5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thou shall not speak evill of the Ruler of thy People and by the Law you know what punishment is due to those that curse their Father or their Mother Ex. 21. 17. Pro. 30. 17. And the King is Pater Patriae the Father of His Countrey Yea it is Registrat in Sacred Scripture what the Lord did to Miriam though the Sister of Moses the supream Magistrate because of the Ethiopian Woman whom he had married no sooner is the Word come out of her mouth but the Lord is seen at the door of the Tabernacle in a cloud Nub. 12. 2 3. And as her Tongue swelled with proud aspersions against the lawfull and Supream Magistrat so is she smitten with a deforming and defiling Leprosie and seven dayes was She shut out of the Camp and not healed till Moses cryed unto the Lord for her One man may kindle a â—re which all the World cannot quench a plague sore may infect a whole Kingdome Lastly If they be thus Gods then will not that God by whom they Reign resent and revenge the injuries done to them as done to Himself Surely when the People began to flight Samuel the Lord said They have not rejected Thee but Me. And David sayeth Those that seek my soul to destroy it will the Lord bring down to the lower parts of the earth They shall be a portion to Foxes but the King shal rejoice in God 2 Sam. 1.7 Foxes they are and such shall their portion bee Hath any Nation delivered their own Gods with their own hands to burned surely the verie Lycaonians honoured Paul and Barnabas much supposing him to be their Jupiter and Mâ—rcurius Act. 14. The very Heathen man said when a Bird chaâ—ed did flee to him for refuge I will not deliver thee into thy enemies hand since thou hast fled to mee for a Sanctuary Two sad acts and sinfull in this kind which are displeasing to this God by whom they Reign I cannot but mention the delivery of the Sucred Person of the one into his enemies hands the denying of the interest of our dread Soveraign the other But in all those Acts there is a great difference betwixt the Actors the Theologs distinguish a threefold Ignorance the first is natural to all men alienated from the Life of God through the Ignorance that is in them Eph. 4. 18. The next is voluntar this saith Peter willingly they know not 2 Pet. 3.5 The third is judicial while men receive not the truth with Love but imprison their knowledge they have of God he gives them Judicially over 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to a mind that can not discern Philosophers have a distinction betwixt ignorantia purae negationis and pravae dispositionis I shall adde a third pravae tentationis and so a little compare the denying the delivering of our Lords Christ in these Three Apostles were guilty of denying our dear Lord Paul who persecuted him but was received to mercy because he did it ignorantly Peter who denyed him throw a surprising tentation and was pardoned by his threefold confession daring to affiâ—m that he who betrayed him knew all things knew his heart loved him And Judas who betrayed him for love of money and in delivering our blessed Lord to Pilat three Actors they were 1. The people that did it ignorantly to please their leaders or 2. The Pharisees who did it of envy because he Ecclipsed his Glory And Judas again for 30 peeces of Silver To some we may say as our Lord did Father forgive them they know not what they are doing But if any through love to the wedge of Gold have done so to the Lords Anointed Ones let it be Mithridat in their meat Wormwood in their Cup a gnawing Worm in their Conscience a ded Flee in all their Oyntment a moth in their Estate and Garment Josh. 7. And let it do them no more good nor the golden wedge did Ahan which brought the stones about his ears or Naboths vineyard did to Achab or the two Talents to Gehazi 1 King 21. 2 King 5. 27. Who view Scripture aright shall â—ee that the Lord himself hath made such a distinction in that first insurrection against Moses and Aaron Numb 86.2 Corah kindled the fire the 250 Princes added fewel to it all Israel warmed themselves by it yet only the Incendiaries perish God and Moses know to make a distinction betwixt the head of a faction and the train betwixt Absolon and those that follow him with a simple heart 2 Sam. 15. 11. These that have been leaders have ever been plagued the other lesse censured forgiven yea prayed for oft times But against David the Father the man according to Gods own heart and Solomon the Sonne the wisest of the sons of men they were 3 great and Archenemies Absolon in the State Achitopâ—el in the Counsel and Army Abiathar in the Church conspyring with Adonijah and against all those God write his indgnation in Characters of blood and contempt Absolon as a paricide was exemplarly lifted up as a spectacle of Gods wrath and pierced with three Darts by Joab 2 Sam â—â—â—â—4 The first for his sin against God that when he me minded Rebellion he pretendiâ—â—â—ligion he is become so religious forsooth he must go and pay his vowes at Hebron 2 Sam. 15.7 The second Dâ—rt he gave him for his unnaâ—ural insurrection against his own Father to be a monument of his wrath unto all generations to stubborn rebellious and irreligious children The third for his cursed and â—reacherous rebellion against the KING Ahitophel whose Wisdome was such that he was looked on as an Oracle from God yet dyed as a fool that he hanged himself 2 Sam. 23. 17. Abiathar was deposed by Solomon 1 Kings 2. 27. and though â—t be questioned whether he did this as a Prophet or as King of Israel yet is it needlesse to dispute this Since we cannot deny this to Kings which is given to eveâ—y man by the law of Nature to defend himself and in so doing to kill ere he be killed if Solomon will not depose Abiathar Abiathar will depose Solomon Never was there a treasonable and treacherous plot against the Lords Anointed but this Gâ—d by whom they reign did signally avenge it when Corah Dathan and Abiram rose up against Moses The very earth opens its mouth to devour them at once Num. 16. 31. This Element was not used to devour such morsels it devours the carcasses of men but bodies informed with living souls never till now but as the Heavens hated to give them breathing in their Air so the Earth abhorred and hisâ—ed to bear such a burthen as a Traitor to the Supream Magistrat to have them stricken dead instantly on the earth had indeed been fearful but to see the earth at once both their executioner and their grave O this is dreadâ—ull and horrible who can but see how hateful seditious insurrections are to him who is the God of Order and can have
token of his being rejected yet speaks so lowd Gods wonderfull love in â—aising him to glory and honour even as the Lord did raise his own Son Psal. 118.21 Christum Dominum so hath he raised Christum Domini behold he is our Samuel 1 Sam. 1. 20 asked of God many prayers and teaâ—s it cost some of us he knoweth who searcheth our hearts one asked obtained devouted to God A â—Beonâ— once to us a son of mourning but a Benjamin to his father Gen. 35.18 The man of his right hand whom God hath made strong for himself â— Psal. 80.17 and so may he be till time be no more O what cause have we to magnifie this God thus creating and reviving our sacred Saveraign who was buried before under oblivion and obloquies Let his Majestie as another Noah preserved in the midst of the waves build an altar of rest unto the Lord. Thou wâ—ich hast shown him sore and grâ—at troubles quickened him again and bâ—ought him up from the dâ—pths of the earth Psal. 71.20,21 O increase his greatnesse and quicken him on every side But we come to the duties we owe to these dignities thus entituledâ— thus authoâ—ized by God which are 1. If by Gods own word and authority they be thus created gods then whatsoever ye do for them or in obedience to them do all for conscience sake towards God arcessite rivum fideli talis de fonte pietatis as Gregory saith draw the streams of your loyalty to your Prince out of the fountain of piety towards God no other obedience pleaseth God no man can be constant in his duty of loyalty to his Soveraign but he who obeyeth in the Lord and for the Lord. 2 Are they thus Gods on earth let none presume to dalie with them or deal deceatfully in the work concredit by Gods Vicegeâ—ent on Earth for as the Prophet Jer. 48.10 Cursed is he that doth Gods work deceitfully or negligently so is it here some have bene for Pâ—inces who have looked stil Janus like with two faces One 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 one above the table and another under it And as rowlers of an Boat they never looked to that â—Aittoâ— which they are rowling both with hearts and hands But them that turn aside be their crooked wayâ—s will the Lord bring forth among workers of iniquity Ps. 125. vlt. Let Your Heartsâ— Hands Facâ—s go one way in tâ—is great Woâ—k beforâ— Youâ— Lo. Our Gracious Soveraign now offeâ—ing the occasion as His blesâ—ed Father of Eternall Memory said when He did cast Himself over in the Scots protection now saith He will I read the Ridle of the Scots Loyaltie to give them oppoâ—tunity to lâ—t the World know they mean not what they do but what they saâ— Let your Works and your words be one in the Lord 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Joh. 6. 5. Not with Eyâ—-sâ—rvice as pleasing men but with singlenesâ—e of heart approving your heart to God as the Apostle to seâ—vants And be ye all Nathanaels Israelits indeed in whose heart their is no guile 3. Are they Gods then hath any Nation changed their Gods even which are no Gods Jer. 6. 10. 11. I may say that this complaint reacheth us well It was the Glory of this Nation unparalelled by any other Kingdome under Heaven Nobis invicta dedere centum octo proavi an hundreth and eight KINGS of one Line and Royal Race but we may say we changed our Glory into the similitude of an Ox that eateth grasse and a living Dog was preferred to a dead Lyon I say supposed to be dead But that Lion now liveth and Longa Dics hominem docuit parere Leoni A little length of time hath taught even those that were most active against His Sacred Majesty now to bow to Sacred Soveraignity And O that as a Lion he may so roar that hee may may make all the Beasts of the Foorest his heart and hand foes to tremble yet Reign so that He may have more of the Lion nor of the Lamb least he be led like a Lamb to the horns of the Altar as that unparalleld Martyr was by that cursed Crew who first began to cry him down as non Deum not in his due Line of subordination to God then as non Regem He might not exercise his Royal power and at last they made him not hominem not a Man And as Your Lordships have begun happily so go on still to wipe away that sad reproach put upon us even by a learned man in Print Salmasius 442. pag. which else I would not mention Presbiterianos perdedisse Regem in Carolo independentes trucidisse hominem Carolum too many things were dona to prejudge him in his Royal Authority ere these cursed and wicked men robbed him of his Life O my Lords vindicat now the Loyalty of this his Aneient and Native Kingdome as Your Lordships have begun Laudably to do so all Posterity shall call you blessed 4. Are they Gods then as the Name of God is Sacred and dreadful Deut. 28. 58. So let all be tender of the Lords anointed The Jews have a conceit that the sin of that blasphemer who was stoned by a command from the Lord was that he named that ineffable Name JEHOVAH It hath been the antient policy of all subtile Undermyners of Royal Authority still to begin with pasquils and datraction so began that cursed imp and unnaturall Son Absolon who began to challenge his Father and Soveraign before the people as not appointing any to hear the complaints of his Subjects 2 Sam. 15. â—3 And that subtile Jeroboam with his complices in their addresses to Rehoboam to crave the easing them of his Fathers yoke as too heavy 1 King 12. 9. If it be lawfull for any to detract from or sow disaffection betwixt Princes and people what will follow but when Shimeis tongue is not crubed Sheba's Trumpet shall soon blow lowd Rebellion is the fruit of tollerated Sedition Consider that of Solomon My Son fear thou God and the King and medle not with them that are given to changes Shonim is the Word which cometh from Shen the tooth changes and seditions begin at the tooth with detracting The Antient Romans painted pride with three Crowns on the first whereof was written transcendo they go beyond the bounds of their station Corah like they will speak evill of dignities despise Dominions On the second non obedio I will not obey On the third perturbo suteable to the carriage of some who troubled the peace of our Israel If any have hatched a seditious Remonstrance against Soveraignity if any have wickedly robbed our Prince of His Crown Authority and Life into their secret Let not my soul come my glory be not thou joyned to their Assembly Gen. 49. Moses forbids all to curse and revile their Gods Exod. 22. 28. And if we believe Paul that Interpreter one of a thousand to speak evil of them is to curse them Acts 23.
Valentinian and Martian vide Socr. lib. 1. c. 9. 3. The end of convocating must be considered this is causa causarum but I must be short 1. Meet for the things of the Lord to help the Lord Judg. 5.23 Let him have the preheminence in all Religion first secured by your Lordship in Doctrine Discipline and Government let him be your first and last Beware of sacriledge Mal. 3.8 if ye desire the Lord to delight in you delight you also as the great Lord doth in the prosperity of his servants Psa. 35.37 Be ye healers of the breaches of Zion uniting the minds and hearts of all the sons of Levi in one whose divisions hath caused sad thoughts of heart thus the loyns shall blesse you as warmed with the fleece of your favour and the hearts of many shall sing for joy For securing the Government in our Sacred Soveraign in himself and his Posterity And O what thanks deserve your Lordships for what is done herein Go on in this till this be fully established and these loyall acts pasted by your Lordships in this be as the decrees of the Medes and Persians Yea thus it shall be said of the acts thus enacted by your Lordships as being compared with other acts in his prejudice as that famous Poet comparing Venice and Rome together Illa homines dicas haec posuisse Deos. And as is said of Augustus in reference to Rome so of your Lordships in reference to Scotland invenistis latericiam O relinquite marmoream you find it of Tyle O build it of Marble But I hasten to the third point Gods presence with you thus congregat is necessary consider the danger if he withdraw Hos. 9.12 Wo also unto you when I depart froÌ„ you and that Isa. 29.19 The wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid Necessary 1. for graces and gifts suitable to your high and honourable station Every good gift is not only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not from above only but from heaven Jam. 1. 17. Philosophers call the eminent endewments of the mind 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and habits Theologie teacheth us to call them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gifts of free grace he is the father of lights if ye be deep Politicians wise States-men gracious Christians who is your father 1 Sam. 10. 12. There is a spirit in man but the inspiration of the Almighty giveth understonding Job 32.7,8 The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord Pro. 20.27 And as for gifts so for the exercise of their gifts in actu execito if not acted assisted the best of men is but a Dyall without the clear beams of the Sun when the spirit departed from Sampson he thought to have done as before Judg. 16.20 but his wings were clipped His presence keeps you in a lively frame for duties Psal. 73.26 Luk. 24.32 2. It maks your face to shine so that none shall be able to withstand you Josh. 1.5 3. No businesse shall be intricat to you but with Paul ye shall be able to do all things Phil. 4.13 4. Freeth you from all fears Isa. 43.3 Psal. 23.4 5. You shall administrat Justice impartially 2 Chr. 19.6 How to have it and intertain it I dar not insist on see only that Psal. 16.7 1. 4. Point Gods presence is evidenced in his two acts of standing and judging 1. Of these joyntly standing as it is opposed to falling ver 6. The greatest of Princes shall be brought down to the dust of death as well as the meanest of men even ye who are gods on earth saith Job and he shall keep the field when the battel is fought Job 19.25 Your wisdom and power honour and preferment yea graces and holinesse cannot exeem you from that first paenall Statute Dust thou art Gen. 3.19 Hence when that Minion complained to his Master that he was envyed by many and it was replyed unus hic dum tibi sit propitius Jupiter tu istos minutulos Deos flocci feceris he returned wittily quasi tu nescias vir magne quam cito emoriantur humâ—ni Joves how soon does humane gods die 2. Act He will judge gods ye are but such as must give an account as men and Christians 2 Cor 5.10 much more as gods ye are both dii caduei and dii judicandi two strong bits in the mouths of all to curb pride and abuse of power your Lordships must be within a little time stripped of all your earthly greatnesse glory and power all your Parliamentary and honourable Robs and make your bed in the earth and if your bones be full of the sins of youth they shall ly down with you in the dust Job 20.11 and shall rise with you when ye come befoâ—e the Laâ—b on his Throne Revel 6. 16. Now of these two Acts severally 1. He standeth our great Jehovah is very attentive to all his eyes are as a flame of fire and reacheth even to the center of your hearts he that planted the ear hears all yoâ—r words voices do all theâ—efore as vigilantes servi coram vigilante Dousino saying as to his slumbering Disciples Can ye not watch with we one honr Mat. 26. â—9 2. Stands waiâ—ing for your Inviâ—ation to come in unto you let it not be your challeâ—ge Mat. 23.37 How oft would I and ye would not Say not to the Almighty Depart from us Job 21.14 but rather as Gen. 24.31 Laban to Eleazar Come in thou blessed of the Lord the rooms are prepared for thee as thee as the Ethiopians leâ—t empty seats in Judicatories for their gods to sit down with them And with David say Psal. 101. 2. O when wilâ— thou come in unto me Thus The gates of Glory shall be cast open to you if ye open your everlasting doors that the King of Glory may come in Psal. 24. 3. Stands as ready to confirm all your Acts if done as before him concerning the works of my hands command ye me Isa. 45. 11. a strange word Thou shalt also decree a thing and it shall be established to thee and his light shall shine on thy wayes Job 22.26.7.8,9 4. He stands pro vobis fi mereamini in vos as Trajan said Who dar oppose if he be for you Korahs cup the dregs of it shall be for them But if ye do evill behold the Judge standeth before the door Jam. 5.9 PSAL. 82. 1. He judgeth among the gods 1. In our Translation it is in the present time 1. Because all power of judging given to these gods on eaâ—th is derived from him neither do they judge but as cloathed with authority from him â—itting in his stead hence Abraham styles him the Judge of all the earth Gen. 18. 25. 2 Chron. 19. 6. 2. Because he sometime judgeth even in this life and judgement returneth unto righteousness and all the upright in heart follow after it Psal. 94 15. Psal. 58. 11. And this day this is