AD. THE ENGLISH VOYAGES 



1592. 



that thou wouldest preferre this before all things, being 

 enflamed with desire of doctrine, and of the worde : 

 that thou wouldest not lightly esteeme, contemne or 

 hate the holy ministerie and ministers, but reverence, 

 cherish, and love them. Accompting those that practise 

 the contrary as wicked and prophane : and managing all 

 thine affaires both private and publique, according to 

 the prescript rule of pietie and honestie, that unto this, 

 thy states and orders Ecclesiasticall and politique may in 

 all things be conformed : and so in either kinde of life 

 relying thy selfe upon that levell and line of equitie and 

 justice, and avoyding others, who upon stubbernesse and 

 impietie swerve therefrom. That thou wouldest also 

 inflict just punishments upon offenders : All which we 

 doubt not but the Magistrate will have respect unto. 

 But especially that thou admittest none to be Magistrates, 

 but men of approved fidelitie and honestie, and such as 

 may adjoyne unto these vertues others hereto belonging, 

 by which meanes inconveniences may fitly be prevented. 

 For if this matter be well handled, namely that they 

 which are the best of all good men be chosen to beare 

 publique authoritie, wicked and unfit men being altogether 

 rejected ; the condition of the subjects shalbe most 

 prosperous : the lives and maners of all men shal prove 

 by so much the more commendable : godlinesse also 

 and honestie shal become the more glorious. But on 

 the contrary, if pastours of Churches be not answerable 

 to their function, either in life or doctrine ; if all men 

 without respect or difference be admitted to the govern- 

 ment of the common wealth, who aspire thereunto by 

 their owne rashnesse, ambition, or avarice, and desire of 

 honour, yea though they be suspected or convicted of 

 crimes and dishonestie, or be protectours or unjust 

 favourers of such persons as are suspected and convicted ; 

 then what will be thy state, oh Island ? What wil be 

 thy outward shew or condition ? Doubtlesse most 

 miserable. Neither shalt thou by any other meanes 

 more suddenly approch to thy ruine and destruction, 



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