God to be consulted, at all times: but more especially, in the begin∣ning of all Publique concernments. [ I]
AB Iove principium,* 1.1 was the Law of Nature; the Gentiles were wont to begin from their Oracles and Oratories. It was ever the style of the Civill Law,* 1.2 to begin à Deo optimo maximo. Our old Saxon Lawes had the ten great Precepts of the Decalogue prefixed in their front.* 1.3 And it is said of Scipio Africanus, * 1.4 that it was his custome before the day broke out, to go into the Capitol, in cellam Iovis; and there to stay a great while, as if he were advising with his god, concerning the Common-wealth's good.* 1.5 But the example of David may stand for all, who, in all his streights,* 1.6 in all his undertakings, went to ask counsell of the Lord of Hea∣ven and Earth. Thus it is, that the children of God, are to consult with God, to ••uspicate all their solemn actions,* 1.7 to preface all great consultations for the com∣mon good, with some such religious Acts, as shall best conduce to the glory of God, making their Creator, who is the Alpha and Omega of all Creatures, the be∣ginning and ending of all their actions.