§. 8. Let us then endeavour to find what account he gives us of this fatherly authority, as it lies ſcattered in the ſeveral parts of his writings. And firſt, as it was veſted in Adam, he lays, Not only Adam, but the ſuceeding patriarchs, had, by right of fatherhood, royal authority over their children, p. 12. This lordſhip which Adam by command had over the whole world, and by right deſcending from him the patriarchs did enjoy, was as large and ample as the abſolute dominion of any monarch, which hath been ſince the creation, p. 13. Dominion of life and death, making war, and concluding peace, p. 13. Adam and the patriarchs had abſolute power of life and death, p. 35. Kings, in the right of parents, ſucceed to the exerciſe of ſupreme juriſdiction, p. 19. As kingly power is by the law of God, ſo it hath no inferior law to limit it; Adam was lord of all, p. 40. The father of a family governs by no other law, than by his own will, p. 78. The ſuperiority of princes is above laws, p. 79. The unlimited juriſdiction of kings is ſo amply deſcribed by Samuel, p. 80. Kings are above the laws, p. 93. And to this purpoſe ſee a great deal more which our author delivers in Bodin's words: It is certain, that all laws, privileges, and grants of princes, have no force, but during their life; if they be not ratified by the expreſs conſent, or by ſufferance of the prince following, eſpecially privileges, Obſervations, p, 279. The reaſon why laws have
