9 - How a Commonwealth may be reduced to this Theocratical temper, if it have advantages, and the Rulers and People are willing

Summary

Thes. 210. As it should be the desire of all good men, that the Common-wealth might be happy in the enjoyment of the Gospel and Peace, and this secured to posterity, so the open way to attain these ends, consisteth in these following Rules of practice.

R. I. That the Ministers of Christ that are to teach and guide the people by the Word of God, be generally able, judicious, godly, faithful, diligent men.

We cannot expect the people to be good, if the Teachers be bad, unable, or negligent. It is Gods Word that's managed by them, that must reform the people, and work out their vice. As mens Laws suppose the Laws of God, and mens Government presupposeth Gods Government; so the true methodical obedience to mens Laws, presupposeth obedience to Gods Laws, and consequently some understanding of them; and a right subjection to man presupposeth subjection to God. The first work therefore being the Ministers, the true reformation of the Ministry, making them indeed Divine, is the first thing to the making a Common wealth Divine.

Much hath been done already to this of late in this Nation, through the blessing of God: (although much is yet to be done, especially for ripening the Ministry in Judgement and Charity, & bringing them to neerest Unity, which time must do.)