In Latin the word King is derived from a verb that signifieth to rule and raign.
In that this title, King, is given to Melchisedec, who was born an hundred years before the flood, who also was a righteous man, and took upon him nothing, but that which was right, and belonged to him, it appeares that Monarchicall government, and Kingly authority is both ancient and warrantable.
The choyce which not only Gods people, but also God himself hath made of sundry Kings, and the directions which he hath given unto them, how to manage their authority, and the promises which he hath made to them, and blessings which he hath bestowed on them, do all prove the lawfulness of this high function: for God would not call men unto unlawfull callings. But most clear doth the Apostle make this point, where he exhorteth Christians to be subject unto the higher powers: and that on this ground, that there is no power but of God, Rom. 13. 1. Another Apostle in this case of subjection nameth the King, and that as supreme. 1 Pet. 2. 13.
The very heathen by the light of nature discerned the equity of this point. As most States in all ages have been after that manner governed, so their wise and learned Philosophers have upon discussing the point, concluded a Monarchicall go∣vernment to be the best kind of government.
Nature hath instilled thus much into sundry unreasonable creatures. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 have a kind of King among them: So heards and flocks of great and small ca•…•…ell. The Cranes are said to follow one guide.
By this kinde of government will unity, peace, and order (which are the very nerves, whereby polities are fastned together) be better preserved. Where there are many of equall authority, especially if they have not one over them, to over∣rule them all, there cannot but be many distractions. So many men, so many 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
Besides mens minds are raised up by a monarchicall government to a due consi∣deration of the eternall, unalterable, supreme Monarch over all, the Lord God him∣self. For a Monarchicall government is a representation of the supreme soveraign∣ty, which God the highest Monarch hath over all.
Object. Many eyes may see more then one can. In the multitude of counsellors there is safety and stability, Prov. 11. 14. and 15. 22.
Answ. True: It is so. In that respect wise Monarchs have had their counsellers. Such were Achitophel and Hushai to David and Absolon, 2 Sam. 15. 34. and 17. 6. Such were those old men that are said to stand before Solomon: and gave counsell to Rehoboam his son, 1 King. 12. 6. Such were those seven counsellers that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had Ezra. 7. 14. Such were those seven wise men, which are said to see the Kings face (Hest. 1. 14.) that is, to have a free accesse into his presence, to advise with him a∣bout weighty affaires. Thus there were Ephori among the Lacedemonians, for their Kings to consult withall: and Consulls and Senators at Rome in the Emperours times.
- 1. This layeth a duty upon Kings lawfully to use what is lawfull in it self, le•…•…t they make that which is lawfull in it self, to be unlawfull unto them. There are many directions in Gods word given to this purpose: which as it is their duty, so it will be their wisdom, well to observe.
- 2. This layeth a duty upon people, to be subject unto them in the Lord, Rom. 13. 1, 5. 1 Pet. 2. 13. Herein they manifest subjection to God himself, whose Image Monarchs bear. Thus also they will bring much outward and inward peace to themselves, and avoyd temporall and eternall vengeance.