A84352:97
The Christian CommonwealthThe Christian Commonvvealth
The Christian Commonwealth: or, The civil policy of the rising kingdom of Jesus Christ. Written before the interruption of the government, by Mr. John Eliot, teacher of the Church of Christ at Roxbury in New-England. And now published (after his consent given) by a server of the season.The Christian Commonvvealth: or, The civil policy of the rising kingdom of Jesus Christ. Written before the interruption of the government, by Mr. John Eliot, teacher of the Church of Christ at Roxbury in New-England. And now published (after his consent given) by a server of the season.
London: printed for Livewell Chapman, 1659
THE CHRISTIAN COMMONWEALTH: OR, The Civil Polity of the Rising King… › Chapter 4
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.
As the overburdensomness of the work of Government by one man, was the ground of the institution of the forenamed orders of Government: so the overburdensomness of the work for one man to hear all hard Cases, and Appeals, together with other Cares to provide for the welfare of the people, was the ground of the institution of the Supreme Councila.
- aDeut. 1. 9. I spake to you, and said, I am not able to bear you alone. Numb. 11. 11. ad 16. ver. 11. And Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant, and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? ver. 14. I am not able to bear all the people alone, because it is too heavy for me.
The conveniency of the number of this high Council, is thus to be measured, and judged by Gods Standard. Israel had at least three Millions of people, (though not one Million of men in order, or not much more: for the Soldiers were but six hundred thousand) now their Supreme Council consisted of seventy one; therefore that is the highest number that will be needed among men ordinarily; yea, though a people should be much bigger, I see not but that number may suffice: But that number is not limited; because God denieth not this Government to fifty who are the least Court, and a lesser number of men then the highest Council in Israel had, by Gods appointment; and if it be not limited on the one side, so nor on the other.
The conveniency of the number of this high Council, is thus to be measured, and judged by Gods Standard. Israel had at least three Millions of people, (though not one Million of men in order, or not much more: for the Souldiers were but six hundred thousand) now their Supreme Council consisted of seventy one; therefore that is the highest number that will be needed among men ordinarily; yea, though a people should be much bigger, I see not but that number may suffice: But that number is not limitted; because God denyeth not this Government to fifty who are the least Court, and a lesser number of men then the highest Council in Israel had, by Gods appointment; and if it be not limitted on the one side, so nor on the other.