Mr. GAY'S Election SERMON. May 29 th. 1745.
The Character and Work of a good Ruler, and the Duty of an obliged People.
A SERMON Preach'd before his Exellency William Shirley, Esq; the Honourable His Majesty's COUNCIL, AND House of REPRESENTATIVES of the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England, May 29 th 1745.
Being the Anniversary for the ELECTION of his Majesty's COUNCIL for the Province. By Ebenezer Gay, A. M. Pastor of the Church Hingham.
BOSTON in NEW-ENGLAND: Printed for Daniel Gookin in Marlborough-street, over against the Old South Meeting-House, 1745.
Ordered, THAT Col. Quincy, Mr. Jacob Cushing, and Mr. Lewis, be directed to give the Thanks of the House to the Rev. Mr. Ebenezer Gay of Hingham, for his Sermon preach'd yesterday before the General Court, being the Anniversary for the ELECTION of COUNSELLORS, and desire a Copy thereof for the Press.
AN Election-Sermon.
A Mutual good Affection between Prince and People, engaging them to their respective Duties, and shewing itself in the Expressions of a tender Concern for the Safety and Comfort of each other, is always desireable, and perculiarly so in perilous Times. 'Tis (if I mistake not) exemplify'd in this historical Passage of sacred Scripture; and may, on the present Occasion, be seasonably recommended therefrom.
The great King David was Man of War, eminently qualified, not only to sit on the Throne, and judge his Pople, but also to march at the Head of Armies into the Field, and fight their Battles. And [Page 2] by his martial Skill and Atchievements, as well as by his consummate Policy, just and pious Administration, his Reign was glorious to himself, and happy to his Subjects. It seems to be in the latter End of it, when he was weaken'd with Age, that we here find him at War with the Philistines, in which he waxed saint. Ishhi-henob, which was of the Sons of the Giant, perceiving that David's Strength fail'd him, set upon him with greater Fury, and thought to have slain the King, and so defeated the Host of Israel. But Abishai, the Son Zeruiah, succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Upon the King's escaping so great a Danger, his Men resolv'd in Council, and confirm'd it with an Oath, that he should go no more out with them to Battle, should never again so hazard his precious and important Life, as he had often done, for the Safety of his People; left by his Death the Light of Israel should be quenched.—Some useful and pertinent Instructions may be gather'd from this Text: All that I shall offer may be comprized in this general Observation, viz.
That People should be concern'd for the Preservation of a good Ruler, who is their Light, and does for their Sakes incur great Difficulties and Hazards.
The Character and Work of a good Ruler, and the Duty of an obliged People, will come under Consideration in this Discourse.
Prop. I. That a good Ruler is the Light of his People.
[Page 3]So the Men of David justly thought, and pronouc'd him to be, the Light of Israel. And the Spirit of God spake by him in the same Stile of any other Man that ruleth as he ought. 2 Sam. 23. 3, 4. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me; He that ruleth over Men must be Just, ruling in the Fear of God. And be shall be as the Light the Morning, when the Sun riseth, even a Morning without Clouds—.It is compared to the Light of the Sun, rising clear after a darksome and cold Night, and dispensing all about, it's chearful Rays and kindly Influences.
Light is an Emblem of Authority. It is the Firstborn of Things visible: Hath the Pre-eminence among them, or Predominancy over them: Was originally created and designed to bear Sway in the natural World. God made two great Lights *; the greater Light to rule the Day, and the lesser Light to rule the Night: He made the Stars also, † and set the Dominion of them in the Earth. He represents his own supreme and universal governing Authority, by Light: Takes it for his Robe of Royalty.— O Lord, thou art very great, thou art clothed with Honour and Majesty. I'll be coverest thy self with Light, as with a Garment, Psal. 104. I, 2. And his blessed Son, to whom all Power in Heaven and Earth is given, wears the same Character: And is called in Balain's Prophecy of him, a Star, and a Sceptre ‡ And every Man, who, as God's Minister, and Christ's Representative, is vested with ruling Power, of any Degree in the Scale of Government, [Page 4] and exercises it to the good End for which it is delegated to him, is the Light of a People.
He is so,
I. As he is their Guide. The Use and Benefit of Light is to make us see, to direct us in our Way. Of such Advantage is a good Ruler unto his People, enlightning them with Knowledge of the Things, of their Peace, directing them in the Pursuit thereof, and pointing out to them the Way of their Duty and Safety. Job. 29. 25. I chose out their Way, and fat Chief, and dwelt as King in the Army. By a wise and understanding Heart, a penetrating Judgment, a provident descrying of Mischiefs or Advantanges, which may acrue to, or be averted from the Public, by a careful Inspection of the State and Manners of People, and strict Observance of their varying Circumstances: By a divine Sentence in his Lips, when his Mouth transgresseth not in Judgment; by prescribing Rules of Justice and Equity for all Relations and Conditions of Men, and Kinds of Commerce, in humane Society; by resolving of Doubts, and deciding of Controversies, and exhibiting a bright Example of Piety and Virtue, a Ruler is the directing Light of his People.
2. A good Ruler is the Comfort and Joy, and so the Light of his People. Truly Light is sween, and a pleasant Thing it is for the Eyes to behold the Sun. It cheers the Heart, by working on the Spirits, as well as pleases the Eyes: Warms and enlivens universal Nature, all sensitive and vegetable Creatures: It is benign in its Influence, and productive [Page 5] of sweet Fruits : And so doth aptly set forth what a good Ruler is to his People, their Joy and Comfort. When the Righteous are in Authority, the People rejoice. The King by Judgment stablisheth the Land *: For then Justice is administred, Peace and good Order preserved, the Conveniences of humane Life are safely enjoy'd; Vice is corrected, and Vertue encouraged. Innumerable are the Benefits which People receive from a good Government. The pleasant Fruits of it, the Fruits of Righteousness and Peace, are more to be rejoiced in, than the precious Fruits brought forth by the Sun, and the precious Things put forth by Moon; and the Influences of it are sweeter than the Influences of the Pleiades, and extend far and wide. A good Ruler, seeking the Wealth of his People, and speaking Peace to them, is accepted of them, and is as he that comforteth the Mourners.
3. A good Ruler is the Light, for he is the Glory of his People. Light and Glory are equivalent Terms. The Light is bright and glistering, and makes other Things conspicuous and beautiful. A good Ruler is illustrious, bearing the Image of God's Authority, and shining with the Rays of his Majesty: He puts on Righteousness, and it cloaths him with Honour, and his Judgment is as a Robe of Light, and Diadem of Beauty. His Piety is a sparkling Gem in his Crown, and his Glory is reflected on his People. They are dignified and beautified with it. He scattereth away all Evil with his Eyes: Whatever is the Reproach and Obscurity of a People. He saveth them from [Page 6] those Things which would bring or keep them low. He procureth their Advancement, makes them high and honourable among the Nations; spreads a Lustre upon them, and renders them conspicuous and famous—is the Beauty of Israel †. It is by a King's reigning in Righteousness, and gloriously, that the Common-wealth is not over-clouded with Adversity that the public State becomes serene, and the Face of Things becomes beautiful: "As when the Sun shineth brightly, there is a clear Day, and fair Weather over the World". In these Respects is a good Ruler the Light of his People.
Prop. II. That a good Ruler, for the Sake of his People, incurreth many Difficulties and Hazards.
King David was spirited for, and often personally enagaged in the Toils and Perils of War, and the Light of Israel was sorely struck at, and near being quench'd, by the Sword of the Gigantic Philistine, who thought to have slain him, when he waxed faint in Battle, which occasion'd his Men to say to him, as in the Text. He usually, with his Soldiers, jeoparded his own Life in the high Places of the Field, in the Cause of God and Israel. He shewed thereby his affectionate Care of his People, and Zeal to defend them. Every good Ruler, like David, is ready, for his People's sake, to engage in difficult and dangerous Enterprizes, when called thereto in Providence. The Safety of the People is the End of his Office, and his End in undertaking it; which that he may procure, he more or less exposes their Light [Page 7] to be quenched. His Work is arduous, in Proportion to the Degree of his Authority: Cannot be performed with Ease, nor without Danger to himself. If he be not, for the Defence of his People, call'd to undergo the Fatigues and Perils of War, yet there are others, great and many, which he cannot be excus'd from. His whole Business is a Warfare, in respect of painful Exercises; the Toils he must sustain; the Wacthfulness and Diligence he must use; Enemies he must encounter, and Opposition he has to grapple with. His Office is laborious and vexatious, accompanied with Varieties of Care and Fear Trouble and Temptation, and is hard to be discharged well or wisely. He is God's Minister, attending continually upon this very Thing, Rom. I3. 6.
Close Application, Constancy and Patience are required to the Accomplishment of it. The Care of his People cometh on him daily; and is a Weight under which he is liable to sink and sometimes ready to complain, as Moses, Numb. 11.11, 12. Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy Servant? And wherefore have I not found Favour in thy Sight, that thou layest the Burden of all this People upon me? Have I conceived all this People? Have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy Bosom (as a nursing Father heareth the suckling Child.) More Burden proportionably must this needs be to the Flesh and Mind, than the private Man finds that hath only a Family to provide for and govern; which yet would seem intollerable, were it not for natural Affection, the Strength of parental Love.
Ignorant and inconsiderate must they be, who suppose the Man that doth the Work of a Ruler faithfully, hath an easy Task; and can live in Idleness, [Page 8] Pleasure and Excess, The Trees in Jotham's Parable teach us better * The Olive-Tree must leave her Fatness the Fig-Tree her Sweetness and good Fruit, and the Vine her Wine, to be promoted over the Trees. He denies himself that understandingly and uprightly accepts the Rule over Men. Men of high Degree are a Lye ‡ This he said to undeceive us, who, by Experience of their State, knew what they were: That they are not what to vulgar Eyes they appear to be: Not so safe, comfortable and happy in their Exaltataion. Their outward glittering Shew deceiveth their careless Spectators, who see not their real Condition. "Tho' the cloathing of Authority be splendid, the Substance thus covered is extraordinary Labour, and Duty, and Suffering". Much Study is a Weariness to the Flesh, says the wise King Solomon; who doubtless found it so in his Researches not only into the Mysteries of Nature, but also into the Intricacies and Depths of Policy. It is apt, sooner than bodily Labour, to waste the Strength, to consume the Spirits, and put out the Lamp of Life. He that is to be a Light unto a People, hath great Occasion for it, to discern between Good and Bad, to search out all Matters involv'd in Darkness and Perplexity; to frame Laws which may answer the good Intention of them; the Sense of which may not easily be perverted, nor the Force evaded; to apply the general Rules of Justice to the great Variety of particular Cases; to devise Means for the Redress of public Grievances, and the Prevention of impending Mischiefs, and Emolument of the Republic; to manage with Discretion the Affairs of Governmen which are very important, and often embarrast.
[Page 9]A Ruler meets with Difficulty in his Work, from the perverse Spirits, and rebellious Lusts of Men, whence come Murmurings and Fightings against him, to the Grief and Disquietude of his Mind. It is not so hard for him to bear the * Cumbrance of the People, as their Strife.
The Light of a People is wont to offend sore Eyes; and who can stand before Envy, that fixes upon him in a State of Eminence, and is seeking to undermine him? —Standing on higher Ground than others, a Rulers is more obnoxious to Storms of Adversity; to the bleak Winds of Temptation: Is in greater Danger form the World, and him that is in it, of falling into sudden Ruin, by Luxury and Prophaness, Pride and Injustice, and almost every Sort of evil Practices.
The malicious Spirit of Darkness assaults him with all the Strength and Fury which he is permitted to do. Satan standeth at his right Hand to resist him ‡ The Light of Israel was more endanger'd, and suffer'd more Damage, when Satan stood up, and provoked David to Number the People †, than when Ishbi-benoh came against him with a huge Spear and Sword to slay him.
These brief and imperfect Hints may suggest to our Minds the Difficulties and Dangers to which he is objected, that is a Light in Israel; a Ruler of the People, the People of the God of Abraham: And he that considerately incurreth such, sheweth a predominant Regard to the Safety and Welfare of his People, as David, when he (as was usual) acted in Person, and risqu'd his own Life, in fighting the Battles of Israel.
[Page 10]Prop. III. That People should be concern'd for the Preservation of a good Ruler, that their Light be not quenched.
The Men of David were so for his, which made them sware unto him, saying, thou shalt go no more out with us to Battle, that thou quench not the Light of Israel. They had before manifested their Care of him, in refusing to let him go with them against Absalom, alledging, that he was worth ten Thousand of them ‡. How they were afterwards content that he should go forth to War, we are not inform'd. There might be some special Reason for his being with them at this Time: Or remembring the old Enmity of the Philistines against Israel perhaps he could not be perswaded by them to stay at home: But when they saw how greatly endanger'd the Light of Israel was, they became more resolute, and with the Solemnity of an Oath told him, that he should go no more out with them to Battle. It was not prudent in him so to expose himself, in whose Safety the Public was so much interested; nor decent in them so peremptorily to declare against it; and neither the one, nor the other, is to be drawn into Precedent in ordinary Cases; yet the affectionate Concern express'd for each others Preservation is exemplary. A King sheweth a Regard to the Safety of his People, by going in Person to Battle. And they testify their Care of him, by their Unwillingness that he should. Whether it be adviseable, or not, in him, to put his Life to such Hazard for their Sakes, or in them to oppose it; yet it is commendable in both to have [Page 11] such a tender Regard for one another, as is manifested thereby, exerting it self in all proper Ways of mutual Defence. What these Ways are on the People's Part, besides this which we have in the Text an Instance of, may be shewn, after I have put them in Mind of the Obligations lying upon them, to seek the Preservation of a good Ruler, that their Light be not quenched; totally, nor partially: To seek his Preservation, as he is their Light—his Preservation, not only Life ard Being, but in his Splendor and Strength, Influence, Usefulness and Glory.
The first Commandment, with Promise, requires it. Honour thy Father. Honour the King; this we do not sufficiently, according to the Obligation of this Precept, by giving him high Titles, and loud Applauses, and the external Significations of Reverence, in unveiling and cringing to him; but by more substantial Demonstrations of Respect, and affectionate Concern to preserve him, in his honourable State.
The Relation which there is between Ruler and People implies this Duty of their's towards him. It is constituted by the wise and good Governour of all, not for the Safety and Benefit of the People only, without Consideration of the Rulers; but to engage both in a mutual Assistance and Defence. It is founded in the natural Right which Men have to each other's Love and Care, and is designed for the better Exercise of the same. Were it not for this Relation they could not so well be each one his Brother's Keeper. By Virtue of it, the Wisdom and Strength given Mankind, for the Preservation of the Species, may be improv'd to far greater Advantages. As the whole natural Body is the better secured, by having [Page 12] the Eyes in the Head, and the Strength in the Arms. The Ruler is to protect the People by his Wisdom and Authority, and they him by their Estates and Strength. Justice demands this of them: Yea, Gratitude constrains them to it. 'Tis plainly equitable that they should be concern'd for his Safety, who is so much for theirs, as a good Ruler is. They claim it as their undoubted Right, to be defended by him in their Persons, Names, Estates and Liberties; and he may claim it as his, to be aided and safe-guarded by them. This is the least that in Equity and Ingenuity they can render to him for the Benefits of his Protetion, and his generous Love toward them, in exposing himself to many Difficulties and Dangers, for their Sakes. And their own Preservation calls for it. 'Tis their Light will be quenched, if a good Ruler be not preserv'd. "His Fall, like that of a tall Cedar, (to which the Scripture compares him *) will shake the Earth, and discompose the State". Their Safety hath Dependance on his: And in his Peace, they have Peace. 'Tis their Glory for him to shine in Honour. All the Members rejoice if one, especially the Head, be honoured; and by having the chiefest Beauty and Ornaments of the whole Body placed there. If a Prince flourishes in Wealth and Power, if he triumphs in Victory and Success, it makes, as well as argues, a People to be considerable; renders them terrible to their Enemies secure from Injuries and Invasions, & great among the Nations. By his Prosperity they thrive; in his Adversity they share: If he be a shining Example of Religion, his Influence on them is great, to [Page 13] draw them to the Practice of it; as is also his Interest in Heaven, to derive down Blessings upon them, and their Posterity, even after such a Light is seen no more in this World. David's Piety was for a Memorial before God in Hezekiah's Time, and was a Defence to Jerusalem against the Assyrian Host, Isai. 37.35. I will defend this City to save it, for mine own Sake, and for my Servant David's Sake. Since a People's Preservation in a happy State, is so inseperably connected with their Rulers, the Principle of Self-love urges them to seek it. To this they are obliged by all the Ties of Duty and Interest. And they shou'd express their Concern for his Preservation.
1. By Prayer to God for him. Prayer should be made for him continually. To the almighty Protection, gracious Conduct and Blessing of the Preserver of Men, who giveth Salvation to Kings, hath their Hearts and Breath and Ways in his Hands, should the Ruler of a People be devoutly commended by them. He is worse than a heathen Prince that makes no Account, and they deny the Faith who don't make Conscience of Prayer on his Behalf. The Persian King charg'd his Officers to furnish the Jewish Elders and Priests with Sacrifices Day by Day without fail, that (saith he *) they may offer Sacrifices of sweet Savour unto the God of Heaven, and pray for the Life of the King, and of his Sons. I exhort, saith the Apostle, 1 Tim. 2.1, 2, 3. that first of all Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, and giving of Thanks be made for all Men: For Kings, and for all that are in Authority, that we may lead a quiet and [Page 14] peaceable Life in all Godliness and Honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the Sight of God our Saviour.
2. By dutiful Behaviour toward him: Readily undertaking difficult Enterprizes, and hazarding their own Lives, when there is Occasion, in Defence of his Person and Government—Cheerfully rendring the Tribute that is due for his Labour and Care, supplying him with Means to support the Honour of his Station in the Eyes of Men, who are generally unable to discern the greatest Excellency, under a poor Garb of worldly Cirmcumstances, and apt to despise the highest Dignity, divested of splendid Ornaments—Strictly observing all his lawful Commands being put in Mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers, to obey Magistrates, and be ready to every good Work, enjoyned by them—Accepting always with all Thankfulness the worthy Deeds done by his Providence, not unreasonably suspecting his Designs, nor boldly taxing his Actions; not speaking Evil of him, but commending his Vertues, and concealing his Infirmities; and yet not suffering Sin upon him, which may, at some Times, and in some Way, be fitly dispensed, without saying to a King, (in the Manner which Elihu Condemns †) Thou art wicked, and to Princes, Ye are Ungodly. When People are thus dutiful in their Carriage toward a Ruler, then are they his Strength ‡ and contribute to the Preservation of their Light, in its glorious Lustre and benign Influence. Which they may further do.
3. By serving the Lord, and keeping all his Commandments. Religion, not only in those particular [Page 15] Branches of it which have been mentioned, respecting the Civil Ruler more immediately, but in its largerst Extent, and as comprizing all Duties, toward God, our Neighbour, and our Selves, must be sincerely practiced by the People who would obtain the divine Protection and Blessing for their Ruler, and themselves, that their Light be not quenched. His Safety, as well as their's according to the Representation which the Scripture makes of it, depends upon their Piety—And by their Wickedness they destroy him, as well as themselves. When the People of Israel asked a King, and Soul was set over them, Samuel said unto them, Only fear the Lord, and serve him in Truth with all your Heart, for consider how great Things he hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your King *. The Sin of a People often provokes a righteous God to leave the Ruler of them to be misled by Temptations, and drawn away of his own Lusts, into Courses which prove destructive both to them and him. Many Instances of this occur in sacred History. Thro' the Anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his Presence †, that Zedekiah rebelled against the King of Babylon. And the Anger of the Lord was kindled against Judah, when good King Josiah was slain in the Battle with Pharaoh-neeho ‡ which he, contrary to sober Advice, engaged in. Moses spake unadvisedly with his Lips, when the Children of Israel provoked his Spririt, and it went ill with him for their Sakes, Psal. 106.32, 33. The Sin of Israel quenched the Light thereof.
APPLICATION.
This Discourse may be apply'd both to Rulers and People.
1. To Rulers. May it not excite in them laudable Emulation to hear the Character and Adventure of the great and good King? David? The high Character which his Men gave him, the Light of Israel: And the heroic Enterprize for the Safety of Israel, in which he so extremely hazarded his Life, and so narrowly escaped Death, as made them sware he should go no more out with them to Battle, will they not aspire to be the Light of their People, and undertake Difficulties and expose themselves to Dangers for the public Good and Welfare; and so engage a reciprocal Concern of the People to preserve them in a high, splendid and useful Condition of Life? God is a Sun and Shield. Rulers, who are dignified with his Name, and do carry the Image of his Authority in their Office, must endeavour, in their subordinate Place and Capacity, to be the Light and Defence of their People. The Light of Israel! Exalted, divinely glorious Character! What so worthy Object of Ambition, or humane Desire, can be proposed to the Men of Honour? Can they aim to rise higher, to shine brighter in this World, who (as other Men) are formed out of the Dust, are Children of Corruption, and Brethren of Worms? This lofty mid glittering Title is not given them to lift them up with Pride, but to admonish them of their Duty; and it no farther belongs to, or adorns them, than they, in correspondent Properties and Acts, do make it good.
That they may answer their Character they must be endued with the resembling Qualities of Light in [Page 17] the Charity and Greatness of Understanding, and Depth of Penetration, the Pureness of Design, the Benignity of Temper, the Warmth of a public Spirit, the Constancy and Activity of provident Care, Steadiness of Proceeding, and in the most diffusive Benevolence. They need be filled with the Spirit of Wisdom and Counsel, as the People's Light, to shine upon their Ways; and daily to shed down on them the Beams of a gentle and fair Administration, making them glad and resplendent: The guilding the Common-wealth, as the Sun-Beams do the Earth. Rulers should be Light in the Lord; endued with heavenly Wisdom, making their Faces to shine, and good Works appear before Men. So will they be the greater and more beneficial Light of the People; far more glorious in themselves, and advantageous to others: This transforming them into nearer and more happy Resemblance of the Father of Lights, even God, who is Light, and in whom there is no Darkness at all. It transfigures them in Manner; as Christ, their Lord and Master, the Prince of the Kings of the Earth, was transfigur'd on Mount Tabor, so that his Face did shine as the Sun, and his Raiment was white as the Light *. How are People cheer'd and transported with this Light in their Rulers, and apt to say as the Disciples of Jesus, Lord it is good for us to be here! In it they rejoice and glory; by it they are led and do live.
Such Rulers Will be more affectionately concern'd for the People's Safety and Welfare; and in order there to be more dispos'd, and better fitted, to do all that is incumbent on them, with Self-Denial, Patience [Page 18] and Resolution, which the Grace of God teacheth. They will be more like to David in martial Courage, and a Readiness to defend their People, at the Expence of their Ease, and Hazard of their Lives. When God will pour out upon the House of David, the Spirit of Grace, according to his Promise, which refers to Times after David's Family, according to the Flesh should be extinct, 'tis said, Zech. 12.8. In that Day shall the Lord defend the Inhabitants of Jerusalem, and he that is feeble among them at that Day shall be as David; and the House of David shall be as God, as the Angel of the Lord before them, i. e. as Christ Jesus, who is the Leader and Commander of his People, mighty to defend and save them from their Enemies: The Star, which he that saw the Vision of the Almighty, said, should come out of Jacob ‡ the Sceptre that should file out of Israel, and smite the Corners of Moah, and destroy all the Children of Sheth.
Let the Counsel of God be now acceptable to our honoured Rulers, who are come into his House, solemnly to ask it of him.
May it please your Excellency, to whom it is first address'd.
It is ( Sir) a gloomy and difficult Day, in which you are set to be the ruling Light of this People, and made a polished Shaft, to defend them. The Province is in great Affliction on divers Accounts; more especially by the expensive War which it hath very feeble Sinews to support. A little Wisdom and Strength, paternal Affection and Care, Labour and [Page 19] Patience and Courage in a Governour, would not suffice in any Measure, to lighten our Darkness, to relieve our Weakness, and protect our exposed State. There is great Occasion for the Improvement of all the shining Talents your Excellency is endow'd with, to direct the public Affairs, and to comfort and save a poor People. By the incessant Toil of the Brain, the unwearied Diligence of the Hand, the tender Concern of Heart, the unshaken Fortitude of Mind, and Steadiness of Conduct, which our Circumstances call for in a chief Ruler, your Administration hath merited our Praises, and keeps alive our Hopes. It is doubtless an Alleviation of the Burden lying upon you, to find your worthy Deeds are not only approv'd of by your royal Master, but well accepted by your loyal People, who are concern'd for your Preservation in Life and Health, in Honour and Authority. To their Power (I bear Record) yea, and beyond their Power they were willing to contribute their Endeavours, Estates and Arms toward your ruling prosperously, to their Comfort and Joy, and your Enemies Terror and Confusion.
Your Excellency's Goodness forbids us to fear that you will not to your utmost serve this People with your Interest in the King and his Ministers, that we may be defended in our rightful Possessions, allow'd our happy, both civil and religious Privileges, and succour'd in our manifold Needs, lest the Province, curtail'd in its Bounds, impoverish'd with War, and sunk under a Load of Debt, should be quite discouraged from attempting any further Service for the Crown, beyond what plain Duty exacts, in Hopes of gaining Favour at Home, and that the King will hear us when we call. A heavy Yoke of Taxes seems [Page 20] to be mostly dreaded—so far as it shall by any Means, consistent with Justice and the public Safety, be made lighter, complaining in our Streets will be prevented.
We hope your Excellency will always eat the Bread of the Governour, while we wish that none may be your Servants who eat the Bread of Idleness, make a Prey of the Calamity of the Times, feather their own Nests, and serve their vile Lusts. With public Spirit, may your Eyes be always turned upon the Faithful of the Land, that they may dwell with thee, and serve thee.
As the Worth of Religion and Learning is known to you, so you will be the Patron thereof, and of all Means requisite and suitable to advance the same.
Our Heart's Desire for your Excellency is, that by the Wisdom, Righteousness and Clemency of your Government, and the Lustre of your good Conversation in Christ, you may continue to shine in your high Sphere, and in a long Course of unclouded Glory, attending your successful Endeavours to procure the Good and Safety of this People; that so when you must cease to be their Light, withdrawing from this Hemisphere, and setting (as to your Body) in the Grave, (which you are wisely to consider of— the Sun knoweth his going down) your Spirit may ascend above the starry Heavens, and be admitted into the Realms of everlasting Light and Peace, with the Euge from the Mouth of your divine Master, Well done, good and faithful Servant, thou hast been faithful over a few Things, I will make thee Ruler over many Things: Enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord.
And now my Fathers, the honourable Counsellors and Representatives, suffer the Word of Exhortation, [Page 21] with Respect to the Work of the present Day, and of the ensuing Year.
Let the Exercise of your Election-Power this Day, be regulated according to the Word of God, which at an unexpected Call has been spoken by the unworthiest Minister of it.
Chuse for his Majesty's Council, Men that will answer the Character here given of a good Ruler, and be ready to incur the Difficulties and Dangers which may be unavoidable, in pursuit of the public Safety and Welfare.—Such as, in their Sphere and Measure, may be the Light of our Israel— Able Men, who, like the Heads of Issachar, have Understanding of the Times, to know what Israel ought to do. Such are especially to be now sought out, in this Day of Trouble and War, of Darkness and Danger. What can be expected, but that the Common-wealth must suffer great Damage, if it escape Ship-wrack, in a tempestuous Season, when the Waters roar and are troubled, the Waves swell and rage, unless the wise Men in her be her Pilots *? What Skill is requisite to steer the public Affairs thro' so many threatning Dangers as ours are attended with? From that Curse, good Lord deliver us, I will give Children to their Princes, and Babes shall rule over them ‡! An ignorant, injudicious Counsellor, is as great a Solicism in the State, as a dark Light in the Sky.
Chuse Men that are stable in their Principles and Ways, like the Ordinances of Heaven; whose Judgments are not to be corrupted with selfish Views, and Party-Defilements, and the greatest Temptations [Page 22] they meet with, to give bad Advice, to consent to unrighteous Acts, and mistaken Nominations into Office, to fall in with ill-concerted Schemes, and make wrong Draughts out of the public Treasury, any more than the Light is contaminated by shining upon Dunghills.
Chuse Men that will forego their own Ease, and private Advantage, for the Sake of the public Weal; be ready to engage in difficult and hazardous Enterprizes for the Safety of their People; to risk, and (when call'd thereto in Providence) lay down their Lives for their Country.—Such Men are not commonly those who are most forward to get to the Council-Board. If any appear fond, and use little Arts, base and unworthy Means, to be chosen to that, or any other Place of Dignity and Government, they may reasonably be deem'd unfit for it.—If for Favour and Preferment, they will join themselves to a Party, deny or dissemble the Truth, contract their Minds, or stretch their Consciences to the Size of the Times, fawn and flatter, offer Gifts, and purchase Votes, they do not shew themselves Men worthy of it. If this were made the Rule of Election, perhaps the greatest Errors in them wou'd be avoided, a great deal of Wickedness in seeking after, and bringing into honourable Seats, and Posts of Profit, might be prevented, and the Public be secur'd from the Mischiefs we always have to fear from the Advancement of ambitious and designing Men. Aspiring Absalom said, O that I were made Judge in the Land * He caress'd and kiss'd every one that came to Court, and stole away the Hearts of the Men of Israel. But in [Page 23] Mercy to the People, his villainous Design Was frustrated.
The Bramble (it seems) was fond of the Government, which the Olive, Fig-tree and Vine refused, and said unto the Trees, If in Truth ye anoint me King over you, then come, and put your Trust in my Shadow *—pretending sure Defence, and much Comfort to be had in the Shadow of a Bramble, which is apt to scratch and tear every Thing that comes near it—yea, Fire cometh out of the Bramble, and devoureth the Cedars of Lebanon. This the Men of Shechem found true in Abimelech, whom they made King, upon his representing how much better it wou'd be for them to have him reign over them, than the rest, or any of the Sons of Gideon.—For Men to seek their own Glory, is not Glory, but contrary. When the Sons of Zebedee desired of our Lord, that they might set one on his right Hand, and the other on his left in his Kingdom, he said unto them, Ye know not what Ye ask ‡. When with eager Ambition Men hunt after Places of Honour and Authority, they know not what they are pursuing: what Difficulties and Dangers, Temptations and Snares, they wou'd run into. They may ordinarily least understand the Business of Ruling, who take themselves to be most sufficient for it—They are not likely to prove faithful in it, who cannot patiently stay 'till God calls them unto it. They who seek their own Promotion least, give the most convincing Evidence of real Worth: Which, wherever it is, will in due Time speak for it self.
[Page 24]"If Men (saith one) understood what Office and Authority is in Church or Common-wealth, and look'd after the Substance as well as the Ornaments; the Work as well as the Honour and Greatness; it wou'd be an eminent Piece of Self-denial for a Man to submit to the Call of God, to be a Prince, a Judge, a Justice—&c. And Men would as hardly be drawn to take the Office, as they are now to do the Work of the Office in Faithfulness, and with Courage [...] Zeal for God; and that is almost as hard as an Offender is drawn to the Stocks. Offices and high Places are not intended to accommodate the Fles;h; nor are they Things to be ambitiously desired and sought for, by such as understand the Ends and Use of them; but they are such labourious, hazardous Ways of serving God, which a wise Man knows, must cost him more than the Honour will repay; and which a good Man will not run away from when God calleth him thereto; but will so far deny himself as to submit to them; but not to thrust himself into them, as the Proud and Selfish do. He that seeketh an Office, or Honour for himself, must have another Heart before he will use it for God." Wherefore, that we may still have Counsellors as at the first, let the honourable Board be supply'd, not with Men who, urged on with Ambition or Avarice or any wrong Motives, wou'd thrust themselves, but with those whole known Merit, discovering it self in their Wisdom and Integrity, as the Light in its own shining, recommends to it. And this is agreeable to the Apostle's Rule of Judgment propounded in 2 Cor. 10.18. Not be that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
[Page 25]When the Elections of this Day shall be happily finished, may the several Branches of the Legislature, each in its proper Sphere, he the Light of our Israel, in the succeeding annual Course of their Adminisrations, and be carried thro' all the Difficulties and Dangers, which the arduous Business of the Year is like to be attended with. It will require all the Wisdom and Prudence, Tenderness and sollicitous Care, Vigilance, Courage and Labour of the most accomplish'd and faithful Rulers, to chuse out a right Way for this people in so dark a Time; to comfort and cheer them in their Afflictions; to ease them somewhat (if possible) of the Yoke which is grievous to them; to redress the Wrongs that are suffer'd, or, if that be impossible, to prevent in any Measure the greater thar are fear'd, from the continually sinking Credit of our Medium of Exchange, which is converted into an Instrument of Injustice; to open and keep free Channels of Trade which are in Manner shut up; to secure the People from instestine Broils and Factions; to protect them from foreign Invations and Enemies; to guard and promote their religious, as well as civil Interests; and preserve both State and Church from Ruin. How much Work, and how much Importance and Difficulty, lies before the Rulers of this Province, is easy to conceive, but would be tedious to declare. They don't expect to live in Ease and Delicacy, Idlesness and Pleasure; but to watch Day and Night for our Good, and be very Slaves to Busines and if their should be Occasion therefor, to venture their own Lives in the Battle of the Warrior, to save their People's. Not only are our temporal Affairs perplex'd, but our Religion, and the Minstry thereof, and Means of [Page 26]Education, are at present under a Cloud: And so far as they are so, our Glory is obscured—Will our Rulers therefore, as our Light, shine upon them, and as far as their Authority and Influence will reach, presreve them from being corrupted with Errors, darkned with Ignorance and Sin, aspers'd and blacken'd with foul Slanders, unjust Reproaches, and for Want of outward Means of Support, reduc'd to so low and despicable a State, as that it should be truly said of these exellent Things, the best we have, their Light is become Darkness. Far be it from our Rulers to espouse a Par [...]y in Religion; or to countenance a Ministry, which is not, in respect both of Doctrine and Conversation, a burning and shining Light. But let them own and promote the great and substantial Things in which pure and undefil'd Religion consists, and by their Example teach People to go in the Footsteps of the Flock, which follow'd Christ into the Wilderness and adhere to the Ministry which the Gospel ordains; that so if any should wander after uncertain Lights, it may not be said, the Leaders of this People cause them to err, Isai. 9. 16. So far as Religion and Learning shall decay, our Light must dwindle; even that which the Magistracy is unto us. "Despising the Ephod, was the Rot of Saul's Kingdom".
Honoured Fathers, There is one Consideration, ('tis suggested in the Text) which is proper and powerful to excite your utmost Care to answer the Character, and do the Work of a good Ruler: It is the Consideration of your latter End. Ye are the Light of our Israel, but incident to be quench'd by Death, He that saith, Ye are Gods, saith also, Ye shall die like Men, One fatal Moment extinguishes [Page 27] all the Glory of a wicked Ruler: How great is his Fall, from the Firmament, in which he shineth a little while, into the lowest Pit, where is Blackness of Darkness for ever! And the Insultation over a proud Monarch, who said in his Heart, I will exalt my Throne above the the Stars of God, is, HOW ART THOU FALLLEN FROM HEAVEN, O LUCIFER, SON OF THE MORNING! * — But they that are wise, and discharge the honourable Office of ruling well and faithfully, shall, as to their Spirits, upon their shining no more as Lights in this World, and their Bodies going down to rest in the Grave, be exalted above all visible Heavens, to a Place among those Morning Stars, the Sons of God, his glorious Angels; and when the Son of Man shall send forth his Angels, and gather out of his Kingdom all Things that offend, and them which do Iniquity, then shall the Righteous, and with distinguishing Lustre, the Just, who have ruled in the Fear of God, shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Fathter.
2. To the People, I am in the next Place to apply this Discourse.
Common Usage may seem to demand, and my Subject would warrant, a distinct Address to the Clergy, exciting them to approve themselves in their Sphere, the Light of our Israel, to act as becometh those who are set for the Defence of the Gospel, and endure Hardness as good Soldiers of Jesus Christ, in a Day of Darkness and Danger: But since their Duty is on the Morrow to be set before them by a better Hand, I omit an Application to my Fathers and Brethren in the Ministry. Only as the Exhortation [Page 28] I bring the People, speaketh unto them, who should be Examples unto all others of the Duty I press, viz. A suitable Concern for the Preservation of a good Ruler, that our Light be not quenched.
We have Rulers worthy of this shining Character, whose Wisdom serves for our Direction, and whose just Administration is to our Comfort, Joy and Glory —Rulers that undergo Difficulties, and are expos'd to Dangers, in Pursuance of our Welfare: That count not their own Lives too dear to be risqued in War, for our Defence—We have a King, who like David, hath sometimes gone forth with his Men to Battle, and fought in the Heat of it, at the Peril of quenching the greatest Light of our Israel. His royal Presence and magnanimous Behaviour, doubtless, contributed very much to the gaining of the Victory over a far more numerous Army than that which he was of late at the Head of, on the River Mayne in Germany. Armies slight the Danger they share in with their King: And if Generals don't act in Person, they can never atchieve a glittering Reputation, was the Saying of the great King of Sweden, as Gustavus Adolphus was stiled.
We cannot impute it to the Love of Ease, or Care of his own Health and Life, that the Governour, our Captain-General, is not gone out with his Men to Battle. He hath little spared himself in these calamitous Times. All must be sensible, that he hath taken indefatigable Pains, encounter'd and furmounted great Difficulties, and been expos'd to no small Hazards, in conducting the arduous Affair of the War: And especially in his so wisely projecting, and vigorously carrying on the present necessary and important Expedition against our Enemies; for which, [Page 29] we hope, the Generations to come, will call him blessed.
We have Ruler under him, that have left their honourable Seats in Court, and all the Comforts of their pleasant Habitations, to undergo the Inconveniences, Fatigues, and Perils of a military Expedition: Such as a brave General, and other principal Officers of our Army who, inspired with Courage, and girded with Strength, have carry'd the War into the Enemy's Land; have assaulted, and in Part smitten, the strong Hold, which has been tho't impregnable. May our Forces, thro' God, do valiantly, and return triumphing in his Praise, and we have Occasion to sing in the Words of Deborah and Barak, Judges 5. 2—9. Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the People willingly offered themselves—My Heart is toward the Governours of Israel, who offered themselves willingly among the People: Bless ye the Lord. The Stars in their Courses fought against Sisera. These our Lights are ready in their's to fight against our Enemies.
And now, O ye People, will ye not be concern'd, and do your uttermost, for the Preservation of Ruers, who are so vigilant, labourious, and ventrous for your Safety and Peace: To them, under God, are we indebted for the Light we have in our Darkness, now that there is Distress of Nations, with Perplexity; Men's Hearts failing them for Fear, and for looking after those Things which are coming on the Earth. As Heaven shineth upon the Government, and renders it so benign, joyous and glorious to us as it is, ingrateful shall we be, if we do not shew ourselvse well-affected to it, and desirous of the Prosperity of those of by whom we enjoy any Degree of [Page 30] Security, Liberty and Traquility, in an evil, very unsettled World.
Having Rulers that appear so concern'd for the public Safety, so willing to take any Pains, to run any Hazards to secure and from whose just Administrations, and brave Adventures, we reap so many and great Blessings, we are in return therefor, of all People in the World, oblig'd to seek their Prosperity and Preservation,—Let us do this by constant and servent Prayer to almighty God for them: For our King; that his Glory may still be great in God's Salvation—that all his Enemies may be defeated, and cloathed with Shame, and he be as the Sun, when he goeth forth in his Might.—For our Governour, and all in Authority. Civil and Military, that they may be protected in their Person, assisted and succeeded in their Undertakings, so as to be the Light and Shield of our Earth.
Let us behave dutifully toward our Rulers: Obeying them in all Things, wherein their Laws do not interfere with the Commands of God.
Let us not add to their Burden, and discourarge their Hearts, by any refractory Carriage, and unreasonable Complaints. Let not out Light be dim'd, their Reputation fullied with the Breath of Obloquy. Their Honour is necessary to the public Good, and we should be tender of it. They lay no Claim to Perfection: (The Sun hath its Spots) But we should not expose and aggravate their Faults. Let us not admit the Jealousies, which envious, self-designing Men are always ready to propagate, nor join in the Clamours of uneasy Male-contents.
"Most Men indeed, (as one observes) by their Condition of Life, are set at too great a Distance [Page 31] from the Springs of Government, to be rightly instructed in Facts Circumstances, and much less to enter into the [...] of public Councils; and therefore for [...] the Conduct of their Superious, is talking without Knowledge, and judging without Examination. And even those [...] are placed in higher Stations, and have a nearer View of the public Management, cannot but know, what a large and weighty. Task the Concerns of the Public are; how many Difficulties arise, which the wisest Councils cannot foresee, nor the greatest Diligence sermount; And [...] they should be so far from being the first in confusing and accusing the public Conduct, that they ought in Reason the Equity, to be the Correctors of others, whose Ignorance in these Matters shall, at any Time, betray them into too great Freedom and Severity". Hear the Preacher's Conclusion of the whole Matter; Fear God, and keep his Commandments: For this is the whole of Man—his whole Duty and Safety, consider'd both in his personal and political Capacity.
After all that can with Truth be said of an extraordinary Reformation in the Land, it is plain, that we still greatly need to be reform'd: To the various Judgments, by which God testifies against our doing wickedly, he might add this of quenching the Light of the good Government we are under. Justly, for our Sins, might he desert our Rulers, that thy should be like those of whom we read, Psal. 2.5. They know not, neither will they understand; [...]hey walk on in Darkness; All the Foundations of the Earth are out of Course. They may be left to fall into the worst of Errors and Sins, to the staining all [Page 32] their Glory, and by their precipitate Counsels, illadvised Enterprizes, oppressive and tyranous Courses, to work their own and our Ruin. As therefore we tender their Preservation, and our Happiness depending on it, let us break off our Sins by Repentance, and follow after that Righteousness which exalteth a Nation. Let our Zeal be spent in the Pratice of that Religion, which is the Image of God, and Imitat;ion of the blessed Jesus, in Holiness, Justice, Meekness, Peaceableness and Love. So will our Light shine Our Righteousness may go forth as Brightness, no more to be disputed than the shining of the Sun; and as little needing any extrinsic Evidence to prove it. Our Light will shine, and all that is called so be best secur'd from every Thing that would quench it.
When the People of Israel desired a King to judge them, and go out before them, and fight their Battles and Saul was anointed over them. Samuel said unto them, * If ye fear the Lord, and serve him, and obey his Voice, and not rebel against the Commandment of the Lord, then shall both ye, and also the King that reigneth over you, continue following the Lord your God, i. e. be safe under the divine Conduct and Protection.—Let us do so: Then shall our Rulers, being just, ruling the Fear of God, be as the Light of the Morning, which is encreasing, when the Sun riseth, very pleasant, in a Morning without Clouds—In the growing Lustre of their good Government shall they shine more and more toward a perfect Day of Prosperity, Then (saith God as truly to us as he did to Israel of old) shall thy Light rise in Obscurity [Page 33] and thy Darkness be as the Noon-Day. Thy Light shall break forth as the Morning, and thy Health shall spring forth speedily: Thy Righteousness shall go before thee, the Glory of the Lord shall be thy Rere-ward.—Happy art thou, O Israel, who is like unto thee, O People, saved by the Lord, the Shield of thy Help, and the Sword of thy Excellency; And thine Enemies shall be found Liars unto thee, and thou shalt tread upon their high Places—Iwill also make thy Officers Peace, and thine Exactors Righteousness—Violence shall no more be heard in thy Land, Wasting and Destruction within thy Borders: But thou shalt call thy Walls Salvation, and thy Gates Praise—Thy Sun shall go no more down, neither shall thy Morn withdraw itself: For the Lord shall be thine everlasting Light, and thy God thy Glory.
AMEN