Fleet Mayor. Martis decimo die Octobr. 1693. Annoque Reg. Regis & Regin' Willielmi & Mariae, Angliae, etc. Quinto. THis Court doth desire Mr Strengfellow to Print his Sermon Preached before the Lord Mayor, aldermans, and Livery-men of this City, at the Parish-Church of St. Lawrence-Jewry, before the Election of the Lord Mayor, on Michaelmas day last. Goodfellow. Imprimatur. Ra. Barker. Lambeth Oct. 17. 1693. A SERMON Preached before the RIGHT HONOURABLE THE Lord Mayor, aldermans and Livery-men OF THE CITY of LONDON, IN THE Parish-Church of St. Lawrence-Jewry, ON THE Feast of St. Michael 1693. At the Election of the Lord Mayor for the Year ensuing. By WILLIAM STRENGFELLOW, M. A. Lecturer of St. Dunstan's East. LONDON, Printed by T. W. for Walter Kettilby, at the Bishop's Head in St. Paul's Churchyard, and Samuel Eddowes under the Piazza, at the Royal-Exchange in Cornhill, 1693. TO THE Right Honourable Sir JOHN FLEET, Lord Mayor OF THE CITY of LONDON, And to the COURT of ALDERMEN. Right Honourable, 'TIS an Observation I have made for now a dozen Years at least (wherein I should yet be very glad to find myself mistaken) that there is no one thing of more pernicious consequence, to the Peace and Tranquillity of this Renowned City, than its disorderly Popular Elections, whether of Magistrates to Rule, or of Ministers to Teach. The latter of these Evils, I dare say, the most considerable Part of the Clergy here do both highly disapprove, and very hearty bewail: the which, I hope, will at length meet with a Rebuke as public as the Scandal it gives, from some or other Superior of that Order, whose Gravity and Abilities are most likely to be effectually successful in the reclaiming of it. And 'twas chief because I knew myself to be no fit Match for the former, that I did not without some Reluctancy engage in the Service Your Lordship was pleased to enjoin me upon this peculiar Occasion, which I easily foresaw would most naturally induce an Encounter with it. For of all the Parts of a Preacher's Duty, that of Public Reproof should be discharged with both Strength and Courage, Skill and Authority; and is (I think) generally the least becoming, but however the most unrelishable from any of us of the Junior Sort. My Lord, 'Tis our great Disadvantage in occasional Sermons (and especially upon so copious a Subject as fallen to my share here) that we have seldom time to press home any single Argument, without defrauding of all others: and so are forced rather to pick, than collect Materials; to say nothing at all upon some Heads, and perhaps not enough upon any. And (among others) that's one considerable Defect of the Instructive Pages of the ensuing Discourse: which is scarce any thing more than a Cursory Touch upon many such Particulars, as do well deserve a more solid Treatment. And though in the few Elenchtical Periods of it, 'twas my real Design to act the Plain-Dealer; yet I'm sure I have not where wilfully broke in upon that becoming Deference, which I know to be the rightful Due of those Worthy Sages, who were chief in Nomination in the late Election. I have therefore given them the Title of Candidates, because I know not by what more proper Term either to express my meaning, or to distinguish them from the rest of their Brethren. And though I sometimes call them Competitors also, yet the indifferent Reader will easily discern I have taken care to charge the Indecencies of the Competition, not upon them, but upon the undisciplined and tumultuary Populace. My Lord, There is no one more sensible, than myself, of the numerous Imperfections of the whole: And if I have any good Opinion of it, 'tis purely owing to the kind Acceptance it unexpectedly found from both Your Lordship and the Honourable Court. And because I know not what should probably invite so public an Approbation as you have since been pleased to grace it with, unless its Plainness and unaffected Simplicity: I have therefore taken care to make You a Tender of it from the Press, in the very same homely Dress You had it from the Pulpit; save only that I have added a single Passage or two, to prevent the misunderstanding of my meaning in several others. In fine, (My Lord) Whatever may be the Effect of this mean Performance, I'm sufficiently conscious 'twas sincerely intended for a charitable Effort (without all manner of Reflection upon either Person or Party) towards the so much to be desired Composure of our unhappy Differences. And though the farther Publication of it is an Instance of my Obedience to Your Lordship's Commands, wherein I had much rather have been excused; yet if the Reader will peruse it with the like Candour it met with from that Venerable Audience wherein 'twas uttered; it can, I hope, do no harm, and may (by the Blessing of God) do some good. My Lord, I have nothing more to add, but my most grateful Acknowledgement of Your Lordship's many and signal Favours, both before and since Your Advancement to the Chair of Eminence. And if 'twere not to prove what I believe no one doubts, I could myself supply as convincing a Testimony of Your surpassing Private Munificence, as the Year of Your Mayoralty hath many of Your Public. But I'm sensible they no more need the Encomiums of either Tongue or Pen, than Your Honour doth the Support of the Praetorial Robe. You may now with Satisfaction put off the latter, but the former will be the indelible Ornament of Your Name and Memory. And 'twere Injustice in this great City, to grudge You a little Ease in one kind, since She hath taken care to burden You in another: or to repine at Your Absence at Guild-Hall, while You solicit Her Interest in St. Stephen's Chapel. May You long enjoy the fragrant Odours of Your diffusive Beneficence, in this World; and at length reap the complete Reward of it, in that which is to come. And may God Almighty bless this Famous Corporation with a lasting Succession of such Governors, is the hearty Prayer of, MY LORD, Your Lordship's Highly obliged, and most devoted humble Servant, W. S. A SERMON Preached at the ELECTION OF THE Lord Mayor. Matth. xx. 22. former part. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. THE Disciples of our Lord being big with expectation of their mighty Promotions, upon his approaching Investment with the Regal Power; they had frequent Jealousies, and warm Debates, which among them should be the Greatest under him. One probably thought, his Master's peculiar * Matth. 16.18, 19 Promise was sufficient to give him the best right to that topping Dignity. Others that they stood fairest for it, upon the score of their * John 13.23. Bosom-intimacy, their † Gal. 1. 19 proximity of blond, their surpassing ‖ Mark 3.17. endowments, and such like instances of their personal merit. But amongst 'em all, James and John the Sons of Zebedee (imagining perhaps that their own united Claims, and their * Matth. 27.56. zealous Mother's importunity could hardly both miscarry) took the boldness to address him in none of the most † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Mark 1●. 35. submissive terms, that they might have the privilege to sit, the one on his right hand, the other on his, left. His Kingdom they fansyed was not only to be a temporal one, but was moreover to be established by the Jewish Model: And having lately heard him ‖ Matth. 19.28 declare, that even all the twelve should be his * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Viceroys, or Deputy-Magistrates in each his respective Province; 'twas the highflown aim of these two Brethren, to insure to themselves the two most eminent of those honourable Posts, which they supposed would (like those of Joseph and Judah of old) entitle them to the Precedence of all the rest. Now to this their ambitious request, my Text (which immediately follows) is a short, but effectual both check and reply. Jesus answered and said Ye know not what ye ask. Where observe, that these words [Ye know not] may fairly denote to us either 1. A downright ignorance: You understand not the nature of those illustrious Offices you sue for under my intended Government. Or 2. A stupid † Act 23.5. inconsideration: If ye do understand them, ye little think of the weight and burden of them, or of the accomplishments necessary to their due discharge. In the former sense, they are most properly applicable to the two Apostles to whom they were spoke: But in this latter, they may well serve for a cautionary admonition to all Candidates for the Magistracy, in any, whether greater or lesser Communities. And as such I shall briefly treat of them, under these ensuing general Heads. I. I shall inquire a little into the real object of those men's Suit, who are at any time Candidates for the Office of a Magistrate; or shall show, what it is they must be supposed to ask. II. From the nature of the office so described, I shall infer the several Qualifications requisite to fit them for it. III. Those Qualifications being supposed, I shall next inquire, Whether or no, and how far 'tis allowable to ask, or sue for any such office, or post of eminence. iv I shall cursorily remark upon some such unbecoming ways of ask, as I fear our own Age is too justly chargeable withal. And, V last, Shall conclude all with a summary Exhortation, adapted to the occasion of our present Solemnity. I begin with the first thing now proposed. And that is, I. To inquire a little into the most substantial object of those men's suit, who are at any time Candidates for the Office of a Magistrate; or to show what it is they must be supposed to ask. Now I conceive the honourable Office, to which 'twill be here expected my following Discourse should bear somewhat of immediate respect, doth always afford these three things most especially considerable: Abundance of business, a multitude of Snares, and a very solemn and severe charge. Other appendages 'tis possible it may have, but these it must have its inseparable Companions. And though even these sit heavier or lighter, in proportion to the circumstances of times and seasons; yet they seldom or never become so insensible, as not to deserve the esteem of a real burden. First I say, 1. One sure entail on the Magistrate's Office, is that of abundance of business. And indeed, 'twas this was the main occasion of the first institution of the subordinate Magistracy. For we read (Exod. 18.) that Jethro, observing the Government of Israel was too great a task for any one Man, first admonished Moses (ver. 18.) Thou wilt surely wear away (says he) both thou, and this people that is with thee; for this thing is too heavy for thee, thou art not able to perform it thyself alone: And then advised him (ver. 21.) to provide out of all the people a certain number of able men, men of truth, such as feared God, and hated Covetousness, and to place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of ten. And as (in imitation of this same early pattern) it hath been long since found necessary in our own Nation, to divide the burden to make it tolerable; so there are some shares still so very weighty (as particularly that of this great and populous City) that I had almost said, those Magistrates had need really be (what they are honourably styled) no less than Gods, who adventure on 'em. For on all such 'tis highly incumbent (like that Almighty Sovereign they represent) to have a watchful Eye upon all the Dangers, the Ails, the Exigences, and Interests of the Public. As heroic Souls, of a more than ordinary divine Extract, to inform and actuate every Member of the Body-politick. As main Springs, by their own steady motions to maintain a regularity among all their dependants. As common Parents, to divide their Care and Affection with a Prudence, and Impartiality, sufficient (if possible) to preserve a happy Concord among their numerous Progeny. As the general Proveditors of their respective Territories, to be the sure Refuge of Widows and Orphans, the ignorant and the impotent, the hungry and the naked, the sick, the imprisoned, and calamitous Strangers. As universal Benefactors, to employ an authoritative concern for all necessary charitable Contributions, to confer vacant Offices upon such as most need and best deserve them, to keep up such an innocent Hospitality as is fairly becoming the Dignity of their Stations, to provide Work and Employment for the Honest and Industrious, and Stripes for all Vagrants, Nightwalkers, and lusty Beggars. As the trusty Stewards of all established Munificence, to visir Hospitals, and all endowed Foundations; to assert their Rights, enforce their Discipline, and (by a good improvement of their present Revenues) to invite others to be Benefactors. As public Mediators, to bring all Differences they can to an amicable period. As the Conservators of our Municipal Laws, to make them both sacred in their Authority, Vere dici potest, Magistratum esse Legem loqu●ntem, Legen autem mutum Magistratum. Cic. de Leg. Lib. 3. and effectual in their End; a Security to every one's just Rights, a Curb to Vice, and a Protection (not a Snare) to Virtue. Above all, it behoveth 〈…〉 be the zealous Patrons of true * Isa. 49.23. Religion, to be eminent † Numb. 27.17. Patterns of it themselves, strict ‖ Josh. 24.15. Upholders of it in their Families, * 2. Chro. 30.22. powerful Abettors of its industrious Planters, and † Rom. 13.3, 4. resolute Avengers of all such as shall dare to affront either it, or ‖ Deut. 17.12. them in the vindication of it. For (alas!) what can our Pulpit-Admonitions, or pathetical Harangues be supposed to signify, if they be not backed with the Magistrate's Authority; if the Rods and Axes done't both sedulously pursue, and effectually overtake that processed Atheism, that monstrous Profaneness, and triumphant Wickedness, which (for the most part) are out of the reach of, but however, are always sure Proof against all such our incoereive Attacks? These are some, and (I appeal to those of experience amongst you) they are but some parts of that huge Variety of both Care and Business, that's indispensably annexed to the chief Magistracy of this spacious Corporation. And as it requires an extraordinary supply of Divine Aid, to bear the Burden thus imperfectly described; so he must be more than a mere man, who can walk upright and steadily under it, without either stumbling or stepping awry. For, 2ly, 2. Proportionable to his business will his Snares be also, and he must expect to meet with frequent intermixtures of the one with the other. 'Tis odds but his Honour will tempt him to either▪ an overweening Opinion of his own Merits, or an undervaluing one of those of others. The Head that is steady enough upon even ground, may unexpectedly turn giddy upon the Pinnacle of Eminence: And that must be a great Soul indeed, who while he wears the Dignity and Title of a * Psal. 82.6. God, doth not bewray the Vanity and Infirmity of a Man. Moreover, his Authority affords Snares, as well as his Honour; and he'll be strongly solicited (both from within and from without) to employ the power he's entrusted with for the Public Good, to either his own or other men's private. 'Tis great hap, if his Parental Affection doth not run too strong one particular way: And if he be not duly careful to diffuse it equally, he will descend from a common to a private Father; and while he pampers the Darling, will, starve the Disaffected. He will undoubtedly be tampered withal as a public Benefactor, for both, the bestowing of his Favours, and the use of his Interest; and if he be not strongly fortified with an unbyass'd Integrity, he'll soon learn at once both to connive at the Demerit of the best befriended, and to overlook die Worth of the lonely Supplicant. His Justice may degenerate into either Tyranny or Partiality; and if either a despicable Poverty, a private Grudge, a revengeful Inclination (on the one hand) or an overgrown Estate, a sour Aspect, a secret Respect, or a paltry Bribe on the other, be put in competition with the Merit of the Cause; he'll be sure to want neither Skill nor Evidence; to decide the Controversy. If his Mind bened exalted above the catching Transports of either Vanity, Impatience, or an undecent Rashness, he may be in danger from that Quarter also: For, 'tis no new thing in his public post, to meet with both Flattery, Obloquy, and designed Provocation. His Hospitality may be sometimes ensnaring to both himself and others: To himself, by its engrossing too great a proportion of either his Time or his Fortune: To others with himself, by their perverting it into the occasion of a sinful excess. 'Tis hard to please some, by keeping within the Bounds of an orderly Discipline, and a Christian Temperance; but impossible to maintain both the exemplary Innocence, and the due Veneration of a public Magistrate, consistently with the breach or transgression of either. And finally, well 'tis for him, if amidst this crowd of other business, he can find either leisure or inclination for Religion, which is beyond all compare the most important. For we are all ready to fancy an urgent occasion is abundantly sufficient to excuse the Homage we own to Piety, at least till we have better opportunity and time for it: And by consequence, he that hath (at most) but little to spare, will be tempted to employ it upon somewhat else. But when greatness and multiplicity of Business meet together, those amount almost to an Authoritative Licence: And where the Magistrate relies on that, for an excuse of his Profaneness; as his Office cannot fail of being a private Snare to himself, so his unhallowed discharge of it must inevitably prove a public Scandal to all others. And if to his hurry of Business, and his train of Snares, we subjoin in the last place, 3. The weight and severity of the Magistrate's Charge, they'll together (I think) very fairly amount to the sum total of his great Acquest. His Charge is as extensive as his whole Province; and of no less moment than the common Felicity of all its parts. Of no less, said I? Nay, oftentimes of infinitely greater. For there are some peculiar authoritative Posts, which (though of limited power) are of universal influence: And if I apply the Assertion particularly to that of the Chief Magistrate of this Great City, I shall not need to seek far, for either Records or Vouchers to confirm the truth on't. The Metropolis of a Nation is its Universal Academy: And if either Vice or Error, Atheism or Profaneness, Faction or Disorder, prevails in the one, the Tincture will of course inevitably spread, and the other must quickly learn the Fashion. Now, the more eminent the Station, the greater the Trust: And the greater the Trust, the more fatal the Miscarriage. And as the Welfare or Ruin of all the Members so immediately depends upon that of the Head, so he had need be well assured of his own ability, who either sues for, or accepts the regimen of it. Especially if he considers withal (together with the Object) the Author of his Charge: For howsoever he may owe the Right of his Office to the People's Choice, he derives the Authority of it from God Almighty. And as his investiture with it is ordinarily accompanied with the solemnity of an Oath; so every wilful Miscarriage in the succeeding discharge of it, is Perfidiousness to those who entrust him with the one, and an Affront to that Potentate he represents in the other. So that in truth a Magistrate cannot sin at so cheap a rate as another man. For, besides that, as a private person, he incurs the guilt of a Criminal by every violation of the Divine Law▪ he must moreover be responsible for his daring Profanation of that Sacred Name he bears as a public, and for his vicious Example unto those he governs. Nay, which is yet more, he is not only chargeable with his own Faults, but with those of others too: And whatsoever Broils or Commotions, open Debaucheries or clandestine Villainies, advances of Vice or declensions of Virtue, occur within his respective Territory; in a word, whatsoever either Good thing miscarries which he ought to have promoted, or Evil is committed which he could have prevented, will be sure to be brought upon his account at the great and dreadful day of the Lord. For how much soever the Offices of an Ecclesiastic and a Secular Governor may differ in nature, their Charges (I think) run pretty parallel, in this one Case at least. They are both Shepherds; they are both Watchmen. And whereas God Almighty threatens the enormous Sinner, that he shall surely die; if they be not duly careful, the one to warn, the other to restrain him from the evil of his ways, the wicked man shall die in his iniquity: Ezek. 33.7, 8. but his blood shall be required at their hands. And thus I have given you a brief account of what I conceive is most considerable in the venerable Office of a Public Magistrate; and what every one (in consequence) must be supposed to sue for, who is a Competitor for it. Jesus answered, and said, Ye know not what ye ask. II. The second thing proposed to be undertaken, I shall neither have time, nor indeed occasion to insist much upon. For, I cannot but think, 'tis an easy matter for any one of the meanest capacity, (and much more for those immediately concerned) from the nature of the Office thus described, to infer the several Qualifications requisite to fit a man for it. His Business (you see) is like to be great, his Snares numerous, and his Charge exceedingly strict and severe. And, 'tis hard to imagine any one should ever acquit himself well, in all these three respect; who is not a man of universal Piety, of an inviolable Integrity, a competent Ability, a generous Magnanimity, an indefatigable Industry, and a hearty Wellwisher to the established Religion and Government. He must be a man of universal Piety; for 'tis certain he can be but a listless Abetter of Goodness amongst others, who hath little or no concern for it in himself. And how formally or magisterially soever he may sometimes declare against Intemperance, Injustice, Profaneness, and all manner of Vice and Immorality; if lie doth not effectually recommend the contrary Virtues by an Example as remarkable as his Place is * Quo qis in Rep. majorem dignitatis gradum adeptues est, eo submissius Deum colat. Agapet. eminent, his Life will be sure to put his Zeal to the blush, and his Precepts will quickly commence as insignificant in the Esteem of others, as those of his Sovereign Lord and Master God Almighty do already appear to be in his. He must be a man of Conscience and Integrity also; for, 'tis nothing less can render his Conduct uniform, and all of a piece, and keep him tied and hearty to the whole of his Office. He will otherwise be in continual danger, to adhere to the pleasing, and to overlook the unrelishable parts of his incumbent Duty; to be made the obsequious Bondslave of every specious Temptation; and upon every base Overture, to snap all the Bands of his Sacred Charge (if they were a Thousand times stronger) with as much Ease, and as little Regret, as Samson of old did his Withs and new Ropes. He must moreover be a man of good Abilities, well stocked with the natural and acquired Endowments of the Mind, and (as Grotius with good reason interprets the † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Deut. 18.21. word) with those of Fortune too: For otherwise (be he never so honest and virtuous) for want of the one, he'll be frequently at a loss in the reconciling of Differences, the due administrations of Justice, etc. and by the scantiness of the other, be put upon such mean arts, and sordid shifts, as will exceedingly abase the dignity of his Station. And for the same reason, he should be a man of a generous Magnanimity, of an enlarged Soul, and an undaunted Courage: For, 'tis this must make him the unbyass'd Devoto of the public Interest, the resolute Friend of his * Cariola parents, Liberi etc. sed omnes omnium caritates Patria una complexa est. Country and Community; that must inspire him with a noble disdain of either a selfish Loyalty or a disgustful Treachery, and set him above all the little Engines of either Hope or Fear, Threats or Promises, the Frowns of Potentates, or the Corruption of Lovis d' Ors. I add farther, He must be a man of indefatigable Vigilance and Industry, of an active Spirit, and a lasting Patience: for, he will otherwise be frequently trepanned into unwary Mistakes, will grow weary of well-doing, will crouch under his Burden, and faint and move heavily towards the end of his course; and so consequently ●lubber over his business, to the baneful slackening of the Reins of Government, the oppression of his Successor, and the no small (nay, perhaps irremediable) detriment of the Weal-public. And finally, under our present circumstances especially, he had need to be a most hearty Wellwisher to our National Religion and Government. To the former, because 'tis closely interwoven with the fundamental Laws of the Monarchy, and his separate Interest will be otherwise continually prompting him to foment those Mutinies amongst Christ's Members, which (God knows) are hot enough already, and to turn his peculiar Territory into a Nursery of Schisms and Dissentions. To the latter, for else he must of course be an Abetter of Faction and Sedition, and be always endeavouring to set up a little Commonwealth in opposition to the great one. And to both together, both because 'twill be no easy matter for us to change either for a better, and because he's like enough to be strongly solicited (by one sort of Temptation or another) to join issue with their professed Adversaries. And when once the established Religion and Government do cease to be the Darling Twins of their common Patrons; I dare say, 'twill deserve to pass for a fatal Omen of the Ruin of both. So much shall suffice for the several Qualifications of a good Magistrate. With respect to all which, I may well put our Saviour's pathetical Question (in the words immediately after my Text) to all Candidates for that honourable Office; Are ye able to drink of the cup, & c? But, admit a Man be duly accomplished for it, in all the foregoing respects; it then remains to be next enquired (which is the 3d general I at first proposed) III. Whether or no, and how far 'tis allowable for him, to ask, or sue for any such Post of Eminence: For 'tis very observable, that though the two Disciples forthwith replied to our Lord's Demand, without any manner of doubt or hesitation, We are able; they yet succeeded ne'er the better afterwards. A certain indication, that he was not a little displeased with either the matter or circumstances of this their Suit. As to the matter or substance of the Honourable Office under our present consideration, I shall not here assert, That 'tis utterly unlawful to desire it; for I conceive the Apostle's words (in a parallel instance) do not obscurely imply the contrary: 1 Tim. 3.1 If a man desire the office of a Bishop, he desireth a good work. And if the Office of a Bishop may be in some sort innocently desired, I see no reason why that of a Magistrate may not be as well so too. But then mark the emphasis of the Expression (which will equally hold in the Case before us) He desireth a good work, says he; * Hieron. Opus, non dignitatem; laborem non delicias. A Work indeed (as you have already heard) so manifold and laborious, so dangerous and ensnaring, and enjoined with so strict and severe a charge, that I cannot imagine how 'tis any ways reconcilable with either that lively apprehension we ought always to carry about us of both our numerous Infirmities, and our approaching account, or with humane Prudence and a rectified Reason, to be at all eager of adventuring upon it. For, how can a Man be thought considerately to court a hurry of Business, to run designedly upon a multitude of Snares, or industriously to draw upon himself such a Charge, as he must one day give a strict account of; so long as he may fairly decline them all? Methinks it were enough (in all ordinary Cases at least) for a Good man not † Locus superior sine quo Populus regi non potest, etsi ita administretur at dccet, tamen indecenter appetitur. Aug. de Cie▪ Dei. obstinately to refuse them, when they are put upon him. And there is but one reason I can think of, that can so much as plausibly be alleged in vindication of an actual desire; I mean that of the public good. And even this too, where 'tis most noisily pretended, is ordinarily least sincerely meant; and is (I fear) too frequently perverted into a Stolen for somewhat else. And whensoever you see a man transported beyond the bounds of a strictly modest, or decent inclination; you may reasonably look upon it as a shrewd sign, that either he's possessed (like the two Apostles in the Text) with an overfond Opinion of his own Abilities, or hath some sinister end to serve by it. Indeed, 'twas (I conceive) the motive, not the matter of their Suit, which our Blessed Saviour mainly designed to reprehend in his bold Supplicants. And from the purport of the sacred Narrative, (as we have it recorded in both St. * Ch. 20.20 etc. Matthew and St. † Ch. 10.35 etc. Mark) it seems not only probable but plain and obvious, that the chief incentive whereby they were prompted to it, was either Covetousness or Ambition, or perhaps both of them together. As for Covetousness; how prevalent soever that might be in the Apostles Case, it cannot be reasonably supposed to sway at all, with respect to the venerable Office in question: For to those who successively bear it, we are not a little beholden (among other their public Benefactions) for maintaining its dignity by the generous expense of so very considerable a part of their own private Fortunes, as can never render it eligible upon a score of Interest. But than you'll say perhaps, that though the business, and the snares, and the charges of the Magistracy stracy are no very desirable things, yet the honour and grandeur of it are: and albeit 'tis no great point of Prudence to solicit the former, 'tis surely very allowable to wish for, or endeavour after the latter. I Answer, There is indeed a peculiar honour annexed to the Magistrate's Office, and I know no reason we have to grudge it him: for if he duly performs the work, I dare say he will both dearly earn, and well deserve the wages. But then that which is ordinarily esteemed honour, is nothing more than the outward Appendage or Ornamental dress of the Office; designed partly to alleviate the burden to him who bears it, and * Culrus magnificus addit hominibus authoritatem. Quintil. lust. partly to insure to him a profounder veneration amongst those he governs. And there is no possessing of this honour, without the burden together with it. And if there were, 'tis so thin, so fleeting, and imaginary a something, as can never be reasonably made the object of a solid desire. And whereas even true honour is but the shadow of Virtue, this counterfeit honour can be no more than the shadow of the true: Now the shadow of a shadow, if it be not altogether, is I'm sure next to nothing at all. So that indeed, the only Honour that either deserveth the name, or is worth the having, is the pleasing reflection, the grateful odour that flows from a conscientious discharge of the Office. And whosoever he be that desires this, must have a special care he do ned pursue it too eagerly: For 'tis undoubtedly true, that that which cannot be the proper object of a Man's Covetousness, may yet be that of his Ambition or Ostentation. And true Honour is a tender Flower, that quickly loseth both its Beauty, and its Fragrancy, by too course a handling; a critical Plant, that will flourish in none but a truly virtuous Soil; a shy Spouse, that's most successfully courted at a distance, and will not endure an urgent importunity; a Divine Treasure, that can neither be gotten nor kept, but by the most fair, the most decent, the most innocent, and unexceptionable means. And therefore those men are extremely mistaken in their aim, who attempt to possess it by any other. Which is a proper Introduction to my fourth General; under which head (you may remember) I at first proposed, iv To remark a little upon some such unbecoming waves of ask, or suing for Honour and Posts of Eminence, as I fear our own Age is too justly chargeable withal. Among the numerous advantages this famous City is so signally blessed with; I presume we shall all agree, it's most excellently constituted Civil Government is none of the least considerable. And if we have any grievance to complain of under it, I'm persuaded 'tis mainly one of our own Creating, I mean the undecent, and even scandalous annual Canvasings for the chief Administration of it. An evil, that's grown of late so very pernicious, and so universally influential; that I dare almost adventure to assert, there hath been more ill blood raised, and more mischief done, by the disorderly Elections of one single year, than by all the Misgovernments that have occurred in twenty. A certain Indication this, that we have not so great a scarcity of men fit for such a Promotion, as of Charity, and good Nature, to agree about them amongst ourselves. I have not now time (indeed 'twould require a set Discourse) to represent to you the odious nature, and the fatal effects of those tumultuary hurries, and shameful Outrages, which are too too customary upon these Occasions: The public toleration whereof I know not how 'tis possible to excuse, unless by pleading that even Government itself suffers a kind of Dissolution (at least a convulsive interruption) during the heat and continuance of them. What indefatigable Industry is ordinarily used, to draw out the whole representative Body of the City, as it were in two great opposite Bands; to Skirmish as furiously with each other, as 'tis possible, without the loss of either Life or Limbs? How do the bigoted Agents of perhaps both sides, labour, and struggle, by might and main, by Tricks and Collusions, by Clubs and Cabals, by Smiles and Frowns, Promises and Threats, and a hundred other methods too mysterious for me to pry into, to make each their own Party the most numerous? With what monstrous rudeness and scurrility do they not only treat each other, but even the sage Candidates for the Magistracy themselves? Insomuch, that to put any one in nomination on one side, is in effect nothing less, than to expose him openly to all the opprobrious taunts, and sarcastic Invectives, the direful Slanders, and infamous Libels, that either Wit or Malice can invent, on the other. And all this for the sake of a momentous Victory forsooth, the gaining of one the preference out of four or five, who (at the same time) are probably all unexceptionable Men, and very worthy to fill the Chair. These, and such other unseemly, unchristian, and even inhuman methods of competition, I cannot but think are those accursed things, that mainly serve exceedingly to Eclipse the common felicity of this Renowned Corporation. The ferment of dissension is often raised so high upon one of these days, that it can't be quite allayed the whole year round. And thus the Body-Politick being never thoroughly cleared, its distemper returns (and perhaps with a double violence) like a lurking Ague at its wont Season. You'll say perhaps, these are baneful and Epidemical Evils indeed; but what course can be taken, that's likely to remedy them? That's a Question too hard for me to Answer: And therefore I choose rather to leave (nay most earnestly to recommend) it to the mature deliberation of those amongst you, whose Authority and Influence makes 'em most capable of doing it, to resolve upon some such Expedients, as may most effectually prevent 'em for the time to come. However, that I may not quite dismiss this Argument, without some testimony of my hearty good will to so desirable an end; accept the offer of my poor Mite towards it, in the Fifth and last place, V In a few words of Advice or Exhortation, 1. To the Competitors for, 2. To the Electors to, And 3. To him who shall be instated in the chief Seat of Magistracy, for the Year ensuing. To those of you who shall be put in Competition for this Post of Eminence, give me leave most affectionately to recommend an unfeigned Love, a fraternal Kindness, and an inoffensive Conduct towards one another. Remember 'tis one of the best assurances you can give the Public of your real desert of the Honour you are in nomination for, to show a generous disdain of all little Tricks, circumventing Artifices, or unwarrantable means for the attaining of it. Be so far yourselves, from approving of, conniving at, or being active in the Calumniating, the Libelling, or bespattering of one another's Reputation, as to discountenance it all you possibly can in others. Have a care of betraying any such overforward inclination for your own Promotion, as is not fairly consistent with both the Rules of decency, and the best interest of that whole Community of which you are Members. And choose rather (with the true * 1 King. 3.26. Mother) to resign the Child to the doubtful nurture of the contentious Pretender, than to be willingly Accessary to its certain mine, by the dividing of it. To those of you who are immediately concerned in the Election, 'tis my serious advice; That as you have now begun the solemnity of the day, you'll have a special care to pursue, and end it too, as becometh Christian Brethren. And to this effect, set each one a strict watch before the door of your own Lips; and let all Bitterness, and Wrath, and Clamour, and Evil-speaking, and Malice, be put away far from you. Let neither Zeal for a Party, nor a Personal Friendship, nor a secret Grudge, neither Humour nor Advantage, Threats nor Promises, nor any other motive but the solid interest of the Government (to the best of your Understandings) be the Director of your Votes. Consider the inestimable value of a Good Name; and be not so unreasonably lavish of it at one another's charge, as hath been too too customary upon these occasions. And bethink yourselves, what a piece of disgraceful service it is to those you wish well to, to cast Dirt upon others with no other design, but merely to make them look the cleaner. For 'tis a sure indication that his Merit can be of no great Extent, who hath no better a way to come by materials to raise the Fabric of his own Reputation, but out of the Ruins of that of another Man. And finally, To him who shall have the Precedence of all the rest, I would importunately recommend (in the first place) a generous and vindictive Cognizance of all base and slanderous Indignities that shall appear to have been cast upon any of his worthy Brethren, during the Competition: And then a serious and impartial Reflection upon what hath been already said, with respect to the business, the Snares, and the charge of the Illustrious Office he is himself to bear, together with the Qualifications requisite to fit a Man for it. Or rather, I would beg leave to refer him to the Universal Conduct of his most deservedly honourable Predecessor. A noble Pattern, which (if he duly imitates it) I believe all good Men will readily conclude with me, cannot fail of being (by the Blessing of God Almighty) very effectually conducive to the credit of Religion, the Establishment of the Government, the Union and Prosperity of this great City, and his own Immortal Honour. Now to God the Father Son and Holy Ghost, the only Potentate, by whom King's reign, and Princes decree Justice, be all Honour and Glory, World without end. FINIS.