Englands Jubilee: OR, Her happy Return from Captivity: IN A SERMON, PREACHED At St. Botolphs Aldersgate, LONDON.
Since presented to the Kings most Excellent Majesty, King Charles II.
By John Douch Rector of Stalbridge in the County of DORSET.
Kings shall be thy nursing Fathers, and Queens thy nursing Mothers.
Ea est conditio imperandi, ut no [...] alit [...]r Ratio constat, quam si uni reddatur.—Noa aliud Discordantis Patriae remedium est, quam ut ab uno regeretur: Ut unum est Corpus Resp. ita unius Animo regenda est.
LONDON, Printed for R. Royston at the Angel in Ivy-lan', 1660.
To the most Mighty, High-born, Vertuous MONARCH, (our Dear and Dread Soveraign Lord) CHARLES II, By the good Providence of God King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith.
THis Sermon, which is now presented to your Majesties Eye, was intended for the Ear; and now to the publick view of the whole Kingdom.
But I hope it will the better take among my Fellow-subjects, because 'tis graced with your Majesties Name and Patronage. Though the Sermon be plain (coming from the meanest of your Subjects) yet 'tis Orthodox; for all to read their Duty to God, and Allegiance to their King, which was a thing (for many years, in three Kingdoms) quite forgotten.
And for this grand Impiety, and stubborn Disobedience, having our hearts divided, England as well as Israel had the same Complaint; We have no King, because we feared not the Lord. Hos. 10. 2, 3.
I know, many will carp, and say, a fitter Text might have been chosen, then to apply to your Majesty and the present Affairs, King Saul, a bad Prince.
To this I answer, 'Tis true, Flatterers are more troubled how to please, then to speak truth, or to give a timely [Page] Caution, as to beware of the iudgement of God. The Lord made Saul good, and is willing that all men should be saved: But if Saul and other Princes will abuse the Mercy of God, and become wicked; they must not blame God, nor be angry with the Scriptures, but thank themselves. Perditio tua e [...] Te.—And therefore in him the Lord would have all succeeding Kings to read their Destiny: Though they sit in high places, yet they are obnoxious to danger, tumults, if not to the losing of their Kingdoms, Life and all.
But now, after this sad confusion, seeing the Lord is so pleased to give us a King again, and that in your saCRed Majesty,
1. Let God have the glory and praise, that your Majesties most saCRed Life (by the Providence of Almighty God) hath hithetto been preserved, to the terrour and astonishment of your Enemies, and comfort of your Friends and faithfull Subjects. Your Majesty may truely say (with David) I waited patiently for the Lord, and he enclined unto me, and heard my crie: He brought me up also out of an horrible Pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a Rock, Psal. 40. 1, 2. And the reason, why this good King and your Majesty, had so much the favour of God, tells you, v. 4. Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust.
When your Majesties just Title of Inheritance unto the Imperial Crown of this Realm, was so long Usurped by blood-thirsty men, and made themselves so strong upon Sea and Land, that most people (looking more on the Arm of man, then of God) were so incredulous, as to say, We shall never see King more in England: Yet, the Lord of Hosts, our mercifull Father, in whom your Majesty hath alwayes trusted, and found help, and deliverance out of all your Troubles, even from your Youth hitherto, (to a wonder) hath mightily defended your Majesty, made your Enemies become Friends, and without shedding of blood brought you home in Peace agair. Therefore we have just cause to sing with the Prophet; By his own right hand, and with his [Page] holy Arm, hath he gotten himself the Victory, and all the ends of the World have seen the salvation of our God.
In which, with joy and comfort, we may be bold to say, (with the Poet Claudian)
And as we are ever bound to bless God for many mercies towards your Majesty, so we are bound to bless God for you many wayes,
1. For your Constancy in Religion, that 'twas not the loss of three glorious Kingdoms, could draw you from it, though driven to sing the Lords Song in a strange Land.
And now your Majesty do see the reward of your constancy: you, who did stick close to God, the same God did never forsake you; according to the saying of your Prophetical Father of Blessed memory, who told you, in his Book, That piety will make you prosperous And therefore he had rather you should be Charles Le-Bon, than Le-Grand: Good than Great: A good lesson for your Majesties subjects, who, for ought I see, do more strive to be Great, then Good.
And what was once said of Carolus magnus, let the same still be said of you, Carolus plus cum Deo, quàm cum hominibus loquitur; That he spake more with God, then with Men.
2. We thank your Majesty, To see our God again served in the Beauty of Holinesse; That our ravished Souls might once more ascend in Prayers and Hymns, or Hallelujahs, in one of the old Songs of Sion.
3. That your Majesty is resolved to settle the Church upon its old Basis, without which, God knowes, we shall have a sorry one. And this must needs be acceptable to Almighty God, That He, who hath done so much for your Majesty, that you do something for Him. King David, for the Lords favour towards him, would build a Temple to [Page] the Lord. So the people of Judah and Benjamin after their Captivity, did set forward the work of the House of the Lord, Ezr. 3. 8. King James (your Grandfather) coming out of Scotland into England, being a wise and learned Prince; How wisely did he decline that Government, knowing it to be pernicious both to Church and State? and became a true Patronage to the Church of England, in setting up Episcopacy, and ever after 'twas his Motto, and we found it true, (by sad experience) No Bishop, no King.
It was the eminent care of your most Royall Father, how to preserve the poor persecuted Church; for which he dy'd a Martyr: Would he have sacrificed the Church, he had not been the Churches Sacrifice.
Now coming from such Noble Progenitors, the Lord give your Majesty the same Christian courage to build the Walls of Jerusalem: For ever since your Royal Person was banished from the Church, she was like a Ship floating on the Sea, without a Pylot, obnoxious to every storm, and sacrilegious Pirate; Every man did what seemed good in his own eyes. We have seen such a time, when 'twas lawfull for every one to choose his own Religion, or be of his own Opinion: Such a time, when every ignorant Votary, was suffered to creep to his own Image, or make his own Idol; and all was, because there was no King in Israel. Thus, we have been at Blinde-mans-buffe. And therefore, I beseech your Majesty, speedily to send us an Overseer in our Church; for we have so many now, that we are over-look'd. And I observe, never more Witches in England since Monarchy and Hierarchy lay in the dust. And doubtless (saith Dr. Gauden) a Church may better in the worst of times, want any thing then good Bishops, and Orderly Ministers; for these in the midst of Persecution made Religion good against all the powers of Men and Devils. And therefore, till the Church of England be setled upon its old Basis, and we all meet in the same Center of Religion, and can all say Amen to the same Prayers and Prayses of God again; we may (saith that orthodox, pious, learned [Page] Doctor) write Ichabod on all foreheads: The glory is departed from our Israel.
And certainly, let no man expect that Kingdom to prosper, till Gods House prosper. Let no man expect a Blessing on the Land, as long as Gods Curse lyes upon it, Mal. 3. 9. Let no man expect a Quietus est, for the enjoying of his own, as long as Gods House lyes waste, and he shut out of his, Hag. 1. 9.
As the Arke when it was harboured by Obed-Edom, brought a blessing upon him and his Houshold, 2 Sam. 6. 11, 12. so certainly, the Church brings a blessing to him that defends it; but when 'twas abused, Thousands were slain for it, 1 Sam. 5. And those that are despisers of that Apostolical Government, and for no other reason, Because they themselves can be Bishops no longer, who have Usurped that Sacred Order of Ordination, (making themselves no less then Schismaticks) in breaking the Articles of the Church of England, to which they themselves did subscribe: Let them in the fear of God, look back, and tell me, what Church under the Cope of Heaven, was more glorious, then the Church of England was?
What Decency? what serving our God with one heart, and one minde? they cannot be ignorant.
But since that Blessed Government was destroyed, what Sacriledge? what Schisme, Faction? what Robbing of the Church, and sacking of the Temple of God? they all know.
Whereas before, they were Houses for Prayer, and for the true Service of God, they since were made Stables, and Dens for Thieves.
So then, Monarchy and Hierarchy must goe together; they are inseparable, (like Hippocrates twins) they laugh together, they weep together. And indeed, experience hath taught it, on the well setling of the Church, dependeth much the safety of the Prince. Those then whom God hath joyned together, let no man put asunder: But rather let every one be affected with Davids zeal, Psal. 122. 8, 9. For my Brethren and Companions sake, I will now say, Peace be within thee; because of the House of the Lord our God, I will seek thy good.
St. Paul layes open a Catalogue of his Afflictions and miseries, 2 Cor. 11. where the good man tells of all his sufferings, (both upon Sea and Land) but in the 28. v. he tells of one affliction, which did trouble him more then all the rest; Besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the Churches. And sure I am, this care (with every Christian soul) should go beyond all cares, we should, nay, we shall never be at peace, till we see Gods Church in a flourishing state and condition.
Great Sir, pardon my boldness, 'tis my zeal (not self-interest) that makes me cast my mite into the offering of God. I now forbear, and indeed, 'tis great folly, (seeing your sacred Majesty is so forward to promote the glory of God) to use any Arguments to incite you to it. And 'tis great presumption in any, to study to direct your Majesty, how to bring the Church to the Haven of Peace; seeing your Royal Father of blessed memory, hath left such a never to be parallel'd Book, for Prince, Parliament, Council and People, how to steer their course: And sure I am, next to the Sacred Bible 'tis the best of Books.
The King of Kings bless, direct and save your Majesty, so after many years enjoying your Crown upon Earth, you may be Crowned with everlasting Glory in Heaven: for which none shall more earnestly pray, then
Most humble Servant,
And obedient Subject,
John Douch.
Englands Jubilee: OR, Her happy return from Captivity.
THis year is Englands Jubilee, and the joyful'st year that came to England these many years: The time is a Time of Rejoycing, and the Text is a joyful Text, well fitted for the time; And the messenger (the Prophet Samuel) a joyful messenger, (as I trust in God I am to you this day) in putting you in minde of the great and wonderful mercy of God in giving us [Page 2] a King, who is worth the beholding: And God grant we may long see Him.
That the voyce of joy and gladness may ever be heard to the ear, and the Royal Crown (of the seed Royal in England) may ever be seen to the eye: That neither the one may be satisfied with seeing, nor the other hearing, (God save the King.)
The words doe beg your attention, the Oath of Allegiance at least, being a Proclamation which comes from the highest Monarch, God himself.
This Chapter will tell thee, that the people of Israel were as much troubled (as England hath lately been) for want of a King over them: And the rather because when there was no King in Israel, every man did what seemed good in his own eyes. After much a doe the Lord sent them a King, and that was Saul, the first King that ever the people of God had; and he is Anointed by Samuel, and that by Gods appointment v. 1. Anointed, first to signifie the collation of Gifts and Graces (which were required to fit and qualifie the Person Anointed) by the spirit, to that place which the Lord hath called him. And this befell Saul, as you shall hear anon.
And secondly, That God hath set him apart, and advanc'd him above others in Authority and Eminency, in which Oyle hath some resemblance, which will not mix it self with waterish liquors; but will separate from them, and float above them.
And this ancient Ceremony, in pouring Oyle upon the Heads of Kings at their Coronation day, doth not reach to all Kings; for such as immediately [Page 3] succeeded their Parents, as heirs apparent to the Crown (as our Kings) their Title being no wayes questionable, sate upon the Royal Throne without any such Anointing: But such as were immediately chosen of God, as Saul here was.
Now Saul seeing the weight of the Crown (splendidam at gravem) was willing to decline the Government as an heavy burthen, v. 22. Who had rather lye hid in the stuff among the Tents: especially in such distracted times, wherein the Commonwealth was much divided and unsetled.
Yet in the second verse, and in the verses following, there you may see, how our good Prophet did rouse up the spirit of Saul (by a Prophetical spirit) certain signes which should occur in his return: That when he saw them, he should not doubt of the Crown, but strengthen his Faith, that the things foretold concerning his Kingdom should come to pass.
And that he may, with boldness and courage venture upon his Kingdom, notwithstanding all difficulties that he should meet with, before he came to the Crown: Samuel the Lords Prophet was sent him, to tell him, That the Lord was all-sufficient to save and protect him from all dangers whatever. And that he may be the more cheerful, tels him, v. 6. The Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, i. e. The spirit of Wisedom, Magnanimity, Courage and other qualifications befitting a King, to Rule his Kingdom in Peace and War.
Yet notwithstanding all this (saith my commentator) he was modest, and would not ambitiously [Page 4] affect the Kingdom, nor use indirect means to aspire to the Crown, but was called thereunto by the providence of God.
Now v. 23. seeing such a goodly Person as Saul was, the people ran and fetch't him forth to the Assembly. And Samuel said (in the words of my Text) See yee him whom the Lord hath chosen, That there is none like him among all the People? And all the People shouted, and said, God save the King; Vivat Rex, Let the King live, i. e. Prosper and flourish with long life and happy Government: Let him live: I say, O King live for ever, Dan. 3. 9.
So much for the coherence of the Text.
In the words you may observe,
1. A Proclamation, and that from the good Prophet Samuel, And Samuel said to all the people.
2. A gratious aspect, and that to a double object.
- 1. To him (by whom Kings reigne) who is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords: The Lord hath chosen.
- 2. Object, To the Lords Anointed, his vicegerent, See yee him.
3. The Excellency of the Person, one fitted in all things to be King, That there is none like him among all the People.
4. An Acclamation for the great favour of God, in giving them a King, And all the People shouted.
5. And lastly, A Prayer, or Homage, which lyes at the foot of all lawful Proclamations, which all Subjects ought to use, and say, God save the King.
By the way you may take this observation: Tis [Page 5] a great mercy of God to a sinful Land, and great rejoycing to all true Christians (after so much Rebellion, Murther and confusion) That the Lord is pleased to give us a King.
One place you may see, for the clear demonstration of this point, and doe very much resemble, his Majesties condition, 2 Kings 11. King Jehoash, who was saved by a woman (as our gratious Soveraign was) his Aunt Jehosheba did hide him in the house of God six years, from Athaliahs bloody massacre. At last, they would be under an usurper no longer; but would have the true Heire to be King, did joyn with the Captains and Commanders, and brought forth the Kings Son, and put the Crown upon him, and they made him King, and clapt their hands and said, God save the King, 2 Kings 11. 12.
If these good people did rejoyce, that one of the seed Royal was sav'd alive, the Kings Son, from his bloody persecutors, and were glad they had a King, though but seven years old; Oh much more cause have we (in England) to rejoyce, that three of the Royal stock are alive, and the Kings Son is of ripe years, every way fitted for the Crown; who lay hid more then six years (twelve at the least) from Athaliahs bloody Massacre.
When our Religion and Defender of our Faith was kept from us, and persecuted (so many years) Now by the mercy of God we enjoy both.
When three dying Kingdoms were all sick of the Evil, and knew not what to doe, nor whither to goe: Now the Lord in mercy hath brought home our King, to preserve Church and State alive: we [Page 6] were not so much benighted before, by that sad Eclipse, Egyptian darkness covering the whole Land; as we are now enlightned by the Sun of our firmament, to guide us in truth, and our feet in the way of peace.
And indeed, the King, is filius Dei, not filius populi, (God forbid) Never father him upon the multitude. No, let God have the honour and praise. He is found, chosen, exalted, adopted, the Lord takes them all to himself: See yee him whom the Lord hath chosen.
That have laid so long in the stuff (with modest Saul) and was loath to come forth; and lay hid (with Jehoash) in the house of God so many years: Let the Lord (at the Coronation day, every year) have the glory; and let our mouthes shew forth his praise, and keep it from one Generation to another.
And sure I am, were we a people newly drop't from the clouds, and now to begin the settling of a frame of Government for our selves; what better can we sit under then Monarchy, that ancient foundation and bottom, which hath for so many Ages rendred us famous, and the flourishing'st people under the Sun?
Were we to ask counsel of all the Kings, Princes in Europe, and Asia too, to choose one to Reign and Rule over England, Scotland and Ireland: who can we better choose then he, who hath been so long in the school of affliction, trained up from the rod to the scepter?
Who is fitter to be our King, then Charles the second, [Page 7] who hath for many years together, wandred on the mountains of persecution, and hath learned so many experiences?
Who is fitter to wear the Crown then he, whose Right it is, both by the Law of God and man? What more glorious? What more honourable? What greater comfort and rejoycing can be given to any Kingdom, Nation or People, (after a thorow reformation; or deformation, which you will) Then to have a good King Josiah placed over us, who is eminent in zeale, and Crowned with this commendation; And like him was there no King before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, 2 Kings 23. 25.
See yee him whom the Lord hath chosen? Look upon him: Take notice of him: And that with admiration! That the Lord did so miraculously deliver this your King, and his Anointed, from the den of Lyons.
See yee him, whose bloody persecutors were swifter then the Eagles, they pursued him, (like a Partridge upon the mountains) they laid wait for him, both upon Sea and Land, and yet the breath of our nostrils, the Anointed of the Lord was not taken in their Pits.
Good King! He heard and saw all, escaped the peril, but not the fright and fear, oftentimes worse then peril it self.
His enemies round about him, and yet no harm, He was sought after, & seen, and no discovery. (Hic est potentia dei) here was the power, and here was the mercy of God, that he hath sav'd our King alive, [Page 8] and brought him home in peace again; when our Goshen was turned into Bochim, our eyes dew'd with teares, for the loss of those glorious beams of Majesty, which should exalt or dry them up.
When our heart-strings were ready to break with grief, what should become of the Lords Annointed: at last the Lord did look down, and behold from heaven; The Lord did hear him in the day of trouble, the name of the God of Jacob defended him, Psal. 20. 1.
Sure I am, if ever there were a Prince upon Earth that found this, salutem dei, the help of God, in saving him, and that wonderfully, he is that Prince: when he was ready to perish, came this salus dei, and saved him; when none of his Subjects durst say publickly, God save the King, yet the Lord in mercy did hear some in private, and was his Saviour.
And this was as strange a deliverance, as that story which Herodotus reporteth, that at the taking of Sardis, when one ran at Cresus the King, to have slain him; that a little boy born dumbe, that never spake word in all his life; with the fright and terror of the sight, his tongue loosed, and he brake forth, and said, [...], &c. O man destroy not the King, and so saved his life.
So our Cresus (the King) was as near death, if the Lord of Hosts had not been his convoy. Lord, let our tongues be loosed as the boyes was, not onely to say, God save the King; but to sing the praises of God, that he may have the honour of the day. To him, let us all with one voyce cry Hosanna, Lord [Page 9] save, Lord prosper; Lord add dayes to his dayes, that his years may be as many ages.
Againe, See yee him, who was banished into a strange Land, from one countrey to another, to sing the Lords song, whose Religion was opposite to his; who wav'd all temptations, (though with the hazzard of his life) And had rather live on the mountains of persecution, then be false to his God, Religion or Countrey, and see, how God hath now rewarded him? The stone which the Builders refused, is now become the Head-stone of the Corner, Psal. 118. 22.
A King they sav'd, Tanquam speculum propitii Numinis, as a mirrour of the Lords favour and protection, and that in the sight of his people.
Sure I am we must needs say, This is the Lords doing, and 'tis marvellous in our eyes.
If ever therefore you defire the Lord to open your eyes, to see the wonderful works of God, This day, this year, you may doe it.
And therefore let me be your Samuel (this day) to put you in minde of the great mercy of God in preserving him to be our King;
In these words, which I this day present unto you; And Samuel said unto all the people, See yee him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted and said, God save the King.
Object. It may be some will object, with the children of Belial (But I hope there are none here) who said, How shall this Man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents, v. 27.
Ans. To this I answer, our Laws which were broken shall be reestablished; our Religion, which for many years together hath been lost, and the glory of God which hath been taken from us, by those who for many years have caus'd our Harps to hang on the willows; And we who have sate down by the Rivers and w [...]pt, to remember our poor destressed Zion, shall now serve our God in the beauty of holiness, and praise him again upon the Organ, and all sorts of musical instruments, Psal. 150. 4.
Our Laws, our liberty, our estates, our priviledges, our religion, and what not? shall all be sav'd under this Royal Canopy of Monarchy.
For when we had no King, call to minde what strange and unheard of violence, and out-rages, have our eyes (for many years) beheld committed by an Arbitrary power, still pretending a Reformation; and in stead of protection and defence to us (which was duely administred to us, in the dayes of our Monarchy) what awe, dread and terrour did these Tyranical usurpers keep three Kingdoms under, from the highest to the lowest, of all sorts and qualities? To preserve our selves now from all these, shall we not shout and say, God save the King?
No Church and State can live so happily as under Monarchy: well therefore doth Cornelius Tac. say (Annal Libi.) Ea est conditio inperandi, ut non aliter Ratio constat, quam si uni reddatur; Non aliud discordantis patriae remedium est, quam ut ab uno regeretur. Vt unum est corpus Resp. ita unius animo regenda est. These words we have found true: such is the condition of ruling well; yea, the constitution [Page 11] of England too; That no Government but this can subsist. And there is no other way to unite a divided Kingdom, but to have one that is the Lawful Heire to reign and rule over us: Monarchy is the sole and onely Government ordained by God. By him Kings reign, Prov. 8. 15. And by him Kingdoms are planted, and needs it be the best, because it doth resemble the Government of Heaven, God himself is King and Monarch.
Kingly power (saith one) is the onely curb to Sacriledge, Oppression, Murther, Perjury, &c. Our Moderator to factions, our Sanctuary for remedies of all evils: It stops usurpation, (from which again good Lord deliver us.)
It did administer true Justice, Equity, and Mercy, that the widow, or poor harmless Orphans were not oppressed, but Law was administred to them; Nemo laeditur nisia seipso.
Such a Catholicon of welfare and happiness, our Kings power (of blessed memory) was to us whil'st he was himself, that in Church we were the happiest people under the Sun; and without too, we received all the benefits of plenty, ease and quiet, that could be given to any of the Sons and Daughters of men.
But since, this blessed Government was destroyed, the lamentations of Jeremy were fallen upon us, Lam. 5. The disobeying of Princes: the dishonouring of Nobles, Priests and Judges: the making many widows and orphans, the voyce in Rama, of Rachel weeping (in every corner of our Land) for her children, cruelty upon cruelty, and all their whole [Page 12] business was, to make Acts and Ordinances, to break Gods and the Kings commandement, to pull down the seed Royal, and exalt murtherers.
To let that pass, let us now look up to the mercy of God from heaven; at that after all these tempestous, stormy violences, wasting and consuming divisions, dolesul and deplorable calamities, which have so fiercely raged amongst us; the Almighty hand of God, to a wonder, without shedding of blood, hath clos'd up all breaches, That we might enjoy the blessed and happy benefit of a well established and lasting peace.
Hic est digitus Dei, This is the finger of God, and nothing else: See yee him whom the Lord heth chosen? So see as to look back to the judgements of God on the Land, that are past, Prov. 28. 2. For the Transgressions of the Land, many were the Princes thereof: And behold, the mercy of God on the Land now, who hath blessed the Land with a King who is the Son of Nobles, Eccles. 10. 17.
Such a Son, who came from such a Father, (That Proto-Martyr of Kings) whom the world cannot parallel, who left such an [...], a living monument of piety to his Posterity, infusing such principles of Religion, piety, charity into them: Sure I am, such a Son, is worth the looking after; And I hope all good Subjects will shout, and say, God save the King.
The Use.
Seeing 'tis a great mercy of God to a sinful Land, and great rejoycing to all true Christians (after so [Page 13] much rebellion, murther and confusion) that the Lord is pleased to give us a King:
In the first place, this may serve to reprove those, when the Lord in mercy hath given them a King, that will not submit to his Government: As those v. 27. who did much displease the Lord, and to requite him for his mercy, they gave him nothing but contumacy and rebellion, and therefore the Lord stiled them the sons of Belial, i. e. men most flagitious and desperately wicked.
And as there were sons of Belial then, so, I doubt me now, too many in England, who are heady (as the Apost. sayes) high minded, & despise government, lovers of pleasure more then lovers of God: And in a Hypochondriacall fit will say, Shall Saul reign over us? as 'tis in the next chapter, v. 12.
Secondly, Those who doe dissemble a gladness, for fear of being noted, and yet doe sing with a sad heart.
Many a close Hypocrite may seem to rejoyce, many a counterfeit Shimei and Sheba may seem to rejoyce with David, and yet curse him in his heart, 2 Sam. 19. 22.
Thirdly, This may reprove those, who think they cannot rejoyce, but in a Tavern or in an Ale-house, who pour in cup after cup, till they have forgotten themselves, and God that made them.
But the Prophet Hosea will tell thee, such rethem joycing is evil before God: After he had reproved of many sins, he tels them of this; In the day of our King the Princes have made him sick with bottles of Wine, Hos. 7. 5.
And the Prophet Malachi will tell thee, how angry the Lord is with belly-gods; those that rejoyce onely in filling their panch: Behold (saith the Lord) I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts, and one shall take you away with it, Mal. 2. 3.
To prevent these judgements, the blessed Apostle therefore gives us an excellent lesson: Whether therefore, you eat or drink, or whatsoever yee doe, doe all to the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10. 31.
This rejoycing is pleasing to God, and he that will please God must begin at Hosanna, at the Temple doore, there it must goe in, (as 'tis) Esay 56. 7. Even them will I bring to my holy mountaine, and make them joyful in my house of Prayer.
The stream of our joy must come from the spring head of Religion; with such rejoycing, with such sacrifices, the Lord is well pleased.
The second use is, Hath the Lord been merciful, (after this sad confusion) to give us a King?
In the second place, here's a use for caution, and that to high and low, rich and poor, to beware of those sins (which) for many years have left us fatherless.
First, To those who are Nobles and Gentry; How honourable soever you Courtiers be in your places, I must tell such, without piety and holiness, they are but Splendida peccata, glistring sins: Let them take heed, lest they make good that saying upon his Majesties Court.
Secondly, To you, who hear me this day, let me [Page 15] tell you (as I am the Lords messenger) every sin in you, and that in the meanest subject, is a Thorne in the Crown: I need not preach it, I hope you are all sensible of it, Lam. 5. 16. The Crown is fallen from our head, wo unto us that we have sinned.
And call to minde, since that fatal day, how many woes (by reason of sin) have your eyes beheld.
Wo upon City, wo upon Countrey, wo upon Magistrate, wo upon Minister and People.
Alas (Beloved) what is it, that sin cannot doe? It can pull up Kingdoms, destroy Church, change Governments, make Princes walk as servants upon earth, and servants ride on horse-back, Eccles. 10. 7.
This was that which made the King to mourn, the Prince cloathed with desolation, and the People of the Land troubled, Ezek. 7. 27.
Now (Beloved) the Lord (in a wonderful mercy) hath brought you to the haven of peace again, to see, and try, whether you will follow after Peace & Holiness; If you do not, nor will not prize the Lords mercies, the Holy Ghost will tell you what your destiny is, without which no man shall see the Lord, Heb. 12. 14.
I must tell you, it is not enough for a man to say, I have been for the King; If thou art not a pious, and godly one, thou art rather an enemy to the King, then a friend.
He that saith, Let every soul be subject to the higher Powers, Because they are ordained of God, Rom. 13. 1. the same Apostle tels us, at the latter end of that [Page 16] Chapter, that all Christians must walk honestly as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying, But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lust thereof.
Wherefore I say unto you, in the words of our Prophet Samuel, Onely fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: For consider, how great things he hath done for you: but if ye shall still doe wickedly, yee shall be consumed, both yee, and your King, 1 Sam. 12. 24, 25.
That is, if you persist and continue in your rebellious courses against God: it is not your King that shall be able to save you; No, no, if ye doe wickedly and continue still in your sins, both yee and your King shall perish.
I beseech all Christians to look back, and see the desolations, that sin hath made in the Land; Read over at your leisure, the last Chapter of the Lamentations, that chapter was an embleme of our times.
We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers are as widows, servants have ruled over us: We got our bread with the perill of our lives, because of the sword of the wilderness; Princes are hanged up by their hand: for this our heart is faint, for these things our eyes are dim. Here you see the sad lamentation of Zion; and the like (not long since) was heard and seen in England. Who would have thought to haveseen these things? The Kings of the Earth and all the Inhabitants of the world would not have believed, that the adversary could have [Page 17] done this, For the sins of her Prophets, and the iniquities of her Priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her, Lam. 4. 12, 13.
I beseech you, Let me be your humble remembrancer: sin is of that Longitude, that it can reach from the Earth to Heaven, and pull down again the Lords fearful vengeance upon us: Sure I am, There is no calamity, imprisonment, captivity, that hath been so grievous, but sin and wickedness can bring about again; The Lord grant Moabs security and pride doe not settle us on our Lees, Because we are not carryed into captivity, Jer. 48. 11.
Thirdly, Caution to beware of those, who are troubled with an itch of innovation; rather doe nothing, undoe all: who would be thought Angels, though it be for troubling the waters: who doe pretend a reformation, and think to build the walls of Zion, when the foundation is quite destroyed.
Rebellion, murther, perjury and sacriledge never went upon conscience and religion untill of late years; The Lord grant England may beware of such Schismatical Teachers, and their damnable Doctrin, of these Buccinators, Trumpeters of rebellion, who have (for many years) set three Kingdoms in a flame; Rebellion is the sin of wichcraft, and well they are put together, 1 Sam. 15. 23.
If you hearken to them, or come nearthem, they will inchant you, and (like Conjurers) raise such evil spirits in against God, and his Vicegerent; that 'tis not all the Orthodox Preaching can allay them.
To this purpose, I warn you (this day) as the Lord commanded Moses to warn the congregation; To [Page 18] goe up from the Tabernacle of Corah, Dathan and Abiram, saying, Depart I pray you, from the Tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins, Num. 16. 24, 26.
This is an excellent Caution, from the Lords own mouth; And (I pray God) all may take warning from him; for this is the way for mercy and truth to meet together, that Righteousness and Peace may kiss each other, and that the Lateny may again be set up in our Church: That we may still pray, From privy conspiracy, false Doctrine and Heresie, Good Lord deliver us, Amen.
Third Use, is for terrour: And that to all those who will not stoop, and yeild obedience to the King, whom the Lord hath set over us. Those who will not, let them in the name of God tremble: If Zimri (captain general) shall plot and rebell against his Lord and King, and think to sit in his Throne, The Lord will soon bring destruction upon him, 1 King. 16. 9, 18.
Though Athaliah destroyed all the seed Royal, that she might reign: And did (notwithstanding that cruel and fearful murther) enjoy the Palace six years, as if the Lord had conniv'd at that bloody Action:
At last, the Lord did make inquisition for blood, the Souldiers must be divided, the Captains fall off, and she must be destroyed by that Palace, wherein she took so must delight, and unto which she made way by so much blood, 2 Kings 11. If men will not bring Traytors to the bar of justice, the Lord will hold an assise against them and make them [Page 19] hold up their hands as guilty persons. Heaven shall doe it, by lightning, Psal. 144. 6. The Earth shall doe it, by swallowing up Corah and his company, with their Houses, Numb. 16. 32. Their own friends shall doe it, as Joab, if they will not doe it, their beast shall, as Absaloms, 2. Sam. 18. 9, 14, 1. Or before justice shall be left undone, the Lord will cause themselves to be their own executioners (they shall hang themselves, as Achitophel) 2 Sam. 17. 23.
We need not look far for examples of Gods revenging hand in this kinde, there are enough in our Land.
They are dead and gone, their names and memory do stink in the nostrils of God and men, and so, Let thine, and the Kings enemies perish (O Lord)
Now consider this, yee that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver, Psal. 50. 22.
Fourth Use, is for exhortation: seeing the Lord in a wonderful mercy (after this sad confusion) hath given us a King: Let us all be exhorted not to grow proud, and wanton, and turn the grace of our God into wantonness, or be unthankful (as the Israelites) Who forgot God their Saviour, which had done great things in Egypt, Psal. 106. 21.
Those that are so, I would have them reflect upon their former afflictions, and remember them (as the holy Ghost doth advise them) Heb. 10. 32, 33. Call to remembrance the former dayes, in which ye endured a great fight of afflictions, partly whilst ye were made a gazing-stock, both by reproaches and afflictions.
Now to avoid these again, and that the glory of God might dwell in our Land, let us all, in the second place, be exhorted to be a holy people, Zealous of good works, serving the Lord: That our Sons may be as Plants grown up in their youth: That our Daughters may be as Corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a Palace: That our Garners may be full, affording all manner of store: That our sheep may bring forth thousands, and ten thousands in our streets: That our Oxen may be strong to labour, that there be no breaking in, nor going out, that there be no complaining in our streets: Happy is that people, that is in such a case; yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord, Psal. 144. 12, 13. &c.
Thirdly, Let us all be exhorted to live now like Christans, to live in love, to lay aside all animosities, to be mercifull, as the Lord hath been mercifull to us. The King is mercifull, let us who are his subjects follow his steps, and the Apostles rule: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit, in the bond of Peace, Eph. 4. 3.
Solomon (that wise King) saith, Mercy and Truth preserve the King, and his throne is upholden by mercy, Prov. 20. 28. What then? Must the King delight in nothing but to shew mercy, and pass by to execute justice? To this I answer. 1. The power and laws of our Land is put into the Kings hands, by the fundamentall laws of the Kingdom; to take off and to lay on when 'tis profitable and seasonable: Saul was mercifull to his subjects, though they did not deserve it, as 'tis in the next chapter, v. 13. There shall not a man be put to death this day, because [Page 21] God hath wrought great salvation in Israel.
In which speech, he sheweth his piety, in refusing to take private revenge, his clemency in remitting so foul a fault of Rebellion, which is a Princely vertue, then the which nothing more (saith one) except piety and justice, beseemeth and graceth a King. Here's a Precedent for mercy.
So then, the sword of justice, must be furbished with the oyle of mercy: Yet secondly, There are cases wherein severity ought to cast the scale. 'Tis the duty of Kings to execute justice and judgement, which is the life of the Law. He is not to bear the sword in vain, but as he is the Minister of God, so he is to execute wrath upon him that doth evil, Rom. 13. 4. The spirit appeared in cloven tongues of fire, as well as in the form of a Dove.
A King must not be more milde, then for his peoples good; Bonis nocet, qui malis parcit. Edward the Confessor was held a bad Prince, not by doing but by enduring ill: and how shall he preserve himself, from the latter, if he keep not the power committed to him by the fundamentall Laws of the Kingdom?
It was written upon the Sword of Charles the great, Decem praeceptorum Custos Carolus, Charls is Lord keeper of the Decalogue: So the King must be Lord keeper of all the Militia (both upon Sea and Land) without which he is no King: every man will be a Pope in his own cause, and he will be no longer, (Charls the great.)
And as I gave you a Precedent for mercy: So now, a Precedent for justice too, and that, in Amaziah, [Page 22] (A good King) who did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, 2 Kings 14. 5. And it came to pass as soon as the Kingdom was confirmed in his hand; that he slew his servants which had slain the King his Father: And the next verse will tell you, how far he was to extend justice, but the children of the murtherers he slew not.
So then, As justice is the vitall heat of Government; So mercy is the natural humour which doth qualifie and temper it, maketh it durable, and both are good, if they be rightly and duely used.
Fourthly, that we may be good Subjects for the future, and take off the sad proverb, that the King of England, is Rex Diabolorum; Let us now in the true fear of God, yeild obedience to him, active and passive; as there were six steps to King Solomons Throne, 2 Chron. 9. 18. So there are six parts, which all Subjects are to act in Duty and Allegiance to the King, Fear, Honour, Obedience, Tribute, Defence, Prayer.
These be the six parts, and I Pray God, we his subjects may have Grace to act them: for salus Regis, is a fort Royal, when a King is saved, there be ten thousand salvation in one, 2 Sam. 18. 3.
The sword (saith one) which is carryed before him, commandeth fear, Christus Dominus, 'tis the Lords Anointed, touch him not, Prov. 24. 21. My Son, fear thou the Lord, and the King, and meddle not with them that are given to change; They are inseparable, and so is this duty, they are conjoyn'd in one: If thou can'st not fear Gods Vicegerent, thou wilt never God himself.
And they that will be so factious, (after all these sad distempers) so seditious as to ring the changes again, 'tis no matter, if such be hanged up by the Ropes: for no Subject (under what pretence soever) is to take up the sword but the King; All they that take the Sword, shall perish with the Sword, Mat. 26. 52.
Second duty is Honour, Honour and Majesty hast thou laid upon him, Psal, 21. 5. The Lords Anointed, He is most excellent, for there is none like among all the people: well therefore doth the Holy-Ghost say, Honour the King, 1 Pet. 2. 17. And indeed, He is the fountain-head of all honour, without him, all the Blood running in mens noble veines, will soon be dryed up.
Third duty is Obedience, Would you (who are Parents and Masters of Families) have your children and servants obedient, and observe the fifth commandement of God?
The same Duty is required of all Subjects to their King, for he is Pater Patriae, the father of us all: and in this respect, we owe more duty to our King, then to our natural Parents.
Saint Paul doth press this duty, and commandeth all Ministers to Preach this doctrine, Titus 3. 1. Put them in minde to be subject to Principalities and Powers, to obey Magistrates, to be ready to every good work. And Saint Peter doth Preach the same doctrine, and goes a little further, that we should not onely give obedience to Kings, but to all those sent by them, 1 Pet. 2. 13, 14.
Though the Ordinance be mans, yet the institution [Page 24] is of God, the primary Authour. A deo sane est, sive jubente, sive sinente, of God it is surely, either so commanding, or so suffering it to be. Let them then, to the Honour of God, and the credit of our Land, at last, have Active and Passive obedience, then we need not fear any more disorder, rebellion and confusion who. Was he, Saint Paul commanded obedience to, Rom. 13. 1. Was it not to bloody Nero, (that tyrant) who ripp'd up his mothers belly, to see where he lay, and afterwards beheaded Paul himself at Rome?
Who was he that David commanded obedience to; that they should not murther? Was it not this Saul (who fell from the good spirit to the bad) and breathed out slaughter against the Church of God, yet (saith David) who was to have the Crown, Touch him not, 'tis the Lords Anointed, 1 Sam. 26. 9.
Now, if the good word of God do command obedience to heathen Kings, oh much more to Christian? If Davids heart did smite him for cutting off but a peace of Sauls garment; oh much more his Head. I counsell thee therefore, to keep the Kings commandements, and that in regard of the Oath of God, Eccles. 8. 2.
Fourth duty of subjects to their King is Tribute.
If the King (by his power) doth preserve Church and State, are we not bound in conscience to preserve him? If the Earth, which receives moisture from the sky, repayeth it back again in vapours and exhalations: If the Rocks and Stones, which receive a sound from the Air, (before it be fully given) return it by an Eccho: Shall we Christians (with [Page 25] self-love, and ingratitude return nothing back again? God forbid.
Ingratitude was one of the main sins of this Land, which deprived us of the Lords blessings: For this cause let us pay tribute: Render therefore to all their dues, Tribute to whom Tribute is due, Custome to whom Custome, Rom. 13. 7. And this most wholesome Doctrine is made good by our blessed Saviour in three Evangelists, Matth. 22. 21. Render unto Cesar the things that are Cesars, and unto God the things that are Gods. And Saint Mark 12. 17. there are the same words. So Saint Luke, 20. 25. Render to Cesar the things that are Cesars, and unto God, &c.
Not give, but render: As who should say, ye give him, but what belongs to him, you doe him but right, to helpe Cesar to his own, and that which he may justly require of you, In Reddendo hostimentum patrocini [...] & defensionis, in lieu of his care towards you, and unto God, &c. The Article is twice repeated, [...]. He speaks of God twice, to shew, that our special care should be to give God his due. And he that will take from Cesar and from the Church, and so seem charitable, to give the revenues to another, Non est tributum Dei, sed servitium diaboli; It is not a paying of Tribute to God, but a doing service to the Devil. There be three things, that belong to a true Convert, and sound Repentance, without which, 'tis hard for a man to be sav'd, Confession, Contrition, Restitution.
Hic est durus sermo. Oh then, where ever our Achans and Ananiases be, let them for their souls sake, and their poor Posterity (with all speed) make [Page 26] Restitution to Crown and Miter, lest their ill gotten goods prove Anathema to them, (as the wedge of gold to Achan, or the coale from the Altar to the Eagles nest.) Henry the seventh in his last Will and Testament, commanded Restitution to be made of all such moneys, as had been unjustly levyed by his Officers.
Nay, The Turk, when Perrhus his Counsellour perswaded him to bestow the wealth he had taken from the Perfian Merchants upon some Hospital, to relieve the poor: The dying Turk commanded Restitution to be made to the owners: which was done, to the great shame of many Christians, who minde nothing else. Turk Hist. fol. 567.
But let me tell such, who under pretence of long Prayers, doe creep in and devour widows houses; if they have any desire to have Zacheus salvation come to their house, they must first make Restitution with Zacheus (if not four-fold, yet) as much as in them lyes, Luke 19. 8. If these men have any hope to see the face of God, at his great Tribunal, and to receive a Benediction from him; They must first render to Cesar the things that are Cesars, and to God, &c.
Bloody Cromwel (that man of sin, the worst of tyrants) seeing so much distraction in the State, schisme and faction in the Church, and he knew not what to doe; sent to Doctor Brounring (Bishop of Exeter) to know of him what he should doe: the wise and Christian Bishop made this answer, the best advise I can give you is, Render to Cesar the things that be Cesars, &c. For the present made no answer, [Page 27] neither for the future made any Restitution, but would rather be another Alexander the sixth, who (to obtaine a Popedom) gave his soul to the Devil.
If to rob a private man be theft, and the Law doe require death; what a great sin is it to rob thy Prince, the Royal Treasure, and God himself, Mal. 3. 8. 9. Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, it is no transgression, the same is acompanion of a destroyer, Pro. 28. 24. Oh much more thy Prince, who is, Pater Patriae.
And that we may pay tribute to this our King, without murmuring, I shall give you example out of the word of God, in the like kinde, 2 Sam. 20. 24. David (that Prophetical King) the pattern of devotion, over the tribute did set Adoram.
Solomon the Oracle of God (that wise King) over the tribute did set Adoniram, 1 Kings 4. 6. Nay you may read how the people did morgage their Lands, Vineyards, borrowed money for the Kings tribute, Neh. 5. 4.
As for my self, I say (as Mephibosheth said unto the King) Let him take all, forasmuch as my Lord the King is come again in Peace unto his own House, 2 Sam. 19. 30.
Fifth duty of Subjects to their King, is Defence; If you mean to be defended against oppression, rapine, sacriledge, &c. See, that you defend your Soveraign with your lives and fortunes, from all rebellion, and privy conspiracy. If you know any taking counsel with his servants against him: doe you with Elisha make it known to the King, 2 Kings [Page 28] 6. 12. He is worth ten thousand of us, (his Subjects) being the breath of our nostrils: without him, Church and State is undone.
Oh then! If any Bigthan, Teresh, or Cromwel, seek to lay hands on the Lords Anointed, doe you presently (with Mordecai and Esther) certifie the King thereof, Est. 21. 22.
Sixth and last duty of Subjects to their King is Prayer: And this (saith one) is not the least, but the greatest of our Duty which we owe to the King. Doe we desire (after these sad distracted times) to live in peace, in godliness, and honesty?
Then hear what the Apostle will tell thee, 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2. We are to pray one for another, but especially for Kings.
And that in respect of the great cares they labour under: for there be Thorns in the Crown as well as Diamonds.
And in respect of perils, whereto they be subject.
And in respect of the abundant good which descendeth from them, to the whole Church and State.
Pray for him, in respect of your selves, and in respect of God: in respect of your selves, that you may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
A quiet life, that we may have no insurrections, rebellions at home.
A peaceable life, that we have no invasion from abroad.
In all godliness, that it may be said of England, (as Jacob said of Bethel) Surely the Lord is in this place: [Page 29] This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of Heaven, Gen. 28. 16, 17.
And in all honesty too, that the name of our Lord be not blasphemed by our Sectaries, &c.
Now, that all these things may be effected, and that the glory of God might shine in our Land; I say, to you, once more in the words of my Text; See yee him, whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the People? and therefore, shout and say, and let this be your Prayer, God save the King.
And so much for the six duties, which all Subjects are to act to their King: Fear, Honour, Obedience, Tribute, Defence, and Prayer.
Fifthly, Seeing the great mercy of God, to this sinful Land, after so much confusion, the Lord is pleased to give us a King,
In the fifth place, let us all be exhorted to be thankful, as to look up to the wonderful mercy of God. Psal. 85. 1. Lord (saith the Psalmist) thou hast been favourable unto thy Land; Thou hast brought back the Captivity of Jacob. And that we may not grow wanton with his mercies, but have the continuance of them, tels us in the 8. and 9. v. That we must not turn again to folly: Surely his Salvation is nigh them that fear him, that glory may dwell in our Land.
Last of all, A use of thankful exaltation. The greater our deliverance, and Gods mercy towards us, the more the Lord is stil to be magnified by us al; Ps. 118. 15, &c. The voyce of rejoycing & salvation is in the Tabernacles of the Righteous. The right hand of the Lord doth valiantly: The right hand of the Lord is exalted. But yet that must not serve the turn, to rejoyce in their dwellings; no ver. 19. Open to me the gates of Righteousness, [Page 30] that is the Church doors, (his house could not hold him) to see the wonderful mercy of God, Gods house must be the house of praise, thither will I goe, and there in the great congregation give thanks unto the Lord.
So in another place, Psal. 96. 9, 10, &c. O worship the Lord in the Beauty of holiness, say among the Heathen, the Lord reigneth, he shall judge the people righteously: Let the heavens rejoyce, and let the earth be glad: Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: Then shall the trees of the wood rejoyce before the Lord; for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth, he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Again, Let us not onely rejoyce in our Preaching, but in our singing too; not with voyces alone in Gods house, but with musical instruments, such as the sowers of discord hath left us, the instruments of the Steeple, Bels and all, that so it may be Hosanna in Altissimis, in the very highest key we have.
First, joy, Rege incolumi Gaudendum, joy for the Kings safety, that he is return'd from his Captivity, and that in peace without shedding of blood: Sure I am, the mercy of God considered, our mouths must needs be filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing, for the great things the Lord hath done for England, Psal. 126. First,
The King shall rejoyce in thy strength (O Lord) and in thy salvation how greatly, shall he rejoyce; Thou hast given him his hearts desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips; Thou settest a Crown of pure gold on his head, Psal. 21. 1, 2, 3.
Secondly, We who are his subjects, we wil rejoyce in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up [Page 31] our Banners; Now know I, that the Lord saveth his Annointed; he hath heard him from his holy heaven, with the saving strength of his right hand: Some trust in Chariots, and some in Horses: But we will remember the name of the Lord our God: they are brought down and fallen, but we are risen, and stand upright: Save Lord, let the King hear us, when we call, Psal. 20. 5, 6, &c.
Thirdly, That it may be the better done, let both Prince and People joyn in one heart and voyce, for all good subjects have a part in the King, 2 Sam. 19. 43.
Therefore, Praise ye the Lord, praise ye the Lord from the Heavens, praise him in the highest, Ps. 148. 1. And the 11. & 12. v. will tell thee who the persons are; Kings of the earth, and all people: Princes and all judges of the earth, both young men and maidens, old men and children, let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is excellent; his Glory is above the earth and heavens.
Fourthly, As the Lords mercies are continual, so let our praises be, as long as life lasteth; Oh, let us never forget to commemorate the Lords blessings, which he hath done to the whole Land! Psal. 146. 1, 2. Praise the Lord (O my soul) While I live will I praise the Lord, I will sing praises unto my God, while I have any being.
Onely this (I beseech you) let not the Lords mercies make you proud and wanton, his benefits unthankful, his peace secure, and all his blessings serve us as weapons to rebell against him.
If we doe, I must tell you, the Lord will soon look down from heaven, and visit for these things.
In a word, If our Prophet Samuel caus'd all the Tribes of Israel to draw near to see the Lords Anointed, and the Prophets of the Lord came with a Psaltery, and a Tabret, and a Pipe, and a Harp, to praise the Lord for their King, [Page 32] v. 5. If David did appoint a psalm or song for praise and thanksgiving, for the mercies of God towards them, 1 Chro. 16 7. If Moses and Israel had cause to compile a song for their strange deliverance, and the overthrow of their enemies in the Sea, Exod. 15. 1. If the good women came with Timbrels and other instruments of musick, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, praising God for saving Israel that day, 1 Sam. 18. If that day were a day of joy and gladness, and rejoycing, when Jehojada commanded the Princes and all the people of the land to rejoyce, blowing the trumpets, to see the Kings Son Crowned and made King, clapping their hands, saying, God save the King, 2 King. 11. 12. The same cause have we, to sing out and declare abroad, and rejoyce (both in Gods house and in our own) for the great things the Lord hath done for England. When we were a Chaos, a lump of confusion, A celdama, a field of blood. When we heard a voyce of trembling, of fear and not of peace: Now, they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their King, whom I will raise up unto them, Jer. 30. 5, 9. These mercies of our gracious God considered, we must needs break out (with David) and say, Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, which onely doth wondrous things: And blessed be his glorious name for ever. And let the whole earth be filled with his glory, Amen and Amen, Psal. 72. the two last verses.
And to consider his gratious promise, which thanks be to our God, is made good this day, Psal. 132. 16, 17, &c. I will cloath her Priests with Salvation, and her Saints shall shout aloud for joy. I will make the horne of David to bud, I have ordain'd a lamp for mine Anointed: His enemies will I cloath with shame; But upon the Head of King Charls shall his Crown flourish; And I hope you will all joyn with me, and say, God save the King, Amen.
Gloria in Excelsis Deo. Amen.