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THE REGIMENT of the Church.
CHAP. I. Of sundrie kinds of gouernment, with the nature, qualitie, and condition of the same.
ARistotle, that worthy, learned, & famous Philosopher, shewing plainly in a large politicall discourse, that there be three kinds of lawful Regiment, and three like∣wise of wicked Gouernement, neither more nor fewer. The first lawfull kinde is called, Monarchia, a Monarchy, when * 1.1 one alone doth rule & gouerne. The se∣cond is called, Aristocráteia, an Aristocratie, when a fewe of * 1.2 the best in the common-weale doe gouerne it. The third is called Democratia, a Democratie; when many of the vulgar * 1.3 people doe rule. For euery state of the Church & cōmon weale, doth either seeke the publique good thereof, or their owne priuate gaine and pleasure. If the common good be sought and intended, the gouernment is godly; but if pri∣uate * 1.4 gaine or pleasure be either wholy or principally inten∣ded, the gouernment is wicked. If the gouernment be law∣full, right, and godly; it is either by one, and called a Monar∣chie; or by some fewe of the best, and called an Aristo∣cratie; or by many, and called a Democratie. If the King or