AS our blessed Lord taught in the Temple, the Jew­ish Sanhedrim came unto him, insidiously questi­oning his Authority. But he, who knew their thoughts, answered not their Words. ‘But con­founded them with a Question concerning John's Baptism (though at other times, we find that he asserted his own Authority.)’ To which they, after they had reasoned among themselves, falsly replyed, That they could not, that is, they would not, tell him whence it was. And then Jesus said unto them, neither tell I you by what Authority I do these things.

Afterwards he was pleased in a Parable to shew unto them what he was, by telling plainly what they, and their Progeni­tors were, and whereunto their Intentions did tend.

The Parable is of a certain Husbandman, who planted a Vine­yard, and let it forth to Husbandmen, and went into a far Country for a long time: He went voluntarily, he was not driven from his own forcibly, as others have been.

At the season he sent his Servants unto them for the Fruit of the Vineyard; but they beat, and shamefully entreated, and wounded those Servants he sent unto them, and sent them away empty. But then the Lord of the Vineyard said, What shall I do? I will send my beloved Son, it may be they will reverence him. But when the Hus­bandmen [Page 2]saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the Heir, Come, let us kill him, that the Inheritance may be ours.

Our Lord was pleased to speak unto them parabolically, to the end he might fulfil the Scriptures, confound their Wis­dom, and leave them without excuse.

Therefore he doth here in a sublime manner declare his own Divinity, by representing unto them their past Deeds, and Designs to come: Their Fathers impiety, and their own in­tended cruelty. So that as plainly as they saw his Humanity, they might conceive of his Divinity.

By this Parable we understand,

1. The great Love God had for the Jews, who was pleased to become their Lord in chusing of them to be his Vineyard. This his Vineyard he fenc'd; Mat. 21.33. He digged a Wine Press, and built a Tower in it: He did all that could be done, that he might make it fruitful. But after all that expence of Toil and Trea­sure, Isa. 5.2. He looked that it should bring forth Grapes, and it brought forth wild Grapes.

A Vineyard which was not only fruitless, but expensive to the Owner: fruitfully full of Thorns to crown him, perfidious Friends and ungrateful Enemies, which commonly are the Train of too merciful and too bountiful Princes.

2. We may consider here also, the irreligious ingratitude of the Jews, who were so far from giving their Lord any return of Fruit according unto his Love, and care of them, that they con­sulted the contrary: And that not so weakly as to Exclude him only his Lawful Birthright; but to make sure work with him, they Voted his Death.

The Text contains the manner how they resolved, and the matter they resolved on. This is the Heir, &c. It was the final Resolution of these Traiterous Politicians, who were not bred so many Years in the Jews Politick School, their long Parliament, the Sanhedrim, as to conclude on so weak a Title, as by an Act of Exclusion to settle on them and theirs, the Prerogatives Roy­al of their usurped Vineyard. Knowing that such an unjust Ti­tle, [Page 3]would not become so strong as a Weavers, much less as a Gor­dian knot, neither would it need the Sword of an Alexander to rescind it: For it would unloose of its own accord

For Laws that are founded on Blood, Perjury, Injustice, Treason or Rebellion, are abrogated the first day of their Pro­mulgation: For it's not at the Peoples choice whether they will observe such Statutes or no: For that Law, which is contrary unto the Law of God, doth tie a man only to the Penalty; it binds not his Conscience at all to the Performance.

For the better understanding of the Text, consider;

By Vineyard is meant the Church, and State of the Jews. By Lord of the Vineyard, God Almighty, who was pleased himself to become their Lord and King, and to chuse them from among all the Nations of the Earth to become his People.

By Husbandmen, all sorts of Men among the Jews, who were bound to do their Lord Service, in their respective places, both in Church, and State, as he had placed them; but more parti­cularly the chief Priests, Scribes and Elders.

By those his Servants which were sent unto them, understand the Prophets, and Messengers of God, who from time to time were sent unto the Jews, to call them to their own Work, and the Work of their King: That is to repent, and practise a better Obedience, and not that every Ploughman should become States-Man; nor every confident Mechanick put on the Ephod, nor intermeddle with the Affairs of Church, or State, who were not called thereunto. But the Jews were for Stoning, and Killing of those who were sent unto them, though they came for their good, to reduce them to a better understanding, and more honest purposes.

By the beloved Son, who was sent; the Son of God, whom he was pleased at last to send unto those Rebellious, and Ungrate­ful Husbandmen.

By Heir, the same with Son, differing here only in the Re­lation to the Lord who sent him.

Come let us kill him, that the Inheritance may be ours: Is so well understood of every one who has read the Gospel of our Lord [Page 4]and Saviour's Passion, or its pourtraicture, the Martyrology of our Royal Martyr, that it needs no Explanation.

Our dear Saviour, though he foreknew the Determination of these wicked Husbandmen, yet as his Father was pleased to send, so was he to be sent, and to fulfil the Prophecies, and Predictions that related to him. So he voluntarily came unto them, that he might become the Sacrifice for our Redemption.

And then, so soon as the Husbandmen saw him, they resolv­ed, (for I suppose they made no long delay, lest they might lose their opportunity, and Christ the Heir might have passed over Jordan, their Countreys Tweed, and then they might be for­ced to change their design'd Measures) to make an Act of Ex­clusion when they might kill him. Therefore, When the Hus­bandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves.

This their Design was not so light and frivolous, as that they should enterprize it rashly, at all Adventures; therefore they went considerately to work. They reasoned, that they might ripen their Treason, and bring it to its designed end. There­fore they convened by way of Assembly, and were the San­hedrim or Jewish Parliament, These parli'd and plotted how they might bring High-Treason to pass. But yet it was Conventus Malorum, a Conventicle they held in a Parliamenta­ry way; wherein they contrived this bloody Expedient, To kill the Heir that they might enjoy his Inheritance. They were loth to part with that pleasant Vineyard, they had so long usurp­ed: Nay, they, who were so unjust to their Landlord, as not to yield him any of the Fruit, were very unlikely to yield up the Vineyard; But what they had gotten by Murder, and Se­dition, they were resolved to keep by Blood, and Treason; so accordingly they voted, and their Vote we have here in Termi­nis, This is the Heir, Come, let us kill him.

Verily! a very fine Vote for Tenants, and Subjects to pass against their Liege Lord, and Soveraign. It's observable, that a Parliament of Traytors, or a Sanhedrim of Conspirators ne­ver yet designed good to Prince or People; for when such [Page 5]meet, their reasonings tend only to turn the Commonweal in­to a Common woe; for Reason nor Religion hath neither Tongue nor Ear in such Assemblies. For I do not find, that ever our Saviour had so much fair-quarter allowed him by this great Council of the Jews, as to be heard in his own defence; Though he was their great King, the everlasting God, the Prince of peace. Heard indeed he was, but it was as people use to hear Sermons; that is, with a deaf ear: his Words were not weigh­ed, nor his Reasons considered. I confess that he was questi­oned, and buffetted too, to serve as a pretext for the Rulers, and as a blind for the people, and led forth also to confront the Witnesses; but he was not heard according to the merits of his cause, not acquitted as he ought, but condemned as they pleased. This is observable here, that the Mercy and Justice of the Jews then, did exceed that of some Christians now. But in this, as it was their desire, the Ebullition of their malice, so it was his Choice too; for he was born to this end, and in it, his Will was done in Earth, as it is in Heaven. There was no fault found in him; Joh. 18.14 but it was judged expedient that one should dye for the people. That is, Caiaphas, one of the leading Members in the Sanhedrim, made a Speech there, Dr. Ham. on Joh. 11.50. and grounded this Ex­pedient on a politick Maxim they had, That they might do any thing to keep the people from Destruction, which they feared from the Romans, to whom they were then subject. And this they feared, by reason of the Admiration the people had him in for his Miracles; Dr. Ham. on Joh. 11, 48. they feared that he who professed himself the Messias, would become their King, which the Romans would look on as a Rebellion, and so tempt them to come with an Army, and destroy them. It was this politick Reason prevailed in the great Council of their Nation, against Justice and Equity, their Religion, Laws, and Oaths; yea all that was sacred, not only to vote away their Lord's Inheritance, but his Life too.

These Mechanicks having gotten his Royal person into their hands, they said, This is the Heir, come, let us kill him.

These very men, who it's likely were the Heads of popular Factions in their respective Countries, were some of them, who e're while (as it were) courted him with Hosanna in the high­est, who when they had gotten hold of him, they were for a Crucifie him, Crucifie him. Such is the Vicissitude of popular Favour, that these very men, who courted him most when he was riding into Jerusalem, forsook him soonest when he was led into Jerusalem. Such commonly is the fate of unfortunate Prin­ces, Tacit. who being once fallen into the dis-favour of the profanum vulgus; Tam benefacta quam malefacta premunt; they rake up their former Favours in Oblivion, and reckon their good deeds, as well as bad, into the number of Oppressions. And then they are easily led by their Tub Orators, and designing Leaders, to know no pity, nor to shew mercy towards them. What may be said or done, be it true or false, shall be said, and done by them, to bring their ends to pass: but can we ever expect truth from such, who have forsaken the Faith? If their Tongues were any slander, the Vertues of the best and most compassionate Princes should ever be sullied by them.

Thus Christ, the King of the Jews, when he came to fulfil, was charged to disannul the Law, to change their Religion, and the Customs which Moses delivered them. Acts 6.14. When they had nothing to alledge against Christ truly, they devised somewhat falsly: by which they hoped to extenuate their Treason, by imputing evil to Christ, who never did any. But his Innocen­cy quickly appeared, to his own Vindication, and their Con­fusion: Luke 23.14. for Pilate declared in his defence, saying, I have exa­mined him before you, and have found no Fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: v. 23. yet notwithstanding they were earnest to have him crucified; v. 33. And they crucified him and the Malefactors; v. 31. one on the right-hand, and the other on the left. But if they did these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry? So according to their Proverb, Utter desolation followed this their Treason. So true a Prophet was Christ in this Parable to foretel to the Jews both his own Sufferings, and their Cru­elty [Page 7]and Destruction. For according unto his Word at the time appointed, Luk 20.16 The Lord of the Vineyard came and destroyed these Husbandmen, and gave the Vineyard to others. Thus commonly the Wheel of Treason breaks the Necks of them who at first turned it. Their malevolent Reasonings brought on their own Pates direful Conclusions, even their own Destruction. So true is it, that he who votes for Treason, gives his Voice for his own death; which will appear, not only in Judas, who be­trayed, and the Jews, who killed their King; but in all those Traitors and Conspirators, who have at any time devised the Death of their lawful Princes and Sovereigns, few, or none, ever came without Ignominy and Sorrow unto their Graves. Of which there are many Instances.

In the Jews Vote against our Saviour, we may observe:

1. Their Confession who Christ was. They acknowledged That he was the Heir. Surely he was no doubtful or presumptu­ous Heir, for we do not find that ever they denied him his right to the Vineyard, or Kingdom of Israel; for that in their Vote here, they confessed and declared, as in a full Parliament, Ne­mine contradicente, that Christ was the Heir.

2. We may consider the Condition or Quality of those Con­spirators, they were [...], Husbandmen, or Farmers, meer Mechanicks, a word of large Extent. Such it may be who were bred to the Plough and the Spade. Whosoever had cunning enough to plot against, and Treachery to betray the rightful Heir, and Covetousness enough to seize upon his Inheritance, were sufficiently capacitated to be Members of this Jewish Par­liament, or Sanhedrim.

3. Here is their unanimous Agreement, together with their final Resolve: Come, let us kill him: Come, here, is not the voice of their Precept of calling to this their Assembly; but it is their Celeusmae seu clamor ad Theolo­gos Hierar­chiae Angli­canae. Celeusma, Shout, Noise, or Watch-word, to call together all their non-conforming, but yet consenting Brethren in this, and as many others as they could too, to joyn hands, and assist with them at this Regicide, the Murder of the Heir.

Now, verily, all those Guiles of God, Religion, and the Good Old Cause, disappeared, when they had thus brought their Plot to its maturity. Such Shadows then vanish of their own accord.

4. Here's their wicked Instigation, to this their traiterous Resolution; That the Inheritance might be theirs. I suppose that these wicked Conspirators had some hopes of easing themselves from the Roman Yoke, by turning Monarchy into Democracy. This seems to me probable, for that they aspired to the Vine­yard, and Birth-right of their Lord and Sovereign: for they believed, that if they had killed the rightful Heir, that the Ro­mans, who had but an usurped Title, which they got, and kept by the Sword, might by better steel be taken, and maintained from them.

This temporal Inheritance of our Lord that he was born to, Mat. 2.2. was only the Kingdom of the Jews: and this was all that these Husbandmen did covet by killing of Christ, the rightful Heir. But if we consider his just Dominions, according unto his In­auguration, and God's Designation, then we find not only the Land of Jury did belong unto him, Heb. 1.2. but the whole World too. But these Husbandmen, the Jews, aimed at the Partition, and enjoyment of his Kingdom of Judea only: and therefore as Re­publicans use to do, they were resolved, though they waded through Blood and Treason, to attain that Inheritance.

Thus in hopes to exchange their Mattocks and Shovels for Crowns and Scepters (for in a Commonwealth most States-men prove not only as Kings, but are Tyrants too) every one Reho­boam-like, makes his Little-singer heavier than the rightful Heir's Loins: Heyl. Geog. 206. for what is gotten by Rebellion, must be kept by Force and Treason. ‘Hence it is said of Venice, the best Free-State in the World, that Christians live better under the Turk than under the Venetians.’ Prov. 28.2. And Solomon tells us, that it is for the Transgression of a Land, that many are the Princes thereof. Yet notwithstanding, how many are there among us that court their own Infelicity.

Our Lord himself was the only begotten of his Father, the true Heir of the Crown of Jury, who in this Parable gave the Malecontents of his own Kingdom such divine Warnings, as might melt them into pity towards him; but their wicked Hearts were so far from being mollified, that they were the more enraged: and tho they saw his Miracles, Signs, and migh­ty Wonders, that he wrought among them, and by them saw, that he was the very same that was shadowed forth unto them in this Parable; yet they did as it were shut their eyes, and stop their ears, that they might not see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, so that they might persevere in their Rebellion against him. Nay they could not but confess (had not the Fear of Caesar supplanted the Fear of God) That these very Works and Sufferings, that Christ did undergo, should be performed by their expected Messias and King; for that he fulfilled all that was foretold of him. So that they had not sufficient Excuse for doubting, much less for denying him to be their anointed King, Priest, and Prophet.

By his Miracles he asserted to them his Divinity, by his Suf­ferings, his Humanity. He gave himself unto them to be a pat­tern and example of all Vertue and holy living; and he gave his Gospel, the supremest and exactest Law that ever was, to teach them to conform themselves to his Example: so that his Words, as well as his Works, were enough to convince them, that he was the rightful Heir. And verily, a man might confi­dently believe, that none could be more ignorant among them who was the rightful Heir of their Vineyard or Kingdom, than we can be ignorant who is the Heir of our British Crown and Diadem.

But we read, that some, had they known what they did, would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. And St. 1 Cor. 2.8. Acts 3.17. Peter told the Jews, that through Ignorance they killed Christ, as did also their Rulers.

Doubtless, the Literati among the Jews knew well enough whom they conspired against. But here I understand it of the [Page 10]illiterate, who were likely among the Scribes and Elders, as well as Commons of Israel: for there were in Israel, as well as Nineveh, such who could not discern between their right-hand and their left. And of these, it's very likely some of the rich were advanced to be of the Sanhedrim, though not for their Wisdom, yet for their Weakness, that they might carry on the Designs of their Patriots, which men of Wisdom and Courage would never have done. And I suppose (but it's only my Sup­position) that the choosing into the Sanhedrim, might be much like to the Election of the new Pope in the Roman Conclave, and Members into most of our Diets and Councils in Christen­dom; that is, by Bribery and Rewards: the Spit and the Spi­got, Promises and Threats, make the new Pope, the Burgesses and Burgomasters, in most places in Europe. If they who were chosen among the Jews had furious Zeal enough for their own Party, and Leaders, to exalt themselves, and to pull down the Crown; they had Wit enough, though not Wisdom, to dive into the merit of the Cause. Such as these are giddy enough al­ways to vote against the Heir, alas! though they are ignorant wherein such Votes may end. Their fiery Zeal is such, that if they are bid go, they'll run into Murder, and Treason too. Of this sort were also the Drudges, Vassals, or Servants of the Hus­bandmen, who looked no farther than the Command of their Masters or Leaders. Of which sort there are too many among us, who have after the same manner disturbed the Quiet of this our Israel; who with Ignatius Loyala account such bloody Obedience better than Sacrifice.

As Absalom in his Conspiracy, 2 Sam. 15.6 v. 11. by his Blandishments, stole the hearts of the men of Israel; and it's observable, That with him went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called, and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing: so, how ma­ny are there among us, who follow the new Deformers? but alas! they follow them in the simplicity of their hearts, not knowing any thing, being so amazed with the specious preten­sions of Religion and Loyalty, that they cannot see what is ei­ther; [Page 11]for they zealously advise the overthrow of both, by con­sulting the Exclusion of the Heir of our British Vineyard.

Such brave Fellows as these are the only Husbandmen to be­come Members in a Fanatick Parliament: and their ignorant Followers would serve as well for Church-wardens too. My Reason is, Because that the one as well as the other, have such seared Consciences, that they can violate Religion, Loyalty, Laws, and Oaths, without remorse, with this Salvo (if they gain not the better in the cause) they'll say with the Jews, they did it ignorantly.

But I shall prove that some of the Jews could not be igno­rant who Christ was, whatever they might pretend to the con­trary.

They knew that he was descended from the Royal Line, from the Loins of Abraham, and the Seed of David. But this com­pared with his other Royalties, was but an Act of Christ's De­gradation, proceeding from his Humiliation, Isa. 9.7. v. 6. to sit on the Throne of David: for he was the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. His Birth was foretold to them of whom he should be born; the very place where, and the time when, Micah 5. Flav. Dom. caused the line of David to be diligently sought out, and extinguished, for fear lest he were yet to come out of the House of David which should enjoy the Kingdom. Anal. Caesar. Rom. even when the whole World was taxed. And as I have read, that Christ himself stands on the Tax-Roll with Joseph and Mary.

And it was by the very Providence of God, Ham. on Luke 2. that Mary went from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be enrolled; that she should there fall in Travel, and bring forth, that so the Seed of Da­vid, and Branch of Jesse, that was conceived in Nazareth, should be born in Bethlehem where Jesse and David was born.

The Stars of Heaven pointed to him, Mat. 29. Luke 2.10 and the Angels did minister unto him, and proclaimed his Incarnation. All their great and good Kings were figures of this King. David spake of him, saying, Lo, I come: Ps. 40.7. in the Volume of the Book it is [Page 12]written of me: that is, the whole Volume of Scripture did te­stisie of him; which because it was read unto them every Sab­bath-day, they could not choose but know that he was their King: for as Face answereth Face, so Christ answered, and fulfilled all those Types, Figures, and Prophecies that had re­lation to him. Besides, we have Pilate's Testimony, when the Jews cried out, Jo. 19.15. Crucifie him, Crucifie him. What! said he, shall I crucifie your King? To which I may add, the plain Confes­sion of the Husbandmen here in the Text, saying, This is the Heir: no suppositious or presumptive Heir. There was no one living betwixt the Crown and him, if it might descend in its right line; for this is spoken here, as in the Person, so in the sense of the whole Nation of the Jews, none could deny it. Whence we may observe, that there was more truth in the con­spiring Jews, who killed Christ, than is among many of our Republicans now, for that they did not charge his Birth falsly.

But as the Jews Confession added to the Confirmation of our Saviour's Title, so their so full Acknowledgment of him, add­ed to his Grief and Sorrow; that they who were his own Te­nants, Subjects, and Servants, should plot and conspire his Death, and that not rashly, but advisedly, by the supremest Council of his Kingdom. If we enquire where this so horri­ble Treason was hatched? We shall find that it proceeded from their Factions and Divisions which arose from their Lusts. Schism in the Church, and Sedition in the State, have but one Parent, that is a Furious and Fanatick Zeal, which have ever infested the Church of God in all Ages, and have spilt the blood of her Servants, from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Za­charias, which perished between the Altar and the Temple; and from the Blood of Zacharias unto the blood of our Messias, and from thence unto the blood of our Royal Martyr. And as Zacharias was slain by the Jewish Zealots, [...], in the midst of the Temple; so Christ, and our dear and dread Sove­reign, were slain in the midst of their own Kingdoms, by the Zeal and Treason of their own Subjects. And, to our Grief [Page 13]be it spoken, they rest not there, but as Herod when he perse­cuted the Church, and killed James the Brother of John with the Sword; and because he saw it pleased the Jews, Acts 12.1, 2, 3. he proceeded farther to take Peter also.

Thus our Zealots having killed the Father, they proceed to take the Sons also. This too plainly appears, for that they are come as near the Jews Vote in the Text, as under the present cir­cumstance of things they durst. They are only come yet to vote the Heir out of his Vineyard; but if that Act should once pass the great Sanhedrim of our Nation, you shall quickly then see, what they will be at next. Then will follow, as in its fit time, Come, let us once more drive away our great Landlord into a far Country again, and then kill the Heir, that the Inheritance may be ours. Alas! there is no wild-fire so raging as an Enthu­siastick Zeal; it hurries men on, against all sense and reason,

It stings men to Madness, it drives them on to horrible Plots and mischievous Treasons, even to their own Destruction.

This (praised be God) we have seen verified, that that Trea­son which was hatched in Hell (by God's Blessing on the Wis­dom of our Solomon) was blasted on Earth, to the great com­fort of him and us. And I have still some hopes, that God will yet deliver us; but my Fear exceeds my Hopes.

My Hopes are grounded on this:

1. Because that according unto a Maxim in Politicks, That Plots in the State should be used as Stratagems in War; that is, they are not fit for a second Usage, because known Plots are commonly counter-plotted: and we see, both by the Votes and Practices of our late grave Senators, that they climb towards the Throne by the same steps their usurping Tutors gained the Inheritance. They pointing where they will strike again, may teach us, if we are not besotted, how we may ward that blow.

2. A second ground I have for these Hopes, I shall give you in the Words of the Pious and Reverend Bishop Brownrig, taken out of his Sermon on Haggai 2.23.

The Word of God must be fulfilled: therefore said he long ago; Nobility, i. e. The Prime and Top of the ‘Nobility is the Quarry out of which God raises the Captain of his Peo­ple; Eccl. 10.17. Blessed art thou, O Land, when thy King is the Son of Nobles. 'Twas Queen Elizabeth's Answer to those that desi­red her to acknowledge her Successor, Thronus meus est Thro­nus Regum; Nolim ut vilis succedat mihi. The highest of the Nobility gives a great Capacity for Rule and Authority. 'Twas God's Curse on the Philistines, that a Bastard should Rule over them, Zach. 9.6. God he established Zerubbabel's Monarchy, and raised it out of Nobility, and settled it on a constant Succession, made it hereditary,’ Shealtiel comes by a lineal Descent from the Loins of David. David calls this the Establishment of his Throne. 2 Sam. 7.19. ‘ Thou hast spoken of thy Servants House for a great while to come. God hath been careful to maintain this lineal Descent; 2 Chron. 24.1. rather Joash, a Child of seven years old, shall be placed in the Throne, than this Succession be interrupted.’

‘'Twas that which troubled Hezekiah most, That, if he had died of his great Sickness, he had left no Heir of the Crown behind him. Ezek. 21. If Coniah dye Childless, yet reserve the Diadem for him whose Right it is, to whom it belongs. 'Twas one Exception they took against Herod, Nec nascendo, nec vivendo meruit regnum, He wanted both Birth and Breeding to make him a King.’ Thus far that Reverend Prelate. If this be so, it is not for every Pope and Parliament to Crown whom they please; for that Right is the Lord's. If they should fetch a Bastard out of Ashdod, and set the Crown upon him, yet we know that God can, and in his time will pull it off too. For when the Crown is set upon a wrong Head, Thus saith the Lord God, remove the Diadem, and take off the Crown. I will overturn, overturn, overturn it, and it shall be no more, untill he come whose right it is, and I will give it him, Ezek. 21.26, 27.

But as I have reason to hope, so alas! I have reason to fear too, that in time they may crown their Design, by casting our Heir out of his Vineyard, and seizing on his Inheritance; but how long they may keep it, if they should get it, that God knows.

My Reasons are, that what hath been may be.

1. Because though God's Mercies in the present Instance do abound towards us, yet our Sins notwithstanding do superabound towards him.

2. We have been unthankful for the Restauration of our most Gracious Heir to his Inheritance, and for all those Blessings we enjoy by him.

3. Rebels and Traitors never think themselves safe, who once strike at the Crown, unless they strike off the Crown from Him, and His who wears it.

4. Therefore such Moles will never cease plotting and work­ing, until they have either pulled down the Crown, or brought themselves to Confusion. And it's just with God, to punish the deeds of Darkness in some, by deeds of Darkness from others; so here for our Sins, to leave us not Vine nor Vineyard neither.

But if such a Knack should pass, which they so earnestly con­tend for, and we as earnestly pray against; I fear it would have direful Effects: As,

1. The Confutation of a chief Principle in our Protestant Re­ligion.

2. It may produce a War which may last many Years. It will prove unto us a Pandora's Box; it will bring with it such epide­mical Evils.

As there were some who set against the Heir in the Text through Ignorance, and some through Wilfulness; so there were some also who kept themselves Neuters, through Cowardice; content if they might but sit under their own Vines, and their own Fig-trees, and drink every one the Waters of his own Cistern. Isa. 36 They matter'd not who had the supreme Power, an Usurper, or the rightful Heir. Of which sort were Joseph of Arimathea; Luke 51. [Page 16]tho he consented not unto Christ's Death, Jo. 7.50. yet he appeared not for his Life. And Nicodemus when he should have done his So­vereign Service, tho he confessed that he came from God, yet he was ashamed to own him as his Lord. But these, no doubt, believed that Christ was not only their King, but the Saviour of the World too; Lu. 24.46. for that, thus it was written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer. For them then, voluntarily to set themselves sole­ly against the whole Torrent of the Jews malice, was not only to resist Man, but God too. The case betwixt them and their So­vereign was extraordinary, and no President for any man's pra­ctice now; unless it be to maintain his Majesty's Right when he may be heard, and to stand by him at such a time as this is, when we may do him Service: Cum vitia prosunt pec­cat qui re­ctè facit. for there was a time not long since, when in the present Instance we could not be heard.

If it be a Protestant's Duty to defend the Principles of his Re­ligion, then it is to defend the Birth-right of Kings; and that it is not lawful to depose or exclude them from their lawful In­heritance, as these two Brethren, the Papist and Presbyterian, maintain both by their Doctrine and Practice.

If so, surely it is the bounden Duty of every Minister, in an especial manner to defend his Religion, and the Prerogatives Royal. We that are Christ's Ambassadors, may not suffer the Regalities of his Vineyard to be torn from him, without be tray­ing our Trust to our God and our King too. As in Murder all are Accessaries who are present, so it is in Treason. But we by our silence make our selves Principals, by not teaching the Peo­ple herein what to do, and what to eschew; for he who hin­dereth not Sin and Sedition when he may, commands it.

Think not that any of us, who tamely sit still, and suffer wil­lingly the loss of our Right in our David, shall be acquitted: no more than they were who consented to the Civil War against our King (as it is phrased) tho the same was a Rebellion in Ireland: Mat. 27.24 and with Pilate to wash our hands, and to say, We are not guilty of the Blood of this just man. There are no Neuters in Treason, as there are no luke-warm persons in Heaven: we [Page 17]must be for God or against him. So we must be for the Lord of the Vineyard, and his Heir, or against them. As there is no de­vice can absolve us from our Obedience to our Parents; so there's no Act can absolve us from our Allegiance to our Prince, they stand both equally proped by one Command, Ex. 20.12. without Dispensation or Absolution; whatever the Pope, the Papist, and the Commons in Parliament, the Presbyterian God, pretend to the contrary.

As the King is justly defended by the Law in his Person, and Prerogatives from all Invaders; so is his Successor to descend unto us, by the same Tenure: for he will not derive his Title from Man, but God, as doth his Predecessor. And if he or his Posterity should become evil Princes (which God forbid that any of the Posterity of our Royal Martyr should be so tainted) yet God can make them to become good Kings, Prov. 21.1.

To affirm then that an House of Husbandmen, common Mecha­nicks, or Country-Farmers, who at first were called together by the Sovereign Lords of our Vineyard to consult de dubiis & arduis regni: who the nearer they were raised towards the Sun which exhaled them, the more exorbitant and formidable they grew: whether by Cunning and Policy, or Might and Rebel­lion, I shall not now determine.

When such as these shall form themselves into an High Court of Justice, or a Grand Committee (sometimes equivalent Terms for an Arbitrary Council) and assume to themselves greater Au­thority than that paternal Power which gave them Birth and Being. That is to alter the Course of Government, Causa non impedien­tes are numbred by Philo­sophers among moral effi­cient Cau­ses. and steer­age of our Obedience. He who doth thereto tamely consent, doth betray his Christian Trust and Courage too, as well as he who doth so unjustly vote, and act for our Slavery.

For by our silence,

1. We consent, that the Crown is elective, and not heredi­tary.

2. We despise God's Providence over us, in forsaking his Choice for us; we chuse for our selves, which is in effect to do [Page 18]as Israel did, not only to reject the lawful Heir or Successor, but God too, 1 Sam. 8.7. For mans Law as it ought not to add, so it ought not to diminish from the Law of God. These are but waste words to you of the Clergy, who sufficiently know your Duty herein; would to God you had all the Courage and Goodness to practice it as well.

To discourage us from our Duty, it's said, that there is an Act made which gave to our Virgin Queen, together with her Parliament, the power of the Crown, and that no man may since affirm that, that may not be done without severe penalties; therefore I shall not reply unto it, either Pro or Con: only this I say, let us remember that we are Protestants, and not a miscel­lany of Papists and Dissenters, and let not the fear of Man raze out our Love and Duty to God and our King.

If such an Act should pass, we cannot foresee the Evils which it would bring with it, both to Church and State, as before in­timated. But I suppose the Intent of its Promoters is, to punish the true and orthodox Protestants, and to promote their Ad­versaries to divide this our most gracious Sovereign's Inheritance between them.

The passing of such an Act, would be like the passing-Bell which rang at the Command of Peter of Arragon in Sicily, which was the Signal to the Sicilian Massacre.

Let all then, but especially we of the Clergy, set our selves against all whatsoever that shall endeavour the deposing of our good and merciful King, or the Exclusion of his Heirs and Suc­cessors, or the Division and Desolation of this his Inheritance our British Vineyard.

Let each of us with Nehemiah cast away fear, Chap. 6.11 and say, Should such a man as I flee? or warp from Protestant Principles, when the very Foundation of our Religion, our Laws, and our Loy­alty, stands at stake? It is a shame for Protestant Ministers to own such exotick Principles and Practices, as are now by some designing Leaders patronized, who yet affect the name of Pro­testants notwithstanding. Which principles were they examined [Page 19]by you, you would easily find, that they who defend them are of no Religion, but a Gallamalfry of Popery and Presbyterism: for whatever is faced with Faction, is lined with Popery.

Do you think, that such men as these owe any good Will to our Sion, who durst be so impudently bold as to fly at our So­vereign? Such men as these do as much good in a Parliament-House, as a MONKEY in a Glass-shop, who'll never cease their setting of things in better order, until they have broken all in pieces.

Now these are the men which I beseech you, Brethren, to mark, Ro. 16.17. for they cause Divisions and Offences, contrary to the Doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Let not any of them, either Father or Son, have your Voice or Assistance, to be Members of our Senates. For Treason is such an hereditary Leprosie, that the Royal Ocean of Mercy and Bounty can scarce purifie it: for such think, that it is ground enough for them irreconcileably to hate whom they have thus offended. I am sorry that ever any of our Function should be so weak and pusilanimous, so far to forsake their Station, as to stand by those men, who so far set themselves against our Sove­reign Lord, as to elect such men who durst oppose his Succes­sor. Don't ye dream that you shall gain any great Boon by it. They may promise you Oliveyards and Vineyards, greater Par­sonages, and a superintendant power in your respective Parishes, but I doubt they'll deceive you, when they have served them­selves by you: for it's a known Maxim, To love the Treason, but to hate the Traitor. But if they chance to be condemned, you may then have as many thanks as the Ladder, and the Hangman, and all those subservient helps which brought them to that Doom. But if they should prosper, and prevail in their At­tempts, how highly soever you are honoured by them now above your Brethren, yet all the favour you may expect from them then will be, ‘Only the same Polyphemus granted to Ʋlys­ses, namely, That he should be devoured the last of his Com­panions.’

Now I have but little to say unto you who are Church-War­dens: your Faults I need not tell you, for the whole Town and Country talks of them. Matters would never have come to this pass, had you, and such as you, made Conscience of your Oaths; but they who make no bones of Oaths, will make no scruple of Treason: for by the Transactions of what is lately past, one would think, that the likeliest men to serve in our Parliaments would be such only as you, or such who have been actually in Arms against the King or his Father. My Reason is, because such men seem to please the Layety best, for that they will be sure (if they can) to vote down the Heir, and all his Supporters.

But it is the parts and duties, both of Priests and People, to stop such in their Career when opportunity shall offer it self, that we like Protestants should choose Protestants, and not men of blended Principles, and so by this means prevent their final Resolve, viz. This is the Heir: come, let us kill him, that the In­heritance may be ours. From which Vote, good Lord deliver us, for Jesus Christ his sake; to whom, with the Father and Holy Ghost, be ascribed all Honour, &c. now and evermore. Amen.