former maketh Magistracy obnoxious to contempt and derision, and the latter prompteth the Magistrate on to injustice and oppression.