A66096:45
[The character] of a good ruler as it was recommended in a sermon [preached before] His Excellency the Governor, and the honoura[ble] counsellors, and assembly of the representatives of the Province of Massachusetts Bay in New-England : [on] May 30. 1694 : [which was the day] for election of [counsellors] for that province / by Samuel [Willard] ...[The character] of a good ruler as it was recommended in a sermon [preached before] His Excellency the Governour, and the honoura[ble] counsellors, and assembly of the representatives of the Province of Massachusetts Bay in New-England : [on] May 30. 1694 : [which was the day] for election of [counsellors] for that province / by Samuel [Willard] ...
Boston: printed by Benjamin Harris for Michael Perry, 1694
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
1. Let me propose it to such in whose hands it is to Appoint the Persons that are to bear Rule over this People; whether for the making of Laws to Govern by, or the putting o• such as are made into Execution: Whether Counsellors, Assembly-Men, or Justices of the Peace. Let this be your directory in exerting of this right. Civil Government is sea•ed in no particular Persons or Families by a Natural right, neither hath the Light o• Nature, no• the Word of GOD determined in particular, what Form of Government shall be Established among men, whether Monarchical, Ari•t•c••tical, or Democratical: much less, who are individually▪ to be acknowledged in Authority, and accordingly submitted to. Nevertheless the H•ly Providence of GOD presides ⟨p. 21⟩in this matter; sometimes, by a more. Immediate, and Extraordinary pointing to the Persons and Families: when by Revelation he declares his pleasure in it. Thus was Saul set up over the Kingdom of Israel; and afterwards David was thus chosen of God, and an Entail made o• the Crown on his Posterity: but this way hath long since ceased. Sometimes it is more mediate and ordinary, and that is, either Forcible, when God Judicially delivers a People •p to the will of their enemies, and the Conqueror gives Laws to, and appoints Rulers over such a People at his pleasure, and they are compelled to accept o• them, little to their content: which, as is not Eligible, so neither is it wont to be of duration: things violent us• not to be Permanent. Or voluntary, which is by the free consent of a People, orderly, and without Compulsion establishing the Fundamentals of Government among themselves, and the methods of introducing Persons into authority: which Methods are not prescribed in Scripture, but remain points of Prudence, and may Lawfully be divers here and there. There are yet general Rules which both reason and Religion do point men to attend in this Case; and the weal or woe o• a People do ⟨p. 22⟩very much depend thereupon. And as it is a thing very grateful to men to have some hand and consent in the appointment of their own Rulers, so they do either make or mar themselves by the using or abusing of such a liberty. Whe• this power is Immediately devolved upon some persons, they have great advantage to procure either the happiness or misery of their People.
1. Let me propose it to such in whose hands it is to Appoint the Persons that are to bear Rule over this People; whether for the making of Laws to Govern by, or the putting o• such as are made into Execution: Whether Counsellors, Assembly-Men, or J•stices of the Peace. Let this be your directory in ex•rting of this right. Civil Government is sea•ed in no particular Persons or Families by a Natural right, neither hath the Light o• Nature, no• the Word of GOD determined in particular, what Form of Government shall be Established among men, whether Monarchical, Ari•t•c••tical, or D•mocratical: much less, who are individually▪ to be acknowledged in Authority, and accordingly submitted to. Nevertheless the H•ly Providence of GOD presides ⟨p. 21⟩in this matter; sometimes, by a more. Immedi•te, and Extraordinary pointing to the Persons and Families: when by Revelation he declares his pleasure in it. Thus was Saul set up over the Kingdom of Israel; and afterwards David was thus chosen of God, and an Entail made o• the Crown on his Posterity: but this way hath long since ceased. Someitmes it is more mediate and ordinary, and that is, either Forcible, when God Judi•ially delivers a People •p to the will of their enemies, and the Conquerour gives Laws to, and appoints Rulers over such a People at his pleasure, and they are compelled to accept o• them, little to their content: which, as is not Elegi•le, so neither is it wont to be of duration: things violent us• not to be Permanent. Or voluntary, which is by the free consent of a People, orderly, and without Compul••on establishing the Fundamentals of Government among themselves, and the methods of introducing Persons into autho•iy: which Methods are not prescribed in Scripture, but remain points of Prudece, and may Lawfully be divers here and there. There are yet general Rules which both reason and Religion do point men to attend in this Case; and the weal or wo o a People do
Such Electors therefore are under the obligation to be very wary in the application of themselves to the Nomination of the persons for such a trust. A good Charter is Doubtless Preferable to a bad one; it is a great Privilege to be secured from being hurt by any but our selves: but, let Charter Privileges be never so Excellent, Good Rulers only can make us Happy under them: and if they are not so, we suffer notwithstanding.
Such Electors therefore are under the obligation to be very wary in the application of themselves to the Nomination of the persons for such a trust. A good Charter is Doubtless Preferible to a bad one; it is a great Priviledge to be secured from being hurt by any but our selves: but, let Charter Privileges be never so Excellent, Good Rulers only can make us Happy under them: and if they are not so, we suffer notwithstanding.
Here then you are told what qualities are to be eyed in those whom you fix your Choice upon. Whatsoever other Rules discretion may point to be observed in this affair, yet these must always be of the Quorum. It is true, there are none without their failings; nor can we expect that the best of men will never do amiss; but yet ⟨p. 23⟩the Best are to be preferred, as they that will do i• seldomest, and never of design. They that Fear God will be afraid wilfully to hurt men; they that are just will do justice, & that ca• wrong none. This is it which advantageth all other gifts, whether natural or acqui•ed, to be truly serviceable to the promoting of the w•l••re of a People: without this, the more that men have of these, they a•• so much the more advantaged to do […] There is no misery greater, or less […] than what men foolishly bring on themselves; and none will be equally blamed •o• ••, a• they who were the guilty occasions of it, or more deserve it. Choose such men, and then you may expect to be so Governed: if you desire that Holiness, and Righteousness may be promoted and encouraged, this i• the best stroke that you can give to i•: if you have a mind that Profaneness, and Debauchery should take place, and bear all down, here is the readiest way for it.
Here then you are told what qualities are to be eyed in those whom you fix your Choise upon. Whatsoever other Rules discretion may point to be observed in this affair, yet these must always be of the Quorum. It is true, there are none without their failings; nor can we expect that the best of men will never do amiss; but yet ⟨p. 23⟩the Best are to be preferred, as they that will do i• sldomest, and never of design. They that Fear God will be afraid wilfully to hurt men; they that are just will do justice, & that ca wrong none. This is it which advantageth all other gifts, whether natural or acquied, to be truely serviceable to the promoting of the wlre of a People: without this, the more that men have of these, they a so much the more advantaged to do There is no misery greater, or less than what men foolishly bring on themslves; and none will be equally blamed o , a tey who were the guilty occasions of it, or more deserve it. Chuse such men, and then you may expect to be so Governd: if you desire that Hliness, and Righteousness may be promoted and encouraged, this i the best stroak that you can give to i: if you have a mind that Prophaneness, and Debachry shold take place, and bear all down, here is the readiest way for it.
And if you will keep to the Rule pr• scribed in our T•xt, beware of being misguided by Special Favour, Bribery or Faction
And if you will keep to the Rule pr• scribed in our T•xt, •eware of being misguided by Special Favour, Bri•ery or Faction
When Persons shall be crowded in, because ⟨p. 24⟩they are our Friends, or have gaine• a room in our affections, without any respect to their meetness, out what our blind passions judge of; or that they may hav• a way to support themselves by the Govern• meant; it is easy to tell what is to be expected.
When Persons shall be crowded in, because ⟨p. 24⟩they are our Friends, or have gaine• a room in our affections, without any respec• to their meetness, out what our blind passions judge of; or that they may hav• a way to support themselves by the Govern• ment; it is easy to tell what is to be expected.
When places of Trust in Government are bought and sold, and he shall have the• that will give most for them, we may wel• conclude▪ that such a People are bought and sold too, and must only serve to make a good Market of.
When places of Trust in Governmen• are bought and sold, and he shall have the• that will give most for them, we may wel• con•lude▪ that such a People are bought and sold too, and must only serve to make a good Market of.
When a People are divided into Factions▪ Just, and Wise, and good Men are renounced, & not thought worthy to be made use of, because they favour not the Party that can sway; and such as are ho•ly zealous for the design, are counted, merely by that zeal sufficiently qualified, and to be of all most worthy; this will not promote the Public Good, but only gain to the one side a little more of advantage to do hurt.
When a People are divided into Factions▪ Just, and Wise, and good Men are renounced, & not thought worthy to be made use of, because they favour not the Party that can sway; and such as are ho•ly zealous for the design, are counted, meerly by that zeal sufficiently qualified, and to be of all most worthy; this will not p•omote the Publick Good, but only gain to the one side a little more of advantage to do hurt.
2▪ Let me humbly offer this as a Copy for all that either are, or may be in place of Rule, to W•ite after, Allow me the liberty ⟨p. 25⟩to say this from GOD; that by whatsoever Titles of, Excellent, Honourable, or Worshipful, you are known; you not only Rule under such as are your Superiors on Earth▪ unto whom you are accountable for what you do; but under GOD also, who is your Great SOVEREIGN. Your Authority is from Him, and ought therefore to be for Him, else will you be found false to your Trust. You Rule over His Subjects, and that not only upon a common account, as the whole World is His Kingdom, but one more Special, as the People under your Watch, are the Subjects of His GOSPEL KINGDOM: if you do that which is Right to them, He will be Pleased. but if you should do otherwise, their APPEAL is open to Him, and there is a COURT that will be called, wherein their CAUSE shall be Heard, and Adjusted.
2▪ Let me humbly offer this as a Copy for all that either are, or may be in place of Rule, to W•ite after, Allow me the •iberty ⟨p. 25⟩to say this from GOD; that by what•oever Titles of, Excellent, Honourable, or Wor•hipful, you are known; you not only Rule •nder such as are your Superiors on Earth▪ unto whom you are accountable for what you do; but under GOD also, who is your Great SOVERAIGN. Your Authority is from Him, and ought therefore to be for Him, else will you be found false to your Trust. You Rule over His Subjects, and that not only upon a common account, as the whole World is His Kingdom, but one more Special, as the People under your Watch, are the Subjects of His GOSPEL KINGDOM: if you do that which is Right to them, He will be Pleased. but if you should do otherwise, their APPEAL is open to Him, and there is a COURT that will be called, wherein their CAUSE shall be Heard, and Adjusted.
Be you entreated, to measure all your administration by this R•l•: Do all justly and in the fear of God. This is the way to be Blessings in your places, and to be the Blessed of the Lord. By this course you will make your people an happy people, and you your selves shall be Established. Thus shall you pull down a blessing on your own ⟨p. 26⟩heads, and upon the Land you dwell i• This is the way to be the Repairers of breaches, and the Restorers of paths to dwell in.
Be you entreated, to measure all your •dministration by this R•l•: Do all justly and in the fear of God. This is the way to be Blessings in your places, and to be the Blessed of the Lord. By this course you will make your people an happy people, and you your selves shall be Established. Thus shall you pull down a blessing on your own ⟨p. 26⟩heads, and upon the Land you dwell i• This is the way to be the Repairers of breaches, and the Restorers of paths to dwell in.
To this end, be entreated to take care that Religion may Flourish; the True Fear o• GOD, and Right Administration of His Ordinances may be Promoted and Secured: that Righteousness may be done for men, and that Iniquity which defiles a Land, and pull• down Wrath, may be Purged away: that Drunkenness, and Swearing, Fornication, and Sabbath-Profanation, and whatsoever hastens the Calamity of a Professing People, may be du•ly bo•n Witness against. Let this be your Sincere Unbiased Aim in all that you do.
To this end, be entreated to take care that Religion may Flourish; the True Fear o• GOD, and Right Administration of His Ordinances may be Promoted and Secured: that Righteousness may be done for men, and that Iniquity which defiles a Land, and pull• down Wrath, may be Purged away: that Drunkenness, and Swearing, Fornication, and Sabbath-Prophanation, and whatsoever hastens the Calamity of a Professing People, may be du•ly bo•n Witness against. Let this be your Sincere Unb•assed Aim in all that you do.
Carry this with you, & let it Rule in the making of Laws: let the Word of GOD be consulted, and the Common Utility of the Subject be designed: For, though there be not a Body of Civil Laws drawn up in the Scriptures, to which every Polity is to be confined, yet there are sufficient general directions, & Rules, to be gathered from thence; which may Regulate in this Affair.
Carry this with you, & let it Rule in the making of Laws: let the Word of GOD be consulted, and the Common Utility of the Subject be designed: For, though there be not a Body of Civil Laws drawn up in the Scriptures, to which every Pol•ity is to be confined, yet there are sufficient general directions, & Rules, to be gathered from thence; which may Regulate in this Affair.
Take heed of any Sinister Aims in whatsoever Laws do pass: Laws made do strengthen a particular separate Interest, never did Good, but Hurt to a Body-Politic: that which may serve the present turn, may in a little time prove more Mischievous, than ever it was Advantageous. Remember, you cannot Repeal such Laws, when you will, or when you have advanced a design with them. Look then forward to the after Issues. It will be no small Aggravation of our Trouble, to be Wounded with a Shaft of our own making. Look for Changes in a World of Mutability, and lay in, as far as innocent Prudence may direct, for your Own, and your Peoples Safety.
Take heed of any Sinister Aims in whatsoever Laws do pass: Laws made do strengthen a particular separate Interest, never did Good, but Hurt to a Body-Politick: that which may serve the present turn, may in a little time prove more Mischievous, than ever it was Advantageous. Remember, you cannot Repeal such Laws, when you will, or when you have advanced a design with them. Look then forward to the after Issues. It will be no small Aggravation of our Trouble, to be Wounded with a Shaft of our own making. Look for Changes in a World of Mutability, and lay in, as far as innocent Prudence may direct, for your Own, and your Peoples Safety.
Keep to this also in all your Administration or Application of Laws. Maintain a good Conscience in it, and let the Fear of God, and a Principle of Justice make you […] lay aside all Sinister Respects. Let not Persons but Things Sway you in all your Dispensations; and when the case is the same, let the same sentence proceed from •ou: let neither Riches nor Poverty turn the Scale; neither Friendship nor Enmity Spoil the Sentence. Take no Gift in secret ⟨p. 28⟩to stop or Pervert Justice; nor misapply your power to take private or personal Revenge. When Cases are plain, do not obscure them; and when they are dubious Search them out: and let not flattery or Impudence prevail over you, but take his advice in 2. Chron 16. 9. Thus shall you do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a perfect heart, Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.
Keep to this also in all your Administration or Application of Laws. Maintain a good Conscience in it, and let the Fear of God, and a Principle of Justice make you 〈…〉 lay aside all Sinister Respects. Let not Persons but Things Sway you in all your Dispensations; and when the case is the same, let the same sentence proceed from •ou: let neither Riches nor Poverty turn the Scale; neither Friendship nor Enmity Spoil the Sentence. Take no Gift in secret ⟨p. 28⟩to stop or Pervert Justice; nor misapply your power to take private or personal Revenge. When Cases are plain, do not obscure them; and when they are dubious Search them out: and let not flattery or Impudence prevail over you, but take his advice in 2. Chron 16. 9. Thus shall you do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a perfect heart, Deal couragiously, and the Lord shall be with the good.
