to appear forthwith himself in the head of the contrary interest.  Which, supposing the dispute to be just, yet in him was so mercenary, that none would have descended to act his part but a divine of fortune.  And even lawyers take themselves excused from being of counsel for the King himself, in a cause where they have been entertain’d and instructed by their client.  But so flippant he was and forward in this book, that in despight of all chronology, he could introduce Plato to inveigh against Calvin, and from the Platoniques he could miraculously hook-in a Discourse against the Nonconformists. (Cens.  Plat.  Phil., pp. 26, 27, 28, etc.) After this feat of activity he was ready to leap over the moon; no scruple of conscience could stand in his way, and no preferment seemed too high for him; for about this time, I find that having taken a turn at Cambridge to qualifie himself, he was received within doors to be my Lord Archbishop’s other chaplain, and into some degree of favour; which, considering the difference of their humours and ages, was somewhat surprizing.  But whether indeed, in times of heat and faction, the most temperate spirits may sometimes chance to take delight in one that is spightful, and make some use of him; or whether it be that even the most grave and serious persons do for relaxation divert themselves willingly by whiles with a creature that is unlucky, inimical, and gamesome,—­so it was.  And thenceforward the nimble gentleman danced upon bell-ropes, vaulted from steeple to steeple, and cut capers out of one dignity to another.  Having thus dexterously stuck his groat in Lambeth wainscot, it may easily be conceived he would be unwilling to lose it; and therefore he concern’d himself highly, and even to jealousie, in upholding now that palace, which, if falling, he would out of instinct be the first should leave it.  His Majesty about that time labouring to effect his constant promises of Indulgence to his people, the Author therefore walking with his own shadow in the evening, took a great fright lest all were agoe.  And in this conceit being resolv’d to make good his figure, and that one government should not last any longer than the other, he set himself to write those dangerous Books which I have now to do with; wherein he first makes all that he will to be Law, and then whatsoever is Law to be Divinity."[176:1]

The Second Part is not all raillery.  There is much wisdom in it and a trace of Machiavelli:—­

“But because you are subject to misconstrue even true English, I will explain my self as distinctly as I can, and as close as possible, what is mine own opinion in this matter of the magistrate and government; that, seeing I have blamed you where I thought you blame-worthy, you may have as fair hold of me too, if you can find where to fix your accusation.

“The power of the magistrate does most certainly issue from the divine authority.  The obedience due to that power is by divine command;