Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
spirit_n	fear_n	lord_n	wisdom_n	5,389	5	6.9425	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A92778	Solomons choice: or, A president for kings and princes, and all that are in authority, presented in a sermon before the Honourable House of Commons at Margarets Westminster, at their publique fast, Septemb. 25. 1644. By Lazarus Seaman, pastor of the Church of Christ at Alhallowes-Breadstreet-London. One of the Assembly of Divines.	Seaman, Lazarus, d. 1675.	1644 (1644)	Wing S2177; Thomason E16_23; ESTC R189	37,337	55

Sam. 30. 6. 3. Suppose that all in authority were as happy all their lives as David was for a while Whatsoever the King did pleased all the people Yet there is a strict account to be 2 Sam. 3. ●6 given unto God hereafter For we must all appeare before the Judgement-seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad If therefore we 2 Cor. 5. 10. can approve our selves to the world that will not satisfie All the Lyons of the world must give an account to the Note Lambe He is the blessed and the onely Potentate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords The onely Potentate ● Tim. 6. ●5 because he alone is to continue King for ever To be a Monarke is onely to act a part for a while upon the Theatre of this world It is appointed unto all men once to die and after this the judgement And I saw the dead saith Heb. 9. 27. St. John small and great stand before God and the bookes were opened And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the bookes according to their workes Rev. 20. 12. Shifts subtilties excuses c. will stand no man in stead at that day Who ever ponders these things aright will surely apply his heart unto wisdome Yet because some though they be not so Atheisticall as to question the foregoing consideration may be the lesse affected with it because it 's future an object of faith and not of sense therefore I 'le adde this third 3. There is a wisdome such as it is even in Satan and in all his instruments His instruments for number are legions Luke 8. 30. for property they transforme themselves into Angels of 2 Cor. 11. 14 15 light and as touching the measure of their wisdome they are in their generation wiser than the children of light Luke 16. 8. The spirit of Machiavel and the Jesuits is I feare to be sound in many who would be thought to be at as great a distance from them as the Jewes from Satan when as Christ told them Ye are of your father the divell Such John 8 44. will never be discovered muchlesse prevented in their mischievous devices to hinder good and increase misery unlesse it be by that wisdome which all our adversaries are not able to resist Thus much to shew the necessity of wisdome The third Doctrine Wisdome is to be preferred before all earthly blessings especially wisdome for government in 3. Doctr. Governours It 's hard to looke besides the proofe of this point if we cast our eyes into the booke of Proverbs Thus we read in the third chapter Happy is the man that findeth wisdome and the man that getteth understanding For the merchandize of it is better than the merchandize of Silver and the gaine thereof than fine Gold c. And in the fourth Prov. 3. 12 13. chapter Wisdome is the principall thing therefore get wisdome and above all thy getting get understanding Exalt her and she shall promote thee c. Yet further in the eighth Ch 4. 7. chapter Receive my instruction and not Silver and knowledge rather than choice Gold For wisdome is better than Rubies and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it Surely there is a worth in wisdome more Ch. 8. 10. 11. then we doe readily believe or commonly apprehend The Holy Ghost useth no repetition in vaine If it were discerned as it is it would inflame us with the love of it * Si oculis cerneretur mirabiles sui amores excitaret Cicero de Off. lib. 1. And yet some caution must be used in our estimation of it We may not compare it with the love of God in Christ Nor with any saving grace when we speake of politique wisdome But it 's better 1. than long life A sinner may doe evill an hundred times and his daies be prolonged Or 2. then riches There is a sore evill which Eccles 8. 12. I have seene under the Sunne riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt 3. It 's better than victory over Ch. 5. 13. enemies If that be not well improved as it seldome is our shame and misery may be the greater in the end as Vincere scis Hannibal c. it was with Saul in conquering the Amalekites with Ahab when he tooke Benhadad prisoner and with Alexander who quickly skipt over the world like a Goat according to Daniels prophecy and touched not the ground Dan. 8. 5. as if he had flowne in the ayre rather than marched with an Army on earth But this great horne was soon broken and all his glory like Jonahs gourd grew up and withered Jonah 4. 6 7. all in a day 4. It 's better also then successe in businesse for that is common to wise men and fooles The race is Eccl. 9. 1● not to the swift c. Wisdome prepares the heart to beare all events and make advantage of them 5. Yea we may truely say it 's better than any single vertue All graces without it lose their lustre Patience is folly and cowardize Zeale madnesse Courage and resolution is rashnesse Justice cruelty And mercy a forfeiture of our selves into the hands of the living God And what shall I say for the benefit of it It directs Governours how to discharge their duty to God and man aright in all respects This one alone shall suffice to be instanced in in stead of all the rest All the precious stones in the Priests brest-plate were not be compared with the Urim and Thummin knowledge of that which ought to be done and a readinesse in doint it makes a compleat man a compleat Christian and a compleat Ruler Wherein consists the excellency of Christ as King of the Church but in this that the Spirit of the Lord Isa 11. 2. rests upon him the spirit of wisdome and understanding the spirit of counsell and might the spirit of knowledge and of the feare of the Lord But will any kind of wisdome suffice Governours No. It must be wisdome for government a Sapientiam quam a Deo Solomon postulavi● non eam intelligo qua fit a est in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sed potius quae ad res greendas facit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seu 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 consuevit appellari P. M. A wisdome to direct them how to goe in and out How to order all their affaires and each part of their Office upon all occasions to right ends by a strait rule in due season with respect to all circumstances that what is done may be just honourable seemely and most gracefull A wise mans heart discerneth both time and judgement Eccl. 8. 5. And the wisdome of the prudent is to understand his way Prov. 14. 8. David was short of Solomon in point

them call for more than all this Pray we therefore that the Lord would teach us how to strengthen our friends to gaine our enemies if it be possible But above all how we may glorifie God by doing or suffering in the midst of all scandals and blasphemies whereby he is dishonoured How to use his ordinances aright To try the spirits and to know his true Ministers from the messengers of Satan who transforme themselves into Angels of light Who be the Foxes the little Foxes that spoile the Vines and their tender Grapes and what to doe with them Cant. ● 15. Yet one step further Let 's practise exercise and manifest A fifth branch of the generall exhortation our wisdome in all affaires and upon all occasions When our Saviour says Be wise ●s Serpents and innocent as Doves (a) Mat. 10. 17. he meanes it of a practicall wisdome There is a prudence which some Moralists call prudentia practice practica * which is of all other kinds the most Pavonius in Ethicis disput 1. q. 2. excellent An ability of the mind whereby we know what is fit to be done all circumstances considered and are inclined to doe accordingly If things were so and so as sometimes we fancy and desire we could tell what to doe but as they are we are at our wits end Our duty is to take the worst and make the best of it He 's a skilfull Pilot that knows how to order the ship in a storme so as to prevent shipwracke I 'le conclude this generall part of the exhortation with that of St. James Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you let him shew out of a good conversation his workes with meeknesse of wisdom (b) James 3. 13. And with St. Pauls charge See that ye walke circumspectly or accurately * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not as fooles but as wise Redeeming the time because the daies are evill (c) Eph. 5. 15 16. As touching the second part of the exhortation to The speciall exhortation unto Governour● such as are in authority and entrusted with the publique weale out of the depth of affection which I beare them and the righteous cause wherein they are engaged I desire with all due reverence humility and subjection to spread before them the following considerations that their way may be like the path of the just which is ●s the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (d) Prov. 4. 18. The first consideration is this The feare of the Lord is The first speciall consideration the beginning of wisdome (e) Prov. 1. 7. This is so much the more to be regarded because it is so often repeated by the Holy Ghost in Scripture (f) Ch. 9. 10. Job 28 28. Psal 111. 10. If there were no more but a S●la● in the close there should be the more diligent attention to it but being so oft inculcated in the same book and by several men of God our hearts should be deeply affected with it Men that have no feare of God before their eyes are seldome of Gods counsell They plough not with his heifer I meane they consult not with his Spirit in the word no wonder if they read not his riddles All his counsels are to them like the writing on the wall to Belshazzar Yea they have rejected the word of the Lord and what wisdome is or can be in them (d) Ierem. 8 9. The secret of the Lord is with them that feare him and he will shew them his Covenant (e) P●●l 25. 14. As for the wicked 't is with them as with Jerusalem The things which made for her peace were hid from her eyes (f) Luke 19 42. Labour therefore to be really godly that you may be truely wise Have respect unto all Gods Commandements that ye may not be ashamed (g) Psal 119. 6. Let his testimonies be your delight and counsellors (h) Vers 24. Secondly There is a wisdom which God curses beware The second consideration of it He taketh the wise in their own craftinesse And againe The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise that they are vaine (i) 1 Cor. 3. 19 ●0 Those words of the Prophet Isaiah are very dreadfull Behold I will proceed to doe a marvellous worke among this people even a marvellous worke and a wonder for the wisdome of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid (k) Isa 29. 14. The causes assigned of this so fearefull a judgement which the Prophet though most eloquent wanted words to expresse were Hypocrisie and Superstition in Religion They that are not wise according to the Word for Religion shall not be wise for the good of the State at least their wisdome shal have no good successe Pharaohs wisdom was to keep Israel under (l) Exod. 1. 10. but thereby he multiplyed strange plagues upon himselfe and people and was utterly overthrowne in the red Sea he and all his Host Balaams wisdome was to cast a stumbling blocke before the children of Israel (a) Revel 2. 14. to make them eate things sacrificed unto Idols and to commit fornication by this meanes he thought to have brought them under a curse but it lighted on himselfe (b) Num. 31. 8. And on the Moabites and Ammonites Who were ever after to be looked upon as bastards and shut out of the Congregation of Israel unto the tenth generation for ever (c) Deu● 23. 2 3 Achitophels wisdome was to make the difference betweene David and Absolon irreconcileable but God turned it into foolishnesse (d) 2 Sam. 16. 21 Jeroboams wisdome was to make Religion serve the State but while he laboured to stablish himselfe by this meanes he rooted out both his family and the Kingdome it selfe (e) 1 King 12. 26 28. The Jewes were so wise as to reject Christ for feare lest the Romans should take away them and their Nation * John 11. 48. The evill which they feared came upon them the means which they used to prevent a judgment brought it upon them with expedition Therefore let there be no oppression neither of people nor of Ministers Religion must be pure and sincere They who consult other mens mischiefe shall procure their owne No perpetuall war but with the divell and sinne Let our Kingdomes be the Lords and his Christs in the first place entirely lest we be no more a people If he be not the Corner-stone of the whole building both in Church and State all wil prove but a Babel and end accordingly Thirdly consider this Wisdome and Authority are The third consideration not alwaies intail'd The Scribes and Pharisees fate in Moses his chaire and yet were blind leaders of the blind It 's one of Solomons observations too often verified Folly is set in great dignity (f) Ecel 10. 6. But Job speakes more fully of the

resolute and exemplary in the worke of reformation For thus saith the Lord. If ye throughly amend your waies and your doings if ye throughly execute judgement betweene a man and his neighbour Then will I cause you to dwell in this place in the Land that I gave to your fathers for ever and ever * Jer. 7. 5 ●7 The Lord furnish you with all the fruits of his Spirit whereby you may be enabled hereunto I shall not presume that be farre from me to direct your wisdomes in any part of the great worke which is before you Onely touching the meanes of attaining that wisdome which I have spoken of I beseech you consider those words of David * Psal 119. 99 100. I have more understanding then all my Teachers for thy testimonies are my meditation I understood more then my Ancients because I kept thy precepts I know your businesse is great and your spare houres but a few You cannot read much nor it may be pray long Yet even in the Campe Alexander would finde time to read Homer * Quintus Curtius and from him he might soone learne how to husband time * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 H●● ●● ● The bookes of Samuel the Kings and Chronicles are proper for you and a key to the Prophets There are many prayers with you and for you but your owne humility and fervency in private will afford you most comfort And that your practicall wisdome according to the rule of Scripture may be seene and read of all men in all your proceedings and a blessing from Heaven upon them is and shall ever be the prayer of him who is Humbly and affectionately devoted to your service in Christ Jesus LAZARUS SEAMAN SOLOMONS CHOICE OR A President for KINGS and PRINCES and all that are in Authority 1. KINGS chap. 3. vers 9. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people that I may discerne betweene good and bad for who is able to judge this thy so great a people FOr more orderly entrance into the handling The Introduction of these words and the better understanding both of them and of the context there are three speciall things which I shall commend unto your present observation out of this Chapter 1. Solomons love to God 2. Gods love to Solomon and 3. The speciall use which Solomon made of Gods speciall love unto him Solomons love to God is described in the third and fourth The first speciall verses and therein there are these particulars considerable First the sincerity of it Secondly the infirmity which did accompany it These are laid downe together in the third verse And thirdly an instance to prove both in the fourth verse The sincerity of his love is contained in these words And Solomon loved the Lord walking in the Statutes of David his father That is in the same Statutes which David his father walked in * See 2 Kings 22. 2. In which words there is both a direct assertion He loved the Lord and a demonstration of that which is asserted He walked in the Statutes of David his father This agrees well with those words of our Saviour If ye love me keepe my Commandements ●ohn 14. 15. The infirmity which did accompany his love is expressed in those words Onely he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places His marrying of Pharaohs daughter is no where imputed unto him for a sinne (a) Nusquam hoc nomine in sacris literis reprehenditur Mencchius in loc because it is supposed she was before the marriage converted to the true Religion The 45 Psalme makes this more then probable Sacrificing in high places seemes to be excused in the second verse yet not wholly but in part (b) A tanto sed ●on a toto The Law of God for sacrificing in one place onely which God should choose is very expresse Levit. 17. 3. Deut. 12. 13. And therefore whatsoever might be pleaded from examples of old the custome of the times or the ease and benefit of the people it was a sinne either to use or suffer other places then that one for sacrifice Yet as the people in the second verse so the King in this third seemes to be reprehended in that regard (c) Not onely Cajetan on the place but Tremelius and Junius excuse Salomon how solidly let the learned judge Yet such an infirmity as this might well consist with sincerity for we read the like of Asa The high places were not removed neverthelesse Asa his heart was perfect with the Lord all 1 Kings 15. 14. his daies By the way let us here take in these following Observations 1. To love God is a matter of singular commendation Inferences from the first speciall This was the brightest Diadem in Solomons Crowne There cannot be a blacker brand then that which is set on many in the prophecy concerning these latter daies That they are lovers of themselves and lovers of pleasures more then lovers of God (a) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Tim. 3. 4. A second inference 2. There is no absolute perfection to be found in the best of Gods servants David was a man after Gods owne heart except in the matter of Vriah That which is said of the Angell and Church of Sardis I have not found thy works perfect before God (b) Revel 3. 2. may be said of all Magistrates Ministers and the best Christians Cur righteousnesses are as filthy rags (c) Isa 64. 6. If we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us (d) 1 John 1. 8. Use of the second inference Therefore 1. let us humble our selves upon all occasions and be serious in the worke and businesse of this day which is to afflict our soules before God (e) Levit. 23. 27 2. Let 's be alwaies mortifying of corruption and die daily to sinne and cleanse our selves from all filthinesse both of the flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse in the feare of God (f) 2 Cor. 7. 1. 3. Let 's adde to our faith vertue and to vertue knowledge 2 Pet. 1. 5. But above all 4. let 's trust perfectly to the grace of Christ (g) 2 Tim. 2. 1. and rest wholy and alone upon him who of God is made unto us wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption (h) 1 Cor. 1. 30. In whom it is that we are compleat (i) Col. 2. 10. The third Inference 3. Observe we further God takes notice of all good and evill in his children He doth graciously distinguish of their waies That which is evill he sets upon record as evill yet acknowledges ownes and accepts of that measure of good which he finds in them be it more or lesse This appeares at large by all Christs expressions to the seaven Churches of Asia (k) Rev. ● 3. chap. The knowledge of it makes much for the praise of his Use Wisdome and

in matters of faith and Religion should labour to have their senses exercised to discerne both good and evill (d) Heb. 5. 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as in the phrase of the New Testament so all that are in authority should endeavour the like in matters of government Which is the more necessary in these regards 1. For themselves that they may know what they have to doe upon all occasions and distinguish betweene the right hand and the left to secure their owne inward peace and that outward respect reverence and obedience which is necessary from others Nothing doth so much affect the heart of inferiours as to see a divine Spirit in those who are over them When Solomon had given proofe in one speciall instance of his ability this way the Text says All Israel heard of the judgement which the King had judged and they feared the King for they saw that the wisdome of God was in him to doe judgement (e) 1 Kings 3. 28. 2. For others that they may give suum cuique every one that which is their due Praise and encouragement unto such as deserve it and bring the wheele upon the wicked Their frownes and smiles their eare and eye their severity and clemency must be distributed and applied to each person according to their demerit That rule of the Apostle may be of great use here And of some have compassion making a difference (f) Jude 22. v. How miserably the judgements of some are blinded their affections misplaced their waies and doings corrupted for want of ability this way poore subjects have too much seene and felt Haman is preferred at Court when the Tree is fitter for him and Mordecai is forgotten till it was almost too late to remember him There was a great deale of zeale against the poore Gibeonites and none against the Amalekites though there was a Covenant to preserve the one (a) Josh 9 15. and both a generall (b) Deut. 25 19. and a speciall Law (c) 1 Sam. 15. 3. to destroy the other Christ must be crucified Barabbas released The Kings of the earth agree and give their Kingdomes unto the Note beast (d) R●u 17. 17. But when the Kingdoms of this world should become the Kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ The Nations will be angry (e) Ch. 11. 18. 3. Good and evill doe sometimes change apparell and evill is alwaies bold to thrust in even among Governours without asking leave and exalts it selfe in the midst of them I saw under the Sunne the place of judgement that 〈◊〉 3. 16. wickednesse was there and the place of righteousnesse that iniquity was there If it were not so there would be no cause for the Lord to threaten in that manner as he doth by Isaiah Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees 〈◊〉 10. 1. and that write grievousnesse which they have prescribed What is it therefore that Governours especially Law-givers have to doe but to discerne as betweene person and person so likewise betweene Law and Law It followes not because it is a Law therefore it is just * Mi●ah 6. 16. and much lesse is that a good consequence Such or such have a power to make Laws therefore this shall be a Law A discerning faculty must be improved by the way And this shall suffice for the first Doctrine It will be necessary to repeat the second againe in the same termes wherein it was first delivered All that are in place of government have speciall need of wisdome Solomons request must be theirs for themselves 2. Doctr. Give unto thy servant an understanding heart There is a truth in the point whether we apply it to Officers in the Common-wealth or in the Church Moses directing the people of Israel in the choice of Magistrates prescribes wisdome for a necessary qualification Take ye wise men and understanding and knowne among your Tribes and I will make them Rulers over you And when the Apostles Deut. 1. 13. saw it necessary to institute Deacons to ease themselves of their care and burden in serving Tables and making provision for the poore they give the same thing in charge Looke you out among your selves men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdome And if men be not Acts 6. 3. sit to mannage the businesse of the poore unlesse they be even full of the holy Ghost and wisdome it will clearely follow that the greater and more noble imployments doe much more require alike proportion of endowment As for State-governours they have much businesse to runne through Many enemies to encounter with either forraine or domestique or both As Paul said to the Elders of the Church Of your selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw disciples after them so may it be Acts 20. 30. said to the Elders of the Land There will be some even among you that will drive their owne designes and consult their owne interests and so make parties and factions to the prejudice of publique good David makes a sad complaint to Abishai Behold my sonne which came forth of my bowels seeketh my life And the like is too often verified 2 Sam. 16. 11. Filius ante diem c. in others Among enemies we may well reckon flatterers hypocrites false friends as well as those who are factious seditious rebellious traiterous heady and high-minded and it will require no small measure of wisdome to deale with all these to advantage The trust which is reposed in supreame Magistrates is great The persons which they have to governe are many in number of different conditions dispositions opinions in whom there is a mixture of all contrarieties That which pleases some others abhorre One mans rise is from anothers ruine The ends which should be prosecuted are high and noble The meanes not easie to be determined and such as often miscarry The subject to be wrought upon is ill affected and so are the instruments The want of a little wisdome doth often prove a great prejudice not onely to the credit of such as are in authority a Eccl 10. 1. but to the successe of their affaires Besides all these generals I desire these few particulars may be taken into consideration 1. Even the best Governours are subject to a great deale of censure * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 There be many curious eyes upon them Many that seeke advantages against them and waite for their halting If any evill befall the multitude they are apt to charge it upon such as are over them Moses and Aaron could not have subsisted under the murmurings complaints conspiracies which were directed against them though they were set over Israel by Gods extraordinary appointment had not the Lord himselfe wrought miracles for their preservation and for the dreadfull confusion of Korah and his complices When Davids company were a little more then ordinarily distressed they spake of stoning him 1

little strengthened and hardned by our folly Differences might either be prevented or lessened or sooner remedied both the smaller and the greater differences if we had more wisdome Families Church and State our selves and posterity are all in a perishing condition If it be the property of a wise woman to build her house and of a foolish one to plucke it downe with their hands as it is indeed (c) Prov. 14. 1. We must needs beare our share in that reproach for hitherto we have done little else which way soever we apply the words Secondly let us consider the benefit of wisdome that The second branch of the generall exhortation we may prize it and hunger after it as well for the excellency of it as to supply our want A little wisdome may stand us in more stead then a great deale of strength witnesse that Parable or History I know not whether to call it of the little City and few men in it which was delivered by a poore wise man from a great King who came and besieged it and built bulwarks against it (d) Eccl. 9. 14 1● If there be any Plaister that can heale our wounds or any Physicke to cure that deadly disease whereof Church and State have long been sicke I 'me sure wisdome must be the principall ingredient Is there any thing impossible to this most Soveraigne ●race could each of us attaine a due proportion it would reconcile all discord and enmity That sweet promise would be accomplished The envy of Ephraim shall 〈◊〉 and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off Ephraim shall not envy Judah and Judah shall not vex Ephraim * 〈…〉 There 's likely to be another Earth-quake to rent not onely the vaile of the Temple but also the foundations of it Nothing but wisdome can prevent this and I feare the 〈…〉 of wisdome must be brought forth before it will be effected A brother offended is harder to be wonne than a strong City and their contentions are like the barres of a Castle (a) 〈…〉 18. 19. 〈…〉 Thirdly let us pray earnestly for our selves and one for anothert that we may be richly supplied with this grace each of us according to our need in all respects For our King in the same words that Solomon useth for himselfe and likewise for the Parliament For our Armies for all inferiour Magistrates for the Ministers of Gods holy Word and Sacraments and for all the people of the Kingdome That God would teach us to know our duties towards him and one unto another in every kind It may be one reason why there is not sufficient wisdome found among us is because we doe not seeke it or if we desire it for our selves yet we care not how destitute others be The Lord hath enough in store for us all There is a speciall promise made to Christ in those words Behold my servant shall deale prudently he shall be exalted and extolled and be very high (b) 〈◊〉 52. 13. All that are heires of promise may plead their portion even in this Christ is made unto us wisdome not onely by imputation but effusion A spirituall and heavenly wisdome is wrought in Gods children whereby they are instructed how to please and glorifie God and how to worke out their owne salvation Yea and how to carry themselves among men wherein they sometimes so excell that they are exceeding beneficial unto others * Josep● Daniel c. and their adversaries are either convinced or astonished The Libertines and others were not able to resist the wisdome and the spirit by which Steven spake (a) Acts 6. 10. The promise which Christ made was generall to all the members of his Church I will give you a month and wisdom which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist b For matters of government d Luke 21. 15 there is that in Isaiah I will also make thy Officers peace and thine exactors righteousnesse (c) Isaiah 60. 17 Which implies that when God blesses Church or State he will provide governours for them that shall be wise as well as just and so order things that all may lead a quiet and a peaceable life in all godlinesse and honesty (d) 1 Tim. 2. 2. But it is as hard a matter to obey well as to rule well the rather because the Powers which be are sometimes divided against God and among themselves In the case betweene God and man its clearely resolved in the Scripture That question puts it out of question Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God judge ye (e) Acts 4. 19. When the powers on earth are divided among themselves there is a great deale of difficulty pretended and yet if men were to resolve this case blindfold I meane abstractively from by respects and partiality there is not one of a thousand who consulting with the light of nature or Scripture would not resolve for the lesse power in a just cause against the greater when there is nothing but greatnesse to support it The Lord teach us all to learne this lesson perfectly which hath cost us so deare Yet we shall doe well in these times to take in those words of David And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting (a) Psal 139. 24 Fourthly let us inlarge and bound our desires about A fou●th branch of the gene●all ex●●r●a●ion wisdome as we ought to doe If we need a manifold wisdome let us not feare to aske it for God gives liberally ●ut we must have respect unto our ranke and station Secret things high things other mens matters needlesse things and curiosities must be let alone The onely wisdome is for every one to be wise for himself (b) Prov. 9● 2. To know his owne duty and to doe it How to prevent offences and jealousies to reconcile differences to deny our selves and to promote a publique good To seeke God in due order (c) 1 Chr. 15. 13 and first the Kingdom of God and the righteousnes therof (d) Ma●th 6. 33. To save our souls though we lose the world (e) Ch. 16. 26. To seare him who hath power to cast soule and body into hell (f) Ch. 10. 28. not the oppressor (g) Isaiah 51. 13 To build Gods house and not our owne (h) Hag. 1. 4. In a word to kisse the sonne lest he be angry (i) Psal 2. 12. and to make this our onely designe that whether we live or die we may be the Lords (k) Rom. 14. 8. and when Christ Jesus shal come the second time we may be found in the number of those on the right hand whom he will welcome to himselfe saying Come ye blessed of my father inherit the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world (l) Mat. 25. 34. Yet the times and our condition in