[ CXIV] Parity in the Church or State, not to be admitted.
LYcurgus being importuned to establish a popular Estate amongst the Lacedemoni∣ans,* 1.1 that so the least and the meanest, and most unfit to rule, might bear like sway with the greatest and wisest,* 1.2 fitly answered, That he who most desired it, should begin it first at home in his own house; presuming, that in a private house or family, parity would never be liked. And thus, there have been* 1.3 some both in Church and Commonwealth, that so earnestly long'd for equality in the one, and parity in the other,* 1.4 that they would no longer dispute for it, but fell to fight for it; and since they could not bring it in with their tongues, they would therefore take help of their hands.* 1.5 But it were to be wished, that all so minded, would learn some wit from Lycurgus, in their anger; and first weigh in judgment, by the poise of wisdom, in the ballance of indifferency, hanging upon the beam and rule of Right, the in∣convenience of pulling down all Officers, and setting up community of Rule in an Ar∣my; and then consider, whether the like equall Masterdom may be justly put upon the Church, which is an Army with banners; or such a levell flatted upon the face of the Commonwealth, which is to consist of Governours and Governed.