The common interest of king and people shewing the original, antiquity and excellency of monarchy, compared with aristocracy and democracy, and particularly of our English monarchy, and that absolute, papal and Presbyterian popular supremacy are utterly inconsistent with prerogative, property and liberty / by John Nalson.

The CONTENTS.

CHAP. I.

THE two great Principles of Nature, Self-pre∣servation and the Ardent desire of Happiness the Foundation of Society and Government. Mr. Hobs re∣futed in his Impolitick Position, That Fear was the first Origination of Society. The Origine of Monarchy. The occasion of the Primitive Wars. The Original of Laws, Monarchs or the first Leaders of Colonies the Primitive Legislators. The reason of the Coercive power of Magi∣strates. The Dangerous Error of those who make Law the Foundation of Monarchy: when in truth all Laws were the Concessions of Kings and Legislators. The Ill consequences of this mistake. The Laws of Nature and Nations are of Divine Institution.

CHAP. II.

Of the danger of Anarchy. The necessity of Laws and Government to prevent it. All People not fit for one kind of Government. Of the three kinds of Government, Democracy, Aristocracy and Monarchy. Some conside∣rations and necessary Animadversions upon our late English Government by a Republick.

CHAP. III.

The Government of a Republick examined, whether in its own Nature so good for the Ends of Society as it is

CHAP. IV.

Of Monarchy and its excellency, proved from its An∣tiquity. The first Essay to a Democracy the Rebellion of Corah and his Accomplices. Secondly, from the Univer∣sality of Monarchy. The first popular State at Athens, A. M. 3275. Thirdly, Monarchy most agreeable to hu∣mane Nature, by answering the three forementioned great Ends of Society, and the Happiness of Mankind.

CHAP. V.

Of the Excellency of the English Monarchy: It is not apt to degenerate into Tyranny, the King having by his gracious Concessions given Limits to his absolute Sove∣reignty. Of the Interest which the three Estates have in preparing Bills for the Royal Assent, to be by that past into Laws, and the great obligation which thereby the People have to Subjection and Obedience.

CHAP. VI.

Of the Priviledges of the English Government: And first of the prerogative of the King. The Imperial Crown of this Realm Hereditary, Absolute and Indepen∣dent. The greatness of his power according to Laws. The Kings person Sacred. The priviledges of the People. First, in sending their Representatives to the Parlia∣ment. Secondly, in their Property secured. Thirdly, in the excellent and constant method of Justice. In parti∣cular Priviledges and Franchises: In all imaginable care to prevent the growth of the Poor, and in providing for such as are so. In committing the Execution of the Laws to such hands as will act with Justice: And of the care that is taken to prevent all abuses of Laws.

CHAP. VII.

The great misfortune of Religion, which is made the great pretence to ruine Monarchy. A stratagem of the Devil to extirpate all true Religion. The two opposites and enemies of Monarchy, Papacy and Presbytery. The opinion of the Catholick Doctors about Papal Suprema∣cy, and the new Roman Creed to confirm it. Papal Supremacy devests the Prince of his absolute Sovereign∣ty, of his Legislative power, and renders Monarchy in∣secure of Possession or Succession, by bereaving it of the guard of Laws, of the strength of Alliances, of the Fide∣lity of their People. Several Impolitick inconveniences which attend that Religion. Papal Supremacy destru∣ctive of the peoples Liberty and Property.

CHAP. VIII.

Presbytery inconsistent with Monarchy, proved from five of their Fundamental principles. 1. That it is not the best form of Government. 2. That the Right of Kings is not from God but the People. 3. That Kings may be called in question for their Administration of the Government. 4. That they may by the people be deposed. 5. That they may be punished with Capital punish∣ment.

CHAP. IX.

Presbytery in reality as great an enemy to Demo∣cracy and Parliaments as to Monarchy. A short view of their Tyrannick Consistorian Government over the Magistracy, Clergie and Laity. Of the latitude and power of Scandal to draw all affairs into the Consistory. Of their kindness to their Enemies. The small diffe∣rence betwixt a Jesuit and Geneva-Presbyter: Both aim at Supremacy.

CHAP. X.

Presbytery as destructive of the Peoples Liberty and Property, as it is dangerous to Monarchy and all Go∣vernment. Some necessary Conclusions from the former Discourse.