John_Eliot_TheChristianCommonwealth

ii The Preface

great glory, according to his Promise, do also see the other part
of his Word verified, namely, that the coming of Christ is in
the Clouds of darkness; by means whereof it is long ere all men
can see him, or be persuaded that it is he, who is now coming;
though afterwards, they shall see that even those Clouds were
needful a while to obscure the bright appearance of his design.
       Lately reading a Book called a Plea for Non-subscribers,
or the grounds and reasons of many Ministers of Cheshire
and Lancashire, &c. though I had before heard of the sad
differences, distances of spirit, and dissatisfactions among
the people of the Lord: yet then my heart bled to see such pre-
cious holy men, pleading ( as they believe) for God, with a pure
and sincere Conscience, and yet in so doing strongly to speak
against the glorious work of the Lord Jesus, in casting down
Antichrist, and setting up his own Kingdom foretold in Scrip-
ture, and now fulfilling, as also strongly and sharply speaking
against those whom the Lord hath pleased to employ, and im-
prove as his Instruments in accomplishing thereof.
     On the other side, those writings which that Book An-
swereth, have so missed the Principles on which the Cause stan-
deth, whereby the Consciences of others should be satisfied, who
oppose; as that the Answerers have clearly the upper ground of
them in many things: and therefore stand firme in that which
they suppose to be a right Cause, and weaken those who have
indeed a right Cause in hand, insomuch as that hereby the
difference i's exceedingly encreased and sharpened.
      Now though I am the most unmeet of all men, to undertake
to interpose and speak unto such learned, grave, holy, and em-
inent persons, every way beyond me in all accomplishments for
the Lords work, and in a Cause so much above me; yet was I

The Preface iii

pressed in my spirit, considering whose Cause I plead, to take
the boldness to propound that unto them, which I believe to be
the true state of the Cause, and which (by the blessing of God)
may reach to their satisfaction; when they see that they, into
whose hands the Lord (to the wonderment of men) hath been
pleased to put power, do follow the Lord, and accomplish his
Word, aim at the fulfilling of his ends and design, denying
themselves, that they may advance Christ Jesus in the Throne,
and let him reign over them. The prayers, the expectation,
and faith of the Saints, in the Prophecies and Promises of holy
Scripture, are daily sounding in the ears of the Lord, for the
downfall of .Antichrist, and with him all humane Powers, Pol-
ities, Dominions, and Governments; and in the room thereof,
we wait for the coming of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus, who
by his Divine Wisdom, Power, Government and Laws, given
us ( although hitherto sealed up in a great measure) in the holy
Scriptures, will reign over all the Nations of the earth in due
time: I mean, the Lord Jesus will bring down all people, to be
ruled by the Institutions, Laws, and Directions of the Word
of God, not only in Church-Government and Administrations,
but also in the Government and .Administration of all affairs
in the Commonwealth. And then Christ reigneth, when all
things among men, are done by the direction of the word of his
mouth: his Kingdom is then come amongst us, when his will
is done on earth, as it i's done in heaven; where no Humane
or .Angelical Policy or Wisdom doth guide any thing, but all is
done by Divine direction (a); and so it shall be on earth, when,
and where Christ reigneth.

(a) Psal. 103. 20. Angels do his commandment, hearkening to the
voice of his word.

iv The Preface

Dan.2. 34, 35, &c.

It is Prophesied, (b) Dan. 2. 34, 35, &c. Thou sawest till
that a stone was cut out, without hands, which smote
the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and
brake them to pieces. 35 Then was the iron, the clay,
the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces
together, and became like the chaff of the summer
threshing-floors; and the wind carried them away,
that no place was found for them: and the stone that
smote the image, became a great mountain, and filled
the whole earth, &c. Which Prophecie doth clearly foreshew
the forenamed points: for there is an epitomy of all the Monar-
chies, Governments, and Polities of men, who have had their
Humane Glory in this world: the last, and strongest of all
which Dominions is the Roman; so mixed and interwoven
in many States, by the combining of that dirty Roman Reli-
gion, with civil Powers, as that when that stone Christ, by his
faithful Instruments, shall overthrow, and beat in pieces that
Religion, they must and shall according as it is written, beat
down withall the strongest Iron sinews of civil States, which
are propagators, and supporters thereof, whether professed or
secretly.

(a) Dan. 2. 43. They shall not cleave one to another, even as iron
is not mixt with clay.

Yea, moreover, when Christ that stone, shall by his chosen
Instruments, smite in pieces all the Romish Religion, and civil
States, which are complicated with it, and supporters of it,
(who though they greatly care not for it (a), yet for
their own ends they are supporters of it) then, down
cometh the whole Image from top to bottom; all
Dominions and Governments of man, by Humane
Policy, formes of Government and Laws in all

The Preface v

places whatsoever, in Gods order and time; who by their fall
shall be so dashed in pieces, that though they were before, a ter-
rour to men, yet now they shall be light and contemptible things,
of no more account with men then dust or chaff: because Di-
vine institutions, both of Government and Laws, arising in
the room of Humane, they will be quite darkened, even as the
Stars are by the rising-Sun: for in the room of them shall arise
the Government of the Lord Jesus, who by the Word of his
Mouth, written in the holy Scriptures, shall order all affairs
among men; And great shall be his Dominion: for the Stone
Christ shall grow to be a mountain filling the whole earth: all
men submitting to be ruled by the Word, in civil as well as
Church-affairs.
Now it seemeth to me that the Lord Christ is now ac-
complishing these things in great Britain. The faithful Breth-
ren in Scotland gave the first blow at the dirty toes, and
feet of this Image; with whom the faithful brethren in Eng-
land, presently concurred. But the Iron of the Civil State, stuck
so fast to the miry clay, that according to the Word of Christ,
they are (beyond all the thoughts of men) both fallen together;
they are fallen, they are fallen, they are both fallen together:
Oh that men would therefore praise the Lord, for his faithful
Word, and goodness for his mercy endureth for ever! and all
his faithful Word shall be accomplished. Amen, Amen.
There be many other Prophecies of holy Scriptures touching
these things ( as the Saints well know) the application whereof
to what is now done in England, I will not undertake, it be-
ing a worke rather for a Treatise then a Preface. Tea, some
Prophecies, (as I apprehend) do more particularly describe what
is now done; but I shall not mention them, hoping that others

x The Preface

ernment, and suitable to any Christian people, who reverence
the Word of God; yea, the more eminent and Christian they
be, the more suitable it i's for them.
Especially also considering, that though the single form of
tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands, will be but of small ca-
pacity in great Commonwealths, and populous Cities: yet the su-
perior orders, of Myriades or ten thousands, fifty thousands,
hundred thousands, and thousand thousands, are exceeding
comprehensive, to extend Government to the greatest people;
and yet with that certain and peaceable order (without any in-
terfering or confusion) for speedy Justice, and determination
of all Causes, as that it seemeth to me to be the most excel-
lent Government that ever was in the World . And adding to
this, above all considerations and commendations, that it is a
DIVINE INSTITUTION, sprung from heavenly wis-
0dom commanded in Scripture, filled with the Spirit of God,
which i's able to carry on the Wheels of this Government, with
a most irresistible and successful force and power, to the at-
tainment of all the ends of Government among men most
effectually. Yea, it seemeth to me, that this i's that forme of
Government, by which Christ meaneth to rule all the Nations
on earth according to the Scriptures. Yea farther, repenting-be-
lieving Israel and Judah, I believe, shall serve and obey Christ
in this way of Civil Government; and who knoweth but our
obedience hereunto, may hasten and farther their coming in?
I would not exceed bounds of humble modesty; yet let me
make bold to adventure the producing a farther Meditation,
touching the Divinity and heavenly excellency of this Govern-
ment of the Lord; namely, that the Angels of Heaven are gov-
erned by this order of Government, according as it i's applyable

The Preface xi

to their condition. It i's past all doubt, that there i's an heavenly
order, (I do not say Judicature, as with us) among the An-
gels: for as Hell is a place of confusion, so heaven of order;
and if God is the God of order in the Church, whereby the place
of his feet is beautified; much more is heaven beautified, by a
most heavenly order of the Church there residing. And if Solo-
mons Court was in that respect of a ravishing glory, namely,
by the order of it, and of his attendants: much more is heaven
in an excellent order, and all the Angels the holy attendants
of God’s Throne, attending in comely order. And if the order
of Solomon’s Court, was one effect of his great wisdom, can
we think that the infinite wisdom of God, attended by Angels,
Spirits of such wonderful wisdom, should not be attended in a
most glorious order, and his attendants excellently beautified,
by walking in an heavenly order ( therefore there is an heav-
enly order among them. And that it i's this order of tens, hun-
dreds, thousands, &c. doth appear in several Scriptures, where
we find mention made of them in this order; wherein it is ob-
servable, that so great is the number of them, that they are not
mentioned in their single order; but the lowest that I have ob-
served, is Myriades of Angels, Heb. 12. 22. and so the Saints
shall find them ordered when they come to heaven (a). They are
also mentioned by the highest degree of the Superior
order, viz. thousands of thousands; and not only so,
but by a Supreme order, viz. Myriades of Myriades,
Rev. 5.11 which I call Supreme, being the highest I
find mentioned in Scripture: but whether that be the
highest order of Angels, is not revealed that I know
of: but thus it seemeth unto me, that the Angels are
in this order of Government. Likewise the Saints in

(a) Mat. 26.53. Christ makesth mention of twelve Legions of Angels,
for his present assistance, if he though good; which is all one
with Myriades.

xii The Preface

heaven seem to be in the same order; for when Christ cometh
to Judgement, and all the Saints with him, 1 Thes. 4. 13. they
shall come in this order, Jude, vers. 14. With Myriades of his
Saints, behold the Lord cometh.
Now if this be the order of Government in Heaven, what
an heaven upon earth shall that be, when all the Kingdoms
and Nations on the earth shall be so ruled? and then shall the
will of God be done on earth, as it is done in heaven, when he
reigneth over men on earth, in the same order of Government
as he doth in heaven (a).

(a) It is not nothing, that when Christ fed the people miraculously, he set
them down by hundreds, and by fifties, Mar. 6. 40. as if Christ delighted
in that order.

Let me be yet farther bold to propound another Meditation,
under the correction of better Judgements, according as I do the
former, upon that text Dan. 7. 10. where is set forth the judge-
ment of God executed upon Antichrist. Many things might be
shewed out of the context, to prove, that it is not the last judge-
ment, which is there spoken of. The means of execution of that
judgment, is by the Wars of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus, as ap-
pears in the Book of the Revelation; and the people executing
those Wars, by this text seem to be a people ruled by this order
of Government: which if it be so, may it not give some light to
find out the ten Kings, which shall hate the Whore, make her
desolate and naked, eat her flesh, and burn her with fire?
These things considered, touching the excellency of this
forme of Government, and especially the Divinity of it, and
now also by a wonderful work of God, England being in a ca-
pacity to chuse unto themselves a new Government, and in such
deep perplexity about that great Question, where to set their

The Preface xiii

foot in peace; some pleading for the unjustice of casting off the
Kingly Government, others unsatisfied with the present, and
all expecting what will be the conclusion. And seeing no Hu-
mane Forme, quiet and safe, to set down their foot upon, in
rest and tranquillity, hereby all hearts are perplexed, sighing
up to heaven for direction what to do, and where to find rest
and quiet to the Land. By this means, all hearts are prepared
to embrace any help or counsel from the Lord; and when they
have wearied themselves with differences, they will gladly all
concur together, to set open the door, to let in the Lord Jesus,
to give them rest; who hath been all this while knocking at the
door, by these perplexing troubles: that his Government might
be on all hands gladly embraced, and himself find a free and
peaceable enterance, to begin his blessed and waited-for reign
over the Nations of the earth, according as it is Prophesied in
the holy Scriptures.
Therefore in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King
of Sainsts (whose Kingdom I desire to advance, with all my
might and heart) I do beseech those chosen, and holy and faith-
ful Saints, who by Councils at Home, or by Wars in the field,
have fought the Lords Battels against Antichrist, and have
carried on the Cause of Christ hitherunto, That you would now
set the Crown of England upon the head of Christ, whose only
true inheritance it is, by the gift of his Father (a): Let him
be your JUDGE, Let him be your LAW-
GIVER. Let him be your KING! take the pat-
ern and form of your Government, from the Word
of his Mouth, which will have power over the Con-
sciences of all the people of the Land, and compose all
differences about that point, into a sweet harmony

(a) Psa. 2. 8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the uttermost
parts of the earth for thy possession.

xiv The Preface

of obedience and subjection to Christ our Lord and King, with
one heart and consent; and will bring about all the people with
one heart, and shoulder, to promote the designs of Christ, and
yours also, when they see that yours are not for your selves, but
for the Lord, to accomplish all the remainder of the great works
of the Lord, even until Antichrist be destroyed, and the Throne
of the Beast burnt with fire, and the Kingdom of the Lord Je-
sus set up in many Nations.
You blessed ones of the Lord, who have so eminently, beyond
the wont of Conquerors, humbled and abased your selves, as no-
bodies in the work, and ascribed all the praise and glory of your
Valiant Achievments, unto the Lord Jesus, whom by faith you
did always see fighting for you, and (to your admiration) get-
ting the Victory for you! You that have with an holy boldness of
faith, made those dreadful appeals (unheard of in other stories)
unto the Lord Jesus, to witness to the sincerity of your Cause
and Conscience by his own arm, and in all your straights have
never found him to foil you, or forsake you; but still made you
Conquerors, not only of your Enemies, but (which is more) of
your selves also, not to arrogate praise unto your selves; nor to
improve your Victories beyond the bounds of Christian patience
and love to the conquered; and all for the honour and glory of
Christ, and his grace; that his Name and Cause might find
room and acceptance in the hearts of your Enemies, whom you
therefore used like Christian Brethren, and not like Enemies.
Shall such holy ones as you, need persuasion to set that
Crown upon the head of Christ, which he hath put into your
hands to dispose of? where can you make a better choice, then
to take the Lord to be your King? and where can you think to
find, a better patern of Government, then in the Word of God?

The Preface xv

and where can you think to finde better Laws, then in the holy
Scriptures?
     This following Platform of Government, I do no farther
urge, then you shall finde it to be purely deduced from the holy
Scriptures. It is the holy Scriptures of God onely that I do urge,
to be your onely Magna Charta, by which you should be ruled
in all things; which being, Christ is your King and Soveraign
Law-giver, and you are his people ruled by him in all things.
      And you my dear Brethren, the faithful Ministers of the
Gospel of Christ, and all Christian Brethren, who do not yet see
cause of submitting, and yielding unto this Change; I do be-
seech you to consider the times, and compare the Prophecies of
Scripture, with the present providences; and see if you find not
all things to come to pass, according as it is written; and that
these wonderful providences are not without Scripture-author-
ity, and much to be regarded by the people of God. Nor be they
the executions of Divine wrath upon either Church or World, by
prophane hands, who act their own wills and lusts, though they
accomplish Gods ends; but they be the pouring out of the wrath
of God upon Antichrist, for his destruction, and overthrow of
his Kingdom, by the hands of holy Saints, according to the com-
mand of Christ; Christ himself riding forth Victoriously among
them, and performing his great works, written and foretold
in the holy Scriptures. May not Queen Maries coming to the
Crown by the help of the Saints, be seasonably called to remem-
brance for if not, yet now the time is come, to change Govern-
ments, and to cast down all at the foot of Christ, that he may
Reign, and fill the Earth with the glory of his Government.
      No Oaths or Covenants of Gods People are against Christ,
but in subordination to him, and to the advancement of his

xvi The Preface

Kingdom. If therefore these great Changes are carried up to that
head, that i's the true scope, and end of those Vows and Prom-
ises. It were not lawful to terminate such a Vow or Covenant,
as that is, upon any Person, Family or Creature; it were Idola-
try; nor was it so; nor is it now broken, by breaking all Crea-
tures in pieces, that stood in the way of obtaining the true end
thereof, namely, the advancement of the Lord Jesus, and his
Kingdom.
I beseech you therefore help forward this work, which Christ
hath put into the hands of those whom he hath made emi-
nent, in accomplishing the works of his glorious coming to set
up his Dominion on earth. Be not behind in bringing Christ to
the Throne in England! You, you, the holy Watchmen of the
Lord, have given God no rest by your uncessant Prayers, for the
bringing about what is now done; follow on therefore to follow
the Lord, and, as Antichrist falleth, with whatever else stood
in the way of Christ : so now let Christ come in, and help ye for-
ward the setting up of his Kingdom.
I am bold to present this Scripture-Platform of Government,
to publique view, ( if advice so carry it) at this season; because
I do believe it to be a Divine Institution of a Civil Govern-
ment; and seemeth to me to be such, as will well suit the pres-
ent condition of England, Scotland, and Ireland, or any
other religious people in the World, who fear the command of
God, and tremble at his Word: and being persuaded in my
heart, that it is the minde of the Lord, that Nations should be
governed by Scripture-Institutions, the time being come that
the Lord is about to shake all the Earth, and throw down that
great Idol of Humane Wisdome in Governments, and set up

The Preface xvii

Scripture-Government in the room thereof. It may please God
to give acceptance unto this poor beginning and move the hearts
of such as are wise, to prosecute this design of Christ, and more
accurately to search the Scriptures, to finde out the perfect will
of God in this point, which yet i's but in its birth, and dawn-
ing; many things being yet dim, and dark: in the morning twi-
light, we cannot see for before us, nor round about us; but the
Rising-Sun, will through grace, bring greater light with him.
      As for such wholsome, just, and wise Laws, as any Nation
hath already made, the Wisdome of the Lord will teach his
People to refer them to their Scripture-principles, demonstrat-
ing the truth and equity thereof, by the Word of God, whereby
they will appear to be the deducts from the Word of God; and
hence they that are governed by them, are governed by the
Lord; they that break them sin against the Lord, by breaking
his Commandment and Law.
      It were a Work worthy the labours of the best Divines, and
the best of Men, to demonstrate the equity of all the wholsome
and wise Laws of ENGLAND by the Word of God; the
effects of which Work would be of admirable consequence to
sanctifie the whole Land, to make the Rulers more expresly to
govern for the Lord, and the People to obey the Lord, in obey-
ing their Governours; and so the Lord himself should Reign
over them.

     My continual Prayer in this behalf, at the Throne of Grace
is, that the Lord would so for scatter those black Clouds, which
do darken the mindes of God's People in ENGLAND, that
they may see some Beams of the brightness of CHRIST his

xviii The Preface

coming to Reign; and that the Lord would please to bow their
divided hearts, to meet with one consent and accord, to make
CHRJST their LAW-GIVER, and JUDGE, and
KING, in whom alone they shall finde settlement and as-
sured peace.

Amen, Amen.

THE

CHRISTIAN COMMONWEALTH:

OR,

The Civil Polity of The Rising Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

CHAP. I.

                                              IT is the Commandment of the
                                              Lord, that a people should enter
                                              into Covenant with the Lord to
                                              become his people, even in their
                                              Civil Society, as well as in their
                                              Church-Society(a). Whereby they
submit themselves to be ruled by the Lord in all

(a) Deut. 29.10, 11, 12, 13.

You stand this day all of you, before the Lord your God; your Captains of your Tribes,
your Elders, and your Officers, with all the men of Israel, (n.) Tor little ones, your
wives, and the stranger that is in thy Camp, &c. ( 12.) That thou shouldest enter
into Covenant with the Lord thy God, and into his oath which he maketh with thee
this day, (13.) That he may establish thee to day far a people unto himself, and that
he may be to thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy
fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.

2 The Christian Commonwealth.

(a) Isai. 33.22 The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Law-giver, the Lord
is our King, he shall save me.

things, receiving from him, both the platform
of their Government, and all their Laws; which
when they do, then Christ reigneth over them in
all things, they being ruled by his Will, and by
the Word of his Mouth (a).

(b) Deut. 26. 1. ad 12. I profess this day unto the Lord thy God, that I
am come into the Countrey, which the Lord thy God sware unto thy
fathers to give us, &c. vers. 5. And thou shalt speak, and say before
the Lord thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went
down into Egypt, &c. vers. 7. And when we cried unto the Lord, he
heard us, &c. ver. 8. And the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with
a mighty hand, &c.

     The substance of which Covenant, and sub-
jection of themselves unto the Lord, to be ruled
by him in all things, is this. That they do hum-
bly confess their corruption by nature, and lost
                   condition; that they acknowledge the
                   free grace (b) of God, in their redemp-
                   tion by Christ, and in the promulgation of
                   the Gospel unto them, and making appli-
                   cation thereof effectually unto their souls:
                   and therefore the Lord hath shewed his ev-
                   erlasting Love unto them, and caused them
                   inwardly by faith, to give up themselves
                   unto him, to be for ever his, to love, serve,
                  and obey him, in all his Word and Com-
                   mandments: so now they do outwardly, &
                   solemnly with the rest of Gods people joyn
                   together so to do in their Civil Polity, re-
                   ceiving from the Lord, both the platform
                   of their civil Government, as it is set down
                   (in the essentials of it) in the holy Scrip-
                   tures; and also all their Laws, which they
                  resolve through his grace, to fetch out of
                  the Word of God, making that their only
                  Magna Charta; and accounting no Law,
                  Statute or Judgement valid, farther then it
                 appeareth to arise and flow from the Word of God.

The Christian Commonwealth. 3

(a) 1 Cor. 16. 31. Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do,
do all to the glory of God.

Such as with a lively faith enter into or walk in
this Covenant, do perform every Act (wherein they
are free from temptation) of civil conversation
among men (a) by faith in obedience unto
God. Instructing, that all should do so, who
take this Covenant; and if they do not, they
are guilty of breach of Covenant, before God.
A willing subjection of a mans self to Christ in
this Covenant, is some hopeful sign of some
degree of faith in Christ, and love to God;
and as a good preparative for a more neer ap-
proach to Christ in Church-fellowship, and Cove-
nant: he that is willing to serve Christ by the Pol-
ity of the second Table civilly, is in some degree
of preparation to serve him, by the Polity of the
first Table Ecclesiastically.

(b) Deut. 29. 14, 15. Neither with you onely do I make this Covenant this day,
but with him that standeth here this day before the Lord our God, and with him
that is not here with us this day.

The Child is implicitely comprehended in
the Fathers Covenant (b), the Wife is explicitely
comprehended in her Husbands, insomuch that in
her Widowhood she and her Family are one, un-
der the order of the Government of God.

(d) Exod. 18. 24. Mom hearkened, and did all. (e) 18. 21. Thou shalt provide
able men. With Deut. 1. 13. Take ye wise men, and I will make them Rulers.

The particular form of Government, which is ap-
proved of God (c), instituted by Moses (d)
among the sons of Israel, ( and profitable to
be received by any Nation or People, who
reverence the command of God, and tremble
at his Word) is this; that they chuse (e) unto

12 The Christian Commonwealth.

(a) Exod. 18. 26. They judged the people at all seasons: עת doth frequently
in Scripture signifie a stated time.

ing of justice and peace, which are facilitated and
expedited, by a stated and appointed time (a).
Again, it is meet that the Ruler of fifty keep
the Court of six, consisting of five Rulers of ten,
and himself the Ruler of them, once in a moneth,
for the more solemn proceeding of Justice, & Ap-
peals, if need be: because the higher Cases as-
cend, the more solemnity is in them (b); and need
the more time and deliberation.

(b) Exod. 18.22. Every great matter they shall bring unto thee.
(c) Psal. 82. 1.

      I call these a Court, because they are an Assem-
bly of Judges, among whom God promiseth to
stand (c). Six is the lowest number of this Court;
but they may be more, according as the orders of
ten be more under a Ruler of fifty; but they can-
not exceed ten; because a Ruler of fifty cannot
by Gods institution, have more then nine orders
of ten under him.
      Again, it is meet that the Ruler of an hundred
keep the Court of three, consisting of two Rulers
of fifty, and himself the Ruler of them, four times
in the year, upon the former grounds.
      Three is the lowest number of this Court, and
it cannot exceed four; because by Gods institu-
tion, he cannot have more then three orders of
fifty under him.
      Again, it is meet that the Ruler of a thousand
keep the Court of eleven, consisting of ten Rul-
ers of an hundred, and himself the Ruler of them,
twice in a year: and here judgement runneth with

The Christian Commonwealth. 13

greatest Solemnity and Majesty; I say, Greatest
in the single platform.
       Eleven is the lowest number of this Court;
but there may be more, according as orders of an
hundred under him be multiplied; but they can-
not exceed twenty, because he cannot have above
nineteen orders of an hundred under him.
      It is necessary that every Court have such Offic-
ers (a) to attend, as are necessary to accomplish
and execute those ends for which the Lord hath
instituted those Courts: because the appointment
of the end, doth command all means requisite for
the attainment of that end, being such as accords
with Justice and Prudence.
      It is also necessary to have persons ( b), and
all other Instruments, for the inflicting of all
kindes of Punishments, which the Law of God
appointeth.
      But touching the several Punishments of Cost,
Shame, or Smart; and touching the several ways
of putting to Death, by Stoning, Burning, Stran-
gling, or by the Sword; as also touching Banish-
ment, I am here silent. They more properly ap-
pearing in the handling of such Laws which do
inflict several punishments, according to the de-
merit of the sin, or use of terrour unto others,
proportioning them to the Standard in the holy
Scriptures.

(a) Dent. 16. 18. Judges and Officers shalt thou make, Vide Ainsworth in Loc.
(b) Lev. 24. 12. Num. 15. 34. They put him in ward.

14 The Christian Commonwealth.

CHAP. IV.

(a) Lev. 19. 17. Thou shalt not suffer sin upon him.

UPon the forenamed grounds of speedy Jus-
tice, for the stablishing of firme peace, all
Causes betwixt man and man, pertaining to the
Cognizance of the Ruler of ten, must be put upon
Suit or Tryal, within the space of one moneth (a).
Cases belonging to the Court of six, must be
put upon Suit or Tryal within the space of three
moneths. Causes belonging to the Court of three,
must be put upon Suit or Tryal, within the space
of nine moneths. Causes belonging to the Court
of eleven, must be put upon Suit or Tryal, in the
space of one year and half; or else to be frustrate,
and lose the priviledge of receiving judgement by
man; unless it appear that the providence of God
did hinder, or that the Defendant or Delinquent
party did disappoint it: in those cases it may be
admitted to Tryal, and receive Judgement, though
it be of a longer standing.
But Criminal Offences are to be judged, at the
time when, and in the place where they be discov-
ered, and that with the most speed that may be.
Such Cases as are difficult, weighty, and wor-
thy such attendance, and cannot attain an ac-
ceptable issue in the Court where they firstly ap-
pertain, may ascend from Court to Court, either
by Appeal, or by Transmission to the Court of
eleven. And whatsoever Cause of weight cannot
receive issue there, may yet ascend either by Ap-

The Christian Commonwealth. 15

(a) Exod. 18. 22. Great matters they shall bring to thee. 26. Hard matters they brought
to Moses. Deut. 17. 8, 9. If there arise a matter too hard for thee, &c. thou shalt come
to the Priests, Levites and Judges that shall be in those days. (b) And thou shalt do
according to the sentence, &c. Deut. 17.10.

       In lesser Commonwealths, where there be no
Rulers or Courts of the Superiour order, Cases
ascend to the highest Council from the Court of
eleven: but where there be Rulers and Courts of
the Superiour order, there the Cause must ascend
from the Court of eleven in the single Platform,
to the Court of one Myriade, or the lowest Court
in the Superiour order; and so proceed until it
come to the Supreme Council.
    Every Appeal in this Platform of Government
which the Lord hath instituted, doth ascend to an
higher Court, and to other Judges. There is one
of the Judges from whom he appealeth, a mem-
ber of the Court to which he doth Appeal, truly
to inform the Court of the Reasons of their Judge-
ment: and but one, lest they should sway over-
much, and the Appealant want the priviledge of
new and unprejudiced Judges.
       Whosoever shall trouble the free passage of
Justice in the ending of Causes, through a per-
verse will, or base ends, or captious and quar-
relsome wit, besides the charges of such agita-
tions, he is worthy of some other medicine, as may
most effectually do him good, and warn others.
      In all Courts, he that hath power to call the
Court, hath a double Vote: as for example, in the

16 The Christian Commonwealth.

Court of Three, if the Ruler of an hundred differ
from the two Rulers of fifty, the Court is equally
divided: if there be three Rulers of fifty, and one
of them concur with the Ruler of an hundred,
their sentence standeth.
      When the Court is equally divided, it is a
difficult Case, and must ascend to the Court next
above them by Transmission; or if the lesser
part of the Court oppose the sentence of the
Court, as judging it sinful, then it must ascend by
Transmission.
       If a Judge of any Court shall oppose the rest
in point of sin, without weighty and considerable
grounds, in the judgement of the Court whither it
ascends or is transmitted; his first offence shall be
corrected with the charge of such transmission, and
admonition from the higher Court: after, offences
in like kind are to be considered and judged, by
proportion to the process of Christ in the Church,
even unto rejection from his Place and Office.
      The highest Council is to consist of a convenient
number of the most holy and able men (a) orderly
chosen for that purpose, by all the orders of (b)
men under their jurisdiction, every man in order
having an equal voice therein, from among all the
Elders of the people: both in the Commonwealth,
and in the Churches (c), the biggest number being
civil Elders ( d).

(a) Num. 11. 16. Whom thou knowest, to be Elders of the people. With Exod. 18. 21.
Able men, such as fear God; men of truth, hating covetousness. (b) Deut. 1.13. Take ye
wise men. (c) Deut. 17. 9. And thou shalt come to the Priests, Levites, and Judges that
shall be in those days, and enquire, and they shall shew thee, &c. 2 Chro. 19. 8.
Moreover, in Jerusalem did Jehosaphat set of the Levites, and of the Priests, and of the
chief of the fathers in Israel, far the judgement of the Lord, and far controversie. Deut.
21. 2. Then thy Elders and Judges shall come forth, and shall measure, & c. ver. 5. And
the Priests the sons of Levi shall come neer, and by their word shall every stroke and
every controversie be tryed. Deut. 19. 17. Both the men between whom the controversie
is, shall stand before

The Christian Commonwealth. 17

    The Lord commanded Moses that seventy Eld-
ers should stand with him before the Lord; hence
there were seventy one of the Council, and Moses
was the chief, and ordained the rest.
     According to which patern, the people are to
chuse their chief Ruler first; who being installed
by some, instead of the whole people, must instal
the rest, and is chief Ruler of the Supreme Coun-
cil, who must call and manage their Assemblies.
      As the overburdensomness of the work of Gov-
ernment by one man, was the ground of the insti-
tution of the forenamed orders of Government:
so the overburdensomness of the work for one
man to hear all hard Cases, and Appeals, together
with other Cares to provide for the welfare of the
people, was the ground of the institution of the
Supreme Council (a).

(a) Deut. 1. 9. I spake to you, and said, I am not able to bear you alone. Numb. 11. 11. ad 16. ver. 11. And Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant, and wherefore have I not found fayour in thy sight, that thou layeth the burden of all this people upon me r ver. 14. I am not able to bear all the people alone, because it is too heavy far me.

The conveniency of the number of this high
Council, is thus to be measured, and judged by
Gods Standard. Israel had at least three Millions
of people, (though not one Million of men in or-

the Lord, before the Priests and Judges. Ezek. 44. 24. And in controversie they shall
stand in judgement, and they shall judge it according to my judgement. (d) Numb.
11.16. Gather to me seventy men of the Elders of Israel. Vide Ainsw. in Loc. Hence
the Hebrews gather, that they were chose out of all the Tribes, and therefore there
was not less then five of a Tribe, and so many of Levi, who before the institution of
the Sanhedrim, were taken of God instead of the first born, to be Priests unto God:
far they were taken to be Priests at Sinai: Numb. 3. 14. And this institution was at
Kibroth-hattaavah, Numb. 11. 34. with Numb. 31.15, 16, 17.

20 The Christian Commonwealth.

Hence again, they are to give counsel and
command for the well ordering of all the Pub-
lick Affairs of their people; both in Education of
Youth, whether in Schools or other Occupations;
in walking in their Callings, in their Neighbour-
hood, commerce and converse with men, in sub-
jecting themselves to Government, with Religion,
Justice and Peace.

The Christian Commonwealth. 21

CHAP. VI.

   THe Office of the Ruler of ten, is to see all
    his people walk as becometh Gods people in
their several places, furthering the same upon all
occasions. And at appointed times to sit alone, to
hear and determine Causes of Justice, and of evil
conversation; to declare Gods sentence and coun-
sel in every Case, and see it executed.
      Provided it be with the consent and submission
of the party or parties concerned.
     All difficult Cases, and Appeals, he shall binde
over to the Court of six; and Capitals in life, limb
or banishment, to the Court of eleven.
     These Rulers are next the people; hence they
see them* most: and therefore they need be sin-     * Each other.
gularly wise, patient, loving, faithful, and zeal-
ously holy men. So great is his work and charge,
that it had need extend but to a small compass. If
he well perform his Office, it doth prevent much
trouble to Superiour Courts.
     The Office of the Ruler of fifty, is to see that
all the Rulers of ten under him, be faithful in
their Office and Duty; and to help on their work,
in all Cases, and toward all persons, as he hath
occasion.
     As also to call and keep the Court of six in
their seasons; where all Cases, pertaining to the
publick good of all his order, and particular Cases
betwixt parties of the several of the orders of ten
under him, are nextly to be tryed and determined,

22 The Christian Commonwealth.

together with Appeals from any of the Rulers of
ten under him: and difficult Cases transmitted
from them to this Court.
     This Court hath power to end strifes, judge
Causes, declare and pronounce the sentence of
Gods Word, in mulcts, and punishments, and see
them executed. Difficult Cases they shall trans-
mit; and also Appeals they shall bind over, unto
the Court of three. But capitals in life, limb or
banishment, to the Court of eleven.
    The Office of the Ruler of an hundred, is to
see that the Rulers of fifty under him, do per-
form their Office and Duty faithfully; to help
them what lieth in him, in any of their works to-
wards their Rulers of ten, or any particular per-
son under him. Also all Causes which concern
the Publick good of all Orders under him, are in
his charge. And also to call and keep the Court
of three, where Causes betwixt parties of his sev-
eral orders of fifty, are properly to be tryed and
determined; with Appeals from the Court of six,
and such difficult Cases as that Court shall trans-
mit to them.
     This Court hath power to end all strifes, judge
and determine Causes, declare and pronounce
the sentence of Gods Word, in mulcts and punish-
ments, and see them executed. Also to take care
of the Publick good of all their Orders. Appeals,
difficult Cases, and capitals in life and limb, and
banishment, they shall bind over and transmit to
the Court of eleven.
     The Office of the Ruler of a thousand, is to
see that all the Rulers of hundreds under him, do
perform their Office and duty faithfully; to help

             The Christian Commonwealth.              23

them what lieth in him in any part of their charge
toward their Rulers of fifties, or Rulers of ten, or
any person under him; also all Cases which con-
cern the Publick good of all the orders under him,
are in his care and charge. As also to call and keep
the Court of eleven, where all Causes betwixt per-
sons in several of his Hundreds, are properly be-
longing; with Appeals from the Court of three,
and difficult Cases transmitted to them. Also all
Cases which concern the Publick good of all the
Orders under them.
     Also all capital Cases of life, limb or banish-
ment, belong this Court: because it is the highest
and most solemn Judicatory in the single Platform,
and fullest of Majesty. The highest punishment
is fitly pronounced, in a more solemn Judicatory,
then is the Court of six, or three; unless the smal-
ness or paucity of the people have no higher.
     Also Cases betwixt parties of several thousands
belong to this Court: at the choice of the Plaintiff
in which Court of eleven, either that which him-
self doth belong to, or that which his Adversary
is under. But this consideration doth belong to
lesser Commonwealths, where they have no Gov-
ernour of the Superiour order, and yet more then
one Ruler of a thousand.
     This Court hath power to hear and judge all
Causes brought before them; declare and pro-
nounce the sentence of Scripture, in all mulcts
and punishments, even death itself, and see them
executed.
      Also to pronounce, and see executed, all such
sentences as the Supreme Council doth deter-
mine, and remit unto them. Namely, thus it is in

24 The Christian Commonwealth.

lesser Commonwealths, where there be no Courts
of the Superiour order, difficult Cases they must
transmit to the highest Council, and bind over
Appeals unto them, where there be no Courts of
the Superiour order, betwixt the Supreme Coun-
cil and them.
    The Office of the Supreme Council, is to see
that all the Rulers of thousands, yea, all Rulers
and Officers, of all orders and degrees, do their
Office and Duty faithfully; and to receive difficult
Cases and Appeals, from the Court of eleven; to
search the Scriptures with all faithfulness, to find
out the pure mind of God, impartially and sin-
cerely to apply the Cause propounded thereunto;
to declare the will of God in the Case, and so re-
turn it to the Court of eleven, whereto it apper-
taineth, there to receive judgement accordingly.
And whosoever will do presumptuously, and not
hearken unto that sentence, shall be put to death,
Deut. 17. n, 12.
    In the single Platform, the Court of eleven is
next to the Supreme Council, for transmission and
remission of Causes; but where there be Courts
of the Superiour order, it is not so.
     Also they are to declare the Counsel and Will
of God, touching War and Peace, and accordingly
transmit the work to such of the Rulers as they
judge most meet to accomplish the same.
    Also to take care for, and provide means for
Publick welfare and subsistence, by Trading, both
Foraign and Domestick, Fishing, Tillage, &c.
with all other necessary and useful Occupations.
     Especially they are to take care for peace and
truth in Religion, in all the Churches, and among

The Christian Commonwealth. 25

all the people; and the propagation also thereof.
As also the furtherance of all good learning in all
the Liberal Arts and Sciences.
The Supreme Council, and all Courts, yea, and
all Rulers, have power to bind Offenders, and Per-
sons concerned, to appear, or prosecute in due or-
der and season; punish for offences in that kind;
and if need be, commit to prison for security.
If Rulers offend either morally or politically,
by rigor, partiality or remisness, his or their next
Superiours have power to correct such evils, ac-
cording to the Word of God; and as need may
be, the Case may orderly ascend, from Court to
Court, even to the highest Council. Heresie, Blas-
phemy, and other gross (especially if capital) sins,
are just cause, in due order, of deposition from his
Office, by the Supreme Council; the Cause com-
ing to them either by orderly ascent, or taken in
immediately, as a notorious scandal, which calleth
for speedy remedy.

26 The Christian Commonwealth.

CHAP. VII.

SO much for the single Platform of Christ his
Government: now followeth the Superiour,
arising out of the first.
    When the Lord shall bow the hearts of great
Nations, to embrace this form of Government,
there being populous Cities, Provinces, and
Countries, where the Rulers of thousands will be
greatly multiplied, and Causes frequently fall out,
betwixt parties of several thousands; yea, and be-
twixt the Rulers of thousands sometimes, being
so numerous, insomuch that the Supreme Council
will be overburdened, even as Moses was.
       Hence there will be a necessity of erecting the
Superiour platform of the Lords Government:
which by proportion unto the single Platforme
(which is more fully exprest in Scripture) doth
arise from it, and is builded upon it.
      Namely, that every ten orders of thousands,
should chuse a Ruler of ten thousand, or a Myr-
iade; and five orders of Myriades, a Ruler of
fifty thousand, or five Myriades; and two orders
of five Myriades should chuse a Ruler of an hun-
dred thousand, or ten Myriades: and ten orders
of an hundred thousands, or ten Myriades, should
chuse a Ruler of a thousand thousand, or an hun-
dred Myriades, or a Million.
      I am led to believe, that this Superiour order of
Rulers, is a Divine institution, not only by conse-
quence of proportion to the single Platform; but

The Christian Commonwealth. 27

expresly, and that it was practised by Moses in Is-
rael: namely, that ten Rulers of thousands had
a Ruler over them of ten thousands, or of a Myr-
iade; and that the order of Myriades or ten thou-
sands, were as duly & orderly observed, as the or-
ders of thousands were. For Numb. 10. 36. when
they rested from their marching, Moses blessed
them, and said, Return O Lord, to the Myriades of the
thousands of Israel: therefore there were orders of
Myriades, as well as of thousands.
     Furthermore, it is expresly said, by Moses in his
song, Dent. 33.2. The Lord came from Sinai (namely,
where the order of Government was first insti-
tuted) and he came with myriades of Saints. There-
fore orders of Myriades were instituted and acted
from the first foundation of this Government.
     Likewise, Deut. 33.17. he speaketh of the or-
ders of Myriades among the Tribes, as familiarly
observable, as the orders of thousands. So that we
may see this Superiour order and platform of Gov-
ernment, observed in Israel, and expressed in the
holy Scriptures.
       The Ruler of a Myriade hath this eminency,
above a Ruler of ten in the single Platform, that
all his ten whom he immediately ruleth, are emi-
nent Rulers.
      Hence they are an Assembly of Judges, and a
Court, for number every way proportionable to
the Court of eleven: but for eminency and dis-
tinction they are more properly called the Court
of one Myriade.
     The Ruler of fifty thousand or five Myriades
holdeth a Court for number proportionable to

28 The Christian Commonwealth.

the Court of six in the single Platform: but for
eminency and distinction, they are more properly
called the Court of five Myriades.
      The Ruler of an hundred thousand, or ten
Myriades, holdeth a Court for number proportion-
able to the Court of three in the single Platform:
but for eminency and distinction, it is more prop-
erly called the Court of ten Myriades.
     The Ruler of a thousand thousand, or an hun-
dred Myriades, holdeth a Court for number pro-
portionable to the Court of eleven; but for emi-
nency and distinction, it is more properly called
the Court of one hundred Myriades.
      The times or seasons, Officers or other means
for the most effectual ordering of these Courts,
will be most fitly discerned, and agreed, by such a
people as may have use of them.
     The Causes which most properly belong to the
Court of one Myriade, are such as fall out betwixt
parties of their several thousands; as also difficult
Cases transmitted from the Court of eleven, and
Appeals from them.
     Also all such Cases as concern the Publick
good of all under them.
    All Courts of the Superiour order have power
to judge all capital Cases whatsoever.
     The Court of one Myriade hath also power to
judge any Cause betwixt the Rulers of the thou-
sands of that Myriade, who are not to judge in the
Court when their own Case is judged. Difficult
Cases they transmit, and Appeals they bind over
to the Court of five Myriades, if there be such a
Court betwixt them and the Supreme Council:
otherwise they transmit them to the Council.

The Christian Commonwealth. 29

      The Causes which properly belong to the
Court of five Myriades, are such as fall out be-
twixt parties of the several Myriades under them.
      I will ascend no higher, in describing the
Courts of the Superiour order: partly because
Gods Method is plain, and also it will be rarely of
use in any Commonwealth; especially considering
that which I farther propound.
     Namely, seeing God himself was pleased to ap-
point a Prince, a chief Ruler, over every Tribe in
Israel, who were distinguished, by that civil dis-
tinction of kindreds:
      By proportion thereunto, in populous Nations,
where there be other civil distinctions of societ-
ies and cohabitations of men, viz. by Cities, Prov-
inces, Countries, &c should not they chuse a
Prince, a chief Ruler of those several Precincts
of civil society?
        Whose Office is chiefly to take care of the good
Government, firstly, of all the Superiour Rulers
under him; as also of all the rest, as he hath op-
portunity, that the Lord may rule among them.
      Likewise to hold a Court, consisting either
of the Rulers of Myriades, or of five Myriades,
or of ten Myriades, or of an hundred Myriades,
according to the greatness of the people in his
Precincts.
      This Court to be called the Court of the
Prince, or Lord, or chief Ruler of such a Precinct;
and to be next unto the Supreme Council: from
which Court, onely difficult Cases and Appeals
have access to the Supreme Council, and to which
they remit the determinations of the Cause, to re-
ceive its judgement: Lest the Supreme Council

30 The Christian Commonwealth.

be oppressed with business from so many Courts,
and thereby the people with delays of hearing and
issue, occasioned thereby.
      It seemeth to be right Orders, and according
to Gods institution, that these Princes of the sev-
eral Tribes or Societies of men should be mem-
bers of the Supreme Council: The whole Do-
minion being distributed unto the Supreme
Counsellours, or to so many of them as may be
meet. For the Princes of the Tribes of Israel (it
seemeth to me) were members of the Sanhedrim
or Supreme Council; because God commanded
that they should be chosen very carefully from
among the Elders of the people. Hence they will
chuse the most choice of their Elders to send up
with Moses to stand before God. Now they could
not chuse better, fitter, and men more acceptable
to God, out of all their Elders, then those whom
God himself had chosen by name, to be Princes of
the Tribes.
        Besides, it is exceedingly harmonious, in the
frame of this Government, that it should be so:
for though whoever of the other Elders, whether
of the single or Superiour Order, be chosen to
the Supreme Council, it may seem requisite, they
should leave the lower station, lest when Appeals
have passed in the circuit of Gods Government,
and come to the highest Council, there should be
sundry of them, through whose judgement the
Cause had formerly passed, which may prove prej-
udicial both to their persons, and to the Cause.
        But when it hath lastly passed through the
Court of the Prince of the Tribe, meet it is that
one of the last Court through which it passed,

              The Christian Commonwealth.           31

should be present in the Supreme Council, to give
true information, how they lastly after all former
Tryals did find the Cause.
     But this is to be observed in the distribution
of the whole Dominion to the several Supreme
Counsellours, that no such civil Dominion is to be
put upon or accepted by such Elders of Churches,
as are Members of the high Council; as being
such whose only Office and Work is to search the
holy Scriptures, and give all attendance to declare
the Divine Oracle of God in such Cases as are in
hand, of what nature soever they be: yea, and if
the Council see need, to call Ecclesiastical Coun-
cils, greater or lesser, to search out the mind of
Christ; for his presence and blessing is in every
Ordinance; and all joyntly conspire the advance-
ment of his Kingdom, and the doing of his will.
      The Election of all Superiour Rulers, is to be
after the same manner as in the single form, viz.
by all the people*, over whom they are to rule.      *Or orders of men.
     Some of the Princes of the Tribes of Israel,
may seem to be Rulers of fifty thousands, or of
five Orders of Myriades: yet the Office of the
Princes was not onely under that notion, but also
as an head of a civil society, a kindred, an eminent
part, a division of the Commonwealth: for some
of the Tribes had but four Myriades, and some but
three, and therefore could not in that way and or-
der have a Ruler of five Myriades. Therefore they
must needs be instituted under another considera-
tion, viz. as being the head or chief Ruler over an
eminent part, or division of the Commonwealth,
being civilly divided into such Societies.

32 The Christian Commonwealth.

CHAP. VIII.

SO much for the Platform of the Lords Govern-
ment. Now it remains to consider of the Laws
by which these Rulers are to Govern the Lords
people. The written Word of God is the perfect
Systeme or Frame of Laws, to guide all the Moral
actions of man, either towards God or man: the
Application whereof to every Case according to
its circumstances, must be by the wisdom and dis-
cretion of the Judges, guided by the light of the
Scriptures, and a pure Conscience.
     The judgement and determination of a Cause,
is nothing else, but the particular application of
the Cause, according to all its circumstances, unto
the Rule and Standard of Gods Word.
      The Records of which judgements, are equiva-
lent to Humane Laws. Which so far as the Case
with all its circumstances considered is rightly ap-
plyed to the Rule of the Word, is a deduct from
Scripture, and bindeth the Consciences, both of
Judges alway so to judge in the like case, and the
people so to walk.
       Which Records to order wisely, and publish for
common instruction and edification, is a work of
great wisdom, and tendeth much to Gods glory,
the good of the people, and the facilitating and
expediting justice, among them. All Strangers, are
to be accounted under the Government of those
Orders where they reside, and where their busi-
ness lieth; so as to have the benefit of the Gov-
ernment of the Lord, as our own people have.

FINIS.

The Christian Commonwealth 33

Editor’s Note

The Christian Commonwealth is believed to have been
written before the execution of King Charles I on
January 30, 1649, although not published until 1659.
After the accession to the English throne of Charles
II in May 1660, Eliot issued a retraction and apol-
ogy for the book on March 24, 1661, and the General
Court of Massachusetts, on May 22, 1661, ordered its
suppression and the destruction of all copies. (Tran-
scriptions of these documents are printed below.)
There are nine known surviving copies.
This edition of The Christian Commonwealth follows
the text of the first edition, published in London in
October 16;9. That edition was accessed in the Early
English Books Online series, derived from microfilm
of a copy held by the British Museum. Spelling,
punctuation, capitalization, and italics of the orig-
inal have been retained. The notes appearing in the
margins of the original edition have been renum-
bered (i.e., re-lettered) as required. Otherwise, the
layout and page design are based on those of the
first edition. In deference to modern readers, the
long s (for f) and its ligatures (fl, fl, ft, fi, ff, ff, fh,
jb, ft, ff, fli, and ffi) are not used. Semicolons, colons,
question marks, and exclamation marks are preceded
by a word space.

The typeface used in this edition is the IM Fell
English roman and italic, digitized and supplied by
Igino Marini [http://iginomarini.com ], and based
on late seventeenth-century samples. The ornaments
and initials are copies of those in the first edition.

34 Notes

The following typographical errors in the original
(keyed to page and line numbers in this edition) have been
corrected:

page.line	1659 edition	emended to
v.2	pashed	dashed
v.23	endurteh	endureth
vii.26	throughly	thoroughly
xi.14.	attendantss	attendants
xiii.13	galdly	gladly
xiv.18	farsake	forsake
xvi.17	for ward	forward
xvii.8	graze	grace
5:1	CHAP II.	CHAP. II.
10(note a,b).8	vers. 13	vers. 23
14.5	Congnizance	Cognizance
26.25	heundred	hundred
29.5	party	partly

Eliot's calculation of the maximum number of souls a
Ruler of a thousand may rule over (pages 30-31) has not be
altered, although it is generally acknowledged that 4 times
8436 yields 33,744, rather than 33,687.

The only other published edition of this work was printed
in the Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 3rd series,
volume IX (1846), pp. 127-164. In May 1937, fifteen photo-
static copies were made from an original at the Boston Pub-
lic Library and distributed to libraries. A facsimile edition
was issued by Ayer Publishing in 1972, in their Research Li-
brary of Colonial Americana. A manuscript copy of the work
is held at the Massachusetts Historical Society.

Notes 35

For discussions of Eliot's utopianism, millennialism, and
mission to the Indians, see:

Richard W. Cogley, “John Eliot and the Millennium,” Religion
       and American Culture 1:2 (Summer 1991), pp. 227-250.
----, John Eliot's Mission to the Indians. Cambridge, Mass.:
       Harvard University Press, 1999.
Dick Hoefnagel, “The Dartmouth Copy of John Eliot's Indian
       Bible (1639): Its Provenance,” Dartmouth College Library Bulle-
       tin 33:2 (April 1993);
James Holstun, “John Eliot's Empirical Millenarianism,” Represen-
        tations, 1:4 (1983), pp. 128-153.
----, A Rational Millennium: Puritan Utopias of Seventeenth-
         Century England and America. New York: Oxford University
         Press, 1987.
David Thomson, “The Antinomian Crisis: Prelude to Puritan
         Missions,” Early American Literature 38:3 (2003), pp. 401-435.
Zdenek Vancura, “Bringing the Gospel to the Indians of New
         England,” Philologica Pragensia 14:3 (1971), pp. 81-90.
Craig White, “Cross-Cultural Apocalypse in the Contact Genera-
         tion of Native America and New England,” Journal of Millennial
        Studies 2:2 (Winter 2000).

36 Notes

THE BIBLICAL SOURCES FOR ELIOT'S “INSTITUTION”
(King James Version):

Exodus, CHAPTER 18

     13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the
people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the
evening.
     14And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the peo-
ple, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why
sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from
morning unto even?
     15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people
come unto me to enquire of God:
     16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge be-
tween one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of
God, and his laws.
     17And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou
doest is not good.
     18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is
with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to
perform it thyself alone.
     19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God
shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou
mayest bring the causes unto God:
     20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew
them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
     21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men,
such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such
over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers
of fifties, and rulers of tens:
      22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be,

Notes 37

that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small
matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they
shall bear the burden with thee.
       23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then
thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to
their place in peace.
      24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did
all that he had said.
      25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them
heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rul-
ers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
      26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes
they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged
themselves.

DEUTERONOMY, CHAPTER I

      8 Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the
land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them.
      9 And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear
you myself alone:
     10 The LORD your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye
are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude.
      11 (The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times
so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you!)
      12 How can I myself alone bear your cumbrance, and your bur-
den, and your strife?
      13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among
your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.
      14 And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spo-
ken is good for us to do.
      15 So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and
made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains

38 Notes

over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens,
and officers among your tribes.
       16 And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes
between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man
and his brother, and the stranger that is with him.
      17 Ye shall not respell: persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the
small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man;
for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you,
bring it unto me, and I will hear it.
     18 And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye
should do.

Notes 39

JOHN ELIOT'S RETRACTION AND APOLOGY FOR
The Christian Commonwealth

Order of the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony,
22 May 1661

This Court taking notice of a booke entitled the Christian
Commonwealth, written, as is expressed in the said booke, by Mr
John Eliot, of Roxbury, in New England, which in sundry passages
and expressions thereof is justly offensive, & in speciall relating to
kingly government in England, the which the said Mr Eliot hath
also freely & fully acknowledged to this Court, it is therefore or-
dered by this Court & the authority thereof, that the said booke be
totally suppressed, & the authors acknowledgment recorded, and
that all persons whatsoever in this jurisdiction that have any of the
said bookes in theire custody, shall, on theire perrills, within fow-
erteen daies after publication hereof, either cancel & deface the
same, or deliver them unto the next magistrate or to the secretary,
whereby all farther divulgment & improovement of the said offen-
cive booke may be prevented.
And it is further ordered, that Mr. Elliots acknowledgment,
& the Courts order for the calling in of those bookes, be forth-
with transcribed by the secretary, & caused to be posted up in Bos-
ton, Charls Tonne, Cambridg, Salem, & Ipswich, that so all persons
concerned therein may take notice of theire duties, & act accord-
ingly. All which was done accordingly.

Mr Eliots acknowledgments, word for words.

Boston, this 24 of the 3d mo. 1661

Understanding by an act of the honored council that there is
an offence taken at a booke published in England by others, the

40 Notes

copie whereof was sent over by myself about nine or tenn yeares
since, and that the further consideration thereof is comended to
this honnored Generall Court, now sitting at Boston.--upon perus-
all thereof I doe judge myself to have offended, & in way of satis-
faction, not only to the authority of this jurisdiction, but also unto
any others that shall take notice thereof, I doe hereby acknowl-
edg to this honnored Court such expressions as doe too manifestly
scandalize the government of England, by King, Lords, & Com-
mons, as anti Christian, & justify the late innovators. I doe sin-
cerely beare testimony against, and acknowledg it to be, not only
an lawfull, but an eminent forme of government.
2. All formes of civil government deduced from Scripture, either
expressely or by just consequence, I acknowledg to be of God, &
to be subjected unto for conscience sake; and whatsoever is in the
whole epistle or booke inconsisting herewith, I doe at once for all
cordially disoune.

JOHN ELIOT.

            From Records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in
            New England. Volume IV.- Part II. 1661-1674. Edited by Nathaniel B.
            Shurtleff Boston, 1854.

Paul Royster
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
December 19, 2005
Revised August 3, 2007