THESE things are clear. 1. That David was Pen-man of this Psalm, Acts 4.24, 25. verses. 2ly. That this Psalm relates to the Stability of Davids Kingdom, I make no Question: But it's most clear, that it mainly concerns, the Stability of Christ's Kingdom; for many things in this Psalm cannot be applyed to David. 3ly. It's clear, this Text has a Connexion, with the pre­ceeding, and subsequent Words. Take this Paraphrase on the Psalm to make it out.

That the Opposers of Christ who Rebel against him, but shew their Teeth and La­bour in vain: For the Lord will settle Christ's Kingdom in the visible Church, Nill they, will they; and mock his Enemies, and vex them till he ruine them, for the Sta­bility of Christ's Kingdom is decreed in the Covenant of Redemption, and here it is revealed; Christ shall have a full Victory, and dash them by his Rod, who will not be instructed by his Word: And therefore it's incumbent to all, especially to Magi­strats; to learn their Lesson and be wise in time, to Adore, Embrace, subject them­selves, and do homage to Christ, least if they kindle his Anger by provocation, they be consumed in the Flame of his wrath.

This Text contains an Exhortation, wherein we have; 1. The Persons exhorted, Kings, and Judges. 2. What they are exhorted to; to take Instruction, that they may be wise. 3. The Connexion, therefore be wise. 4. The seasonableness of it, now therefore, if ever, least it be too late afterwards; when there is no place for Re­pentance.

I offer some Questions, 1. What is that to be wise, be Instructed? Answ. It is, take your lesson from the Word, where true Wisdom is to be found, and Repent: For he that hates Instruction, is Brutish. Prov. 12.1. And a Fool who rues it out of time, when his Flesh and Bones are Consumed, by severe Correction. Prov. 5.11, 12. And a Man is out of his Wits, till he repent; For it's said of the repenting Prodigal. Luke. 15.17. When he came to himself, he was not at himself before. He that is in a course of Sin in Scripture, is called a Fool and Mad; the Drunkard, Unclean, Oppressor, and Perse­cuter: Paul sayes of himself, he was exceedingly mad against the Church. Acts 26.11.

Quest. 2. What Wisdom is that which they should studie? Answ. There is a three­fold Wisdom, 1. There is wordly Policy, that makes a Man his own Burrio. 2. There is Moral Prudence, that [...]an to serve his Generation. 3. There is Christian Wisdom, that makes a Man wise for Heaven.

For the first, worldly Policy 1. The ends of it are, the lust of the Flesh, the lust of [Page 4]the Eyes, and the pride of Life. 2. The means for attaining these ends are correspon­dent: Namely, Self love, Distrust or suspicion, Disparagement or Detraction, Com­plyance or Neutrality, Reservedness or Clossness, Surprizal, or Advantage, Irreligi­gion or Atheisme. 3. The Miscarriages in the use of these Means, are 1 From the short­ness and inconsistencie, of Mans both Life & Temper, for bringing any great Design about. 2. The Emergency of indiscernable Accidents, that will be sure to Interpose. 3. The Miscarriage of Instruments that must be employed. 4. The competition of Adverse Partie [...] that will be sure to binder what they may. This is not the Wisdom meant in the Text, it being Earthly, Sensual, Devilish, and from below. James 3.15. It is but Craft, and such plat a S [...]are for themselves. 1 Cor. 3.19. He takes the wise in then own [...]:

2. For Moral Prudence, 1. the ends of it; are, Peace, Safety, Contentment and Use­fulness, 2. The means attaining their ends are four. 1. Moderation in our Affections, Opinions, Discourses, and Expenses. 2. Recognition in [...] Customs, Reports, Resolutions, and Undertakings. 3. Intogrity in our Dealings, Words, Professions, and Endeavours, 3. Improvement of our inclinations, Abilities, interests and injuries. 3. Mistakes of the world about it, are, Difficulty, Stupidity, Severity and Singularity. This Moral Providence is included in the Text.

3. Christian wisdom, the Ends of it are, 1. Reconciliation with God. VVe are to Notice these things about it. 1. The means of it, The Covenant of Grace. 2. The Parties to be reconciled to, an offended God, especially in his Justice and Holi­ness, and offending Man, in whose offence there is a condemning Guilt, and commanding, Power. 3. The Remedy is Christ's Death; the price and the Power of it. 4. The Condition applying, is the Grace of Faith. 5. The Grant or Tenor, in which this Covenant runs, God our God, and we his people.

The second end of this Christian Wisdom, is Communion with God; the means of it, the New Birth; whereof God is the Author, the instrument is the word, the sear and subject of it, Man, esperially his will: The manner Spiritual, who attain this Wisdom have advantages in crosses, Co [...]st [...]cts, Desertions and Death. This is the Wisdom that is mainly meaned in the Text. Q. 3. Who are under Rood by Kings and Judges? Ans. Manistrats, Supreme and Subordinat, both these are joyned in the Old Testament here. and in the promise, Isa [...]ah 32.1. Behold, a King shall reign in righteousness, and princes shal rule in judgement. And in the New Testament, in Peter's exhortation to subjection, to the King as Supreme, or unto Governours as sent by him. And in Paul's exhortation to prayer, for Kings, and all that are in Authority. 1 Pet. 2.13, 14. 1 Tim. 2.2, Whey are these joyned? To shew that Magistrats must not desire to be solitary and independent: It would be a burden too heavy, even for Moses alone, to rule a Nation or a great City; wo to him that is alone, and bath none to counsel him: In the multitude of counsellors there is safety, Prov. 11.14. There is a Common-wealth in best case, when it hath a good King, and adjoyned to him, as Eyes, Ears, and Hands to assist in Justice, good Ministers of State, and Under-Rulers: And a good wise King will choose such; now both supreme and subordinate Magistrats have need of Wisdom; For, if a King be a fool, although his Courtiers, and subordinate Officers were never so wise, they will not manage him; he will be a willful fool, and ruine himself who will, who, will not: And if a King were never so wise, if his Counsellours be Foolish, Selfish, K [...] ­vish, they will make his Throne totter, and hazard the falling of the Crown off his [Page 5]head, and make the Common-wealth smart. Many observe, under Nerva a good Emperor, by reason of wicked Under-Rulers, the Roman Common-wealth was in worse case than under Nero.

Q. 4. Why is this Exhortation to Kings and Judges? Have not others need of Wisdom as well as they? Answ. Others are not excluded, but these are mainly exhort­ed, for six Reasons; 1. Because they are under preatest Obligations to God. 2. They are lyable to the greatest Temptations. 3. They are in hazard of the greatest Snares. 4. Because their Authority and Example, good or bad, has a great weight and influ­ence; if they be sound and wise, they may do much service to God, and as much dis­service, if not so, 5. Because they need most Wisdom, and ost conceit it, yet great. Men are not alwayes wise, Job 32.9. 6. Because Christ has but few Friends and Followers in that Categorie of Men; 1 Cor. 1.76. Not many Noble, &c. They pre­sume upon their own power and greatness, and think [...] below them to submit to him; and they are in hazard to misken themselver, and their Maker also. Exod. 5.2. Pha­raoh said, Who is the Lord that [...]hould obey him? But he that would not know God, by Moses instruction, was made to know him by his own, and his great Hosts De­struction.

Q. 5. What sort of Magistrats are there to be found? Answ. Some distinguish them in respect of these seven; 1, In respect Jurisdiction, some are Superiour, who have none above them but God, as Emperor, King, Dictator, Senate; or inserious, who are appointed by the Superiour, as are all inferiour Governours and Officers 2. In respect of Religion, some are Believers, as Joshua; some [...]fidels, and so are either such as persecute Religion, as Herod and Julian: or tollerate it, as a Trajan, 3. In re­spect of Ob [...]ects, so ne are Togati, Gown-men and Governours; [...]one are A [...]ati, Sword­men, Martial Men. 4. In respect of business, some Councillours, some Senators, some Judges. 5. In respect of Office, some are Law givers, some are Law keepets, as Justices, and the like. 6. In respect of Diunity, some have Dignity and not Autho­rity, as such who enjoy the title of Dukes, Earl, Lords, Knights, or Gentlemen; some have Dignity and Authority also, as such of any of the former kind, or the like; as are likewise called to any Office of Rule and Government. 7 They may be well distin­guished in respect of Adj [...]cts some are by God's permission, unlawful or bad Magistrats, as having (in repect of the manner) attained their places by unlawful means, or do ex­exercise their Authority with Cruelty or Partiality: such an one was Saul, & these are a peoples Judgement: some are by God's Approbation, Lawful Just, and good Magi­strates, who come by their power by lawful Election, or succession and do exercise it well; such an one was David, these are a Peoples Mercy: God shafted by Saul's cursed Race, and choosed the sou of Jesse who made no grea [...]shew, but a Man full of Spirit, and a Manly Excellent Spirit; and to the boot, a Man according to Gods own heart; 1 Sam 13.14. And we judge we have a King comes as near this Mark, as any King of Scots we read of since ever there was one.

Moreover, we read of three sores of Kings, first Machiavels King, who may be cal­led a Tyrant. 2ly. The Papes King, who may be called a Slave. 2ly, God's King who only deserves the Name. First for Mac [...]vel his King take these Five. He duects him not to care how he come to a Kingdom, so he may have it; By mu [...]h or Falsh [...]od, Right or Wrong, Crast or Cruelty: miske [...]ning God and Providence, he looks only [Page 6]to Fortune and fleshly Wisdom, and commends to him the cruelty of the Lyon, and cra [...]t of the Fox. 2ly. For his disposition, he forbids him to be Religious indeed, but to seem so, the shew of it is enough to do his Turn with Man, whom he alone respects, and that only to deceive him: And although they who are near him, know his Piety to be Feigned, yet dare not re [...]st the common Opinion of People, who count him Religious indeed: He reckons Conscience and the fear of God, care to please him and be approven of him as Cut throats of politick Designs, and that which makes Effeminate and breaks Courage; because it teaches Men to seek Heaven, and contemn the Glory of the World, he Leaves Religion to such as he counts base Spirits, and Sets up Atheism and deep Hypo­crisie in its place. 3ly. For Government, he advises his Prince to have sufficient Witt of himself, at least to think, that he hath it; To be jealous of all, and keep close his Inten­tions from the best, least his purposes be frustrat. 4ly. He directs them not to count his subjects Gods People, but his own, and that not as free Men, but as Slaves. 5ly. For his end, he advises him to keep his People in continual discord, to expone their Concord a Conspiracy; There is nothing so terrible to him as good correspondence, in the mutual intelligence of their Affairs. Like Nero, he cares not they hate him. so they fear him. This is Machiavel's godless policy which he saw acted at the Court of Rome, under Pope Alex­ander the sixth. And thus directed Borgea his son; this is called wisdom in the World, but it is extreme madness; for beside the sin, which they regard not, they procure their own ruine by such means as they chose for establishment.

Secondly, For the Popes King or Slave, he sets up and casts him down at pleasure, he injoyns him to serve him absolutely in a blind Obedience; and to maintain Idolatry, and persecure the Truth, who are most in these are his Greatest Darlings; He keeps his Kings under Tutorie, and suffers them not to Rule by Gods Word, and the wholesome Laws of their Kingdoms, but Thrusts on them his Breives, and Commands by his Legats.

3ly, For Gods King. He comes to the Throne in Gods Mercy, both to himself and the People, he is Religious in his Disposition, acknowledges his advancement to be of God, forgets not he is Gods Subject; In Government, learns Wisdom from other Mens folly, and Labours to do Gods Work, by Gods Wisdom, making his Commands the Men of his Counsel; He counts his People, not Slaves, but free Men, even Gods people Who has first Right to them; that his Power over them is not Absolute, but Delegate; for which he must be countable to God; by all means seeks their wealth and peace, craves their Hearts more than their Goods, and reckons their Love his best guard under God.

The point of Doctrine I would insist on, is this, That it is the Interest of Magistrats, Su­preme and Subordinate, to learn to be wise; And it answers the Scope of these Words, they should so endeavour wisely to Manage their eminent trust, as they may be most Subservi­ent to the Advancement of the Kingdom of Christ, and be approven of him. I shal ob­serve this order, first whence must they Learn this wisdom? 2ly. Wherein stands this wisdom Magistrats should Learn? 3ly. Why ought they to be thus wise? 4ly. Some application of all.

First, Magistrats must Learn Wisdom from the Word of God, Deut: 17.18, 19. It's enjoyned to a king, when he siteth on the [...]rone of his Kingdom, that he shall write a copy of this Law in a book out of that which is before the Pr [...]ests, the Levites; And it shall be with him, and he shall read there in all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, [Page 7]to keep all the words of this Law, and these statutes to do them: That his heart be not listed up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand nor to the left [...] To the end that [...]e may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel. It's injoyned Jeshuah a Governour, Jeshuah. 1. 7, 8. Only be thou strong and very [...]urogro [...]s, that thou mayest observe to do, according to all the law which Moses my servant command [...]d thee. Turn not from it, to the right hand, or to the lest, that thou mayest prosper whi [...]er soever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but tho [...] shalt meditat there­in day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for thin thou shalt make thy way prosperous & then thou shalt have good success. This word is able to make the Man of God, Magistrat or Minister, wise to Salvation, perfect, and throughly fur­nished for every good work, 2 Tim. 3.15, 17. By this word, P [...]vid [...]av [...]g it ever with him, was made wiser than his enemies, bad more understanding than the detients, and his Teachers, Psalm 119.98, 90, 100. Alas! There are but too sew among our great Once, that have acquaintance with the VVord, that may be applyed to many, Jer. 3.99. They have rejected the word of the Lord, and what wisdom is there in them!

Quest. VVherein stands this VVisdom, Magistrats should Studie? Answ. Solomen says, Prov. 4.7. VVisdom is the principal thing, therefore with all thy getting get under­standing. It is supposed, Job. 38.2. Some darken Counsel by Words without Knowledge [...] True VVisdom stands not in VVords: I consess good Diction and Expression, accep­table VVords with Eloquence are not Despicable Gists; But the main pitch, Beauty and VVorth of VVisdom consift in Action, Joh. 13.17. Christ says, If you know these things, hap­py are ye, if ye do them; Psalm. 111.10. Good understanding have all they that keep his Com­m [...]ndments, James 3.13. Who is a wise Man, and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good Conversation his Works with meekness of Wisdom: All would he called Wise, and the most part pretend to it, even a Fool thinks himself wiser than seven Men that can render a reason, Prov. 26.16. But would Men be what they affect to be reputed, truly wise; then must they Study prudent Meekness, in Co [...]versation; and Pro­nour Knowledge with Practice. Prov. 8.12. I Wisdom dwell with Pruaence. Deut. 3.6. Keap these Statutes, for this is your Wisdom: There be sour sorts of Persons scored by here. 1. The Worldly wise, who are cunning to effectuate their Carnal purposes, 3. Such as content themselves with Humane Knowledge, and can Reason in Natural Things; but know not God, nor themselves, such do but go Wisely to Hell. Sapientes sapienter descen­dunt in Infernum, Hieron. 3. Such as hunt after Notions and Sublime Speculations, knowing only that they may know. 4. Such as are sinsully Crafty to devise wickedness. 1 Cor. 14.20. Be not Children in Understanding, but in Mali [...]e be ye Children: happy Souls who never enters into sins secrets.

Honourable Worthies, in Charity I judge, I need not offer Instruction to many for Information; yet there may be some, what ever smack they have of Homane Policy, would be no worse to learn more Morality, and the Elements of Divine Wisdom, and sure all needs upstirring to more Practise.

Now I will tell you wherein the Wisdom of Magistrats stands not, and then wherein it doth stand. 1. It stands no [...] in unseasonable, undue contending; [...]ieing and deve [...]ing one another, least ye he consumed one of another; Gal. 5.15. The beginning of strise is like the opening of the waters to overflow. Prov. 17.14. I confess there is a lawful contending, not only for Truth, and the Faith of the Gospel, Jud. 3. Phil. 1.27. but even for inferiour [Page 8]things, Joh. 31.13, 14, 15, 23. he admits his hyrlings to plead their Right, and offer their Grievances. If I did despise the cause of my man servant, or of my maid. servant, when they contended with me; what then shall I do, when God riseth up? And when he visi [...]eth, what shall I answer him? Did not he that made me in the womb, make him? and did not one fashion us both in the womb? For destruction from God was a terrour to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure. As if he had said, if I had used my power to overthrow his just right, I heard them patiently and indifferently, and did them right even against my self, if by any misinformation or passion, I had done them Injury: What Apology shall I make when I am call'd before God's Tribunal? Who will examine all my Actions, and particular­ly what is betwixt me and my Servant; altho he was my Servant, yet my fellow Crea­ture, made by the same God, after God's Image as I am, and therefore one of God's Sub­jects, whom I could not abuse without the Injury of his Supreme Lord: altho by Power and Interest, I had little reason to fear Man, I stood in a we of God, and of his Judge­ment, and made it my Business to please him; so he admitted their Debate.

I confess there would be examination of the principal and rise of Debates, if from pride and envy, then confusion and every evil work may be the consequent, James 3.16. there is due season and right methods and measures that would he followed, the miss and mistake in these, may marr a very cleanly Design, and Essays for Peace ill managed; in stead of being water to quench the fire, may prove oyl to increase the flame: It is obser­vable and commendable, although Abraham superior and elder than Lot, avoided unsea­sonable contendings, when the Canaanites were in the Land, Gen. 13. and yielded to Lot, whose choise proved his punishment: It is no disparagement to the highest, to Princes Clemency and Condescendency to these below them, even supposing some Transgression, Prov. 19.11. It is the glory of a man to pass over a transgression and his discretion to defer anger: and far more is it the bound duty of inferiours to yield, and not unnianntely to prig with these above them, where yielding may be without manifest prejudice to Truth and Peace.

Secondly, it is not wisdom in Kings and Magistrate to exerce a despotick and Arbitra­ry power, to Rule with Tyranny and Opp [...]stion, what is spoken of Natural Parents, Ephes. 6.49. is applicable to the Fathers of the Republick; they would not [...]rovoke to wrath, but avoid inhumanity in their dealings, Relax and Moderate their Menacings, and Boasts, least they imbitter their Spirits, and extinguish or weaken their Affections, and become guilty of these sins, which they being provoked, commit; by having that, which is due denyed, or things unjust in themselves, Commanded, or rigorous. Commands of things in their own Nature indifferent, joyned; Or [...]ave ighing with bitterness a­gainst them, when there is no cause, by inflicting punishment, either unjustly, where there is no fault, or immoderatly, unseasonably, or basely, where there is a Fault.

As Inferiours have their bounds, which they may not pass, but move in the Sphere of their Duty to Superiours; so Superiours would mind that there is to Power on Earth, so ablolute, no not of Kings and Supreme Rulers, but implyes, Obligation through Vertue of Gods Ordinance, Rom 13. on these invested with it, to make Conscience of several Duties, to Inferiours and Subjects, and they are bound to advert not only; to the Matter, but to the manner of Performance, that all Rigour and Oppression be avoi­ded: He Rules with most Comfort and Confidence, who keeps most room in the Affecti­ons: and they are likeliest to be the Men of the Promise, to build the Old waste Places, to raise up the Foundations of many Generations, to be called the Repairers of the Breaches, [Page 9]the Restorers of Paths to dwell in, who loose the bands of Wickedness, and un do the heavy burdens, and let the Oppressed go free, and breake every Yoke, who ease people of [...]ust Grievances; and Impose not, nor Continue what is forbidden and Condemned; Isaiah 58.6, 11.

Thirdly, it is not VVisdom for Magistrats, to be too credulous, but to try ere they Trust, that they be not Influenced, & Imposed upon, & bad Impressions made; Satan may borrow Peters Tongue to give bad Advice to his Master Matth. 16.22. A near Relation may whis­per what is dangerous, and prove a snare. 2 Chron. 22.3. Ahaziah his mother counsel­led him to do wickedly. Saul hearkned to false deceitful Slandering Dorg. Psal. 52. a great Persecutor of David, who had done great services to Saul and taken great Ven­tures for him. Kings would beware of all, of such Complection who may involve them in Guilt and Danger, and all Courtiers and Favourits of Princes, would beware of any Tincture of such a Disposition; Magistrats of all Degrees has need of two ears to hear both Parties, and of discreet Ears to try the Truth of what is Related, and the Design of the Relator. Job, 12.11. As the Mouth tastes Meat, so the Ear tryes words. None should except against this warning, for the best of Men may be warned against the worst of Sins. Luke 21.34. Christ warned his Disciples against these Sins, that none could have jealous­ed their Disposition towards Gluttony, and Drunkenness; they appeared to ly far from the Temptation to these: Yet all Men are Men, and having Corruption are not without the reach of Temptation, the best of Men, and best of Kings have made slips, Noah, Lot, David. What I say to one, (says Christ) I say to all, watch; Mark. 13. close.

4. It is not the wisdom of great Men to seek themselves, or great things for themselves, this is reproved in Baruch. Jer. 45. and an old Complaint of the Apostle, which may be renevved. Phil. 2.21. All seek their own things, and not the things of Jesus Christ. it's a Mark of Dishonour, and a Brand of infamy in any, especially in great Men, to be Self-seekers, who live wholly to themselves, like the Grave wherein all that is gotten is buried, and kept closs, and nothing brought forth to publick Benefit, on the Tombs of these it may be written; such a man sought himself when he lived, and losed himself when he died; Self seeking dispirits a Man, and makes him cold and cowardly in God's Cause. This Self is the carnal corrupt part called Flesh, that sways the whole Man. Christ and this Self are contrary; you cannot serve these two Masters; this Self will make sinners say, concerning the Word of Life: The word that's spoken to us in the Name of the Lord, we will not do it, but what proceeds out of our own Mouth. Jer. 44.16, 17. And concerning Christ, we will not have this Man to Reign over us, Luke 19.14. For the Lord's sake, shake off its Government, resist its Reasonings, disobey its Com­mands, refuse to follow its inclinations or to satisfie its L [...]stings. 5. It's not a Magi­strates Wisdom to prefer secular Affairs to the Lords, they were reproved. Haggai. 1. Who dvvelt in Ceiled Houses, when the Lords House lay waste: This is Machiavelians Wisdom, to simulate and make all Interests of Religion subservient to Secular and Civil Concerns; this is the principle of that damned Antichristian Hierarchie: This Wis­dom is but Craft, however it be plastered over; Jeroboam who withdrew the people from the established worship of God pretended their [...]ase, and not only Tollerate, but Established another way of Worship, for which cause the Lord draws a black line on his fore-head, oft stigmatizing him thus; Jeroboam the son of Nebat who made Israel to sin, 2 Kings 10.31. &c.

6. A Magistrates wisdom stands not in pride and upliftedness of Spirit; proud Pharaoh said who is the Lord? Exod. 4.2. But the Lord laid his pride as he did Haman's, Esther 7. [Page 10]The king of Assyrias, Isaiah 10. Nebuchadneezar's, Dan. 4. True wisdom humbleth and advanceth to Honour, Prov. 15.33. Before honour is bumility; It's the ready way to honour both from God and Man to be humble, and gains love and respect from both, whereas pride procures hatred and contempt, 1 Cor. 3.18. If any man among you seem to be wise in this World, let him become a fool, that he may be wise: If any man would be wise to God, wise to eternal Life and Salvation, let him be content to be accounted a fool by the men of the world; The proud man and the fool gets one name; 1 Tim. 6.4. The original Word signifies smoak, importing, that the proud man has a tumour, and is puft up with ill and noisome Air.

7. It is not the wisdom of Magistrats to overlook dangerous persons by a cruel indul­gence; one Achan spared may endanger the whole Camp of Israel; Traitours to Kirk and State would be duely noticed: I am not for Rigours, Severity, and Blood, and would be far from saying, what a Preacher in the South of Scotland said, within these twelveyears, preach­ing before the Justiciary Court, of some that he called Phanaticks, He desired the Lords to dye their scarlet robes in these Mens scarlet blood; At which they themselves blush'd. This I had from Persons of Credit, Ear-witnesses, some whereof are yet alive. But sure Persons of a Dangerous Complexion to undermine the State, would be incapacitate and put out of reach to hazard the Common-wealth. If he were a Church-man; an Abiathar, he might be sent to Anathoth.

Q. But wherein stands the wisdom of Princes and Magistrats? Ans. 1. In having a good foresight, and not to be stiff head-strong and willful in what may endanger ( [...]f not well advised) As David in an humour would not be put off to number the peo­ple, 2 Sam. 14. Notwithstanding Joab told him, it might provoke God, and pro­duce sad effects, for 70 thousand died for it: Princes in their resolutions and purposes, would have a reserve to change measures on second thoughts, especially in what con­cerns secular Affairs; so did David when provoked by an unmannerly Cloun; 1 Sam. 25, But for things directly tending to God's Glory, constancie is a commendation: David never changed his purpose of building the house of God, and paying his Vows, Psal. 66 14, 15. Psal. 119.106, 1 12. Psal. 13 [...].4, 5.

2. The wisdom of Magistrats stands in acquainting themselves with the word of the Lord, which makes the simple wise; some are Branded Jer. 6.10. The word of the Lord is to them a Reproach, for they have no delight in it; they mock Piety, and Scripture, the rule of Piety, such are in the highest Classe of Sinners, who are in the seat of the Scorner, as some translate it, the Chair of Pestilence, importing, as such are pla­gued in their own Spirits, so are they the plague of their Generation; Ah! This pla­gue is too rise among us: But be ye not Mockers least your bands be made strong. I [...] saiah 28.22. God will cast a Chain of his wrath about such, which, if Mercy and Repentance prevent not, will grip and smart them to all Eternity. But I say, Magistrats who would be truely wise, not only for Eternal Life, but for Humane Affairs and Go­vernment, would acquaint themselves with the word of God, where the Rules of Go­vernment are insert, the sins of Governours related with the Snares they have fallen in by committing such Sins, the examples of good Governours for imitation are set before them, and the examples of the bad as Beacons to warn of Dangerous Rocks on which others have Split.

3. The wisdom of Magistrats stands, in the right ordering of the Kingdom, the State in Civil Affairs, the Church in Religious Matters, promoting Religion, and the right ordering of their Persons and Familie [...].

1. In right ordering the State in Civil Affairs, for it will never be well with the Church, if not well with the State; for the wicked Will walk on every side; when vilest Men are exalted, Psalm 12. last; When the wicked rise, Men hide themselves. Prov. 28.28. When the righteous are in Authority, the people rejoyce; when the Wicked bear rule the people mourn, Prov. 29.2. David was of a good mind: Mine eyes (said he) shall be upon the faithful of the Land, who walk in a perfect heart, that they may dwell with me, and I will destroy Evil doers from the City of the Lord. Psal. 101.6, 8.

There be four sorts of Persons Dangerous in a State, and who endanger Crowned Heads, and runs them on Precipices. 1. Sycophants and Flatterers, such were the 400 false Prophets to Achab, 1. Kings 22. 2. The Envyous, such were the Courtiers about Darius. Dan. 6. 3. Selfish, Ambitious and Covetous Men, who seek the glory of their own House, such a one was Haman. Esther 3. 4. Heady and Young Counsellours, like Re­hoboams, who occasioned the Revolt of the ten Tribes. 1 Kings. 12.

Now then it is the wisdom of Kings, to make a right Choice of Favourites for Trust, and to have such in the Government as are described. Ex [...]d, 18.21. 1. Able men, for Greatness, Resolution, Courage and Constancy of mind, the best preservative against Partiality, and corruption in Judgement. 2. Men fearing God, that will restrain them from all injustice, even when they have Ability and Opportunity to injure. 3. Men of truth, Faithful, such as love the Truth, and diligently labour to find it out in all Caus­es, and pass true and right Sentence without respect of Persons. 4. Men hating Cove­tousness, Gifts, and Bribes, the great Corrupters of Judges and Judgements, overthrow­ing them, Prov. 29.4. For when Gifts gets hold on the Heart, they blow a Dust in the Eyes of the wise to blind them.

It is the great Wisdom of Magistrats to be careful that Justice be Dispensed discreet­ly, speedily expeding Causes, (not fretting the Spirits of people by undue delays) impartially and universally to all, resolutely, couragiously, righteously, exactly, sober­ly and diligently; And thus Judgment returning unto Righteousness, and all the upright in heart shall follow it, Psal. 94.15.

2ly, Good Laws, which are the Sinews of Societies would be Enacted; the greatest perfection whereof stands, 1. In their conformity to that prime and eternal Law of God, the Law of Laws, 2ly, In their vigour when they are put in execution: written Laws are for direction, and the living Law (that is the Magistrate) is for Action, to see that direction obeyed; Laws are not made for Theory, but for Practice, and the best Practice on the part of the People it obedience, and on the part of the Magistrat, Exe­cution, when Rewards, and Punishments are duely applyed; wrong application of ei­ther, is hurtful: Laws would be well resolved before Enacted, and ill grounded, ill resolved Laws would be Reseinded; such as the Law of worshipping the King's Image, under the pain of the fiery Furnace, Dan. 3. The Law discharging praying to any but the King for 30 days, under the pain of being cast into the Lions Den, Dan. 6. The strait Commands against Preaching in the Name of Jesus, Act. 4. and 5. Many such griev­ous Laws have been made, under which the Lord's people has smarted fore; and many has built themselves upon their ruines, by the Laws of Forfeitures and Fines, those would be reduced, which would ease the grieved minds of these best affected to the Go­vernment in the Nation, the doing whereof would make the Government lightsome: The gain of Oppression has a Curse in its bosom, there is a Worm at the root of such [Page 12]Gourds, the belief whereof would make the Possessors of other mens Estates and goods, part with them without a grudge.

To prevent the making and Execution of bad Laws, and for the enacting and execution of wholsome Laws; it is the wisdom of Kings to choose single-hearted, self-denyed, and pi­ous men for Trust, such as preser the Interest of the Prince of the Kings of the earth before a Kings interest on earth; and the Kings interest before their own, and the saving of their own Souls, before the raising of their Fortune, and advancing of their Honour.

3ly, The wisdom of Magistrats stands mainly in this, in bending their chief care about Religious concerns, promoting of Piety, advancing Zions welfare: David says, Psalm 132. By Vow and by Oath, he would not come to the Tabernacle of his House, nor go up into his Bed, nor give sleep to his eyes, nor slumber to his eye-lids, untill he found a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob, Psal. 137.5, 6. If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning; that is, Let me never do a right turn, if I do not remember thee, Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; that is, Let me never speak a right word, if I prefer not Ierusalem above my chief joy.

First, You would promote Piety by your Commands, so did Asa, 2 Chron. 14.2, 4. He did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God: And commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their Fathers, and to do the Law and the Commandment. And Josiah a Chron. 34. He Covenanted the people to walk after the Lord.

Secondly, promote Piety by the Example of your Persons and Families, I will behave my self, saith David, Psal. 101.1.2. &c. within my house with a perfect heart, nor would he suffer with him these who were Slaves to Vice and Immoralities: Magistrats would study sound Principles, and steer their Course by the Compass of the Word, as Josh. 1.8. & 24.15. They would design Gods glory above all. Constantius the Father of Constantine tryed his Courtiers wisely; who adhered to truth, he honoured them, who forsook Christ, them he Degraded, and said, who were false to God, would never be true to him: Much depends upon Magistrats personal carriage, and their Courts; Leaders of people easily causes them to err, Isa. 9.16. One wicked man in Authority destroyes much good, Eccles. 9.18. Their example is so powerful.

Thirdly, Magistrats would encourage, settle and maintain a learned, pions, faithful and painful Ministry, men according to Gods own heart, who may seed his people with knowledge and understanding, Jer. 3.15. And not men according to their own humour, to starve, or poison people.

Fourthly, Magistrats would promote the true Worship of God, abolishing all salse Worship, and Monuments of Idolatry: So did the Godly Magistrats, 1 Chron. 29. 2 Chron. 17, &c.

Fifthly, Magistrats would have a fervent care, to order Seminaries of Learning, set­ling them with Able, Learned, Pious Men. It is an old trick of Rome, to poison the Fountains that the Streams may be mudded: Children are the Seminaries of the Church, and if the Seed be nought, the Crop is bad; they are in a great mistake who think the ordering the Seminaries of Learning is a business purely Civil; for Children should be taught Piety with humane Learning; young ones may get a Wramp, and a wrong set by bad Masters, that many Ministers will not cure; a new Vessel ill seasoned at first, 'tis [...] wear it out; It's dangerous to suck in poison with milk.

Sixthly, Magistrats would have a special care as to settle, so to preserve the Hedge of true Government in Christs Church, as may best keep out the Wild Boar, that would corrupt both Doctrine and Manners: having enlarged on this purpose the last Session of Parliament, in the presence of His Majesties then High Commissioner, I give but a few short hints now. First I told, that Church-Government was no light matter, it's an Or­dinance of God, the Royal Diadem of Christ; he was a Martyr on this head; it was his Di [...]ay on the Cross, Joh. 19.19. Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. Secondly That there was a distinction between Ecclesiastick and Civil power, the Scripture con­demns Church-men usurping Civil power, and States-men usurping Church power. Third­ly, That Christ, the alone Head and King of his Church, had appointed a Form of Go­vernment, for punishing Scandals, inflicting Church-Censures, making Church-Canons, and has not left it to mens Arbitriment to come and go upon them, no mans will being a standart in this matter, Moses might not alter a pin from the pattern shewed in the Mount. Exod. 25.9. And if Moses was faithful in the House as a Ser­vant, much more Christ as a Son, whose house we are. Heb. 3.5, 6. Fourthly, That in the Old Testament, there vvas a Church Government, distinct from the State, the same Reasons abide for one in the N. T. Fifthly, I told you the end of Church Government was Spiritual, the perfecting of the Saints, the Edifying of the Body of Christ. Eph. 4.12. Sixth­ly, That for Circumstantials of Government, general Rule [...], managed with prudence, were sufficient: For Substantials, the Scripture is clear, which none can alter. There be these five expresly set down. 1. Church Officers as ye have them distinguished, Pastors, Teachers, Elders, Deacons. Eph. 4.11. 1 Thes. 5.12. 1 Tim. 5.17. Act. 6. &c. And not a Prelate mentioned among them all. 2ly. Church Courts and Judicatures, Mat. 18.16, 18. Tell the Church, the Apostles were members of it, it was no Civil Court. 3. Su­bordination of lesser Judicatures to greater. Act. 15. They came from Antioch, to a more general Council at Jerusalem, for Decision of a matter. 4ly. We have the order of proce­dure in relation to Censure, Mat. 16.26. &c. First, privat Admonition, then more publick. 5ly. The natural kind of these Censures, which is not Bodily, as taking away the Life or Goods, but Spiritual, as Admonition, Reproof, &c. Now there is a Charge gi­ven, to observe all these things inviolably, until Christ's second coming. 1 Tim. 5.21. 1 Tim. 6.14. This Government, we hope, will be manadged with all Discretion and pru­dence, so as may best tend to the Edification of all, and irritation of none.

This Government we owne (and which we bless God this Honourable Court has owned and established by Law) was owned by Ambassadors from most of the reformed Churches in Europe at the Synod of Dort, to which all Subscribed save two. Moreover, it was sworn to in this Nation about 100 years ago, by persons of all Ranks: Besides, it seems to prove it self to be of God; First, being most answerable to the ends foresaid, of establishing a Ministry, Eph. 4.12. 2. Guarding best against Vice and Error. 3. It keeps Ordinances best from pollution, and the Church from infection. 4. If it be not most Witnessed to, by the Spirits operation, in the conviction, conversion, and consola­tion of souls, let God and the World judge: Had we not been perswaded of these things, what fools would we have been, to have suffered one year, let be so many years severity on that account. I judge they will not tell by hundreds in Scotland among the sober, ju­dicious, and ingenuous, who will spend their breath against this Interest; and if any do, [Page 14]it is mostly these who indulge themselves, and loves to be indulged in their lusts, and loves skowth and elbow-room to sin without control.

Christ will not deny Cesar his due, nor will Christ want his own, he will not endare the Pairing of the Priv [...]edges of his Church, nor the [...]r [...]thing her in the use of that intrinsick Power, which blessed be God is given in Scripture, and was exercised 300. Years before there was a Christian Magistrat to owne her: And which Power Church Officers must use when Magistrats are Ene­mies, although they should offend, and may use when Magistrats are Friends, who will not of­fend; It is true there is Reason to acquaint them with such occasions, we give unto the Magistrat, what GOD gave them, a Cumulative Power to help the Church, and they may call a Church Judicature to conveen; but we deny them, what GOD denies them, a Privative Power to hurt the Church, and deprive her of her due; Magistrats should be Nursing Fathers to encourage, and no Step. Fathers to dwang the Church.

That Magistrats of all Ranks ought to be Wise and Understanding Men, is clear, they should be able to discern Good and Evil; that they may rightly Time and Circumstantiat their Actions. D [...]ut. 1.13. Eccles. 8.5. It is threatned as a Judgment, when Princes are Children and Bab [...] in Understanding. Isa. 3.4, 5. David in his Prayer for Solomon, sayes, Lord, give him a persect heart. 1 Chrom 29.19. And in his blessing of him, Lord give thee wisdom and understanding; 2 Chr. 22.12. And when God gave Solomon a Choice, what was his desire? 1 Kings 3.9. Lord, give thy Servant an understanding heart, to judge thy people, and discern between Good and Bad.

There be three Reasons why Magistrats should learn Wisdom. 1. Because of the Figure they hear by their Office, imported in their Styles, namely, first, they are called Gods, and Sons of God. Psal. 82. 2ly. Saviours of the People. Judg. 2.16. Who shelter against the Rage and Violence of the Wicked. 3ly. Fathers to the People, and Nursing Fathers to the Church. G [...]n. 45.8. Isa. 49.23. Importing not only Power and Authority, but Tenderness, Care and Pity: 4ly. Heads of the Body Polltick. Num. 16. That influence the Body to direct and rule the Mem­bers. 5ly. The [...]yes of a State, Job. 29.15. To oversee the manners of a People. 6ly. The Servants of God by way of Eminency, Jerem. 27.6. To improve their Gifts for the good of the Common Wealth. 7ly. The Shepherd of the People, Numh. 27.17. to Feed, Lead, Defend and Watch over them. 8ly. Healers of the People, to bind up their wounds. Isa. 3.7. 9ly. Pillars, Corner-stones, Foundations of the Earth. Psal. 11.3. Psal. 75.3. Z [...]ch. 10.4. Because they unite and uphold the Building. 10ly. Shields of the Earth. Psal. 47. last ver. That should protect God's Ordinances and People in their Lives, Liberties and Estates. 11ly. Overseers. Prov. 6.7. That are careful, that these under them live in Peace and Piety. Lastly, They are called Coverts and hiding Places. Ezek. 28.10. That must refresh and protect People under their shadow: All these says, Magistrats have need to be Wise Men.

A second reason, because of Gods severity threatned in time on such in Office as mis-behave, for Magistrats are neither above instruction, nor without correction, if they fall, Job. 12.21. He pouts contempt upon Princes, and weakens the strength of the Mighty, psal. 110.5. He shall strike through Kings in the day of his wrath, Psal. 76.12. He is terrib [...]e to the Kings of the Earth, he shall cut off the Spirit of Princes. This should instuence Magistrats to se [...]k after Wisdom, con­f [...]ering they have to do with him, who is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth. Rev. 1.5. Zions King, to whom they are all countable, for We must all appear before the Tribunal of Christ. 2 Cor. 5.10. And all of you here must appear that day, no Mans Honour or Office will procure a Dispensation for absence from that Court, where he Judges without respect of Persons. 1. Pet. 1.17. He accepts not the Person of Princes, he regards not the Rich more than the Poor, for they are all the work of his Hands. Job. 34.19. Take heed therefore and be wise, He will not so much a [...]k, were you King, Duke, Marquess, Earl, Lord, Barron, Burges, as how behaved you in your Station and Trust? And these who would Brawl and spit in his Messengers Face will be mute, when the Ma­ster reckons: When the King came in, the man was speechless. Matt. 22.12. There may be some hearing me this day, who will hang their Heads, and sing dumb that day.

A third Reason why Magistrats needs Wisdom, is, because they are lyable to Difficulties and [Page 15]Dangers; great is their Task to know the state of these under them, to hear the plaints of the Foor, to repress the Insolencles of the Proud, to Minister Ju [...]ice to all. Although God exalt them above others, yet are they Servants to Subjects, in that they watch for their Well and Safeti [...], Rom. 13.1; 4. They are the Ministers of God, to People for their good: many are quick sight­ed to see their Defects, who see neither their Difficulties nor Dangers; every curbed Humour, by sear of Punishment frets against them; it's impossible for them to please all, they are in dan­ger from open Enemies, secret Male Contents, Fraud and Flattery Hazards them, as one said, both Solitariness and Society are dangerous to Princes, yea sometimes they are not secure amidst their Attendants; some have fainted, and laid down their Crowns and Honours, because of thase things; but Plety and Prudence is the best Remedy, the more a Magistrat be a seeker of God, the more Wisdom he shall find in that Fountain. Isa. 11.2. The compleat Furniture of a Magistrat begins at the Spirit of the Lord, to rest on him, and is specified in the Spirit of Wis­dom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, and closes with the Spirit of the fear of the Lord, or true Piety: Piety and Prudence will help to exped Difficulties, and helps to Mo­deration in Government, which makes it more durable; if Rehoboam had hearkened to the mo­derat Counsel of the Antients, belike he had keeped the ten Tribes to the House of David: Plety and Prudence helps to Magnanimity and Courage, to Graple and Conflict with Evils, Enemies. Difficulties, and Dangers; David Graples with Goliath, Calth with the Anakims, Paul with Bonds and Affl [...]ctions. The Righteous is made bold as a Lyon. Prov: 28.1. His heart is established, trusting in the Lord, he will not be afraid untill he see his desire upon his Enemies. Psal. 112.8, I will not be afraid of ten thousands of the people that beset me round. Psal. 3.6. I will not be afraid tho an h [...]st encamp against me, Psal. 27.3. Should such a man as I fl [...]t, says Nehemiah ch. 6.11. It is a Mercy, not only to be keeped safe from Danger, but quiet from the sear of Evil, and this is the Privi­ledge of the Holy and Wise, who hearken to the Lord. Prov. 1.33. You see then that Holy Wisdom is most needful to Magistrats on all these Accounts.

Appl. I have two words to say to Magistrats, and People jointly.

First. It is our wisdom to pray and watch against these things amongst us that are evil tokens, and threatens both Church and State with Judgments, upon the account whereof many Hearts trembles. 1. When men do not loath their own Hearts, for their unprofitableness under Ordi­nances, but weary of them as their burden. 2ly. When men prosessing the fear of the same God, are mutually contentions, and continue to be so; when Brother-hood is broken, an idol Shep­herd is set up. Zeck. 11.14, 15. 3ly. Peoples breaking Vowes to the Lord, of cleaving to him in his Ordinances, and remaining Impenitent. 4ly When Additions are made to the Or­dinance of Christ, by the inventions of men. 5ly. When people seek to abolish any Ordinance of Christ, either because of some outward Evil they bring with them, or hope of some outward Ad­vantage by casting them off [...] 6ly. Mens driving the Lord Jesus out of his Ordinances by secret and spiritual pollutions thereof, either by secret contempt and weariness of them, or by unbroken­ness of heart in the enjoyment of them, when people live not in the dayly sense of an extreme need of Mercy. 7ly. When people go to Ordinances, and go not to the Lord of Ordinances, for the blessing. 8ly. When the People are unwilling and careless to receive the stroak, of the Eternal Power of the Life of Jesus in their hearts. 9ly. When people do not only sin, but grow to that height to cast off all reprooss, and christ-like admonitions for sin. 10ly. When Men cast off secret Dread, Fear and Reverence of the Majesty, Dominion and Soveraignity that God stamps on Authority, Jude. 8. and have low despising thoughts of Magistrats, and seek to pluck the Sword of Revenge for sins, that hurt the Common wealth, out of their hands, without which the greatest Power and Authority is but a Vanity and Nuility. 11ly, Whoredom and unclean­ness, tho rise among us, for which the Lord will Judge. Heb. 13.4. 12ly. Swearing and Cor­sing, too rise also among all sorts, prosaning the Lords holy Name, Men, and great Men thinks Oaths the flowrish of their Discourses, and that then they speak with Power and Authority; But I tell them, be of what Quality they will, they are Gods enemies who take His Nar [...] in vain; Psalm 139.20. 13ly. Frequent, Familiar; needless haunting with persons perverse in prin­ciples and practices, by which many learn their way [...]; get a snare to their Soul; and partaking of [Page 16]their sins, receive of their plagues; Prov. 22.25. Rev. 18.4. This has been the neck break o [...] this Generation; Prov. 13.20. by which companions of Fools have been destroyed. 14ly. Much unrepented of guilt in the Persecuters of these bygone years; I am afraid till there be more re­sentn [...]nt of these things; Gods wrath will not be paci [...]ied. We have been deeved with the noise of some, abusively called, the Cl [...]y their Suffering [...] in Pamph [...]s with Attestations justly jealoused, which will be overthrown [...]re long by a true Relation: I am not speaking by way of Approbation of Injuries. But how tender the Consciences of Authors are, you may conjecture from their wide speaking; likening their Flea bit Sufferings (in comparison of ours) to the Dragooning in France. What shall I say; it would consume time, to reckon up so much as the kinds of the Sufferings we have been trysted with. Some of all Degrees, and some of the best Quality, sha [...]d deep­ly in Suffering, even unto Blood, Banishment, and Confinement, and Imprisonment; and Mini­sters among others to pave the way to Prelacy, and make its introduction the more easie, and al [...] the Ministers of Edinburgh, save one (who had little cause to boast of any outward advantage by Conformity) summarly warned by the States to remove from their Charges, without Citation o [...] Accusation, and by the dash of one Act a little after, about 300 Ministers removed from their Con­gregations, without Citation or Accusation. It were easie for me to prove the sufferings of sour o [...] five Presbyterian Ministers, to surpass what a hundred of them has met with: What shall I say o [...] the Sufferings before, and in the year 1666? a few pages in that once forbidden Book Naphtali▪ will far surmount all the Accounts of their Sufferings, what vast sums of money exacted, pillaging of houses, preferring their Dogs to the Children of the Family, in sharing of the provisions of the house, besides unheard of Barbarities, Mockings, Threatnings, when the people went about the Worship of God? &c. And the shedding of the blood of many; and since that time, what In­tercommuning of many, denying them the use of things useful and comfortable, some of whom were strangely circumstantiat, blind and imprisoned, who could not move for their own rellef, cru [...] Imprisonment in unwholesome Prisons, Minister: and others, some several months, some severa [...] years, two, three, five, seven, some eleven years in Prison, which usage has occasioned Diseases▪ and the death of many, and not a few Ministers and others, dying in their Prisons, for whom no Intreaties could prevall, for getting them out of prison, where they might have been better atten­ded, many shut up in closs Prisons, and no cause made known, and one among the rest above 20 weeks shut up, for 13 weeks whereof his nearell relations not admitted to see his Face, nor so much as speak to him through the lock of the Door, though he was in great indisposition, none allowed to do him any service, and to this day the cause never signified; what Finings, Confinings, Forseltures and Banishments, what Tortures, and unheard of Tortures, and some of these multiplied upon one person, and men without bowels beholding them Tormented. What killing in cold blood▪ and women execute meerly for their Opinion, who were no Idolaters, nor abettors of Idolatry! some after Sentence, not getting leave to draw their breath before execution; what barbarous beating of Drums at Scaffolds? what hunting of Ministers and others like Partridges on the Mountain [...] night and Day, lying whole Nights, Summer and Winter in woods, and open fields? What vio­lent driving of Families from their Houses, driving, and selling of their Goods and Cattel, laying many Families waste, violent intruding, possessing their Houses, Lands, and Goods, withou [...] any sentence in Law; There be hundreds of unquestionable witnesses of all these thing [...] What Cruel Urging the Consciences of People, Men and Women (who had but a free Cottage) with a Bond to give such and such Ministers, and others, not so much as a Nights Lodging, or [...] meal of Meat, which appeared to be heavy on the Consciences of many (overtaken with the Temptation) that when awakned they had no rest till they made a publick Consession, before Congregations of People. I knew a Minister speak to above 80 of them, who with Grief and Tears confessed their Guilt before the People; At one Meeting 39. Men, and Women, not above two known to the Minister before, resolving their appearance, rose up in all quarters crying, Guilitie, Guiltie. What Exorbitant Exactions, and Vast Summs before some Noble Men and Gentle­mens Families could be Relieved by any access to their own Estates; not to speak of the Bar­barous Highland Host; nor of that Violent Pressing of the Oath of the Test, (a perplexing Oath [...] [Page 17]on many even beyond Lew, to the pressing of their consciences, and that Pitisul consequences followed on it? amongst the rest, the Cuting off of one of the greatest men of our Israel, the late Noble Earl of Argyl. What Volumes, beyond Foxes, monuments might be Written, there is but one [...]nstance, that were it meet to relate the circumstances thereof (which I know from a Minister, and another person of Credit, both sharing in that deep di [...]ress, would make hearts that were not rocks to rent! A number in prison taken from Dumfries, some week, Sick, and Aged, some Women with Child, some Criple, and many others taken up by the way out of other prisons, and pricked up like beasts, beside other hard usages in their journey, to the Castle of Dunotter, where about 168. Men and Women were thrust in one Vault, and considering the necessities of Nature, having scarcely room to stand; What case they were in for some dayes, [...]dge ye: Yea, at their entry when scorched with thrist, denyed water by the Souldiers with­out Money! Many hardships they endured, that it cost some of them their Lives: And after a long times distress there, were driven back to Lothian, all save two or three, tyed and flightered like Thieves; and about eightie of them sent to America. If there be any here who ever gave coun­tenance, or active concurrence to any of these forementioned sufferings, I charge you upon your perril to repent, and judge your selves, that ye be not judged of the Lord. Some will possibly say, as Isaiah 30.10. Minister, preach some other things to us: but as Micajah said, we say, what the Lord sayes, that we must speak; God be thanked we have not an Ahab to deal with; But though it were so, we behoved to speak our Masters Mind; many a time we have preached, and distribute the Childrens Bread; with the perril of our Lives, and theirs; and would do so yet, if called to it; But God forbid that ever it come to that again among us, but Lord send no worse. Before that second word to M [...]gistrats, and People joyntly; Add to what goes before; That the con­sideration of the hundreth part of our Sufferings makes many Judicious, who will not approve what others have met with, wonder it was no worse, considering what was the Spring and Fountain whence these deep and bitter waters did flow, and upon whose account, and by whose Instigation: But far shall it be from U [...] to entertain thoughts of such Barbarities, inhumanirles, and Antichristi­an Usages, as We have been Treated with, to urge the making or Execution of such severe Laws, but rather Compassionat the Miserable.

2ly. I would say another word to Magistrats and People jointly, prove your wisdom by the F [...]its of it, and I give you a Proof in the Aposties words, which you may think up [...], James 3.17. The Wisdom that is from above is first Pure, then Peacable, Gentle, and easie to be intreated jull of Mercy, and good Fruits, without Partiality, and without Hyp [...]risie.

I intended to have pressed on the People their dutifull respects to Magistrats, Supreme and Sub­ordinat, upon the Apostles prounds. 1 Pet: 2.13.14. &c. First, for the Lords sake, and that Honour and Majestie Christ stamps on them. 2ly. Because they are in the Lords room to do his work, in Punishing ill doers, and rewarding these that do well; If this Power be abused, they must answer to him. 3ly. Because this is the will of Christ, and the way so stop the Mouths of foolish Men. 4ly This is our Libertie and would not be used as a cloak of Licentiousness, we owe to them first reverence, and that in our Minds not to Cur [...]e him in our thoughts, Eccles: 10, 20. In our Words not to rail against him, Acts: 23, 5. The Authoritie of Magistrats is very tender in our gestures, the Woman of Tekoah stoops to the ground, 2 Sam: 14, 4. 2ly We owe obedience in the Lord, from which Church-Men are not exeemed, 1 Pet: 2.13. Rom. 13, 1. If they Com­mand what is cross to the Lords mind, we must serve them with Peters answer, we ought to obey God rather than Man; Acts 5, 29. 3ly We owe them Fidelity both to their perso [...]s and Authori­ty. 4ly We owe them aid and help, first, by saithfull counsel and advice, when called for, and discovery of secret Enemies and plots. 2. By our Estates, paving custom, Rom: 13, 7. 3ly. By our persons assisting them, both against Countrey Rebels, and Forraign enemies, and when called for to venture our Lives for them in peace and war, 2 Sam: 21.17. & 23.16. 4ly By our prayers, 2 Tim. 2, 2. (1) Because they neither stand nor fall to themselves, Magistrats, especially So­veraigns, are the pillara of a Kingdom, Let me smite King Saul but once, said Abishal, and the kingdom shall be thine, and the victory thine, 1 Sam. 26, 8. So said Abithophel, let me smite king [Page 18]David, and all Israel shall be gathered to thee, 2 S [...]m. 17.2. When Alexander died, the Ar­ [...]ie was but one Man less than before, but yet it was compared by the Wise, to the C [...]clops which had its only eye bored out. Should we not pray for Magistrates, especially the Supreme, who car­ry not only about their own lives, but the lives of thousands depends on their safety: As it was said to the King, Thou shalt not go forth with us any more to battle, least thou q [...]ench the light of Israel, for thou art worth ten thousand, 2 Sam. 18.3. 2 Sam. 21.17. We should be earnest to pray Magistrates may be Religious, because of the power of their Example to good or evil, their vices pass currant for vertues, and becomes a fashion, when the King of Shechem yeelded to Circum­cision, a painfull thing, the whole City followed: Be a Prince never so great for Command, he Commands most by Example, let not our King and Judges want our Prayers.

Let me press upon Magistrates, that ye Studie Wisdom in God's Matt [...]s and M [...]ns also, both are required, [...]f they be Pious only in God's Matters and not otherwise prudent, then are they fitter for the Cloyster than the Court; if they be Prudent and Politick only, and not Plous, then are they fitter to be Kings of Babel, where dwel [...] Confusion, then of Jerusalem, where God's Glory is: be carefull that God be honoured in the Nation, that abuses, and Errours in Religion be reformed, Promorers thereof, and Seducers, discountenanced and punished, and that the Purity and Truth of Doctrine he promoted and maintained, according to the Example of Godly Kings, 2 Chron. 3.4, 15, 12, 17, 6. That the word be purely Preached, that the good Things taught, and establi­shed, for the precious O [...]dinances of Christ, be defended by Law, and done, as he hath appoin [...]. 2 Chron. 18, 8.11. That the Wicked and Profan [...] be Discountenanced and Punished, the wickedness of Subjects does great hurt to Gracious Kings, and tends to the shortning of their dayes.

Then I would press Magistrates to studie a great insight in affairs that concerns Honesty and Equity: David had a good Insight in Matters as an Angel of God, seeing Good and Evil. [...]. Sam. 14. Solomon discerned which was the true Mother. 1 Kings 3 [...] Magistrate [...] should provide that People lead a Peaceable and quit Life, in all Godliness and Honesty. 2 Tim. 2. Then I would press on Magistrates to [...]udy a good Foresight of Dangers, to protect the People, prevent, or wisely divert them. They must endeavour to desend against all Enemies, Saul had little Foresight, when David sound him secure, David had Husha [...] in Absalom's Court.

That Kings may be in better Capacity for this, they must have Revenues, called, Egra 4, 13. T [...]ll. Trib [...]te, and Custom, which three Caldea Words, imports the Properties of these Revenu [...]s exacted of the People, that they should be Moderat according to the Peoples Abllity, without Par­tiality, Inveterate, or Ancient, so sar or so long, as the Common state requires, and no more; for the safety of the King is the safety of the Common-weal, the safety of the Common weal is a Law above all Laws, such Tributes, or Customs, call them as you will, are as necessary to uphold a State; as blood in the veins for conserving the Life. We must distinguish between the time of Peace and the time of War, especially when Lives, Liberties, and Religion, are at the Stake, our hearts must be inlarged without grudge, to make a liberal Offering, better venture much than lose all. But if by Oppression extreme Exactions be Collected, or publick money be Dilapidat by Self seeking Men, they may resolve to smart for it at the hands of the Lord: There have been old and frequent Complaints of mis-managements, when publick Money has either been bestowed on men to uphold their debauches to consume it on their Lusts, to uphold unlimited Lust [...] and Designs of others; especially there has been complaints of Officers of Armies, either withholding due pa [...]ment from these in Arms, or pu [...]ting Pay in their Pockets, and making a shaw of a Vision at a Muster, that disappeared in the day of Battle.

Honourable worthies, I incline not by Panegyricks to offend your modest ears, whose praise will be in the Church: But we bles [...] God, we have such a King and Que [...] to rule over us, and such a Representative of their Majesties in this Honourable Court, and so many noble and worthy Pa­triots in this Assembly, who befriend the interests o [...]our Lord, who are other ways minded, we pray the Lord reveal it to them; but sure were they better acquaint with our Master, they would soon change their minde. We bles [...] the Lord, and we bless you from the Lord, with our hearts, [Page 19]for what you have done for the house of the Lord, and for the hone we have, that what remaim to be done, shall be done, though hope deferred makes the heare sick, but when the desire cometh it is a Tree of Life; the desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, Prov. 13.12, 19. There are two things, I would desire of this Honourable Court, The first [...] that what may give a back-set to the thing that is done may be forborn, that Truth be not abused by promiseuous Tolleration, this were to love our ease more than God, and has produced sad Effects, and Confusions in some places of the World. There being no persecution Threatued, Exercised, and for ou [...]ht I know neither intended, by Church nor State, the muttering of such a Tolleration as we [...]eard of [...] is some Surprize which some of the sober Conformists disclaims: It is under pretence forsooth, of tender­ness of Conscience: how tender they are God knows and the World may know; I fear it is a [...]ate [...]n­come and distemper, which I apprehend, from what is implyed in their paper, of some [...]ntention to introduce some Novelties, and Forms in the Worship of God, which this Church could never endure, nor durst they adventure on in their greatest height and freedom, although snme now presume, contrare to our Confession of Faith, which if I mistake nor, owns no other Book for the Rule of Worship, but the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament. This scruple they express, they cannot joyn in the Sacrament of the Supper with these who wants Episcopal Ordination, where­as they have for many years joyned with Conformists, that were never Re-ordained: It's appre­hended by many judicious, to be a mystery of iniquity, to endanger both Church and State, and a shadow under which would shrud vice and error: And beyond question, would propagat and perpetuat a Schism in this church; They had wont to slander Non-consormists as Schismaticks; but the reason is not alike, for Presbyterians did stand their ground, and owned their Principies since the Reformation from Poptry by Presbyters. So the Schism first and last is on their side, this Tolleration would be buried under the Oak.

There is another thing that I would beg of this Honourable Court, beside the care of ordering and purging the Seminaries of Learning, the removal of Pa [...]onages, not that we mean the injuring any in their just Civil Rights and Properties, although the first Original was good, to defend the Church and her Goods; Yet the usurpation over the Church did spring from a bad Fountain, and the consequence has been destructive to the Church, and a grievous bondage, many God provoking sins has followed on it, Simoniacal compacts; It has been the sourse of a Godless insufficient Mi­nistry, we would not have you to prig with God in this matter; We hope, that [...] [...]tous­ness on the one hand, nor envy on the other, shall hinder the removing of this Yoke; Two wor­thy Ministers have written on this Subject, Mr. Rule, and Mr. Park, so as may satisfie and give Light to these that will not shut their Eyes.

Honourable Worthies, what was said to the Princes of Israel, 1 Chron. 22.19. I say to you, Now set your heart and soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build the sanctuary of the Lord God. 1 Cor. 13. last verse, Be stedfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord: Reformation ends not in c [...]ntem­plation, but in action: Be not slothful in business, forget not to do as ye have been taught; ye want not your care and troubles: But what said David▪ 1 Chron: 22.14. Now Behold, in my trouble, I have prepared for the house of the Lord, an hundred thousand talents of Gold and a thousand thousand talents of silver, and of brass and iron without weight: neither wa [...], nor any other busines [...], could hinder him from this work.

Minde the example of the Jews, when stirred up to build the Temple, Ezra 5.1 2. They say not, we must fi [...]st build the Walls of Jerusalem, to hold out the enemy, but the Text says, They began to build the house of God, and with them were Prophets of the Lord helping them, they were not full four [...]ears in building of the Temple, and i [...] great Chronolo [...]s be not far mistaken, the Temple was fi [...]shed 83 years before the Walls of Jerusalem we [...]e finished. I am far from meaning your Affection should be cooled to the Laws, Liberties, peace and safety of the Kingdom: I wo [...]ld only warm your Affections, with the zeal of a through Reformation, go on, and improve, where­to ye have already attained, and the Lord shall be with you, and the blessing of Obed- [...]d [...]m and his house, shall rest upon you and yours. 1 Chron. 13 14. Consider the exient of that Blessing, it [Page]was a bro [...]d B [...]e [...]ing; 1. His person was blest, that's a blessed Religion that brings health to the na­vel, and marrow to the bones, 2ly. His posterity blessed. 1 Chron: 26.8. In sour. 1. He wa [...] blessed with a numerous progeny, threescore and two of Obed-ed [...]ms Family. 2ly. They were bl [...]s­sed with Employment, all made Officers in the House of God. 3ly. Blessed with inablement to discharge that Employment, all able men of strength, mighty men of valour, for the service of the Temple. 4. They are blessed with Honour, made Rulers and Commanders through the House of their Father. 3. His possessions were blessed with preservation, increase, a comfortable in­joying them, Obed-edom made his House a Sanctuary for God, now God makes it a Sanctuary for him, a place of safety. 4. His Actions and Undertakings are blessed, good success attends him. 5. His Friends are blessed, they fare the better for him, he becomes a favourite of Heaven, he can speed Suits, and obtain blessings for others. I hope there be some who hear me this day, who shall share of such blessings, and that all of you might share of them, is my hearty prayer to God; [...] dare not charge you, but I would advise, that none of you turn your back, till ye see the Cape­stone out on the Work; and if thus your Heart and Care be towards the House of God, he will have a care of yours. To his Name be praise.