IT is very easie for any Man, that considers the context of these words, and the story upon which they are founded, to foretel the series of my ensuing Discourse, and to recollect in his mind both the subject mat­ter that arises naturally from hence, and also to surmise the distinct sort of prosecution, which at this time, upon this solemnity and oc­casion, I intend to make: For whoever surveys the passages in this History and compares them with the particulars of our late UNNATU­RAL REBELLION, will find such an Harmo­ny and Agreement, such a sutable Resemblance [Page 2]in every leading and preparatory circum­stance, that the same Trouble of representing the Affairs of one WAR, will be a compleat draught of all the occurrences of the other; And as the parallel runs exact in most of the great Lines of both these Invasions, so (I trust, by the mercy of God) the event will be an­swerable in all points, and prove so too, that our Land as well as Palaestine, upon this Mira­culous and providential Defeat of our Enemies, may find the blessing annext here in the Text, of obtaining REST for FORTY YEARS.

In this chapter Deborah and Barak are making an [...], a Song of Victory to the most High God, for the deliverance of Israel from the calamities of War, from the danger of fal­ling under a forreign Yoke, and of being op­press'd by an insulting, and devouring Enemy. Here we may observe Sisera, captain of the Host of Jabin, King of Canaan, the irrecon­cilable enemy of Israel, bidding defiance to the Israelites Army, and invading the country with such powerful Forces, as on the one side gave certain hopes of victory and success to the Ag­gressors, and threatened no less, on the other, than an utter Ruin and Extirpation both of the People and their Government for ever. For the [Page 3]preparations (which Sisera made against this expedition) seem'd so formidably great, and consisted of such vast Numbers of Experienc'd and Disciplin'd Men, that He bore himself a­bove Danger and Opposition, and look'd for no more trouble in the Conquest of the Land, than the Fatigues of an Orderly March could put him to.

Even the Mother of Sisera was so confident of her son's Triumph, that she only waited for an express of the News of it; She did not in the least doubt of the event of Battle, or think that it could possibly be determin'd otherwise, than on her Sons side; She knew his strength, the courage of his Souldiers, and the Conduct of their Leader, and therefore only wish'd for the Time of Action, and to hear of the Engage­ment, being possess'd with a strong Belief, that Conqest must follow on course, and attend the Victorious Arms of her Son: In her Richest Or­naments and best Attire, she staid at a conve­nient distance from the Camp, expecting hour­ly to be brought to share in the solemnity of the Triumph: She look'd out at the Window, and cry'd through the Lattess, why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarry the wheels of his chariots? Have they not sped? Have they not divided the [Page 4]prey, to every man a Damsel or two? to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of Needlework, of divers colours of Needlework on both sides, meet for the Necks of them that take the spoil? v. 28.30.

So that you see the great thoughts, and the swelling expectations, they had conceiv'd of their Armies success, and that they dream'd of nothing but Laurel and Conquest and so be in­vested in the full spoils of the Israelites. All the Advantages that the prospect of victory could lay before them, was the sole entertain­ment of their thoughts. The Slaughter of their Enemies, the Plunder of Cities, the Rape of Wo­men, and the Slavery of Captives was the com­mon discourse & expectation of these Invaders, and animated them with vigor and resolution to maintain the Fight:

And yet if we advert to the end, we shall find the discomfiture of these Forces, the Army shat­ter'd and defeated, and the General flying in a poor disguise, in a habit beneath the dignity of a private Souldier, shifting for himself in Woods and Lanes, and secret Recesses enduring the hard­ships of Hunger and Thirst, depriv'd of sleep and all the conveniences of Life, and supplica­ting at last at a Lonely house for a cup of Water [Page 5]to cool his Natural Thirst, and to refresh his Spirits with a draught of moisture and sleep. To that distress was this Mighty General re­duc'd, that He who, some hours before, had all the stores and provisions of the Country at his command, and the richest pavilion in the Camp to rest in, with his Troops and Guards a­bout him for his Protection, look'd now upon the offer of a little Milk, upon the Accomoda­tion of a private lodging, and the promise of a Woman's attendance, to be not only the grea­test kindness and relief to him in his distress, but also the best security to his Person, as he lay down to take his Natural rest and refresh­ment.

And yet as miserable and as deplorable as his condition really was, it could not move any pity, or procure any commiseration to his Per­son; The remembrance of his preceding cru­elties, and the sense of the miseries He intended to have acted upon Israel, extinguish'd compas­sion, and left no room for the common effects of Humanity, so that the invitation of Jael, who diverted him from the Road, into her House, prov'd a snare to him; She fully resolv'd upon his Ruin and execution, and by one Gene­rous stroke to revenge the disturbance he had [Page 6]brought upon the Children of Israel; neither the softness of her Sex, nor the tenderness of her Nature could restrain her hands from act­ing an Holy violence, or from assaulting the Person with Death, that design'd her Countries slavery; she knew, that all Rebels and Invaders have lost their natural Right, and forfeited the protection of those Laws which they come to subvert and destroy; She knew, that in Extra­ordinary cases, every Person, of what ever sex, is oblig'd to turn both Judge and Executioner too, of their enemies, and that nature invests Man­kind with as much Authority over the lives of Rebels and Invaders, as over Wolves and Ty­gers and other Beasts of Prey; and that we ought to embrace the first occasion to hunt and pursue 'em to Death; because in these In­stances, every delay of Justice, or Dilatory ex­pectation of a legal Process, may be dangerous, and expose the Government to a second shock, For the flight or escape of an Arch-Traytor (which cannot by any method of restraint so ef­fectually be prevented as by Death) may en­able him to prosecute his pretences again, and animate him with more Vigor to attempt a second Tryal, and to revenge the disgrace of his former miscarriage;

Guided therefore by this principle, and mo­ved by an Impulse from Heaven, She took a hammer, She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmans hammer: And with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierc'd and stricken thro' his Tem­ples. At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell, where he bowed, there he fell down dead. v. 26.27.

Thus was the end of Sisera; the calamity he intended to bring upon others, was executed upon himself, and return'd upon his own head; He died Ignominiously, and perish'd by the weak hand and instrument of a Woman, and (as it ever happens in all Routs and Disorders) left his Souldiers scatter'd and divided in such small parties in the Country, that they became an easie prey to their Adversaries, and were slaughter'd without making any considerable resistance or defence.

When this Heroick exploit was wrought, and Vengeance fully taken upon Sisera, Jael stood openly at the door; and was prepar'd both to observe the Flight and pursuit of the enemy, and also to receive the Addresses, and Congratulations of the Israelites for her service: She saw the Troops and the Chariots flying, and [Page 8]promiscuous Havock and slaughter that was made of the enemy; And tho' this indiscrimi­nating way of destruction might tend in some measure to the establishment of peace again, and be a Political means to restore the happiness of Israel, yet still she knew, that the Glory of puting an end to all Future Fears, was her work alone, and solely to be ascrib'd to her Magnani­mity and prowess. For what advantage can it be to a Nation, to destroy barely the common herd of Souldiers, whilst the chief Captain is escap'd in safety, and remains alive, to take all opportu­nities of renuing his pretences again, and fo­menting the causes of War hereafter? The se­curity of Publick peace consists principally in the death of him, whose Authority began and commenc'd the Invasion, and whose Popularity and Interest prevail'd upon others to espouse and abet his cause with the utmost hazard of their lives; Now this political safety was wrought by her and perfectly accomplish'd in the destruction of Sisera; and yet to make the security more lasting, and to engage the pro­tection of providence over the Nation, for the future, She calls Barak, the son of Abinoam, to share in the joy, and to return Thanks to Hea­ven for the deliverance. She shews him the [Page 9]Trunk and body of Sisera, and relates the Holy Arts she us'd to abuse his credulity, and bring him absolutely under her own power; And when all the History was finish'd, and a full contem­plation taken of God's miraculous providence in this Victory, Barak jointly with Deborah (who at that time judged Israel) makes a solemne Form of Thanksgiving and Address to the Lord for his Mercies; And 'tis observable that this return of praises, this National acknowledg­ment procur'd the Blessing, which is mention'd here in the Text, That the land had rest forty years.

By the word REST, is understood a free­dom both from Forreign and Domestick ene­mies. For tho' in this place it is occasionally mention'd, as an Issue flowing from the de­feat of Forreign Forces, yet it must compre­hend and take in the other sense also. For if a respite from Civil War was not equally meant, as well as an universal peace abroad, what ad­vantage could it be to the Israelites to be freed from the Invasion of their Neighbours, and yet be up to the ears in Blood themselves, and be cutting one anothers Throats at home: It would be the exchange of one misery for ano­ther of a more dreadful and afflicting nature; [Page 10]so that in short by REST I understand an unin­terrupted enjoyment of peace.

I.—From these words I shall first treat of the happiness, which peace in general brings to a Nation.

II.—Secondly, I shall represent the great ad­vantages of enjoying peace for so considerable a Duration, as the space and compass of FOR­TY YEARS amounts to.

III.—And lastly, I shall discover by what means this Blessing of seeing Publick peace en­tailed upon us and convey'd down to posterity, may best be attain'd; and that is by returning Praise and Thanksgiving to God for every re­markable Instance of his providence, and more particularly for every great deliverance which he has wrought for a Nation.

But before I proceed upon these Heads, I shall crave leave to shew the concurrence of our REBELLION with this which I have describ'd to you from my Text; and shall examine by the way the reasons and pretences that gave Birth and Growth to it; and in this prosecu­tion I shall tye my self up to the method of tra­cing it in these several parts of Resemblance, both in the formidableness of the Invasion, the greatness of our enemies hopes, and their utter defeat at the last.

We are assembl'd here, in obedience to our SOVERAIGNE's command, and in pursuit of his pious inclinations to render our utmost tri­bute of Praise and Adoration to Heaven, for the signal deliverance which God has been pleas'd to vouchsafe this Nation, and for the mercy of rescuing us from the miseries of a Civil and Intestine war: A War, that in all appearance seem'd to have been contriv'd for the destruct­ion of all that is dear to us, and to have in­volv'd us all in Rapine and Blood: A War, that shak'd not only the Foundations of our Religi­on but what was coequal to Christianity it self) our MONARCHY too, and was rais'd by SONS of BELIAL to have extinguish'd this glory of our ISLE, this race of HAEREDITA­RY MONARCHS, and the light of the Gos­pel also: A War, that was undertaken upon such colourable pleas, and carried such visible danger along with it, that not only the present Age but future Generations were likely to feel the Bloody effects of it, and Ʋnborn Children might hereafter have been made sensible of it's Rage, and have been subject to the dismal con­sequences of it: A War of the greatest Hor­ror and Dread that ever History could give an Instance of, or our own apprehensions frame [Page 12]an Idaea off; For so violent were our Inflama­tions at home, occasion'd by the false suggesti­ons of an Ʋnruly and Fanatical party, so much heighten'd and improv'd were our discontents by these Mens industry and care, and so con­scious were the fugitives abroad of our distra­ctions, and of the good affection the Multi­tude bore to their cause, that they presum'd on Victory, and did not on the least question that success would crown their enterprise. Their expectations were rais'd to that pitch, that in all their debates they had not any apprehen­sions of being defeated, but their discourse was founded upon the supposition of the ruin of the Government, and so their thoughts were wholly employ'd in the contrivance and choice of a new Frame or Model to be erected in it's stead. For when the two GRAND REBELS had concerted their measures, and agreed upon the INVASION, they neither of 'em ima­gin'd, that in the several Kingdoms, where they resolv'd to Land, they should meet with such opposition from the King's Forces, as should be sufficient to retard their progress, or make any compitent head against them; No, they swallow'd that point, and took it for an indisputable proposition, that the present Esta­blishment [Page 13]must expire and end. All their debates in Council rested upon this complex Question, whether Monarchy should be totally abolish'd, and a new Commonwealth created upon it's Ruins? And tho' their divided Interests would not suf­fer them to come to a full resolution in the matter, and they left the dispute to be decided by a conference hereafter, or (what is more likely) by the Sword, yet their deportment evinces the great assurances and hopes, and the full perswasion, they had of success. For tho' this subject was not adjusted betwixt them, yet they center'd in this resolution to attempt the Invasion, and make a descent upon this Island, in several places at once, that so the King's Forces might be distracted, and their friends have an opportunity of coming with ease a­mongst them, and joyning one of their Ar­mies which would have been a difficult task to men in remote places, had there been but one ARMY in the Field to invite and receive them. And yet this cautionary method did not so much argue distrust and fear as prudence; For they could not be so divested of common reason, as to think that a whole Nation would run mad together, and as well vacate their Oaths of Allegiance, as cancel all those other obli­gations, [Page 14]which the endearments of our SO­VERAIGN's Reign have laid upon us; some shew of resistance they could not choose but ap­prehend, and think that the principles of Loy­alty, which the Church of England teaches, would unavoidably detain her True sons under strict sense of Duty and obedience to their Prince. However the numbers they dreaded of this sort were infinitely overballanc'd by the prospect of all the divided Sects and Malecon­tents flowing into their Army: So that, in much confidence, they undertook with all the Mer­cenary powers, they could collect abroad, to hasten to Sea, and begin their Voiage not doub­ting but, upon their first appearance upon English-ground, and Publishing a Declaration of the Reasons and Motives that induc'd them to COMBINE, Ten thousands of unwary People would have been prevail'd upon to joyne in the same Cause, and assist them with their utmost might and endeavours.

And indeed there were two pretences started, which being adverted to, and suppos'd to be the real truth, would have prov'd of more mo­ment and advantage to the late TRAITOR's cause, than all the succors he brought along with him. The first was the common pretext [Page 15]of protecting Religion, which tho' it never did nor ever can advance a Rebellion; yet ne­ver fail'd of being made use of to this purpose in every Civil War that has been commenc'd in a Christian society. And the second was, the pre­text of Title and Proximity of Blood.

Now these two considerations are very great Incentives, and are apt in their own nature to engage Mankind upon very violent courses for the preservation of 'em: For what would not people that have a zeal for God's worship, and an honour for the Royal stock, be inclin'd to do, to secure the purity of Religion, and to main­tain the Descent of the Crown in the Right Line? And yet (as I said just now) Religion is the worst thing in the World to countenance or support Rebellion: All it's precepts being of a direct contrary tendency, and enjoyning us O­bedience to the Supream powers under no less penalty than eternal damnation. And Christ who refus'd to have his person defended by vi­olence, will not surely have his Religion pro­pagated by such means.

But however granting that Men might law­fully take up Arms for the maintenance of the True Religion: yet, even upon this supposition, No man can be authoriz'd to raise Rebellion in [Page 16]these Kingdoms. For has our RELIGION been in the least danger of being invaded or snatch'd from us? Do we not enjoy it, and are we not likely to have it continu'd in all it's essential purity, and primitive Holiness to our posterity for ever. Have we not the free use of the Sacraments, and all the Ordinances of God uncorrupted for the assistance of our Devo­tion, and for the enlivening of our Faith? And have we not the promise of our King for the continuance of these spiritual enjoyments to us? Of a KING, that never had the imputation and scandal of breaking his Word, or dealing un­sincerly in any Instance of his Life? This is so remarkable a Character, and so peculiar to his Majesty, that even his Adversaries had never impudence enough to assault him with this charge, or to deny him the honour of being always Just and true to his engagements. We cannot therefore have any colour to doubt of the continuation of our Religion, or suspect the faithfulness of that DECLARATION, which of his meer Grace and voluntary motion, he was pleas'd upon his first coming to the CROWN to make to his Honourable Privy Council, and renewed again in the same Terms in a greater solemnity, before the Three Estates [Page 17]assembled in Parliament. Can any thing be more irrational and absurd, than to entertain an opinion, that He who in private, betwixt himself and some Humble petitioner, has ever prov'd punctual and observant of his Word, should now at the last turn inconstant to his ancient course, and violate his Faith to a Nati­on, when the whole Kingdom would become witnesses of his falshood and upbraid him with praevarication? Such a dishonourable carriage on our parts would not only be a diminution of that Respect, which this Nation has ever been us'd to return their Respective Monarchs, but it would be senceless & ridiculous in it self, and contradict the common rules of reason.

And yet if Men will be hearkning to their own suggestions of fear, and study their own disquiet so much, as to distrust every promise, and conclude it vain and elusory, because it is possible it might have been given with an in­tention to deceive, yet there is one unerring sort of Tryal, one way of exploring Truth and con­vincing our selves, and that is by a continu'd Series and Flux of TIME. For those that will not at first give credit to a bare asseveration, must believe the reality of that Mans intention, that made it, when there is nothing done in the [Page 18] Revolution of time, but what strengthens and confirms it: Now we have had half a years ex­perience of our KING's government over us, have had leisure enough to observe the Justice of his Reign, and find all events answerable to his first Assertion, that HE WOULD MAKE IT HIS ENDEAVOUR TO PRESERVE THIS GOVERNMENT BOTH IN CHURCH AND STATE, AS IT IS NOW BY LAW ES­TABLISH'D.

For have not all the Vacancies, that belong to the disposal of the CROWN been carefully fill'd and supply'd with Men of Great learning and Abilities to support our Religion, of Great zeal and inclination towards it, and whose se­cular Interest is inseparably bound up in the pre­servation of it? And can there be any furer Ar­gument of the KING's sincerity, than his rea­diness to make choise of such instruments to fill the vacant places in the Church, who are eve­ry way qualified to maintain the Establish'd Re­ligion, both in their Abilities, and willingness of mind, and also are prompted to it from the consideration of their own Temporal Concern­ments? All arguments conspire for a sure be­lief of the KING's resolution to keep inviolabe­ly his WORD, and there neither is nor can be [Page 19]any single instance produc'd to weaken or in­validate the credit of it.

So that granting we might fight for our Re­ligion, if it was in danger of being lost, yet no man upon this Plea, can be justify'd in his at­tempts upon the present constitution and Go­vernment, and it is surely much better and more agreable to the precepts of Christianity, to sit still, and enjoy it with content and Thank­fulness, than by engaging in Rebellion to lose and destroy it. For that would certainly have been the Issue, and we could have had no Re­ligion at all, had God, in punishment to this Nation, suffer'd the late Rebellion to have been prosperous and successful. For what Religion could HE have been suppos'd to have been zea­lous for, who had so far debauch'd the natural light of his conscience as to esteem Adultery and Rebellion to be no sins? I grant that, in a sud­dain Transport, men may sometimes be hurri­ed upon the commission of ADULTERY, and yet, upon a serious and particular repentance, be reconcil'd to the Church, and prove very good Christians again; But He, that in his cooler thoughts, at the last Hour, with all his senses entire, and the full use of his judgment, shall undertake to palliate the sin, or extenuate the [Page 20]guilt of it, is in a fair disposition to receive any Religion, and may easily be brought to em­brace the ALCORAN, and exchange Christi­anity for Mahometism. So that if Religion can at any time bear mankind out in opposition to the Higher Powers, it would with much more reason have justified us against the late RE­BEL's claim and pretensions, even allowing his Title to have been just; But indeed our Di­vine institution can do no such thing, it is as far from giving Indulgence to invade any Man's Right or Property, as it is from excusing any seditious practice against a Lawful Governour: tho' it must necessarily have oblig'd us to have resisted his Usurpation upon another score, up­on the account of the Insufficiency of his Title, which comes next to be consider'd.

Now this is a subject which has been search'd to the Bottome, and examin'd ABOVE with all the fairness of procedure imaginable, in a Venerable, Just and August consistory of men: And as it has been rejected there upon a serious and Impartial enquiry, as Fabulous and without Ground, so no doubt but, upon a rational dis­course, it will appear so to every considering man. For First I will take these Two prelimina­ries for granted; That every Father has a grea­ter [Page 21]tenderness and affection for his Son, than his Brother; especially if there be no disobedience in his Child, nor any deformity in his Person to alienate his Love from Him; And Secondly, I shall suppose, that it tends more to the Ho­nour of a Father to have his Kingdom descend directly down upon his Son, than to demise it to a Brother or to any Collateral branch of His family.

Now these things being premis'd, it is very obvious to recollect that never Father lov'd a Son with greater passion and tenderness, than our late most excellent Soveraign did the Duke of Monmouth; and never any man had stronger Reasons, or more forcible Inducements to en­gage his love; For the personal qualifications and address of his Son, the filial Duty and respect he always us'd to return in his Younger years, were so many motives to extort the utmost Tribute, which nature in this kind, could pay; so that the KING grew lavish and profuse in his bounty, He heap'd honours upon him, and loaded him with riches, and not only advanc'd him as high as 'twas possible for a subject to be promoted, but (what was infinitely above all honours) gave him the first place in his affect­ion: And when his Kindness had fix'd him in [Page 22]that station of Grandure, as to render him po­pular and courted by a Faction, when he pre­sum'd by the instigation of his party to lay claim to the Crown, and assert his Legitimacy by the promiscuous mouths of the Rabble, and caus'd it to be whisper'd abroad, that there were not only witnesses, but Records under hand and seal of his Mother's Marriage to the King: His Majesty (out of a just regard to the sacredness of Truth, and without diminishing his love to him) did not only declare upon the word and honour of a Prince that there never was any con­tract of Marriage betwixt Him and the said Duke's mother, but summon'd the pretended witnesses before him in Council, to speak their knowledge, and give in their evidence concer­ning the matter inquestion; Now they all of 'em severally disclaim'd the knowledge of any such thing, or the being conscious of any Re­cords that could attest it, and only said that their names were abus'd for the support of a Lye, without their privity or consent. And this transaction, and the King's positive Averment was enroll'd in all the Courts of Record in Westminster, with the hands and attestation of every member of Council at the bottom of it.

Now this Affair was transacted at a season, [Page 23]and in such a Juncture, when the KING had been several years married to the Queen with­out any hopes of Issue by Her. So that if truth had been industriously conceal'd and stifled at first for the better facilitating the treaty of Mar­riage, and for the removing the impediments, that might obstruct this Illustrious Princess her consent to the Allyance, because upon such a discovery her children must have been post­pon'd, and allow'd to have only a secondary re­lation to the CROWN, yet now it might have been own'd and publickly avow'd without any detriment or damage to her Interest; and yet notwithstanding this favourable conjuncture, and the extraordinary kindness of the KING towards him, his Legitimacy is disclaim'd, and absolutely deny'd with the solemn protestations of his Father; which is an undeniable evidence, that these were the words of soberness and truth; deliver'd purposely by that ADMIRA­BLE PRINCE to prevent the effusion of blood, and the great slaughter of Men, which must unavoidably follow the belief of starting of such a title. Nay even MONMOUTH himself no more believ'd that he was the lawful son of the late KING, than any man of this Auditory, or I that am arguing for the truth against this opi­nion; [Page 24]For in his Letter to our present SOVE­RAIGN (which you may find attested by the hands of two Reverend Bishops, and other wor­thy divines of the Church of England, Men of such approv'd integrity and sincerity that they cannot be suppos'd to cheat the World with a Lye) he voluntarily declares, that his Father assur'd him, that He never was married or pro­mis'd in marriage to his Mother.

Now what clearer proof or demonstration can be offer'd to invalidate the belief of this man's right to the Throne, than to have his Legitimacy disown'd by himself, and protested against by his Father, at a time when he lov'd him above all wordly enjoyments, and could receive no possible advantage by concealing the secret, and keeping it from the knowledge of the World? And yet the matters are thus clear, and 'tis evident beyond dispute, that RE­LIGION cannot justifie REBELLION, neither had MONMOUTH any sort of right to the Imperial CROWN of this Realm, yet we know what a dangerous and formidable Rebellion was lately rais'd in the Western parts of this Kingdom upon no other ground, but the im­pudence of imposing these two falshoods upon the World. Some people even against demon­stration, [Page 25]will have that which makes for their Interest, and suits best to their inclinations, pass for truth; or at least they will lay hold of it and embrace it as such, because it may contribute to promote their Revenge and Ambition, or advance some other secular concernment: So that when the misguided Prince had suck'd in these false principles, and landed in the West to make good his claim, his Abetters flock'd to him in so great shoals & numbers, & saluted him with such chearfulness and acclamations of joy, that in a very little time he grew so strong, that neither he nor any of his followers dreaded the event of War, or apprehen­ded a defeat of so numerous a body of Men, of propor­tionable courage and Resolution; They presum'd at first on victory, and thought their own strength sufficient to conquer and overthrow the opposition of their enemies; and yet they had such moral assurances of new supplies, and so great an expectation of their Forces being multi­ply'd, and encreas'd with the additional succours and Auxi­liaries of Men, that would be induc'd to follow their ex­ample, that they turn'd their thoughts to the considera­tion of dispensing Rewards, and dividing the great Offices of state amongst themselves. To this stupendious height was their confidence advanc'd! and in all probability it had not been a vain or an impracticable supposition, had not the KING in his wisdom provided for the preservation of his Throne and Person by securing, under strict guards and restraint, all those disaffected Citizens, whose princi­ples and discontents render'd them justly suspected and ob­noxious to the Government, and by this providential poli­cy cut off the supplies of mony, which was secretly con­veyed through their hands, and transmitted for the assist­ance of the Rebels, and for the maintenance of the War. (And by the way I cannot but observe that all those per­sons who in other places were thus confin'd and impri­son'd [Page 26]for a time, are infinitly oblig'd to his Majesty's good­ness and care, for using this compendious method to secure them from the Temptation of running into Rebellion, ruining their Families, and damning their own Souls for ever.) When therefore the source that fed this REBEL­LION was stopt, when the Nerves and sinews of War were shrunk, and monies fell short in the Camp, they then re­solv'd, by one bold attempt, to attack the ROYAL AR­MY, and by the advantage of a surprise to force their way into some other Country for Relief and Assistance: Now this contrivance was form'd with so much Art, and ma­nag'd with so much Dexterity, Prudence, and Conduct, that had not God interpos'd, and miraculously baffl'd them with his own mighty hand, more visibly than by any Humane power or strength, they had not only made them­selves masters of the Field and Cannon, but had ravag'd the Country, seis'd the Richest spoiles and Treasures of the Camp for their Booty, and all the Ensigns of Honour had been so many Trophys of their victory. But [...], the Providence of God disappointed their designes; the Stars in their course fought against Sisera, and even as inconsiderable and as unintelligent creatures lent their Aid, and contributed to the overthrow of our Enemies; For their Horse were not able to sustain the Onset, or bare the discharge of a Volley without confusion and disorder; but fled upon the first shock, leaving their Infantry ex­pos'd to several varieties of death, which were justly inflict­ed upon them without Discrimination or Mercy.

Even the GENERAL himself, upon this discomfiture consulted his safety by Flight, and attempted his escape in such an ignominious Habit, that he appear'd really in out­ward shew, to be of that Low Rank and Order of Men, to which the hainousness of his crimes had degraded him, and the justice of the Laws condemn'd him to before. He [Page 27]try'd Two days the extremity of Fortune, and was not only divested of Friends, but depriv'd even of the com­mon sustenance of Life, Sleep and Necessaries. He durst not venture himself abroad into the hands of Ingenious men, being press'd down with the load of his own Guilt, and fortified against a surrender of himself by the greatness of the Reward, that his head was pris'd at; But chose rather to abscond himself in Thickets and Woods, and to relieve his hunger with Peascods and green Fruit, than to expose himself to the mercy of a People, whom he had justly pro­vok'd to the highest degrees of Outrage and Violence; When he had languish'd in this condition, and fed upon Bare Nature so long, that he groan'd under more Corpo­ral weaknesses and Agonies of mind than the purchase of a Kingdom could recompence, He was at last seis'd by the vigilance of the Soldiery, and conducted safe to the Royal presence, being insensible of his Guilt and offering no man­ner of excuse for the Cruelty of his Invasion: The sentence and Doom he receiv'd here was proportionable to the great­ness of his crimes; for tho' it was circumstantiated with Mildness, in regard to the honour of his former Quality, yet death being the end and satisfaction of the Law, and eve­ry man measuring the Ignominy of it by the crimes that produce it, and his Treasons being of the deepest Dye, we may pronounce that he dyed with more Shame and Dis­grace than Sisera, being made a spectacle to the World, and falling by the Hands of a publick executioner at last; And so let all thine (AND THE KING's) enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun, when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

From these words I propos'd first to treat of the Happi­ness, which PEACE in general brings to a Nation.

I.—Now I shall no further prosecute this subject, or handle it in any larger method, than as it is introductory [Page 28]and leads me to the consideration of my next Head; be­cause it is so plain and evident in it self that it needs no Il­lustration or proof. Every man will allow, that PEACE has the same important influence over the Body politick, as Health & vigor of Constitution has over the Natural one. Without it no enjoyment can be relish'd, no pleasures tast­ed, no Innocent Friendship or conversation delighted in, but even those things, which otherwise would prove the most grateful Accomodations to the palate, become nau­seous or Insipid. And is not mankind exactly in the same case, for all manner of enjoyments, amidst the Noise and Rumours of War? How are the Generous and Great Spi­rits (that spend themselves and their stock too in the im­provement of the publick) sunk at the News, and let fall their endeavours, since the next Victory may ravish the Glory of their work from them, and render it either a prey to the Conquerors Avarice, or a Victim to his Supersti­tion? How visibly, in such a juncture, is Generosity and Charity check'd and discourag'd? since the next decisive Battle may not only alienate the Revenue it self, but pos­sibly erase the name, and make the memory of the bene­faction to be lost too: How deserted and unimprov'd lye all the Arts of Trade and Husbandry? how visibly must pro­digality be advanc'd? and the concerns of Families neg­lected? because it is evidently the same thing in effect to enjoy no stores or provisions at all, as to see 'em either Plunder'd from 'em in the Barn, or trodden down in the Field before Maturity: the same thing for mankind to leave no estate behind 'em for their children, as to see it violently seis'd before their eyes, and taken possession of by Rebels and Strangers: nay more, how dangerous and suf­pected doe even our Friendships, in the time of civil War, become? For no man can have such an assurance in another, but he may reasonably fear that some Temptation may [Page 29]prevail upon him to betray and Sacrifice his Friend, and so the considence, he suppos'd in him, may turn his snare and Ruin; In short, not only our Temporal enjoyments but even our Spiritual concernments, Religion suffers and al­most expires in the heat and fury of a civil War; But in the Affluence of peace, we may (like the Israelites in Go­shen) enjoy a chearful serenity, and participate of all the Desirable blessings that God and Nature can furnish us with, whilst all the World around us is in Darkness and Confusion. The Land prospers and flowes with Milk and Hony, Commerce and Trade are improv'd, the reputation of a Nation exalted, the Sacred person of our KING re­ver'd at home, and ador'd abroad for his Grandure and Mag­nificence, the honour of God & his Religion promoted, and the great business of Devotion carry'd quietly on without interruption or molestation; and in fine all the blessed ad­vantages, that tend either to render us happy here or here­after, lye before us. PEACE therefore being so great a Blessing in it's consequences and effects, I shall, in the Second place, recount the happiness of a Nation, that is possest of it for the space and compass of FORTY YEARS.

II.—Forty Years is not only a very great period of our Time, but has, ever since the flourishing of the Patriarchs been esteem'd the most considerable portion of Man's life, in any Climate of the World; It must needs therefore be ac­knowledg'd a Blessing, deserving our utmost thanks, to enjoy this long series and succession of Time, in a constant serenity of Peace without any molestation of War to che­quer or pall the enjoyment of it. For whoever duly con­siders the time of Infancy, and observes how little obnoxi­ous those tender years are to the impressions either of pri­vate calamities or publick sorrows, must abstract from the Computation all Minors or children under the Age of discretion, and date the beginning of his account from the [Page 30]expiration of Sixteen years at the least: (for before the completion of that time, no person can in a due measure contemplate his own sufferings, or be truly sensible of the miseries of State) and from thence measuring the compass of Forty years, the sum reaches to the period of a Man's ordinary Age, or at least it brings him to that height and degree of it, which by the constitutions of all Kingdoms upon earth, is dispens'd from Military service, and exempted from Attendance in War: So that, in this sense, the bestowing of PEACE for Forty years, is in effect the granting a lease of it for a Man's whole life.

But since Number it self is not Infinite, much less so in­considerable a quantity of it, and Forty years of Peace must speedily be run out and swallow'd up in War, let us consider the great Advantages that this PRO­MISE brought to the publike, or to a new Race of men under other circumstances, that did not share the full time of peace, nor knew the beginning of it's Reign, and let us examine the great reason, which they had, to value the happiness of so many Halcyon days, as had elaps'd over the Nation before their Birth.

Now we know that the Israelites were a sort of people that wander'd in the Desert, and for some time had no fixt or certain habitation to reside in; And even the Coun­try which they did possess at last, was of a very narrow compass and extent, easily travel'd through in a few days March, and as easily measur'd with the Number of a few Paces. They were surrounded on all sides with enemies, and they that hated them were their Neighbours; They had no Garrisons or Frontier Towns either to defend their Boundaries, or enlarge their Borders: And as they did thus lye open to the encroachments of every Invader, so they never were freed from the Incursions of their enemies with­out a particular Miracle and Providence of God; and 'tis [Page 31]observable that they-lost more men in their Engagements, and in disputing their Spot of Ground, than any of the Four Monarchys of the World ever lost at a time in a single pitch'd Battle; and these Encounters came so frequent and so thick upon them, that it is deservedly esteem'd a Mira­cle, that they were not dispeopled and brought to exci­sion. Is it not therefore, judging by all Humane measures, a vast happiness to a Nation in these circumstances, to be freed from the Terrors and destruction of War, and to en­joy peace and plenty for so considerable a season, as might enable 'em to repair their Losses with a new race and pro­duction of Inhabitants, and give 'em time by Natural causes to encrease to that degree of strength, as should em­power them to oppose and repel the force of their Ene­mies. So that certainly upon this consideration, upon the account of the growth and Peopling the Land again, it was an inestimable Blessing to obtain the security and pro­mise of Rest for Forty years.

And is our condition so distinguishable in this particu­lar from the children of Israel, that Rest of the same duration will not be equally as great a kindness, and lay as universal an obligation upon us, as it did upon them? Have we not the like reason to rejoyce upon the same con­fidence and assurance, being seated in a Climate so desire­able, as invites not only the Visits, but the Depredations of our Neighbours? Do's not the Richness of our Soil, the Fruit­fulness of our Land, and the Treasures of the Inhabitants become a Temptation for the Inrodes of Invaders from abroad, or for the Assaults of Domestick enemies at home? Is not the happiness of this Island such an Invitation to Ambition, as Beauty is an allurement to a Rape? And have we not been so constantly harrass'd, and almost dis­peopled with War, that in all the History of England, for the space of Six hundred years and upwards, ever since [Page 32]the CONQUEST, there has not been so long a Vacation, as to comprehend the space of half this time, and give us a succession of PEACE for Twenty years together? But either Intestine broils have disturb'd our Rest, or Forreign Invasions call'd us to the vindication of our Honour, and to the Defence of our Country, by the Sword. Have we not reason therefore to lay hold of the promise of Rest for Forty years, and to embrace it with all the joyfulness ima­ginable, and diligently enquire after the Means of attain­ing and securing it? which I told yee, in the last place, was to be accomplish'd effectually by returning Praise and Thanksgiving to God, for every Signal Deliverance which he has been pleas'd to vouchsafe to a Nation.

III.—Now it is highly reasonable upon this Account, because in all victories God has not only a signal share and part in the purchase; but some there are so miraculously atcheiv'd, and wonderfully wrought, that the whole ope­ration is solely to be ascrib'd to his immediate power and efficiency, and not to any humane policy and Conduct. And of this Nature was the Deliverance which we commemo­rate this day, being visibly effected by his Mighty hand and outstretch'd Arm. We know that in all Engagements, the Glory of a Conquest (however purchas'd) is ever imputed to the Bravery of the General, that commanded and led the Souldiers on; And surely in a Christian State we ought to advance the glory higher, and refer it solely to God, who in a peculiar manner is stil'd The LORD OF HOST: Now this standing Appellation of Honour, which he has been pleas'd to give himself, was not bare­ly a Temporary title, appropiated to the constitution of the Israelites, because he personally led them to War, fought their Battles, and govern'd them by a THEOCRICY, but is adapted to the state and condition of all the EM­PIRES upon earth, because in every Country, he do's in [Page 33]an eminent manner preside and Govern all Occurrences of War; And his providence, in no Instance of Humane Affairs is so visible as in the Disposal of the events of Battle. Not unto us therefore, not unto us but unto thy Name be all Honour and Glory.

But the Best way to raise our Gratitude proportionable to the Deliverance, is to take a Prospect and full view of the Complication of Miseries, which the mercy of God has releas'd us from.

Now what a Load and oppression of Grief must there needs have been upon the Spirits of the present Genera­tion of Men in the late REBELS success? In that nothing that was Sacred, nothing that was Dear, nothing that was innocent, could have been suppos'd to have remain'd invi­olated in his prosperous and Triumphant Rebellion. Ma­jesty it self and the Royal Dignity must have been Sacrific'd, and troden under Foot: All the Religious parts of our Devotion would have been prostituted to His, and his Ac­complices superstitious Avarice; The Revenue of the Church must have been alienated, and made an Oblation to his greedy Appetite and Sacrilegious Desire. All the proper­ties of the Subject would have been expos'd, and lain wholy at the mercy of these Invaders. The Liberties of a Free-born People would have been Subject to his Arbitra­ry Will and pleasure; and in short the Lives and Fortunes of all English-men had been absolutely dependent upon the Breath of his mouth, and, what is more, all these Mi­series would have been entail'd upon Future Generations, and plagu'd Posterity for a succession of many Rowling years together.

And shall not we in the lowest posture of Devotion and Humility, think our selves oblig'd to return our Thanks to Almighty God, that the Breath of our Nostrils, the Anointed of the Lord is not taken in the Pit that was pre­par'd [Page 34]for him, but is escap'd as a Bird from the snare of the Fowler? Shall not our Gratitude rise in some Degree and Proportion to the sense we conceive of the greatness of the Blessing? And shall not our Breasts be fill'd with true No­tions of the Deliverance, and express it's motions in a sui­table Return of Praise and Thanksgiving, for all the Mer­cies that he has shew'd to Israel, and the wonders he has wrought for his Servant David?

Let then the meditation and Reflexion upon these Ca­lamities, which by a Signal providence we have escan'd excite in us a hearty Thanksgiving not only for this late Deliverance, but also for all the Publick Mercies which his Goodness has pour'd down upon this Nation.

To him therefore, who is the Giver of all Victory, be as­crib'd all Glory and Honour, from this time forth and for evermore.