The character of a good ruler. As it was recommended in a sermon preached…

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 it seldomest, and never of design. They that Fear God will be afraid wilfully to hurt men; they that are just will do justice, & that can wrong none. This is it which advantageth all other gifts, whether natural or acquired, to be truly serviceable to the promoting of the welfare of a People: without this, the more that men have of these, they are so much the more advantaged to do mischief. There is no misery greater, or less pitied, than what men foolishly bring on themselves; and none will be equally blamed for it, as 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 is the best stroke that you can give to it: 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 it seldomest, and never of design. They that Fear God will be afraid wilfully to hurt men; they that are just will do justice, & that can wrong none. This is it which advantageth all other gifts, whether natural or acquired, to be truely serviceable to the promoting of the welfare of a People: without this, the more that men have of these, they are so much the more advantaged to do mischief. There is no misery greater, or less pitied, than what men foolishly bring on themselves; and none will be equally blamed for it, as they who were the guilty occasions of it, or more deserve it. Chuse such men, and then you may expect to be so Governed: if you desire that Holiness, and Righteousness may be promoted and encouraged, this is the best stroak that you can give to it: if you have a mind that Prophaneness, and Debauchery should take place, and bear all down, here is the readiest way for it.