CIVIL Government is the Life of Publick Society; a Constitution of Government formed to the just Liberties, and best Interests of human Nature, in Civil & Religious Affairs; and animated by a wise & just Administration is the Strength of that Life: And the Agency of Sovereign Divine Grace, in giving it to his Own People, spreads an incomparable Glory upon the whole; and makes a most powerful Motive of solemn Praise.

The latter part of this Psalm opens to us, with a Divine Eloquence, the Glory & Majesty of the GOD of Israel, in that Series of Wonders; Israel's Redemption out of Egypt: Verse 15th, Thou hast with thine Arm redeemed thy People—: And con­cludes with the Excellency of their Government, and Leaders, Thou leddest thy People, &c.

[Page 2] In the Words observe the following things,

1. GOD Himself was Israel's Leader: Thou leddest thy People Their Civil Constitution (as well as Ecclesiastical) was Extraordinary: There was a more immediate Interposition of GOD himself; in their Laws & Administration: there­fore usually denominated a Theocrasy. GOD by Himself broke the Iron Yoke; Formed their Go­vernment for them, Executed & Administred it when Formed.

2. The Manner of the Administration: Thy People, as a Flock. GOD the Shepherd; Israel his Flock: This carrys an happy mixture of Tenderness & Authority; Power & Care; Pro­tection & Discipline: Acted by the nearest Re­lations, special Propriety, and dearest Affection.

3. The illustrious Instruments used by Him; Moses & Aaron. Tho' their Government was a Theocrasy: it did not exclude Instruments: But then the Instruments first employed in this singu­lar Government were agreable to it: Extraordi­nary and very Excellent Ones: Extraordinarily Called, Furnished Assisted & Supported by GOD. Moses & Aaron were the Two first Instruments used by GOD: the renowned Heads of the Two Orders, Civil & Religious. GOD raised them, furnished them, vested them with Power; and by his special, constant Presence with them, made them both, but Moses more remarkably, the most signal Blessings to their People, and Examples to all future Rulers.

How properly soever my Text would lead to it▪ as one special Branch of GOD's Government, to consider Israel's Constitution, and Rulers in [Page 3] Church, as well as State, I pass it; and shall be govern'd by the occasion; and confine my self to the Civil Constitution & Rulers, as a fruit of GOD's merciful Government, and give you a few tho'ts upon the Blessing of that, when wisely and justly managed. I will give you my Subject in the following

DOCTRINE. IT is to be Notic'd & Celebrated, as an high Favour of GOD to his People; when He leads them like a Flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron; or Wise & Good Civil Rulers.

Indeed the principal Blessing of GOD, and a People's most vital & fundamental Distinction, Honour & Happiness consists in their Excellent Constitution of church-Government formed upon the revealed Plan, the holy Scriptures; and wise & faithful Guides to administer it: Churches formed by CHRIST himself, with an exact agreableness to his own most wise & perfect Rules, filled with Ordinances, and all Instituted Officers; and very particularly a learned and faithful Mininistry: These are a People's Glory and Safety, (Psal 147 20.) what they should especially value, be thankful for, be concern'd to secure & improve. But the Occasion leads me to the Civil; and that too is a very illustrious Fa­vour of GOD. I will give you my thot's upon the important Things contained in this General Proposition; under the following Heads.

[Page 4] PROP. I. GOD is in an appropriate manner the Leader of a Professing People.

• PROP. II. He leads them like a Flock.
• PROP. III. He sometimes leads them by the Hand of Moses & Aaron; or of Wise and Good Rulers.
• PROP. IV. This is to be acknowledged & ce­lebrated as an high Favour.

PROP. I. GOD is, in an appropriate manner, the Leader of a Professing People. He was Israel's Leader; and he is the leader of every professing People. Every professing People is his peculiar People; and he leads them as such. Indeed they are not led by the same extraordinary, miracu­lous, immediate hand of GOD, that Israel was in their Redemption from Egypt, Conduct thro' the Wilderness, and their being put into Possession of Canaan. This is Celebrated, & Confined to to them: Deut. 4. 32, 33, 34. Ask now of the Days, that are past, from the Day that God created Man upon the earth—Did ever People hear God speaking out of the midst of Fire? Or hath God essayed to take him a nation out of the midst of a na­tion, by temptations, by signs, by wonders, and by a mighty hand, &c. But yet in every other pro­fessing People, there's the same Relation of GOD to them, as to Israel; the same Grounds & Princi­ples of Acting towards & for them: and they ex­press themselves in the same happy Fruits; tho' working after a diverse manner, viz. By second Causes. But here I will give you my tho'ts un­der two Heads, distinctly. (1) GOD is the su­preme, absolute Lord of all Creatures. (2.) In [Page 5] a peculiar manner, he is the Leader of a profes­ssing People.

1. GOD is the supreme, absolute Lord of all Creatures. He is the universal First Cause; infi­nitely & absolutely Perfect; and therefore must have an unlimited, unalienable, perpetual and universal Dominion over all Creatures; particu­larly over all his reasonable Creatures; Personal­ly, or Relatively: Singly, or in Society. No Authority can possibly be, but from GOD. All Power is limited by his most perfect Will, duely notified. No Power can be against him. These are all Truths most evident to Reason; and their Contraries draw after them the most absurd Con­sequences; nay flat Contradictions. And the Scriptures clearly exhibit them as such to us, Dan. 4. 24. Till thou knowest that the most high ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomso­ever he will. Psal. 145. 13. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; and thy dominion thro' out all generations. Psal. 135. 5. I know, that the Lord is great above all gods; whatsoever the Lord plea­sed; that did he, in heaven, earth, seas, &c. The universal Influence & Agency of GOD, here af­firmed, includes a Moral, as well as a Natural or Physical Power; Right, as well as Strength. Once more, That celebrated, but very much vexed and abused Text is very clear & full Proof Rom. 13. 1.—No power but of God: the powers that be, are ordained of God. 'Tis not possible there should be any, but what flows from this only Fountain of Being & Power: And it's equally im­possible for GOD to deny himself, and give any Creature a Power against himself.

[Page 6] But I proceed,

2. GOD is in a peculiar manner the Leader of his Own People. Here I will mention to you, some of the Distinctions & Characters of this pe­culiar Government.

1. It's founded in special Relations, and pecu­liar Works of GOD. Israel became his Subjects, and he their Leader; by new, near & endearing Relations & peculiar displays of his Wisdom, Pow­er & sovereign Bounty. And thus it is in a Degree with respect to every professing People.

They are formed, redeemed, separated to GOD, by special displays of Divine Perfections: New and very near Relations between GOD & them arise from these special Operations. His Provi­dence works very gloriously & distinguishingly, in preparing them for the honourable & happy Station: He so becomes their Father; and they his Children, in an uncommon manner. They his Servants, and he their Lord, by a new & most endearing Claim: Deut. 32. 6. Do ye thus requite The Lord; O foolish people & unwise? Is he not thy [...] that hath bought thee? Hath he not made thee, & established thee? My narrow bounds won't allow me to go into the delightful particu­lars.

But again, His Condescentions are very won­derful, in his most free & gracious binding him­self to them, by Word, Oath▪ most significant Covenant Rites & Seals, which contain the most precious Good, made over to them upon the best Te [...]ms. And they [...] deliberately bound them­selves to a constant, faithful Compliance with these Terms. Isa. 43. 21. This People have I [Page 7] formed for my self. Deut. 26. 17, 18. Thou hast avouched the Lord to be thy God, and he hath avouched thee to be his People. This Covenant is the special, formal ground & reason of the spe­cial Relation, and that peculiar Government here treated of. And this is discoursed of, & described under the Metaphor of the martial Authority and Marriage Union; which is the closest of any we know of among Men, between Two Persons. Jer. 2.2. Go, and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, I remember thee the kindness of thy youth; the love of thine Espousals.

2. He leads such a People, by a special Pro­vidence, regulated by the Covenant between GOD and them: In that they Promise to him an uni­versal willing Obedience, according to his own revealed Will; and he binds himself, to bestow upon them, in that way, all the Blessings of the Covenant. He makes over himself, and all his Stores & Riches; and they are as sure of them, as if actually Possessed. 2 Cor. 6. 16, 18. I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my People: and I will be a father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord. But he threatens the contrary Evils, if they are false to him. Deut. 23. thro' out. Now GOD's Providence, in all it's smiles & frowns, is regulated by this Covenant: He dispenseth to them, agreably to his Promises and Threatnings; with due Reserves for the ex­ercise of his Patience, Sovereignty & Grace; which Reserves are fully provided for in this Co­venant.

[Page 8] 3. He feeds them by his Word and Ordi­nances. It was Israel's peculiar Privilege, as GOD's People, That GOD committed his Ora­cles to them; gave them his Statutes, Judgments and Ordinances, Psal. 147. 19, 20. Rom. 3. 2.

And this Distinction & Privilege descends to every professing People. The Word & Ordinan­ces are the Instruments especially wherein, and whereby GOD exhibits the Directions, Authority, Blessings & Advantages of that peculiar Relation and Government, which he hath taken upon him­self, towards them.

4. He leads them by the Hand of a Mediator. The great Mediator between GOD & Sinners, is the appointed, universal Lord over all things. Matth. 28. 18. All power is given unto me, in heaven, & in earth. And it's a most joyful and endearing Character of this universal Empire, that it's given, received & exercised in it's whole vast Extent with a special Eye to his Peoples universal, & best Good, Eph.1.22. Put all things under him; and given him, to be head, over all things to the Church.

But that which I am especially concerned here, to observe to you is this, viz. That the Redeemer is in a most glorious & delightful manner his Fa­ther's King in & over his Church, Psal. 2. 6. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of zion. All Government in & over the Church, whether Providential, formally & properly Ecclesiastical or Spiritual, is Christ's Government: The Church is his Seed, Family, Spouse, nay Body: And their whole Direction & Dispose belongs to him. He is most authentickly, effectively & so­lemnly [Page 9] vested in it; Psal. 2. 7. Thou art my son, this Day have I begotten thee. GOD is in the midst of his Church, and his Rest there will be eternal & glorious: But he exerciseth this Sove­reignty by that most excellent & lovely Dele­gate his own only Son, his own Image & Bright­ness, (and by his own free Consent) our Surety. This most wonderful & glorious Person, assumed our Nature; and in this Nature Travelled & Dy­ed in our stead, and for our highest Good: And in this Nature, with all it's essential Affections, he Reigns in & over his Church. He, or the Father by him, manageth the Kingdom of Providence and Grace to them. And how many delightful things doth this Contemplation suggest to us: Most certainly, This Administrator makes it a peculiar Government, and exhibits it such. GOD hath peculiar Designs with regard to them: A peculiar Treasure in them. He hath put them into the wisest & kindest hand, to Protect, Order, and to make them Happy; most safely to secure his Treasure, and exactly & fully reach his de­signs.

Thus I have given you some Tho'ts on the First Proposition, and proceed to the Second.

PROP. II. GOD leads his People like a Flock. This Proposition is but a farther Prosecution of the foregoing; a going into a particular display of the excellent Characters & Glories of God's ap­propriate Government. Here I shall not oblige my self to the Metaphor, with any critical Solli­citude; only keep the general Idea, conveyed by it in sight, as I pass along.

[Page 10] This of a Shepherd, is an Allusion which anci­ent Writers, Sacred & Common, have very much delighted in: They have set it in the most beautiful & advantageous Lights, to represent a well-regulated, wise & happy Government by; and to give the best Instructions to the Conduct of Rulers. 'Tis a very lively & natural Emblem; and we find the supreme Ruler himself using it, to give us the just & honourable Ideas of his own Government.

In general, I have already observed to you, That the Metaphor of a Shepherd carrys an happy mixture of Tenderness & Authority, Power & Care, Protection & Discipline.

GODs special Government includes all these, we are sure it must. We see all these things in the brightest light, when we consider & contem­plate it, in what we have already heard of it un­der the First Proposition, viz. It's special Founda­tions; sublime Rules; peculiar Providences; and most glorious Administrator: Where these meet, there must be Tenderness & Authority, Power & Care, Protection & Discipline, most Perfect and Divine: There must be all the Qualities & Af­fections of a Shepherd exercised in Perfection, in all the proper Business, Offices & Work of a Shep­herd.

And if we add to this, An Enquiry into Fact; as upon infallible Scripture Record, we shall find GOD exercising this Tenderness & Authority all along, in his Dealings with his People.

Here it may be proper to go a little into par­ticulars.

[Page 11] 1. GOD Directs & Prescribes to his People, in a very peculiar manner. He shines to his own People, in the strongest Light, as absolutely So­vereign, and infinitely Wise & Good; in the Per­fection of his Laws, which in the best manner possible, answer the great End of his Glory, and his People's Happiness. Micah 6.8. He hath shewed thee, O Man, what is good, &c. Psal. 19. 11. Moreover by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great Reward.

2 He Corrects & Restores them, when they do amiss & wander. The Tenderness & Wisdom of his Love won't suffer him to let their Sins pass, without proper Frowns; but then they direct the Corrections to the fi [...]test Seasons; best manner & measure. He adjusts all their Troubles in the best manner, to their being humbled, purged, made wiser & better; and to their being restored to their former Station with advantage. He Acts towards them, with the Temper & Intentions of a Shepherd; and his ways are Analogous to the Shep­herd's wisest & kindest Actions towards this beloved Charge. GOD don't grieve & wound willingly, and with Pleasure; but for necessary great & good Purposes, which they themselves will be Thank­ful for, when GOD's Dispensations are opened fully to them. Read, Deut. 8. 2. And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God hath led thee, to prove thee, &c.

3. GOD bears with them, with a sovereign, but wise, Patience. He don't immediately strike upon every Offence. Involuntary Offences, arising from I firmity, are covered with the Tenderness of a Parent. GOD speaks, convinces, warns, [Page 12] useth the most rational, gentle Applications, when these prevail, to bring back his People to them­selves & Duty: He repents, & forbears the threat­ned & impending Evil. However, He glorifys his Patience, and proclaims his Name, Long­suffering, before he proceeds to his heavier strokes: Especially, before he puts the last hand of Vengeance to his strange Work. They are great Sins, and obstinately continued in, that draw down Vengeance. The Publick is con­cerned by a Publick & heavy Guilt, where the Punishment is publick & heavy. Rom. 19. 21. But to Israel he saith, All the day long have I stretched out my hand unto a disobedient & gain­saying People. Hos. 11. 8.—How shall I give thee up, &c. Jer. 7. 13. I spake unto thee, rising early.

4. He Protects from Evils & Enemies; with In­finite Concerns, Watchfulness, Power & Good­ness. GOD's People are extremely hated. In pro­portion to the purity of their Principles, and ex­cellency of their Manners, is the united Rage of Earth & Hell set upon it, to do all they can to Vex & Destroy them. And if the utmost stretch of their Wits & Powers, in the deepest Plots, and strongest Combinations can undo them, they shall be undone. That's the Cry of the Churches Ene­mies. Psal. 83 thro'out, particularly, Ver. 4, 7, 8. ▪ Come & let us cut them off.

But their Designs & Attempts are entirely un­der the Government of Israel's Shepherd; shall accomplish his Designs, and go no farther. He can by no means leave the beloved of his Soul, to the blind Rage of their implacable Enemies. [Page 13] He restrains and bounds the Enemies Rage, and secures His own; and so far, they are intirely safe: No evil can possibly come without his Knowledge; none possibly against his Will. Con­sider the following Texts, Psal 2.1,2,3,4. Why do the Heathen rage, the People imagine a vain thing? Psal. 76. 10. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee, &c. Isai. 27 2, 3.—A Vineyard of red Wine. I the Lord do keep it, &c.

5. GOD as their special Governour Preserves and Feeds them. GOD Preserves and Continues his Professing People, his Church, in that distin­guish'd excellent State of Being He gave them, when he made them his People. He maintains that Life, and supplies them with all that Good, which that Life demands. The Purchase of Christ, and the Promise of GOD, determines what that Good is: And their most faithful Shepherd sup­plys & dispenseth to them, agreably to that Pur­chase & Promise. And this comprehends all the Good that Societies are capable of; Spiritual & Outward, Civil & Religious. Read, Psal. 23d. and you'l see the proper Office of a Shepherd; and the Paternal Wisdom & Authority, with which GOD exhibits; and in the present Instance par­ticularly.

But I come to the Third Proposition.

PROP. III. GOD sometimes leads his People, by the hand of Moses & Aaron; or of Wise and Good Civil Rulers. This Head is one very weigh­ty Arti [...]le, wherein, both the tender Care & sove­reign Power of Israels good Shepherd discover themselves.

[Page 14] Here I will observe the following Order; (1.) Offer some general Explanation or Illustration. (2.) An Hint in Proof very briefly. (3.) Con­clude it with the Character of a good Ruler.

1 I will offer some general Explanation. Whensoever a People enjoy an excellent Form of Government & good Rulers, it's GOD's Gift. His Power & Favour are very remarkable in it. The Agency of the Sovereign GOD in this Af­fair, may be distinguished into Extraordinary and Ordinary. GOD gives as really & truly, when a Peo­ple are in Possession of these Blessings, in the Ordi­nary Methods of Providence, as in the Extraordinary.

When the Understandings of a People are enlightned and directed to Contrive such a Scheme of Government, as best answers all the great Ends of Society & Government: And with­al there's such a Concurrence of Circumstances and Inclinations, as to bring it in, & establish it; GOD is as truely the Author of that Scheme & Form, as if declared by a voice from Heaven, and received & established by the most miracu­lous Operations & Appearances.

Again, When in the Ordinary ways of Educa­tion, Experience, &c. Men are qualified for, spirited to, and introduced into the proper Stati­ons & Opportunities to employ them for the pub­lick Good; it is as really GOD's Work as if they were Inspired, and called out extraordinarily, by Name, to the honourable Business.

Once more, When the Designs of subtle & powerful Tyrants against a People's just Liber­ties are dashed, and their valuable Rights are preserved or restored, it [...]s GOD's glorious Work [Page 15] and precious Gifts when done by Ordinary, as well as Extraordinary Methods.

In these mentioned Instances, there's GOD's stamp: they are established by his Approbation and Authority, as well as bro't to pass by his Pro­vidence; not only the Agency of the first uni­versal Cause, but the Authority of the supreme Lord & Lawgiver. The renowned David is an Instance of both the Ordinary & Extraordinary manner of Introduction. GOD furnished and spirited him to Government, by Extraordinary & Immediate Impressions; but withal he formed him to it, by bringing him into the King's Ser­vice; and accustoming him to War, & publick Business. GOD appointed him King by an im­mediate Designation; but yet the Tribes Chose him. This is the Excellent Man of whom GOD says, Psal. 78. 71, 72. He chose David, &c. He bro't Jacob to feed his people.

2. I come in a word to the Proof. You observe I express my self in a restrained manner; viz. GOD sometimes leads, &c. And I speak in this manner, because there's the exercise of Sovereign­ty in this, as in all other temporal & outward Blessings. But tho' I thus Guard; yet I suppose upon the strictest search & the best Judgment, it will be found, that generally, and for the most part, these Blessings are given, when a People in Covenant, are Upright & Faithful in it. Were it at all needful here, I could for Proof draw to­gether very many Instances, from the most un­questionable Records, Sacred & Common. Par­ticularly, It would be easy to fill up the Proof from the holy Scriptures; and mention to you [Page 16] Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah & Josiah; all illustrious Instruments in GOD's hands of very peculiar Blessings. But there being no necessity at all to Labour this Point, I come to the Third, which my Subject especially requires.

3. I come now to the Character of the Good R [...]er. My Text offers a very just & lively Pat­tern in Moses. Well then enquire into his Cha­racter; and by that, Answer the Demands of this Head: And upon search we find Moses illustri­ous for the following excellent Things, viz. (1.) His governing Wisdom & Skill. (2) His Meek­ness & Patience. (3) His Justice. (4.) His Publick Spirit & Paternal Tenderness. (5) Steady Authority▪ & Courage. (6.) GOD's Image, in an high & glorious Degree. (7.) Great Interest in GOD's Favour, and Power with GOD by Prayer

1. The Ruler must like Moses, be furnished with Wisdom & Skill in Government. Every Bu­siness hath i [...]'s essential Qualifications, for the ef­fectual & sufficient management of it. Govern­ing Wisdom & Prudence is such, to the Conduct of Publick Affairs. This Wisdom takes in a great Variety of Things; and I don't pretend here to a perfect account of them I will only hint in a word, That this Vertue is qualified for, conduc­ted & actuated in Government, by an extended Knowlege of Men & Things; and particularly, the Methods of Government: And might I at all go into particulars, I would mention the Ad­vantage of the distinct Knowlege of the People to be Govern'd, in their History, their Constitution [Page 17] in Church & State, their Laws, Customs, Disposi­tions, Manners & Circumstances. And to add no more, There must be a Dexterity in the Appli­cation of this Knowledge to it's End. If you En­quire, You I find this one Remarkable in Moses's Character: There's no question to be made of it, but he had large measures of Prudence, by special Impressions from above. But besides this, we find him trained to Government, by his Adopti­on & Education, by Pharaoh's Daughter; and his intimate Acquaintance with the Egyptian Learn­ing. Read, Exod. 3. 11, 12. And he said, who am I.—And be said, Certainly, I will be with you. Exod. 4. 10, 11, 12. And Moses said, I am not Eloquent. And the Lord said, Who hath made man's mouth; now therefore go, and I will be with thy Mouth. Once more, Acts 17. 21, 22. Pha­raoh's Daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son, and Moses was learned, in all the learning of the Egyptians.

2. He must like Moses, be remarkable, for Meekness & Patience. Meekness & Patience are Qualifications essential to a wise & happy Admi­nistration. Among the best People, there's al­ways enough to exercise these, in the Ruler.

But there are high Degrees, and a constant Ex­ercise, necessary in the Government of some Peo­ple, and in some Seasons & Circumstances. Moses was bro't to the Government of an head-strong People; very fordid & untaught in some regards: Accustomed to the Discipline of Slaves; who when bro't into the Condition of a Free People, hardly knew how to use their Freedom with mo­deration, and to bear the necessary Restraints. [Page 18] The wise Conduct of such a People required an uncommon Meekness & Patience. Again, Moses was to lead them thro Wants & Difficulties, and innumerable Hazards. These to the low & ani­mal▪ but especially, the corrupt Inclinations, are strong temptations to Discontents, Murmurings, Rebellions against Rulers; and must require an invincible Patience, and steady Calm in Rulers, to Master them, and to prevent the infinite Mis­chiefs that arise from them.

GOD made and sent them, a Moses, the most signal stroke, and special Glory of whose Cha­racter, was his Meekness & Patience: Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth.

3. Like Moses, he must be very Just. Justice is certainly essential to the grand Basis of Go­vernment; one of the grand Pillars upon which it rests; without which, Power degenerates into Tyranny and Self-Interest. Prov. 14. 34. Righte­ousness, very particularly in it's Rulers, exalteth a Nation. Prov. 16. 4. The Throne is established by Righteousness. It's given us therefore among the most vital Parts of a Ruler's Duty, 2 Sam. 3▪ 23. The Rock of Israel spake to me; the God of Israel said, He that Ruleth over men must be Just. This Vertue enobled & exalted by Grace, shone very bright among Moses's Excellencies; and we find it very solemnly recommended in Jethro's Advice, Exod. 18. 14,—21. Moreover, Thou shalt provide Men of Truth.

4 Like Moses, of a Publick Spirit & Paternal Tenderness The due & happy Exercise of the Publick Trust requires an uncommon Generosity [Page 19] and Largeness of Soul. Nothing so proper, so lovely, so God like. 'Tis the Expectation both of GOD and Man, that Rulers be Fathers and Benefactors to their People: put on the Tender­ness of Fathers; and express it, in their being go­verned by the Publick Good, in their whole Ad­ministration; and in their exquisite sense of the Publick Prosperity & Adversity. A Private, narrow selfish Spirit in a Publick Person, is most loathsome to GOD & Man; brings Infamy, and a Curse upon the Guilty, and innumerable Op­pressions & Mischiefs upon the People. GOD shews us the Good Ruler, in [...] beautiful light, in those Two [...] Patriots Moses and Nehemiah; the [...] Israel's Founder the other his Restorer. Nehemiahs Tenderness to the Pub­lick was truly great; and his Story fully makes out that Character, Neh. 2. 10. A man to seek the welfare of the Children of Israel. But Moses was Extraordinary & Amazing: He entirely for­gets himself & all his own Interests for them, their Safety & Good. Read, Exod. 32. 32. If not, I pray thee blot me out of thy book. And, Numb. 14. 12, 13, 14, 15.

5. Like Moses, of steady Authority & Courage. Authority in a Ruler's management; I mean a due exerting the coercive Power lodged with him for the Publick Safety & Honour, is always necessary in some Degree, let the Times be never so Calm. Resolution & Courage are the Guardians of this Authority and it's Life & Spirit; and a degree of these is always requisite therefore in the smoo­thest Time. But at sometimes, and in some Cir­cumstances, which their People may be thrown [Page 20] into, they become peculiarly Necessary; and they must exert themselves with Vigour. Without very resolute Counsels & couragious Executions of them, all would be lost in some Junctures. An happy Union, and prudent Exercise of these, are then a People's very Life.

Let us enquire, and we shall find Moses the Meek & Tender Father of his People; to whom his People was dearer than himself; yet when the Honour of GOD, and the Publick Good re­quired it, we then find him a Man of Majesty, armed with Terrors.

Government can't be insulted, & so weakned, without inexpressible Damage & Hazards to the People; (the great End of Government.) 'Tis for the People's sake, not their own, that Rulers must exhibit this Coercive Power, and use the Sword of the Revenger; and not willingly suffer the Lawless at home, or Enemies abroad, to despise and trample on them. Look upon Moses in that most seasonable & holy Transport, Exod. 32. 26. And Moses said, Who is on the Lord's side, Who? And, Exod. 17. 9. And Moses said to Joshua, and go fight with Amaleck.

6. It's very desirable, that like Moses, they have GOD's Image, and in it's most high & emi­nent Degrees to Sanctify them. This will Exalt all their Faculties & Qualifications for Govern­ment. This excellent Image crowns all other Qualifications; infuseth an holy & excellent Ferment into all that directs & stimulates them to their great End.

Moses was a renowned Man of GOD, for his uncommon measures of true sanctifying Grace. [Page 21] And Rulers should so Excel, as to be Examples to all about them, of every gracious Disposition and Action to GOD & Man. You see Moses's true Temper & Spirit, in his deep Concern for GOD [...]s Honour; the surest Sign of Grace that can be Numb. 14. 13, 14. And Moses said, The Egypti­ans will hear it—.

7. Like him, Men of Prayer & Power with GOD. Moses was so, very gloriously; and so should all Rulers. Jer. 15. 1. Tho' Moses and Samuel stood before me. Numb. 21. 7. And Mo­ses Prayed for the People. Thus they may do more for the Publick Good, than by all their Wisdom, Authority, Courage, nay, than by the uni­ted Strength & Riches of their whole Government.

Thus I have finished the Character; the thing principally in my Design, and will go more briefly thro' what remains.

PROP. IV. It is to be Notic'd & Celebrated as an high Favour of GOD to his People, when he leads them like a Flock, by the hand of Wise and Good Rulers GOD's taking upon himself the Relation of their Leader, in so peculiar a manner as you have heard; and his exercising that Government as a Shepherd, carrys most ad­mirable Grace in every Article of it, as might be shown, would my Bounds allow it: But passing the Rest, I shall consider the peculiar Favour of His Government, which appears in excellent Civil Privileges & Rulers; and this under Two Heads. (1.) These Privileges & Government are a most free & great Favour; even to the best People. (2) It is to be Noticed & Celebrated as such by them.

[Page 22] 1. It is a free & great Favour of GOD, even to the best People, to give them such Privileges and Rulers. I must say a word or two to the Greatness, and then to the Divine Freedom and Sovereignty in them.

(1.) Civil Privileges, and a good Government, are very great Benefits to a People. These very nearly & vitally affect all the Particulars of a People's Welfare. It might be Instanced at large, were it proper here; in their Religion & Morals; and in their external Order, Peace, universal Prosperity. The happy Fruits are Good Laws; prudent, steady, tender, but yet resolute Exe­cution of them: Learning & Arts flourish: In­dustry is encouraged: Trade, Husbandry, Ma­nufactures encrease: The Publick Prudentials & Exigencies faithfully & wisely Conducted. All these have a most direct & natural Influence upon their Honour & Safety. And to conclude, Such Rulers do abundance to engage the Divine most gracious Presence with such a People. Indeed their Prudence & Holiness, and fervent Supplica­tions won't do alone, without agreable Dispositi­ons & Department in the People; but they do a great deal with GOD, to keep off Judgments, and to procure Publick Blessings. They have great Power with GOD by their Prayers, to open his Infinite Stores. Deut. 9. 18, 19. Let me alone, that I may destroy them:—But the Lord hearkned to me at that time also. They do abundance by holy Examples, and powerful Influences, in their eminent Stations▪ to prepare the People for a Covenant-Enjoyment of these Blessings; as the History of the reforming Kings of Jud [...] assure us.

[Page 23] (2.) They are most Free & Sovereign Benefits, even to the best & purest People. No People can have any Claim to these Benefits, but by GOD's most sovereign Promise. 1 Sam. 12. 22. For the Lord will not forsake his People, for his great Name sake; because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his People. And a People's Claim by a sincere Performance of the Covenant-Terms, is the glorious work of sovereign, irresistible Grace. Jer. 31. 3. Yea. I have loved thee, with an ever­lasting Love: Therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.

2. These Free & Great [...] must be No­ticed & Acknowledged. I only just mention the Heads which might have been enlarged on, if the bounds of a single Sermon would have allow­ed it. Duty, Gratitude, and Interest unite to press their Obligations, and set them in the strongest Light.

A People's Notice & Acknowlegement is all the Return they can possibly make. GOD the Giver being Infinitely above them: They being entirely dependent on him: And He being abso­lutely incapable of any real Addition & Benefit. 1 Cor. 4. 7. Who maketh thee to differ?

GOD will notwithstanding graciously Accept, thro' Christ, His People's sincere Acknowlege­ments. He graciously lets us know, He accounts himself Honoured by them, and is highly plea­sed with them, Psal 50. 23. Whoso offereth praise glorisyeth me. And we are sure he will Reward our grateful Offerings, with the Magnificence of the only & blessed Potentate▪ the King of Kings, in the most illustrious Benefits.

[Page 24] And now I should have proceeded to have said what these Returns are, which a People must make to GOD for these Benefits; and which must be agreable to the Perfection & Majesty of GOD; and therefore such as himself requires: And these might have been Described at large under the following Heads.

1. A People must offer solemn & hearty Praise for them, Psal. 50. 23.

2. They must be wisely improved to their Ends, viz GOD's Honour, the promoting our own Spiritual & Outward Good.

3. All wise Endeavours must be used for their Continuance. Particularly, Those Iniquities must be Mourned for, Reformed & Watched against, which dishonour & provoke the Sovereign GOD to Frown upon a People, and Remove them: What these are, it becomes all, both Rulers and People, diligently to search out, and resolutely destroy.