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

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 ⟨p. 119⟩them, and the People choose or consent to the Persons in some places, and the successive families in others: so that Receptivity is of man, with some exceptions or Limitations; but the authority is immediately from God.

I confess though they word it variously, and also differ about the case of some particular Kingdoms, most of the forementioned sorts of Lawyers, Politick 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 soveraign 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 governours; 2. and that they call the peoples Soveraignty 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