Rulers Must be Just in Ruling, Sermon

Rulers Must be Just in Ruling · Sermon

Mr. Sewall's Election SERMON. May 27th. 1724.

Rulers muſt be Juſt, RULING In the Fear of GOD.

A SERMON Preach'd before the Honourable, The Lieutenant GOVERNOUR, the COUNCIL & REPRESENTATIVES of the Province of the Maſſachuſetts-Bay in New-England, May 27.1724.

Being the Day for the Election of His MAJESTY's COUNCIL.

By Joſeph Sewall, Paſtor of a Church of CHRIST in Boſton

Pſal. 45.6, 7. —The Scepter of thy Kingdom is a right Scepter. Thou loveſt Righteouſneſs, and hateſt Wickedneſs.—

BOSTON in N. E. Printed by B. Green, Printer to His Honour the Lieut. GOVERNOUR and COUNCIL. Sold by Samuel Gerriſh, at his Shop near the Brick Meeting-Houſe in Corn-hill 1724.

At a Council held at the Council Chamber in Boſton, upon Friday, May 29th. 1724.

Ordered, THAT Thomas Fitch & Daniel Oliver, Eſqrs; give the Thanks of this Board to the Reverend Mr. Joſeph Sewall, for his SERMON Preach'd to the General Aſſembly the 27th. Currant, being the Anniverſary for the Election of Councillors; and that they Deſire a Copy of the ſaid Sermon for the Preſs.

J. Willard, Secr.

p. 1RULERS muſt be Juſt, Ruling in the Fear of GOD.

II. SAMUEL XXIII.3, 4.

The God of Iſrael ſaid, the Rock of Iſrael ſpake to me, He that ruleth over men muſt be juſt, ruling in the fear of God:

And he ſhall be as the light of the morning, when the ſun riſeth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender graſs ſpringing out of the earth by clear ſhining after rain.

THE laſt Words of great & good Men, are accounted Worthy of an attentive obſervation, and affectionate Remembrance. The Words now read are call'd the laſt Words of David, i. e. ſay Expoſitors, Some of the laſt which he ſpake by the Spirit of God, aſſiſting and directing him in an Extraordinary Manner; or ſuch as he often repeated to his laſt breath, ††Mr. Pool, Mr. HenryBut indeed a greater than p. 2David is here: He was a Royal Prophet, and ſpake as inſpir'd by the Holy Ghoſt. v.2. The Spirit of the Lord ſpake by me, and his Word was in my Tongue. The Spirit of God ſuggeſted theſe words to him, and govern'd him in the delivery of them: 2 Pet. 1.21. For the Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God ſpake as they were moved by the Holy Ghoſt. They were under the unerring guidance of this Divine Perſon as to the Matter and Words of the holy Scriptures; ſo that what they thus ſpake muſt be receiv'd not as the Word of Man, but as it is in truth, the Word of GOD.

AND here I may obſerve by the way, That inaſmuch as it follows in the Words of my Text, The God of Iſrael ſaid, the Rock of Iſrael ſpake to me—Some ſuppoſe here's an intimation of the Three glorious Perſons in the Trinity; The Father, the GOD of Iſrael, the Son, the Rock of Iſrael, and the Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, who ſpake by the Prophets, and particularly by the Mouth of his ſervant David. Whether this be the Truth of this Place or no, It is certainly a fundamental Article of our holy Religion, to be firmly believ'd becauſe GOD hath reveal'd it. 1 Joh 5.7. For there are Three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghoſt, and theſe Three are One.

IN the Words of my Text, We may obſerve, 1. The Perſons ſpeaking: The GOD of Iſrael ſaid. GOD is in a peculiar Manner the GOD of his Iſrael, their Covenant GOD. The Rock of Iſrael; &c. by whom, as we have already hinted, ſome underſtand the Son of GOD, who is One with his p. 3Eternal Father in the Divine Eſſence, and is the Rock on whom the Church is built, the Strength and Support, Defence and Safety of his People. 2. We may obſerve, to, or of whom —. To me, i. e. To David, by way of Precept; or of me, i. e. of him, or his Houſe, by way of Prediction and Promiſe. 3. What is ſaid. He that ruleth over Men —. Some underſtand theſe Words as a Prophecy, and read them after this manner, There ſhall be a Ruler over Men, or among Men, viz. The Meſſiah, who tho' he be the inviſible GOD, yet ſhall viſibly appear & Rule among Men. Thus the words contain a Prophecy of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, the Son of David, and of his Kingdom, who is in an appropriate Senſe, the Juſt One, and being filled with the Spirit, deſerved this Character in Perfection, both reſpecting his Perſonal Qualifications, and the Bleſſed Fruits of his Reign; which are truly more Pleaſant and of greater and more extenſive Uſefulneſs than the Light or Rain of Heaven. And thus it may be ſuppos'd that David reflecting on the Calamities already brought on his Houſe, and foreſeeing by the Spirit, that the Glory of it would ſtill further decay and fade as a Leaf; refreſheth himſelf with the Conſideration of the Coming of the Meſſiah, his Son and Succeſſor, and his Lord, in whoſe moſt righteous & happy Government, not his Family and People only; but even the whole World were to be Bleſſed. And this Senſe may ſeem to be favoured by what immediately follows, Ver. 5. Altho' my houſe be not ſo with God; yet he hath made with me an Everlaſting Covenant, ordered in all things and ſure: for this is all my ſalvation, and all p. 4my deſire, altho' he make it not to grow. But then, others underſtand theſe Words as ſpoken to David by way of Precept, and ſo they are a Declaration of the Duty of Kings, particularly of Solomon his Son and of his Succeſſors the Kings of Iſrael, for whoſe Inſtruction he gives this Rule. Our Tranſlation favours this Interpretation. And indeed theſe Words contain an Excellent Deſcription of the Duty of Civil Magiſtrates, of the King as Supream, and of ſuch as are under him in place of Power. They muſt be Juſt towards Men, which in the large Senſe of the Word, comprehends the whole of our Duty towards our Neighbour, according to the Place and Relation we ſuſtain, and ſo includes Clemency, Mercy, and the like, which in ſome Caſes are Juſtice. And then this Juſtice to Men muſt flow from an inward Principle of holy Fear towards GOD, who is the Fountain of all Power, and be regulated by it. And then, the 4th Ver. He ſhall be as the light of the Morning —. May be a Deſcription of the Proſperity & Glory of ſuch Rulers, and of the happy Fruits and Effects of their Adminiſtrations with reſpect to the People under their Government. God will be Preſent with ſuch to uphold and ſucceed them, ſo that they ſhall come in, and go out before God's People in the Strength of the Lord, as the Sun when he goeth forth in his might; and come down upon them as the Rain, as the ſhowers that water the Earth, Pſal. 72.6. They ſhall be to the Moral World, what the Sun and Rain are to the Natural, Great and Extenſive Bleſſings; and their Wiſe and Juſt Government will, by the Bleſſing of GOD produce Fruits no leſs grateful and beneficial to their p. 5People. Now, it is with an eſpecial regard to this Reading that I have choſen theſe Words; however the other, which may well enough conſiſt with it, taking Solomon as a Type of Christ, is ſo noble and excellent in it ſelf; and ſo profitable for us all, and particularly for Civil Rulers to M…ditate upon, that I ſhall not wholly omit it. In the words then we may obſerve theſe Four Doctrines.

1. GOD is the Rock of Iſrael. II. The Lord Jeſus Chriſt hath the Supreme Government over Men by God's appointment, and his People are moſt happy under his holy, juſt, and proſperous A miniſtrations. III. They that Rule over Men muſt be Juſt, Ruling in the Fear GOD. IV. Such Rulers ſhall proſper themſelves by GOD's Bleſſing upon them, and be made great and extenſive Bleſſings to their People.

DOCT. I. GOD is the Rock of Iſrael.

THE Rock of Iſrael ſpake to me. This is One of the Names and Titles whereby God is pleas'd to make himſelf known to his People. GOD is in Scripture frequently ſpoken of and ſhadow'd forth to us under this Metaphor, in which we have ſome imperfect Repreſentation of GOD's Everlaſting and Unchangeable Being, whoſe Name is JEHOVAH, and I AM THAT I AM; of his invinſible Power; of the Stability & Firmneſs of his Counſels, Promiſes and Providential Diſpenſations in the World. Deut. 32, 4. He is the Rock—. This Title is given him about Six times in this Chapter. And then, p. 6He is the Rock of Iſrael, of his Covenant-People. His Ancient People call him their Rock, v.31. GOD is the Strength of Iſrael. their Defence and Strong Tower, in whom alone they have a ſure Place of Refuge when purſued with threatning Evils. If it be demanded how that GOD who is a Conſuming Fire to Sinners, becomes a Rock of ſafety & refreſhment to any of the Sinful Children of fallen Adam, It muſt be ſaid, That the Eternal Son of GOD, who is the Great GOD our Saviour, was in the fulneſs of Time ſent forth made of a Woman, made under the Law, to redeem them that were under the Law —: He is God-Man Mediator, and in Him GOD is the Rock of Salvation to his People. He is in Scripture call'd a Rock, 1 Cor. 10.4. — That Rock was Chriſt. The Son of GOD was prefigur'd by the Rock mention'd, Exod. 17.6. which being ſmitten gave forth waters in abundance, which followed the Iſraelites in their Marches thrô the dry & barren Wilderneſs: For thus the Son of GOD in our Nature, having been ſmitten by GOD, when he was made a Curſe for his People, became a Fountain Open'd in the Merit of his Obedience, and in the abundant Effuſions of His Spirit, whoſe Graces and Comforts are as Streams and Rivers of living Waters for the comfortable ſupply & refreſhment of his People, Job. 7.37—39. Again, Our Lord Jeſus is laid in Zion — a tryed Stone, a precious CornerStone, a ſure Foundation, Iſai. 28.16. 1 Pet. 6.7. On him, God's Spiritual Houſe the Church is built, and by him the ſeveral parts are united & ſupported. The Lord Jeſus Chriſt as he is reveal'd in his Word, and declar'd to be the Chriſt, the Son of the living p. 7GOD, is the Rock on which the Church is built, and therefore the Gates of Hell ſhall not prevail againſt it, Matth 16.17, 18. Again, The Son of GOD is unto his People as the Shadow of a great Rock in a weary Land, Iſai. 32 2. If theſe and the foregoing words refer to Hezekiah; yet they are ſuppoſed by good Expoſitors to look thrô him to Chriſt the great Antitype, who affords his People a cool and moſt refreſhing Shade under which they may ſit with great delight, being defended from the ſcorching heat of GOD's wrath, from the Curſe of the fiery Law, and from all thoſe Calamities which their Sins have deſerved In a Word, He is the Fortreſs and Strong tower to which they may fly for Refuge to lay hold on the hope ſet before them, when purſued by Revenging Juſtice, and in which they may be ſafe from all their Enemies.

USE. LET what hath been ſaid Excite and Encourage periſhing Sinners to fly to GOD in CHRlST, as the Rock of their Salvation.

AND thus we all are by Nature, dead in treſpaſſes and ſins, and Children of wrath. Let as then fly to GOD's Name as to our Strong Tower: Let us make that Prayer, Pſal. 61.2—Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. O make haſt to Jeſus Chriſt, and by Faith lean & reſt upon him alone for Salvation! He that believeth in him ſhall not be confounded, I Pet. 2.6. But if the Son of GOD be a ſtone, & rock of offence to you, You will ſtumble & fall into Eternal Perdition; and when he ſhall in the Great Day of his wrath fall upon you, He will grind you to powder. Let us then not be at reſt, till we find reſt p. 8in Jeſus Chriſt; who will Save to the Uttermoſt all that come to God by him; for He is a Rock, and his work is perfect. Let us build our hopes of Eternal Life upon this Rock, that ſo whatever Storms of temptation and trouble ariſe and beat upon us, our building may ſtand: See Mat. 7.24.-27. If we are intereſted in CHRIST, and vitally United to him by his Spirit dwelling in us, & by a true Faith, we may then amidſt all the Changes & threatning Evils of this Life, rejoyce in Chriſt Jeſus, and ſing with the ſweet Pſalmiſt of Iſrael, 2 Sam. 22.47. The Lord Liveth, and bleſſed be my Rock; and Exalted be the God of the rock of my Salvation.

2. LET the Enemies of God's Church and People be afraid, and deſiſt from their wicked Enterprizes.

IN oppoſing God and Chriſt, you run againſt a Rock, and can expect nothing but to be broken in pieces. We read of the Stone cut out without hands, that it ſmote the Image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces ††Dan. 2.34.Dan 2:34. Let the Combinations of the Enemies of God's People be ever ſo ſtrong and numerous, that word ſhall in the Concluſion be fulfill'd in them; Iſai. 8.9. Aſſociate your ſelves, O ye people, and ye ſhall be broken in pieces—.

3. LET this People be Exhorted & Encouraged to Look to, and Truſt in the LORD for Salvation.

OUR Fathers truſted in the Lord, and he delivered them. Let us then be encourag'd under all the dark Providences which paſs over us, to Truſt in the Lord, and Stay upon our God: Who is Eternal and Unchangeable in his Wiſdom, Power, Goodneſs, Mercy & Covenant-Faithfulneſs. Iſai. 26 4. Truſt ye p. 9in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlaſting Strength. Heb. The Rock of Ages. Tho' we are a very degenerate People, yet we may humbly Call upon the Lord, as our Covenant God He hath ſtretched out our Heavens, and laid the foundation of our Earth, and form d us a People for himſelf. It is true, we have by our great degeneracies given GOD reaſon to complain of us ſomething as of his ancient People, Deut. 32.15. But Jeſhurun waxed ſat and kicked —, then he forſook God which made him, and lightly eſteemed the Rock of his Salvation. We have been in an high degree unmindful of the Rock that begat us, and forgotten God that formed us. We have provoked God to Jealouſy by our hainous iniquities, and now God provokes us to anger with a fooliſh Nation. We muſt ſay of our Enemies, Their Rock is not as our Rock; But alas! Out Sins have in a dreadful meaſure ſeparated between us and our God, and he refuſeth to give us thoſe Tokens of his gracious Preſence, and to fight our battels, as formerly hath been Experienc'd, when our Enemies were numurous, and we but a few comparatively. And ſhall we go on to provoke the Lord by our Sins till our Rock fell us, "quit his intereſt in & relation to us". O let us not do it? For if God leave us, our Defence and Glory are departed. Let us not go from God with a perpetual backſliding; but let us Return to him by ſincere Repentance; lay hold of his ſtrength and make Peace with him. Then we might hope to ſee that good word fulfilled in us. Deut. 33.27. The Eternal God is thy refuge:— and be ſhall thruſt out the Enemy from before thee, and ſhall, ſay deſtroy them.

p. 10DOCT. II. THE Lord Jeſus Chriſt hath the Supreme Government over Men by God's appointment, and his People are most happy under his Holy, juſt, & Proſperous Adminiſtrations.

WE have already obſerved that ſome Read theſe Words as a Prophecy; There ſhall be a Ruler over Men, &c. and apply them to our Lord Jeſus Chriſt the Son of David, in whom the Covenant of Royalty made with David, in which GOD promis'd, That his Throne ſhould be as the days of Heaven, Pſal. 89.29. had it's full accompliſhment. Agreably, We have that Promiſe of the Meſſiah, our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, Iſai. 11.1-4. There ſhall come ſorth a Rod out of the ſtem of Jeſſe: — And the Spirit of the Lord ſhall reſt upon him, the Spirit of wiſdom and underſtanding, the ſpirit of counſel & might, the ſpirit of knowledge, and the fear of the Lord: And ſhall make him of quick Underſtanding in the fear of the Lord, and he ſhall not judge after the ſight of his eyes, —But with Righteouſneſs ſhall be judge the poor.— And we have the happy fruits of his Government deſcribed in the ſame Chapter, 6-9. v. Here I would ſpeak to a few particulars very briefly.

1. THE Lord Jeſus Chriſt hath the Supreme Government over Men by G0D's appointment. The Son of GOD is the King of Glory. He is Over all God bleſſed for ever, Rom. 9.5. All things were made by him, Joh. 1.3. And therefore his Government over all Creatures, as he is GOD, is natural and neceſſary, for he is eſſentially One with the Father and the Spirit, Equal in Power & Glory. But beſides p. 11this, our Lord Jeſus Chriſt hath a Delegated & Mediatorial Kingdom as he is the Son of GOD Incarnate, the only Mediator between GOD and Man, and the Saviour of his People. Iſa. 9.6, 7. Unto us a child is born—, and the Government ſhall be upon his ſhoulder: and his Name ſhall be called, Wonderful, Counſellor, the mighty God, the Everlaſting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increaſe of his Government & Peace there ſhall be no End, upon the Throne of David, and upon his Kingdom, to order it, and to eſtabliſh it with judgment & with juſtice, from henceforth even for ever: The Zeal of the Lord of hoſts will perform this. Now in this reſpect the Meſſiah is GOD's King in a ſingular and moſt tranſcendent manner, and is Exalted by GOD the Father as the Reward of his meritorious Obedience in his Humiliation. Phil 2.8, 11. And being found in faſhion as a man, he humbled himſelf, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Croſs. Wherefore God alſo hath highly exalted him, and given him a Name which is above every Name. That at the Name of Jeſus every knee ſhould bow — Not as if we were obliged to bow our Bodies whenever the Letters and Syllables of the Name Jeſus are pronounced; for Joſhua is call'd Jeſus in Heb. 4.8. And ſome of the Creatures here mentioned, have no Knees to bow. It muſt ſignify therefore, that all muſt pay homage to the Perſon ſignified by this Name, and be in Subjection to him either freely or by conſtraint. This Kingdom of CHRIST of which we are now ſpeaking is a Univerſal Kingdom, a Dominion which Ruleth over all. He is the King of Kings,—Rev. 19.16. The Son of GOD is the p. 12Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth: All power is given unto him in heaven and in earth, Matth. 28 I8. The holy Angels are ſubject to him: They Worſhip him and ſtand about his Throne as miniſtring Spirits, Heb. 1.6. Iſa. 6.1, 2. The Devils are ſubjected by Conqueſt: Col. 2.15. Having ſpoiled principalities & powers,—triumphing over them—. Our glorious Lord, who is the Seed of the Woman, hath bruiſed the Serpent's Head. Again, The whole World of Mankind is under the Government of CHRIST. The Father hath given him Power over all fleſh, Joh. 17.2. Whether they be Elect or Reprobate, Good or Bad, our Lord Jeſus is in a large ſenſe King over them all. He Rules in the midſt of his Enemies, Pſal. 110.2. He hath a Rod of Iron to daſh in pieces his implacable Enemies, and muſt ſit at God's Right Hand, till all of them are made his footſtool, ver. 1. The Shields of the Earth belong to him, even all Rulers, who ought by their Office to be as Shields to protect and defend their People from Injuries. All Governments are under him, and belong to him, who is the bleſſed and only Potentate,—I Tim. 6.15. It is owing to his good Providence that there's any good Order and civil Peace among ſinful Men, and that ſome heathen Rulers have been Benefactors to their People. GOD the Son, who is called the Wiſdom of God, Luk. 11.49. ſpeaks, Prov. 8.15. By me Kings reign, and Princes decree juſtice. When ever they are enabled to Execute Juſtice, this is from CHRIST, tho' the Heathen know him not. But then, our Lord is in a peculiar ſenſe, the King of his Church & People, whom he Governs by his Word and Spirit Pſal. 2.6.—I ſet my King p. 13on my holy hill of Zion. And He hath a peculiar Reſpect to their Welfare in the Exerciſe of his Government, Eph. 1.22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the Head over all things to the Church. And here we may take notice of Chriſt's viſible and inviſible Kingdom, as the Church falls under a two-fold conſideration in Scripture. The Viſible Church is in Scripture call'd the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 25.1. which conſiſts of thoſe that Openly profeſs ſubjection to Chriſt & his Laws, and of their Seed. CHRIST is the Lord of his own Houſe, the Church, and hath in his Word, which is his Rod or Scepter, given thoſe Laws and Ordinances by which he will have it govern'd; to which are annexed Promiſes & Threatnings, as Sanctions. The Goſpel is the Goſpel of Jeſus Chriſt. The Lord is our Law-giver, the Lord is our King, Iſai. 33.22. Accordingly, He charged his Apoſtles, and their Succeſſors to the End of the World, To teach his ſubjects to obſerve whatſoever he had commanded, and then promiſeth them his gracious Preſence always even unto the End of the World, Mat 28.19, 20. His Will revealed in his Word is the Rule and Meaſure of our Obedience; from which nothing may be taken, to which nothing may be added, if we would avoid that dreadful Curſe, Rev. 22.18, 19. Again, Our Lord in the Execution of his Kingly Office, hath appointed Officers in his Church to feed and rule his People in his Name, and according to his Word, Eph. 4.11, 12, whoſe power is not lordly, but ſtewardly and miniſterial under Chriſt, 1 Pet. 5.3. Now, theſe things belong to Chriſts viſible Kingdom upon Earth, in which he governs his People by his own Laws, Officers p. 14Cenſures, &c. And therefore it is moſt intollerable Preſumption for any to require the Church and People of GOD to obſerve the Traditions of Men, and ſo to do what in them lies to make void Chriſt's Law. As Chriſt ſays to the Phariſees, Mat. 15.6. — Thus have ye made the Commandment of God of none effect by your tradition: Or unlorded it, as the word ſignifies. This is indeed to ſnatch at a flower of Chriſt's Crown, how light ſoever Men may make of it; and when he comes to Judgment, will be found Crimen laeſae Majestatis, High Treaſon againſt the King of Heaven. Such is the Uſurpation of Antichriſt, who Oppoſeth and Exalteth himſelf above all that is called God,— Whom the Lord ſhall Conſume with the Spirit of his Mouth, and ſhall Deſtroy with the brightneſs of his coming, 2 Theſ. 2.4—8. Surely then, it much concerns the ſubjects of Chriſt, as they wou'd approve themſelves loyal to him, and conſult their own ſafety, to ſtand a great way off from Roman Antichriſtian, in their Principles and Practices, left when ſhe ſhall fall, (as.we are ſure ſhe ſhall and riſe no more, Rev. 18.2, 21.) they be terribly ſhaken: Rev. 18.4. — Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her ſins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

BUT to proceed, the things but now mention'd belong to the viſible diſpenſation of Chriſt's Kingdom upon Earth, under which Multitudes are comprehended that are not ſavingly Converted. But then, there are a Number whom GOD hath choſen in Chriſt, before the foundation of the World, that they ſhould be holy, and without blame before him in love,— Eph. 1.4. who are in all Ages effectually Call'd by p. 15the Holy Spirit, and made willing in the Day of God's power. Now of theſe it may be ſaid that the Kingdom of God is within them, Luk 17.21 When this glorious King rides forth proſperouſly on the Word of Truth, He ſubdues his Elect, who were Enemies in their Minds to the obedience of Faith, according to the working of his mighty power. Theſe Experience the Renewing of the holy Ghost, Tit. 3.6. They are born again, from above, born of water & of the Spirit, and ſo enter into the Kingdom of GOD, Job. 3.3, 5 There's a Saving & Supernatual Change wrought on all the powers of their Souls, whereby they are deliver'd from the power of darkneſs, and tranſlated into the Kingdom of GOD's dear Son. Their Underſtanding is Enlightned, their Wills, Renewed, and they are enabled from their hearts to Receive Jeſus Chriſt as their Prince & Saviour, and to ſubmit to him; ſaying with them, Iſai. 26.13. O Lord our God, other lords beſides thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy Name. The Lord Jeſus Chriſt Rules in their hearts by his Spirit dwelling in them, and cauſeth them to walk in his ſtatutes and keep his judgments—,Ezek 36.27. And inaſmuch as by his Grace they come up to the Terms of the New Covenant, He gives them a ſure title to all the Privileges and Immunities, Bleſſings & Benefits of the Goſpel Charter; ſuch as Juſtification, Adoption, ſupport under Temptations & Afflictions, Victory over all Enemies, the Conſolations of the Spirit, Perſeverance in Grace, &c. To which I may add, The Protection and Proviſion of his good Providence, reſpecting their outward Man. Again, Such are the Reſt of p. 16their departed Spirits in the Paradice of God, their glorious Reſurrection, when their vile Body ſhall be changed & faſhion'd like to Chriſt's glorious Body; and they ſhall obtain Salvation with Eternal Glory. For when the Son of Man, to whom all Judgment is committed, ſhall come in his glory, and all the holy Angels with him; when he ſhall be Revealed in flaming Fire, — taking Vengeance of thoſe that know not God and that obey not the Goſpel of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt: Then will he appear to their Salvation, Mat. 25.2 Theſ. 1.7, 8, 9. Heb. 9.27.

2. OUR Lord Jeſus Chriſt is moſt Holy & Righteous in all the Adminiſtrations of his Government. He is in Scripture often call'd the Juſt Righteous One, Iſa. 53.11. Acts 3.14.— The Holy One, and the Juſt. The Man Chriſt Jeſus was anointed with the Gifts & Graces of the Spirit in an Extraordinary manner. GOD giveth not the Spirit by meaſure to him. In a particular manner, He was moſt eminent for his holy Fear of GOD, and Juſtice to Men. Yea ſo perfect and excellent was the Obedience of this Divine Perſon in our Nature, that he is of God made unto his people righteouſneſs. He is Jehovah our Rightouſneſs, Jer. 23.6. And as to what concerns his Government, of which we are now ſpeaking, it muſt be ſaid unto him, Pſal. 45.6, 7.—O God the Scepter of thy Kingdom is a right Scepter. Thou loveſt Righteouſneſs, and hateſt wickedneſs—. The Son of GOD is the true Melchiſedeck, the King of Righteouſneſs; and in this reſpect is the Man after God's own heart in a more Exalted ſenſe than David ever was. Iſai. 11.5. And Righteouſneſs ſhall be the girdle of his wins. — q. d. It ſhall adorn him, and p. 17be the Glory of his Government; and it ſhall conſtantly cleave to him in all his adminiſtrations ††Mr.Pool in Lcc.. The Laws of Chriſt are holy and righteous altogether, and ſo are all his Adminiſtrations. The Laws of his Kingdom are every way ſuited to make his Subjects good & happy, & he is moſt juſt & impartial in the Execution of them. Shall not the judge of all the Earth do right? moſt certainly he will. Being God & Man in One Perſon, he cannot Err. Even when the Son of GOD goeth forth againſt his Enemies it is to Execute Judgment. Rev. 19, 11.— In righteouſneſs be doth judge and make War.

3. HIS Obedient People are moſt happy under his Righteous & Proſperous Government. He ſhall be as the light of the morning—, as the tender graſs ſpringing out of the Earth by clear ſhining after Rain. Apply theſe Metaphors to Jeſus Chriſt, who is the Light of the World, that great Light which makes and rules the Goſpel Day, and they are perfectly out-done. The Sun in the Firmament in all it's Light and Glory, is but a dark ſhadow of this Sun of Righteouſneſs who is Light, and in whom there is no Darkneſs at all, the Brightneſs of the Father's Glory, and the Fountain of all Divine Knowledge, Life & Comfort. When he aroſe the Day ſpring from on high, viſited his People, to give light to them that ſat in darkneſs, and in the ſhadow of death, Luk. 1.78, 9. We have the flouriſhing happy State of the GoſpelChurch deſcribed, Iſa. 60.19. The Sun ſhall be no more thy light by day,—but the Lord ſhall be unto thee an everlaſting light, and thy God thy glory. p. 18When the Son of God is pleas'd to cauſe his Face to ſhine upon his People, then their Righteouſneſs goet forth as brightneſs, and their Salvation as a lamp that burneth. What are the precious Fruits brought forth by the Sun? ſurely not comparable to the Fruits of Chriſt's Kingdom, which is Righteouſneſs, and Peace, & Joy in the Holy Ghoſt. We read, Pſal. 84.11. For the Lord God is a Sun,—the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will be withhold from them that walk uprightly. And thus we have the bleſſed Influences of Chriſt's Government compared to the Rain, Pſal. 72.6, 7. He ſhall come down like Rain,—as ſhowers that water the Earth—,In his days ſhall the Righteous flouriſh. By his Doctrine which drops as the Rain, and by the ſweet and benign Influences of his Spirit, he cauſeth his People to abound in the peaceable Fruits of Righteouſneſs. We have the Bleſſings of Chriſt's Kingdom deſcribed, Iſa. 32.1. Behold a King ſhall reign in Righteouſneſs,—a man ſhall be—as rivers of water in a dry place. ver. I5. Until the Spirit be poured out upon us from on high, and the wilderneſs be a fruitful Field. ver. 17. The Work of Righteouſneſs ſhall be Peace, &c. Thus Iſa 44.3, 4. I will pour water upon him that is thirſty, and flouds upon the dry ground: I will pour my ſpirit upon thy ſeed, and my bleſſing upon thine offſpring: And they ſhall ſpring up as among the graſs, as willows by the water courſes. As the Earth is enriched with the River of God which is full of Water; ſo our Lord by pouring out his Spirit in plentiful meaſures, Creates a River the Streams whereof makes glad the City of God; and his Churches are as fruitful Fields, as watered Gardens p. 19which the Lord hath bleſſed, bearing all manner of pleaſant Fruits.

APPLICATION.

I wou'd improve this Doctrine in a Word of Exhortation. And that particularly directed,

1. TO our Honoured Rulers with all Humility. Give Glory to the Son of God by ſubmitting to his Government, and by employing all your Power for the Advancement of his Kingdom. GOD ſpeaks to Rulers whether Supream, or Subordinate, in their limited Dominions; Pſal. 2.12. Kiſs the Son leſt he be angry, and ye periſh from the way—. You muſt bow down and adore this glorious King, and Submit to his Government. This you are oblig'd to as much as the meaneſt under your Government; and the rather becauſe in his Governing Providence he hath ſet you over his People. You muſt yield an hearty Obedience to the Laws of CHRIST's Kingdom in the Exerciſe of Faith, Repentance and New Obedience; and by a profeſs'd Subjection to the Government & Ordinances he hath appointed in his Church. Particularly, you ſhould look to it, that when the People of God are call'd to ſit with the King at his Table, your Seat be not empty.

INDEED it doth not pertain to you to Adminiſter the Ordinances of Chriſt's Houſe; however it is your Province to be as Guardian Angels round the Church and People of GOD, to defend them in their Religious as well as Civil Privileges, that they may lead quiet and peaceable Lives in all godlineſs and honeſty. Furthermore, It ought to be your Care and Endeavour to Enlarge the Kingdom of the p. 20Great GOD our Saviour, by taking proper Methods to Goſpelize the dark Corners of this Land; and to ſpread the Savour of the Knowlege of CHRIST among the Aboriginal Natives, that they who dwell in the Wilderneſs may bow before him. If you do thus fall in with GOD's great deſign of Glorifying his Son JESUS CHRIST, he will Honor you; for in ſo doing you Honor GOD himſelf, and the Lord ſaith, — Them that Honour me, I will Honour—, 1 Sam 2.30.

2. I wou'd beſeech my Reverend Fathers & Brethren in the Miniſtry to ſuffer the Word of Exhortatation. Uſe your beſt Endeavours to Promote the Intereſts of CHRIST's Kingdom. You are by your Office in an eſpecial manner obliged to ſeek the Proſperity of Chriſt's Kingdom upon Earth. Permit me then, tho' moſt unworthy, to ſuggeſt a few things very briefly. CHRIST's Kingdom is not of this World, and conſequently, our Work is Spiritual, and lies principally with the Souls of Men, about their Eternal State. The great and important Errand upon which the Son of GOD ſends you, is to turn Sinners from Darkneſs to Light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveneſs of Sins, and Inheritance among them which are ſanctified by faith in him, Acts 26.18. As alſo to build up his obedient Subjects and followers on their moſt holy Faith. Now for this End, we muſt. Preach the Word of the Kingdom, and not ſhun to declare the whole Counſel of God. We muſt Preach not our ſelves, but CHRIST JESUS the Lord. The great Scope and Deſign of our Preaching muſt be to Glorify GOD, by winning Souls unto p. 21CHRIST, and advancing his Kingdom more & more in the hearts of his People. We muſt therefore determine, as the Apoſtle Paul did, I Cor. 2.2. Not to know any thing ſave Jeſus Chriſt, and him crucified. Jeſus Chriſt in his Natures, Divine & Humane, in the Myſterious & wonderful Conſtitution of his Perſon, in his Offices, and in the ineſtimable benefits of his Kingdom; eſpecially in that Great & Comprehenſive One, the ſending his Holy Spirit; muſt be the great ſubject of our Preaching. Yea, whatever ſubject we inſiſt upon, as we ought to Explain & Enforce the great duties of the Moral Law, we muſt ſpeak the Truth as it is in JESUS; for, as a Learned Divine Obſerves, Chriſt Jeſus the Lord is the Sum and Center of all revealed Truth; neither is any thing to be preached unto Men, as an object of their faith, or neceſſary element of their Salvation, which doth not ſome way or other, either meet in him, or refer unto him. **Dr. Edw. Reynolds.. We muſt declare unto Men the abſolute Neceſſity of their being United to Chriſt, by his Spirit dwelling in them, and by a living Faith, that ſo they may be juſtifyed thrô his perfect Righteouſneſs imputed to them; of their being Created in Chriſt Jeſus unto good Works, and of their living by the faith of the Son of God, if they would ſerve God acceptably in this World, and Prepare for his heavenly Kingdom.

AND then, if we wou'd approve our ſelves loyal and faithful to Jeſus Chriſt, we muſt take Care to Teach his People to Obſerve whatſoever He hath Commanded; doing our utmoſt in our Places that his p. 22Worſhip & Ordinances may be kept Pure & Entire according to Scripture-pattern; for indeed all Unſcriptural additions to the Worſhip of God, are Corruptions of it; agreeably we have that threatning, Iſai. 29.13, 14.— Their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of Men: Therefore behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people: — for the wiſdom of their wiſe men ſhall periſh —. The Word of GOD muſt be our Rule & Directory reſpecting Doctrine, Diſcipline & Worſhip. We muſt take Care to maintain a godly Diſcipline in the Churches of Chriſt, obſerving that Word, Jer. 15.9. — If thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou ſhall be as my mouth: let them return unto thee, but return not thou unto them. In a word, We muſt be Enſamples to the Flock over which the Holy Ghoſt hath made us Overſeers, going before God's People, in an holy, humble, blameleſs, fruitful Converſation, being our ſelves Conformed to the Image and Example of our glorious Lord. 1 Tim. 4.12. — Be thou en Example of the Believers, in word, in converſation, in charity, in ſpirit, in faith, in purity. We are in an eſpecial manner obliged to take heed we be not conformed to this World in its evil Cuſtoms and corrupt Practices; but that we be transform'd by the Renewing of our Minds, that we may prove what is that good, and acceptable & perfect Will of God. That word of our Lord is ſeaſonable for us, Rev. 16.15. Behold, I come as a Thief, Bleſſed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, leſt he walk naked, and they ſee his ſhame.

I would here ask leave further to mention a few things by way of humble Inquiry.

p. 23IS it not needful that the Word of Chriſt, which is the Rod of his Strength whereby he ſubdues thoſe that were Enemies, and then Rules them as his willing People, Should be Publickly Read in our Churches? I ſuppoſe it will be readily granted that Reading the Scriptures is a part of Religious Worſhip; and doth not GOD require that we ſhould own Him as our Law-giver, by making this a part of Publick Worſhip? Is not this an Ordinance by which, together with Preaching, this glorious Light of the Goſpel ſhould be held up & held out in the Churches which are compar'd to golden Candleſticks? The Teachers Endeavouring, as there may be need of it, to Cauſe the People to Underſtand the Reading, Deut. 31.11. Act. 15.21. Col. 4.16.

Again, ARE theſe Churches ſufficiently furniſ'd with Officers to attend the weighty Services of feeding, Ruling and Watching over the Flocks? When as there is but One Elder in by far the greateſt part of them. Is not the Work too heavy for One Man? And are there not ſome Caſes in which it will be very difficult if not impracticable for the Church to act according to our Conſtitution, as when the Paſtor is perſonally Engag'd in a Controverſy with any of the Brethren? It was the declar'd judgment of theſe Churches, as appears by the Platform, that there are Officers belonging to the Elderſhip, who are to attend the Work of Spiritual Rule in the Church, together with the Paſtors; Tho' they do not Labour in the Word & Doctrine. Now our Fore-Fathers were holy Men, and gave themſelves very much to the Study of theſe Things. However there is room p. 24for an Appeal. Neverthleſs, What ſaith the Scripture? Rom. 12 7, 8 9. 1 Tim. 5.17. 1 Cor. 12.28.

Again, OUGHT there not to be ſome further Care taken of the Children of the Covenant, in the Exerciſe of the holy Watch & Diſcipline of theſe Churches? We have been ſeeking to GOD to pour out His Spirit upon the Riſing Generation. What is further to be done? Might not a general Agreement for Paſtoral Viſits, by the Bleſſing of God, ſerve this, and other good Purpoſes in a Day of Temptation and Degeneracy.

Again, DOTH not the Inſtitution of the Office of a Deacon, as a ſtanding Office in the Church, neceſſarily ſuppoſe that the Head of the Church, who ſaid, the Poor ye have always with you, requires his Churches to declare their profeſs'd Subjection to his Goſpel, by this particular Expreſſion of Love, the Charitable beſt wing Alms on his poor Members? And is it not required that the Deacons ſhould be ſolemnly ſeparated to their Work by Prayer with the laying on of Hands? Acts 6. Phil. 1.1.

DOTH not GOD in his Word and by his Providence call aloud to theſe Churches to be Zealous and Repent, and do their Firſt Works? Is it not high time for us to Inquire into the ground of the Controverſy between GOD and us, in that his Spirit is ſo far withdrawn from us; and to conſider what is incumbent upon us in a way of Duty, that GOD may draw nigh to us in a way of Grace and Favour, and Revive his Work among us—. That the Son of GOD may continue to walk in the midſt of the Golden Candleſticks, and to hold the Stars in his Right Hand.

p. 25I ſpeak theſe things in weakneſs and fear, under the ſenſe of my great Defects in the Work of the Miniſtry, upon the account of which I am unworthy to be call'd a Miniſter of CHRIST.

3. LET this Word of Exhortation be directed to the Body of this People, Be perſuaded to ſubmit to Chriſts Righteous & Equal Scepter, and to approve your ſelves his dutiful Subjects and obedient People. We are highly favour'd in that we have the Means of Grace and Salvation. CHRIST's viſible Kingdom ſet up among us: Pſal. 144.15.— Happy is that People whoſe God is the Lord. The flouriſhing of Religion among us ought therefore to lie neareſt our hearts, and to be our great Aim and Endeavour in our ſeveral Capacities and Stations. In a particular manner, Heads of Families ſhould give Glory to GOD in CHRIST, by Worſhipping him in their Houſes, and by Commanding their Children and Houſhold after them that they keep the way of the Lord, to do Juſtice & Judgment: And take Care that the Laws of GOD be not accounted as a ſtrange thing in their Houſes. Then do we take the beſt Methods to Promote the true Proſperity of our Zion, when we zealouſly Endeavour as far as our influence reacheth, that the Goſpel of CHRIST, which is the Word of the Kingdom, may be rightly underſtood, profeſs'd, & practiced. And we are under the ſtrongeſt Obligations to this, becauſe the great Errand upon which our Fore-Fathers came into this Land, when an howling Wilderneſs, was that they might ſet up Chriſts Kingdom in the power and purity of it, where Satan the god of this World rul'd p. 26from time immemorial; and leave their Children in the Poſſeſſion of the Spiritual Bleſſings of it. Hear the Excellent Mr. Mitchel upon this Head, The Cauſe of the People of GOD in New England, is, Religion; i. e. The Profeſſion and Practice of the Truths & Rules of the Word of GOD, more particularly, Reformation of Religion —. The Erecting of CHRIST'S Kingdom in whole Societies (whereby CHRIST is ſeen Ruling all in an open, in a prevailing and peaceable manner,) was our Deſign, as is our Intereſt in this Country: tho' with reſpect to the inward and inviſible Kingdom, as the Scope thereof. The publick ſetting up of CHRIST's Kingdom, and Enjoyment of thoſe Ordinances and Ways of His, which can only be enjoy'd in whole Societies, and that with Purity and Liberty, was our End in coming hither.— In the Church, CHRIST's Kingdom is clearly and gloriouſly ſet up, when only, and all his Inſtitutions, both in Worſhip and Diſcipline are attended and obſerved in their Purity and Power, according to Scripture-Pattern, [Matth. 28.18, 20.]. This is the great Cauſe and Intereſt of GOD's People in this Country, and was the great End of their Undertaking, and hath been the great matter of their Teſtimony in their Synodical Acts, and other Writings publiſ'd to the World. Hence our great Duty is to keep and ſeek all the Commandments of God, (I Chron. 28.8.) in that reſpect; that is, all the Inſtitutions and Ordinances of his Houſe; to hold faſt what we have attain'd, that is according to Scripture-Pattern therein, & to come up unto what we yet want, or are defective in. p. 27To which I may add the late Teſtimony of that aged Servant of God, the Memorable Dr. Increaſe Mather, The Principal Deſign upon which theſe Colonies were at firſt Planted, was to Proſeſs, & Practice & Enjoy, with undiſturbed Liberty, the Holy Religion of GOD our Saviour, Exhibited in the Sacred Scriptures, and Reformed and Reſcued from the Inventions and Abuſes which the Man of Sin has introduced; And more particularly, to ſet up Churches (even of the Aboriginal Natives, as well as of Engliſh Chriſtians) for our Lord JESUS CHRIST, that ſhould keep themſelves Loyal to to him their glorious King, in his Word, giving Law unto them, and faithfull to the Religion of the Second Commandment—. This was the great End for which our Anceſtors follow'd the Lord JESUS CHRIST into this part of the New World, that they might keep themſelves Chaſt and Loyal to Him in the Profeſſion and Practice of undefil'd Religion. And God wonderfully own'd, ſucceeded and bleſsd them in this vaſt Undertaking. But there is now reaſon to take up that Lamentation, Lam 4.1. How is the gold become dim! how is the moſt fine gold changed! Alas! There is much of a Lukewarm Spirit in matters of Religion, much of a Worldly, ſelfiſh, carnal Spirit prevailing among us. We are a degenerate and backſliding People, and there are many provoking Sins againſt the Lord found among us. This hath been long ſince declar'd in a Publick and Solemn manner, by the Synod for Reformation, Convened 1679, 80. In Anſwer to that Queſtion; What are the Evils that have provoked the Lord to bring his Judgments on New-England? Anſwer, p. 28There is a great and viſible decay of the power of Godlineſs among Profeſſors—; Pride, whence proceeds a refuſing to be ſubject to Order—And Contention: Exceſs in Apparel, Perſons going above their Eſtates—. The neglect of Divine Inſtitutions—. Profane Swearing & Curſing, Sabbath-breaking—. Neglect of Family Worſhip, Inſtruction and Government.—Inordinate Paſſions, Sinful heats and hatreds —. Backbitings, Tale bearing —. Much Intemperance. That heatheniſh & idolatrous practice of Health-drinking. That ſhameful iniquity of ſinfull Drinking; there are more Temptations to this Sin publickly allow'd of, than any Neceſſity doth require—. It is a common practice for Town-Dwellers, yea, and Church-Members to frequent Publick Houſes, and there to miſ-ſpend precious Time, unto the diſhonour of the Goſpel, and the ſcandalizing of others, who are by ſuch Examples induced to Sin againſt GOD—. Sins againſt the Seventh Commandment, and Temptations thereunto indulg'd, as immodeſt Apparel, mix'd Dancings, light Behaviour, ſinful Company-keeping with vain Perſons, and abundance of Idleneſs—. The Want of Truth, Promiſe-breaking—. Inordinate Affection to the World. Covetuouſneſs which is Idolatry; which appears in Oppreſſion, and ſtrait-handedneſs as to publick Concerns—. Oppoſition to the Work of Reformation. Incorrigibleneſs under Judgments—. A Publick Spirit is greatly wanting in the moſt of Men—.Sins againſt the Goſpel, Impenitency, Unbelief, Unfruitfulneſs under the Means of Grace, Chriſt is not priz'd and embrac'd in all his Offices & Ordinances as ought to be.—

p. 29SUCH Sins as theſe thoſe Worthies judg'd were the procuring Cauſes of GOD's Judgments in that Day. And certainly, if we duly conſider what we now are, we ſhall be oblig'd to acknowledge that theſe Sins are not generally Reform'd; but rather that we are grown worſe & worſe, and have Revolted more and more; notwithſtanding the many Mercies we have receiv'd ſince that time, which ſhou'd have led us to Repentance, and the many Judgments whereby GOD hath teſtified againſt us. And now GOD is pleading the Quarrel of his Covenant with us by the Sword of the Wilderneſs, and other waſting Calamities Yea, threatens to take away the Hedge, and pull down the Wall, by which this his Vineyard hath been Enclos'd and defended. And his Voice to us is, Prepare to meet thy God, O Iſrael. Let us then Conſider the neceſſity of making our peace with GOD, and ſo of Engaging him on our ſide; for when He giveth quietneſs, who then can make Trouble? and when he hideth his face, who can behold him? The Son of GOD will over-come when He Judgeth, and therefore we muſt either ſubmit to him, or be broken in pieces. To cry the Temple of the Lord — while we go on in our Sins, is to boaſt in lying words. Goſpel-Privileges can be no Sanctuary to ſuch as go on obſtinately in their Sin. Amo. 3.2. You only have I known of all the Families of the Earth: therefore I will puniſh you for all your iniquities. Let us then be Convinced of the neceſſity of Repentance & Reformation. And now while GOD waits to be gracious, let us lay hold of his Strength, and make Peace with him. Now that GOD ſays unto us, O Iſrael, Return unto the Lord p. 30your God; for thou haſt fallen by thine iniquity. Let us as we are directed, Take with us Words, and turn to the Lord, ſaying unto him, Take away all iniquity, & receive us graciouſly —, Aſhur ſhall not ſave us—, for with thee the fatherleſs findeth mercy. O that there were ſuch a Spirit in us! O that we cou'd once at length put away our provoking Sins, which are our worſt Enemies, the accureſd Achans that trouble us. Then we might Rejoice in our Redeemer and ſay, Iſa. 33.22. The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, be will ſave us.

TO Conclude, Let us be ſenſible that no man can come to the Son, except the Father which hath ſent him, draw him ††Job. 6 44.Job 6:44; and accordingly ſeek to God to open our hearts by his Holy Spirit. Behold! The Son of GOD stands at the door and knocks; and his Voice to us is, Open to me: Lift up your heads, O ye Gates, and be ye lift up, ye Everlaſting doors, and the King of Glory ſhall come in.

Again, LET the Obedient Subjects of Chriſt Rejoyce in this, that their Lord Reigns. Let this Comfort you under all dark Providences, when there is a Wheel within a Wheel, that the Lord Jeſus Chriſt is the Man above upon the Throne **Ezek. 1.26.Ezek 1:26, who governs all the Wheels of Providence in unerring Wiſdom, and will make all things work together for good to them that Love him.

AND let us now Wiſh Proſperity to the Son of David, who is the Son of GOD, Gird thy Sword upon thy thigh, O moſt Mighty: with thy Glory and thy Majeſty. And in thy Majeſty ride proſperouſly—.

p. 31MAY the Kingdoms of this World become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Chriſt! May our glorious Lord take to himſelf his great Power and Reign! Come Lord Jeſus.

I proceed to conſider the Words as they may contain a Declaration of the Duty of Civil Rulers, and a Deſcription of the happy Influence of their Government, when they anſwer the Character here given.

DOCT. III. THEy that Rule over Men muſt be Juſt, Ruling in the Fear of GOD.

HERE I may by the way obſerve ſomething implied in the Words, viz. That Civil Government is of Divine Appointment. The GOD of Iſrael ſaid, he that Ruleth, &c. Now this ſuppoſeth that there is a Rule over Men which GOD hath conſtituted. Accordingly we have that Command, Rom. 13. 1, Let every ſoul be Subject to the higher Powers. For there is no Power but of God, the Powers that be, are ordained of God. v. 2. Whoſoever therefore reſisteth the Power, reſisteth the Ordinance of God —. Indeed this or that particular Form of Government may be of humane determination; but not Government it ſelf: The Moſt High hath declar'd his Will, that there ſhall be a Rule over Men. Here we alſo ſee, That the management of Civil Government is not left to the Arbitrary will & pleaſure of men. No! Rulers, muſt walk by Rule in their Adminiſtrations, taking care that the Ruled enjoy their Rights and Properties. This they muſt do in the fear of GOD, who cloaths them with Authority, and p. 32will call them to an account whether they have improved their Power agreeable to his declared Will, and for his Glory. The principal End of Government next to the Glory of GOD, the laſt End of all things, is the Good of Civil Societies & Communities of Men. Let Rulers remember, that they Rule over Men, not over Beaſts whom they may enſlave and abuſe at pleaſure, but over reaſonable Creatures, and of the ſame Rank with themſelves ††Mr. Henry in Loc..

PROP. I. THEY that Rule ever Men muſt be Juſt. The Word here us'd ſometimes comprehends the whole of our Duty. It may here include their Diſcharge of all the duties of the Second Table according to the Place & Relations they ſuſtain. They muſt take care to maintain & promote Juſtice among Men, eſpecially among thoſe over whom GOD hath ſet them.

1. THEY that Rule over Men muſt be Examples of Juſtice and Righteouſneſs in their whole behaviour. Rulers are in the Providence of GOD ſet upon an hill, and they muſt take care that their light ſhine before Others. Particularly, they muſt be Patterns and Examples to their People in a conſcientious attendance on the Duties of the Second Table. Tho' they Rule over Men, yet they are under the Law of GOD as well as others, and muſt teach others Obedience by their ready and chearful Subjection to it. There's a great force in Example, eſpecially in the Examples of Rulers: 2 Chron. 12.1. Rehoboam forſook the law of the Lord, and all Iſrael with him p. 33It is a Proverbial ſaying, All men will conform to the King's Example **Regis ad Exemplum —. When ſuch as are in Authority do therefore ſet a fair Copy by their honeſt and good Behaviour, there will be ground to hope that their People will imitate them. Rulers then muſt be juſt to their own Character, and ſhew forth the Image of God in them, if they would have others duly regard the Image of God which is upon them, in their high Station of Dignity and Power. They muſt do their Duty towards themſelves, or they will not be capable of attending their Duty aright towards their People. They muſt by the Grace of God govern their own Appetites and Paſſions, and Exerciſe a Rule over their own Spirits. Thus, they muſt be temperate in the uſe of Meats and Drinks, or they will pervert Judgment, and Expoſe themſelves to Contempt. Prov. 31. 4, 5. It is not for Kings, O Lemuel, it is not for Kings to drink wine, nor for Princes ſtrong drink: Left they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. If this Vice be indulg'd it will in a peculiar manner unfit Rulers to diſcern and execute Judgment; it will make them vile, and lay their honour in the duſt; for it will bereave them of that Wiſdom which cauſeth the face to ſhine, and which in an eſpecial manner commands Reſpect and Reverence in Perſons of a ſuperior Character. Again, They muſt know how to poſſeſs their veſſels in ſanctification & honour, and not in the luſt of uncleanneſs, for this is one of thoſe Sins which eſpecially corrupts and infatuates the Mind. Hoſ. 4.11. Whoredom, p. 34and Wine—take away the heart. Accordingly we have that Dehortation given to Lemuel, that is to Solomon as Interpreters generally agree; Prov. 31.3. Give not thy ſtrength unto women, nor thy ways to that which deſtroyeth Kings. How pernicious were the fruits of this Sin in David's and Solomon's Reigns; how great a Blot to thoſe famous Kings! Again, They muſt Rule their own Spirits, and regulate their Anger according to the Rule of GOD's Word. Such as have the Sword of Juſtice put into their hands, had need be Men of a meek, ſedate, & calm Spirit; for the wrath of Man works not the Righteouſneſs of God. It is true, They muſt be Zealous in GOD's Cauſe, and for their Country's Safety; but ſhould be patient and forbearing in their own. Moſes's Meekneſs was one eminent Qualification that fitted him to bear the burden of his Government over a froward People. We read, Prov. 17.27.—A man of underſtanding is of an excellent Spirit. Or as others render it, is of a cool Spirit, calm and moderate, not eaſily provok'd. In a Word, They that Rule over Men muſt be Juſt & Fair in their Dealings, conſider them in their private Capacities and Employments. And this is call'd Commutative Juſtice, in which there is a mutual giving and receiving of that which is each one's due, as Men are Nei'bours and Brethren. And in this reſpect Rulers muſt obſerve that Rule, Rom. 13.7. Render to all their dues. Ver. 8. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another. Theſe Commands reach Men in an high Station as well as others. They muſt do to others, as they wou'd have them do unto them; they muſt not ſeek their own only, but alſo another's Wealth; p. 35and take heed they take no Advantage from the higher ground they ſtand upon, to over-reach or oppreſs their Brethren of low Degree. They ſhould not endeavour to engroſs all Advantages to themſelves; but declare by their Practice that they are deſirous that their Nei'bours ſhou'd thrive and grow in their Eſtates alſo, in ſome Equitable Proportion. Yea, they ſhould be Examples of Charity & Beneficence, being ready to give a portion to fix & to ſeven, as their Neighbour's neceſſity and their ability require; yea, they ſhould be ready to deny themſelves, if they may thereby eminently ſerve their poor Brethren, and put them in a way of getting an honeſt livelihood. Thus ſuch as are in publick Place ſhou'd go before others in a Conſpicuous Example of Righteouſneſs, that they may Call upon their People to follow them, & ſtir them up to attend their Duty in theſe reſpects. Thus they ſhould do their Endeavour to bring the Duties of the Second Table into Repute among their People. O there might, by the Bleſſing of GOD, be a great deal of Good done this way, if ſuch as are called gods would be imitators of GOD the Juſt One, and followers of that which is Good. Such Examples wou'd be likely to attract the Eyes and Hearts of Men, and wou'd have an Excellent tendency to promote Juſtice among a People; and the ſetting them is a Debt which Civil Rulers owe to GOD and their Country.

2. THEY they that Rule over Men, muſt take Care that Righteous Laws be Enacted for the Maintaining of Juſtice between Rulers and Ruled, and among their People. I am ſenſible that all in Authority p. 36have not the Power of making Laws betruſted with them; but then ſuch as have the Legiſlative Power committed to them muſt uſe it lawfully, by taking Care that ſuch Laws be made as are Conformable to the Law of GOD, Juſt and Good. Such as may be a juſt and equal Boundary between the Prerogative of the Ruler, and the Privilege of the Ruled. Such as are ſuitable and ſufficient to maintain that which is Right among their People, and to diſcountenance & Puniſh all Injuſtice. As, open Diſobedience to and Contempt of Parents, Murders, Adulteries, Thefts, Robberies, FalſeWitneſs bearing, Drunkenneſs, &c. [I ſhall not here particularly mention thoſe Laws which immediately relate to the Firſt Table, tho' Juſtice to Men, as well as Piety towards GOD, require that the Civil Magiſtrate be in this reſpect the Keeper of both Tables.] Due Teſtimony muſt be born againſt ſuch Sins, and Proviſion muſt in this way be made, that every one may enjoy his own Right and Property without moleſtation from the injurious Sons of Violence. As was ſaid of Judah and Iſrael under Solomon's peaceable and happy Government; 1 Kings 4.24. Judah and Iſrael dwelt ſafely, every man under his Vine, and under his Fig-tree. If Civil Rulers would approve themſelves Juſt to their People, they muſt exert their Authority that the Wicked may not devour the Man that is more Righteous than he. And that Men may not be as the Fiſhes of the Sea which have no Ruler over them: And for this End they muſt take Care that Good Laws be made to Reſtrain and Curb in the impetuous Luſts of thoſe Men who are as the Horſe, or as the Mule, which have no Underſtanding;—; p. 37that ſuch as have not the Fear of GOD before their Eyes, and are not awed by the Judgment to come, may be terrified by the Fear of preſent Puniſhment from the Magiſtrate, and ſo be deterr'd from executing their wicked Purpoſes. Diſtributive Juſtice, which conſiſts in the Equal diſtribution of Rewards & Puniſhments, by the Civil Magiſtrate to the People under his Government, can't be duly exerciſed, unleſs juſt Laws be Enacted as the Rule and Meaſure of it; for where there is no Law, there is no Tranſgreſſion. It is an Eminent Act of Juſtice therefore in Rules to make righteous Statutes and Judgments, in which the Sanction of the Law, or the Penalty annexed to enforce it, ſhall bear a due proportion to the Nature, Aggravation, and Degree of the Sin forbidden: That Men may not be emboldened to gratify their vile Luſts, becauſe the Puniſhment to be inſlicted is ſome ſmall Fine or light Puniſhment, which they can bear almoſt without feeling it. No! Rulers muſt be a Terror to Evil Works, Rom. 13.3. and muſt make Sinners afraid of the Power, by adjuſting the Puniſhment to the Crime, that when others hear of the Judgment Executed according to Law, they may Fear, and not do ſo wickedly. But after all, due Care muſt be taken that the Laws be put in Execution when Enacted, otherwiſe the Proclaiming them will be but an empty Sound, that will rather Expoſe a Government to Contempt, than render it terrible to hold Tranſgreſſors. And this brings me to the third particular:

3. THEY that Rule ever Men, muſt take Care that the Juſt Laws made, he duly Executed, and look to p. 38it that they be Righteous in all their Adminiſtrations. It is not enough that good Laws be made, they muſt alſo be faithfully and vigorouſly Executed by thoſe to whom the Executive Power belongs, or the Law will be made void, and of none Effect. The Seat of Judgment muſt be the Habitation of Righteouſneſs. Rulers muſt look to it that the dreadful Evil ſpoken of, Eccl. 3.16. be not found in their Government,—I ſaw under the Sun, the place of Judgment, that wickedneſs was there—. For this is an abomination to the Lord. Prov. 17.15. He that juſtiſeth the wicked, and be that condemneth the juſt, even they both are abomination to the Lord. The juſtifying here ſpoken of ſignifies, The acquitting him as innocent by a judicial Sentence—. They muſt not bear the Sword in vain; but ſhould ſtir up themſelves againſt the Evil-doer, and Execute Judgment in the Gates with Courage and Impartiality, not being afraid of the Faces of Men: Job 29.14. I put on righteouſneſs, and it clothed me: my Judgment was as a Robe, and a Diadem. He was Righteous in all his Adminiſtrations, as a Garment covers the whole body; he was Juſt in a continued Courſe, and did not put off this Garment from any partial reſpect, or for any ſiniſter ends, yea ſo Righteous were his judicial Sentences, that they were the principal Honor and Ornament of his Office ‖‖Vid. Mr. Caryl, and Mr. Pool, in Loc.. But above all, Rulers muſt labour to imitate the Glorious GOD according to their meaſure The Charge given to the Judges in Judah by Jeboſhaphat, is enforced after this manner; 2 Chron. p. 3919.7. — There is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor reſpect of perſons, nor taking of gifts. Here is their great and perfect Exemplar, and they muſt endeavour that their Rule may be a fair Copy and Tranſcript of the Juſtice and Equity of the divine Government. And here ſeveral particulars may be briefly ſpoken to, which are implied in this third Head, and ſo may fitly be conſider'd under it.

(1) RULERS muſt take Care that ſuch be Entrusted, with the Executive Power under them, as are beſt qualified, and ſpirited to Execute Juſtice. There are various orders and degrees in Civil Government, and accordingly ſome are intruſted with Authority to Commiſſion others for the Adminiſtration of Juſtice in this or the other Poſt of Civil Truſt. Now if ſuch wou'd approve themſelves juſt, they muſt diligently endeavour to find out and improve ſuch perſons as are moſt capable and beſt inclin'd to give to every Man his Right, and protect him in it. The Rule of proceeding in this matter muſt not be, Who will give moſt for an Office, or who hath the moſt powerful and wealthy friends to commend him to it; but, Let it be given to the moſt Worthy. For if Men are obliged to Purchaſe and Maintain themſelves in their Places by Money, they will be under a ſore temptation to Sell Juſtice, to the great damage of the Publick. Such then as are any ways concern'd in appointing or chooſing Perſons to Places of Truſt & Profit in the Government, muſt do their part that the Officers of their People may be Peace, and their Exacters Righteouſneſs, by obſerving that excellent Rule, which was given to Moſes p. 40by Jethro, Exod. 18. 21. and approved by GOD, Numb. II.I6.— Thou ſhalt provide out of all the people, able men, ſuch as fear God, men of truth, hating covertouſneſs; and place ſuch over them—. Rulers muſt do their utmoſt, according to the truſt repos'd in them, that ſuch may be ſet over the People as are Men of Piety, Men of known Ability, Men of Integrity & Valiant for the Truth, Men that hate Coveteouſneſs; for where the love of Money prevails, it will be the root of many pernicious Evils, and will incline Men to pervert Judgment for Reward.

(2) THEY that are in Place of Power muſt take Care to Underſtand the Law, and then to keep to it in Adminiſtring Juſtice. The Legiſlative and Executive Power are many times put into the ſame Hands. Now ſuch as have Power of Executing the Laws are then Juſt when they lay out themſelves to Maintain and Uphold the good Laws which are made, in their full force & vigour: for theſe are the Rule of their Government, and of the Subjects Obedience; yea very much the foundation of the Common-Wealth, and the Pillars upon which it ſtands. Now in order to this, Civil Rulers muſt ſtudy the Law, and endeavour to furniſh themſelves with a ſufficient Knowledge of it for the right diſcharge of their particular Truſt. For unleſs they underſtand & obſerve the Law, they will neither be able to attend their own Duty, nor yet to bear due Teſtimony againſt the Tranſgreſſions of others. This is a matter of ſo great moment, that in the Jewiſh State, The King himſelf was commanded by God to write him a Copy of the Law, and Read therein all the days of his life, — Deut. 17.18, 19. p. 41Now this Law comprehends in it, the Judicial Laws, which were then immediately appointed by GOD, and muſt for ever be conform'd to the Moral Law which is an eternal Rule of Righteouſneſs A Magiſtrate without the Law, (ſays an excellent Divine,) and a Miniſter without the Bible, are equal abſurdities: A Magiſtrate unskilful in the Law, and a Miniſter ignorant in the Scripture. And indeed unleſs Rulers know the Laws by which they are to govern, and then take heed to obſerve them in adminiſtring Juſtice, they will not be able to ſay with Job 29 15. I was eyes to the blind, and ſeet was I to the lame. It may be of very hurtful'conſequence, if ſuch as ſit in Judgment have not a ſpirit of diſcerning as to the Rule they muſt go by in paſſing Sentence; but muſt depend on them who plead before them. They muſt in this reſpect know what Iſrael ought to do, and be able well to diſtinguiſh between Right & Wrong; and then muſt act with a ſtrict regard to the Law.

(3) THEY muſt ſhake their hands from Bribes; Adminiſter Juſtice freely & without reſpect of perſons. Covetouſneſs, which conſiſts in an immoderate eſteem of and love to this worlds goods, and appears in uſing unlawful Means to Enrich ourſelves, is an heinous Sin, and of moſt pernicious tendency in thoſe who are eſpecially concern'd to look to it that the Common-Wealth receive no damage. Civil Rulers muſt therefore avoid this Sin, and be careful they do not in any meaſure deſerve that ill character, Mic. 3.1. The heads judge for reward —. Hoſ 4.18. — Her Rulers with ſhame do love, Give ye. For p. 42thus the Great GOD ſpeaks, Exod. 23.8. Thou ſhalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wiſe, and perverteth the words of the righteous. And GOD threatens that fire ſhall conſume the tabernacles of bribery, Job 15.34. Rulers muſt look at the publick profit more than at their own private gain, and endeavour that Judgment may run down at waters, freely and plentifully; that ſo all that thirſt after Righteouſneſs may come and be refreſhed. They, to whom this truſt is committed, muſt ſee to it that ſuch as ſerve the Publick, attend their duty faithfully, and then take Care that they have their juſt Wages paid them without any unneceſſary delay, & without making any private gain to themſelves.

IN a word, they muſt obſerve that Rule, Deut. 1.17. Ye ſhall not reſpect perſons in Judgment, but you ſhall hear the ſmall as well as the great —. It is their duty to adminiſter Juſtice impartially, and to beware of being biaſs'd by favour & affection; or by fear of Men which brings a ſnare. They muſt look to the Merits of the Cauſe, not to the Parties concern'd**Fuller ſpeaking of the good Judge hath this ingenious obſervation, When he put on his Robes, he put off his Relations to any; and like Melchiſedeck becomes without Pedegree. Holy State, p. 259.. And in this reſpect reſemble GOD, Who without reſpect of perſons judgeth according to every man's work —, 1 Pet. 1.17. They muſt reſolutely oppoſe the moſt Potent Offenders, and relieve the oppreſſed that have no helper. Judge the fatherleſs, plead for the widow, Iſai. 1.17.

p. 434. THEY that Rule over Men, muſt Exerciſe Clemency & Mercy towards their People. A learned Expoſitor obſerves on this place, That we have here the Two principal Parts of a King's Duty, anſwerable to the two Tables of God's Law, Juſtice towards Men, and Piety towards GOD—. To which if you add Benignity and Clemency, whereby a King renders his Government not frightful and burdenſome, but acceptable and amiable to his People—. Here is a compleat Character of an excellent Prince or Governour **Pool.. Now Righteouſneſs in Scripture ſometimes ſignifys Benignity and Mercy: Thus, Pſal. 103 17.— His Righteouſneſs unto Childrens Children, Either his Faithfulneſs; or his Mercy or Benignity: This Word being frequently uſed in both theſe Senſes ††id.. And in aſ much as this is what Rulers are oblig'd to, if they wou'd diſcharge their Duty aright towards their People, it may well enough be conſidered under the general Head of Juſtice. Indeed there is a Pity, falſly call'd Mercy, which is injurious to the Publick. As when ſuch are ſpar'd againſt whom the publick Safety calls aloud for Vengeance. Such pretended Mercy to private Perſons is Cruelty to the Publick. But then, there is alſo the Exerciſe of Mercy which is of great Benefit to a Community, and to Rulers themſelves. It was the Character given of the Kings of lſrael, that they were Merciful Kings, 1 Kings 20.31. Above all, the Son of GOD is ſo, infinitely Gracious and Merciful. The King's Favour is ſaid to be as a Cloud of the latter p. 44Rain, Prov. 16.15. It is very acceptable, and a great Refeſhment to his People. And oftentimes the Exerciſe of Clemency and Mercy is of great uſe and advantage to Rulers as it eſtabliſheth them in the high Eſteem and ſincere Affection of their People: Prov. 20.28. Mercy & Truth preſerve the King, and his Throne is upheld by Mercy. And as theſe are under God, very much the Supporters of the Throne; ſo of Inferiour Rulers in their Station. I ſhall mention one Head more, like to the former.

5. THEY that Rule over Men, muſt be of a Publick Spirit in the Exerciſe of a fatherly Love to their People, and generous Concern for their Welfare. It is very unbecoming for Perſons in Publick Station, to Seek themſelves inordinately, and ſuch a vicious Self Love in them, bodes ill to the Commonwealth: 2 Tim. 3.1, 2. — Perilous times ſhall come. For Men ſhall be lovers of their own ſelves—. It is a moſt unjuſt thing for Perſons to ſeek after Places of Publick Truſt that they may Serve themſelves rather than the People over whom they are appointed Rulers; and then to make it their great aim to ſeek their own, not the Publick Good. Even the Light of Nature condemns this. An Heathen Moraliſt cou'd ſay, That to make a Gain of the Commonwealth is not only baſe, but alſo wicked and deteſtable ‖‖Habere quae ſtui rem pub non modo turpe eſt, ſed Sceleration etiam et nefarium. Cicero de Offic, p. 95.. Certainly then ſuch a thing ſhou'd not be ſo much as nam'd among thoſe that call themſelves Chriſtians, and Rule GOD's profeſſing People. e.c. They ſhou'd, as Mordecai, when advanced p. 45to the higheſt Seat next to King Abaſuerus, Seek the weal of their People, and ſpeak peace to all their Seed **Eſth 9.3.Esth 9:3. Rulers ſhou'd in ſome ſort look upon the Common-wealth as their Family, and accordingly Conſult and Provide for the Safety and Comfort of their People, as tender Parents. Rulers are Political Fathers, & as Reverence, Obedience & Recompence are due to them, ſo all proper Expreſſions of dear Affection, tender Concern, and anwearied Care for the Good of their People are due from them. This the Fifth Commandment requires, which hath this remarkable Promiſe annexed to it; — That thy Days may be long upon the land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thus ſome ſuppoſe that they cried before Joſeph, tender Father, as the word may be rendred ††Clamaverunt coram eo A…ech Margin. Quidam tonerum pat…em, interpretantur. Tig. Bible.. And agreeable to this we have that Promiſe, Iſa. 49.23. Kings ſhall be thy nurſing Fathers. In a word, They ſhou'd with a generous Concern ſympathize with their People under all their preſſures, and do their utmoſt to Relieve them. Thus Nehemiah when he heard that the remnant of the Captivity was in great Affiction, —He wept and mourned certain days, Neh. 1.3, 4. And left the Court of Perſia, where he liv'd in Honor & Plenty for he was the King's Cup bearer, and took a difficult Journey that he might build Jeruſalem. They ſhou'd be ready to ſay to GOD's People, when under the moſt afflicting Circumſtances, as Pſal. 137.5, 6. If I forget thee, 0 Jeruſalem, let my right band forget her cunning. If I prefer not Jeruſalem above my chief joy.

p. 46HOWEVER, It is not eno that Civil Rulers be Juſt in their Adminiſtrations in the Exerciſe of Moral honeſty towards Men, which may be in ſome fort, from civil reſpects and conſiderations the Kings of the Gentiles were called Benefactors, Luk. 22.25. No! they muſt act in their Exalted Station from an inward principle of Religion; the Fear of that GOD, who is the Fountain of all Power, muſt influence & regulate them in the Exerciſe of Juſtice towards Men. Which brings me to,

PROP. II. THEY that Rule over Men muſt Rule in the Fear of G0D. The Fear of GOD as us'd in Scripture, may ſometimes be taken more ſtricly for that particular Grace of the Holy Spirit, whereby we ſtand in awe of GOD, his infintie Excellencies, and threatned Judgments; and from an holy dread of his Diſpleaſure, fly from all Sin. And in as much as this filial, reverential Fear, which is drawn forth by a believing ſight of GOD, is of ſuch great uſefulneſs in our Religious Serving of God; it is alſo put for the whole inward Principle of our Worſhip & Service of God, and ſo contains in all Graces of the Spirit, which are wrought in the Soul at once and are never ſeparated. Eccl. I2.I3. — Fear God, and keep his Commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. The whole of Man. Where it ſeems plain that Fear is put for the inward Principle of Obedience, and ſo comprehends other Graces. Again, It is ſometimes put for the outward Worſhip of God as preſcribed by him in his Word. Iſa. 29.14. Their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of Men compared with, Matth. 15.9. Yea it ſeems p. 47to Comprehend both the inward Principle, and outward Practice of Religion. Pſal. 130.4. There is forgiveneſs with thee; that thou mayſt be feared. The Service of God muſt be perform'd with Reverence and godly Fear, Heb. 12.28. Now we need not exclude either of theſe Senſes in considering the Subject before us; but may improve them all as there ſhall be occaſion. The Glorious GOD ſpeaks, Pſal 2.0, 11, 12. Be wiſe, O ye Kings; be inſtructed ye Judges of the Earth. Serve ye the Lord with fear—. They muſt fear this glorious & fearfull Name, the Lord their God. They muſt tremble for fear of him and his Judgments, who cuts off the Spirits of Princes, and his terrible to the Kings of the Earth: They muſt fear the Lord, and his Goodneſs, who hath in his Sovereign Providence made the difference between them, and the meaneſt under their Government; and take heed their Hearts be not lifted up above their Brethren, as if they were not of one blood with them. That word is very ſuitable for them, Be not high minded but fear. They who may think themſlves above the fear of Puniſhment from Men, and above Reproach, muſt ſtand in awe of that GOD who pours Contempt upon Princes; Who by terrible Diſpenſations maketh them to know that the moſt High GOD ruleth in the Kingdom of Men; Who can in the midſt of their ſinful Pleaſures looſe the joints of their loyns, and cauſe their knees to ſmite one againſt another, by Writing, Alone, Tekel, upon them and their Kingdoms. Surely it is their great Duty and higheſt Wiſdom to Fear GOD, Pſal. 111.10. The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wiſdom p. 48Or the Head**Caput Sapien…iae Junius., the Chief part of Wiſdom It is ſo in Rulers, as it teacheth them to take the beſt Meaſures to promote the Glory of GOD, and the Good of their People; that when they ſhall die like other Men, and ſtand upon a level with the meaneſt Subject before the Judgment Seat of JESUS CHRIST, they may give up their Account with Joy; and not be in the Condition of thoſe Kings and great Men of whom we read, Rev 6.I5, —17.— They ſaid to the mountains fall on us, and bide us from the face of him that ſitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of his wrath is come. Rulers muſt Sanctify the Lord of hoſts, and make him their fear —. They muſt Worſhip GOD in Secret, with Reverence, and look to God for his Grace, that his Fear may Rule in their Hearts: They muſt fear God with all their Houſe; and pray to God alway, Acts 10.2. They muſt Reſolve with Joſhua, that as for them and their houſes, they will ſerve the Lord: They muſt with David, Bleſs their Houſholds, and that by offering up the Morning and Evening Sacrifice of Prayer to GOD with them and for them. They muſt be Examples of Reverence and Devotion in the Publick Worſhip. And to ſpeak more directly to the Subject before us, They muſt in all their Adminiſtrations as Rulers, Act under the governing influence of the Fear of GOD, and Regulate themſelves by it. Now their Ruling in the Fear of GOD may imply ſuch things as thefe in it;

p. 491. THEY that Rule over Men muſt be under the abiding influence of the Fear of God in their Adminiſtrations. This holy Principle muſt be implanted in their Hearts by the Spirit of God, or they can't Serve God acceptably in their high Station; and it muſt be Operative in them to move and incline them to abide with GOD in their Calling. Thus when that Excellent Governour Nehemiah had mentioned ſome Mal-Adminiſtrations of former Governours whereby they oppreſſed the People, he vindicates himſelf, and ſay's, But ſo did not I, becauſe of the Fear of God, Ch. 5.15. This aw'd and kept him, that he did not rigorouſly Exact upon the People, and ſuffer his Servants to Rule them with Rigour, as others had done before him. The Fear of God muſt have a governing influence upon Rulers in accepting of Places in Government, and in diſcharging the Duties of them; in making and Executing Laws; or in Committing the Executive Power to others: They muſt in this reſpect Honour them that Fear the Lord. Thus Nehemiah gave Hananiah together with his Brother Hanani Charge over Jeruſalem; and why? For he was a faihtful Man, and feared God above many. Chap. 7.2.

2. THEY muſt have a Religious Regard to the Revealed Will of God, and take Care that their Adminiſtrations be conformed to his Word. The Word of God is the inſallible and perfect Rule, according to which our Fear of him is to be Regulated, and accordingly it is call'd, the Fear of the Lord: Pſal. 19 9. The fear of the Lord is clean —. i. e."The Law and Word of God," of which the Pſalmiſt is here ſpeaking. Now this Law, or written p. 50Word of God is profitable for the Inſtruction of all Men in their ſeveral Places, that they may be furniſhed to every good Work. Particularly, Here are moſt Excellent Rules and Precepts given to all in Authority; and they Rule in the Fear of God, when they Rcligiouſly obſerve them, and thus Serve their Generation by the Will of God, which is given as the Character of that Pious King David, Acts 13.36. Agreeably the King of Iſrael was Commanded to write a Copy of the Law, and to Read therein all the Days of his Life: that he might learn to fear the Lord his God; and to keep the words of the Law—, foremention'd Deut. 17.18, 19. Indeed I do not ſay that the Conſtitution of Civil Government is juſt the ſame now, that it was then, when Gods People were under a Theocracy, and had their judicial Laws appointed immediately by God. However there are thoſe Rules laid down in God's Word, which are of general Uſe and Obligation to Rulers. They muſt not forbid any thing which God hath required in his Law, nor command any thing which he hath forbidden; for this wou'd be to eſtabliſh Iniquity by Law, in Defiance of the moſt High. It is the Duty of all in Authority, who have God's Statutes, to make them the Rule of their Government, and to have a ſtrict regard to them, in Making & Executing the Laws of the Land. This is to Rule in the Fear of God:And thus muſt Rulers acknowledge their Subjection to Him, who is over all, God bleſſed forever.

3. They muſt Imitate and Reſemble God in their Rule & Government. GOD is the Supream Ruler of Heaven and Earth, and Civil Rulers, as they p. 51bear at leaſt ſome outward Characters of his Majeſty, his Image upon them, are in Scripture called Gods;, Pſal. 82.6. I have ſaid, ye are Gods —. Now this is a ſtrong Obligation upon them to labour after the Image of GOD in them, that they may reſemble GOD in Knowledge, Rightouſneſs & Holineſs; and then Govern their People in Conformity to that perfect Pattern which God ſets them in his Government of his People. Indeed it is contrary to this Fear of God, for them to affect to be like GOD, in his Dominion over the Conſciences of Men; by ſetting up their Wills as the Rule and Meaſure of right and wrong. It was blaſphemous Preſumption in Darius to make a Decree, That every Man that ſhou'd ask a Petition of any God or Man, within Thirty Days, ſave of him, ſhould be caſt into the Den of Lions.. And God did miraculouſly protect Daniel in his Pious oppoſition to that wicked Decree. Rulers muſt be willing that their Subjects ſhou'd obey GOD rather than them. But then it is their Duty to behold his imitable Perfections, and to be imitators of him as dear Children. That Exhortation may be applied to them, who are called the Children of the moſt High, Matth. 5.48. Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

4. THEY muſt Employ their Power, to maintain and advance the Fear of GOD, or true Religion, among their people. They muſt endeavour to deſerve that Character which is given the Royal Tribe: Hoſ. 11.12. — Judah ruleth with God, and is faithful with the Saints. And therefore they muſt improve their Authority to maintain Religion in the Power p. 52of it. They muſt take Care that the open Profeſſion and Practice of Religion be kept up among their People, and vigorouſly oppoſe whatever hath a publick tendency to ſubvert and overthrow it. And for this End, it is their Duty to make ſufficient Laws for the Puniſhing open Profaneneſs and Irreligion, as Idolatry, Blaſphemy, Profane-Swearing, Sabbath-Breaking, and the like: And they muſt look to it, that ſuch atrocious Crimes have an heavy Puniſhment appointed them in the Law. They muſt draw the Sword of Juſtice, and ſmite ſuch heinous Tranſgreſſors, that their Iniquity may be upon their own heads, (if they refuſe to be reclaim'd,) and not cleave to the Publick. Again, It is incumbent on Civil Magiſtrates to take Care, that the pure Word of GOD be duly diſpenſed to their People. Here God teacheth us how we muſt Fear and Serve Him. And therefore if they wou'd promote true Piety among their People they muſt take heed that there be not a famine of hearing of the Words of Lord, by improving their Authority & influence, that a Learned and Orthodox, a Godly and Painful Miniſtry, be maintained and ſupported among them. They ſhoud ſpeak comfortably to them that teach the good Knowledge of the Lord; and ſee that they have a ſufficient Maintenance allowed them, that they may lay out their Strength and Time in their weighty Work, without being neceſſarily diverted & hindred by Worldly Cares & Buſineſs. Nehemiah's pious Care in this matter is worthy their imitation. Neb. 13.10, 11, 12, 13. And then, They ſhould oblige their People to Attend the Publick Worſhip; and as much as may be prevent their Prophaning the Lord's Day, p. 53either by Worldly buſineſs and recreations; or by their needleſs cuſtomary abſenting themſelves when GOD's People aſſemble together to Worſhip Him.

Again, THEY muſt take Care of the good Education of the Children and Youth among their People, and look to it that ſuitable and ſufficient provision be made for it. GOD's ancient People had not only inferiour Schools; but alſo Colleges in which the Sons of the Prophets were train'd up in the Knowledge of divine Things, and ſo prepar'd for Publick Service**Thus at Ramah, as is ſuppos'd, where Samuel preſided; 1 Sam. 19.20. See, 2 Kings 2. The Schools of the Prophets were little Univerſities, and Colleges of Students For their Governour they had ſome venerable Prophet, inſpired with the Holy Spirit, and that partook of Divine Revelations.— Dr. Lightfoot 2 Vol pag. 86. They had Schools in every City and Province. — Godwy…'s Moſes and Aaron, pag. 821 Sam 19:202 Kgs 2. If our Children be ignorant & barbarous, it can't be expected but they ſhould be profane and vicious; and therefore the Fear of GOD ſhou'd Excite Rulers to Exert their Authority that there may be Schools maintain'd for the Inſtruction and Education of Younger Children in learning to Read, that they may know the holy Scripture from their Childhood; and in learning the principles of Religion contain'd in their Catechiſm, &c. And Grammar Schools to prepare others for a more liberal Education. They ſhou'd alſo take Care that Colleges be Erected & Endowed, Maintain'd and duly Inſpected; that hopeful Young Men may be Educated in Uſeful Learning, and come forth furniſh'd for the Service of GOD and His People.

p. 54IN a Word, When their People are fallen under decays in Matters of Religion, they ſhould be Reformers, & zealouſly Endeavour to bring them back to the Lord. Thus we find that when Joſiah had Read in the Book of the Law, which denounc'd dreadful threatnings againſt the Sins riſe among his People, he rent his Clothes, call'd for the Elders of Judah, Made a Covenant before the Lord to walk after the Lord; and to keep his Commandments, 2 King. 22.10, 11. Chap. 23. 1—3. And then put down the Ho'atrous Prieſts, d fil'd the high places, &c. Thus, when Civil Rulers are under the influence of the Fear of GOD, they will improve their Power to ſuppreſs thoſe prevailing iniquities which provoke GOD, who is the Defence and Glory of his People, to depart from them. They will tremble for the Ark of GOD, and be afraid of his Judgments, ſo as to lead in the neceſſary work of Reformation, that GOD may turn from the fierceneſs of his Anger, and return unto them in Mercy.

5. THEY muſt make the Advancement of G0D's declarative Glory the chief End of their Government. This is the chief and higheſt End of Man. The Command is, Do all to the Glory of God, 1 Cor. 10.31. Now, when Rulers are ſaid to Rule in the Fear of GOD, it intends that they ſubordinate all other views and deſigns to this moſt excellent End, and Govern their People in ſuch a manner that GOD may be Glorified. Agreeably we have thoſe put together, Rev. 14.7. Fear God, and give Glory to him.

p. 55I might have ſaid, That they muſt Own their Entire Dependence upon GOD by ſeeking His Direction and Bleſſing in all their Publick Managements; and by giving the Praiſe and Glory of all … Him.

DOCT. IV. SUCH Rulers ſhall proſper themſelves, and be made Great and Extenſive Bleſſings to their People.

HE ſhall be as the light of the Morning —; As the tender graſs ſpringing out of the Earth, by clear ſhining after rain. Theſe Words, as we have already hinted, may be underſtood as a Deſcription of the happy fruits and effects of ſuch a Government, both to the Rulers themſelves, and alſo to their People.

Here then,

1. THEY that are juſt, Ruling in the fear of GOD ſhall Proſper. That Word, Prov. 4.18. The path of the juſt is as the ſhining light, that ſhineth more & more to the perfect day, may be applied to Righteous Rulers, as well as others; and that, Mal. 4.2. Unto you that fear my Name, ſhall the Sun of Righteouſneſs ariſe —. Such as do thus Rule with and for GOD ſhall ariſe and ſhine, grow & increaſe in the proſperous and flouriſhing State of their Government, as the Sun ſhines to the perfect day. Glory & Honour ſhall be given to ſuch, as thus honour GOD. The King of Glory will delight to honour them, by giving them the Evident tokens of his gracious Preſence, and royal Favour, by Commanding his Bleſſings on their Adminiſtrations, and crowning them with the deſired Succeſs; by giving them a great intereſt in the Eſteem and all actions p. 56of their People; by eſtabliſhing them in their Government, and building them a ſure houſe. Such Bleſſings as theſe ſhall juſt and pious Rulers obtain as the gracious Reward of their Obedience and Fidelity, when it ſhall be for GOD's Glory, and their good. Thus GOD ſaid to Joſhua, Chap. 1.8. This Book of the Law ſhall not depart out of thy Mouth, — that thou mayſt obſerve to do according to all that is written therein: for then ſhalt thou make thy way proſperous, and then thou … …ve good ſucceſs. They ſhall proſper that love Jeruſalem. Thus Mordecai expreſ'd a generous concern for GOD's People when their bloody Enemies had their necks on the block; and by a wonderful interpoſition of Providence, his pious endeavours were ſucceded, and he was highly advanced in the Kingdom of Perſia, next to King Abaſuerus. David was an illuſtrious inſtance of Piety & Juſtice: He ſed Gods People according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skilfulneſs of his hands. And GOD gave him great ſucceſs, and made him a Name like that of the great Men of the Earth. Hezekiah was a great Reformer, and it is ſaid, 2 King. 18.7. The Lord was with him, and be proſpered wither ſoever be went forth. Daniel was a bright Example of unſhaken fidelity to GOD, and love to his People, and juſtice in Government; and we read of him, Chap. 6.28. This Daniel proſpered in the Reign of Darius, and in the Reign of Cyrus the Perſian.

BUT eſpecially ſhall ſuch proſper upon Spiritual accounts, while they lay out themſelves to promote Piety and juſtice amorg their People: GOD will p. 57enrich them with his Grace more and more. And in a little time GOD will diſmiſs them with honour, as he did Daniel, Go thou thy way —, for thou ſhalt reſt. While their Memory is bleſſed on Earth, their Reſt ſhall be glorious in Heaven. At the great Day they ſhall ſhine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father. The Son of GOD will then own them as his Servants, and graciouſly accept what they have done to his People as done to Himſelf: And the painful cares, burdens and fatigues of their Government, ſhall thrô the rich Grace of GOD in JESUS CHRIST, work for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory.

2. SUCH Rulers will be great & extenſive Bleſſings to their People. Such a Government in the happy fruits of it, is a great and comprehenſive Bleſſing, like the Sun-ſhine and Rain in their ſeaſon, whereby the Fruits of the Earth are made to ſpring & flouriſh in abundance. Thus David is call'd the Light of Iſrael, 2 Sam. 21.17. When Civil Rulers are Juſt, Ruling in the fear of God, our Lord Jeſus Chriſt may be ſaid to govern in and by them, and accordingly ſome of thoſe Texts which we have already quoted as Deſcribing the Bleſſings of His Government; may in a large Senſe be applied to Solomon's and Hezekiah's Reigns, who were Types of CHRIST. The Juſt Adminiſtration of Government in Making and Executing Righteous Laws, hath a natural tendency to promote civil Peace and Order; to make a People proſperous in their trade & buſineſs, &c. Righteouſneſs exalteth a nation. Prov. 14.34. Such a People will become great and honourable in the ſight of GOD, p. 58and the Nations round about them. Deut. 4.6, 7. Deut. 28.13. They ſhall be the Head. And the Bleſſings of Religion which ſuch a People enjoy, are ineſtimable; for Godlineſs is profitable unto all things, having promiſe of the Life that now is, and of that which is to come. The genuine tendency of Religion, when it generally prevails among a People, is the beſt Peace and Proſperity. And ſuch a People enjoy the eſpecial Bleſſing and Favour of God, which is the Sum of all. Many and very Precious are the Promiſes made to Such both reſpecting temporal and ſpiritual Bleſſings: Lev. 26. Pſal. 81. 13, — 16. Iſa. 26.1, 2. We have a ſtrong City, — Open the Gates, that the righteous nation may enter in. Certainly then ſuch Rulers as employ their Power to promote Juſtice and Piety among a People, are the Miniſters of God to them for Good; like the Sun, they diſpenſe their Light and Influence, to the great Benefit and Refreſhment of their People. They come down upon them as the Rain, as ſhowers that water the Earth. Indeed the Glory of all is to be given to God, who alone can make ſuch Rulers, and Command his Bleſſing on their juſt and pious Adminiſtrations: They are but Inſtruments; He is the principal Efficient and Author of all Good. Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, Jam. 1.17. Moſes, David, Solomon, all ſhone by a light derived from the Sun of Righteouſneſs.

p. 59APPLICATION.

USE I. WHAT hath been ſaid teacheth us ſeveral important Duties incumbent upon the People of God. As,

(1.) THEY ſhou'd Depend on God in the way of Duty, and earneſtly ſeek to him for Juſt and Pious Rulers. GOD and he alone can give theſe Qualifications to ſuch as are in Authority, and enable them thus to Promote the Weal of His People. Thus God led his People like a Flock by the hand of Moſes and Aaron, Pſal. 77.20. He choſe David his Servant, and anointed him with the Gifts and Graces of his Spirit. And thus God promis'd, Jer. 3.15. I will give you Paſtors after my own heart, which ſhall feed you, i. e. "Rulers either in the State or Church"**Eng. Annot.. Agreeably Calvin gives this as the Senſe of the latter part of the Verſe; And ſhall feed you with knowledge & underſtanding, i.e. "Intelligently & Prudently" ‖‖Scienter & Prudenter.. We ſhou'd then ask this great Bleſſing of God. We ſhould ſeek to God that ſuch Rulers may be ſet over us from time to time; and that ſuch as are in Government may be thus Bleſſed, and made Bleſſings. Let us attend this Duty, and take heed we do not provoke GOD by our Sins, to bring that dreadful Judgment on us; Pſal. 106. 41. They that hated them, Ruled over them. Let us obſerve that Rule, 1 Tim. 2.1. I exhort that Prayers be made for Kings, and all in Authority.

p. 60(2.) WHEN God gives a People ſuch to Rule over them as in any good meaſure deſerve the Deſcription given; They ſhou'd Bleſs God for his Favour to them. And ſurely We are in this reſpect favour'd of God above moſt of the Plantations, in that our Zion hath ſo many of her Sons at this day to take her by the Hand, of whom we may hope that they are Juſt, Ruling in the Fear of God. Let not the troubles we are under make us unmindful of, or unthankful for ſuch a Bleſſing.

(3.) GOD's People owe to their Rulers Reverence, Obedience, & Recompence. The moſt High hath ſaid. Let there be a Ruler over Men; and the Fifth Commandment requires us to Honour our Political Fathers, who are ſet over us in place of Authority; and we muſt attend this Duty if we wou'd hope that God ſhou'd prolong our Days in the land he hath given us. We muſt give Honour to our Rulers, to whom it is due, and take Care to treat them with all that Reſpect and Deference which is due to their Character and Station: Exod. 22.28. Thou ſhalt not Revile the Gods, nor Curſe the Ruler of thy people. They are GOD's Vicegerents, and therefore for Men lightly to ſpeak Evil of them, is to reflect diſhonour upon GOD himſelf, and he will not hold them Guiltleſs. Yea, ſuppoſe they are fallen into Sin, we muſt not look upon their Nakedneſs with ſcorn and contempt, and needleſly Expoſe it to others; but ſhou'd rather caſt a Covering over it. Fear God, Honour the King. Again, We muſt Obey them in the Lord. The Commands of God, obliging us to yield Subjection to Rulers p. 61in lawful things, are very plain and forcible: R…. 13.1. Let every ſoul be ſubject unto the higher powers. — v.5. Ye muſt needs be ſubject, not only for wrath, but alſo for conſcience ſake. 1 Pet. 2.13 —15. The Sin of diſobedience to Rulers prov'd fatal to thoſe Rebels. Numb. 16. Yea, when the Children of Iſrael Murmured againſt Moſes and Aaron, GOD ſent a plague among them, v.46. A levelling Spirit is a very evil Spirit, and highly provoking to GOD. Let us beware of it, and wherein we have been guilty, be deeply humbled before GOD. Again, The People muſt Recompence their Rulers with a Reward which ſhall bear ſome juſt proportion to the weight and difficulty of their Service. They ſhould not be ſtraithanded towards their Rulers, but cheerfully Reward their Care and Labour for the Publick Good, with a liberal and honourable Maintenance, becoming the Dignity of their Station, and ſufficient for the Expences which the Honour of the Government, or their own Comfort demand of them. This is not an Act of Charity, but Juſtice: And the Law of GOD requires it. Rom. 13.7. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due —.

(4.) THEY ought in all proper ways to Aſſiſt & Encourage their Rulers in the Right Diſcharge of their Duty. They muſt in their ſeveral Places ſtand up for them, while in the Execution of their Authority. As they ſaid to Ezra, Chap. 10.4. Ariſe, for this matter belongeth unto thee & we alſo will be with thee —. Thus Heads of Families, ſhould in their Places be helpful by Maintaining Religion and good p. 62Order in their own Houſes, That there may not from thence proceed Sons of Belial that ſhake off the Yoke, and deſpiſe Government. Particularly, Such as keep Publick Houſes, ſhould be careful that Temperance, Sobriety and good Hours be obſerved, that no Diſturbance may ariſe by exceſſive Drinking, Quarrelling, &c. Again, Under Officers, and others ſhou'd be ready to aid and aſſiſt their Rulers, and Defend their Peſons, when they may have to do with ſuch as are ſpoken of in our Context, v. 6, 7. The ſons of Belial ſhall be all of them as thorns thruſt away, becauſe they cannot be taken with hands. But the Man that ſhall touch them, muſt be fenced with iron, and the ſtaff of a ſpear. Again, Such who are in the Providence of GOD, call'd to inform and give Evidence againſt Offenders, that they may be brought to Juſtice, ought in their Places to attend their duty without fear or favour, or fooliſh Pity. Again, Wherein Civil Rulers attend their Duty in the fear of GOD, the People ſhould Accept it with all Thankfulneſs, and not diſcourage them by groundleſs Jealouſies and uncharitable surmiſes.

USE 2. WHAT hath been ſaid affords ſeaſonable Direction to thoſe that are eſpecially concerned in the Buſineſs of this Day. This Day is a Witneſs of GOD's Patience exerciſed towards us, notwithſtanding all our Sins whereby we have provok'd Him. We have, bleſſed be GOD, this great Privilege of chooſing our own Councillours continued to us. May GOD long Preſerve this and our other CharterPrivileges, and enable us wiſely and faithfully to p. 63improve them. May our Glorious LORD, in whoſe hand the King's heart is, incline our Rightful and Lawful King GEORGE, to Favour His People! May this People, who have ever Expreſs'd their Joy and Satisfaction in the Proſperity of his Royal Perſon and illuſtrious Houſe, find life in the light of his Countenance, and not be call'd to weeping & mourning under the loſs of their precious & pleaſant Things. We lift up our Eyes unto thee, O GOD! from whom muſt Come our Salvation. Save, Lord, let the King hear us when we call But to return. Let thoſe to whom this weighty Truſt is committed, Conſider what GOD the LORD ſays; They that Ru'e over Men muſt be Juſt, Ruling in the Fear of GOD; and direct their choice accordingly. Take heed you be not biaſs'd by perſonal favour, or a party-Spirit. Let ſuch be prefer'd in your Choice as are moſt Capable and beſt inclined to Promote Piety towards GOD, and Juſtice towards Men. This is a divine Rule, and therefore there is no danger of being miſlead by it.

USE 3. LET the Truths deliver'd be improv'd in an humble Addreſs to the Honourable, the LIEUT. GOVERNOUR, COUNCIL and REPRESENTATIVES. Hear and Obey the Meſſage which the Great GOD ſends unto you this Day, how mean ſoever the Meſſenger may be. The God of Iſrael ſaid, the Rock of Iſrael ſpake to me, He that Ruleth over Men muſt be Juſt, Ruling in the Fear of God. The glorious JEHOVAH who is your Judge, your Law-giver, and your King, ſpeaks to you in theſe Words, and it moſt p. 64nearly concerns the welfare of your own Perſons, and of your Government, that you obey his Voice. You have a Price put into your Hands to promote the Honour of GOD, and the Good of your Country: City to GOD for Wiſdom to improve it, that you may be great and publick Bleſſings while you Live, and be Bleſſed forever with the Lord, when a ſhort Life ſhall come to an End. We are a degenerate People, iniquity abounds, and GOD is going on in a way of Judgment againſt us. His Voice to us in his Providence may be that, Ezek. 22.30. I ſought for a man among them that ſhould make up the hedge, and ſtand in the gap before me for the land, that I ſhould not deſtroy it. Do you then ſtand in the Gap and do your utmoſt to keep off Wrath from this People, by Promoting that moſt neceſſary Work of Reformation. Lead in this Work by being your ſelves conſpicuous Examples of Sobriety, Juſtice and Godlineſs. Whatever Laws may be further needful to Encourage Virtue & Piety among us; or to ſuppreſs Vice and Profaneneſs, let them be Enacted; and let thoſe good Laws which are made, be duly Executed. Here I wou'd ask leave to mention a few things. Be Intreated to Guard againſt all Neglect or Corruption of the Worship of GOD. Be jealous for the Lord of hoſts; for the Lord our GOD is a jealous God, viſiting the Iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children. Let all due Care be taken that God's People may fear this glorious and fearful Name the Lord our God. Alas! Profane-Swearing is become in a dreadful degree Cuſtomary with many. There are thoſe that ſet their Mouths againſt Heaven, and rend the Sacred p. 65Name of GOD, by Profane Oaths and Curſes. May not ſomething further be done to ſuppreſs this Heaven-daring Sin? Doth it not deſerve a heavier Penalty than is affixed to it in the Law? Ought not this part of Religious Worſhip, the calling GOD to Witneſs in Swearing, be attended with greater Reverence in our Courts of Judicature, that Men may be taught to Fear an Oath Improve your Authority that the Lord's Day Sabbath may be ſtrictly obſerved. GOD gives his Sabbath to his People as a Sign between him and them; and ſtrictly requires them ſo to Remember it, as to keep it holy; Exod. 20. Jer. 17.21, 23, 27. And it hath been often obſerv'd that as the Sabbath is Sanctified or Profan'd ſo Religion is won't to flouriſh or decay. This then is moſt worthy your Pious Care. Bleſſed be GOD for the Good Laws we have to bind us to this Duty; and for that Care which is taken to Execute them. However, There is need that ſome further Care be taken, that under a pretence of keeping the Night before or after the Sabbath day light, both Evenings be not us'd as common Time. And is not the Evil Cuſtom of keeping open Shops on the Evening before the Day, a Prophanation of the Sabbath, which ought to be Reform'd? And then, As there ought to be no Recreations, no carrying of Burdens, no needleſs Journeys on the Lord's Day, ſo it might be a very acceptable Service to GOD, if ſome effectual Means were us'd to ſuppreſs Diſorders between Meetings in our Country Towns, where they live at a conſiderable Diſtance from the Place of Publick Worſhip, and tarry at or near the Meeting-Houſe. As alſo to p. 66prevent all unneceſſary Harneſſing of Horſes, and Driving of Coaches on the Lord's Day; that both Man and Beaſt may Reſt according to the Commandment. Yea to prevent the attending of Funerals when no preſent Neceſſity requires it. Let the Means of Education be eſteem'd worthy your higheſt Concern. In a particular manner I wou'd moſt humbly Recommend the College to your Parental Care. It is an abiding Teſtimony of the Pious Concern our ForeFathers had for the flouriſhing of Religion, that they ſo Early Erected that Society, which hath been a great Bleſſing to the whole Land; a Fountain continually ſending forth ſtreams that have made Glad the City of our God; yea have refreſh'd diſtant Places alſo. But the Sovereign GOD hath In a ſudden and awfull manner taken their Maſter from their Head; the Reverend & Learned Preſident ‖‖The Honourable John Leverett Eſq;. And it is a matter of great importance to the Land, and particularly to theſe Churches, that this Breach be repaird with One who is of eminent Learning, Prudence, Piety, and a faſt Friend to the Intereſts of CHRIST's Kingdom among us. My humble Requeſt therefore is, that all needfull Encouragement may be given to ſuch a Perſon to Reſide at the College, and lay out himſelf in that Excellent Work of training up the Youth in Pure Religion, and good Literature. May that GOD with whom is the Reſidue of the Spirit, fill that Chair with One who ſhall be a Rich Gift to that Society, and a Bleſſing to the whole Land. May the College Flouriſh ſo long as the Sun and Moon ſhall endure!

p. 67AGAIN, Endeavour in all proper ways to Promote Union, and good Agreement among this People. Heats and Animoſities, Diviſions and Contentions are very provoking to GOD, eſpecially when found among Chriſtians; and very hurtful to the Common-Wealth. For where there is Contention, there is Confuſion, and every Evil Work. Now it is a weighty Word which I find delivered by a great Divine, and ſhall ask leave to borrow it. If Magiſtrates would Unite the People, then take heed, agree among your ſelves, if you would have Union among the People: if the Corner-Stones once fall aſunder, you may eaſily expect many Cracks in the building: differences amongſt Governours muſt needs cauſe ſtrange diſtractions among the People—. But I ſhou'd further deſire, That if any ſuch be, you wou'd keep them among. your ſelves: If ſuch differences come abroad, they cauſe great diviſions among the People ††Mr. Strong. Select Sermons, p. 411, 412.. Let me then beſeech you to Follow Peace, and to Unite in promoting the Publick good, each One being ready to deny himſelf where the Honour of GOD, and the ſafety of the Common-Wealth call for it. The true and faithful Witneſs teſtifies **Mat. 1….25.Matt 1:25, That every Kingdom divided againſt it ſelf, is brought to deſolution; and every City or Houſe divided againſt it ſelf, ſhall not ſtand. And ſurely this dark and ſtormy day requires you to Unite hearts and hands p. 68for the Preſervation of the Country. The LORD grant that our Jeruſalem may be builded as a City that is compact together, and that by your Means; That you may have much of the Wiſdom which is from above, which is firſt pure, then peaceable—. And Unite as One Man in Conſulting & Promoting the Publick Welfare.

AGAIN, Let me humbly Inquire, Whether ſomething further may not be done, to put a ſtop to the the growth of Intemperance, and Exceſſive Drinking, which threatens us with an over-flowing Scourge of Woes and Miſeries. Iſai. 28.1, 2. Wo—to the Drunkards of Ephraim—. Where this Sin prevails, it provokes GOD to withdraw even the common Reſtraints of his Spirit. Eph. 5.18. Be not drunk with wine, wherein is Exceſs; but be filed with the Spirit. Senſual, having not the Spirit, Jude v.I9. Now it is Notorious that this ſhameful Vice is dreadfully predominant in this Land. And it is high Time to inquire, Whether the numerous Licences given to Tavern-keepers and other Retailers of Strong Drink, do not greatly provoke GOD, and cauſe the guilt of this hainous Sin to lie heavy upon the Publick? Is not the good uſe of Taverns miſchievouſly perverted? Is it not Scandalous to the Profeſſion of Chriſtianity, that Publick Houſes ſhou'd be ſo much frequented by Town-dwellers? Undoubtedly it is. And it is your Duty by your Example and Authority to teſtify againſt this Abuſe.

p. 69Laſtly, MY Text leads me to Commend it to Your Endeavours, That the Publick Faith and juſtice be preſerved, relating to our Bills of Credit, which are ſunk much below the Value of their Denomination. The Eighth and Ninth Commandments require You to take effectual Care that the Bills of Publick Credit, which are in a manner the only Medium of Trade, be not made a Cruel Engine of Oppreſſion. They that Rule over Men muſt be Juſt. But I ſhall now Conclude in a Word; Let us all Cry to GOD to Pour out upon us the Spirit of Repentance and Reformation. O that GOD wou'd Unite the hearts of this People to fear big Name, and work Righteouſneſs! Then we might Hope to have that good Word fulfilled in us: Iſai. 58. 8, 9. Then ſhall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health ſhall ſpring forth Speedily: and thy righteouſneſs ſhall go before thee, the glory of the LORD ſhall be thy rere-ward. Then ſhalt thou call, and the LORD ſhall anſwer; thou ſhalt cry, and he ſhall ſay, Here I am:—.

FINIS.

THE Reader is deſir'd to take Notice, That the Firſt Doctrine, and ſeveral Paragraphs were omitted in Preaching; and to Correct the following miſtakes:

Page 5. line 26. f. invinſible, r. invincible, p. 9. I. 22. f. numurous r. numerous, p. I4.I.20.f. Roman r. Rome. p. 26.I.11.f. as r. and. p. 29. I 2. f that r. their, p. 55. I. 3 from the bottom, f. Bleſſings r. Bleſſing.

End of the text · Joseph Sewall, Rulers Must be Just in Ruling (1724)