CERTAIN OBSERVATIONS UPON Some Texts of SCRIPTURE, GATHERED TOGETHER FOR THE SETTING FORTH THE KING'S AUTHORITY, AND THE PEOPLE'S DUTY. Col. 3.16. And now brethren, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another. John. 5.39. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they that testify these things. Printed in the year, 1648. To the READER. GEntle Reader, I finding the work hereof to be very beneficial for the public, it being a public work, durst not wrong mine own conscience so much as to conceal it for mine own use, & wrap up my talon in a napkin, without imparting it to the good of others: I desire therefore nothing more than your Christian patience, because you must not expect the ensuing matter as a discourse from the learned; but accept of it as a poor gift freely bestowed upon the Kingdom from a weak Layman, who had rather speak five words with understanding, than ten thousand in an unknown tongue: And whose wisdom was not able to dive into any further discourse, but to take up and gather together several Scriptures, and from thence plain truths, as are revealed in the Scriptures by the Prophets and Apostles, in the Old and New Testament: that so they may be more fully made known, to this end, that we may all in this Kingdom, more speedily put them into practice: which is the prayer, and desire of Your friend and servant, T. M. IF there be any that be desirous with Enoch to walk with God, and to please him: Or with Abraham the father of the faithful, to walk before God and to be upright: Or with Zacharias and Elizabeth the righteous servants of the Lord, to walk in the Commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless: Then with the Prophet Micah 4.2. Let them go to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. And he will teach them of his ways, if they will walk in his paths. And with the Prophet Jeremiah 6.16. Let them stand in the way and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and they shall find rest for their souls. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be upon them and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Gal. 6.16. And let us now hear what God the Lord speaks, Psal. 85.8. As by the mouth of all his holy Prophets which have been since the world began. Luke 1.70. For if they will not believe Moses and the Prophets, neither will they believe though one arose from the dead. Luk. 16.31. And first what they speak for The King's AUTHORITY. ANd let us now begin our work in the name of the Lord, and entreat his blessing upon it: and hear what the Lord God himself saith, who is the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers. Numb. 12.8. Wherefore then were ye not afraid Aaron and Miriam, to speak against my servant Moses (marrying an Ethiopian woman) vers. 10. Miriam became Leprous white as snow. 1. Observation. That neither high nor low aught to speak against Supreme Authority, no not Aaron though the high Priest: Eccles. 8.4. Who may say unto him, what dost thou? They are the Lords servants. 2. Obs. That a Leprosy, or some other judgement shall befall them that speak against supreme authority, though in marriage; S. Judas calls them filthy dreamers, that despise dominion and speak evil of dignities, v. 8. Judges. 17.5. Micah had an house of gods, and consecrated one of his sons to be his priest. And in those days there was no King in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. 1. Obs. That where no King is to rule a Nation, that Nation and people is ready to consecrate priests to themselves. Heb. 4.5. No man ought to take this honour to himself, but he that is called of God as was Aaron, to be an high priest. 2. Obs. That where there is no King in a Nation though Gods own people Israel, yet Israel walks according to their own ways, and contrary to the ways of God. Leu. 26.21. If ye walk contrary unto me, I will walk contrary unto you, and bring seven more judgements upon you, for my ways are not your ways, nor my thoughts your thoughts, saith the Lord. Isay 55.8. 1 Sam. 8.4. When the Elders of Israel perceived that the sons of Samuel though Judges, walked not aright, but followed lucre and perverted judgement. They came to Samuel and said unto him, make us a King to judge us like all the Nations. 1. Obs. That the Elders, and rulers, the heads of the Tribes of Israel, desire to have a King, for to rule them and judge them. 2. Obs. That no Elder or ruler ought to dis-throne a King from ruling or judging. 1 Sam. 10.24. And Samuel said unto the Elders and to all the people; See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him amongst the people: And all the people shouted: and said, God save the King. 1. Obs. That Kings have their original choice from the Lord. 2. Obs. That no man ought to be compared to the King. 3. Obs. That no man ought to think slightly of the King, but to rejoice in their King. 4. Obs. That its the people's duty to pray for the King, God save the King. 2 Sam. 16.16. Hushai being sent from David, said unto Absalon, God save the King. God save the King. 1. Obs. That dissimulation hath a cloak for every action. 2. Obs. That prayer is made a cloak for dissimulation. 3. Obs. That fair speeches and the stronger party, is made a main cloak for dissemblers. 18.19. 1. Kings 1.39. And Zadok the priest Anointed Solomon King, and they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, God save King Solomon. 1. Obs. That Kings are the Lords Anointed. 2. Obs. That great triumph ought to be made at the Anointing of Kings. 3. Obs. That its the people's duty to pray for their King by name. King Solomon. King Charles. 1 Kings 20.31. And Benadads' servants said, the Kings of the house of Israel are merciful Kings, let us put sackcloth on our loins, and ropes upon our heads, and go out to the King of Israel, peradventure he will save our lives. 1. Obs. That the council of servants ought not to be rejected. 2. Obs. That Kings ought to be merciful. 3. Obs. That its the duty of the people to be humbled and submit their lives to the King's mercy. 4. Obs. That where there is no humiliation, there ought to be no mercy. 5. Obs. That Kings have power in themselves to pardon great offenders. 1 Kings 21.13. Children of Belial witnessed against Naboth, Naboth did blaspheme God and the King: And they stoned him with stones that he died. 1. Obs. That blasphemers of God and the King, aught to suffer death. 2. Obs. That we ought not to have an evil thought of the King: Eccles. 10.20. Curse not the King, no not in thy thoughts. Exod. 22.28. Thou shalt not curse the ruler of thy people. 1 Chro. 28.4.29.1. And David the King said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender. 1. Obs. That God alone chooses Kings. 2. Obs. That God may choose Kings when they are young and tender. 3. Obs. That it is not in the power and will of man to choose Kings: Prov. 8.15. By me King's reign. 4. Obs. That the congregation ought to take notice, how the Lord alone chooses Kings. 2 Chro. 30.12. King Hezekiah and his Princes, took counsel together to keep the : And the hand of God was to give them one heart, to do the commandment of the King and the Princes, by the word of the Lord. 1. Obs. That Kings and Princes are to council together. 2. That Kings and Princes ought to council together, for the establishing of God's worship, the Church Government. 3. That it is God that unites the hearts of the people to do the King's Commandment. 4. Obs. That the King and his Princes ought not to establish any worship, but according to the word of the Lord. Ezra. 6.10. King Darius made a decree, and gave to the priests to offer sacrifices of sweet savour unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the King, and his sons. 1. Obs. That all sacrifices are to be offered up unto the Lord. 2. Obs. That in all our spiritual sacrifices, we ought to offer up our prayers to the God of heaven, for the life of the King and his sons. Ezra. 7.26. Artaxerxes King of Kings, said unto Ezra the priest, And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of thy King, let judgement be executed upon him speedily, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment. 1. Obs. That we all ought to be obedient to the laws of God. 2. Obs. That all we ought to be obedient to the laws of the King. 3. Obs. That punishment ought to be inflicted upon the transgressors of the laws, both of God and the King, whether death, banishment, confiscation, imprisonment, according to the King's mercy. Ezra 7.27. Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the King's heart, to beautify the house of the Lord, which is at Jerusalem. 1. Obs. That the priests and the scribes of the law of the God of heaven, aught to bless the Lord for the house of the Lord. 2. Obs. That the Lord ought to have his house at Jerusalem, the Metropolis. 3. Obs. That the Lords house ought to be sought unto, and to be beautified. Micah 4.2. 4. Obs. That they ought to be punished, that go about to deface the house of the Lord. 5. Obs. That its the King's duty, to see that the house of the Lord be beautified. Neh. 2.3. Nehemiah who was the King's cupbearer said unto the King, Let the King live for ever. 1. Obs. That Godly rulers ought to pray for their King. 2. Obs. That Godly rulers ought to pray for the long life of their King. 3. Obs. That Godly rulers ought not to think slightly of their King, but pray. Neh. 2.6. And the King said unto me, the Queen sitting by him, for how long shall thy journey be? 1. Obs. That there hath been Kings and Queens to rule and govern the nations. 2. Obs. That no man ought to separate those that God hath joined together. Esther 7.5. King Ahashuerus said unto Queen Esther, who is he, and where is he that durst presume in his heart to do so? 1. Obs. That Kings ought to maintain their Queens, and make enquiry after those that oppose them. 2. Obs. That all those that oppose Queens, aught to have the wrath of the King stirred up against them. 3. Obs. That all those that provoke the King, sin against their own souls. Prov. 20.2. Job 34.18. Is it fit to say to a King, thou art wicked, and to Princes, ye are ungodly? 1. Obs. That no man ought to speak evil of the King. 2. Obs. That all men ought to strive to maintain the King's honour, and the Prince's innocency. Psal. 18.50. Great deliverance giveth he to his King, and sheweth mercy to his Anointed, to David and his seed for evermore. 1. Obs. That we ought to pray for deliverance for our King. 2. Obs. That we ought not to imprison our King. 3. Obs. That Kings are the Lords Anointed. 4. Obs. That we ought to pray for the King by his name, David, Charles. 5. Obs. That we ought to pray for the King's seed for evermore. Psal. 72.1. Give the King thy judgements O God: and thy righteousness unto the King's son. 1. Obs. That we ought to pray to God for the King. 2. Obs. That we ought to pray to God, that judgement, and wisdom, and understanding, may be given to the King for government. 3. Obs. That we ought to pray that the King's seed may be endued with righteousness. 4. Obs. That we must all strive to maintain the King in judgement, and his seed in righteousness. Psal. 84.9. Behold O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine Anointed. 1. Obs. That its the duty of Kings, to rely upon God; and make him their shield. 2. Obs. That its the duty of Kings to pray to God for themselves. 3. Obs. That Kings in their prayers, may set out their prerogatives before God: [Anointed.] Psal. 89.18. For the Lord is our defence, the holy one of Israel is our king: I have exalted one chosen out of the people. I have found David my servant, with my holy oil have I Anointed him. 1. Obs. That Kings ought to rely upon the Lord for defence. 2. Obs. That Kings must not put confidence in man for defence, but in the Lord. 3. Obs. That Kings are the holy ones of God. 4. Obs. That Kings are exalted and set up by God. 5. Obs. That Kings are chosen out of the people by God. 6. Obs. That Kings are the Lords servants. 7. Obs. That the oil wherewith Kings are Anointed is an holy oil. Prov. 8.15. By me kings reign and princes decree justice. 1. Obs. That the reign of Kings is by the power of God, and their authority is from the Lord. 2. Obs. That no man hath power to subdue the King in his reign. 3. Obs. That Princes ought to decree nothing, but that which is just. 4. Obs. That Kings and Princes ought to make no law, nor decree, but that which is according to justice, according to the word of God. Prov. 16.10. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgement. 1. Obs. That the sentences of Kings, aught to be highly esteemed, as the oracles of God. 2. Obs. That in the judgement of a King is no transgression. 3. Obs. That we are to yield to the King's judgement, and not stand upon our own judgement. Prov. 16.15. In the light of the king's countenance is life, and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. 1. Obs. That the life of a good subject is the cheerful countenance of the King. 2. Obs. That the favour of the King, is like the former and the latter rain upon the ground in his due season. 3. Obs. That Kings ought to show their respects to their good subjects. 4. Obs. That no subject ought to provoke the King to make him frown. Prov. 20.2. The fear of a King is as the roaring of a Lion, who so provoketh him to anger, sinneth against his own soul. 1. Obs. That men ought to be afraid and tremble, for fear of the King's anger. 2. Obs. That no man ought to vex the King, or provoke him to anger. 3. Obs. That subject sins against his own soul, that provokes the King to anger. 4. Obs. That we must use all our power and industry, to preserve the King in his integrity. Prov. 20.28. Mercy and truth preserve the King: and his Throne is upholden by mercy. 1. Obs. That the preservation of Kings, is upheld by upholding the attributes of God. 2. Obs. That the thrones of Kings are upholden, by holding forth the word of truth, and the works of mercy. 3. Obs. That the Kings care aught to be to show mercy. 4. Obs. That Kings are made glorious, both in the eyes of their subjects, and to other Nations, by holding forth the works of mercy: And here see King Charles glorious. 1. In his showing mercy to his enemies. 2. In preserving the truth from error. 3. In praying for his persecutors. 4. In his desiring of peace in all these wars. 5. In his joy in all his afflictions. 6. In his patience, in the want and enjoyment of his desired Consort, and comforts. 7. In his manifesting all the fruits of the spirit to be in him: his love to God, to the Kingdom, to his Subjects: his joy in tribulations, his desire of peace, his long-suffering, his gentleness, his goodness, his faith, his meekness, his temperance, these have made him glorious: and this is his joy and crown of rejoicing, and by these his Crown is upholden. Prov. 24.21. My son fear thou the Lord, and the King, and meddle not with them that are given to change. 1 Obs. That none can fear the Lord, but he that fears the King. 2 Obs. That unless we honour the King, we cannot truly fear the Lord. 3 Obs. That changelings are not to be trusted unto, nor to have any dealing withal. Prov. 30.31. And a King against whom there is no rising up. 1 Obs. That no man ought to rise up against the King, not by thoughts to think evil of him, not by words to curse him, nor by weapons to war against him. 2 Obs. That we all ought to lay down our evil thoughts, our wicked words, our ungodly weapons, and to submit unto him. 3 Obs. That we all ought to labour in our thoughts, words, and weapons, to preserve and defend the King, and his seed after him for evermore. Eccles. 8.2. I council thee to keep the King's Commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. 1 Obs. That wherein the King Commands the people are to obey. 2 Obs. That the King's Cammands ought to be according to the oath of God. 3 Obs. That the oath of God, and the King's Commands are to be kept. Eccles. 8.4. Where the word of a King is, there is power, and who may say unto him, What dost thou? 1 Obs. That the words of Kings, aught to be powerful words. 2 Obs. That no man is to control the King, nor to speak against him. 3 Obs. That the works of Kings, ought all to be righteous works. Eccles. 10.20 Curse not the King, no not in thy thoughts, and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber, for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. 1 Obs. That we ought not so much as in our thoughts, to think evil, or to curse the King. 2 Obs. That we ought with our lives and estates, in our thoughts, words, and works, to maintain and uphold the Honour of the King. 3 Obs. That no man in Authority ought to be cursed. 4 Obs. That we ought to pray for Kings, and for all in Authority. 5 Obs. That the Lord will reveal the secrets of men's hearts, even of those that curse the King, or any in Authority. Isaiah 49.23. King's shall be thy nursing fathers, and Queens thy nursing mothers. 1 Obs. That its the duty of Kings and Queens, to be tenderly affected towards their subjects. 2 Obs. That its the subjects duty, to preserve and maintain their Kings and Queens, with all fitting maintenance for their places. 3 Obs. That Kings and Queens ought to live together, to be aiding and assisting one to the other: As fathers and mothers. Jer. 27.8. It shall come to pass that the Nation and Kingdom which will not serve Nabuchadnezzar King of Babylon, will I punish with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and harken not to your Prophets, for they prophesy a lie unto you, bringing your necks under the yoke of the King of Babylon, and serve him and his people and live, why will ye die, thou and thy people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as the Lord hath spoken against the Nation that will not serve the King of Babylon? 1 Obs. That Nations and Kingdoms are to be governed by Kings. 2. Obs. That though a King be a wicked King, yet he must be served. 3. Obs. That the punishment of a Nation or Kingdom, whether by sword, famine, or pestilence, follows the disloyalty to the King's commands. 4. Obs. That if Prophets prophesy disloyalty to the King's commands, we are not to hearken unto them: they prophesy a lie. 5. Obs. That its the subjects special duty, to obey the King's command. 6. Obs. That all those that disobey the King's commands shall be punished by death: with sword, by famine, by pestilence. 7. Obs. That its the Lord that brings his punishments, and inflicts them upon a disloyal Nation, or Kingdom, where he pleaseth. Jer. 30.9. But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their King, whom I will raise up unto them. 1. Obs. That the Lord God is to be served. 2. Obs. That David their King is to be served. 3. Obs. That they are joined together to serve the Lord God, & David their King: so serve the Lord God, & Charles their King. 4. Obs. That the Lord raises up Kings, and commands all their subjects to serve them. Ezek. 37.24. David my servant shall be King over them, and they all shall have one shepherd, and they shall walk in my judgements, and observe my statutes and do them. 1. Obs. That all Godly Kings are the Lords immediate servants. 2. Obs. That where a Godly King Rules, there they have all one Godly ministry, one Godly government, one faith, one baptism. 3. Obs. That no liberty ought to be given to tender consciences, to walk contrary to God's statutes. 4. Obs. That the judgements, and statutes, and commandments of God, aught to be the rule and the way, wherein every man ought to walk. 5. Obs. That no command of man binds the Conscience to be observed, that is contrary to the statutes and commandments of God. Hosea 10.3. For now they shall say we have no King, because we feared not the Lord, what then should a King do to us? 1. Obs. That where a people or a Nation begin to cast off the fear of the Lord, that people or Nation desires no King. 2. Obs. That if England fear the Lord, than England desires a King. 3. Obs. That people fear not the Lord, that do not highly esteem of, and honour their King. Hosea 13.10. O Israel, I will be thy King, thou saidst, give me a King and Princes: I gave thee a King in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath. 1. Obs. That God takes the title and name of a King to himself. 2. Obs. That the people of God, hath God to be their King. 3. Obs. That Kings are given, and taken away by God. 4. Obs. That no man hath power to place, or displace the King, but God himself. Mat. 17.12. Jesus asked Peter, what thinkest thou Simon? of whom do the Kings of the earth take custom? of strangers, or of their own children? yet lest we should offend, go to the sea, cast an hook, take a fish, open his mouth, take a piece of money, and pay for thee and me. 1. Obs. That Christ allows of Kings to be on the earth. 2. Obs. That Christ will pay custom to Caesar, rather than offend Caesar. 3. Obs. That Christ will work a miracle, to pay custom to the Kings of the earth, rather than offend. 4 Obs. That by Christ's Example all men must submit to the customs and privileges of Kings. 5 Obs. That free children ought rather to submit to the customs of their Kings, then offend. Mat. 22.20. Mar. 12.17. Luke 20.25. Whose is this Image and Superscription? Caesar's. Render to Cesar the things that be Caesar's, and to God the things that be Gods. 1 Obs. That the Authority of Kings may be enquired after. 2 Obs. That when the King's Authority is made known, it presently must be obeyed. 3 Obs. That its the command of God, to give Kings their due. 4 Obs. That no man ought to hinder the King of his customs, and his deuce, but render them to him. Rom. 13.1.2.7. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers, for there is no power but of God, and the powers that be are ordained of God: Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: And they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation. 1 Obs. That every man ought to submit himself to that Authority that is set over him by God. 2 Obs. That where God sets not Authority, that soul ought not to be subject. 3 Obs. That where Authority commands things contrary to God, that Authority ought not to be obeyed, by active obedience. 4 Obs. That no man ought to resist that Authority that is ordained of God. 5 Obs. That the Authority of Kings is ordained of God, and no man ought to resist them. 6 Obs. That damnation is the reward of disloyalty, to the King's Authority. 1 Tim. 2.1.2. I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for Kings and all that are in Authority. That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. 1 Obs. That all manner of prayers ought to be made for Kings, and all in Authority. 2 Obs. That no quiet and peaceable living can be in any Kingdom, where Kings and Magistrates are not prayed for. 3 Obs. That it is a good and acceptable sacrifice to God our Saviour, to offer up prayers and thanks for Kings, and all in Authority. Titus 3.1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities, and powers, to obey Magistrates, to be ready to every good work. 1 Obs. That people must be put in mind of their duty, they are apt to forget it. 2 Obs. That its the ministers duty to preach subjection to supreme Authority. 3 Obs. That its the people's duty, willingly to yield obedience to all Authority. 4 Obs. That by our good works we show forth our obedience to supreme Authority, and power of the Magistrate. 1 Pet. 2.13, 17. Submit yourselves therefore to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake, whether it be to the King as supreme, or unto Governors as unto them that are sent by him, for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well, for so is the will of God: honour all men, love the Brotherhood, fear God, Honour the King. 1 Obs. That the ordinances of man, that are made agreeable to the word of the Lord, aught to be obeyed. 2 Obs. That the King is the supreme Governor, and his Authority is supreme Authority, and his commands are supremely to be obeyed. 3. Obs. That governor's are sent by the King, and have their authority from the King. 4. Obs. That the authority of governor's, is to punish evil doers, and to praise them that do well. 5. Obs. That its Gods will that the King is supreme governor, and he commands: his commands are supremely to be obeyed. 6. Obs. That no government ought to be set up, neither in Church nor state, that is not according to the word and will of God. 7. Obs. That all men ought to be honoured in that place of authority, whereunto God hath called them. 8. Obs. That the Saints of God upon earth ought to be loved. 9 Obs. That high and low, rich and poor, aught to fear God. 10. Obs. That all men, high and low, rich and poor, noble and ignoble, young and old, it is their duty to honour the King: God save the King, God save King Charles. Thus gentle Reader, have we run through these places and texts of Scripture, which hath sufficiently to every man's soul, proved unto us painly, the work we have taken in hand to set forth The King's AUTHORITY. And lest any should with the Atheist deny there is a God, or a King; we will gather up these fragments again, that nothing be lost. And now view and behold the The King's AUTHORITY, and the Subjects DUTY. And so here we may plainly see and observe, That the Lord alone hath chosen Kings (not man.) And he hath chosen them to Rule over and to Govern his own people Israel. And Kings are the Lords immediate servants, his holy ones. The Lords Anointed for that purpose to Govern his people, & their Thrones are upholden by the Lord, & their AUTHORITY is from the Lord, and their AUTHORITY is supreme AUTHORITY over ALL. And yet they own duty to God, as first, 1 To see that the house of the Lord be beautified. 2 To maintain their Queens, against all that shall oppose them. 3 To pray to God for themselves, and to make God their defence and shield, and not put confidence in man. 4 To make all their Laws, and decrees, and ordinances, according to the Laws of God, and their sentences and words, to be as the Oracles of God. 5 To show a cheerful countenance, and their due respects to their good subjects: And to hold forth the Attributes of God according to the word of truth, and to show mercy, and to do righteous works. 6 To endeavour to have all one godly Ministry, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one union in Religion and Church Government, and no liberty if they walk contrary to God. 7 To appoint Governors, and to Authorise them to punish evil doers, and to praise them that do well. And let us now see the duty of Godly Rulers to their King. 1 GOdly Rulers and Elders, must desire to have a King, to Rule them and to Govern them. 2 Godly Rulers have no power to choose a King, to dis-throne a King, or to imprison a King. 3 Godly Rulers ought to pray for the King, to pray for the long life of the King, and not compare themselves to the King, nor think slightly of the King. 4 Godly Rulers ought to strive to maintain the King's Honour, the Prince's innocency, and not to separate the King and the Queen. 5 Godly Rulers ought to punish evil doers, and to praise them that do well. And here next behold the Prophet's duty. 1 ANd they are to Prophesy Loyalty, and Obedience to the King's commands. 2 They are to offer Sacrifice, to pray for the King and his Sons. 3 They are to preach to the people subjection, to supreme Authority. And because we will have compassion on the multitude, and not let them departed without a blessing, we will show them their duty. And here observe now, and behold the people's duty to their King. 1. THe people's duty is, to pray for wisdom and understanding for the King. 2. The people's duty is, to pray for the King by his name, God save King Solomon: God save King Charles. 3. The people's duty is, to pray for the King, and his seed for evermore. 4. The people's duty is, not to compare themselves to the King, nor think slightly of the King, nor curse the King. 5. The people's duty is, to maintain and uphold with their lives and estates the King's honour: and to humble themselves, and submit their lives to the King's mercy. 6. The people's duty is, to obey all the Laws and commands of the King. 7. The people's duty is, not to provoke the King to anger, nor to control the King, nor to rise up against the King, by thought, by word, or by weapon. 8. The people's duty is, to serve and obey the King, lest the punishment of disloyalty to the Kings commands befall them, as sword, famine, pestilence. 9 The people's duty is, to pay customs or tributes to their King, Caesar. 10. The people's duty is to observe the duty for fear of a greater punishment: damnation is the reward of all those that resist the King's supreme AUTHORITY: blessedness is the reward of all those that submit unto, and obey the King's supreme AUTHORITY. And thus having laid ten commands upon the people, to which they must all submit and obey: Let us again view and behold England. And here by these commands of God by his servant Moses, and by all his holy Prophets: by the practice of Jesus Christ, and by the commands of his holy Apostles. Let us now with Moses the servant of the Lord, call Israel to a reckoning, and with Israel, England: and see what God could have done more for Israel England then he hath done. Deut. 10.12. And now O Israel, O England: What doth the Lord thy God require of thee? to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul: and to keep the commandments of the Lord and his statutes, and to do that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God. Deut. 12.28. for it is true which S. Luke saith, Luke 12.47. He that knows his Master's will and doth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes. And to this Christ himself saith, Mat. 7.21. Not every one that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven: but he that doth the will of my father which is in heaven. Therefore I shall desire you with the Noble Bereans, Acts 17.11. to search the Scriptures daily whether these things be so or no, that ye may believe, and in believing have everlasting life. But withal I must admonish you according to that of 1 Jo. 4.1. Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God or no: for false Prophets are gone out into the world. And behold they come unto you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves, and if it were possible, they would deceive the very elect. Mat. 24.24. But by their fruits you shall know them. And if you desire to know them, than I shall exhort you as 2 Chro. 20.20. Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established, believe his Prophets, as Jam. 5.10. that have spoken to you in the name of the Lord, so shall ye prosper. 1 John 3.23. And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his son Jesus Christ, and love one another, for there is no Name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, but the name of the Lord Jesus, Acts 4.12. Think not to say within yourselves we have Abraham to our father, Mat. 3.9. or we are great, or rich, or have this privilege or other, God is greater, and able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. But now the axe is laid to the root of the tree: Therefore every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down and cast into the fire. By their fruits therefore ye shall know them: for now is the time of envying, strife and division, 1 Cor. 3.3. Now is the time of confusion, and every evil work. Jam. 3.16. Now than this is the time, as Jam. 5.16. That the fervent prayer of the righteous man should avail much with the Lord. And therefore shall we with Abraham the father of the faithful, shall we follow his example, Gen. 18.23. stand and draw near before the Lod, and intercede for Sodom: for England: and pray, peradventure, there be fifty righteous within England; wilt thou also destroy, and not spare the Kingdom for the fifty righteous that are therein? Shall we follow the example of Moses the servant of the Lord, Exod. 32.30. Go up unto the Lord, and make an atonement for the Kingdom, and say, this people have sinned a great sin: They have denied the King's AUTHORITY: Yet now, if thou wilt, forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of the Book thou hast written. And likewise shall we follow his example again, for a good example cannot be too much followed. As Deut. 9.25. Shall we fall down on our knees, and pray unto the Lord, and say, Oh Lord God, destroy not this Kingdom, this people, thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed, through thy greatness, and brought out of Egypt's darkness, with a mighty hand, and an outstretched arm. Remember thy servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and look not upon the stubbornness of this people, nor to their sin. Shall we follow the example of Joshuah, a Ruler full of the spirit of wisdom, joshua 7.10. Unto whom the Lord said, Get thee up, wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them, for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and they have also stolen, and dissembled also: and they have put it even among their own stuff. A goodly Babylonish garment, & two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight. A goodly thing to destroy the soul: England be warned by this; for what will it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Shall we follow the example of David, a man after Gods own heart, who exhorts us, Psal. 95.6. O come let us worship and bow down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker, lest he be grieved with us forty years, as he was with that generation, and swore unto us in his wrath, we should not enter into his rest? Shall we follow the example of Solomon, who, 1 Kings 8.22. stood before the Altar of the Lord, and kneeled upon his knees, and spread forth his hands towards heaven, and said, If Israel sinned, [if England] and they would turn again, and confess their sin, and make supplication, than he would hear in heaven, and forgive their sin, and heal the Land. Shall we follow the example of Daniel, Dan. 9.3. who set his face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes, and prayed unto the Lord, and made confession, saying, We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have rebelled, and departed from thy precepts, and from thy judgements: And have not hearkened to thy servants the Prophets which spoke in thy name to our Kings, our Princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land: Harken now and be no more rebellious. Shall we now take the example of all examples, and follow Jesus Christ, who in Mat. 26.39. fell on his face and prayed, Mar. 1.35. Who departed into a solitary place and there prayed Luke 22.41. Who withdrew himself from them about a stones cast, and kneeled down and prayed. Joh. 17.1. Who lift up his eyes to heaven and said, Heb. 5.7. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared. And withal take a caveat here with you, not to follow the example of the hypocrites, who Mat. 6.5. love to pray standing in the Synagoges, and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. And Mat. 23.14. Who devour widow's houses, and for a pretence make long prayers, but these shall receive greater damnation. Having thus finished our course, and now brethren being thus compassed about with such a cloud of examples of witnesses, that shall all in the last day rise up in judgement against us, for heaven and earth shall pass away, but not one tittle of the word of God shall fail. Let us follow Jesus preaching, and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mat. 4.17. And Luk. 13.3. Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish. And Luke 21.36. Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. And let us follow S. Peter's rule, 1 Pet. 5.8. Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. And with the author to the Heb. 12.1. let us now look about us, Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. We have a good example, Looking up unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God, from whence he shall come in the glory of his father, with all his holy Angels, and he shall reward every man according to his works, according to that he hath done in his body, whether it be good or bad, (not shifting from him in that day.) For before him all nations shall be gathered together, and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth the sheep from the goats. Mat. 25.32. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the king say unto them on the right hand, Come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For ye are they that have obeyed my word, my servant Moses, my holy Prophets and Apostles, and have obeyed the King's AUTHORITY delivered by them. But unto the goats on the left hand, Depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels, for ye are they that are disobedient, and rebellious against the word of the Lord, against the holy Prophets and holy Apostles, and against the example and commands of Jesus Christ himself, who commands obedience to Caesar: Submission to the King's Supreme AUTHORITY. Now these things have I written unto you according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, 2 Cor. 13.10. In hopes the better learned will amend it. And brethren be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, fear God, honour the King: Live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you. And the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The End.