The history of the government of France, under the administration of the great Armand du Plessis, Cardinall and Duke of Richlieu, and chief minister of state in that kingdome wherein occur many important negotiations relating to most part of Christendome in his time : with politique observations upon the chapters / translated out of French by J.D. Esq.

Politique Observations.

GOD hath established two sorts of Powers, for the Government of the Uni∣verse, and he hath had so great a care over mans vanity (as the learned Hino∣mar, writing to Carloman, and the Bishops of France, saith) that to the intent hee might preserve them in obedience, hee would totally separate and distinguish the Functions of their respective Authorities. The Persons who have their powers are subject reciprocally each to the other, Kings to Ecclesiastiques, and Ecclesiastiques to Kings, yet not that their Powers have a reciprocal dependance upon one ano∣ther. It is true, the Spiritual is superior to the Temporal, according to the order of dignity▪ but not according to the rule of Subjection and Authority; insomuch, that who is indued with it, may not despoil Soveraigns of their Temporal Power nor moderate it. It is very necessary to distinguish between the Subjection of Persons, and that of Powers; for though Jesus Christ hath resolved that all persons of the World should be subjected to his Ministers, and all his Ministers to Kings; yet hee hath not ordained that these two Powers should be subject in the same manner; but he hath given to them both an equal Authority to discharge their Functions, with∣out bestowing on either power to destroy the other.

Which being so, the head of the Church may not assume to himself any other Quality with Temporal Princes, but of a Mediator to end their differences. He hath Power indeed over their Consciences, but not over their Estates, or that Au∣thority which they have received from God for the government of them. It is to no purpose for him to snatch away the Scepter out of their hands, and whatever Propo∣sal he shall make to them, can be received but as Councels. It is Glorious for him, as we have said, to accommodate differences, but he may not pretend to do it by his Authority: Out of zeal he is bound to fore-cast the difficulties which he may meet with, in the perswading both Parties to agree to his Proposals; seeing those which are commonly made to two Princes at Enmity, are like a Medicine which ought to be administred to a person whose Liver is very hot, but his Stomack extreamly cold and weak; for the ordering of which, the Physitian findeth himself much puzzeled, by reason of those remedies which refresh the one, are commonly stark nought for

the other. And thus it is seldome or never seen, that those Propositions which are made by Arbitrators do please both parties. The highest point of Prudence in this case, is to imitate the discreet Physitian, who cannot bring to passe his intent of cu∣ring his Patient, but by prescribing to him such things as may comfort one, and not annoy another part; for thus it is, unlesse those Propositions which a Mediator shall lay down, bee weighed with Justice; Equality, and Moderation, they will rather provoke, then allay the angers of those Princes who are concerned in them.