ENGLAND'S SORROWS turned into JOY. A SERMON Preached the 28th. of June, 1660. Being a Public Thanksgiving, for the Restauration of his Excellent Majesty, Charles II. Of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, KING, Defender of the Faith, etc. To His Crowns and Kingdoms, and us (His Subjects) to our Ancient Rights, Liberties, and Laws. By John Whynnell, Minister of the Gospel at Askerswell in the County of Dorset. Prov. 29. 2. When the Righteous are in Authority, the People Rejoice. LONDON, Printed by T. M. for H. Brome at the Gun in Ivy-lane, 1661. depiction of Charles II or Charles Stuart framed by a heart, with three crowns above, and two entwined cornucopias below Carol' Secund' D G Mag: Bri: Fra: et Hib: Rex: TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GEORGE FULFORD, Esq; One of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace, and Quorum, for the County of Dorset. SIR, THE experience that I have had of your former many favours, makes me bold to Ask, and confident to Obtain, this one more from you, viz. To shelter this poor following Sermon under your Name. I have not so high an esteem of it, as to think it worthy your Acceptance (if so, I should have presented it to you as a Gift) but so mean, as that it needs your Countenance. It was the advice of St. Augustine, that in places where, and times when Errors do abound, all men should write, that had any (though but the least) faculty (which makes some Apology for me) that so amongst many Books all sorts of people might meet with some, to convince them of their Errors, and establish them in the Truth. Humanum est errare. And these evil times in which we have lately lived, involved many into Errors: Some with reference to the Word of God; some with respect to the Works (if I may so say) of God. 'Tis to the latter of these that I direct this Discourse, to persuade them, that God's works of Mercy, are Works of Mercy, however they are misconstrued, and mis-judged by some, who measure Gods feet of providence, by the last of their own Interests. By the experience Sir, in this latter and evil Age, we have all found this to be a Truth, that let Times be never so bad, some will account them good, and cry them up for Glorious Times. And be times never so good, some will account them evil, and suffering times. Some will account Mercies Miseries, and Miseries Mercies. Every man, and party, judges Gods dispensations according as they do favour his, or their own private interests. There is ('tis known) a sort of people amongst us, that never would, nor never will be contented. No, not with any Government in Church or State. The Reason is, because they are so addicted to Changes, and affected with Novelties. As if nothing could be true, if not new: nothing good, and the right, but that which suits with their Humours. Et hinc illae lachrymae, etc. From this root of bitterness, have sprung up many things that have troubled us. Hence first sprung those many Dislikes of Disputes, and Contentions about Forms of Church and State Government: Which Contentions, though they were but as Sparks at first, yet in a little while, after they had sulterd in Contentious Breasts, grew to Flames, and at last Flamed high. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. And fired the Church and State; And what followed? — Discordia demens Intravit coelos, superosque ad bella coegit. Who were the Incendiaries, Isidore will tell us, Qui dissentionem animarum fecerunt. Isidor. lib. Etimol. And what followed, we can tell by woeful experience. Nostine igitur quod omne quod Boetius de Philosoph. consolation. lib. 4. est, tamdiu manere, & subsistere, quamdiu sit unum: sed interire, atque dissolvi pariter, quam de unum esse desierit. For, as another says, Nulla quantumvis minima natio, potest ab adversariis per deleri, Veget. lib. 3. c. 10. nisi propriis discordiis seipsa consumpserit. And therefore Tyresius, when he was asked by Scipio why Numantia aut prius invicta, aut postea evicta: Answered, Concordia victoriam, discordia exitium Paulus Diacon. Hist. lib. 4. adfert. Many will colour their Seditions with this, and that; and most times, In Nomine Domini incipit hoc malum. But Aristotle will tell us the True Reason of it, Minores ut fiant aequales seditionem Arist. lib. polit. 5. faciunt: aequales ut fiant majores seditionem faciunt & ipsi. We have all of us, or at least may see the evil of these things. The issue of them was almost Destruction, and would have been nothing less. — In foelix pereat: Nihil relinquent bella tum vastis ager Squalebat arvis, subditatectis face Altus sepultas obruet gentes cinis. Senec. in Hercule furente Traged. 1. Had not God in mercy done great things for us. Yet many can scarce account this a mercy, cannot be satisfied, contented, nor quiet; the same Humours do work again. But for my part, I am of Cassiodorus his Principle, Cogi debet ut sit quietus, qui Cassiod. lib. 1. Epist. 1. suo vitio renuit esse pacificus. Lest such Sanballats and Tobiah'sses, discontented Spirits, Enemies to the Peace of Jerusalem, should revive our old miseries, and renew our former Griefs, and turn our Singing, into Sighing, our Mirth, into Mourning, our rejoicings, into Lamentations. But methinks 'tis high time for wise men (at least such as would be accounted honest men) though formerly they had unavisedly given their helping hands to make themselves, and the Nation miserable, to be far from favouring the least thought of so doing any more: And to begin to see the folly of their actings, and seriously to lay to heart the sad Consequences that followed thereupon, as Anarchy in State, Heresy in Church, nay brought Destruction itself even to our very doors, which they, when they would with all their hearts, could not with all their might, prevent. And to own and to acknowledge God's mercy, who did prevent our utter destruction, and set us in Statu quo Prius; gave us our Judges as at first, and our Councillors as at the beginning. Restored us our Ancient Rights, Liberties, Laws and Religion: Our former Peace, Prosperity, Honour, etc. And laying aside their own private interests, should have respect to the public. And should endeavour to quiet; and satisfy themselves and others; bless God for this Mercy: and live together in Love, Unity and Concord. This will conduce both to our Peace and Prosperity. For, Si membra regni partesque inter se consentiunt, P. Ae. mil. lib. 3. & constabunt, corpus universum salubre erit— Concordia enim aureum & adamantinum vitae vinculum est.— Omnia in pace, vita & festivitate tenet: And to our profit too; for as Micipsa, a dying King, said to his Sons, Concordia res parvae crescunt. And as the Poet says, Velle Sal. de Bello. Jugurth. & nolle ambobus idem sociataque lato mens aevo, ac parvis dives concordia rebus. As for others, who are neither wise, honest, nor peaceable, my Tongue hath not, my Pen shall not, have any thing to do with. I cannot, nor care not, to please the humours of all men, nor do I expect to do it. Veritas odium parit. I expect a multiplicity of censures, But I am assured of this, that Vnprejudiced persons will not censure evil of me; as for others, I may say, Mala de me judicant sed mali. I cannot see wherein I have given just occasion of offence to any Man, or Party. They cannot (nay the most Discontented amongst us) but confess, that God's works (yea, now let us call them Miracles) wrought amongst us of late, are Miracles of Mercy. Is not that a mercy that bushes all wars, turns our swords into ploughshares; & our spears into pruning-hooks: Yea, a Miraracle of Mercy, that in a moment almost brings peace into a Land without bloodshed, when we were all ready to sheathe the sword in one another's bowels? That brought order out of a Chaos, confusion itself; that baffled all the sophistical Arguments of subtle obstinate Schismatics and Heretics amongst us in a moment; and makes them begin to look towards Repentance; that established the Magistrate on the Throne, the Minister in the Pulpit; freed us from Tyranny and Oppression, and that by no Wisdom, Strength, or Valour of our own. As for the manner of handling of this Subject, I speak it, Bona fide, I do it without any prejudice to any person or party; meddling with no persons, nor parties, any farther than necessity enforced: that we might see the depth of our miseries, and so the greatness of God's mercy in delivering of us. But, whatever others censure of me, may be this is it that I pass upon myself, that I have acted presumptuously, in answering the requests of some worthy friends in reference to the publishing of this Sermon: yet Christianly, in giving so public Thanks for so public a Mercy, in which I had my share. And now, into your hands, Honoured Sir, (whose affectionate Loyalty to the King's Majesty, and entire love to your Country, I have had assurance of some years past, partly by your frequent condoling, and bewailing the Afflictions of the ONE, and Confusions of the OTHER: And partly by your earnest and unwearied expectations, to see the things that are (through mercy) come to pass amongst us in these days;) I do commit this ensuing Sermon: Not doubting but that you do thankfully embrace, and hearty acknowledge the mercy it preaches: and in your daily prayers do bless God for it. And thus hoping that you will pass an Act of Grace on my presumption to appear in public, under the shelter of your Name: And praying for the continuance of the Peace and Prosperity of these Nations: And for your Worship, that God would make you an eminently blessed Instrument in his, and your Country's service whilst you live: and when you die, that you may die in the Lord, rest from your Labours, and have your Works to follow you; I shall ever remain. Right Worshipful, Your most Humble, Faithful, and dutiful Servant, John Whynnell. ENGLAND'S SORROWS Turned into JOY. Psalms 126. 3. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are Glad. THe Great God of Heaven and Earth, is always doing great and wonderful things upon the Earth. Sometimes he doth great things against his Church and People, and then they are sad: Sometimes again, he doth great things for his Church and People, and then they are glad. Thus did he act in reference to these people, this Church of the Jews. 1 He did great things against them, he invaded their Country, spoiled them by War, besieged their strong holds. Yea, he did that which the whole world set in Battalia against them, and onsetting of them with the greatest fury and violence, could not have done, had not he appeared an Adversary to them. He broke down their Gates, rifled their City, put to flight their men of War, Jer. ult. 7. which things their enemies thought impossible to have been done, Lam. 4. 12. The Kings of the Earth, and all the Inhabitants of the world would not have believed that the Adversary and Enemy should have entered into the Gates of Jerusalem: when Gods own people commit great sins against him, he doth great things against them. And when God doth so, o then, then 'tis that their hearts are sad. How doth the City sit Solitary, she weepeth sore in the night, her tears are on her cheeks, Judah is gone into Lam. 1. 1, 2, 3. Captivity, gone to Babylon, and there they mourn too. By the Rivers of Babylon there we sat down, yea we wept, when we remembered Zion, we hanged our Harps upon the Psal. 137. 1, 2. Willows, in the midst thereof. Ay but God will not always * Miserum fuisse felicem. be wrathful with his people, he at last remembers mercy. Therefore 2. He doth great things for his Church and People, and then they are glad. Then they Sing and Rejoice. Take down their harps from the Willows, and Sing again the Song of the Lord. Such things did the Lord do for these people. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. This Psalm acquaints us with the joyful and blessed return of the Israel of God, the Church of God, from her long, grievous, and wearisome captivity in Babylon. As for the Author of it, 'tis uncertain, if not unknown. The occasion of it was this, a Proclamation from Cyrus' King of Persia, throughout all his Dominions, in which the captive Jews so journed, to give them Liberty to return home again to Judea and Jerusalem, to build up their City, and the house of God, and to set up the worship of God again therein, 2 Chron. 36. 22, 23. Now, in the first year of Cyrus' King of Persia (that the word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished) the Lord stirred up the Spirit of Cyrus' King of Persia, that he made a Proclamation throughout all his Kingdoms, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus' King of Persia, all the Kingdoms of the Earth hath the Lord God given me, and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah: who is there among you of all his people? The Lord his God be with him, and let him go up. So in the 1. Ezra. 1. 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. Now upon this the Jews begin to withdraw from all quarters of the heathen Lands, to set their faces again towards Jerusalem, to return themselves to their own Country. Which Decree, carrying so much of Grace and Favour in it, and being so Strange, so New, and Unlooked for a thing, and the Consequences thereof being so great, and so good to them, as Redemption from Slavery, Liberty to return and possess their own proprieties again, to leave off serving Idols, to enjoy the true Ordinances of God, Oh say they, we were as those that did dream. Their Deliverance was so verse 1. great, that they thought it was impossible it should be wrought out so soon: 'Twas news they could hardly believe, the thing so new, the change so sudden, so great, so good, so full of Grace and Favour, they thought it could not be true, but that it was only a Dream. That after so long Bondage of 70 years, and a Deliverance scarce never talked of, that on a sudden there should be granted to them such a gracious toleration, they could hardly give Credit unto it; looked on it as a thing impossible almost in reason to be true. They thought they had dreamed of Happiness, but enjoyed none; dreamed of a Deliverance, but not likely to have any. Hence by the way we may note, That God sometimes works such great things for his Church & People's good, that do put their Faith to a stand, yea, even make it to stagger. They Note. can hardly believe such things can be brought to pass for them. When as God makes the inveterate Enemies of his people to be their Friends, and to do that for his people, and against themselves (contrary to their own intentions) which none else could do but themselves; makes them one to oppose the other, and draw their Swords one against another. Makes (if men cannot) the very Angels march against, fight with, and overcome Judges 8. 22. 2 Kings 19 35. their Enemies; make, the Sea to divide and give passage to his Israel, and yet close again, and swallow up the Egyptians. When he makes the Sun to stand still, Exod. 14. and the Moon, in the Valley of Ajalon, to give light to his people to slay their Enemies, and Hail-●ones to murder their Enemies for them, when he makes Rivers to Josh. 10. 11, 12. divide and to give way to them: And the Walls of Josh. 3. ult. Cities to fall down at the very sight of his people, when he makes Heathens to give them deliverance, and to build Josh. 6. 20. up his house, etc. Oh this puts their Faith at a stand. When God preserves Kings and Princes, though in the midst of their cruel Enemies, that do hunt after their Souls to destroy them; and that in Oakes, when as Hosts could not do it, nor walled Cities: And a people from ruin, though subjected by force to their Enemies, to Atheists, Profane Selfe-seekers, and Heretics. Oh this staggers the Faith of his people. We were as those that did Dream. But after a little time they saw it was no Dream, but a real thing, a Deliverance wrought out for them. Oh than what followed? Why, great Joy and Mirth, and Rejoicing in the God of their Salvation. Which is expressed by these signs, Our Mouths verse 2. were filled with laughter; our Tongues with singing. Though formerly their mouths were filled with Complaints, and their tongues with Lamentations, and could not sing the Song of the Lord: Yet now we Laugh, now we Sing, yea, Psal. 137. 4. our mouths are full of Laughter, of Songs, Songs of Praises and Deliverance. After all this, now they conclude, Surely the Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. The Lord hath done them, not we ourselves, we were not able to do it, thought scarce of it, had hardly any hopes of it: But though we were not able, yet he was; though we could not, yet God did: Though we thought not of our Deliverance, yet God had us still in his thoughts, and reduced us from Captivity, he hath done, etc. Whereof we are glad, our Hearts and Souls are full of Joy and Rejoicing, and do glory in God's Mercy. In the words are two things considerable. 1 The afflicted Church, her free acknowledgement of God's gracious acting towards Her, in the removing the affliction She lay under, The Lord hath done great things for us, etc. 2 The effect, the sense and consideration of this, wrought on their Souls, and that is gladness, * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fuimus laetantes. Whereof we are glad, we rejoice. Though formerly whilst we were afflicted, and saw none taking our part, but all against us, we were full of Sorrow and Sadness: Yet now seeing Gods gracious actings towards us, we are full of Joy and Gladness. That which I shall observe from these words, and insist on, is this. Doct. That God in the midst of the Sorrows, and Sufferings of His Church and People, in much Mercy usually doth some great things for them, to glad, and rejoice their Souls. In the prosecution of this truth I shall speak to these 5. Things. 1 Show what were the Evils and Sufferings that this people lay under. 2 What great things God did for them. 3 Prove that God usually doth some great things for his people in the midst of their Sufferings, to glad and rejoice their Souls. 4 Show why he doth it. 5 Apply it. I. I will in brief hint to you, what Evils, and Sufferings this glorious Church of the Jews did for so many years lie under. But what were they? Answer, If you will see it at large, read over the book of the Lamentation of Jeremy. There you will see the Lamentably miserable Estate of these people, set out by one who had his share in their Sufferings, and writes that book to be Sung as the Churches Lachrymae. I shall in a few words acquaint you with their woeful Condition in 7 or 8 particulars. 1 They were disregarded and despised by all those that did formerly Love and Honour them. In Her prosperity Jerusalem had many Lovers, and all Nations did Honour Her. But now all Her Lovers had forsaken Her; Donec eris felix, multos numerabis amicos. those that did Honour Her before, were become such as did despise Her. Among all her Lovers she hath none to Comfort Her, all her friends have dealt treacherously with Lam. 1. 2, 8. Her, all that honoured her despise her. All those Kings, Princes, Nations, and People that did honour her before, now despise her. 2 She was given up into the hands, and unto the mercy of her implacable and bloodthirsty Enemies. She that thought herself an over-match to any Adversary, and feared no Enemy in the World, is now in her Enemy's Hands: Her Adversaries are the chief, Her Enemies prosper, the Adversary hath spread out his Hand upon all her pleasant things. If their Enemies would kill them, Lam. 1. 5. 10. they might; if they would spare them, they might; they were at their Mercy. 3 They were brought to very sad straits, and Exigences, to extreme want of necessaries for Back and Belly. They who lived in plenty, fed like Princes, were clothed in Scarlet, had neither bread to eat, nor scarce to cover their nakedness. They say to their Mothers, where is Corn and Wine? When they Swooned as the Wounded in the Streets of the City, when their Soul was poured out into their Mother's bosom. Lam. 2. 12. Yea, the hands of pitiful Women have Sodden their own Children, they were their meat in the day of the destruction Lam. 4. 10. of my people. They that did feed delicately, are desolate in the Streets, they that were brought up in Scarlet, Embrace Dunghills. Lam. 4. 5. 4 Their Temple was burnt with fire, their Sanctuaries turned to the Ground, their Solemn Feasts and Sabbaths were forgotten in Zion, their Altars cast off, Vision did cease. He hath violently taken away his Tabernacle, Lam. 2. 6, 7, 9 he hath destroyed his places of Asembly, the Lord hath caused the Solemn Feasts and Sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion — the Lord hath cast off his Altar, he hath abhorred his Sanctuary, and the Law is no more, her Prophets also find no Vision from the Lord. 5 All their honour was thrown down in the dust, their King carried Captive, their Princes slain, their Elders not favoured, their Priests not respected, their habitation laid waste, their strong holds thrown down. The Lord hath swallowed up all the habitations of Jacob, Lam. 2. 2. — he hath thrown down in his wrath the strong holds of the Daughter of Judah, he hath brought them down to the ground he hath polluted the Kingdoms and Princes thereof.— He hath swallowed up all her Palaces, he verse. 5. hath destroyed his strong holds:— He hath destroyed and broken her Bars, her King and her Princes are among the verse. 9 Gentiles.— They respected not the persons of the Priests, they favoured not the Elders. Lam. 4. 16. 6 Their mighty Men of War were slain, their young men, and old men lay dead in the Streets, Virgins fell by the sword, and as for the living of them, they were still in Jeopardy of their lives. — He slew all that were pleasant to the eye in the Tabernacle of the Daughter of Zion. Lam. 2. 4, 21. — The young, and the old lie on the Ground in the Streets. My Virgins, and my young Men are fallen by the Sword.— They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in Lam. 4. 18, 19 our streets.— Our Persecutors are swifter than Eagles, they pursued us upon the Mountains, they laid wait for us in the Wilderness. 7 They were under the Dominion, Power and Rule of proud Servants; whom to serve is the greatest Slavery in the world. And I think by this time English men had no need to be told of it. We have found it a truth, by woeful experience, Asperius nihil est humili, etc. Servants have ruled over us: there is none that doth deliver us out of their hands. Lam. 5. 8. 8 Lastly, after all this, the remainder of them were carried away Captive into foreign Lands and Countries, there to serve the Heathen. Judah is gone into Captivity, because of affliction, and because Lam. 1. 3. of great Servitude, She dwelleth among the Heathen, she findeth no rest. These were the Evils that these people suffered for 70 years, which caused, and Increased in the Daughter Lam. 2. 5. of Judah Mourning and Lamentations, made her Sighs to be many, and her heart to faint. Thus you have seen Lam. 1. 22. their Miseries and Sufferings. But II. What were the great things that God did for them to glad and rejoice their Souls? Certainly it was not a small matter that would rejoice this their misery, it must needs be some great thing. Ans. 1 God placed such a King over those Lands and Country's in which they sojourned, that gave to them their own Land again; That gave them Livery and Seizing of their own Possessions again, out of which Nabuchadnezzar drove them: That gave them liberty to return to it, without any Let or Molestation, either from the Masters they served, or the Tributary Princes under whose Dominion they were. Gave them Liberty to go and build up the Cities of their God, the House of God, and their own Houses. This did Cyrus (of whom God said, He was his Servant, and should fulfil his Pleasure.) Now in the first year of Cyrus' King of Persia, Isa. 44. 28. 2. Chron. 36. 22, 23. the Lord stirred up the Spirit of Cyrus' King of Persia, that be made a Proclamation throughout all his Kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus' King of Persia, all the Kingdoms of the Earth hath the Lord God given me, and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah, who is there among, you of all his people the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up. So in the 1 Ezra 1. 2, 3, 4. Now this was one great thing, for poor Exiles to be sent home, poor Captives to be set at liberty. 2 He restored all the Riches, and Vessels of the house of God to them, that Nabuchadnezzar took away. And Cyrus the King brought forth the Vessels of the house of the Lord, which Nabuchadnezzar had brought forth of Ezra. 1. 7, 8. Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his Gods even these did Cyrus' King of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mituredath the Treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbuzzar the Prince of Judah. What their Enemies pillaged from them, he restored. The plunderd Church enjoys her own again. 3 Lest the Jews, when they set themselves to build the house of God, should be judged by their Enemies to do that which they had no warrant for; He gave them a Command to build the House of God, and set up his worship. Who is there among you (says he) his God be with him, let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel. Ezra. 1. 3. 4 Not only gave them a Command to do it, but made a Decree for the building of it. Which Decree might not be reversed, but succeeding Kings were bound to put it in execution. — The Lord stirred up the heart of Cyrus that he made a Proclamation throughout all his Kingdom, and put it also in writing; saying, thus saith Cyrus, etc. Which caused Darius afterwards to put it in Execution, when as otherwise the building would have been left unfinished. And there was found at Achmeta in the Palace, that is in the Province Ezra. 6. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc. of the Medes, a Roll, and therein was a Record thus written. In the first year of Cyrus the King, the same Cyrus the King made a Decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem: Let that house be builded, etc.— and let the expenses be given out of the King's house. And therefore he Commanded that the work might go on. And he allowed all necessary materials to it, yea, and offerings too. 5 Because he knew that they had many enemies that Crimen laesae Majestatis. would venture hard but they would hinder it, * Darius. he made it Treason for any man to oppose them. Also I have made a Decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, Ezra. 6. 11. let him be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon, and his House be made a Dunghill for this. 6 Lastly. He reduced their Captivity, and placed them in their own Land again, restored to them their Ancient Laws, Liberties and Rights, and liberty to enjoy their own Religion. Now these were the great things that God did do for these people. And these were great things indeed, enough to glad and rejoice their Souls. But then III. I am to prove, that God usually amidst the Sorrows and Sufferings of his Church and People doth some great things, to glad and rejoice their Souls. Thus he hath done for his Church throughout all ages. What great things did he do for them in Egypt, in the Wilderness, in the Sea, in Candan? Yea, what great things did he do for them at this time? This truth might be made good from many scriptural Instances and Evidences; but I shall omit them, and come nearer home, even to experience, for proof of it: And unto him that expects proof of it, I will say as Cleophas did to Jesus in another Case, Art thou only a stranger in Israel, Luke 24. 18. and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? So say I, are you strangers in England, Sirs, that you have not known the great things that God hath done for us in these times? Have you not known the affliction of this poor Land of late years? Have we not groaned under a bloody Civil War? Hath not the Sword a long while stuck in our Ribs? And a long while been held over our Heads? Have we not been subjected to our Servants? And those none of the best, but worst of men, who for to get Riches and Lam. 5. 8. Honour, would attempt, yea, did attempt to rob God of his Honour, the Nation of her Rights and Liberties, who attempted the horriddest wickednesses that ever the earth heard of. Imbrued their Sacrilegious Hands in the Sacred Blood of their ROYAL SOVEREIGN: Attempted the Ruin of all the Royal Issue, and would have perfected it, had not God taken them into his more immediate tuition. Exiled our present most ROYAL and BLESSED SOVEREIGN, banished some, and oppressed all the Nobility, the Elders of the Land, murdered their fellow Subjects, ruined their Houses and Families, Nay, oppressed the whole Nation, robbed it of her Rights, Privileges, and Laws. Overthrew the whole Constitution of our Laws, and Government, and ruined our Famous Church. Yea, they attempted, even the dethroning God himself. Some slighted, others wrested, others wholly denied his truths: Some slighted, others changed, others wholly cast off his Ordinances. Alas to what desperate height was their wickedness mounted, to this, to threaten, yea Isa. 24. 5. to endeavour the subversion of Magistracy; the ruin of the Ministry; the robbing of the Church; the massacring of all Loyal, Sober, Conscientious and Peaceably Principled Persons: Our Lives, and our Estates, our Religions, our Laws, Liberties, and all were in danger, we were at the mercy of our Enemies. Some imprisoned, others confined, most impoverished, all deformed and left naked to their Swords. People knew not what to do, we were full of Thoughts, Fears, and Doubts, knew not which way to turn or look, were all in a maze, wondered what the issue of these things would be. Nothing but blood, ruin and confusion could be expected from such cruel Oppressors, and merciless Heretics. Trading was lost, poverty approaching, an utter devastation and desolation threatened. Nay, and this was not all, the whole power was in these men's hands; the Sword was (for they were armed and but few else) and therefore the power, who could, yea, who dared to oppose them. Oh this was it that caused many fears, much sorrow and sadness to possess our Souls, tears to sit on our Cheeks. Lamentation to be heard in our Streets, Groans and Sigh to be heard in the midst of Zion: None as yet appeared Lam. 5, 8. to redeem and deliver us. But yet at length, when The set time was come, The Lord himself did great things for Psal. 102. 13. us, as great as for any Nation under heaven. We will, yea, we must say, 'tis the work of the Lord, as the Church doth here. The Lord hath done, etc. He hath done great things for the King, great things for the Parliament, for the Nobility, for the Gentry, Clergy, Commonalty, for all of us. Oh it was God that did wrest the Sword out of the hands of those usurping, wicked, bloody, oppressing, Heretical, Jesuited Tyrants that had gotten it, when as we were not able. Oh it was God that did divide them, and spoil them, it was God that caught these cunning hunters in their own snares. 'Twas God that restored us our Free-Parliament, and by them our lawful King, and with him all blessings in Church and State. 'Twas God that preserved his Excellent Majesty in the time of his affliction in this Land, and in other Countries, and restored him to us his people. 'Twas God that Enstamped upon his Royal Person, the Image of himself, Wisdom, Divinity, and Majesty; and placed him as a God, over us his people. 'Twas God that hath Crowned his Heart with Grace, and will Crown his Head with Gold: God hath enthroned himself in his heart, and hath set him up in the Throne of Glory in these Nations: which Throne, let it be as the Throne of David, to many Generations; certainly this was of the Lords doing, to restore his Excellent Majesty to us his people, and us to our Ancient Laws, Liberties, and Government: So that a Foundation is laid for Righteousness in the Land, and Religion in the Church: and God will, we believe, make his Majesty a Solomon, to build his ruined Temple. These great things God hath done for us, and he hath given us our lives for a prey, a Resurrection of our gasping dying liberties; he hath tumbled down bloody and deceitful men, he hath given a public check to Error and Heresy, which had spread itself throughout these Nations. Yea, and that which is more to be admired, all this was done without the least effusion of blood. So great a work done, and no blood shed, what more admirable? so good a work done, and the Devil and his Instrument strive no more against it, when as there were many thousands had combined together, and resolved to spend their blood against his Majesty, our Laws and Religion; that yet the work should be effected, so effectually, without scarce a drawn sword in the quarrel; o we may conclude, The Lord hath done great things for us, etc. That a bleeding State should be stench'd, a wounded State cured, a tottering State and Church upheld, a dying Church and State so revived Psal. 118. 23. in a moment, certainly 'tis the Lords doing, and 'tis marvellous in our eyes, we ourselves could not do it; but though we could not, God hath, Therefore are our hearts glad. But than iv I come to show, why God doth do such great things for his people in their extremity and sufferings to glad their souls. There are reasons of divers sorts. Some Respecting 1. Himself. 2. His own people. 3. The wicked. And I might speak to many referring to each particular, but I shall content myself with a few. 1. Respecting himself. I shall only instance in 2. 1. With respect to his own Honour and Name he doth great things for their Safety, Deliverance, and Comfort, that they might do something for his Honour. Alas, should God leave his Church and people to the mercy of their Enemies, they would soon destroy them, and leave no Church, no Christian on the earth! This is that, that the Devil would have, and that wicked men aim at: Should a Shepherd leave his flock to the mercy of Lions, Tigers, Wolves and Foxes? Alas, he would soon have no flock remaining. So, should not God appear for his people in their extremities and sufferings, and do great things for their deliverance, Alas, the Devil, that Roaring Lion, and the wicked, those Sons of Cruelty, would soon make away with them all. And then where would be his Honour and Glory? 'Tis his Church and people that do maintain that (through his Grace) on earth. Wicked men do blaspheme his Name, and dishonour him. Alas, should God have left us to the mercy of those Schismatical, Heretical, and Atheistical Tyrants that had got the mastery over these Nations by an unjust and forcible Usurpation of the power into their hands, certainly we should have been wholly destroyed, and that within a little space. They were now making provision for it, as is too too notoriously known. The Villainies that a long while were shrouded under the Cloak of Religion, and the cause of God, and the Liberty of the Subject, now began to appear, and that to every one almost. And we may guess by what they did, what they did intent to do. Ex ungue leonem, etc. what would not they have done to the People, who murdered their King? Who laid a force upon, yea, wholly denied us our Parliaments; who Banished some, murdered others of their Fellow-Subjects, and Superiors, and miserably oppressed the whole Nation? What would not they have done, who nuled our Laws? Who ruined our Church? Alas, we did not see the worst of it, which possibly, we should by this time! It was high time for God to mind his own Honour, and Glory, and Name, and Cause amongst us, or else this flourishing State, this famous Church (that ever hitherto had Renown in the World and is under God (as it were) the prop of Christianity through all the World) had been utterly destroyed, and made a desolation. It was much (and that not without cause) feared, often threatened, and certainly had not God stepped in between us and destruction, our Honour and Glory had quite fallen, and for ever have lain in the dust. But God minding his own Honour, Glory and Interest, did great things for us, to release us from this great, and sad affliction. 2. That so he might manifest his love to, and care of his people, even in this condition. Though God suffer his people sometimes to be afflicted, oppressed, and persecuted by wicked men, yet his love to them, and care over them, is the same still to them, that changes not. He sometimes suffers wicked men to do very great things to the prejudice of his people, but when once he sees them really intent to ruin his Church, than he shows his love to them, and care over them, in putting a Bridle in their Jaws, a stop to their Isa. 30. 28. Exod. 14. 4. Exod. 14. 10. wicked intentions. He may stir up a Pharaoh to pursue his people, with resolutions to destroy them all, and he may suffer him to come in sight of them; yea, even in reach of them, and may let him be confident of his Victory over them, and contrive how to ruin them, Exod. 14. 3. but yet the evil that Pharaoh intended against them befell not them, but himself, and in the very place he had Exod. 14. 27, 28. designed for their execution. He thought to have forced them into the Sea to have drowned them, but it was himself, and his own Army that were drowned. He may suffer Haman to get a decree against his Church and People, and to build a Gallows for Mordecai, but yet so did God manifest his love to his People that he wrought things so, that another decree passes from the King against him first, and is executed himself, hanged on the Hest. 38, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. Hester 5. 14. Hest. 7. 9, 10. Mat. 28. Gallows he built for Mordecai, and the Church delivered. He may suffer Herod to intent, and contrive the death of the Child Jesus, but yet he out of love to it, took such care of it, that it outlived Herod. So he may suffer many of the malicious Jews to intent and contrive Mat. 2. 19, 20. Acts 23. 12, 13, 14. the death of Paul, yea to swear they will kill him ere they Eat or Drink any more; yet he took such care of him, that he reprieved him out of their hands. So Acts 23. 31, 32, etc. likewise, though God did suffer wicked men to contrive and to resolve to ruin all amongst us, both Church and State, Religion and our Laws, to bring all to Anarchy and Confusion; yet God loving of us, and caring for us, so manifested both unto us, as that he prevented the threatened ruin, he did great things for us. Thus with respect to himself. 2. With respect to his own people. And I shall instance briefly in 4. or 5. 1. Because of their relation to him. He'll do it because they are related to him. As his Subjects, his Children, his Spouse, his Servants, his Friends, etc. Now a King will do great things for his Subjects, a Father for his Children, a Husband for his Spouse, a Master for his Servants, a Friend for his Friends, if in misery; the relation will engage them to it. 2. Because he Sympathizes with them, In all their affliction he is afflicted, and therefore he sent the Angel of Isa. 63. 9 his presence and saved them. He that touches them, touches the Apple of his Eye. He suffers in his Church's Zach. 2. 8. sufferings. Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me. Not my people but me. He is wounded through the sides Acts 9 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of his Church. When the Church bears the Cross it pinches his shoulders. When the Church is Crowned with Thorns, it wounds his head. Now he knows our infirmities, and knows what 'tis to suffer, how irksome to flesh and blood. Now to ease his people when they sigh, groan and cry by reason of the Oppressor, Oh then he doth arise, and do great things for them. Psal. 12. 5. 3. Because they are still crying unto him in times of affliction. They cry and sigh, groan and lament, by reason of the evil of their condition, as this Church doth. And so they cry unto God too, to avenge their quarrel, to ease their trouble, to set them at liberty, and therefore God whose ear is ready always to hear, and whose heart is ready to pity, will have a hand ready to relieve them. Many (says the Psalmist) are the afflictions of the Righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of them all. Why so? Why says he, The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. And Psal. 34. 19 v. 17. says God, Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee. God cannot hear his people cry to him by Psal. 51. 15. Fenetrant suspiria coelum. Bernard. reason of the fury of their Oppressors, but his pitiful heart will move him to do great things for them, to rejoice their hearts, and to stop their cries, wail and moanings, etc. 4. He will do great things for his people, lest they should sin against him, and dishonour him by revolting from him. Oh Sirs, suffering seasons, are critical seasons. Many times God's people revolt from him in such days, and hours of temptation, especially if they continue long. But now to prevent this, God will do great things for them. And this is one reason God himself gives us why he doth so. The rod of the wicked * (or of wickedness) shall not always rest upon the lot of the Righteous * Psal. 125. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That the Righteous may not put forth their hand to iniquity. Their Rod may be upon the Righteous, and may lie for some while, some days, some months, it may be some years. But says God, It shall not rest on them: why so? why says he, Lest he put forth his hands to iniquity. Lest they depart from God, turn their backs to him and to Religion, and turn to error and heresy, Yea to Atheism. For this reason 'tis probable God did great things for us, in putting a stop to the wickedness of the times, lest his own people should have put forth their hands to iniquity. And certainly 'tis sad to consider, how that many (of good repute formerly amongst the people of God) were inclining (if not wholly turned) to Error and Apostasy from the Truths of God, and brought to comply with wicked Oppressors, that they might save themselves, and their Estates; and in all probability it would have been much worse in a little space. But now to prevent this, God did great things for us, etc. 5 God doth great things many times, even for his own people's sake. They are very near and dear unto him. And in all ages of the world he hath done great things for them, (not only for his own name sake) but for their sakes. Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the holy one of Israel; for your sake have I sent to Babylon, and Isa. 43. 14. have brought down all their Nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the Ships. For your sakes I have, (or as some say) I will send into Babylon, that is, I will send Cyrus into Babylon, and bring down all the Nobles (or the bars) of Babylon; that is, remove all persons, and Detraxi, vel detraham muros, turres, portas, ea●umque vectes et Claustra, omniaque munimenta Babylonis A lapide, Isa. 54: 15. things out of the way, that would hinder your deliverance, and this I do for your sake, says God. So again, Behold, (says God) They shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee, shall fall for thy sake, I'll cause them to fall, and that for thy sake, and thus for the reasons respecting Gods own people. 3 Respecting the wicked. And I will only instance in one, Namely that he may be known amongst them to be God that Ruleth in the Heavens, and so to be some way honoured by them. That they may know that he is God, and can over match them, when strongest: and out-wit them, when wisest. That he can tumble them down to the ground when they are highest, as he Tolluntur in altum ut Lapsu graviore ruant. usually doth, and make their mountain to shake, when strongest. Thus God did great things for his Israel in Egypt, and in the Wilderness, and in the Red Sea, that he might be known by the Egyptians to be God, above their Gods, and that he might get some honour to himself. Exod. 14, 4, 17. God sometimes acts such great things for his people, that the very heathens do see 'tis his handy work, and do so far honour him, as to attribute it unto him. The Church here having spoken of what great things God had done for her, she adds (than they said among the heathen) that is the heathen said one to another, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Psalm. 126. 2. very heathen knew it, saw it was Gods work. So those wicked Oppressors, and Usurpers, that have so long enslaved these Nations, cannot but see it was the work of God, to cashier them of, and tumble them down from their undue Honours, & their Usurped Authorities: to take the Sword, and so the power out of their hand; And to restore to us, our Gracious and ROYAL SOVEREIGN, our good, wholesome, and Ancient Laws, and the Purity of Religion, our own Proprieties, and to the Nation her former Glory, Honour, Trade, etc. These very persons must needs see (all circumstances weighed) that it was the very hand of God that did it, and that he hath honoured himself upon them. And thus much for the Doctrinal part: I now come to the Use. 1 V Vlt. Thing propounded, scil. Application. And that by way 1. Of Caution. 2. Exhortation. 1. For Caution, And that (1) to the Enemies of God's Church and People. (2) to the people of God. 1. To the Enemies of God's Church and People, Is it so, etc. Take heed then (Sirs) how you act towards God's people. Take heed what you do against those for whom God will do such Great things. 'tis hard for Acts 9 5. you to kick against the pricks. 'Tis not safe for you to afflict those, who are to him as the Apple of his Eye; are Bone of his Bone, and Flesh of his Flesh. Oh consider, who ever resisted God and prospered! Though you act never so cunningly, & never so confidently, yet he that still doth great things for his people will find out your depths, and secret devices; and overthrew you in the midst of your confidence. Precedents there are enough, yea now a days. Look to craftiness, cunning, and policy, never were there greater Politicians in this Land, than some of the Workers and Actors of our Ruin. For Hellish, Destructive policy, never the like. Machiavelli was but an Idiot to them. But yet God hath befooled these subtle Sophisters, and puzzled them in their own Labyrinths. He had an Hushai, who was a friend to his King, and 2 Sam. 15. 31. Country, by whom he turned all their Counsels into foolishness. And for matter of confidence too, they were come to this height, They are entangled; they are Exod 14. 3. entangled, we may now play Rex among them. Who dare oppose us? The Sword is ours, the Power is ours, we Stat pro ratione voluntas. may do what we please, our Will is our Law. We will have no King Charles; We will have no Free-Parliament. Death (at least imprisonment or confiscation of Goods and Estate) to any man that shall plead or appear for them. We will have no Magistrates, no Ministers, no Churches, no Ordinances, no Baptism, no Supper, no Sabbaths kept, etc. And who dares plead, or appear for these things? One will have this, another that: one will have his way, another his, a third his, but to be sure neither the right, respecting either God, or man. But now, in the height of their confidence, how did God take them off. 'Tis all our own they thought, and why? because The Sword was theirs; herein lay their confidence. Oh but this confidence Jer. 2. 37. the Lord rejected, and would not let them prosper in it. See we then these wise ones out-witted, these strong and mighty ones overpowered, Oh Sirs you who are Enemies to God's Church and People, do you consider it, and record it to posterity hereafter, that they may take heed of afflicting and oppressing the people of God. Oh never is the Church of God afflicted but he doth some great things for them: and never did any set themselves against God's people, but God set himself against them and brought them to shame and confusion. Examples enough we have in the Scripture and in Ecclesiastical Histories, of wicked Persecutors of God his Church, against whom God hath done great things. Thus he appeared Exod. 14. against Pharaoh and his host, in giving of them up to the rage and fury of the merciless Sea, Thus he dealt with Mamucha a Sarazen for spoiling Paulus Diacon de gestis. Longob. the Christians of Cassine and Messana, causing the Sea as he was returning home, to swallow up the whole Navy so that few or none escaped. Sometimes God doth it one way, sometimes another. Sometimes he makes the enemies of his people to do great things one against another. So he caused Tamerlane the Tartarian, to be a means to remove Bajazet's siege against the Christians in Constantinople. Composulas. And. withal to overthrow him, & take him prisoner, yea, & to make his back a footstool to get on his Horse. Time would fail me to speak of Nero, Domitian, Trajan, Hadrian, Valerian, Aurelian, Dioclesian, Julian, and others, how God appeared against them, that some of them slew themselves, as Nero. Some were slain by their Servants, as Domitian, and Nicephorus. Eutropius. Aurelian; Some of them died in the midst of their days, by deadly and noisome diseases in great anguish, as Trajan, Hadrian, and Dioclesan. Some of them captived, as Dion. Nicephorus. Euseb. Valerian. And some blaspheming, as Julian God still sets himself against those that afflict his people What got Haman by plotting against the Jews, and contriving their ruin, but the Gallows. Oh than if God still doth great things against the persecutors of his people, Hester. 7. 10. and Great things for his people, take heed than you that are Enemies to the Church of God, what you do against it! Look how God hath appeared, and done Great things for his people, and against their oppressors; and let this consideration bind up your hands, that you do not any more oppose and afflict them. 2. To the Church and People of God in England, formerly Sighing, now Singing; formerly Sorrowing, now Rejoicing: to you, for whom God hath done great things. Take heed you do not return to your doing great things against your God, that you turn not again to your sins and follies. 'Twas because of our sins that God did formerly do great things against us. For our pride, haughtiness, looseness, profaneness, impenitency, unthankfulness, hypocrisy, formality, profanation of Sabbaths, abuse of the Servants of God; and 'tis for the sins of Kings, that they suffer, for the sins of Parliaments, that they suffer, for the sins of Magistrates, Ministers, Commonalty, that they suffer. Jerusalem Hath grievously sinned, therefore she is removed— The Yoke of my transgressions is Lam. 1. 8. bound by his hand, they are wreathed, and come upon my neck. God having now accomplished the Punishment of our iniquities. verse 14. Lam. 4. 22. let us not return with the washed sow to her wallowing in the mire, with the dog to his vomit. 2 Pet. 2. 22. Let us not return again to folly. 'Tis the caution the Holy Ghost gives to this Church, I will hearken what God the Lord will speak. For he will speak peace unto his people. But let not them return again to folly. Psal. 85. 8. We have for some years suffered for our follies, and in the time of these our sufferings we prayed, and cried unto our God for mercy; that he would Cause his anger to cease, revive us again, and make his people rejoice Psal. 85. 4, 6. in him. That he would Restore us our judges as at first, Isa. 1. 26. 126. 4. and our Counsellors as at the beginning. That he would return our captivity as the streams in the south. And we harkened what God would say, in return to these petitions. Well, he at last spoke, and did speak Peace to us his people. Oh let us not then return again to folly, to our former profaneness, hypocrisy, superstition, etc. If we do, that God, that hath done great things for us, can, and doubtless will, do great things against us, and greater yet than he hath done. Let us not rebel any more against our God and King. Let us not sin any more (that is, the same sins) lest worse things befall us. John 5. 14. Use 2 2. For Exhortation, in 3. or 4. particulars. Is it so, that, etc. Then 1. Let us not despair of God's mercy to us, and care of us, under any calamities whatsoever. God hath In nullis periculis, neque corporalibus neque spiritua ibus, desperemus. Fabrit. in Psalmis. 1 Sam. 17. 37. Job: 5. 19 done great things for us, doth do great things for us, and that therefore, he will, is a good consequence. He hath delivered me from the Lion, and the Bear, therefore will from the Philistine. God hath delivered us from five troubles, and from six. So that the Great evil of destruction hath not touched us, and he will also from seven. God hath, and doth deliver us from all sorts of unreasonable and wicked men, who have not faith, and he will do it for the future. Let us therefore depend upon him in our greatest troubles. We could scarce be in a worse condition than we were. Nothing visible but Heresy, Blood and Confusion. We were hopeless and helpless, as to man: Yet when we could do nothing for ourselves, God did great things for us; and began, carrieth on, and will perfect our deliverance and Salvation. 2 Let us bless our God for his Mercy, that engaged him to do such great things for us, that he did restrain the wicked, whilst we were at their mercy, that they did not utterly ruin us. That he did so wonderfully, and so miraculously preserve his MAJESTY; notwithstanding he had so many, and so mighty enemies at home, and abroad. That he did preserve Him from the Sword, from perils by Land, by Sea, in the Wilderness, from Poison, from Error, Heresy and Popery; and hath restored Him to us, a Glorious, a Godly, a Gracious PRINCE: That he hath given us again the freedom of our Parliaments, the benefit of our Laws, the comfort of our Estates; and hopes of the continuance and maintenance of the true Protestant Religion. That God was pleased to raise up a Gideon, a man after his own heart, and his people's hearts, in a miracle, almost, to do such great things for us. So that now our dying, yea, dead Church and State, is in hopes of a glorious Resurrection. 'Tis the greatest mercy that we, who ever have been a people of mercy, have received from the Lord for many years. That though we have been, and yet are, such a sinful, obstinate, Rebellious, treacherous people; a people that have been changed from vessel to vessel, and our scent remaineth in us, a people that have been in the fire of affliction, and yet our dross and tin is not purged away, A people that have as much dishonoured our God, 1 By our sins against him. 2 By our abuse of his mercies, as any people this day on the face of the whole earth. 1 By our sins against him, thousands committed against him every day, yea, every hour, and many of them high and daring sins, whose cry reached unto Heaven; as oppressing of one another, shedding innocent blood, punishing of men, because they would be honest, & not let their Consciences gallop in the road of the times; a people that established Error, & Heresy by a Law; wrested the Word of God, & changed the Ordinances of God, etc. 2 By our abuse of his Mercies; greater Mercies no Nation under Heaven have had, than this Nation; Peace and Prosperity, abundance of Wealth and Honour; the presence of God with us, and pure Religion for many years: these we have abused, banished our own Peace, wasted our own Wealth, thrown our Honour in the dust, when none else could, said unto God, depart from us; corrupted our pure Religion. Job. 21. 14. Seeing we are so sinful, and yet God appears so merciful unto us, it calls upon us, both for Admiration, and great Thankfulness. Sing O Heavens, and rejoice ye Inhabitants of the Earth: Let our Souls bless the Lord, and Psal. 103. 1. all that is within us praise his Holy Name. 3. Seeing God hath done such great things for us, let us be Exhorted to do some great things for God. Seeing he hath done such great things for our comfort, let us do some great things for his honour and glory. This concerns us all, from the Highest to the Lowest; the King's Majesty, and the Nobility, Gentry, Clergy, and Commonalty. God hath done great things for us all: God hath done great things for the KING, preserved him in many dangers, great and deadly dangers both at home and abroad, even in a miracle of Mercy, and hath restored him even Miraculously in Peace and Safety, and with great Pomp and State, Honour and Glory into his THRONE, to govern these Nations. The God of our Mercies grant (we beseech him) that this Mighty Monarch, set over us by himself, may be a Sheshbuzzar to lay the foundation, and build up the house of God, to repair the ruins of this (formerly) famous Church; set Ezra. 5. 16. up the Ordinances of God in it, in the power and purity of them, free from Error, Heresy, Superstition, and Popery; and pull down the Groves and Idols of Heresy and Schism, and maintain the Truths and Honour of God in his Kingdoms; and that the Lords Day be not Profaned by wicked Sporting and Pastimes, as they are in many places; that he may free the Land from Oppression and Cruelty, and Rule us in Righteousness; and may ever be a praise to Good, a terror to Bad men. This is it that God looks for in return to his great Mercies vouchsafed to his MAJESTY. When God doth great things for Kings, he looks that they, above all Men, should do great things for him. They may do it, God hath put them in place where, and given them power whereby they may do it, which others cannot. The King may do great things, in Church and State, for the Honour of God; 'tis in his power: O that it may be (and I doubt not but it is, and will be) in his heart to do it. 'tis not for nothing, doubtless, that God hath so Miraculously preserved his MAJESTY, and so Mercifully restored him; 'tis doubtless to do him some Eminent Service: God give him a Heart to set about it, success in it, and power to effect it. Seeing God hath done such great things for our Parliaments, that we had liberty to Elect, and they have liberty to Sat in Parliament, without fear of having a force laid upon them, by proud, mutinous, and lawless Soldiers: It concerns them to do some great things for God, by being as the Elders of Israel, to assist in the work Ezra 6. 14. of the Lord with their King. Seeing God hath done such great things for Magistrates and Ministers, as again to confirm the power of the one, and continue the honour of the other; it concerns both to do some great things for God. The Magistrate, by his power, to keep up the honour and esteem of the Minister; and the Minister, by his doctrine, to confirm the Lawful Authority of the Magistrate: And both to act together, to Inform the understandings of the people, to Reform their lives, and Conform them to the Rites and Customs of the Church of England; To suppress Vice, promote Holiness, and beget and maintain Order and Unity amongst Christians. Let us all set our hands to work for God, our hands, our heads, our hearts, and our prayers. So we may all help: and the meanest Christian as much as others that are more eminent. So did Israel, as appears in the 2. and 4. chap. of Ezra. They all set themselves about building the House, and Cities of their God, as soon as ever they came to Jerusalem in Judea. Let us all set about the work of our God, in our several places, and stations: and be sure to keep ourselves within the verge of our own Callings. Let us lay aside all contentions, and vain janglings, lest the sound of Hammers and Hatchets be heard in Zion. Let us lay aside all animosities, and heart-burnings, and forget, and freely forgive one another, and pray for one another, that God would make us of one mind, 1 Cor. 1. 10. Act. 2. 9, etc. and one judgement, one heart, one soul, one spirit, that we may be all but as one man. Though now we are some Medes, some Parthians, some Elamites, etc. Some of 1 Cor. 1. 10. one Sect, some of another; some of one Opinion, some Acts 4. 32. of another; some for one form of Government in Church and State, and some for another; that God would make us of one heart, minding the same thing. God can do it, he hath done it. The multitude (that is, of Parthians, Medes, Elamites, etc. now Converts) were of one heart, * Non Physice, quia quisque habet suum cor, et suam animam: Neque datur anima Communis; sed moraliter, q. d. ita animis & sensibus erant concords, ac si omnes unum id●mque habuissent cor, & unam animam. Dandinus de anima. and of one soul: So God can make the now divided multitude of one heart: He can unite us, and bind us together with the bond of love. De tot animabus fecit unam animam charitas, Austin. Let us pray for it, and endeavour it, and God will effect it. So that (though as yet we are divided in judgement, and so in affection, and are not one, but many hearts, souls, and minds,) we shall act together as if we had but one soul in all our bodies, and as they were but as so many Instruments or Organs for that one soul to act in, * Inter homines ex diversis regionibus profectos, talis fuit morum, ac disciplinae similitudo, adeo ut in unum coaluisse videntur, & in pluribus corporibus unus tantum animus inesse videtur, vicissimque plura corpora unius animi instrumenta. Basil. Constitut. Monast. and then indeed will the work of God go on and prosper. We shall do great things for God. Let us so consider one another, as to provoke one another to love, and to good works; and keep the unity of the Spirit Heb. 10. 24. Eph. 4. 3. in the bond of peace: Living to the Honour of God, and of our Religion: and the comfort of one another, Denying all ungodlyness, and worldly lusts, and living righteously Tit. 2. 11, 12. and soberly in this present world; And being delivered out of the hands of our Enemies, may serve him without fear in holiness Luk. 2. 74, 75. and righteousness all our days. These be the great things God requires from us, and which Reason, much more Religion calls upon us to do for him. 4. Lastly, to conclude. Let us be exhorted to pray earnestly unto God, that he will yet go on to do greater things for us. There are greater mercies behind yet, and greater things to be done. Let us be instant with God in our prayers, that he may perfect and finish the good work he hath begun amongst us. This was the course these people took. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. As in the text, and in the next verse they pray, Turn again our captivity, as the streams in the South: that is, do thou perfect our Deliverance and Redemption. Thou hast begun, build up thine House, and our Cities: establish Righteousness in our Land, and Religion in our Church, in despite of all opposition, and that suddenly too. Such let our prayers be unto God, that he will reform all things that are amiss amongst us, & establish us upon the sure & lasting foundations of Righteousness, Truth & Holiness, & continue his Truths & Ordinances in our Church, his Presence with his people, and peace, and abundance of plenty, and prosperity in our Land as long as the Sun & Moon endureth. That he would bless our KING'S excellent Majesty with long Life, with a happy and peaceable Reign, and in the Affections of the people. That he would make up all our Breaches, compose all our Differences, repair all our Ruins, and cause us to live together in Unity and Peace to the honour of God, and the King, and the Comfort of one another. Then indeed shall our mouths be filled with laughter, our tongues with singing, and our hearts with gladness. Then shall the heart of the King rejoice in the God of his Salvation; his Throne shall be established on Earth, and the Diadem of earthly Honour, placed by God himself, on his Head, shall be for a blessing, and a comfort to him. Then shall his Loyal Subjects manifest their obedience to him, and he shall see the destruction of all Gods, his own, and his people's Enemies. And now what remains to glad the Kings, & our Hearts? but that we bring him out, and put the Crown on his head, give 2 Chron. 23. 11. Him the Testimony, and make Him KING, and Anoint Him, and say, all of us, God save the King. FINIS.