The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their…

IN all this the Reader must still remember, 1. that I recite other mens Political-principles, only that the accusers of my own and such others may compare them together, and see which they judge more rational and loyal; and what parties they can find in all the world, whose principles of Government they will rest in, when ours are condemned.

2. And yet I make not my self an arrogant censor of all that differ from me; but confess that singularity, especially in matters of other mens profession, excuseth suspicion in the Reader; and where he findeth me differ from the most of Protestants and Papists, he oweth no more regard to my judgement, than cogent evidence should command.

I confess though they word it variously, and also differ about the case of some particular Kingdoms, most of the forementioned sorts of Lawyers, Politic writers, Divines, &c. seem to differ from some of my principles; But many differ more in notion than in meaning. Most of them all make the multitude the prime subject and cause of sovereign power, from whom all sorts of chief Rulers do receive it: and that they do this for their necessary peace, safety and prosperity, which they may defend against perfidious betrayers of it, &c. But if you mark it, withal you shall find that, 1. they say that the Law of nature bindeth them to gather into Cities, and to choose governors; 2. and that they call the peoples Sovereignty or power, but as Mr. Hooker the Habit, and say the Act belongeth to the Ruler so chosen: and as others say, It is Majestas realis which yet may not actually Rule, but convey the Majestatem personalem to him or them that only must rule. By all which they plainly confess, 1. That God hath not left it to their choice whether they be a Governed society (Civitas) or not; For the Law of nature which is Gods Law, obligeth them to it. 2. That it is not actual Governing that he thus obligeth the multitude to, but to choose the species and persons that shall be Recipients. 3. And when they can name no more power but choosing the Recipients (one or more) and Limiting his power in matters of Propriety and other things to which God hath not by his Law extended it without their consent, it's plain that this is not to be the Givers of the Ruling power. Most changes in the world Physical and Moral are made by Diversification of the Dispositio Receptiva (most or many think Generation doth no more as to the soul.) This is not nothing. God saith [To men so qualified, and so chosen or lawfully receptive I will give such and such power as my Officers;] And He qualifieth