John Trapp on Proverbs 16:12

Verſ. 12. It is an abomination for Kings to commit wickedneſſe] It is ſo for any man, but eſpecially for great men. Peter Martyr told Queen Elizabeth in an Epiſtle, that Princes were doubly obliged to God, firſt, as men, ſecondly, as chief men. When I was born into the world, ſaid Henry the fourth of France, French Chrom there were thouſands of others born beſides my ſelf; what have I done to God more than they? it is his meer grace and mercy which doth binde mee more unto his juſtice, for the faults of great men are never ſmall. Thus hee. It is reported of Tamberlane, that war-like Scythian, that having overcome Bajazet the Great Turk, hee asked him whether ever hee had given God thanks for making him ſo great an Emperour? who confeſſed ingenuouſly, hee never thought of it. To whom Tamberlane replied, that it was no wonder ſo ungrateful a man ſhould bee made a ſpectacle of miſery. For you, ſaith hee, being blinde of one eye, and I lame of a leg; was there any worth in us, why God ſhould ſet us over two great Empires of Turks and Tartars, Leunclav. Annal. Tur[illegible: 2 letters]c. to command many more worthy than our ſelves? Good turns aggravate unkindneſſes; and mens offences are encreaſed by their obligations.

For the Throne is eſtabliſhed by righteouſneſs] Politicians give many directions for the upholding and conſerving of Kingdomes; but this of Solomon is far beyond them all. See it exemplified, Jer. 22.13, to 20. Shalt thou reign, becauſe thou cloſeſt thy ſelf in Cedar? did not thy Father eat and drink, and do judgement and juſtice, and then it was well with him? &c.