this evil from which the government that is secure must be
perfect. Solomon tells us that the cause of it is from the ruler,
from those principles of power, which, balanced upon earthly
trash, exclude the heavenly treasures of virtue, and that
influence of it upon government which is authority. We have
wandered the earth to find out the balance of power; but to find
out that of authority we must ascend, as I said, nearer heaven,
or to the image of God, which is the soul of man.

The soul of man (whose life or motion is perpetual
contemplation or thought) is the mistress of two potent rivals,
the one reason, the other passion, that are in continual suit;
and, according as she gives up her will to these or either of
them, is the felicity or misery which man partakes in this mortal
life.

For, as whatever was passion in the contemplation of a man,
being brought forth by his will into action, is vice and the
bondage of sin; so whatever was reason in the contemplation of a
man, being brought forth by his will into action, is virtue and
the freedom of soul.

Again, as those actions of a man that were sin acquire to
himself repentance or shame, and affect others with scorn or
pity, so those actions of a man that are virtue acquire to
himself honor, and upon others authority.

Now government is no other than the soul of a nation or city:
wherefore that which was reason in the debate of a commonwealth
being brought forth by the result, must be virtue; and forasmuch