TWO SERMONS PREACHED, On the Ninth of September 1683. (being the THANKSGIVING-DAY;) AT St. THOMAS Hospital, in SOUTHWARK. By William Hugh's Hospitaller there at that time. Put them in mind— to obey Magistrates, Tit. 3.1. That Prayers and giving of Thanks be made— for Kings, 1 Tim. 2.1. Sic bonam elegit vitam, ut etiam bonam non negligat famam. St. Aug. de Doctr. Christ. L. 4. c. 28. Nobis enim vita nostra necessaria est, aliis fama nostra. Id. de bono viduitat. c. 22. TOGETHER WITH A CANDID PLEA TO A CRUEL CHARGE. By the same AUTHOR. LONDON, Printed by J. A. for Samuel Walsall at the Heart and Bible at the West-end of the Royal Exchange in Cornhill, 1684. TO THE READER. OUR Lot being cast into a very Inquisitive Age; it may not be amiss to gratify the Curiosity thereof, by giving a short account, both Why these plain Sermons come forth so late, and Why, indeed, at all. As for the former enquiry; they were not made for the Press, but Pulpit; nor are they suited to the Critical Eyes of a Learned Kingdom; but to the heavier Ears of an Unlettered, small, and mean Auditory. Where having done their duty, a Writ of Ease was given them, and they were laid by to Rest in Peace amongst their Fellows. But then; Why are they thus disturbed now; is the other Question? You must know, their Author's Gild (but in his very Youth, and betwixt 30 and 40 years ago) although repent of, and pardoned; and Elsewhere more at large, and with severity, by himself reflected on; and all long since; hath been now very lately (by information doubtless of true Doegs, who live in Israel, but are Edomites) with great unkindness, and hardest measure, in his opinion, revived against him, to his damage in Estate and Name, indicta causa. And where the Former of them might possibly be dispensed with in silence; the latter yet is better than precious Ointment saith the Preacher; and rather to be chosen than great riches, in the Wise man's judgement. And therefore although That may be despaired of, as past all reparation; 'tis hoped that This may notwithstanding find relief, by publishing of these Notes. He hath great reason to look upon himself as going off this Stage of Earth apace; and after the approving of his soul to God, he would be glad (he thinks, with innocency) to leave an Honest Memory behind him. And he can never think, that open Disloyalty, or Loyalty in Masquerade only, therewith consistent. Which Principle he could wish some Church-Dissenters of his acquaintance would seriously think of, and hearty Espouse; whose business 'tis (and in manifest proof of their own foul guilt too) malignantly to calumniate honest, though late Conformists, that assert it, as Renegadoes and Apostates. As if the fear of such folks clamour must cripple duty, and stifle truth! But, alas! where worldly Interest is men's whole Religion; no marvel, if Hypocrisy there take any shape to serve that Idol; and Inspire them with Diana's Crafts-men's Zeal against All supposed to bring their craft in danger of being set at naught. And if you ask what aileth them? And they dare to tell the reason, of their outrage; it will be done in Micah's Words, Ye take away my gods; and what have I more? But if these Papers; which are some Months elder than the Author's Sufferings, and did exist when there were no jealousies of such a thing, but all presumptions to the contrary; and which rebuke Rebellion, and Sedition, encouraging Loyalty and Obedience; prove not successful to reclaim such Desperadoes, or any others that wander from their duty; they may be useful notwithstanding to confirm Good men therein: however, I nothing doubt, but that, with common charity, they will stop the mouth of, cursed Malevolence, and prove a Pledge for the sincerity of the Author. Which, on the Instance of better Heads than his own, hath brought them thus into the World; and not, I trust, without a Blessing with them. Psal. XXI. 1. The King shall joy in thy strength, O Lord: and in thy Salvation how greatly shall he rejoice? THE Contents of this Psalm, plainly respect, the many Mercies and Deliverances God had vouchsafed to its Author David. And 'tis a Psalm of Praise, and Prayer; composed in the Church's Name, and for its Use, in the Public Worship. Witness the Title; To the Chief Musician a Psalm of David. For David's Psalms, and others also, were by Divine Appointment to be Sung with Music in the Solemn Assemblies: as may be seen, 2 Chron. 7.6. and 29.25, 27, 28, 30. But there is a difference in the wording of them. Some Psalms run in the Author's; others, in the Church's Name: as the Author, or the Church may be more especially concerned in the Thanksgiving, or Supplication, or both, therein contained. Out of many Examples, only observe; That the Twenty third Psalm is wholly in the Authors; this Twenty first in the Church's Name. There, the First Person is altogether used: Here, the Third. In that the Author speaketh of himself; The Lord is my Shepherd; and I shall not want: And so on, to the End. In this he maketh others to speak of him. For Example; my Text is not, I will joy in thy strength: in thy Salvation, I will rejoice. But the King shall joy: and He shall rejoice. God's Church and People; the Israelites, and David's Subjects; they make this Address to God on the King's behalf. To understand the meaning whereof, let us more particularly consider, and explain the Words. [The King,] that is, Words opened. David, thine Anointed, and our Sovereign; say the People of Israel. [Shall joy in thy strength:] shall joy, that is, in thy might, and power put forth, and exercised for his Protection and Defence in the many dangers he hath passed through. [And in thy Salvation,] viz. In thy deliverance of him from his Enemies, and the Victory thou hast given him over them. [How greatly shall he rejoice?] By Joying before, and Rejoicing here, meaning; That he shall declare, and express great joy, and gladness with thanks and praises unto God the Author of all his mercies and deliverances. Wherein themselves do also bear their part, making (as was before observed) this Triumphant acknowledgement on their King's behalf, and for his Mercies. All the difficulty remaining is, Whether the King and his Subjects are to be understood, as praising God in this behaviour: since that is not in terms expressed; and 'tis only said, There shall be joy in God's strength, and rejoicing in his salvation, by them. But this is removed easily, by considering, that the plain meaning of the Phrase, To rejoice in God, or in his Salvation, is nothing else; Than with glad hearts to give him praise. For Psal. 97.12. where 'tis said, Rejoice in the Lord, the righteous. If it be asked, How shall that be done? It follows in the next words, Give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. But especially, and most plainly, Psal, 33.1, 2. 'Tis written; Rejoice in the Lord, O ye Righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Where you see, That rejoicing in the Lord is nothing else, than joyfully praising of him. So in the New Testament, When the Blessed Virgin magnified the Lord; her Spirit rejoiced in God her Saviour, Luk. 1.47. And to give no more instances, when our Saviour rejoiced in spirit, he giveth God thanks, saying; I thank thee, O Father. And now the Words thus opened, plainly teach us this Lesson: That A King's Salvation doth both oblige Himself, Lesson. and his People also, to the joyful praise of God, that gives it. The Church, you see, doth undertake, on both sides in my Text: and by her word, and practice shows, That as the Sovereign, so the Subjects are alike engaged. And 'tis no marvel; since the Gospel plainly lays it as a Duty on all Christians, as to make earnest Supplications unto God for their Sovereign's welfare, safety, and happiness; so likewise to return most hearty thanksgiving, when such mercy is vouchsafed. St. Paul himself doth teach us this, as plain as words can speak it, in 1 Tim, 2.1, 2. saying, I exhort therefore, that first of all: that is, as one of the chiefest duties lying on you: supplications, prayers, intercessions; meaning thereby, all manner and kind of petitions unto God, that Christians use on the behalf of themselves, or for their Brethren: and giving of thanks also; be made for all men: of what Profession, Order, Rank, or Quality soever they be: but it follows there, that in a more especial and particular manner, this is to be done, for Kings and all that are in Authority. So that the Prayers and Praises of Christians are due apparently on the behalf of Magistrates; Supreme and subordinate likewise; Kings, and all that are in Authority. And the practice of this double duty, is not only enforced by the Exhortation of the Holy Apostle; which might have abundantly sufficed for the Obligation; I Exhort: But there is a further Motive and Encouragement thereunto subjoined, from the benefit and advantage likely to arise from thence unto ourselves: it hath a tendency to our leading of a quiet, and peaceable life in allgodliness, and honesty also. Now if Christians were bound in duty thus towards Sovereigns and Superiors, which were but Heathens; strangers to, and Enemies of the Gospel, (as was the Case when this was Written, and a great while after): how much closer, and stronger is the Tie on Us; who by God's merciful Providence, enjoy a Prince, that is, a Professed Christian, a Defender of the Faith, and a Protector of them that own it? Doubtless, as our continual Prayers should be poured forth for his Protection, and Prosperity: so when the Arm of God is made bare for his defence, and safety, our most Solemn Praises are doubly due to the God of His, of Our, and All Salvation. But that the important Duty of joyful Praising God, which we are engaged in This Day, may be discharged to the best advantage, my purpose is to lend you mine assistance (such as it is) in clearing these Four Propositions unto you, and concluding with some Practical Reflections on the whole. The Propositions are 1. All Salvation is from the Hand of God. 4 Propositions. 2. God's Salvation useth to be exercised towards Kings, in an Especial manner. 3. Our present Sovereign is a signal Instance of the care God takes of Princes. 4. This is just occasion of His Majesties, and his People's great Joy, and Thankfulness unto God. On which, follow short Reflections. The First Proposition is: 1. Propos. That all Salvation is from the hand of God. And, methinks, my Text implies plainly: The King shall joy in Thy strength O Lord: and in Thy salvation, etc. Not in his own Courage, or Conduct; not in the Power and Policy, whereof he was the Master: nor in any thing else; though he wanted none of those accomplishments that were found in the Greatest Prince, and Bravest General of the World: but in the strength of the Lord, and in the Salvation of God. So, that whatsoever Dangers are escaped, whatsoever Evils are prevented, or removed; nay, whatsoever Good shall be obtained; though the most proper means that could be found, or thought on, or were in Nature, had been made use of; with all the advantages, that power, art, and industry could possibly improve them by; yet at the last, the success must be acknowledged entirely unto God: as without whose hand there had been no help. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord, Psal. 3.8. And against his Claim, not Any, nor All the Creatures can set up any honest Title at all. Strong holds, and places of defence cannot preserve us from our Enemy's hands, much less, deliver us out of them. Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for, from the hills, and from the multitude of Mountains; as likely a refuge as they are: truly, in the Lord our God is the Salvation of Israel, Jer. 3.23. Horses are a generous kind of Animals, both swift, and strong, and stout; those especially, that are bred up, prepared, and managed for the Wars. Iron Chariots, of old, were a great Terror to the Enemy, and a good security to those that had them. But yet an horse is a vain thing to save a man: Psal. 33.17. And though some trust in Chariots, and some in Horses; the Royal Psalmist and his friends would not take that course: but trust in the name of the Lord. And what was the issue? Those were brought down, and fell: but these arose and stood upright: Psal. 20.7, 8. But Men you'll say, outdo all other Creatures. And what great things have been done by them; the Great Ones especially: and with Great Armies under their Conduct? Yet, vain is the help of man, Psal. 60.11. And we must not put our trust in Princes; nor in the son of Man; whosoever he be: in whom there is no help, Psal. 146.3. Nay, no King, himself, is saved by the multitude of an Host; nor a mighty man by much strength; Psal. 33.16. In short, the Holy Scriptures teach us; That no Design can prosper, how rationally soever it be laid: none Affair succeed, how likely soever in itself to speed, and with whatsoever prudence and diligence it be managed; without the lord Except the Lord build the house, they labour but in vain that build it. Except the Lord keep the City, the watchman waketh but in vain. 'Tis in vain (without God) to rise up early, sit up late, and eat the bread of sorrows, Psal. 127.1, 2. Our very Food cannot nourish, nor sleep, refresh; nor Clothes warm, nor Medicines heal, nor any Endeavours profit us; unless God vouchsafe a blessing therewith to us. And when he intendeth any Relief to any of his Creatures; it shall be effected: although the means made use of shall, be mean indeed, and most contemptible: although improper, and contrary unto Humane Judgement: nay, though there be none at all in the case. The holy Scriptures do abound with Instances unto all these purposes: and 'tis needless to recite them; they are so generally known. Let me only add, That the Almighty can at pleasure make the very Eater to afford Meat; and the Destroyer's themselves to become Saviors. He that promised his people, that their Exactors should be righteousness, hath often saved them, by those very Hands that should have slain them. Nothing is too hard for God: and all salvation belongs to him. We need not go from home to seek Examples for the proof of this. Our late Domestic, and most Devilish Plots, give ample Testimony hereunto: wherein, the very Agents in the management of them, and that should have been so in the Execution also; do by the wonderful hand of God prove Instruments in the revealing, and disappointing of them. Which, as it beareth further witness to the Truth of Scriptures, That safety is of the Lord, Prov. 21.31. So it engageth us to join this day with the Church, in the words of my Text; The King shall joy in thy strength, O Lord: and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice? The rather to, For The Second Proposition, 2. Propos- which is; God's salvation useth to be exercised in an especial manner towards Kings. Or in other words; Divine Providence taketh peculiar care of Princes. Which seemeth also to be intimated in my Text: in that 'tis there so Emphatically said, The King shall joy in the strength of God: and He shall greatly rejoice in God's Salvation: without the Express mention of his Subjects doing so: though they be tenderly concerned therein; as before was hinted, and hereafter will be fully proved. And certainly, if the Fowls of the Air, and the very Flowers of the Field, are not shut out from the care of God: If the little Sparrows, as our Saviour doth assure us, Matth. 10. are interessed in his Providence: Humane Affairs must claim undoubtedly a greater share therein, and more tender respect from thence. And therefore Government of States, and Kingdoms, without which, nothing but Confusions, and Desolations would be Mankind's dismal Portion; cannot but be admitted to have the highest interest in the same. And so at last, Princes, and Chief Governors, upon whose Fates; (that is, the Good, or Ill, befalling them,) the Public and General Weal, or Woe dependeth, must be allowed to be the Peculiar concern of him, that Governeth all Things with Infinite Wisdom and Goodness. But to put this past all doubt, there are Three Considerations that do offer their effectual service. 1. Consi●…nations. The Station God setteth them in. 2. The Charge he lays on People concerning them. 3. His own very marvellous Actings for them. 1. Consid. The station God sets them in. King's are by him Ordained, not only Superior unto others: but Supreme over all their People; to Rule and Govern them under himself, and in his own room and place. It is by him Kings reign, saith Solomon, Prov. 8.15. He sets them up, saith Daniel 2.21. Wherefore not a Saul only; whom God particularly appointed to Rule his People Israel: but Cyrus also, an Heathen Prince, is honoured by the Mouth of God himself, with that high Title, of being God's Anointed, Isa. 45.1. And in this matter there is great Harmony between the Gospel, and the Law. St. Paul tells us, The higher powers are God's Ordinance, Rom. 13.1, 2. And that they Rule as his Vice-gerents, Deputies, and Lieutenants: in hi● room and place, that is. For ver. 4. 'Tis said, He is the Minister of God. Nay they are dignifyed so, as to be styled Gods, of old; Exod. 22.28. Psal. 82.1. That is, Gods on earth; as Viceroys to the God of Heaven and Earth: ●nd who, by his Commission, are to keep good order in the World; by punishing Wickedness, and Vice; and encouraging Religion and Virtue among the Sons of Men. Wherefore, whatsoever injuries, and affronts shall be offered unto them, they do redound to God himself; whose Character they bear, and whose Person they represent. Doth it not stand to all reason then, that the Almighty should own, abet, and be especially concerned for his own Commissioners; and in the Execution of the Trust received from him? Can it be otherwise, than that his peculiar Providence should be engaged for his Highest Officer upon Earth; who derives his Title from, and is an Immediate substitute to the Supreme in Heaven? Do we not know, That Earthly Sovereigns will be careful for the greatest safety, and best respect to those, whom they depute to supply their place in Administering Justice to their Subjects? And will they not avenge indignities put upon those Ministers with severity; because they light upon Themselves at last, by whom they are Authorised? And who can doubt, but that the Supreme Governor of the Universe will take equal care of Princes, that stand in the like relation unto him, and for like reason? We may be well assured of it. And shall be better by what follows. 2. 2 Consid. The Charge God lays on People concerning them. If God commandeth us the Highest Value, Greatest Respect, and Utmost Service to our Sovereigns; it must be necessarily admitted, That the Almighty hath most tender and especial care for them. King david's so strict a charge to his General, and other Captains, concerning Absalon, for the safety of him, and their kindness to him (2 Sam. 18.) makes it most manifest, how dear he was unto his Father, and what an Affectionate care he took of him. Thus an Indulgent Providence towards Princes cannot but be inferred; since we do find the Word of God so copious in the New, as well as Old Testament, for exacting such true and high Devotion unto Kings: and this, as rooted in our minds; so professed by our Mouths; and attested to by our Lives. To be particular; 1. 1. Our Mind. It was from God that Solomon spoke it, Prov. 24.21. My son, fear thou the Lord, and the King: and meddle not with them that are given to change. A man would think upon first Hearing, that this Counsel were directed peculiarly to our times. But certain 'tis, that as 'twas not amiss for any age; so it is very proper to the present Generation. And observe; the Precept serves to put our Minds into the fittest temper towards those that are Above us, the Heavenly and the Earthly Sovereign: and that's of Fear. I knows This commonly coucheth under it all the Expression of Love and Duty, and Obedience. But as I need not so I shall not thus consider it here. we'll keep it therefore to its stricter, and most proper sense, of Awe, and Reverence, Esteem, and Veneration of the Mind unto its Object. So God is indeed to be first served, as he best deserveth. First, we must fear the Lord, who is King of Kings: and next; the King; who is under him, and over us. The meaning is; the Best opinion, and most worthy thoughts of Princes must be entertained by us. The most fair construction must be put on all their Counsels and Affairs, that they can possibly bear. And we may not dare to let lose our Minds to other Methods. For then, adieu the fear and reverence that we own them. The Holy Preacher means this very thing, when he forbids, to Curse the King, so much as in our thoughts. Eccles. 10.20. Every evil, and unworthy, and indecent Conception of him, is to be utterly banished. But alas! have we not in the present Age too many secret Shimei's, at the least? Whose pleasure 'tis, to frame the worst Ideas of their Governors, and their Actions in their own minds; and are then in travel to be delivered of them to their Neighbours on the first opportunity? Yet Holy Scriptures teach us no such Doctrine; but the contrary. And as we have heard, what the Precept here instructs us in: so we shall find, the Prehibition added doth confirm it; Meddle not with them that are given to change. Whence we plainly learn; both, That Irreverence towards a Sovereign hath a tendency to Subversion of his Government: and especially; that, for the preservation of our due respect unto him, we ought to shun the Conversation of Dissaffected Persons to the Present Lawful Establishment. To be given to change is commendable in nothing, because it argues want of Reason's Ballast; and betrays the levity of a fickle Mind: but is utterly to be condemned when it tends to a removal of what God hath Established. Novelty, 'tis true, is but too grateful unto Humane Nature. It was so in its Innocency. But the issue thereof was horrible mischief! A desire to change involved our First Parents, and all their Posterity in lamentable Woe. Hence is sprung up our degeneracy from that Primitive Purity, wherein we were made. And this great Itch of Novelty is not the least part of our Degeneracy. But what vast expenses of Treasure and Lives, besides men's dearest Consciences, it hath put the World to, in the several States and Kingdoms thereof, I need not insist on. For who can forget to what a dismal Pass Three Realms of our own were thereby lately brought? And much more doth it therefore concern us, to regard the good caution from Heaven; to have nothing to do with Novelists; not to meddle with them that are given to change. Of old, the Good, and old way went both together, Jer. 6.16. To be sure, where God hath set up his Landmark, 'tis an horrible Trespass to attempt its plucking down. And Kingship, we hear, is God's own Establishment. If then we will fear the Lord; we must, next unto him, fear the King likewise. That is, maintain the greatest reverence, and best opinion of him in our Mind. And this is the first part of God's charge on People towards their Sovereigns: to show the peculiar care he taketh of them. The Second and next is, 2. Mouths. That our Mouth be managed suitable to our Mind. We must be always ready to speak, as well as think, the best of Princes. We may by no means dare to utter any thing reproachful of them. And this is also part of God's Charge upon us concerning them. For Exod. 22.28. 'Tis Written, Thou shalt not revile the Gods; nor speak evil of the Rulers of thy people. Their very Title of being Gods, should lay an awe on men toward them: and God's command requires most Reverend Speeches of them. Rail, and Reproaches of our Equals, or Inferiors, are Unchristian Practices; and condemned in the Holy Gospel. But to serve Superiors at that rate; a Sovereign, especially; is much more hamous, and to be abhorred, even to Hell, from whence it comes. Those men than can have no conscience towards God, that make no conscience to revile the Gods. For they have no regard to the Word of God, which doth so expressly forbidden this wickedness. Let them beware, whose filthy Mouths trade in traducing, and defaming the Persons, and Proceed of their Lawful Governors. 'Tis very observable; That when St. Paul had, by surprisal, only less decently, and when unjustly used, rebuked his Superior, but one much Inferior to a Sovereign Prince; he doth not only Apologise for that miscarriage with a plausible excuse, That it was his ignorance thrust him on so doing (upon his own long absence from Jerusalem, and their great confusion in the choice of Officers, we must understand:) but he is honestly plain in professing; That such behaviour is not to be justified, but Condemned Acts 23.3, 5. And he quotes the very Text of Exodus, which you last heard of, to that purpose. Now, how unlike that holy man; and how inexcusable with all good men, are Those, too many, of this present Age; who without regard to Truth, or falsehood, or any good manners in the World; and to be sure, against all Christian Reverence to the Word of God, and their Lawful Governors, make it their business to fill their own Minds, and then the Ears of others, with jealousies, and suspicions; nay, with Male-interpretations, plain slanders, and Reproaches of the Highest Powers? How any such Persons, though they would be counted Christ's Disciples, and perhaps esteem themselves of the Highest Form among them, can reconcile such Practices with Gospel Principles, is never to be showed. We are certain of this, and I pray God they may consider it, as they ought; That those people have the blackest Brand put on them, who Despise Dominions, and speak evil of Dignities, both in 2 Pet. 2.10. and Judas 8. Another and Second Instance to the former purpose. Last of all, 3. Lives. our lives must give an Attestation to our Minds and Mouths. God doth require, that we should be Internally and Externally All of a piece towards our Princes. (1.) Obey their Laws. We must be ready to obey their Laws, and support their State. Touching the Former: should it so happen, that the command of an Earthly King should cross the command of the King of Heaven: then such command is ipso facto superseded, and hath no Obligation on us. For, that we ought to obey God, rather than man, is the Christian Doctrine, Act. 5.29. But withal take notice: That when we cannot be active in Obeying, we must be Passive in submitting. And there is none allowance, but an utter Condemnation of all Resistance, and Rebellion in the case; and by the self same Doctrine of our Religion. St. Paul enjoineth, That every soul be subject to the Higher Powers; Rom. 13.1. There is none excepted; be he Prophet, Apostle, Bishop, or of any other Order of Men whatsoever. There is no Privilege, or Exemption of any. The Pope of Rome indeed refuseth his Obedience to the Emperor; and, at Pleasure will discharge his Clergy, or Laity, from their Duty to their Natural Princes. But the Apostle Paul, and Apostate Pope, are of Two Minds, you see: they are contrary one to the other. Therefore, that is one reason of the Apostles marking him for the Man of Sin; in that he doth exalt himself above what is called God, on Earth, as well as Heaven, 2 Thess. 2.4. But whosoever will be St. Paul's Disciples, and not the Popes, must love Obedience, and hate Rebellion. For he that resisteth, saith the Apostle, flies in the face of God: Resisteth his Ordinance, Rom. 13.2. And though possibly they may escape here; hereafter 'twill be dearly paid for. For without Repentance, They that resist shall receive to themselves Damnation: ibid. And if we will prove ourselves True Christians; we must be thus obedient, not only for wrath; lest we suffer for our Rebellion: but for Conscience-sake: as we hope to approve ourselves unto God, who hath laid this law upon us: ver. 5. ibid. St. Peter is of the same mind with St. Paul. For in his 1 Epist. 2.13, 14. we read, Submit yourselves to every Ordinance of Man for the Lord's sake. Whether to the King as Supreme; or to Governors, as to those that are sent by him. Where you may observe, That the subordinate, as well as supreme Magistrate is to have our Homage, and obedience, without resistance, paid unto him. And this in Conscience towards God to: for the Lord's sake. Which are but other words, for the same thing St. Paul had spoken: so that, whatever any sort of men suppose may be objected by the Law of Nature; the Law of Grace controls that Fancy; and doth most plainly determine our Obedience, and the Doctrine of Nonresistance. For, who may say unto the King, What dost thou? Eccles. 8.4. And this is a great part of our Duty, who are Ministers to declare unto you; especially, in such a Turbulent, and Seditious Age: namely, To put you in mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers, to obey Magistrates, to be ready to every good work, Tit. 3.1. As if there were little likelihood of any other Good Works; if this of our Obedience were neglected. Touching the latter; Their State must be supported likewise. And this both by our Purse and Person also. Support their State Need I remember you, By Purse. How shameful, and unsafe it is, for any Kingdom, to have a King that is poor and needy? Doth not the Honour and Interest of a People, then Plead for a Liberal Supply unto their Prince? But you shall hear, that Contributions to this purpose are matter of Duty towards God. For the Apostle Rom. 13.6, 7. saith, For this Cause, even Conscience-sake, (the Words that do immediately precede) Pay you Tribute also. And the next Verse, Render to all their due; (not your Courtesy, but their Due:) Tribute to whom tribute, Custom to whom Custom appertaineth. Which makes me greatly wonder, how any persons of sober, or of honest Principles, should (as they say 'tis common) steal their Customs from the King! 'Tis so unconscionable, that I nothing doubt it to be worse than Robbing of our common Neighbour of what are his unquestionable Goods. Because our Sovereign's Right is manifest: and the Wrong is highly aggravated by the Great, and Public Capacity of the Person injured. 'Tis plain, our Blessed Saviour would rather work a Miracle for Paying Tribute to the Higher Powers, than neglect the doing it; Mat. 17.27. And if he perform this Duty; should not we go, and do likewise? Nor are our Persons (suppose them capable,) exempted from his Service, when they are needful to it. Honouring of our Parents enjoined by the Fifth Commandment, intends the helping of them, upon occasion, with our Hand; as well as succouring them with our Estate. And the Civil Parent justly is by all Interpreters included there. Was it not very honourable in Ittai, a Stranger and an Exile, only taken under King David's Protection, to vow; That Wheresoever the King should be, in life or death, he would bear him company, 2 Sam. 15. And should not natural Subjects think themselves under a greater Obligation? Yes: God's People of old, would by no means have their King hazard his Person in the Battle: because, say they, Thou art worth Ten thousand of us: but they would freely venture their Lives for him: 2 Sam. 18. They were not for Plotting his Destruction; much less, for actual Murdering of him: as was too lately done upon the Royal Martyr by the prevailing Party in our late Rebellion; to the Eternal shame thereof. No, no; to save his blood, they would spill their own; and expose their own Throats to preserve the Crown upon his Head. This is the part of Christian Loyalty. And let me add; That when we cannot by strength of Hand, and force of Arms be Serviceable; that must be made up by Counsel and Designs, as far as our capacity reacheth. What adventures did Husha, Zadock, and Abiathar, and their Sons run, to save their King, the Lord's Anointed; and to defeat the Treasons of Ahitophel, 2 Sam. 16, and 17 Chapters? Whereas, if their Loyal Practices had been Discovered, though they had been Masters of a thousand Lives, we may be sure, they had all been Sacrificed to the most Exquisite Tortures, that witty, and enraged Traitors could have invented. But there needs no more of this, as being taught already in the Doctrine of Obedience, which we have before discoursed of. So much then of the Second Consideration; to prove the peculiar care God takes of Kings; by The Charge he lays on people concerning them. The Third and Last I offered for the Proof hereof was this; God's own very marvellous Actings for them. 3 Considerations. And if it shall appear, That numerous Signal Providences have been exercised for the safety and preservation of God's Anointed Ones; I think, we shall have over-measure to our present purpose. Now multitudes of Instances might be produced of this Nature, both front amongst Jewish, Heathen, and Christian Princes. I shall only pick out one of each, and be brief therein: because indeed this Point will lead me home to the Third Proposition which is so near unto ourselves, as can't but prove most convincing with us. First then, A Jewish King. the Care of Providence about a Jewish King. And David is the Person to be spoken of. Now he, observe it, though hunted unto death, whilst but a Subject; and for none other fault, than Saving of the King, and Kingdom; doth still approve his Loyalty: not only in not offering Violence to his Sovereign, who most unjustly Persecuted him: but abhorring the thoughts of such accursed Treason, with The Lord forbidden, that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's Anointed, 1 Sam. 26.11. And this, when injuries provoked, opportunities invited, companions urged, and impunity seemed to Charm him thereunto, For he was Heir Apparent; and the Crown doth purge all stains. But he was not an Oliver, or a Bradshaw: hating to think, that Providence justified, or encouraged unto any Villainy. And yet, when himself is Lawful King, there are many Conspiracies for his Destruction. I shall take notice but of one; but that the worst of all the rest: The Unnatural Plot of his Own Natural Child, but Rebellious Son, Absalon. And here let us consider, First, 1. What a Bloody Design it was! not only to remove ill Ministers of State; nor barely, to prune the overgrown branches of Prerogative; no, nor merely and simply, to transfer the Crown to a better Head. Treason Rampant enough! But plainly; to Chop off that Head that wears it, 2 Sam. 17.2. And that this is the Natural Process of successful Rebellion, ourselves are too well ware. 2. Next; observe the Terror of the Attempt; by the vast Numbers of the Rebels. We read of All Israel therein engaged: which, at the least, implies a very Great part of the Ten Tribes: Judah only (which includeth Benjamin) continuing entirely Loyal. Nay, * Antiq. Jud. l. 7. c. 9 Josephus tells us, That David's Army had but about Four thousand in it. And the Text assures us, That * 2 Sam. 18.7. Twenty thousand of the Rebels lost their Lives in the Battle. What a frightful advantage had they therefore in their Number! But Lastly; The King is Saved; his Enemies Destroyed; 3. and both by the hand of God. Thou hast given me the necks of mine Enemies: thou hast delivered me from the strive of my people: 'tis God that avengeth me, and bringeth down the people under me, saith the King: and upon this account, as well as any other, 2 Sam. 22. And note it; because David was the Lords Anointed, he thus became the care of Providence. As may be seen in the same Song, at Psal. 18.50. Great deliverance giveth he to his King, and sheweth mercy unto his Anointed, unto David, etc. Next for an Heathen Prince: An Heathen. What a special Providence was it toward Ahasuerus; when Two Great Courtiers, and his Chamberlains, who Treasonably had conspired against his Life, and had so fair and many opportunities to effect their Villainies, were notwithstanding barred the Execution of it? And how more remarkable was the care of God concerning him, in that poor Mordecai, no Natural Subject; but a Stranger and a Captive taken in War, should first come to have notice of the Treason; and then have an heart to adventure the discovery of it? Was it not dangerous for a man in his Circumstances to Impeach Two such Great Personages; whose powerful Interest might well threaten to turn the blow upon his own head, and make him the Traitor? And what an abatement to his Zeal would it be apt to prove; That this very Prince, intended to be Destroyed, was, in a kind, the Destroyer of his Native Country, and all that was dear unto him in it? Far less rebukes than these have too often hindered many from discharge of Duty. But God, that taketh special care of Princes, carries him through all difficulties. The Treason is detected; the Traitors Punished; and the King saved, Esth. 2. Lastly, A Christian. The Christian King, Constantine the Great; how he was delivered from Treacheries at home; preserved, and prospered in the day of Battle abroad; and what signal care the Divine Providence continually took of him; is declared largely to us, with special Remarks of the manifest hand of God frequently stretched out for him, by the Church Historian, Eusebius in vita Constantini. But we need not stay longer here; for our next Proposition, which goes no further than our own doors, will put the matter past all doubt. Only Remember, That if Gods placing Kings in his own room on Earth; charging their people in Thought, Word, and Deed to be their Votaries; And Lastly, doing Wonders for them himself; suffice to show the peculiar care of Providence over them; then our Second Proposition may be discharged, as fully proved. And so we come to the 3. 3. Propos. Proposition; which is, Our Present Sovereign is a signal Instance of the Care God takes of Kings. For the especial concern of Divine Providence for Royal safety, is plainly manifested in His Sacred Majesty; who hath obtained such frequent, and so eminent Salvations from the God of all Salvation. And under the same Indulgent care may he live for ever! My business is not to give a large account of His Majesty's Life, with the various Passages of the greatest Jeopardy which by the Heavenly Conduct he hath passed through. It shall suffice to point at Three, or Four such great Deliverances of him, as may convince an Enemy, and an Atheist, That the hand of God was with him in them: and will therefore more confirm our belief of the special Care God takes of Kings, and also stir us up to greater Thankfulness for his mercy towards our own. The First Deliverance I shall recommend unto you, 1 Deliverance. shall be that of His Majesty's strange, but safe, escape from Worcester. Not to insist upon the Extremest hazard, wherewith his Royal Person was environed in that fatal Fight, when so many of his Loyal Subjects fell on his Right hand, and on his Left; before him, and behind: is it not Evident, by this very glance already taken, that his Life was precious in the sight of God; and that he covered his Head in that day of Battle? But after that, when all was lost; to consider seriously, his hardest shifts, and greatest dangers; but his Preservation still, and safe Deliverance at the last, must make us say; This was the Lords doing, and it is marvellous in our Eyes! What was it, think you, for a necessity to lie upon so great a Potentate, to change Majestic Robes, See Boscobel. for a Peasant's Weeds? To turn his Garter, George of Diamonds, and other Princely Ornaments, into the course Accoutrements of meaner Rustics? For a Crowned Head, and Royal Face, to be deformed, and sullied so, as to Represent a Country, Slovenly Swain! That he should take upon him the place, and business of an ordinary, inferior Servant, who was the Rightful Lord and Master of Three large Kingdoms! And that a Person accustomed to the choicest Delicacies, and greatest Varieties, with most noble Attendance, suitable to his Imperial State, and Dignity; should be constrained to wait his time; and then content his Hunger with courser Far; and sometimes too of his own Cooking! To be so put to it; that wet Stockings, gravelled Shoes, and galled Feet must be born with patience by Him. Nay, Skulking in a Barn, Hiding in Holes, Sheltering in Woods, and Lodging on a Tree, become good shifts! And with all, these Distresses to be infested frequently with the Alarms of many Bloodthirsty Enemies, and Jealousies of some seeming Friends, and disappointments of most promising Hopes! And, as the last, and, perhaps, the worst of such a Throng of Evils, To have a Price set on his Head, which far out bad the reward of Judas' Treason; and so the more powerful temptation to a Traitor! Yet, that after such Great Difficulties and Dangers, spun out unto full Six Weeks, abating but one day; after Travelling up and down near Three hundred Miles, always in the Midst of Foes, often through his Armed Enemies Quarters, and when the whole Country was filled with Watches, for the seizing of him; it should be possible for our King to get to Sea, and be Embarked with privacy, and safety; Escaping all Mischiefs, though in the very Mouths of them; Who is there that believes a Providence, and is not forced to say, as Job did in another case; The hand of the Lord hath wrought this? The next Deliverance to be observed by us is, 2. Deliverance. That from his Exile. 'Tis hard indeed, and so we ever justly take it, to be driven from our Native Soil, and forced into a Foreign Land. But 'twas a wonderful Mercy to our Prince, that he could get from home, and arrive abroad; and both in safety! And then his Support there, when his Crowns, and Kingdoms, and Revenues, were all lost and gone into the hands of Rebels, deserveth admiration too! No doubt the difficulties met with must needs be many; and his Necessities often very great. His Loyal Friends that he left behind him were but few; and those reduced generally to the lowest Ebb of Fortune. And where he came, his Enemy's influence quickly grew so great, that old Allies, and near Relations became both shy, and weary of him; and it comes at last to that cold kindness, That He must not stay within their Borders. But, notwithstanding all; the same kind Providence, that saved him here, preserves him there: yea, and provides both a safe Abode, and sufficient Support for him. Nor are there many Years gone over, before the hand of God, in the Eyes of all the World, is made bare and naked on his behalf. For when the King hath no Foreign Aid at all: either Navy to waft him safely over Sea, or Army to Fight his way on Land: and when his old Faithful Subjects in his own Dominions, were still kept under hatches so, that they could raise no Force, one way, or other, for his Assistance: and when all Power was yet remaining in those Rebellious Hands, whereby he had been banished from his Kingdoms, and his Birthright: When all these Mountains lying in his way, should suddenly become a Plain, by the All-ruling Providence; and matters be so ordered and disposed by the same, touching His Majesty's Restauration to the Throne of his Fathers; That, what is Written of Judah concerning David, may truly be applied to England, touching Charles the Second; He bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the King; Return thou, and all thy house: 2 Sam. 19.14! And our King returned, in peace and safety, with greatest welcome, and Universal Joy; without the shedding of one drop of Blood, or striking of one Angry stroke! Which must constrain us to confess to God in the Psalmists Words, This is thy hand; and thou Lord hast done it. The Third is, 3. Deliverance. Our Sovereign's Preservation in the late Popish Plot. And that there was a Design, laid deep as Hell, against the Protestant Religion, and all its sincere Professors in the Three Kingdoms, with all that was dear unto them; nay, and against His Sacred Majesty's Life; by the Popish Agents, and Sons of Belial, we have as good assurance I think, as any man could wish; excepting Them alone, who would have had us felt it. For is not the Royal Word, and often repeated, passed upon it? Have not Four succeeding Parliaments concurred to declare the same? Is not the Public Justice of the Nation, in several Trials, Sentences, and Executions, a voucher for it? Not to insist upon the Point-blank Evidences, and most convincing Circumstances to the purpose. He that can think, That Judges, Parliaments, and Sacred Majesty itself, could either be imposed upon by their too much credulity; or that they would impose upon the People's Faith, what themselves believed not; must necessarily, to my understanding, reflect indecently; indeed, most scurrilously, if not worse, upon their Sagacity, or Integrity; their Wisdom, or their Honesty. And this no Loyal Person surely can be guilty of. Though I have not asked yet; Who, on the disbelief of such a Plot, shall atone for so much innocent bloodshed in the case? All which, makes me very apt to conclude, That he that will not now believe the Plot, neither would he do it, though the Traitors from the dead were sent to confess it to them. But notwithstanding there were New Fauxes enough to do the Villainy; though the time, and place, and manner were appointed more than once; though all the requisites were prepared for making of a Royal Sacrifice by the barbarous Butchery of his Sacred Majesty; yet, the all-seeing, and Almighty, and most Gracious Providence, doth interpose, and discovers, and disappoints those Hellish Factors. Thanks be to God, Our King Lives; Our Religion stands; And they are fallen. The Blow is turned upon their own Heads. And as the Psalmist saith, They are sunk down into the Pit, which they made: in the Net which they hide is their own foot taken. The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands, Psal. 9.15, 16. The Last is, Our King's Salvation in this last Fanatic, 4. Deliverance. and Atheistical Plot. Fanatic it was: as being certainly inspired; of the Devil, that is. And it cannot but be Atheistical; as disclaiming all sense of God upon their Souls, who engaged in it. There is not any consistence of the Principles leading to Assassinate Princes, or Massacre Subjects, with any Religion, in the same mind. And the only True Religion, (and our Church's,) called Protestant, Homiles against Rebels. justly Condemns them to Hell, from whence they came. The Espousers of them therefore, when they take the Name of Protestants on them, do but Nickname themselves, to put a blind upon the World, and carry on their Devilish purposes with the less suspicion. They must have been brought up in Ignatius Loyola's School, or John-a-Leyden's, necessarily. 'Tis true, it seemeth a Reproach unto our Religion, that those who did wear its Livery, and would be counted belonging to it, should be given up to work such Wickedness: but really, 'tis none: when we remember, That there was a Judas, who was a Devil, among the Twelve Apostles; and had the name of One also. And as that Treason was abhorred by the Eleven; so is this by all sound Protestants. What was designed by those Wretches, you have had Public Notice, and a large account of, Once, and Again, by His Majesty's Declaration. Which must assure every honest Man of the reality of the Plot: although we had not Evidences, and Confessions now made Public, that are able to convince an Infidel? But how to aggrvate justly the Nature of the Thing, and fully represent the dismal Consequences thereof, if it had succeeded: I must confess, that I want both Wit, and Words. The King, and his Royal Brother to have been Barbarously, Brutishly, and Devilishly Assassinated! So many Eminent Persons of the greatest Quality, and Loyalty butchered. What but a general Massacre could have been expected! What but Three flourishing Kingdoms wallowing in their own Blood, could have ensued thereupon? I need not say, That our Laws, and Liberties, and Estates, must have lain at mercy to a New Civil, and more Bloody War, that what we were not long since delivered from. Or, that our Dear Religion, and the Gospel, would have been by such Confusions cast upon their Deathbed, if ever they had recovered thence. There is no man knoweth, whose very Life should have been given him, as a Prey! How frightful are the thoughts of these things! But how abominable to God, and all Good Men, must be the Authors of them! But thanks be unto God, Our King is safe; and we together with him. Wherein those Men of Mischief dealt proudly, indeed cruelly; the Almighty was above them. Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us a Prey unto their teeth. The snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psal. 124.6, 7, 8. Thus is our King a Signal Instance of God's peculiar Care of Princes; which fairly leads us unto the Fourth, 4. Propos. and Last Proposition: This is just occasion for His Mafesties, and his People's great joy and thankfulness unto God. All Mercies bring with them just matter of Rejoicing in, and giving Thanks for, unto God, that gives them. But the more signal any Blessing is, the greater is the Obligation thereby laid upon us, to enlarge our Hearts in joyful gratitude. 'Twas a great fault in King Hezekiah, though a good Man otherwise, That he rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him, 2 Chron. 35.25. And our Saviour makes a just complaint against the Nine Lepers, That they returned not to give God glory for his Mercy to them, Luk. 17.17, 18. As for our Sovereign; so many remarkable Circumstances, in that Deliverance this day acknowledged, concur to commend, and advance the singular kindness of the Almighty towards him; that they cannot but influence his Royal Soul to joyful Thanksgiving. As First; A Design, in its Nature so horrid and feral, to be disappointed! The very Life of Himself, and Dearest Brother, with such Cruelty, and Inhumanity to be ravished from them! And by his own Subjects, and Servants, that aught with alacrity to have laid down their Lives, for his sake! So many Principal Ministers, if not all his Loyal Subjects, and Three whole Kingdoms lying at stake together! Again, To escape such a Plot, that was unsuspected! For though the King knew, no doubt, of a Discontented Party: Nothing is more probable, than that he was secure of any such vile, and villainous Attempt. And truly, the thing is so uncouth, and monstrous, so alien from, and adverse to Humane Nature; (to say nothing of Christian Religion, which damns the very Seeds and Principles thereof:) that an innocent, honest, and well-meaning man, but for such clear Evidence that shines like the Sun at noonday, would be apt in this Case to take up the words of Nicodemus in an other, How can these things be? But so plain is the proof; that now for one to deny it, seems, if not to Confess, he is in it; at least, to signify good wishes to it. Yet further, an horrible mischief to be blasted, That was so easy to have been effected! His Majesty (though not without need, we clearly perceive) being always provided of a meet Defence for his Sacred Person; yet at this time, and place, out of Confidence, we may suppose, of the Loyalty and Love of his People, seeming to neglect his wont Guards; at least to be satisfied with a less number than usual; encouraged the Villainy, and threatened less danger to the vile Undertakers. Besides; The unexpectedness of the Providence that defeated the Treason, adds much to the mercy of scaping it. The burning down of his Majesty's Town, kept up the Tabernacle of his Majesty's Body. Newmarket Fire, though it were not likely to quench those Traitor's thirst for his Sacred Blood, yet it choked them from drinking it. For, that so sad an Accident there, was made the occasion of great gladness elsewhere: in causing the removal of the King before his intended, and their expected Season. Lastly, That a Confederate in the Villainy, as deep, and as forward as any of the vilest, should be smitten so with the Horror of the Fact (as himself doth confess,) that the Fever and Convulsion of his own mind would give him no rest, till he made the Discovery! These are all such Circumstances, that severally would do much; but joined as they are, do mightily enhance the price of God's Care for the King's Preservation. And accordingly they have prevailed upon him, for the most Solemn and Public Acknowledgement thereof. Which, past all doubt, is very well, and most Religiously done. That, as Mordecai called his People, to a day of Public Gladness and Rejoicing, for his Own, and Their Deliverance, from Haman's Rage and Cruelty: So on a much like occasion, our Sovereign should invite his Subjects to such a Solemnity of Public and joyful Thanksgiving, as at this day: both on his own behalf, and ours. For it must be remembered, as 'twas told us before, That we likewise are concered in duty herein. It must be our business, as well as our Kings, To rejoice, and bless God for this great Salvation. And were there none other reason, we were obliged hereto, solely for the sake of our Sovereign. The Holy Scriptures have told you already, That Prayers, and Praises besides, are owing, for Kings, and All in Authoriiy. And what is more reasonable and just? Doth not He Protect us (under God) in our Lives, and Liberties, and Estates? Nay, which is yet more: Is not He the Defender of the Faith; and a Preserver of the Gospel amongst us? You know, He's our Governor, our Father, and our Head! How great is our Concernment therefore in His Safety and Happiness? Is there any of us, that can honestly grudge to say to our King, as David's good Subjects once said unto him, Thou art worth ten thousand of us? And if God's Church of Old, bewailed the loss of their King, as losing the breath of their nostrils, Lam. 4.20? Should not a Christian Church have an Equal Value for their King now? Nay verily, if God had permitted this Dreadful Design to have prospered, we should have had but too much cause to have taken up their mournful Dialect, and in the Utmost Extent of its sense too. For I beseech you consider, into what a dismal Chaos Matters had presently been truned! What frights and spoils; what havocks and slaughters, must have instantly followed? When the White Flag of Peace had been dipped a Blood-colour; and the ravenous Sword, like an hunger-bit Lion at his Prey, were tearing and devouring our Flesh; whither then could we fly for Refuge? Say, that some of us might have scaped with our Lives: where had our Liberties been? Must not our Ears have been bored; and We sealed an Indenture of perpetual Slavery to the Prevailing Party? What would have become of Religion, Posterity, and Numberless Souls God only knows! The Prevention whereof, gives us just reason to say; This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad therein. But this will have its more proper place in The Practical Reflections on the Whole: Practical Reflections. which are but these Two; For 1. Obedience to Man. For 2. Thankfulness to God. 1. For Obedience to Man; the Magistrate, 1 Reflect. that is: the King as Supreme, and Governors, as sent by him; as St. Peter Expresseth it. And I need do little else, than pray you to remember, What plentiful Testimony you have already had from the Holy Scriptures for this great Duty. So that, the Refusers hereof, must needs be Rebellious against God: disobedient unto, and contemners of his Word. Whoever will prove faithful Servants of the Lord, must also be found Loyal Subjects to their Prince. He can never be true unto God, that is false to his Minister; which the Magistrate is. Be dutiful therefore, in cheerful complying with all good Laws. And if any be suspected: you must be pa●…ent in submitting, where you cannot be active in fulfilling. Join also highest Veneration for your Governors and the Chief especially. Having heard before, That the best thoughts of them, should always fill your Minds. And let your Discourse be sparing about Public Matters; and still most reverend thereof; and of those that manage them. Is it fit to say unto a King, Thou art wicked? And to Princes, ye are ungodly? Job. 34.18. Beware of speaking evil of the Rulers of the people; Act. 23.5. The best Constructions, and best Expressions of all Public Managements, do best become us, and are due from us. Our distance will not allow a due Judgement; and our duty binds us to the fairest Interpretation of them. The Covering very nakedness of Superiors got the Blessing; when the contrary method of divulging it brought the Curse, Gen. 9 Private Men's Work doth lie at home, within their own Sphere: and such a Person should check his aptness to extravagate, with, Who makes Me a Judge; as our Saviour once rebuked a Pragmatic Spirit, Luk. 12.14? Why will any be so busy then in Affairs of State, which are not their Province? Would we consult the Spirit of the Gospel; and tread his Steps, the Prince of Peace, and Lamb for Meekness, that did send it; and theirs the Sons of Peace, of Patience, and Submission, who did bring it; how easy would this business be; and how effectual would the Counsel to it prove with All? Let us therefore study to be quiet, and do our own business; as St. Paul Commands, 1 Thess. 4.11. And according to St. Peter, make a full proof, that we Fear God, by Honour paid unto the King. 2. For Thankfulness unto God. 2 Reflect. The just occasion for it hath so fully been already manifested; that nothing else is wanting, but the Practice of it; whereto so many Motives press us. How should our Hearts be now enlarged; how should our Mouths be opened to Bless, and Praise the Lord; to Exalt and Magnify his Name, for this so great Salvation, he hath wrought? 'Twas not our Strength, and Power; no Wisdom and Fore sight of ours; nay, nor our Care and Diligence that was contributory to the Deliverance! But it was God's right Hand, and his own Arm, and the light of his Countenance that did All; because he had a favour to us. Shall we not say then, and say it from our Hearts; Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who only doth wondrous things: and blessed be his Glorious Name for Ever, and Ever? Do we love our King? Who ought to be the Delight of our Eyes; the joy of our Hearts; and the breath of our Nostrils. Let us Magnify then the Almighty, and most Merciful God, That his Anointed was not taken in their pits. Have we a value for our Country? Acquaintance, Friends, and near Relations, are they dear unto us? Let us Exalt his Name that is most High, that they are not wallowing in their own gore; nor it become a New Akeldama, a Field of Blood again. Is our Religion, and the Gospel more than our very Lives with us? Let us give thanks, and praise to God, that still he doth preserve them. For had that wickedness prospered, when Irreligion like a Deluge must have overwhelmed us, what had become of the Word and Ordinances, of all true Piety, and Devotion? Can we forbear the Psalmists Language now? Bless the Lord, O our Souls: and all within us, magnify his holy Name. How should we, from our Hearts, as I said, declare God's praises with our Mouths? And let me add thereto, before we part; How should our Lives and Conversations Echo hereunto? For I must tell you, That Thanksgiving unto God is not matter of mere Compliment. Nor are his Praises the labour of our Lips only. No man can be truly thankful, unless he will be really holy. To speak well of God, and spurn his Laws the while, is like to Joab's kind saluting of Amasa when he stabbed him. Whilst the Life Dishonours God, the praises of the Mouth are no better than Dung Sacrificed; which will be thrown back with indignation into his Face that offers it. Will the most Holy and all-seeing God account, That Tongue doth bless his Name, as it ought, with Thanks and Praise; whose daily trade it is, to Blaspheme the same with horrid Oaths and Execrations? Or can he reckon those Persons thankful for his Mercies, whatever they say; that abuse those very Mercies, to the Service of their Lusts, and Satan? What? Atheism, and Profaneness, pay God the Tribute of his Praises! Can drunken Healths, or wanton Embraces; open Violences, or secret frauds, or any irreligious Courses give him Glory; to whom they bid Defiance. Assure yourselves, That ungodly Lives, and holy Praises, are like the Ark and Dagon; they never stand together in the sight of God. You must therefore either necessarily leave your Sins, or lose your Thanks; how fair soever they may seem. If we would then be truly Thankful, and to God's Acceptance: Let us praise him with our Lips, and please him in our Lives. Let's being delivered from our Enemies, serve him that hath delivered us, in righteousness and holiness before him all our days, Luke 1.75. This is that Thanksgiving, which is alone thankworthy. All other is not Current Coin: indeed, Reprobate Silver, or mere Dross. Let us be renewed and reform therefore. Let us Renounce the works of darkness, and walk as Children of the light. Let us cleanse ourselves from filthiness of Flesh and Spirit, to the perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7.1. Without a sincere endeavour after which, as our Praise is lost; so are our Persons too, for ever. For God hateth all the workers of iniquity. And take this further Motive hereunto. You would be, surely, counted Loyal to your Prince; but give me leave to tell you, a debauched, vicious, and sinful Life, is so far from being any proof thereof, that it gives great cause to fear the contrary. 'Tis somewhat hard to think; How that Man should be truly Loyal to his King; that is, an open Rebel against God. So, such Sinners are. Whatever Obligation they may stand in to their Prince, those on them unto God are infinitely greater. And what security is there, that he that breaks the stronger Bond, should not likewise snap the weaker? This we are sure of; That Profane, and Ungodly Subjects may, by their wicked Lives, work great mischief to their Sovereign; though they may not mean it in their Minds. And so we are urged unto Holiness, on the account of Loyalty also. 'Twas the Prophet's Counsel unto Subjects, 1 Sam. 12.24, 25. Fear the Lord, and serve him in Truth, with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. And it follows: But if ye still do wickedly, ye shall be destroyed; both ye and your King. See here the Public Mischief that may be done by Private Persons continuing in their wickedness. Even Majesty itself is not secure from it. And 'tis strange Loyalty that overturns Sovereignty! Whereto, 'tis manifest, That Subject's Sins have an apparent tendency. For a Conclusion of all. If we love our King, our Country, our Friends, our Selves, both Souls and Bodies; let it be our care and business, with highest Praises for all God's mercies; and This signal One, to join the Holy Practice of all God's Commandments. Then, Whoso offereth praise, glorifyeth me, saith the Scripture; and to him that ordereth his Conversation aright, will I show the Salvation of God. Psal. 50.23. FINIS: