It is hard to have all things according to rule in the day of the
church's affliction, because of the weakness and fearfulness of
some, and because possibly those who have most skill in that matter
may for a time be laid up in chains. But when the church has rest
and quietness, then as she praises God, so she conceives and brings
forth governors and good government and rule among her members.
David, a man of blood, could not build the house to the Lord, which
peaceable Solomon, that man of rest, afterwards did. When armies are
engaged and hot in battle, it is harder to keep them in rank and
file than when they have rest and time for discipline.