Prayer and Praise, Sermon 1

Prayer and Praise · Sermon 1

p. 1Prayer and Praise. A Two-fold TRIBUTE TO BE Payed by all Loyal Subjects TO THEIR SUPREAM, AND Subordinate Soveraigns.

PSAL. 72.15.

Prayer also shall be made for him continually, and daily shall he be praised.

AS this whole Psalm by the greatest part of Orthodox Expositors is, so this parcel of it, which I have now singled forth as sutable to the present solemnity, may be looked upon two wayes. 1. Literally, th…n Mystically. Literally, as relating to King Solomon; Mystically, as relating to King Iesus, of whom Solomon was a Type. And both these wayes sha…l I (through …od's p. 2assistance) in the handling of it look upon it: Beginning with the former.

The Literal sense▪ look upon the words as relating to King Solomon. So doth this whole Psalm, as we may take notice from the Title of it, where we find it inscribed Leselomo, Ipsi Selomo, to, or for Solomon; that is, a Psalm (or a Prayer) for him. A prayer composed and made by David, for that his Son, who was to succeed him in his Kingdom: The last prayer of that kind that he made for him, or any other. So much is hinted to us in the Epilogu…, the close and conclusio… of it; where it is said, The Prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended ▪ Intimating that this was the last of those set and solemn prayer, which was composed by David not long before his Death, and by him left as a Depositum, a Legacy for his son Solomon, to whom he wished all the blessings that Heaven and Earth could affoard him. And so looking upon these words which I have now read, we may take notice from them of a two-fol… Tribute, which as it is due, so it will readily be payed by all Loyal Subjects to a gracious Soveraign, viz. Prayer and Praise. Prayer for him; [Prayer also shall be made for him continually]; Praise of him, [And daily shall he be praised.] Deal we with these two severally; beginning with …he former.

Prayer also shall be made for hi… …ontinuall… ▪ ] Wherein we may take notice of two particulars, Quid and Quando. The Tribute it self which is to be payed, and the time when and how oft it is to be paid. The Tribute itself, Prayer; The time when and how oft it is to be payed, Continually: Briefly of each.

11. For the Tribute it self, that is, Prayer: Prayer is a Tribute due from every man to all men. So it is upon a Christian account, as the Apostle chargeth it in that known Text, 1 Tim. 2.1. I exh…rt therefore (saith he) that first of all Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. foreign; All kinds of Prayers made for all kinds of men, according to their occasions and necessities, of what Nation, State, Quality, or Condition soever; Be they Jews or Gentiles, Christians or Pagans▪ good or bad, Fri…nds or Enemies, rich or Poor, publick or private persons, Prayer is … common Tribute due unto all. But among all, in a special manner to …ing… and Princes: Them the Apostle maketh mention of, in the …; For Kings, and all that ar… in Authority ▪ Rulers and Governours▪ Supream, and Subordinate. To …hem belongeth this Tribute after a … cial p. 3ma…ner. So King D…i… looked upon it, who making and sending forth a Decree for the advancing and furthering of the great work which the Jews had then in hand, the rebuilding of the Temple at Ierusalem; he taketh order that they should be accommodated and furnished with all such things as were requisite for the due administration of their publick Worship and Service, expecting that they should pay this Tribut… unto him, and his, remembring them in their prayers. So we find it, Ezra 6.10. That which they have need of, &c. let it be given them day by day without fail, That they may offer Sacrifices of a sweet savour to the God of Heaven, and pray for the life of the King, and of his Sons. This may all Kings and Princes expect and look for as a Tribute due unto them from their Subjects. And this Christians are willingly and readily to pay to them.

Yea, though they be such as deserve no such Tribute from them by any good Office which …hey have done to them. Though they be wicked and ungodly Kings, Enemies both to God and them. Such a one was King I…r…b…am, one of the worst of Kings, whom we find stigmatized with this brand, Who did sin, and made Israel to Sin, 1 King. 14.16. He did Sin himself▪ this he did as in othe… waye…, so speci…lly by setting up an Idolatrous Worship, making those two golden Calves, the one of which he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan (as we find it), 1 King. 12.28, 29. And he made Israel to Sin, by causing the People of God within his Dominio…s to leave the Temple of the Lord, and to worship those Calves whom he had set up, which thing became a Sin, as to him, so to them (as it there followeth), ver. 30. And in this Sin of his he was obstinate, insomuch that when the Man of God, by a speciall Command from God himself, came and prophesied ag…inst his Altar at Bethel; he was inraged against him, putting forth his hand, either to lay hold of him himself, or to stir up those who were the standers by to apprehend him, which he calleth out to them to do (as the Story tells us), 1. King. 13.4. Yet, notwithstanding this, when God had executed that Judgment upon him, causing his hand to whither and dry up; at his intreaty the Man of God refused not to pray for him, He besought the Lord, and the King's hand …as restored again, and became as it was before (so it there followeth), ver. 6. And the like Office… are Christians, both Ministers and People, to be ready to do to the worst of Kings, though Enemies to God and Them, doing unto them all the evil Office… …hat lyeth in their power; yet are they not to forbear p. 4praying for them: Pray for them that despitefully use you, Luke 6. 28. Such were the Rulers and Governours in the Apostle's time; the Roman Emperours, being then Heathen, they were Enemies to the Church, cruel and bloody persecutors of the Saints, Lyons (as Paul is conceived to call Nero, … Tim. 4.17.) Insomuch that some haply might make it a Question, whether they ought to pray for such as they were, or rather pray against them: but the Apostle here resolveth that doubt by instancing particularly in them; Pray for all men, &c. For Kings, and all that are in Authority. Be they what they will, so long as their Authority is just: though they be Tyranni exercitio, Tyrants as to the exercise of their Power; so long as they are not so Titulo, their Title being just and right, they are to be prayed for by those that are under their Government: Such is the Apostles Precept.

And such was the practise of the Primitive Saints: They were very conscien…ious in the paying of this Tribute; constantly, solemnly and seriously putting up prayers in the behalf of those Roman Emperours under whose Government they lived; notwithstanding they were such as I spake of, cruel and bloody persecutors of the Church. So much we may take notice of, from that known and remarkable passage of that antient Fa…her Tertullian, Tertull. Apolog.who setteth forth what their manner then was in their publick meetings, Illuc suspicientes (saith he) lifting up our Eyes to Heaven, Nos Christiani, manibus expansis, quia innocui, We Christians with hands spread abroad, being conscious of our own Innocency, Capite nudo quia non erubescimus, With heads uncoverd, as not having any cause to blush; deni que sine monitore, quia de pectore oramus pro omnibus Impera…oribus, Without any other Monitor, to prompt or help us save only our own hearts and spirits; we pray for all Kings and Emperours, begging for them Vitam prolixam, Imperium securum, &c. A long Life, a secure Governments, &c. Thus did they readily pay this Tribute to those Emperours, …ough Heathen▪ and bloody persecutors of them and their Religion.

And if this be to be payed …nto such; how much more to Graciou… Soveraigns, to good Kings and Prince, such as are vertuou… and pious, wise and just, merciful and …ender hearted towards their Subjects, Friends both to Church and State, Nursing F…her to both, such a… God promiseth to give unto his Church in the … dayes, Esay 49▪ 23. Being such Rulers, such Governours, now those who are under thei… Government, receiving so many and great benefits by it as they do, p. 5they stand engaged after a special manner to be earnest with God on their behalf; to pray for them. And this, being true Christians, they will readily do: Prayer shall be made for him, (saith David here speaking of his son Solomon). He being a wise and a good Prince, he made no question, but that his People, his Loyal and Obedient Subjects, would be ready to powre out their prayers on his behalf.

2. Yea, and that Continually: There is the second particular which 2here we take notice of; the Time when, and how often this Tribute is to be payed. Tamith, Iugiter, Alwaies, Continually.foreign

So it is, Prayer is an exercise wherein God's People should be frequent and constant: Praying alwaies. So they are directed by our Saviour to do, Luke 18.1. who is there said to speak a Parable to his Disciples, (viz. that of the importunate widow), to this end, that men ought alwayes to pray. And again, Luke 21.36. Watch ye therefore, and pray alwayes. And so Paul calleth upon his Ephesians to do, Eph. 6.18. Praying alwayes. And so upon his Colossians, Col. 4.2. Continue in prayer. And w…iting to his Thessalonians, he requireth them to pray without ceasing, 1 Thess. 5.17. foreign, that is, incessantly, constantly: not that Christians are to spend all their time in prayer, and do nothing else (as the Euchites, and some other Hereticks of old have thought and taught), but that they should be ready to pray upon all occasions. Thus are they to pray for themselves; inasmuch as they stand in continual need of God's assistance and help, either to bestow upon them some good things which they want, or to free and deliver them from such evils as they feel or fear, they are to pray Continually. And thus are they to pray for others; especially such as in a special manner stand charged upon their prayers. Thus did Paul pray for the Churches▪ Praying alwayes for you (so he tells his Colossians), Col. 1.3. And the like his Thessalonians; We give thanks to God alwayes for you all▪ making mention of you in my prayers, 1 Thess. 1.2. And the like are Ministers to do For their Peopl…, and People for their Ministers; Parents for their Children, and Children for their Parents. And so are Subjects to do for their Soveraignes; they being their Political Fathers, Pa…res patriae, Fathers of their Country, they are upon all occasions to be mindful of them, praying for them, and that continually.

And truly great Reason there is why this Tribute should be thus payed unto them; considering,

First, The great need that they have of it. Reas. 1.What the Apostle saith p. 6to his He…rews concerning Patience, Hebr. 10.36. Ye have need of Patience, may truly be said of Kings and Princes concerning Prayers; they have need of them, great need; yea, greater need then others. So they have, and that both in respect of their Persons, and Government.

11. For their Persons, they are exposed to greater dangers than others. So they are, and that both in their Bodies and Souls.

11. In their Bodies: Besides those foreign, those tryals, common to men; Infirmities, Diseases, Casualties, which they are subject to as well as others, they have many Enemies. As Paul saith it was with him, that he had foreign, many Adversaries, 1 Cor. 16.9. So must they, if they be good Kings and Governours, make account to meet with many Enemies; some open, others secret; some out of envy, others out of malice; some envying their greatness, others maligning their goodnesse. Upon these accounts, they may have more Enemies then others of inferior rank. And that so much the more, by how much the better they are: Being such as are truly vertuous and pious, such as will own God's Religion and his People, such as will countenance vertue and piety, and discountenance vice and impiety; now they shall want no Waspes, no E…emies. And those, it may be, some of them cruel and deadly, who will not onelyonly speak evil of them, but be ready to act all kind of mischief against them. Such was David's Condition, whom we may hear frequently complaining of his Enemies. Of the multitude of them, They compassed me about like Bees, Psal. 118.12. Of the malice of them, how they hated him without a cause, They that hate me without a Cause, are more then the hairs of my Head, Psal. 69.4. Yea, and they hated him with a cruell hatred, Psal. 25.19. Not only reproaching him, and speaking evil of him: As with a sword in my bones, my Enemies reproach me, Psal. 42. 10. But wishing evil to him, wishing his Death; Mine Enemies speak evil of me, When shall he dye, and his Nam… perish, Psal. 41.5? And wi…hing it, they designed it, laying snares for him; They also that seek after my life, lay snares for me, Psal. 38.12. Attempting his destruction, They that would destroy me, being mine Enemies wrongfully are mighty, Psal. 69. 4. And the like, must pious Kings and Princes look for; being such as David was, men after God's own heart, they will want no Enemies, nor their Enemies malice. So as, upon this account, their dangers are more and greater then others: They are so as to their Bodies.

22. And (secondly) as to their Souls: Being exposed to more and p. 7greater Temptations then others. So it is, high Towers feel more of the Wind and Weather than lower Cottages. And so it is with men of high Place, they are exposed to more and greater Temptations than those of lower condition. The Devil never thought he had our Saviour at so g…eat an advantage, as when he had got him upon the Pinacle of the Temple. And surely, of all other, none are more exposed to Satans Temptations, than those who are set in places of Eminency; High places are slippery places. Thus have Supream Governours great need of prayers greater then others, in respect of their Persons, being subject to more and greater dangers then others, and that both in their Bodies and Souls.

2. And (secondly) as they have need hereof in respect of their Persons, 2so of their Government; which lyeth as a he…vy weight upon their Shoulder. So the Government of Christ is said to do upon his, Esay 9.6. The Government shall be upon his Shoulder. And so doth the Government of Temporal Kings and Prince…, The Government lyeth upon their Shoulders. The Shoulder is the ordinary part of the Body that is used for the bearing of heavy and weighty burden. Leight burdens are carried in the hand, but we…ghty ones upon the Shoulder: And such is the Government which is committed to Kings and Princes; though it be an honourable burden, yet a burden it is, and that a weighty one. So it is, where the trust which is reposed in them is faithfully discharged: However, some there are, and that too many, who divide these two which God hath joyned together, the Hon…s and the Onus; As for the Honor of Government, with all the Profits and Revenue… belonging thereunto, that they greedily grasp; but as for the burden, that they cast off: Yet so is it not with good and gracious Soveraigns, their Crowns sit heavy upon their Heads, their Heads and Hearts being filled and taken up with a constant care, and solicitude for the procuring of the peace and welfare, tranquillity and happinesse of those that are committed to their Charge. Now their burden being so great, they have need of a more than ordinary support for the bearing of it. They h…d need to be furnished with a more than ordi…ary stock of vertues a…d graces for the discharge of this their Trust. This our Solomon, the wisest of Kings, was well aware of: And therefore, when being newly come to his Kingdom, God made him a proffer, that he should ask what he would have him to give him, he begs nothing but an understanding heart, 1 King. 3.7, 8, 9. And now, O Lord my God, (saith he) thou hast made thy Servant King in stead of David my Father: And I am but a p. 8little Child, (not in respect of years, for he had at this time a Son, as we find it, Chap. 14.2…. but in respect of that wisdom which was requisite for the managing so great a Trust as was committed to him), I know not how to go out, or to come in. And thy Servant is in the midst of thy People, which thou hast chosen, a great People that cannot be numbred nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy Servant an understanding heart to …udge thy People, that I may disce…n between good and bad; for who is able to judge this thy so great a People? And this also David his Father was very sensible of: And therefore the chief thing that he wisheth him, is this, Only the Lord give thee Wisdom and understanding, 2 Chron. 22.12. Kingly Government being so great a Charge, it calleth for a large heart, for the right managing of it. Such a heart God is said to give unto this King Solomon; God gav… Solomon Wisdom, and understanding exceeding much, and largenesse of heart, 1 King. 4.29. And such hearts in measure, supream Governours had need to have: And therefore upon this account they have need of prayers, of instant and earnest prayers, to be prayed for by their Sub…ects, and that Continually.

Reas. 2.And as they have need of prayers in respect of their Persons and Government, so have Ch…istians need to put up these prayers for them, and that upon their own account, as needful for themselves. So they have; considering what an interest they have in their Supream Governours, and how much their welfare depends upon them▪ upon their right managing of their Government. Their welfare (I say), and that both Temporal and Spiritual; both which have a great dependance upon the Supream Governour of a Nation: who if he be wise and faithful, now he is a great blessing unto his People, so as they are blessed in him. So saith David of this his son Solomon in the verse next but one after the Text, ver. 17. Men shall be blessed in him. They should count themselves happy in such a King, expecting all kind of blessings through him; Blessings (as I said) both Temporall and Spirituall, both which should be the fruit of his Government. So much David here in this Psalm maketh promise of to the People under the Government of this his son Solomon. He being a righteous Governour, there should be peace and plenty in his Dominions. So we have it, ver. 3. The Mountains shall bring peace to the People, and the little Hills by righteousness. There should be peace under his Government; which accordingly there was, as we find it, 1 King. 4.25. Iudah and Israel dwel… safely, p. 9every man under his Vine, and under his Fig-Tree; from Dan even to Beersheba, all the dayes of Solomon. And as Peace, so Plenty; So the sixth verse in this Psalm promiseth, He shall come down like rain upon the mowen Grass, as showres that water the Earth. And again, ver. 16. in the words nex… after the Text, There shall be an handfull of Corn in the Earth upon the top of the Mountains, the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon, and they of the City shall flourish like Grass of the Earth. There should be in that Kingdom an exceeding great plenty of Corn and other Fruits of the Earth, with a great increase both of Men and Cattle: Thus should his Subjects abound in Temporal; and as in Temporal, so in Spiritual blessings. True piety and godliness should flourish under his Government, so the fifth ve…se hath it: They shall fear thee as long as the Sun and Moon endure, throughout all Generations. Fear thee… that is, Thee O God, relating to the first verse, Thy Religion shall be settled and established, and true piety and godlinesse shall prosper and flourish. In his Dayes shall the Righteous flourish (saith the seventh verse), and aboundance of peace so long as the Moon endureth.

Such are the blessings of a righteous Government: And are not all these worthy of the prayers of those who live under it? that they should be instant and earnest with God in the behalf of those whom he hath set over them? Upon this account the Apostle in that Text fore-cited, 1 Tim. 2.2. exhorts Christians, not to be wanting in this Duty. Pray for Kings, &c. That we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. These are the chief blessings that Christians are to desire, or indeed can desire upon Earth; that they may live a quiet and peaceable life, as to Temporals; and that they may live in all Godlinesse and Honesty, as to Spirituals. Now these are no where to be enjoyed so well, as under a just and righteous Government. And therefore it behoveth them who would have their share in these blessings, to cast this Tribute into the common Treasury, to contribute their prayers and supplications, seeking God in the behalf of their Governours, that God would protect them, direct them, assist them, giving his Judgments to them, that so they may rule his People in his fear.

Thus you see what Reasons there are why Christians should readily and willingly pay this Tribute to those whom God hath set over them; why they should pray as for all in Authority, so in a special manner for those who are Supream, which Kings are within their Dominions (as St. Peter tells us, 1 Pet. 2.13). Not to dwell any longer upon the p. 10Doctrinal part; That which remains of thi… is Application: which let it be directed only two ways, by way of Reprehension, Exhortation.

Use 1.By way of Reprehension: Is this a D…ty which God expecteth and requireth, that Subjects should thus pray for their Soveraigns; what shall we then say to those, who instead of praying for them, pray against them, and it may be seek to make a prey of them. Amongst which there are some that are averse to the Calling to the Office, wishing that there were no such thing as a King upon Earth. Such spirits there have been of late times, who in a direct opposition to the People of Israel, whom no Governour would content but a King, they have at least seemed averse to Monarchical Government, as being inconsistent with the Government of Christ, insomuch that they would by no means endure that the Supream Government of this Nation should be in a single Person. A King! the very Title was odious unto them: which whilst it was, surely they had fo…gotten that Promise which informs us and them, what benefit the Church may expect from Kings in the latter daye…, Esay 49.23. Kings shall be thy Nursing Fathers, and Queens thy Nursing Mothers. As also that Prophecy which acquaint… us, how the Ten Kings (at least some of them) should hate the Whore, and make her desolate; be the chief Instruments in the destruction of Anti-christ, Rev. 17.16.

Others, though not averse to the Calling; yet it may be they are so to the Persons in whose hands the Government is, hating and maligning them, though without any just cause, as David saith his Enemies did him, Psal. 35.19. And being thu… disaffected t… them, in stead of wishing well, they are ready …o wish ill to them: They tu…n their Apprecations into Imprecations. In stead of praying for them, they are ready to curse them, as that dead Dog Shimei did David, for which Abishai judged him worthy to dye, Because he cursed the Lord's Anointed, 2 Sam. 19.21. A thing which our King Solomon, the wisest of Kings, gives a Caution against, bidding all to beware of it, Curse not the King, no not in thy thought, Eccles. 10. ult.

22. A second fort there are who, it may be, profess affection, yea great affection to the persons of their Sov…raigns, so as they think themselves, and would have others so to think of them, to be in the number of their best Subjects; yet they make no conscience of paying this Tribute to them. Other Tribute haply they are willing and ready to pay p. 11(which I wish all were); I, it may be that which is not called for▪ even as it is said of the Kings of the East, that they should do unto King Solomon, ver. 10. The Kings of Tars…ish, and of the Iles shall bring Presents, the Kings of Sheba and Seba shall over Gifts. So will they, it may be, be ready upon occasion to shew like respects to their Soveraign, presenting him with Gifts, thereby, as by other wayes, to declare their affections. But, in the mean time, Where are their Prayers? their hearty and affectionate prayers unto God for him, which are more worth then all other Gifts they can present him with. And are there not some others (too many), who think there is no such way to declare their affection to their Soveraign, as by drinking and Carouzing of Healths to him, drinking by measure without measure? Which however they cannot but take notice how disrelishing a Sacrifice it is unto him to whom it is offered (which he hath sufficiently declared to them and to the World); yet will they obtrude and thrust it upon him. Here are their Healths; but in the mean time where are their Prayers? their serious and affectionate requests put up unto God on his behalf? Possibly they will, when they hear a form of prayer read for him in publick, be ready to say Amen to it. But when was the time, or where is the place that ever they fell upon their knees in private to seek God for him? Alas, very far are they from doing what David here saith his Son Solomon's good Subjects should do unto him; Pray for him, and that Continually. In truth they cannot be said to pray for him at all; Prayer being an exercise which they have no acquaintance with, save only the outside of it. But turn we the Reprehension into a word of Exhortation.

Which let it be directed to all of us who would be accounted loyal and faithfull Subjects; see that we be not wanting in this Duty, Use 2.in paying of this Tribute to our now dread Soveraign King Charls the Second, whom God by his Providence and Ordinance hath set over us, restoring him in a wonderful way to his just Right of Government in and over this and the Neighbour-Nations. With-hold we not this due from him, Render therefore to all their dues, Tribute to whom Tribute (faith the Apostle), Rom. 13.7. Being rightful Governours, the Tribute which is by Law due unto them, is not to be with-held from them, but to be payed in a consciencious way. And so let this best of Tributes, this Tribute of Prayer be payed by us, by all of us unto our Soveraign: Let prayer be made for him, and that Continually.

p. 12Arg. 1.Which as it is his due, so it is a Service acceptable …nto God. So much our Apostle tells us in that Text which I have before had recourse unto, 1 Tim. 2.3. where having put Christians upon this duty of praying, in a general way for all men (all sorts of men), and in a special way for Kings, and such as are in Authority, he subjoyns, For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God. foreign, good in it self, and to God well-pleasing. Now such are the things which Christians are to set themselves to do, such things as are well-pleasing in his sight (a… St. Iohn hath it), 1 Ioh. 3.22. So as were there no other Argument but this, this alone should be sufficient to put Christians upon this Duty.

Arg. 2.But besides this, consider (what hath in the general been shewen us) the need which he to whom this Tribute is to be payed, hath of it; what need our dread Soveraign hath of Prayers. Which he hath, and that not only upon those general accounts of his Person and Government, which are common with him to all other Princes, but in respect of his present Condition, and the condition of the Nations over which he is set; which having lien for so long a time under such sad Distractions as they have done, he who is to be under God the chief Physitian, the chief Instrument for the healing of them, had need of a more then ordinary direction and assistance in this so great and difficult a Work.

Arg. 3.To this add, As our Prayers are needful for him, so they will be profitable unto us. Water being powred at the Root, the Branches receive the benefit of it: Oyl being in a good quantity powred out upon the Head, it runneth down, not only to the Beard, but to the Skirts of the Garment, (as it is said of Aaron, Psal. 133.2.) And the Dew or Rain falling upon the Mountains, maketh the Vallies fruitful (as it there followeth). Thus the blessings of Heaven being powred out upon the Supream Head of a Nation; there is not the meanest member of it, but may be the better for it. And upon this account may Subjects well be induced to pray for their Soveraigns, what ever they be: upon this account the Lord willeth his People, the People of the Jews, to pray for Babylon; Jer. 29.7. Pray unto the L…rd for it, for in the peace thereof ye shal… have peace. So it was; their welfare, whilst they had their residence there, was inwrapped in the quiet and welfare of that State, as the safety of Passenger… is in the Vessel wherein they are imbarked. And even so is the welfare of Subjects in a great measure inwrapped and bound up in the p. 13welfare of their Soveraigns; as the safety of Passenger… is in the skill and care of the Pilot that standeth at the Helm. And upon this account let not those who wish well to themselves, cease to make prayers on their behalf, but pray for them continually.

And this do we for our dread Soveraign this day, being the day of his Solemn Inauguration; At which time, and upon which occasion, prayers have been used to be made. So we find it both ordered and practised at the Coronation of this King spoken of in the Text, King Solomon, 1. King. 1. Where David appointing this his Son to be anointed King over-Israel by Zadok the Priest, and Nathan the Prophet; he ordereth, that for the greater Solemnity, the Trumpet should be blowen, and that all should say, God save the King, ver. 34. which was accordingly done, as we find it, ver. 39. And Zadok the Priest took a horn of Oyl out of the Tabernacle, and anointed Solomon; and they blew the Trumpet, and all the People said, God save King Solomon. And the like let all the People in this Nation at this day do; not only those who are present at this Solemnity, but those who are at a distance from it: Taking notice of it let them, and us, all joyn in this Appr…ation, and say, God save King Charls the Second.

And this do we not meerly in a formal way and manner, (as the Acclamation… of the People too often are, being nothing but the br…ath of their mouths); but do it seriously and cordially, in an affectionate way, heartily begging fo… him the Lords Salvation, th…t God would direct him in the business of the day, and make it a happy day to him, and to this Nation.

And this, do we not this day only▪ Let not our prayers be (as the prayers of …oo many are) an foreign ▪ the service of a day, but pray we for him continually. foreign, (as Paul there hath it, Eph. 6.18.) Omni tempore, at all times and seasons, in publick, in private▪ as we have occasion to make our solemn addresses unto God, le… him be remembred.

The best Servic… that we can do for h…m, the best Tribute th…t we can pay unto him. This is all that Paul beggeth of the Churches in his own behalf, Brethren, pray for u… ▪ 1 Thess. 5.2…. and a Thess. ….1. A…d again (if that Epistle be his), Heb…. 13.18. Pray for u…. Where this Tribute is duly payed, other Trib… wilt no… b… with holde…. The praying Christian is consciencio…, and so will not with h…ld from any man that which is his d…e; which if he should, he cannot expect that his prayers should be heard.

p. 14And this is a Tribute that all may pay: They who have no other Presents to bring to their Prince, no Gold of Ophir or S…eba, to present him with (which is here said to be given to King Solomon); yet they may have this Frankincense and Mirrh, the sweet Odors of their prayers to put up unto God on his behalf. Now such as they have, let them give; as Peter said to that poor Cripple, lying at the beautiful Gate of the Temple, begging an Alms of him, Acts 3.6. Silver and Gold have I none, but such as I have I give thee; a better gift then that which thou desirest, viz. that which Christ hath given me power freely to distribute, the restoring of thy Limbs. And the like let all God's People do to their Soveraign; such as have not the opportunity or ability of doing service to him in other ways; such as they have, let them give. Having a praying spirit given them of God, let them make use of it in his behalf.

Quest.But what is it that we are to pray for on his behalf?

Answ.For resolution, I might send you to that antient Father Tertullian, who in that place fore-mentioned giveth us an account of what things they were that the Christians in his time were wont in their prayers to beg for their Soveraigns. Oramus pro omnibus Imperatoribus, We pray for all Emperours, that God would give them, Vitam prolixam, a long life, Imperium securum, a secure Empire, Domum tutam, a safe Habitation, Exercitus fortes, valiant Armies, Senatum fidelem, a faithfull Counsell, Populum probum, a good People, Orbem quietum, a quiet World, & quaecun que Hominis, & Caesaris vota sunt, and what ever good things Caesar himself, or any other can wish. And all these let us beg for this our dread Soveraign, that God would blesse him with all kinds of Blessings, blessings of his right hand and left, blessings Spiritual and Temporal.

Spiritual, that God would write all his Laws in his heart, giving him his Judgments; which is David's prayer for his son Solomon, verse first of this Psalm; Give the King thy Iudgments, O God, and thy Righteousnesse to the Kings Son. That so he may be such a King as the Lord maketh promise of unto his People, Esay. 32.1. Behold, a King shall R…ign in Righteousnesse, and Princes shall Rule in Iudgment. That God would give him an upright, a perfect heart; such a heart as King Hezekiah had, that so he may walk before him, as he did; and be able at the finishing his course to appeal unto him, as he doth, Esay 38.3. Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth, p. 15and with a perfect heart▪ and have done that which is good in thy sight. And as an upright, so a wise and a large heart. Such a heart God gave unto this King Solomon (as you heard), 1 King. 4.29. And this was the chief blessing that his Father David begged for him, 1 Chron. 22. 12. Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee Charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the Law of the Lord thy God. And that he in whose hand the hearts of Kings are, (The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the Rivers of Water; …e turneth it whithersoever he will, as Solomon tells us, Prov. 21.1.) would hold the heart of this his anointed Servant in his own hand, making use of him as an happy Instrument, as in other Services, so in building his House. This David there beggeth for, and of, his son Solomon, in the verse foregoing, 1 Chron. 22.11. Now my Son, the Lord be with thee, and prosper thou, and build the House of the Lord thy God. Oh that the Lord's Anointed amongst us may do the like! Thus beg we for him these right-hand blessings, spiritual blessings: And this do we in the first place.

Then do we the like for left-hand, Temporal blessings: That God would blesse him in his Person and Government.

In his Person, multiplying his Dayes: Pray for the life of the King (as that Text fore-cited hath it), Ezra 6.10. Let the King live forever (saith Nehemiah to Artaxerxes), Neh. 2.3. And Daniel to Darius, Dan. 6.21. Thou wilt prolong the Kings life, and his years as many Generations, Psal. 61.6.

In his Government: that that may be peaceable and happy; that God would perform unto him what he promised to David, Psal. 132.18. His Enemies will I clothe with shame, but upon himself shall his Crown flourish. As also that, in the verse fore-going; I will make the Horn of David to bud; I have ordained a Lamp for mine anointed, a Successor that should come out of his Loyns. And that his Government may be prosperous to himself and others, beyond what the best of his Predecessors have been. This was the prayer of B…naiah, which he made in the behalf of King Solomon at his Coronation, 1 King. 1.37. As the Lord hath been with my Lord the King, even so be he with Solomon, and make his Throne great… then the Throne of my Lord King David. Wherein he was second…d by Solomon's Servants, ver. 47. who coming to David, after his Son Solomon was anointed King, they said unto him, God make the Name of Solomon better then thy Name, and make his Throne p. 16greater then thy Throne. To which David was ready to say Amen, declaring his assent, by bowing himself upon the Bed. These and all other blessings, which may be any wayes requisite or expedient, let us beg in the behalf of our dread Soveraign; that he being thus blessed, and we blessed in him, may have cause to bless him.

22. That is the other Tribute which David here in the Text saith should be payed unto his Son Solomon: His Subjects thus praying for him, they should also praise him; and so praise him, as they prayed for him, Continually,

And daily shall he praised.] …olha…om jebar…keneh… ▪ Totâ (or omni) die benedicet ei. All the day long, or every day, his own People and others, should speak well of him, bless him. All Nations shall call him blessed, ver. 17.

So did diverse …orraign Nations, whose Kings having he…rd of his Fame, …ame to see him, bringing Presents unto him. So it is here foretold of some of them, ver. 10. of this Psalm; The Kings of T…rshish, and all the Iles shall bring Presents, the Kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer Gifts; Yea, all Kings shall fall down before him. And accordingly we find it verified in that illustrious Princesse, the Queen of Sheba; who hearing of his Wisdom, came from her own Country to see him, and have some conference with him. Which having had, she departed fully satisfied, finding the reality of his worth far exceeding the report; which at her departure she acknowledged, as we find it, 1 King. 10.6, &c. And she said unto the King, It was a true report that I heard in mine own Land of thy Acts, and of thy Wisdom. Howbeit, I believed not the words untill I came; and mine Eyes have seen it, and behold, the half was not told m…; thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the Fame which I heard▪ Blessed be the Lord thy God which delighteth in thee, to set thee on the Throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee King to do Iustice and Iudgment. And she gave the King an hundred and twenty Talents of Gold, and Spices▪ very great sto…, and precious Stones. Thus was he honoured, praised, and blessed of others.

And so he was of his own Subjects, who being (as I said) blessed in him, blessed him. Even as he, speaking of good Wife, who is wise and careful in ordering the businesse of her Family, saith, Her Children rise up, and call her blessed; her Husband also, and he praiseth her, Prov. 3….28. So did his Subjects unto him, feeling the benefit of his wife and righteous Government; they called him blessed, p. 17daily praising of him. Thus was this Tribute payed unto him.

And so let it be by us to our Royal Soveraign. And that upon a double account; the Vertues which are eminent in him, and the Benefits which we have received from him: His vertues, which are truly praise-worthy. Such is the Patience ▪ which he hath shewen in bearing of so many, so great, so long continued Sufferings, as during his so many years exile he hath had experience of. And such is his Constan…y in adhearing to God's true Religion. Notwithstanding his case was much like unto David's, who complaining unto King Saul of his hard Usage from his malicious Enemies, saith, They have driven me out this day from abiding in the Inheritance of the Lord, saying, Go serve other gods, 1 Sam. 26.19. Being by their means driven and kept out of his own Land, where he enjoyed the Ordinances of God freely, he was forced to wander from place to place, from Country to Country, to have his abode in Idolatrous Nations; By which doing of theirs, they did as much in them lay, force and compel him to turn Idolater. And even such hath been the condition of this our dread Soveraign, and that for many years together; yet, through the good providence of God watching over him, he hath continued constant to his Religion, as David did. To these add his Sobriety and Temperance, wherein he is exemplary to his Subjects, setting a Copy for them to write after. As also his Moderation and Meekness, which he hath declared by granting such indulgence to consciences truly tender, which he would not have pressed under the burden of offensive & unnecessary observances; as by desiring and endeavouring an accommodation of differences▪ that there might be (as to matters of lesser concernment) a Christian compliance amongst persons of different perswasions. To which, ann…x his Lenity and Gentlenesse, in not taking all just advantages against all such as by whom he hath unjustly suffered. To all which, add the Zeal which he hath shewen against those Epidemical Sins of Swearing and Drunkenness, which through too much indulgence have been sorife in this Nation. These, and other the like Vertues, they call for this Tribute to be payed unto him. And so do all those blessings and benefits, which since his return we enjoyed under his Government: For which let him, under God, be prais…d.

p. 18And oh that the Lord may so blesse him for the future, that he may yet be made a greater blessing unto his People in this and the Neighbour-Nations; that they sitting quietly under his shadow, may enjoy the Gospel of peace, and the peace of the Gospel, havi… all the Ordinances of God continued to them with Liberty and Purity. That so they, being blessed in him, may blesse God for him; giving unto God as the Authour, and to him as the Instrument, the praise and honour which is due unto both. But I want time to prosecu…e what I have only propounded: And so shall take leave of the Literal sense of the words in the Text, as relating to King Solomon. It remains that I should look upon them in their Mystical sense, as relating to King Iesus, of whom Solomon was a Type. But this I shall adjourn to the next Occasion.