328 Chap. 9. An Expofition upon the Book of J pB. VerCáA If theLordhide theface ofthat nean,thatic,if thei.ord condemn that man,or pafs fentence of deathupon him(ofwhich covering or hi- ding the face was a fymbofl)then,who can behold him?That is,who luirreifaciem then -can fee his face, or havefociety with him, whom God hath pocera®mfiiu: 'feparated to death?It was a cufton}e ailo'"among theRomans,when idere, quaff fentence was pronounced upon a tnalefatour, thus, to command abfo'utus Jit. the executioner, Take him away, `bind his hands, cover his face, Bold. Wise, c'btfigs bang himup. And u ready fually with us,malefa±ours,who are to J manu:, caput futfer the pain, ofdeath, put a covering upon their faces. This al- obnubiro,inpe- fo may be a good feule of the words, Ile covereth the faces of the arbori fu- Jndges,that is,a wicked Prince oppreí%th and putteth the Judges fnendito. Gic. to death.And whereas good Princes fay,Let fuftice be done,though trc aDrat. bir, pro the world perifh: he faith,Let the fudgesperifh, rather then justice A fhould be done. Yet further,"the word Judges, in the original, notes not only fuch as are in aaual office to determine coneroverfes, whether criminal or civil ; but any man that is worthy to be a Judge,or is Judices vet of fit to govern and manage publick affairs, whether in peace or ,fìrioo:el apri- war. And fo it implies a fupprefling and keeping down thole tudin:, that are molt able, and belt qualified to undertake any fervice for Nnasen iudicis States and Kingdoms (Ecclef. r o. 7.) Ihave feen fervanis upon spud P3ebræor horfes, and Princes walkingasfervants upon the earth ; that is, I tiu aautdrla_ have feen men who are worthy no better imployment then that tinos,non en im of a fervant, to rub horfe heels, or do the meaneft offices, fuch as atetanturnvo thefe I have feen in the Caddie, and in their trappings. And, I cater judex havefeen Princes walking upon the earth on foot ; that is, men who lift rural fed deferve to bear ruleand to governKingdoms, who both for ability eramqui rec_ and integrity, are worthy to have the Reins ofauthority in their publicamminis hand, and to fit at the helm, there I have feen walking upon the tuerur. earth, or tugging at an oar,as common men : that's an evil which cola. Solomon Caw under the Sun : So here, He covereth the facer of the Uidi fervor,i. d br Ju es, may have this meaning, Evil Princes keep down and e fervire dig- in Y g Ties et princi- hold n obfcurity men of parts and gifts, of Spirit and con- pei,i e. dig- rage, of honeliy and uprightnefs, and prefer only thofe who nos,imperio. are bare and corrupt, who will ferve turns, and comply with times. Hence note, That it is thepolicy ofwickedPrints to corrupt and blind judges, or to employ filch as are blindand corer ept. They take away power from thole who worldfate power well, and give power to them whoare Eaves to their wills. cecc^idly,
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