A92147:1131
A treatise of civil policy
A treatise of civil policy: being a resolution of forty three questions concerning prerogative, right and privilege, in reference to the supreme prince and the people. / By Samuel Rutherford professor of divinity of St Andrews in Scotland.A treatise of civil policy: being a resolution of forty three questions concerning prerogative, right and priviledge, in reference to the supream prince and the people. / By Samuel Rutherford professor of divintiy of St Andrews in Scotland.
London, : Printed and are to be sold by Simon Miller at the Star in St Pauls Church-yard near the West end., 1657 i.e. 1656
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.
Answ. Then we are not to seek an oath of an inferior Magistrate, of a Commander in wars, of a pastor, it is presumed these are of approved fidelity, and it maketh their integrity obnoxious to slanders, to put them to an oath. 2. David was of more approved fidelity then any King now adays, and to put him to a covenant seemed to call his fidelity in question; Jonathan sought an oath of David to deal kindly with his seed, when he came to the throne, Jeremiah sought an oath of the King of Judah, did they put any note of false-hood on them therefore?
Answ. Then we are not to seek an oath of an inferiour Magistrate, of a Commander in wars, of a pastor, it is presumed these are of approved fidelity, and it maketh their integritie obnoxious to slanders, to put them to an oath. 2. David was of more approved fidelity then any King now adayes, and to put him to a covenant seemed to call his fidelity in question; Ionathan sought an oath of David to deal kindly with his seed, when he came to the throne, Ieremiah sought an oath of the King of Iudah, did they put any note of false-hood on them therefore?
Arnisaeus. You cannot prove that ever any King gave an oath to their subjects in Scriptures.
Answ. What more unbeseeming Kings is it to swear to do their duty, then to promise covenant ways to do the same? and a covenant you cannot deny. 2. In a covenant for religious duties there was always an oath. 2 Chro. 15. 12, 13, 14. hence the right of cutting a calf, and swearing in a covenant Jer. 34. 18. 3. There is an oath that the people giveth to the King to obey him,