AS this whole Psalm by the greatest part of Orthodox Expo­sitors is, so this parcel of it, which I have now singled forth as sutable to the present solemnity, may be looked upon two wayes. 1. Literally, th [...]n Mystically. Literally, as re­lating to King Solomon; Mystically, as relating to King Iesus, of whom Solomon was a Type. And both these wayes sha [...]l I (through [...]od's [Page 2] assistance) in the handling of it look upon it: Beginning with the for­mer.

The Literal sense▪ look upon the words as relating to King Solo­mon. So doth this whole Psalm, as we may take notice from the Title of it, where we find it inscribed Leselomo, Ipsi Selomo, to, or for Solomon; that is, a Psalm (or a Prayer) for him. A prayer composed and made by David, for that his Son, who was to succeed him in his Kingdom: The last prayer of that kind that he made for him, or any other. So much is hinted to us in the Epilogu [...], the close and conclusio [...] of it; where it is said, The Prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended ▪ Inti­mating that this was the last of those set and solemn prayer, which was composed by David not long before his Death, and by him left as a Depositum, a Legacy for his son Solomon, to whom he wished all the blessings that Heaven and Earth could affoard him. And so looking upon these words which I have now read, we may take notice from them of a two-fol [...] Tribute, which as it is due, so it will readily be payed by all Loyal Subjects to a gracious Soveraign, viz. Prayer and Praise. Prayer for him; [Prayer also shall be made for him continually]; Praise of him, [And daily shall he be praised.] Deal we with these two severally; beginning with [...]he former.

Prayer also shall be made for hi [...] [...]ontinuall [...] ▪] Wherein we may take notice of two particulars, Quid and Quando. The Tribute it self which is to be payed, and the time when and how oft it is to be paid. The Tribute itself, Prayer; The time when and how oft it is to be payed, Continually: Briefly of each.

1 1. For the Tribute it self, that is, Prayer: Prayer is a Tribute due from every man to all men. So it is upon a Christian account, as the Apostle chargeth it in that known Text, 1 Tim. 2.1. I exh [...]rt therefore (saith he) that first of all Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. [...]; All kinds of Prayers made for all kinds of men, according to their occasions and ne­cessities, of what Nation, State, Quality, or Condition soever; Be they Jews or Gentiles, Christians or Pagans▪ good or bad, Fri [...]nds or Enemies, rich or Poor, publick or private persons, Prayer is [...] common Tribute due unto all. But among all, in a special manner to [...]ing [...] and Princes: Them the Apostle maketh mention of, in the [...]; For Kings, and all that ar [...] in Authority ▪ Rulers and Governours▪ Su­pream, and Subordinate. To [...]hem belongeth this Tribute after a [...] ­cial [Page 3] ma [...]ner. So King D [...]i [...] looked upon it, who making and sending forth a Decree for the advancing and furthering of the great work which the Jews had then in hand, the rebuilding of the Temple at Ieru­salem; he taketh order that they should be accommodated and fur­nished with all such things as were requisite for the due administration of their publick Worship and Service, expecting that they should pay this Tribut [...] unto him, and his, remembring them in their prayers. So we find it, Ezra 6.10. That which they have need of, &c. let it be given them day by day without fail, That they may offer Sacrifices of a sweet savour to the God of Heaven, and pray for the life of the King, and of his Sons. This may all Kings and Princes expect and look for as a Tribute due unto them from their Subjects. And this Christians are willingly and rea­dily to pay to them.

Yea, though they be such as deserve no such Tribute from them by any good Office which [...]hey have done to them. Though they be wick­ed and ungodly Kings, Enemies both to God and them. Such a one was King I [...]r [...]b [...]am, one of the worst of Kings, whom we find stigma­tized with this brand, Who did sin, and made Israel to Sin, 1 King. 14.16. He did Sin himself▪ this he did as in othe [...] waye [...], so speci [...]lly by setting up an Idolatrous Worship, making those two golden Calves, the one of which he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan (as we find it), 1 King. 12.28, 29. And he made Israel to Sin, by causing the People of God within his Dominio [...]s to leave the Temple of the Lord, and to worship those Calves whom he had set up, which thing became a Sin, as to him, so to them (as it there followeth), ver. 30. And in this Sin of his he was obstinate, insomuch that when the Man of God, by a spe­ciall Command from God himself, came and prophesied ag [...]inst his Altar at Bethel; he was inraged against him, putting forth his hand, either to lay hold of him himself, or to stir up those who were the standers by to apprehend him, which he calleth out to them to do (as the Story tells us), 1. King. 13.4. Yet, notwithstanding this, when God had executed that Judgment upon him, causing his hand to whi­ther and dry up; at his intreaty the Man of God refused not to pray for him, He besought the Lord, and the King's hand [...]as restored again, and became as it was before (so it there followeth), ver. 6. And the like Offi­ce [...] are Christians, both Ministers and People, to be ready to do to the worst of Kings, though Enemies to God and Them, doing unto them all the evil Office [...] [...]hat lyeth in their power; yet are they not to for­bear [Page 4] praying for them: Pray for them that despitefully use you, Luke 6. 28. Such were the Rulers and Governours in the Apostle's time; the Roman Emperours, being then Heathen, they were Enemies to the Church, cruel and bloody persecutors of the Saints, Lyons (as Paul is conceived to call Nero, [...] Tim. 4.17.) Insomuch that some hap­ly might make it a Question, whether they ought to pray for such as they were, or rather pray against them: but the Apostle here resolveth that doubt by instancing particularly in them; Pray for all men, &c. For Kings, and all that are in Authority. Be they what they will, so long as their Authority is just: though they be Tyranni exercitio, Ty­rants as to the exercise of their Power; so long as they are not so Titulo, their Title being just and right, they are to be prayed for by those that are under their Government: Such is the Apostles Precept.

And such was the practise of the Primitive Saints: They were ve­ry conscien [...]ious in the paying of this Tribute; constantly, solemnly and seriously putting up prayers in the behalf of those Roman Emperours under whose Government they lived; notwithstanding they were such as I spake of, cruel and bloody persecutors of the Church. So much we may take notice of, from that known and remarkable passage of that antient Fa [...]her Tertullian, Tertull. Apolog. who setteth forth what their manner then was in their publick meetings, Illuc suspicientes (saith he) lifting up our Eyes to Heaven, Nos Christiani, manibus expansis, quia innocui, We Christians with hands spread abroad, being conscious of our own Innocency, Capite nudo quia non erubescimus, With heads uncoverd, as not having any cause to blush; deni (que) sine monitore, quia de pectore oramus pro omni­bus Impera [...]oribus, Without any other Monitor, to prompt or help us save only our own hearts and spirits; we pray for all Kings and Emperours, beg­ging for them Vitam prolixam, Imperium securum, &c. A long Life, a secure Governments, &c. Thus did they readily pay this Tribute to those Emperours, [...]ough Heathen▪ and bloody persecutors of them and their Religion.

And if this be to be payed [...]nto such; how much more to Graciou [...] Soveraigns, to good Kings and Prince, such as are vertuou [...] and pious, wise and just, merciful and [...]ender hearted towards their Subjects, Friends both to Church and State, Nursing F [...]her to both, such a [...] God promiseth to give unto his Church in the [...] dayes, Esay 49▪ 23. Being such Rulers, such Governours, now those who are under thei [...] Government, receiving so many and great benefits by it as they do, [Page 5] they stand engaged after a special manner to be earnest with God on their behalf; to pray for them. And this, being true Christians, they will readily do: Prayer shall be made for him, (saith David here speaking of his son Solomon). He being a wise and a good Prince, he made no question, but that his People, his Loyal and Obedient Subjects, would be ready to powre out their prayers on his behalf.

2. Yea, and that Continually: There is the second particular which 2 here we take notice of; the Time when, and how often this Tribute is to be payed. Tamith, Iugiter, Alwaies, Continually. [...]

So it is, Prayer is an exercise wherein God's People should be frequent and constant: Praying alwaies. So they are directed by our Saviour to do, Luke 18.1. who is there said to speak a Parable to his Disciples, (viz. that of the importunate widow), to this end, that men ought alwayes to pray. And again, Luke 21.36. Watch ye therefore, and pray alwayes. And so Paul calleth upon his Ephesians to do, Eph. 6.18. Praying al­wayes. And so upon his Colossians, Col. 4.2. Continue in prayer. And w [...]iting to his Thessalonians, he requireth them to pray without cea­sing, 1 Thess. 5.17. [...], that is, incessantly, constantly: not that Christians are to spend all their time in prayer, and do nothing else (as the Euchites, and some other Hereticks of old have thought and taught), but that they should be ready to pray upon all occasions. Thus are they to pray for themselves; inasmuch as they stand in conti­nual need of God's assistance and help, either to bestow upon them some good things which they want, or to free and deliver them from such evils as they feel or fear, they are to pray Continually. And thus are they to pray for others; especially such as in a special manner stand charged upon their prayers. Thus did Paul pray for the Churches▪ Praying alwayes for you (so he tells his Colossians), Col. 1.3. And the like his Thessalonians; We give thanks to God alwayes for you all▪ making men­tion of you in my prayers, 1 Thess. 1.2. And the like are Ministers to do For their Peopl [...], and People for their Ministers; Parents for their Children, and Children for their Parents. And so are Subjects to do for their Soveraignes; they being their Political Fathers, Pa [...]res patriae, Fathers of their Country, they are upon all occasions to be mindful of them, praying for them, and that continually.

And truly great Reason there is why this Tribute should be thus pay­ed unto them; considering,

First, The great need that they have of it. Reas. 1. What the Apostle saith [Page 6] to his He [...]rews concerning Patience, Hebr. 10.36. Ye have need of Patience, may truly be said of Kings and Princes concerning Prayers; they have need of them, great need; yea, greater need then others. So they have, and that both in respect of their Persons, and Government.

1 1. For their Persons, they are exposed to greater dangers than others. So they are, and that both in their Bodies and Souls.

1 1. In their Bodies: Besides those [...], those tryals, common to men; Infirmities, Diseases, Casualties, which they are sub­ject to as well as others, they have many Enemies. As Paul saith it was with him, that he had [...], many Adversaries, 1 Cor. 16.9. So must they, if they be good Kings and Governours, make account to meet with many Enemies; some open, others secret; some out of envy, others out of malice; some envying their greatness, others maligning their goodnesse. Upon these accounts, they may have more Enemies then others of inferior rank. And that so much the more, by how much the better they are: Being such as are truly vertuous and pious, such as will own God's Religion and his People, such as will countenance vertue and piety, and discountenance vice and impiety; now they shall want no Waspes, no E [...]emies. And those, it may be, some of them cruel and deadly, who will not onely speak evil of them, but be ready to act all kind of mischief against them. Such was David's Condition, whom we may hear frequently complain­ing of his Enemies. Of the multitude of them, They compassed me about like Bees, Psal. 118.12. Of the malice of them, how they hated him without a cause, They that hate me without a Cause, are more then the hairs of my Head, Psal. 69.4. Yea, and they hated him with a cruell hatred, Psal. 25.19. Not only reproaching him, and speaking evil of him: As with a sword in my bones, my Enemies reproach me, Psal. 42. 10. But wishing evil to him, wishing his Death; Mine Enemies speak evil of me, When shall he dye, and his Nam [...] perish, Psal. 41.5? And wi­ [...]hing it, they designed it, laying snares for him; They also that seek after my life, lay snares for me, Psal. 38.12. Attempting his destruction, They that would destroy me, being mine Enemies wrongfully are mighty, Psal. 69. 4. And the like, must pious Kings and Princes look for; being such as David was, men after God's own heart, they will want no Enemies, nor their Enemies malice. So as, upon this account, their dangers are more and greater then others: They are so as to their Bodies.

2 2. And (secondly) as to their Souls: Being exposed to more and [Page 7] greater Temptations then others. So it is, high Towers feel more of the Wind and Weather than lower Cottages. And so it is with men of high Place, they are exposed to more and greater Temptations than those of lower condition. The Devil never thought he had our Saviour at so g [...]eat an advantage, as when he had got him upon the Pinacle of the Temple. And surely, of all other, none are more exposed to Satans Temp­tations, than those who are set in places of Eminency; High places are slippery places. Thus have Supream Governours great need of prayers greater then others, in respect of their Persons, being subject to more and greater dangers then others, and that both in their Bodies and Souls.

2. And (secondly) as they have need hereof in respect of their Per­sons,2 so of their Government; which lyeth as a he [...]vy weight upon their Shoulder. So the Government of Christ is said to do upon his, Esay 9.6. The Government shall be upon his Shoulder. And so doth the Go­vernment of Temporal Kings and Prince [...], The Government lyeth upon their Shoulders. The Shoulder is the ordinary part of the Body that is used for the bearing of heavy and weighty burden. Leight burdens are carried in the hand, but we [...]ghty ones upon the Shoulder: And such is the Government which is committed to Kings and Princes; though it be an honourable burden, yet a burden it is, and that a weigh­ty one. So it is, where the trust which is reposed in them is faithfully discharged: However, some there are, and that too many, who divide these two which God hath joyned together, the Hon [...]s and the Onus; As for the Honor of Government, with all the Profits and Revenue [...] belonging thereunto, that they greedily grasp; but as for the burden, that they cast off: Yet so is it not with good and gracious Soveraigns, their Crowns sit heavy upon their Heads, their Heads and Hearts being filled and taken up with a constant care, and solicitude for the procu­ring of the peace and welfare, tranquillity and happinesse of those that are committed to their Charge. Now their burden being so great, they have need of a more than ordinary support for the bearing of it. They h [...]d need to be furnished with a more than ordi [...]ary stock of vertues a [...]d graces for the discharge of this their Trust. This our Solomon, the wi­sest of Kings, was well aware of: And therefore, when being newly come to his Kingdom, God made him a proffer, that he should ask what he would have him to give him, he begs nothing but an understanding heart, 1 King. 3.7, 8, 9. And now, O Lord my God, (saith he) thou hast made thy Servant King in stead of David my Father: And I am but a [Page 8] little Child, (not in respect of years, for he had at this time a Son, as we find it, Chap. 14.2 [...]. but in respect of that wisdom which was requisite for the managing so great a Trust as was committed to him), I know not how to go out, or to come in. And thy Servant is in the midst of thy People, which thou hast chosen, a great People that cannot be numbred nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy Servant an understanding heart to [...]udge thy People, that I may disce [...]n between good and bad; for who is able to judge this thy so great a People? And this also David his Father was very sensible of: And therefore the chief thing that he wisheth him, is this, Only the Lord give thee Wisdom and understanding, 2 Chron. 22.12. Kingly Government being so great a Charge, it calleth for a large heart, for the right managing of it. Such a heart God is said to give unto this King Solomon; God gav [...] Solomon Wisdom, and under­standing exceeding much, and largenesse of heart, 1 King. 4.29. And such hearts in measure, supream Governours had need to have: And therefore upon this account they have need of prayers, of instant and earnest prayers, to be prayed for by their Sub [...]ects, and that Conti­nually.

Reas. 2.And as they have need of prayers in respect of their Persons and Go­vernment, so have Ch [...]istians need to put up these prayers for them, and that upon their own account, as needful for themselves. So they have; considering what an interest they have in their Supream Governours, and how much their welfare depends upon them▪ upon their right managing of their Government. Their welfare (I say), and that both Temporal and Spiritual; both which have a great dependance upon the Supream Governour of a Nation: who if he be wise and faithful, now he is a great blessing unto his People, so as they are blessed in him. So saith David of this his son Solomon in the verse next but one after the Text, ver. 17. Men shall be blessed in him. They should count them­selves happy in such a King, expecting all kind of blessings through him; Blessings (as I said) both Temporall and Spirituall, both which should be the fruit of his Government. So much David here in this Psalm maketh promise of to the People under the Government of this his son Solomon. He being a righteous Governour, there should be peace and plenty in his Dominions. So we have it, ver. 3. The Moun­tains shall bring peace to the People, and the little Hills by righteousness. There should be peace under his Government; which accordingly there was, as we find it, 1 King. 4.25. Iudah and Israel dwel [...] safely, [Page 9] every man under his Vine, and under his Fig-Tree; from Dan even to Beer­sheba, all the dayes of Solomon. And as Peace, so Plenty; So the sixth verse in this Psalm promiseth, He shall come down like rain upon the mowen Grass, as showres that water the Earth. And again, ver. 16. in the words nex [...] after the Text, There shall be an handfull of Corn in the Earth upon the top of the Mountains, the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon, and they of the City shall flourish like Grass of the Earth. There should be in that Kingdom an exceeding great plenty of Corn and other Fruits of the Earth, with a great increase both of Men and Cattle: Thus should his Subjects abound in Temporal; and as in Temporal, so in Spiritual blessings. True piety and godliness should flourish under his Govern­ment, so the fifth ve [...]se hath it: They shall fear thee as long as the Sun and Moon endure, throughout all Generations. Fear thee [...] that is, Thee O God, relating to the first verse, Thy Religion shall be settled and established, and true piety and godlinesse shall prosper and flourish. In his Dayes shall the Righteous flourish (saith the seventh verse), and aboundance of peace so long as the Moon endureth.

Such are the blessings of a righteous Government: And are not all these worthy of the prayers of those who live under it? that they should be instant and earnest with God in the behalf of those whom he hath set over them? Upon this account the Apostle in that Text fore-cited, 1 Tim. 2.2. exhorts Christians, not to be wanting in this Duty. Pray for Kings, &c. That we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godli­ness and honesty. These are the chief blessings that Christians are to de­sire, or indeed can desire upon Earth; that they may live a quiet and peaceable life, as to Temporals; and that they may live in all Godlinesse and Honesty, as to Spirituals. Now these are no where to be enjoyed so well, as under a just and righteous Government. And therefore it behoveth them who would have their share in these blessings, to cast this Tribute into the common Treasury, to contribute their prayers and supplications, seeking God in the behalf of their Governours, that God would protect them, direct them, assist them, giving his Judg­ments to them, that so they may rule his People in his fear.

Thus you see what Reasons there are why Christians should readily and willingly pay this Tribute to those whom God hath set over them; why they should pray as for all in Authority, so in a special manner for those who are Supream, which Kings are within their Dominions (as St. Peter tells us, 1 Pet. 2.13). Not to dwell any longer upon the [Page 10] Doctrinal part; That which remains of thi [...] is Application: which let it be directed only two ways, by way of Reprehension, Exhorta­tion.

Use 1.By way of Reprehension: Is this a D [...]ty which God expecteth and requireth, that Subjects should thus pray for their Soveraigns; what shall we then say to those, who instead of praying for them, pray against them, and it may be seek to make a prey of them. Amongst which there are some that are averse to the Calling to the Office, wishing that there were no such thing as a King upon Earth. Such spirits there have been of late times, who in a direct opposition to the People of Israel, whom no Governour would content but a King, they have at least seemed averse to Monarchical Government, as being inconsistent with the Government of Christ, insomuch that they would by no means endure that the Supream Government of this Nation should be in a single Per­son. A King! the very Title was odious unto them: which whilst it was, surely they had fo [...]gotten that Promise which informs us and them, what benefit the Church may expect from Kings in the latter daye [...], Esay 49.23. Kings shall be thy Nursing Fathers, and Queens thy Nursing Mothers. As also that Prophecy which acquaint [...] us, how the Ten Kings (at least some of them) should hate the Whore, and make her desolate; be the chief Instruments in the destruction of Anti-christ, Rev. 17.16.

Others, though not averse to the Calling; yet it may be they are so to the Persons in whose hands the Government is, hating and maligning them, though without any just cause, as David saith his Enemies did him, Psal. 35.19. And being thu [...] disaffected t [...] them, in stead of wishing well, they are ready [...]o wish ill to them: They tu [...]n their Ap­precations into Imprecations. In stead of praying for them, they are ready to curse them, as that dead Dog Shimei did David, for which Abishai judged him worthy to dye, Because he cursed the Lord's Anointed, 2 Sam. 19.21. A thing which our King Solomon, the wisest of Kings, gives a Caution against, bidding all to beware of it, Curse not the King, no not in thy thought, Eccles. 10. ult.

2 2. A second fort there are who, it may be, profess affection, yea great affection to the persons of their Sov [...]raigns, so as they think them­selves, and would have others so to think of them, to be in the number of their best Subjects; yet they make no conscience of paying this Tribute to them. Other Tribute haply they are willing and ready to pay [Page 11] (which I wish all were); I, it may be that which is not called for▪ even as it is said of the Kings of the East, that they should do unto King Solomon, ver. 10. The Kings of Tars [...]ish, and of the Iles shall bring Pre­sents, the Kings of Sheba and Seba shall over Gifts. So will they, it may be, be ready upon occasion to shew like respects to their Soveraign, presen­ting him with Gifts, thereby, as by other wayes, to declare their affe­ctions. But, in the mean time, Where are their Prayers? their hearty and affectionate prayers unto God for him, which are more worth then all other Gifts they can present him with. And are there not some others (too many), who think there is no such way to declare their af­fection to their Soveraign, as by drinking and Carouzing of Healths to him, drinking by measure without measure? Which however they can­not but take notice how disrelishing a Sacrifice it is unto him to whom it is offered (which he hath sufficiently declared to them and to the World); yet will they obtrude and thrust it upon him. Here are their Healths; but in the mean time where are their Prayers? their serious and affectionate requests put up unto God on his behalf? Possi­bly they will, when they hear a form of prayer read for him in publick, be ready to say Amen to it. But when was the time, or where is the place that ever they fell upon their knees in private to seek God for him? Alas, very far are they from doing what David here saith his Son Solomon's good Subjects should do unto him; Pray for him, and that Continually. In truth they cannot be said to pray for him at all; Prayer being an exercise which they have no acquaintance with, save only the outside of it. But turn we the Reprehension into a word of Exhortation.

Which let it be directed to all of us who would be accounted loyal and faithfull Subjects; see that we be not wanting in this Duty, Use 2. in paying of this Tribute to our now dread Soveraign King Charls the Se­cond, whom God by his Providence and Ordinance hath set over us, restoring him in a wonderful way to his just Right of Government in and over this and the Neighbour-Nations. With-hold we not this due from him, Render therefore to all their dues, Tribute to whom Tri­bute (faith the Apostle), Rom. 13.7. Being rightful Governours, the Tribute which is by Law due unto them, is not to be with-held from them, but to be payed in a consciencious way. And so let this best of Tributes, this Tribute of Prayer be payed by us, by all of us unto our Soveraign: Let prayer be made for him, and that Continually.

[Page 12] Arg. 1.Which as it is his due, so it is a Service acceptable [...]nto God. So much our Apostle tells us in that Text which I have before had recourse unto, 1 Tim. 2.3. where having put Christians upon this duty of praying, in a general way for all men (all sorts of men), and in a special way for Kings, and such as are in Authority, he subjoyns, For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God. [...], good in it self, and to God well-pleasing. Now such are the things which Chri­stians are to set themselves to do, such things as are well-pleasing in his sight (a [...] St. Iohn hath it), 1 Ioh. 3.22. So as were there no other Ar­gument but this, this alone should be sufficient to put Christians upon this Duty.

Arg. 2.But besides this, consider (what hath in the general been shewen us) the need which he to whom this Tribute is to be payed, hath of it; what need our dread Soveraign hath of Prayers. Which he hath, and that not only upon those general accounts of his Person and Government, which are common with him to all other Princes, but in respect of his present Condition, and the condition of the Nations over which he is set; which having lien for so long a time under such sad Distractions as they have done, he who is to be under God the chief Physitian, the chief Instrument for the healing of them, had need of a more then or­dinary direction and assistance in this so great and difficult a Work.

Arg. 3.To this add, As our Prayers are needful for him, so they will be pro­fitable unto us. Water being powred at the Root, the Branches receive the benefit of it: Oyl being in a good quantity powred out upon the Head, it runneth down, not only to the Beard, but to the Skirts of the Gar­ment, (as it is said of Aaron, Psal. 133.2.) And the Dew or Rain falling upon the Mountains, maketh the Vallies fruitful (as it there followeth). Thus the blessings of Heaven being powred out upon the Supream Head of a Nation; there is not the meanest member of it, but may be the better for it. And upon this account may Subjects well be induced to pray for their Soveraigns, what ever they be: upon this account the Lord willeth his People, the People of the Jews, to pray for Babylon; Jer. 29.7. Pray unto the L [...]rd for it, for in the peace thereof ye shal [...] have peace. So it was; their welfare, whilst they had their residence there, was inwrap­ped in the quiet and welfare of that State, as the safety of Passenger [...] is in the Vessel wherein they are imbarked. And even so is the wel­fare of Subjects in a great measure inwrapped and bound up in the [Page 13] welfare of their Soveraigns; as the safety of Passenger [...] is in the skill and care of the Pilot that standeth at the Helm. And upon this ac­count let not those who wish well to themselves, cease to make pray­ers on their behalf, but pray for them continually.

And this do we for our dread Soveraign this day, being the day of his Solemn Inauguration; At which time, and upon which occasion, prayers have been used to be made. So we find it both ordered and practised at the Coronation of this King spoken of in the Text, King Solomon, 1. King. 1. Where David appointing this his Son to be anoin­ted King over-Israel by Zadok the Priest, and Nathan the Prophet; he or­dereth, that for the greater Solemnity, the Trumpet should be blowen, and that all should say, God save the King, ver. 34. which was accordingly done, as we find it, ver. 39. And Zadok the Priest took a horn of Oyl out of the Tabernacle, and anointed Solomon; and they blew the Trumpet, and all the People said, God save King Solomon. And the like let all the People in this Nation at this day do; not only those who are present at this Solemnity, but those who are at a distance from it: Taking notice of it let them, and us, all joyn in this Appr [...]ation, and say, God save King Charls the Second.

And this do we not meerly in a formal way and manner, (as the Acclamation [...] of the People too often are, being nothing but the br [...]ath of their mouths); but do it seriously and cordially, in an affectionate way, heartily begging fo [...] him the Lords Salvation, th [...]t God would direct him in the business of the day, and make it a happy day to him, and to this Nation.

And this, do we not this day only▪ Let not our prayers be (as the pray­ers of [...]oo many are) an [...] ▪ the service of a day, but pray we for him continually. [...], (as Paul there hath it, Eph. 6.18.) Omni tempore, at all times and seasons, in publick, in private▪ as we have occasion to make our solemn addresses unto God, le [...] him be remem­bred.

The best Servic [...] that we can do for h [...]m, the best Tribute th [...]t we can pay unto him. This is all that Paul beggeth of the Churches in his own behalf, Brethren, pray for u [...] ▪ 1 Thess. 5.2 [...]. and a Thess. [...].1. A [...]d again (if that Epistle be his), Heb [...]. 13.18. Pray for u [...]. Where this Tribute is duly payed, other Trib [...] wilt no [...] b [...] with holde [...]. The praying Christian is consciencio [...], and so will not with h [...]ld from any man that which is his d [...]e; which if he should, he cannot expect that his prayers should be heard.

[Page 14]And this is a Tribute that all may pay: They who have no other Presents to bring to their Prince, no Gold of Ophir or S [...]eba, to present him with (which is here said to be given to King Solomon); yet they may have this Frankincense and Mirrh, the sweet Odors of their pray­ers to put up unto God on his behalf. Now such as they have, let them give; as Peter said to that poor Cripple, lying at the beautiful Gate of the Temple, begging an Alms of him, Acts 3.6. Silver and Gold have I none, but such as I have I give thee; a better gift then that which thou desirest, viz. that which Christ hath given me power freely to distribute, the restoring of thy Limbs. And the like let all God's People do to their Soveraign; such as have not the opportunity or abi­lity of doing service to him in other ways; such as they have, let them give. Having a praying spirit given them of God, let them make use of it in his behalf.

Quest.But what is it that we are to pray for on his behalf?

Answ.For resolution, I might send you to that antient Father Tertullian, who in that place fore-mentioned giveth us an account of what things they were that the Christians in his time were wont in their prayers to beg for their Soveraigns. Oramus pro omnibus Imperatoribus, We pray for all Emperours, that God would give them, Vitam prolixam, a long life, Imperium securum, a secure Empire, Domum tutam, a safe Habitation, Exercitus fortes, valiant Armies, Senatum fidelem, a faithfull Counsell, Populum probum, a good People, Orbem quietum, a quiet World, & quaecun (que) Hominis, & Caesaris vota sunt, and what ever good things Caesar himself, or any other can wish. And all these let us beg for this our dread Soveraign, that God would blesse him with all kinds of Blessings, blessings of his right hand and left, blessings Spiritual and Temporal.

Spiritual, that God would write all his Laws in his heart, giving him his Judgments; which is David's prayer for his son Solomon, verse first of this Psalm; Give the King thy Iudgments, O God, and thy Righ­teousnesse to the Kings Son. That so he may be such a King as the Lord maketh promise of unto his People, Esay. 32.1. Behold, a King shall R [...]ign in Righteousnesse, and Princes shall Rule in Iudgment. That God would give him an upright, a perfect heart; such a heart as King He­zekiah had, that so he may walk before him, as he did; and be able at the finishing his course to appeal unto him, as he doth, Esay 38.3. Re­member now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth, [Page 15] and with a perfect heart▪ and have done that which is good in thy sight. And as an upright, so a wise and a large heart. Such a heart God gave unto this King Solomon (as you heard), 1 King. 4.29. And this was the chief blessing that his Father David begged for him, 1 Chron. 22. 12. Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee Charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the Law of the Lord thy God. And that he in whose hand the hearts of Kings are, (The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the Rivers of Water; [...]e turneth it whithersoever he will, as Solomon tells us, Prov. 21.1.) would hold the heart of this his anointed Servant in his own hand, making use of him as an happy Instrument, as in other Services, so in building his House. This David there beggeth for, and of, his son Solomon, in the verse fore­going, 1 Chron. 22.11. Now my Son, the Lord be with thee, and pros­per thou, and build the House of the Lord thy God. Oh that the Lord's Anointed amongst us may do the like! Thus beg we for him these right-hand blessings, spiritual blessings: And this do we in the first place.

Then do we the like for left-hand, Temporal blessings: That God would blesse him in his Person and Government.

In his Person, multiplying his Dayes: Pray for the life of the King (as that Text fore-cited hath it), Ezra 6.10. Let the King live forever (saith Nehemiah to Artaxerxes), Neh. 2.3. And Daniel to Da­rius, Dan. 6.21. Thou wilt prolong the Kings life, and his years as many Generations, Psal. 61.6.

In his Government: that that may be peaceable and happy; that God would perform unto him what he promised to David, Psal. 132.18. His Enemies will I clothe with shame, but upon himself shall his Crown flou­rish. As also that, in the verse fore-going; I will make the Horn of Da­vid to bud; I have ordained a Lamp for mine anointed, a Successor that should come out of his Loyns. And that his Government may be prosperous to himself and others, beyond what the best of his Prede­cessors have been. This was the prayer of B [...]naiah, which he made in the behalf of King Solomon at his Coronation, 1 King. 1.37. As the Lord hath been with my Lord the King, even so be he with Solomon, and make his Throne great [...] then the Throne of my Lord King David. Where­in he was second [...]d by Solomon's Servants, ver. 47. who coming to Da­vid, after his Son Solomon was anointed King, they said unto him, God make the Name of Solomon better then thy Name, and make his Throne [Page 16] greater then thy Throne. To which David was ready to say Amen, de­claring his assent, by bowing himself upon the Bed. These and all other blessings, which may be any wayes requisite or expedient, let us beg in the behalf of our dread Soveraign; that he being thus blessed, and we blessed in him, may have cause to bless him.

2 2. That is the other Tribute which David here in the Text saith should be payed unto his Son Solomon: His Subjects thus praying for him, they should also praise him; and so praise him, as they prayed for him, Continually,

And daily shall he praised.] [...]olha [...]om jebar [...]keneh [...] ▪ Totâ (or omni) die benedicet ei. All the day long, or every day, his own People and others, should speak well of him, bless him. All Nations shall call him blessed, ver. 17.

So did diverse [...]orraign Nations, whose Kings having he [...]rd of his Fame, [...]ame to see him, bringing Presents unto him. So it is here foretold of some of them, ver. 10. of this Psalm; The Kings of T [...]rshish, and all the Iles shall bring Presents, the Kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer Gifts; Yea, all Kings shall fall down before him. And accordingly we find it verified in that illustrious Princesse, the Queen of Sheba; who hearing of his Wisdom, came from her own Country to see him, and have some conference with him. Which having had, she departed fully satisfied, finding the reality of his worth far exceeding the report; which at her departure she acknowledged, as we find it, 1 King. 10.6, &c. And she said unto the King, It was a true report that I heard in mine own Land of thy Acts, and of thy Wisdom. Howbeit, I believed not the words untill I came; and mine Eyes have seen it, and behold, the half was not told m [...]; thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the Fame which I heard▪ Blessed be the Lord thy God which delighteth in thee, to set thee on the Throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee King to do Iustice and Iudgment. And she gave the King an hundred and twenty Talents of Gold, and Spices▪ very great sto [...], and precious Stones. Thus was he honoured, praised, and blessed of others.

And so he was of his own Subjects, who being (as I said) blessed in him, blessed him. Even as he, speaking of good Wife, who is wise and careful in ordering the businesse of her Family, saith, Her Children rise up, and call her blessed; her Husband also, and he praiseth her, Prov. 3 [...].28. So did his Subjects unto him, feeling the benefit of his wife and righteous Government; they called him blessed, [Page 17] daily praising of him. Thus was this Tribute payed unto him.

And so let it be by us to our Royal Soveraign. And that upon a double account; the Vertues which are eminent in him, and the Benefits which we have received from him: His vertues, which are truly praise-worthy. Such is the Patience ▪ which he hath shewen in bearing of so many, so great, so long continued Sufferings, as during his so many years exile he hath had experience of. And such is his Constan [...]y in adhearing to God's true Religion. Notwithstanding his case was much like unto David's, who complaining unto King Saul of his hard Usage from his malicious Enemies, saith, They have driven me out this day from abiding in the Inheritance of the Lord, saying, Go serve other gods, 1 Sam. 26.19. Being by their means driven and kept out of his own Land, where he enjoyed the Ordinances of God freely, he was forced to wander from place to place, from Country to Country, to have his abode in Idolatrous Nations; By which doing of theirs, they did as much in them lay, force and compel him to turn Idolater. And even such hath been the condition of this our dread Soveraign, and that for many years together; yet, through the good providence of God watching over him, he hath continued constant to his Religion, as David did. To these add his Sobriety and Temperance, wherein he is exemplary to his Subjects, setting a Copy for them to write after. As also his Moderation and Meekness, which he hath declared by gran­ting such indulgence to consciences truly tender, which he would not have pressed under the burden of offensive & unnecessary observances; as by desiring and endeavouring an accommodation of differences▪ that there might be (as to matters of lesser concernment) a Christian compliance amongst persons of different perswasions. To which, an­n [...]x his Lenity and Gentlenesse, in not taking all just advantages against all such as by whom he hath unjustly suffered. To all which, add the Zeal which he hath shewen against those Epidemical Sins of Swearing and Drunkenness, which through too much indulgence have been sorife in this Nation. These, and other the like Vertues, they call for this Tribute to be payed unto him. And so do all those blessings and benefits, which since his return we enjoyed under his Government: For which let him, under God, be prais [...]d.

[Page 18]And oh that the Lord may so blesse him for the future, that he may yet be made a greater blessing unto his People in this and the Neighbour-Nations; that they sitting quietly under his shadow, may enjoy the Gospel of peace, and the peace of the Gospel, havi [...] all the Ordinances of God continued to them with Liberty and Purity. That so they, being blessed in him, may blesse God for him; giving unto God as the Authour, and to him as the Instrument, the praise and ho­nour which is due unto both. But I want time to prosecu [...]e what I have only propounded: And so shall take leave of the Literal sense of the words in the Text, as relating to King Solomon. It remains that I should look upon them in their Mystical sense, as relating to King Iesus, of whom Solomon was a Type. But this I shall adjourn to the next Occasion.

THese words (as you lately heard) may be looked upon two wayes, Literally and Mystically. Literally, as relating to King Solomon; Mystically as relating to King Iesus. With the former of these I have done. It now remains that I come to the latter, to look upon the words as relating unto Christ; of whom King Solomon was a Type.

That he was so, I presume it will not be questioned by any who un­derstand the meaning of his Name. Solomon, Pacifious, Peaceable ▪ So we find it expounded, 1 Chron. 22.9. where the Lord giveth unto David the reason of imposing this Name upon this his Son: Behold (saith he) a Son shall b [...] born unto thee, who shall be a man of rest▪ and I will give him rest from all his Enemies round about: For his Name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his dayes. Such a Prince was he; a Prince of peace, of a peaceable disposition, and under whose Government the Land had peace. And herein was he a Type of Christ, whom we find described to be such a Prince, having this Name given unto him, Esay 9.6. His Name shall be called, The Prince of Peace; Shir Shalom, the mystical Solomon. To which we may [Page 20] joyn that other name which was given unto Solomon, and that also by God himself; Who sending by the hand of Nathan the Prophet, called his name Iedidiah, that is, beloved of the Lord, as we have it, 2 Sam. 12.24, 23. Which Name, how fitly it agreeth unto Christ, we may learn from that Voice from Heaven, which was heard at his Baptism; saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, Matth. 3.17. This is Ies [...]s Christ the true Solomon.

And being so▪ well may this Psalm (as the 45th, being much of the s [...]me [...]ture an [...] kind, withou [...] co [...]roversy h [...]h) be conceived to have an [...]ye at h [...]m. So it is agreed by all Ch [...]istian [...]xpositors ▪ Howev [...]r, some of them have made it a Question, whether it have an eye at Solo­mon at all, there being in it many expressions so highly Hyperbolical, as that they cannot conceive how they should agree to him, or any Mortal man whatever; yea, diverse of those whom we account to be the best Interpreters, by their manner of Interpretation (applying it only to Christ), may seem to have thought little lesse: yet that it hath a respect unto Christ, and chiefly unto Him, it is on all hands agreed.

And so shall I look upon this passage in it, which I have now in hand. Which acquaints us with a two-fold Tribute due (as unto Solomon, so) unto Christ: Prayer and Praise▪ Prayer, [Prayer also shall be m [...]de for him continually.] Praise. [And daily shall he be praised.] Be [...]in we with the former.

Prayer also shall be made for him continually]. Wherein again (as be­fore I did), I shall take notice of those two particulars: The Tribute it self, Prayer; And the Time, when and how oft it is to be payed, Con­tinually ▪ Touch upon them severally.

1 1. The Tribute it self, Prayer. [Prayer also shall be made for him.]

Object.But what? Prayer made for him, for Christ? How can this be? What, doth he stand in n [...]ed of our Prayers? that men upon Earth should make prayers for him being in Heaven? Here t [...]e Iew [...] fall foul upon us Christians, and jear us, tha [...] we should expound this Psalm concerning our M [...]ssia; who if he be (what we believe him) God, how then can this passage agre [...] unto him, that prayers should be made for him? What, pray for our God? Prayers are to be put [...]p to him, not fo [...] him.

[Page 21]For answer to this: True it is, as it is with Saints and Angels, Answ. so much more with Iesus Christ, he being ascended into Heaven, and sit­ting at the right hand of his Father, Crowned with Honour and Glory, having all Power given to him in Heaven and Earth; He is far from needing the assistance of men, or any other Creature [...]. He needeth not our prayers; we have need, and that continuall need, of his, of his Intercession, which he maketh for us (as the Apostle tells us), Rom. 8.34. But he hath no need of ours, no more then the greatest Mo­narch upon Earth hath to receive an Alms from the poorest Peasant. But though he hath no need of them, as to his own person; yet his Kingdom hath, his Church, which is as it were a part of himself, his Body ▪ whereof he is the Head. He is the Head of the Body, the Church, Col. 1.18. his Mystical Body. Which in re [...]ard of the near relation it hath to him, is called sometimes by his N [...]e; as 1 Cor. 12.12. As the Body is one, and hath many members, &c. So is Christ. And again, Gal. 3.16. Now to Abraham, and to his Seed were the promises made, &c. which Seed is Christ; meaning the Mystical Body of the Church, whereof Christ is the Head, and his Elect People the Members. Now though he being the Head, is out of the reach of our prayers, so as that they should be made for him: yet so are not his Members here upon Earth. And up [...]n that account prayers may fitly be said to be made for him, being made for his Kingdom.

For which all hi [...] Subjects are to pray: So they are taught by Him himself in that Patern and Form of prayer which he hath left them▪ After this manner pray ye, Hallowed be thy Name, thy Kingdom come, Matth. 6.10. The Kingdom of God, the Government whereof is committed to Jesus Christ as Mediatour; this are his Subjects to pray for. His Kingdom, his Kingdom of Grace, his Kingdom of Glory; which are not properly two Kingdoms, but two different states of the same King­dom: And for both these are prayers to be made.

1. For his Kingdom of Grace, his Church upon Earth▪ which is 1 visible, invisible. Visible in the Nations of the World; Invisible in the hearts of his Elect People: Both these are Christians to pray for.

1. For his visible Kingdom; for which they are chiefly to [...]eg two things, Preservation, Augmentation, both which are to be effected by the Power of Christ.

[Page 22]1. Preservation, that it may be continued here upon Earth; which it shall be to the end of the Wo [...]ld, being defended and maintained by the power of Jesus Chris [...] against all the Enemies of it, whether Men or Devils. So he tell [...] Pe [...]er in that known Text, Matth. 16.18. [Thou art Peter, and upon this Rock will I build my Church, and th [...] Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.] Upon this Rock, not the rock Confessing, but Confessed; not upon Peter, but upon that Confession which he had then made, ver. 16. Thou art Christ the Son of the living God, upon this Rock ( [...]aith he) I will build my Church; as I have already laid the foundation of it, so will I [...]arry on the building, upholding and preserving it, so as the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against i [...]; that is, all the pow [...]r and policy of Satan and his Instruments, (alluding to the custom of antient times, w [...]rein the Gates of Cities were the chief places of strength, and the [...]sual meeting places for the holding of Councels), let them plot, and contrive, and attempt what they will; yet shall they not so far prevail against the Church as to destroy it, to extirpate and root it out from off the Earth: still Christ will have a visi­ble Kingdom here upon Earth. And for this are all his Subjects [...]o pray, that this his Kingdom may be thus continued. Which whilst they do, they may be said to make prayers for him.

2. And a [...] they are to pray for the Preservation, so for the Augmen­tation; as for the continuance, so for the increase and inlargment of this Kingdom of Christ, that his Kingdom may come, that his S [...]pter may be lifted up, his Government advanced, his Church inlarged, that it may be made a glorious Church. So it shall be in the latter dayes: For which we have many promises, and those very clear and full. As (among other) that of the Prophet Esay, Chap. 2. ver. 2, 3. (repeated by the Prophet Micah in the same terms, M [...]e. 4.1.) It shall come to passe in the last dayes, that the Mountain of the Lords House shall be esta­blished in the top of the Mountains; and shall be exalted above the Hills, and [...]ll Nations shall flow unto it. [In the last Dayes], in the Gospel-times, the dayes of the Messiah, the last Age of the World; [The Mountain of the Lords House], the Church, whereof Moun [...] Sion, upon which the Temple was built, was a Type; [Shall be established in t [...]e top of th [...] Mountains, and exalted above the Hills]▪ it shall be settled and exalted, being in the spiritual glory of it advanced far above all secular States and Kingdoms in the World. [And all Nations shall flow unto it]▪ [Page 23] [...]ws and Gentiles out of all parts of the World shall by whole Flocks and Sho [...]ls come in and joyn themselves to the Church▪ embraci [...]g of the Gospel, and submitting the [...]selves to the Government of Christ. And (as it there followeth, ver. 3. M [...]y People shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord▪ to the House of the God of Iac [...]b, and he will teach us of his wayes, and we will walk in his path [...].

This shall the People of the Iews do, as (among many other) that Text of the Prophet Hosea clearly fore-telleth it, Hos 3.4. The Chil­dren of Israel shall abide many dayes without a King, and without a Prince, and without a Sacrifice, &c. (having neither any form of a Common­wealth amongst them, nor yet the exe [...]cise of their Religion in that way and manner that formerly they had.) Afterward [...] they shall return and seek the Lord their God, and David their King; the true Messiah, the son of David, according to the Fl [...]sh, and of whom David was a Type. They shall seek after him and shall submit to his Govern­ment, taking and [...]knowledging him for their King. Th [...]y shall se [...]ve the Lord the [...]r God▪ and David their King (as the Prophet Ieremy hath i [...]), I [...]r. 30. v [...]r. 9. And as the Iews ▪ so the Gentiles; they shall also come in like manner. So the Prophet Esay most plainly fore-telleth it, Esay 60. where setting forth the glory of the Church under the Gos­spel in the abundan [...] access of the Gentiles, he bidd [...]th her arise▪ v [...]r. 1. [Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord i [...] risen upon th [...]. And ver. 3, 4. he tells her▪ And the Gentiles shall come to thy Light, and Kings to the brightness of thy coming. [...] Lift up thine E [...]es round about and s [...]e, all they gather themselves together, they come to thee. And so he goeth on, ver. 9. Then thou shal [...] se [...], and fl [...]w tog [...]th [...] ▪ [...]nd thine heart shall fear and be inlarged▪ bec [...]se the [...] of the Sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.] Such and so great should the confluence of People from all par [...]s of the World be that should joyn themselves to the Church, that it should be a matter of great admiration and wonder to them that should behold it. So he sets it forth, ver. 8. where [...]e bring in the Church speaking after that manner▪ Who are these tha [...] fly as a Cloud, [...] as the Do [...]e [...] to their Windows? Like as Clouds, which come oft-times from [...]emote quarters, [...]eing driven swiftly by the Wind or, as D [...]v [...]s or Pigeons ▪ that flye in great Flocks, and with much speed to their Dove-coa [...] ▪ such incomes should there be to the Church, which should be wonderfully [Page 24] augmented and increased. A prophecy which as yet hath not had the full accomplishment, so as it shall have in the time appointed. There is a day a coming when the Scepter of Christ shall be advanced: In that day shall the Branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious; so saith the Prophet Esay, Chap. 4. ver. 2. speaking of the Messiah, whom we find sometimes called a Branch, the Branch, as Zach. 3.8. I will bring forth my Servant the Branch. And again, Chap. 6. ver. 12. Behold the man, whose Name is the Branch; meaning the promised Messiah, springing from the root of Iesse, and from whom all spiritual Graces and Blessings do spring, as leaves, and blossoms, and fruits do from the Branch. Of this Branch it is there said, it shall be beautiful and glori­ous. And so it shall be in that day, viz. when the Church shall be increased and inlarged as it shall be, all Nations being brought under the Government of Jesus Christ. Hereof God the Father maketh a Pro­mise to his Son, Psal. 2.8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the Heathen for thi [...]e Inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the Earth for thy Possession; Not only the Iews, but the Gentiles also. And this promise (as already in part it is, so) it shall be fully made good to him in the latter dayes, viz. after the destruction of Anti-christ. So we find it foretold, Rev. 11.15. where we read of a gratulatory Acclamation made by the People of God at that great alteration and change that should be made in the Church. And the seventh Angel sounded, and there were great Voyces in Heaven, saying; The Kingdoms of this World are become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall Reign for ever and ever. The Roman Anti-christ being destroyed, now the Kingdom of Christ shall be inlarged; his visible Church shall be like an Empire, spreading through the World, and lasting to the end of it.

Thus it shall be, the Kingdom of Christ upon Earth shall be a glori­ous Kingdom, his Church shall be setled and established, and it shall prosper and flourish, it shall be made a praise in the Earth. And for this are all that profess themselves the Subjects of Christ to pray. So they are called upon by the Prophet Esay, Chap. 62. ver. 67. Ye that mak [...] mention of the Lord keep not silence, and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the Eart [...].

[Page 25]And this whilst they do, they may truly be said to make prayers for Iesus Christ, whose Body this is, and whose Glory is so much con­cerned in it. The Churche's Exaltation is his Exaltation: Behold my Servant (saith the Lord, speaking of the Messiah, his Son Christ, whom he calleth his Servant [...], in regard of that great Service which he was to do in working of the Redemption and Salvation of his Elect People,) shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted, and extolled, and be very High, Esay 52.13. So he is already in his Person, being set at the right hand of God his Father in the heavenly places, Far abov [...] all Principality and Power, and Might and Dominion, Eph. 1.20, 21. And so he shall be in his Kingdom, his Church, which he governing with so much prudence and wisdom as he doth, and shall do, it shall be exalted, and He exalted in its Exaltati­on.

Thus is God said to be exalted and lifted up, by doing great things for his Church and People against his and their Enemies. So the Prophet Esay hath it, Esay 33. The Lord is exalted, for He dwelleth on High, He hath filled Zion with Iudgment and Righteousness. And again, ver. 10. Now will I arise (saith the Lord), now will I be exalted, now will I lift up my self. So he is said to be, when he manifesteth his Power and Goodness in shewing any special favour to his Church and Peo­ple, and executing any signal Judgments upon his and their Enemies. Now his Name is exalted, as the same Prophet hath it, Esay 12.4. where exciting the People to bless God for his great mercies to his Church, In that day (saith he) shall ye say, Praise the Lord, ca [...] upon his Name, declare his doings among the People, make mention that his Name is exalted. And thus is the Name of Christ exalted in the great things which he doth for his Church; this being a manifestation of his Soveraignty, he is thereby honoured and glorified. And upon this account are his Subjects to pray for him; which we find the Psalmist doing, Psal. 18.46. The Lord liveth, and blessed be my Rock, and let the God of my Salvation be exalted.

2. And as they are thus to pray for his visible Kingdom, [...]o for his 2 Invisible, his Spiritual Kingdom, which is not outwardly visible to the Eye; but is set up in the hearts of men. So our Saviour tells the Pharisees, Luke 17.20. where they demanding of him, When the Kingdom of God should come; He answered them, and said, The King­dom [Page 26] of God cometh not with Observation. [...] [...], with out­ward pomp and shew, It [...]ut observari possit, so as the glory of it may be discerned by every vulgar Eye, as it is with secular Kingdoms. But it is inward and spiritual, set up in the hearts of men. So it followeth in the next verse, Neither shall they say, [...]oe her [...], or [...]oe there▪ for behold the Kingdom of God is within you. [...], Not only among you, (as it is where the Gospel is preached, which is the Scepter of Christ's Kingdom), but within you, in the hearts of the Faithful. There doth Christ set up his Scepter, [...]uling and governing by his Word and Spirit. Now upon this account again are all his Subjects to make prayers for him; that his Kingdom may thus come, and that both to themselves and others.

1. To themselves, that Christ may enter and take a full possession of their hearts. These are the Gates, those everlasting Doors, which the Psalmist calleth upon to lift up their heads, that the King of Glory may enter in, Psal. 24.7, 9. which however it may be understood literally of the Gates of the Temple, and metaphorically of the Gates of Heav [...]n, which were set open to receive Christ at his Ascension thither; yet may it mystically be applyed to the hearts of men, who being the Temple of God, (as Believers are called, 1 Cor. 3.16.) their hearts are as Gates and Doors to let Christ in to their Souls. And these Gates are they to lift up and set open, earnestly desiring that Christ may enter, and take up his dwelling there, ruling and reigning there till [...]he hath put all his Enemies under his Feet, that so they may have a more sweet and full Communion with this their Lord and Sa­viour.

2. And as they are to do this for themselves, so for others. For this cause Paul tells his Ephes [...]ns, that he bowed his knees to the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ on their behalf, That he would grant unto you (saith he) according to the riches of his Glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man, That Christ may dwell in your hearts by Faith. And this are Christians to beg for their Brethren as the cho [...]sest mercy, that the Kingdom of Christ may thus come unto them, that his Sc [...]pter may be set up in their hearts, that so they may become his true Loyal and Obedient Subjects. The number whereof being increased and multiplyed, it will tend much to the honour of this their King. So Solomon tells us it d [...]th to a Temporal Prince; In the [...]ltitude [Page 27] of the People, i [...] the Kings honour, Prov. 14.28. And so it doth to this our Spiritual Soveraign. And upon that account it is to be prayed for on his behalf: Thus are the Subjects of Christ to pray for him, that hi [...] Kingdom of Grac [...] may come.

2. And as his Kingdom of Grace, so of Glory; that he may come 2 in his Glory. Thus he shall come; The Son of man shall come in th [...] Glory of his Father with his Angels, (so he himself tells his Disciples)▪ Matth. 16.27. Come like a glorious King. So he shall do at the las [...] and great day, Then shall he come in the Clouds of Heaven with Power and great Glory (as we have it), Matth. 24.30. And this coming of his, as it shall be glorious to himself, the glorious appearing of the gre [...]t God, and of our Saviour Iesus Christ, (as the Apostle calleth it, Tit. 2.13.) a ful manifestation of his transcendent Glory, so shall it be joyous to his Subjects, who are bid then to look up, and lift up their heads, (viz ▪ those who shall be alive at tha [...] his coming), Luke 21.28. When thes [...] things begin to come to pass, (viz. when they should see the signs of his coming there spoken of) then look up, and lift up your heads, for your Redemption draweth nig [...]; Your full and perfect Redemption, when you shall be for ever freed and delivered out of the hands of all your Enemies, and have a full enjoy [...]ent of all those blessings which I have purchased and prepared for you. Then Christ being glorious in him­self, he shall be glorified in his Saints. So the Apostle sets it forth▪ 2 Thess. 1.7, 10. When the Lord Iesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels, &c. He shall then come to be glorified in his Sain [...]s, and to be admired in all them that believe. So he shall be, when mani­festing the fulness of his Glory unto them, he shall make them par­takers of the same glory with himself. Such shall that his Coming be.

And for this all his Subjects do, or ought to wait. So Paul saith his believing Corinthians did, 1 Cor. 1.7. Ye come behind in no Gift, waiting for the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ. [...] (saith th [...] Original), the Revelation, meaning his second coming, when his Glo­ry should be fully manifested to them, and to the World. And the like he saith of his Thessalonians, 1 Thess. 1.10. Being turned from Idols to serve the true and living God, they waited for his Son from Heaven. Which he prays for them, that they might still do, and that with Pati­ence, 2 Thess. 3.5. And the Lord direct your hearts into the Love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

[Page 28]And whilst they thus waite for it; they are also to wish it, to pray for it. So the Spirit and the Bride are said to do, Rev. 22.17. The Spirit and the Bride say, Come. The Church, which is Christ's Bride, by the motion of the Spirit working such a desire in the hearts of true Believers, earnestly▪ wisheth and prayeth for the coming of Christ. And this are all that hear of it to do; And let him that heareth say, Come. So did Iohn himself, who having received from Christ an intimation and assurance of his Coming, that he would come, and that quickly, he saith Amen to it, closing up this Book of his with this affectionate Ap­precation; He which testifieth these things, saith, Surely I come quickly; Amen, even so come Lord Iesus. Thus are the Subjects of Christ's Kin­dom to make prayers for him.

2 2. And this they are to do Continually. There is the second parti­cular: of which but a word, time not giving way for inlargements, my purpose being to finish the Text at present.

And great Reason there is why they should do so; why the [...] should pray for him Continually.

Reas.1. This doth He for them, being a continual Intercessor on their behalf, He ever liveth to make Intercession for them, Hebr. 7.25.

2. They have need thus to pray for him upon their own account, that he who hath begun to take up his lodging in their Souls, may continue to dwell there; That as he hath begun the good work in them, so he may go on to perform and perfect it till his appea­ring.

3. Again they have need so to do upon the Churches account, which being beset with so many and great Enemies, who are continually at work, being unwearied in their endeavours for the damage and preju­dice of it, and of all the true members thereof, (your Adversary the Devil, as a roaring Lyon walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, 1 Pet. 5.8; and so do his Instr [...]ments), it hath need of a continuall Guard to pro [...]ect and defend it. But leaving the Doctrinal part, I shall passe to Application: which I shall direct (as before) onely two wayes, by way of Reprehension, Exhortation: I shall be brief in both.

Use 1.Is this a Tribute which is due unto this King, how is it then that it is with-held from him? Which it is not only,

[Page 29]1. By h [...]s open and professed Enemies, who will not own and ac­knowledg his Soveraignty. Such were the Iews, We have no King but Caesar (say the chief Priests unto Pilate), Ioh. 19.15. And the rest of the People, being of the same mind; in stead of praying for him, they pray against him: They cryed out, Away with him, away with him, Crucify him, (as the former pa [...]t of that verse hath it). And as it was with the Iews, so was it then, and at this day is with many, the greatest part of the Gentiles, with whom we find the Psal­mist contesting about this their Rebellion, Psal. 2.1, 2, 3. Why do the Heathen rage, and the People imagine a vain thing? The Kings of the Earth set themselves, and the Rulers take Counsel together against the Lord, and against his Anointed; saying, Let us break their bonds as [...]nder, and cast away their Cords from us. Thus was David oppo­sed by his Enemies, both before his coming to the Crown, and after. And thus i [...] the Lord Jesus (of whom David was a Type,) opposed; the gr [...]atest part of the World being Enemies to him, and to his Kingdom, the destruction whereof they desire and endeavour. But leaving them,

2. Are there not some, and too many, who go for his Subjects, guilty of the like disloyalty? Such as have taken the Name of Christ upon them, professing themselves to be Christians, yet are they far from praying for this their Soveraign, as they ought to do. It may be they say, and that as oft as any other, Thy Kingdom come, but they mean it not, they do not unfeignedly desire it▪ which if they did, they would not oppose his Government as they do. His out­ [...]ard Government in his Church; and his inward Government in them­selves. They s [...]ut the Doors of their Souls, that this King of Glory may not enter in: They will not endure that Christ should set up his Scepter in their hearts, they will not have him to rule over them, in them: They will not be governed by his Laws. Let not such call themselves his Subjects.

3. And others there are, who, though they do not utterly refuse to pay this Tribut [...] to this their Soveraign; yet they are remiss, and careless in it, not praying for him Continually, as they ought to do. They are no [...] so affected with the state and condition of his King­dom as they ought to be, so as to be earnest in seeking the pe [...]ce, welfare, and prosperity of the Church. So long as it goeth well [Page 30] with the State wherein they live▪ as for the Church they little [...]e­gard it. So was it not with the People of God in Babylon, whose affection to Hi [...]rusalem we have se [...]t forth, Psal. 137. ver. 5, 6. If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue [...]leav [...] to the roof of my mouth; If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. Thus were they affected with the sad sta [...]e of the Church, and the decay of God's true Re­ligion, more then with all their own private Concernments. This it was that lay nearest their hearts, sate upon their spirits, so as they had it in continual remembrance. How is it then that so ma­ny, who professe themselves Christians, should be so little affected as they are with the sad state and condition of the Church at this Day? They do not remember it, and the interest of Christ in it; if at all, yet not so affectionately and constantly as th [...]y ought to do.

4. To these I may add, such as do not pray for the second coming of Christ: No, they are far from joyning with the Spiri [...] and the Bride in saying, Come Lord Iesus. This is a thing which they do not firmly believe, that he will come. However, they hope that he will not come quickly, saying in their hearts wi [...]h that evil Servant, Matth. 24.48. My Master [...]layeth his com­ing. In the mean time giving themselves to sensuality and luxu­ry; Nay, their defire is that he may never come. And so in stead of praying for him, they pray against him: And surely it can be no otherwise with some, with many, even with all obstina [...]e and rebellious Sinners, such as will not have Christ to Reign in them, and over them here. To all such will this se [...]ond com­ing of Christ be a dreadfull coming; When the Lord I [...]sus shall be rev [...]aled from Heaven with his mighty Angels, in flaming fi [...]e taking Vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Iesus Christ. Who shall be punished with everlasting Destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the Glory of his Power (as the Apostle sets it forth, 2 Thess. 1.7, 8, 9.) Oh! this will be to them a dreadfull coming. A [...] the beholding of which, they shall do what St. Iohn saith of the [...]ings of the Earth, and the gre [...]t men, and the rich men, and the [...]hief Captains, &c. viz. all such as have been En [...]m [...]es to Ch [...]st [Page 31] and to his Kingdom, Rev. 6.15. They shall hide themselves in the the Dens, and in the Rocks of the Mountains, saying to the Mountains and to the Rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the f [...]ce of him that [...]i [...]teth upon the Throne, and from the wrath of the La [...] ▪ And as they shall then deprecate and pray against his coming, so it cannot be that they should now apprecate and pray for it. But turn it into a word of Ex­hortation.

Which let it be directed to all and every of us,Use 2. who professe our selves to be Subjects unto this Soveraign; let not us be wanting in this our Duty, in paying this Tribute unto him, in praying for him, and that cont [...]nually, that his Kingdom may come ▪ and that power, that he may reign and prosper. So it is fore-told that he shall do, Jer. 23.5. Behold the Dayes come (saith the Lord), that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and pro [...]er, and shall execute Iudgment and Iustice i [...] the Earth. In his Dayes Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely▪ And this is his Name whereby he shall be called, The Lord ou [...] Righteousnesse. Which that it is meant of Jesus Christ, i [...] not to be questioned, that being [...]oo high [...] Titl [...] to be given to any but him, to be called, Iehovah T [...]idkenu, The Lord our Right [...]ousnesse. He is this King, the King of his Church, under whose Government (it being a righ [...]eous Government,) this his Kingdom shall pro [...]per. And for him for us pray, as David doth for his Son Solomon, in that T [...] fore-ci [...]ed, 1 Chron. [...]2. [...] ▪ that he may pro [...], and build the House of the Lord ▪ that the work of the Lord may prospe [...] in hi [...] hand; that his Church, through his powerfull and gracious Govern­ment of it, may not onely be continued, but inlarged; that it may be established and made a praise in the Earth. That what is here in this Psalm said of Solomon, and his Govern­ment in a literall sens [...], may be made good in a mysticall [...]nd spiritu [...]ll sense in the Government of Christ ▪ That he judging the People with Righteousnesse, and th [...] Poor with Iudg­men [...]; The Mountains may bring Peace, and the li [...]tl [...] Hills by [...]ighteousness [...], ver. 2, 3. That in his Dayes the Righteous may flourish, and that there may b [...] abundance of P [...]ace so long [...] the Moon [...]ndur [...]th, ver. 7. That he may have Dominion f [...]o [...] S [...]a [Page 32] to Sea, and from the Rivers to the ends of the Earth, ver. 8. That they which dwell in the Wildernesse may bow before him, and that his Enemies may lick the Dust, ver. 9. Thus was it don [...] to King Solomon, and so shall it be done to King Iesus: for which let us daily pray.

2. And whilst we pray, that he may thus come to his Church in generall, beg we the like for our selves in particular▪ that he may come unto us, come into our hearts, taking a full possession of them, dwelling and ruling there, that so we may be happy and blessed under his Government, being blessed with all spirituall Blessings in heavenly places (or things) in him, and have a more sweet and full Communion with him in his Kingdome of Grace here, and in his Kingdome of Glory here­after.

3. For which also let us pray, that that may come, that our eyes may see this our King coming in his Glory. Which whilst we continually wait for (as we ought to do), let us in like manner pray for it, that he may hasten his coming, come quickly. Surely I come quickly; Amen, even so come Lord Iesus. Thus pray we for [...]im.

2 2. And whilst we pray for him, let us also praise him, (of which but a word): This is the other Tribute which is due unto this our Soveraign; and let it be given to him. So it was in his state of Humiliation here upon Earth; when he went, in that mean Garbe, riding into Ierusalem upon an Asse, (as we have the story, Matth. 21.) the People, many of them, received and entertained him with the like solemnity as Princes in their Co­ronations usually are (and as our dread Soveraign lately was in passing thorow his Royal City); some spreading their Garments in the way, other's cutting down Branches from the Trees, and strowing them in the waye [...] And the multitude that went before, and tha [...] followed, cryed, saying, Hosannah to the Son of David, Blessed is he that cometh in the Name [...]f the Lord, Hosannah in the highest. And so it is, and ever shall be, in his state of Exaltation: where Angels and Saints beholding him sitting upon his Throne are said to fall down before him, w [...]r­shipping and praising of him. So St. Iohn saith he saw it, and heard it, Revel▪ 5.11, 12, 13. And I beheld and heard the voice of [Page 33] many Angels round about the Throne, and the Beasts and Elders, &c. saying with a loud Voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive Power, and Riches, and Wisdom, and Strength, and Honour, and Glory, and Blessing. And ev [...]ry Creature which is in Heaven, and on the Earth, &c. heard I saying, Blessing, Ho­nour, Glory, and Power be unto him that sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Here is the Churche's Accla­mation, whe [...]ein the rest of the Creatures joyn with them, and to which the four Beasts (or living Wights, [...]) say, Amen, ver. 14. And herein let us joyn in consort with them▪ thus blessing and praising this our Soveraign, giving unto him all possible Honour and Glory.

This is he worthy to receive: So it is there by that Quire decla­red, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive Honour, and Glo­ry, and Blessing, ver. 12. And so he must be acknowledged to be by us, both in respect of what he is in himself, and what he is to us. In himself he is a King, a great King, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, (that is the Name which is said to be written on his Vesture, and on his Thigh, Revel. 19.16.) The blessed and only Potentate, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the Light which no man can approach unto (so the Apostle describeth him), 1 Tim. 6.15, 16. Such is his Greatnesse. And such is his Goodnesse, his goodness to us, which he hath already many wayes expressed; as in leaving the bosome of his Father, coming down from Heaven, abasing himself to take our Náture upon him, in that Nature doing and suffering what Justice re­quired at our hands, Rede [...]ming us to God by his Blood, Revel. 5.9. All which call for this Tribute to be payed unto him by all those who have an interest in him. As also doth his Con­tinuall Intercession, which he maketh for us, sitting at the right hand of his Father: And the preparations which he hath made for us, being gone before to prepare a place for us, that we may not only be with him, beholding his Glory, but also be made partakers of it▪ To which I might add, The righteousnesse and graciousnesse of his Government; The Righteousnesse of it, The S [...]epter of thy King­dom is a Scepter of Righteousnesse, Hebr. 1.8. The graciousnesse of it, in admitting all that will to come unto him, Him that cometh [Page 34] [...], I will in no wise cast out, Joh. 6.37. And inviting all that feel the need they have of him to come unto him, promising them what they can desire. Come unto me ye that are weary and he [...]vy laden, and I will give you rest, Matth. 11.28. Upon these and many other ac­counts is this our King to be blessed and praised.

And, that Daily, [And daily shall he be praised]▪ Inasmu [...]h as he daily loadeth us with his Benefits, giving us every day new experi­ences of his goodnesse, in bestowing upon us so many Blessings both Temporal and Spiritual▪ all which call for a grateful acknowledg­ment. But here I am fallen into a large Field, wherein I have no time to expatiate: And therefore shall commend what hath bee [...] spoken to the blessing of God.