chief，nortothehighpriest，buttoReligionandtoGod。81Thearmy，orthehosts，werecalledthearmyofGod，orthehostsofGod。82ForthisreasonGodwascalledbytheHebrewstheGodofArmies；andthearkofthecovenantwasborneinthemidstofthearmyinimportantbattles，whenthesafetyordestructionofthewholepeoplehungupontheissue，sothatthepeoplemight，asitwere，seetheirKingamongthem，andputforthalltheirstrength。
17:83Fromthesedirections，leftbyMosestohissuccessors，weplainlyseethathechoseadministrators，ratherthandespots，tocomeafterhim；
forheinvestednoonewiththepowerofconsultingGod，wherehelikedandalone，consequently，noonehadthepowerpossessedbyhimselfofordainingandabrogatinglaws，ofdecidingonwarorpeace，ofchoosingmentofillofficesbothreligiousandsecular:allthesearetheprerogativesofasovereign。84Thehighpriest，indeed，hadtherightofinterpretinglaws，andcommunicatingtheanswersofGod，buthecouldnotdosowhenheliked，asMosescould，butonlywhenhewasaskedbythegeneral-in-chiefofthearmy，thecouncil，orsomesimilarauthority。85Thegeneral-in-chiefandthecouncilcouldconsultGodwhentheyliked，butcouldonlyreceiveHisanswersthroughthehighpriest；sothattheutterancesofGod，asreportedbythehighpriest，werenotdecrees，astheywerewhenreportedbyMoses，butonlyanswers；theywereacceptedbyJoshuaandthecouncil，andonlythenhadtheforceofcommandsanddecrees{LiketheseparationofpowersintheUnitedStatesofAmerica。}
17:86Thehighpriest，bothinthecaseofAaronandofhissonEleazar，waschosenbyMoses；norhadanyone，afterMoses'death，arighttoelecttotheoffice，whichbecamehereditary。87Thegeneral-in-chiefofthearmywasalsochosenbyMoses，andassumedhisfunctionsinvirtueofthecommands，notofthehighpriest，butofMoses:indeed，afterthedeathofJoshua，thehighpriestdidnotappointanyoneinhisplace，andthecaptainsdidnotconsultGodafreshaboutageneral-in-chief，buteachretainedJoshua'spowerinrespecttothecontingentofhisowntribe，andallretaineditcollectively，inrespecttothewholearmy。88Thereseemstohavebeennoneedofageneral-in-chief，exceptwhentheywereobligedtounitetheirforcesagainstacommonenemy。89ThisoccurredmostfrequentlyduringthetimeofJoshua，whentheyhadnofixeddwelling。
place，andpossessedallthingsincommon。[17:7]90Afterallthetribeshadgainedtheirterritoriesbyrightofconquest，andhaddividedtheirallottedgains，they，becameseparated，havingnolongertheirpossessionsincommon，sothattheneedforasinglecommanderceased，forthedifferenttribesshouldbeconsideredratherinthelightofconfederatedstatesthanofbodiesoffellow-citizens。91InrespecttotheirGodandtheirreligion，they，werefellow-citizens；but，inrespecttotherightswhichonepossessedwithregardtoanother，theywereonlyconfederated:
they，were，infact，inmuchthesamepositionifoneexceptstheTemplecommontoallastheUnitedStatesoftheNetherlands{orUnitedStatesofAmerica}。92Thedivisionofproperty，heldincommonisonlyanotherphraseforthepossessionofhissharebyeachoftheownerssingly，andthesurrenderbytheothersoftheirrightsoversuchshare。93ThisiswhyMoseselectedcaptainsofthetribes-namely，thatwhenthedominionwasdivided，eachmighttakecareofhisownpart；consultingGodthroughthehighpriestontheaffairsofhistribe，rulingoverhisarmy，buildingandfortifyingcities，appointingjudges，attackingtheenemiesofhisowndominion，andhavingcompletecontroloverallcivilandmilitaryaffairs。
94HewasnotboundtoacknowledgeanysuperiorjudgesaveGod[Endnote32]，oraprophetwhomGodshouldexpresslysend。95IfhedepartedfromtheworshipofGod，therestofthetribesdidnotarraignhimasasubject，butattackedhimasanenemy。95OfthiswehaveexamplesinScripture。96WhenJoshuawasdead，thechildrenofIsraelnotafreshgeneral-in-chiefconsultedGod；itbeingdecidedthatthetribeofJudahshouldbethefirsttoattackitsenemies，thetribeinquestioncontractedasinglealliancewiththetribeofSimeon，forunitingtheirforces，andattackingtheircommonenemy，therestofthetribesnotbeingincludedintheallianceJudgesi:1，2，3。97Eachtribeseparatelymadewaragainstitsownenemies，and，accordingtoitspleasure，receivedthemassubjectsorallies，thoughithadbeencommandednottosparethemonanyconditions，buttodestroythemutterly。98Suchdisobediencemetwithreprooffromtherestofthetribes，butdidnotcausetheoffendingtribetobearraigned:itwasnotconsideredasufficientreasonforproclaimingacivilwar，orinterferinginoneanother'saffairs。99ButwhenthetribeofBenjaminoffendedagainsttheothers，andsoloosenedthebondsofpeacethatnoneoftheconfederatedtribescouldfindrefugewithinitsborders，theyattackeditasanenemy，andgainingthevictoryoveritafterthreebattles，puttodeathbothguiltyandinnocent，accordingtothelawsofwar:anactwhichtheysubsequentlybewailedwithtardyrepentance。
17:100Theseexamplesplainlyconfirmwhatwehavesaidconcerningtherightsofeachtribe。101Perhapsweshallbeaskedwhoelectedthesuccessorstothecaptainsofeachtribe；onthispointIcangathernopositiveinformationinScripture，butIconjecturethatasthetribesweredividedintofamilies，eachheadedbyitsseniormember，theseniorofalltheseheadsoffamiliessucceededbyrighttotheofficeofcaptain，forMoseschosefromamongtheseseniorshisseventycoadjutors，whoformedwithhimselfthesupremecouncil。102ThosewhoadministeredthegovernmentafterthedeathofJoshuawerecalledelders，andelderisaverycommonHebrewexpressioninthesenseofjudge，asIsupposeeveryoneknows；
however，itisnotveryimportantforustomakeupourmindsonthispoint。
103ItisenoughtohaveshownthatafterthedeathofMosesnoonemanwieldedallthepowerofasovereign；asaffairswerenotallmanagedbyoneman，norbyasinglecouncil，norbythepopularvote，butpartlybyonetribe，partlybytherestinequalshares，itismostevidentthatthegovernment，afterthedeathofMoses，wasneithermonarchic，noraristocratic，norpopular，but，aswehavesaid，Theocratic。
104Thereasonsforapplyingthisnameare:
17:105I。BecausetheroyalseatofgovernmentwastheTemple，andinrespecttoitalone，aswehaveshown，allthetribeswerefellow-citizens，106II。BecauseallthepeopleowedallegiancetoGod，theirsupremeJudge，towhomonlytheyhadpromisedimplicitobedienceinallthings。
17:107III。Becausethegeneral-in-chiefordictator，whentherewasneedofsuch，waselectedbynonesaveGodalone。108ThiswasexpresslycommandedbyMosesinthenameofGodDeut。xix:15，andwitnessedbytheactualchoiceofGideon，ofSamson，andofSamuel；wherefromwemayconcludethattheotherfaithfulleaderswerechoseninthesamemanner，thoughitisnotexpresslytoldus。
17:109Thesepreliminariesbeingstated，itisnowtimetoinquiretheeffectsofformingadominiononthisplan，andtoseewhetheritsoeffectuallykeptwithinboundsbothrulersandruled，thattheformerwerenevertyrannicalandthelatterneverrebellious。
17:110Thosewhoadministerorpossessgoverningpower，alwaystrytosurroundtheirhigh-handedactionswithacloakoflegality，andtopersuadethepeoplethattheyactfromgoodmotives；thistheyareeasilyabletoeffectwhentheyarethesoleinterpretersofthelaw；foritisevidentthattheyarethusabletoassumeafargreaterfreedomtocarryouttheirwishesanddesiresthaniftheinterpretationifthelawisvestedinsomeoneelse，orifthelawsweresoself-evidentthatnoonecouldbeindoubtastotheirmeaning。[17:8]111Wethusseethatthepowerofevil-
doingwasgreatlycurtailedfortheHebrewcaptainsbythefactthatthewholeinterpretationofthelawwasvestedintheLevitesDeut。xxi:5，who，ontheirpart，hadnoshareinthegovernment，anddependedforalltheirsupportandconsiderationonacorrectinterpretationofthelawsentrustedtothem。112Moreover，thewholepeoplewascommandedtocometogetheratacertainplaceeverysevenyearsandbeinstructedinthelawbythehigh-priest；further，eachindividualwasbiddentoreadthebookofthelawthroughandthroughcontinuallywithscrupulouscare。Deut。xxxi:9，10，andvi:7。113Thecaptainswerethusfortheirownsakesboundtotakegreatcaretoadministereverythingaccordingtothelawslaiddown，andwellknowntoall，ifthey，wishedtobeheldinhighhonourby，thepeople，whowouldregardthemastheadministratorsofGod'sdominion，andasGod'svicegerents；otherwisetheycouldnothaveescapedallthevirulenceoftheologicalhatred。114Therewasanotherveryimportantcheckontheunbridledlicenseofthecaptains，inthefact，thatthearmywasformedfromthewholebody，ofthecitizens，betweentheagesoftwentyandsixty，withoutexception，andthatthecaptainswerenotabletohireanyforeignsoldiery。115ThisIsaywasvery，important，foritiswellknownthatprincescanoppresstheirpeopleswiththesingleaidofthesoldieryintheirpay；whilethereisnothingmoreformidabletothemthanthefreedomofcitizensoldiers，whohaveestablishedthefreedomandgloryoftheircountry，bytheirvalour，theirtoil，andtheirblood。116
ThusAlexander，whenhewasabouttomakewaxonDarius，asecondtime，afterhearingtheadviceofParmenio，didnotchidehimwhogavetheadvice，butPolysperchon，whowasstandingby。117For，asCurtiussaysiv。Para。13，hedidnotventuretoreproachParmenioagainafterhavingshortly，beforereprovedhimtoosharply。118ThisfreedomoftheMacedonians，whichhesodreaded，hewasnotabletosubduetillafterthenumberofcaptivesenlistedinthearmy，surpassedthatofhisownpeople:
then，butnottillthen，hegavereintohisangersolongcheckedby，theindependenceofhischieffellow-countrymen。
17:119Ifthisindependenceofcitizensoldierscanrestraintheprincesofordinarystateswhoarewonttousurpthewholegloryofvictories，itmusthavebeenstillmoreeffectualagainsttheHebrewcaptains，whosesoldierswerefighting，notforthegloryofaprince，butforthegloryofGod，andwhodidnotgoforthtobattletilltheDivineassenthadbeengiven。
17:120WemustalsorememberthattheHebrewcaptainswereassociatedonlybythebondsofreligion:therefore，ifanyoneofthemhadtransgressed，andbeguntoviolatetheDivineright，hemighthavebeentreatedbytherestasanenemyandlawfullysubdued。
17:121Anadditionalcheckmaybefoundinthefearofanewprophetarising，forifamanofunblemishedlifecouldshowbycertainsignsthathewasreallyaprophet，heipsofactoobtainedthesovereignrighttorule，whichwasgiventohim，astoMosesformerly，inthenameofGod，asrevealedtohimselfalone；notmerelythroughthehighpriest，asinthecaseofthecaptains。122Thereisnodoubtthatsuchanonewouldeasilybeabletoenlistanoppressedpeopleinhiscause，andbytriflingsignspersuadethemofanythinghewished:ontheotherhand，ifaffairswerewellordered，thecaptainwouldbeabletomakeprovisionintime；thattheprophetshouldbesubmittedtohisapproval，andbeexaminedwhetherhewerereallyofunblemishedlife，andpossessedindisputablesignsofhismission:
also，whethertheteachingheproposedtosetforthinthenameoftheLordagreedwithreceiveddoctrines，andthegenerallawsofthecountry；ifhiscredentialswereinsufficient，orhisdoctrinesnew，hecouldlawfullybeputtodeath，orelsereceivedonthecaptain'ssoleresponsibilityandauthority。
17:123Again，thecaptainswerenotsuperiortotheothersinnobilityorbirth，butonlyadministeredthegovernmentinvirtueoftheirageandpersonalqualities。124Lastly，neithercaptainsnorarmyhadanyreasonforpreferringwartopeace。125Thearmy，aswehavestated，consistedentirelyofcitizens，sothataffairsweremanagedbythesamepersonsbothinpeaceandwar。126Themanwhowasasoldierinthecampwasacitizeninthemarket-place，hewhowasaleaderinthecampwasajudgeinthelawcourts，hewhowasageneralinthecampwasarulerinthestate。127
Thusnoonecoulddesirewarforitsownsake，butonlyforthesakeofpreservingpeaceandliberty；possiblythecaptainsavoidedchangeasfaraspossible，soasnottobeobligedtoconsultthehighpriestandsubmittotheindignityofstandinginhispresence。
17:128Somuchfortheprecautionsforkeepingthecaptainswithinbounds。
[17:9]129Wemustnowlookfortherestraintsuponthepeople:these，however，areveryclearlyindicatedintheverygroundworkofthesocialfabric。
17:130Anyonewhogivesthesubjecttheslightestattention，willseethatthestatewassoorderedastoinspirethemostardentpatriotismintheheartsofthecitizens，sothatthelatterwouldbeveryhardtopersuadetobetraytheircountry，andbereadytoendureanythingratherthansubmittoaforeignyoke。131AftertheyhadtransferredtheirrighttoGod，theythoughtthattheirkingdombelongedtoGod，andthattheythemselveswereGod'schildren。132OthernationstheylookeduponasGod'senemies，andregardedwithintensehatredwhichtheytooktobepiety，seePsalmcxxxix:21，22:nothingwouldhavebeenmoreabhorrenttothemthanswearingallegiancetoaforeigner，andpromisinghimobedience:norcouldtheyconceiveanygreaterormoreexecrablecrimethanthebetrayaloftheircountry，thekingdomoftheGodwhomtheyadored。
17:133Itwasconsideredwickedforanyonetosettleoutsideofthecountry，inasmuchastheworshipofGodbywhichtheywereboundcouldnotbecarriedonelsewhere:theirownlandalonewasconsideredholy，therestoftheearthuncleanandprofane。
17:134David，whowasforcedtoliveinexile，complainedbeforeSaulasfollows:"Butiftheybethechildrenofmenwhohavestirredtheeupagainstme，cursedbetheybeforetheLord；fortheyhavedrivenmeoutthisdayfromabidingintheinheritanceoftheLord，saying，Go，serveothergods。"ISam。xxvi:19。135Forthesamereasonnocitizen，asweshouldespeciallyremark，waseversentintoexile:hewhosinnedwasliabletopunishment，butnottodisgrace。
17:136ThustheloveoftheHebrewsfortheircountrywasnotonlypatriotism，butalsopiety，andwascherishedandnurturedbvdailyritestill，liketheirhatredofothernations，itmusthavepassedintotheirnature。137Theirdailyworshipwasnotonlydifferentfromthatofothernationsasitmightwellbe，consideringthattheywereapeculiarpeopleandentirelyapartfromtherest，itwasabsolutelycontrary。138Suchdailyreprobationnaturallygaverisetoalastinghatred，deeplyimplantedintheheart:forofallhatredsnoneismoredeepandtenaciousthanthatwhichspringsfromextremedevoutnessorpiety，andisitselfcherishedaspious。139Norwasageneralcauselackingforinflamingsuchhatredmoreandmore，inasmuchasitwasreciprocated；thesurroundingnationsregardingtheJewswithahatredjustasintense。
17:140Howgreatwastheeffectofallthesecauses，namely，freedomfromman'sdominion；devotiontotheircountry；absoluterightsoverallothermen；ahatrednotonlypermittedbutpious；acontemptfortheirfellow-men；thesingularityoftheircustomsandreligiousrites；theeffect，Irepeat，ofallthesecausesinstrengtheningtheheartsoftheJewstobearallthingsfortheircountry，withextraordinaryconstancyandvalour，willatoncebediscernedbyreasonandattestedbyexperience。
141Never，solongasthecitywasstanding，couldtheyenduretoremainunderforeigndominion；andthereforetheycalledJerusalem"arebelliouscity"Ezraiv:12。142Theirstateafteritsreestablishmentwhichwasamereshadowofthefirst，forthehighpriestshadusurpedtherightsofthetribalcaptainswas，withgreatdifficulty，destroyedbytheRomans，asTacitusbearswitnessHist。ii:4:-"VespasianhadclosedthewaragainsttheJews，abandoningthesiegeofJerusalemasanenterprisedifficultandarduousratherfromthecharacterofthepeopleandtheobstinacyoftheirsuperstition，thanfromthestrengthlefttothebesiegedformeetingtheirnecessities。"143Butbesidesthesecharacteristics，whicharemerelyascribedbyanindividualopinion，therewasonefeaturepeculiartothisstateandofgreatimportanceinretainingtheaffectionsofthecitizens，andcheckingallthoughtsofdesertion，orabandonmentofthecountry:namely，self-interest，thestrengthandlifeofallhumanaction。144ThiswaspeculiarlyengagedintheHebrewstate，fornowhereelsedidcitizenspossesstheirgoodssosecurely，asdidthesubjectsofthiscommunity，forthelatterpossessedaslargeashareinthelandandthefieldsasdidtheirchiefs，andwereownersoftheirplotsofgroundinperpetuity；forifanymanwascompelledbypovertytosellhisfarmorhispasture，hereceiveditbackagainintactattheyearofjubilee:therewereothersimilarenactmentsagainstthepossibilityofalienatingrealproperty。
17:145Again，povertywasnowheremoreendurablethaninacountrywheredutytowardsone'sneighbour，thatis，one'sfellow-citizen，waspractisedwiththeutmostpiety，asameansofgainingthefavourofGodtheKing。
146ThustheHebrewcitizenswouldnowherebesowelloffasintheirowncountry；outsideitslimitstheymetwithnothingbutlossanddisgrace。
17:147Thefollowingconsiderationswereofweight，notonlyinkeepingthemathome，butalsoinpreventingcivilwarandremovingcausesofstrife；noonewasboundtoservehisequal，butonlytoserveGod，whilecharityandlovetowardsfellow-citizenswasaccountedthehighestpiety；
thislastfeelingwasnotalittlefosteredbythegeneralhatredwithwhichtheyregardedforeignnationsandwereregardedbythem。148Furthermore，thestrictdisciplineofobedienceinwhichtheywerebroughtup，wasaveryimportantfactor；fortheywereboundtocarryonalltheiractionsaccordingtothesetrulesofthelaw:amanmightnotploughwhenheliked，butonlyatcertaintimes，incertainyears，andwithonesortofbeastatatime；so，too，hemightonlysowandreapinacertainmethodandseason-
infact，hiswholelifewasonelongschoolofobedienceseeChap。V。ontheuseofceremonies；suchahabitwasthusengendered，thatconformityseemedfreedominsteadofservitude，andmendesiredwhatwascommandedratherthanwhatwasforbidden。149Thisresultwasnotalittleaidedbythefactthatthepeoplewerebound，atcertainseasonsoftheyear，togivethemselvesuptorestandrejoicing，notfortheirownpleasure，butinorderthattheymightworshipGodcheerfully。
17:150ThreetimesintheyeartheyfeastedbeforetheLord；ontheseventhdayofeveryweektheywerebiddentoabstainfromallworkandtorest；besidesthese，therewereotheroccasionswheninnocentrejoicingandfeastingwerenotonlyallowedbutenjoined。151Idonotthinkanybettermeansofinfluencingmen'smindscouldbedevised；forthereisnomorepowerfulattractionthanjoyspringingfromdevotion，amixtureofadmirationandlove。152Itwasnoteasytobeweariedbyconstantrepetition，fortheritesonthevariousfestivalswerevariedandrecurredseldom。153WemayaddthedeepreverencefortheTemplewhichallmostreligiouslyfostered，onaccountofthepeculiarritesanddutiesthattheywereobligedtoperformbeforeapproachingthither。154Evennow，JewscannotreadwithouthorrorofthecrimeofManasseh，whodaredtoplaceauidolintheTemple。155Thelaws，scrupulouslypreservedintheinmostsanctuary，wereobjectsofequalreverencetothepeople。156Popularreportsandmisconceptionswere，therefore，verylittletobefearedinthisquarter，fornoonedareddecideonsacredmatters，butallfeltboundtoobey，withoutconsultingtheirreason，allthecommandsgivenbytheanswersofGodreceivedintheTemple，andallthelawswhichGodhadordained。
17:157IthinkIhavenowexplainedclearly，thoughbriefly，，themainfeaturesoftheHebrewcommonwealth。158Imustnowinquireintothecauseswhichledthepeoplesooftentofallawayfromthelaw，whichbroughtabouttheirfrequentsubjection，and，finally，thecompletedestructionoftheirdominion。159PerhapsIshallbetoldthatitsprangfromtheirhardnessofheart；butthisischildish，forwhyshouldthispeoplebemorehardofheartthanothers；wasitbynature?
[17:A]160Butnatureformsindividuals，notpeoples；thelatterareonlydistinguishablebythedifferenceoftheirlanguage，theircustoms，andtheirlaws；whilefromthetwolast-i。e。，customsandlaws，-itmayarisethattheyhaveapeculiardisposition，apeculiarmanneroflife，andpeculiarprejudices。161If，then，theHebrewswereharderofheartthanothernations，thefaultlaywiththeirlawsorcustoms。
17:162Thisiscertainlytrue，inthesensethat，ifGodhadwishedtheirdominiontobemorelasting，Hewouldhavegiventhemotherritesandlaws，andwouldhaveinstitutedadifferentformofgovernment。163Wecan，therefore，onlysaythattheirGodwasangrywiththem，notonly，asJeremiahsays，fromthebuildingofthecity，butevenfromthefoundingoftheirlaws。
17:164ThisisbornewitnesstobyEzekielxx:25:"WhereforeIgavethemalsostatutesthatwerenotgood，andjudgmentswherebytheyshouldnotlive；andIpollutedthemintheirowngifts，inthattheycausedtopassthroughthefireallthatopeneththewomb；thatImightmakethemdesolate，totheendthattheymightknowthatIamtheLord。"
17:165Inorderthatwemayunderstandthesewords，andthedestructionoftheHebrewcommonwealth，wemustbearinmindthatithadatfirstbeenintendedtoentrustthewholedutiesofthepriesthoodtothefirstborn，andnottotheLevitesseeNumb。viii:17。166Itwasonlywhenallthetribes，excepttheLevites，worshippedthegoldencalf，thatthefirstbornwererejectedanddefiled，andtheLeviteschosenintheirsteadDeut。x:8。167WhenIreflectonthischange，IfeeldisposedtobreakforthwiththewordsofTacitus。168God'sobjectatthattimewasnotthesafetyoftheJews，butvengeance。169Iamgreatlyastonishedthatthecelestialmindwassoinflamedwithangerthatitordainedlaws，whichalwaysaresupposedtopromotethehonour，well-being，andsecurityofapeople，withthepurposeofvengeance，forthesakeofpunishment；sothatthelawsdonotseemsomuchlaws-thatis，thesafeguardofthepeople-aspainsandpenalties。
17:170ThegiftswhichthepeoplewereobligedtobestowontheLevitesandpriests-theredemptionofthefirstborn，thepoll-taxduetotheLevites，theprivilegepossessedbythelatterofthesoleperformanceofsacredrites-allthese，Isay，wereacontinualreproachtothepeople，acontinualreminderoftheirdefilementandrejection。171Moreover，wemaybesure
17:173Besidesthis，therewastheobligationtokeepinidlenessmenhatefultothem，andconnectedbynotiesofblood。174Especiallywouldthisseemgrievouswhenprovisionsweredear。Whatwonder，then，ifintimesofpeace，whenstrikingmiracleshadceased，andnomenofparamountauthoritywereforthcoming，theirritableandgreedytemperofthepeoplebegantowaxcold，andatlengthtofallawayfromaworship，which，thoughDivine，wasalsohumiliating，andevenhostile，andtoseekaftersomethingfresh；orcanwebesurprisedthatthecaptains，whoalwaysadoptthepopularcourse，inordertogainthesovereignpowerforthemselvesbyenlistingthesympathiesofthepeople，andalienatingthehighpriest，shouldhaveyieldedtotheirdemands，andintroducedanewworship?175Ifthestatehadbeenformedaccordingtotheoriginalintention，therightsandhonourofallthetribeswouldhavebeenequal，andeverythingwouldhaverestedonafirmbasis。176Whoistherewhowouldwillinglyviolatethereligiousrightsofhiskindred?177Whatcouldamandesiremorethantosupporthisownbrothersandparents，thusfulfillingthedutiesofreligion?178Whowouldnotrejoiceinbeingtaughtbythemtheinterpretationofthelaws，andreceivingthroughthemtheanswersofGod?
17:179Thetribeswouldthushavebeenunitedbyafarcloserbond，ifallalikehadpossessedtherighttothepriesthood。180Alldangerwouldhavebeenobviated，ifthechoiceoftheLeviteshadnotbeendictatedbyangerandrevenge。181But，aswehavesaid，theHebrewshadoffendedtheirGod，Who，asEzekielsays，pollutedthemintheirowngiftsbyrejectingallthatopeneththewomb，sothatHemightdestroythem。
17:182Thispassageisalsoconfirmedbytheirhistory。Assoonasthepeopleinthewildernessbegantoliveineaseandplenty，certainmenofnomeanbirthbegantorebelagainstthechoiceoftheLevites，andtomakeitacauseforbelievingthatMoseshadnotactedbythecommandsofGod，butforhisowngoodpleasure，inasmuchashehadchosenhisowntribebeforealltherest，andhadbestowedthehighpriesthoodinperpetuityonhisownbrother。183They，therefore，stirredupatumult，andcametohim，cryingoutthatallmenwereequallysacred，andthathehadexaltedhimselfabovehisfellowswrongfully。184Moseswasnotabletopacifythemwithreasons；butbytheinterventionofamiracleinproofofthefaith，theyallperished。185Afreshseditionthenaroseamongthewholepeople，whobelievedthattheirchampionshadnotbeenputtodeathbythejudgmentofGod，butbythedeviceofMoses。186Afteragreatslaughter，orpestilence，therisingsubsidedfrominanition，butinsuchamannerthatallpreferreddeathtolifeundersuchconditions。
17:187Weshouldrathersaythatseditionceasedthanthatharmonywasre-
established。188ThisiswitnessedbyScriptureDeut。xxxi:21，whereGod，afterpredictingtoMosesthatthepeopleafterhisdeathwillfallawayfromtheDivineworship，speaksthus:"ForIknowtheirimaginationwhichtheygoabout，evennowbeforeIhavebroughtthemintothelandwhichIsware；"and，alittlewhileafterxxxi:27，Mosessays:ForIknowthyrebellionandthystiffneck:beholdwhileIamyetalivewithyouthisday，yehavebeenrebelliousagainsttheLord；andhowmuchmoreaftermydeath!"
17:189Indeed，ithappenedaccordingtohiswords，asweallknow。
190Greatchanges，extremelicense，luxury，andhardnessofheartgrewup；
thingswentfrombadtoworse，tillatlastthepeople，afterbeingfrequentlyconquered，cametoanopenrupturewiththeDivineright，andwishedforamortalking，sothattheseatofgovernmentmightbetheCourt，insteadoftheTemple，andthatthetribesmightremainfellow-citizensinrespecttotheirking，insteadofinrespecttoDivinerightandthehighpriesthood。
17:191Avastmaterialfornewseditionswasthusproduced，eventuallyresultingintheruinoftheentirestate。Kingsareaboveallthingsjealousofaprecariousrule，andcaninnowisebrookadominionwithintheirown。192Thefirstmonarchs，beingchosenfromtheranksofprivatecitizens，werecontentwiththeamountofdignitytowhichtheyhadrisen；
buttheirsons，whoobtainedthethronebyrightofinheritance，begangraduallytointroducechanges，soastogetallthesovereignrightsintotheirownhands。193Thistheyweregenerallyunabletoaccomplish，solongastherightoflegislationdidnotrestwiththem，butwiththehighpriest，whokeptthelawsinthesanctuary，andinterpretedthemtothepeople。194Thekingswerethusboundtoobeythelawsasmuchaswerethesubjects，andwereunabletoabrogatethem，ortoordainnewlawsofequalauthority；moreover，theywerepreventedbytheLevitesfromadministeringtheaffairsofreligion，kingandsubjectbeingalikeunclean。195Lastly，thewholesafetyoftheirdominiondependedonthewillofoneman，ifthatmanappearedtobeaprophet；andofthistheyhadseenanexample，namely，howcompletelySamuelhadbeenabletocommandSaul，andhoweasily，becauseofasingledisobedience，hehadbeenabletotransfertherightofsovereigntytoDavid。196Thusthekingsfoundadominionwithintheirown，andwieldedaprecarioussovereignty。
17:197Inordertosurmountthesedifficulties，theyallowedothertemplestobededicatedtothegods，sothattheremightbenofurtherneedofconsultingtheLevites；theyalsosoughtoutmanywhoprophesiedinthenameofGod，sothattheymighthavecreaturesoftheirowntoopposetothetrueprophets。198However，inspiteofalltheirattempts，theyneverattainedtheirend。199Fortheprophets，preparedagainsteveryemergency，waitedforafavourableopportunity，suchasthebeginningofanewreign，whichisalwaysprecarious，whilethememoryofthepreviousreignremainsgreen。200AtthesetimestheycouldeasilypronouncebyDivineauthoritythatthekingwastyrannical，andcouldproduceachampionofdistinguishedvirtuetovindicatetheDivineright，andlawfullytoclaimdominion，orashareinit。201Still，notevensocouldtheprophetseffectmuch。202Theycould，indeed，removeatyrant；buttherewerereasonswhichpreventedthemfromdoingmorethansettingup，atgreatcostofcivilbloodshed，anothertyrantinhisstead。203Ofdiscordsandcivilwarstherewasnoend，forthecausesfortheviolationofDivinerightremainedalwaysthesame，andcouldonlyberemovedbyacompleteremodellingofthestate。
17:204WehavenowseenhowreligionwasintroducedintotheHebrewcommonwealth，andhowthedominionmighthavelastedforever，ifthejustwrathoftheLawgiverhadallowedit。205Asthiswasimpossible，itwasboundintimetoperish。206Iamnowspeakingonlyofthefirstcommonwealth，forthesecondwasamereshadowofthefirst，inasmuchasthepeoplewereboundbytherightsofthePersianstowhomtheyweresubject。
207Aftertherestorationoffreedom，thehighpriestsusurpedtherightsofthesecularchiefs，andthusobtainedabsolutedominion。208Thepriestswereinflamedwithanintensedesiretowieldthepowersofthesovereigntyandthehighpriesthoodatthesametime。209Ihave，therefore，noneedtospeakfurtherofthesecondcommonwealth。210
Whetherthefirst，insofaraswedeemittohavebeendurable，iscapableofimitation，andwhetheritwouldbepioustocopyitasfaraspossible，willappearfromwhatfellows。211Iwishonlytodrawattention，asacrowningconclusion，totheprincipleindicatedalready-namely，thatitisevident，fromwhatwehavestatedinthischapter，thattheDivineright，ortherightofreligion，originatesinacompact:withoutsuchcompact，nonebutnaturalrightsexist。212TheHebrewswerenotboundbytheirreligiontoevinceanypiouscareforothernationsnotincludedinthecompact，butonlyfortheirownfellow-citizens。
[18:0]CHAPTERXVIII-FROMTHECOMMONWEALTHOFTHEHEBREWS，AND
THEIRHISTORY，CERTAINPOLITICALDOCTRINESAREDEDUCED。
[18:1]1AlthoughthecommonwealthoftheHebrews，aswehaveconceivedit，mighthavelastedforever，itwouldbeimpossibletoimitateitatthepresentday，norwoulditbeadvisablesotodo。2IfapeoplewishedtotransfertheirrightstoGoditwouldbenecessarytomakeanexpresscovenantwithHim，andforthiswouldbeneedednotonlytheconsentofthosetransferringtheirrights，butalsotheconsentofGod。3God，however，hasrevealedthroughhisApostlesthatthecovenantofGodisnolongerwritteninink，orontablesofstone，butwiththeSpiritofGodinthefleshytablesoftheheart。
18:4Furthermore，suchaformofgovernmentwouldonlybeavailableforthosewhodesiretohavenoforeignrelations，buttoshutthemselvesupwithintheirownfrontiers，andtoliveapartfromtherestoftheworld；itwouldbeuselesstomenwhomusthavedealingswithothernations；sothatthecaseswhereitcouldbeadoptedareveryfewindeed。
18:5Nevertheless，thoughitcouldnotbecopiedinitsentirety，itpossessedmanyexcellentfeatureswhichmightbebroughttoournotice，andperhapsimitatedwithadvantage。6Myintention，however，isnottowriteatreatiseonformsofgovernment，soIwillpassovermostofsuchpointsinsilence，andwillonlytouchonthosewhichbearuponmypurpose。
18:7God'skingdomisnotinfringeduponbythechoiceofanearthlyrulerendowedwithsovereignrights；foraftertheHebrewshadtransferredtheirrightstoGod，theyconferredthesovereignrightofrulingonMoses，investinghimwiththesolepowerofinstitutingandabrogatinglawsinthenameofGod，ofchoosingpriests，ofjudging，ofteaching，ofpunishing-infact，alltheprerogativesofanabsolutemonarch。
18:8Again，thoughthepriestsweretheinterpretersofthelaws，theyhadnopowertojudgethecitizens，ortoexcommunicateanyone:thiscouldonlybedonebythejudgesandchiefschosenfromamongthepeople。9A
considerationofthesuccessesandthehistoriesoftheHebrewswillbringtolightotherconsiderationsworthyofnote。Towit:
18:9I。Thattherewerenoreligioussects，tillafterthehighpriests，inthesecondcommonwealth，possessedtheauthoritytomakedecrees，andtransactthebusinessofgovernment。10Inorderthatsuchauthoritymightlastforever，thehighpriestsusurpedtherightsofsecularrulers，andatlastwishedtobestyledkings。11Thereasonforthisisreadytohand；inthefirstcommonwealthnodecreescouldbearthenameofthehighpriest，forhehadnorighttoordainlaws，butonlytogivetheanswersofGodtoquestionsaskedbythecaptainsorthecouncils:hehad，therefore，nomotiveformakingchangesinthelaw，buttookcare，onthecontrary，toadministerandguardwhathadalreadybeenreceivedandaccepted。12Hisonlymeansofpreservinghisfreedominsafetyagainstthewillofthecaptainslayincherishingthelawintact。13Afterthehighpriestshadassumedthepowerofcarryingonthegovernment，andaddedtherightsofsecularrulerstothosetheyalreadypossessed，eachonebeganbothinthingsreligiousandinthingssecular，toseekfortheglorificationofhisownname，settlingeverythingbysacerdotalauthority，andissuingeveryday，concerningceremonies，faith，andallelse，newdecreeswhichhesoughttomakeassacredandauthoritativeasthelawsofMoses。14Religionthussankintoadegradingsuperstition，whilethetruemeaningandinterpretationofthelawsbecamecorrupted。15Furthermore，whilethehighpriestswerepavingtheirwaytothesecularrulejustaftertherestoration，theyattemptedtogainpopularfavourbyassentingtoeverydemand；approvingwhateverthepeopledid，howeverimpious，andaccommodatingScripturetotheverydepravedcurrentmorals。16Malachibearswitnesstothisinnomeasuredterms:hechidesthepriestsofhistimeasdespisersofthenameofGod，andthengoesonwithhisinvectiveasfollowsMalii:7，8:"Forthepriest'slipsshouldkeepknowledge，andtheyshouldseekthelawathismouth:forheisthemessengeroftheLordofhosts。17Butyearedepartedoutoftheway；yehavecausedmanytostumbleatthelaw，yehavecorruptedthecovenantofLevi，saiththeLordofhosts。"18Hefurtheraccusesthemofinterpretingthelawsaccordingtotheirownpleasure，andpayingnorespecttoGodbutonlytopersons。19Itiscertainthatthehighpriestswereneversocautiousintheirconductastoescapetheremarkofthemoreshrewdamongthepeople，forthelatterwereatlengthemboldenedtoassertthatnolawsoughttobekeptsavethosethatwerewritten，andthatthedecreeswhichthePhariseesconsisting，asJosephussaysinhis"Amtiquities，"
chiefly，ofthecommonpeople，weredeceivedintocallingthetraditionsofthefathers，shouldnotbeobservedatall。20Howeverthismaybe，wecaninnowisedoubtthatflatteryofthehighpriest，thecorruptionofreligionandthelaws，andtheenormousincreaseoftheextentofthelast-named，gaveverygreatandfrequentoccasionfordisputesandaltercationsimpossibletoallay。21Whenmenbegintoquarrelwithalltheardourofsuperstition，andthemagistracytobackuponesideortheother，theycannevercometoacompromise，butareboundtosplitintosects。
18:22II。Itisworthyofremarkthattheprophets，whowereinaprivatestationoflife，ratherirritatedthanreformedmankindbytheirfreedomofwarning，rebuke，andcensure；whereasthekings，bytheirreproofsandpunishments，couldalwaysproduceaneffect。23Theprophetswereoftenintolerableeventopiouskings，onaccountoftheauthoritytheyassumedforjudgingwhetheranactionwasrightorwrong，orforreprovingthekingsthemselvesiftheydaredtotransactanybusiness，whetherpublicorprivate，withoutpropheticsanction。24KingAsawho，accordingtothetestimonyofScripture，reignedpiously，puttheprophetHananiintoaprison-housebecausehehadventuredfreelytochideandreprovehimforenteringintoacovenantwiththekingofArmenia。
18:25Otherexamplesmightbecited，tendingtoprovethatreligiongainedmoreharmthangoodbysuchfreedom，nottospeakofthefurtherconsequence，thatiftheprophetshadretainedtheirrights，greatcivilwarswouldhaveresulted。
26III。Itisremarkablethatduringalltheperiod，duringwhichthepeopleheldthereinsofpower，therewasonlyonecivilwar，andthatonewascompletelyextinguished，theconquerorstakingsuchpityontheconquered，thattheyendeavouredineverywaytoreinstatethemintheirformerdignityandpower。27Butafterthatthepeople，littleaccustomedtokings，changeditsfirstformofgovernmentintoamonarchy，civilwarragedalmostcontinuously；andbattlesweresofierceastoexceedallothersrecorded；inoneengagementtaxingourfaithtotheutmost
fivehundredthousandIsraeliteswereslaughteredbythemenofJudah，andinanothertheIsraelitesslewgreatnumbersofthemenofJudahthefiguresarenotgiveninScripture，almostrazedtothegroundthewallsofJerusalem，andsackedtheTempleintheirunbridledfury。28Atlength，ladenwiththespoilsoftheirbrethren，satiatedwithblood，theytookhostages，andleavingthekinginhiswell-nighdevastatedkingdom，laiddowntheirarms，relyingontheweaknessratherthanthegoodfaithoftheirfoes。29Afewyearsafter，themenofJudah，withrecruitedstrength，againtookthefield，butwereasecondtimebeatenbytheIsraelites，andslaintothenumberofahundredandtwentythousand，twohundredthousandoftheirwivesandchildrenwereledintocaptivity，andagreatbootyagainseized。30Wornoutwiththeseandsimilarbattlessetforthatlengthintheirhistories，theJewsatlengthfellapreytotheirenemies。
18:31Furthermore，ifwereckonupthetimesduringwhichpeaceprevailedundereachformofgovernment，weshallfindagreatdiscrepancy。32
Beforethemonarchyfortyyearsandmoreoftenpassed，andonceeightyyearsanalmostunparalleledperiod，withoutanywar，foreignorcivil。33
Afterthekingsacquiredsovereignpower，thefightingwasnolongerforpeaceandliberty，butforglory；accordinglywefindthattheyall，withtheexceptionofSolomonwhosevirtueandwisdomwouldbebetterdisplayedinpeacethaninwarwagedwar，andfinallyafataldesireforpowergainedground，which，inmanycases，madethepathtothethroneabloodyone。
18:34Lastly，thelaws，duringtheruleofthepeople，remaineduncorruptedandwerestudiouslyobserved。35Beforethemonarchytherewerevery，fewprophetstoadmonishthepeople，butaftertheestablishmentofkingstherewereagreatnumberatthesametime。36Obadiahsavedahundredfromdeathandhidthemaway，lesttheyshouldbeslainwiththerest。37Thepeople，sofaraswecansee，wereneverdeceivedbyfalseprophetstillafterthepowerhadbeenvestedinkings，whosecreaturesmanyoftheprophetswere。38Again，thepeople，whoseheartwasgenerallyproudorhumbleaccordingtoitscircumstances，easilycorrectedit-selfundermisfortune，turnedagaintoGod，restoredHislaws，andsofreeditselffromallperil；butthekings，whoseheartswerealwaysequallypuffedup，andwhocouldnotbecorrectedwithouthumiliation，clungpertinaciouslytotheirvices，eventillthelastoverthrowofthecity。
[18:2]39WemaynowclearlyseefromwhatIhavesaid:-
40I。Howhurtfultoreligionandthestateistheconcessiontoministersofreligionofanypowerofissuingdecreesortransactingthebusinessofgovernment:how，onthecontrary，fargreaterstabilityisafforded，ifthesaidministersareonlyallowedtogiveanswerstoquestionsdulyputtothem，andare，asarule，obligedtopreachandpractisethereceivedandaccepteddoctrines。
18:41IIHowdangerousitistorefertoDivinerightmattersmerelyspeculativeandsubjectorliabletodispute。42Themosttyrannicalgovernmentsarethosewhichmakecrimesofopinions，foreveryonehasaninalienablerightoverhisthoughts-nay，suchastateofthingsleadstotheruleofpopularpassion。
18:43PontiusPilatemadeconcessiontothepassionofthePhariseesinconsentingtothecrucifixionofChrist，whomheknewtobeinnocent。44
Again，thePharisees，inordertoshakethepositionofmenricherthanthemselves，begantosetonfootquestionsofreligion，andaccusedtheSadduceesofimpiety，and，followingtheirexample，thevilest-hypocrites，stirred，astheypretended，bythesameholywrathwhichtheycalledzealfortheLord，persecutedmenwhoseunblemishedcharacteranddistinguishedvirtuehadexcitedthepopularhatred，publiclydenouncedtheiropinions，andinflamedthefiercepassionsofthepeopleagainstthem。
18:45Thiswantonlicencebeingcloakedwiththespeciousgarbofreligioncouldnoteasilyberepressed，especiallywhenthesovereignauthoritiesintroducedasectofwhichthey，werenotthehead；theywerethenregardednotasinterpretersofDivineright，butassectarians-thatis，aspersonsrecognizingtherightofDivineinterpretationassumedbytheleadersofthesect。46Theauthorityofthemagistratesthusbecameoflittleaccountinsuchmattersincomparisonwiththeauthorityofsectarianleadersbeforewhoseinterpretationskingswereobligedtobow。
18:47Toavoidsuchevilsinastate，thereisnosaferway，thantomakepietyandreligiontoconsistinactsonly-thatis，inthepracticeofjusticeandcharity，leavingeveryone'sjudgmentinotherrespectsfree。
48ButIwillspeakofthismoreatlengthpresently。
[18:3]49III。Weseehownecessaryitis，bothintheinterestsofthestateandintheinterestsofreligion，toconferonthesovereignpowertherightofdecidingwhatislawfulorthereverse。50IfthisrightofjudgingactionscouldnotbegiventotheveryprophetsofGodwithoutgreatinjury，tothestateandreligion，howmuchlessshoulditbeentrustedtothosewhocanneitherforetellthefuturenorworkmiracles!51ButthisagainIwilltreatofmorefullyhereafter。
18:52IV。Lastly，，weseehowdisastrousitisforapeopleunaccustomedtokings，andpossessingacompletecodeoflaws，tosetupamonarchy。53
Neithercanthesubjectsbrooksuchasway，northeroyalauthoritysubmittolawsandpopularrightssetupbyanyoneinferiortoitself。54Stilllesscanakingbeexpectedtodefendsuchlaws，fortheywerenotframedtosupporthisdominion，butthedominionofthepeople，orsomecouncilwhichformerlyruled，sothatinguardingthepopularrightsthekingwouldseemtobeaslaveratherthanamaster。55Therepresentativeofanewmonarchywillemployallhiszealinattemptingtoframenewlaws，soastowresttherightsofdominiontohisownuse，andtoreducethepeopletilltheyfinditeasiertoincreasethantocurtailtheroyalprerogative。
56Imustnot，however，omittostatethatitisnolessdangeroustoremoveamonarch，thoughheisonallhandsadmittedtobeatyrant。57
Forhispeopleareaccustomedtoroyalauthorityandwillobeynoother，despisingandmockingatanylessaugustcontrol。
18:58Itisthereforenecessary，astheprophetsdiscoveredofold，ifonekingberemoved，thatheshouldbereplacedbyanother，whowillbeatyrantfromnecessityratherthanchoice。59Forhowwillhebeabletoendurethesightofthehandsofthecitizensreekingwithroyalblood，andtorejoiceintheirregicideasagloriousexploit?60Wasnotthedeedperpetratedasanexampleandwarningforhimself?
18:61Ifhereallywishestobeking，andnottoacknowledgethepeopleasthejudgeofkingsandthemasterofhimself，ortowieldaprecarioussway，hemustavengethedeathofhispredecessor，makinganexampleforhisownsake，lestthepeopleshouldventuretorepeatasimilarcrime。62Hewillnot，however，beableeasilytoavengethedeathofthetyrantbytheslaughterofcitizensunlesshedefendsthecauseoftyrannyandapprovesthedeedsofhispredecessor，thusfollowinginhisfootsteps。
18:63Henceitcomestopassthatpeopleshaveoftenchangedtheirtyrants，butneverremovedthemorchangedthemonarchicalformofgovernmentintoanyother。
[18:4]64TheEnglishpeoplefurnishuswithaterribleexampleofthisfact。65Theysoughthowtodeposetheirmonarchundertheformsoflaw，butwhenhehadbeenremoved，theywereutterlyunabletochangetheformofgovernment，andaftermuchbloodshedonlybroughtitabout，thatanewmonarchshouldbehailedunderadifferentnameasthoughithadbeenamerequestionofnames；thisnewmonarchcouldonlyconsolidatehispowerbycompletelydestroyingtheroyalstock，puttingtodeaththeking'sfriends，realorsupposed，anddisturbingwithwarthepeacewhichmightencouragediscontent，inorderthatthepopulacemightbeengrossedwithnoveltiesanddivertitsmindfrombroodingovertheslaughteroftheking。
66Atlast，however，thepeoplereflectedthatithadaccomplishednothingforthegoodofthecountrybeyondviolatingtherightsofthelawfulkingandchangingeverythingfortheworse。67Itthereforedecidedtoretraceitsstepsassoonaspossible，andneverrestedtillithadseenacompleterestorationoftheoriginalstateofaffairs。
18:68ItmayperhapsbeobjectedthattheRomanpeoplewaseasilyabletoremoveitstyrants，butIgatherfromitshistoryastrongconfirmationofmycontention。69ThoughtheRomanpeoplewasmuchmorethanordinarilycapableofremovingtheirtyrantsandchangingtheirformofgovernment，inasmuchasitheldinitsownhandsthepowerofelectingitskingandhissuccessor，saidbeingcomposedofrebelsandcriminalshadnotlongbeenusedtotheroyalyokeoutofitssixkingsithadputtodeaththree，neverthelessitcouldaccomplishnothingbeyondelectingseveraltyrantsinplaceofone，whokeptitgroaningunderacontinualstateofwar，bothforeignandcivil，tillatlastitchangeditsgovernmentagaintoaformdifferingfrommonarchy，asinEngland，onlyinname。
[18:5]70AsfortheUnitedStatesoftheNetherlands，theyhavenever，asweknow，hadaking，butonlycounts，whoneverattainedthefullrightsofdominion。71TheStatesoftheNetherlandsevidentlyactedasprincipalsinthesettlementmadebythematthetimeoftheEarlofLeicester'smission:theyalwaysreservedforthemselvestheauthoritytokeepthecountsuptotheirduties，andthepowertopreservethisauthorityandthelibertyofthecitizens。72Theyhadamplemeansofvindicatingtheirrightsiftheirrulersshouldprovetyrannical，andcouldimposesuchrestraintsthatnothingcouldbedonewithouttheirconsentandapproval。
18:73ThustherightsofsovereignpowerhavealwaysbeenvestedintheStates，thoughthelastcountendeavouredtousurpthem。74ItisthereforelittlelikelythattheStatesshouldgivethemup，especiallyastheyhavejustrestoredtheiroriginaldominion，latelyalmostlost。