(8.) The truth being revealed to them, and their own hearts made acquainted therewith, after their personal engagements to the prac- tice of the power of godliness, according to the " revelation of God in the face of Jesus Christ," three things are incumbent on him in re- ference thereunto.
[1.] That, according to the measure of its revelation unto him, he declare, or take care that it be declared, unto others, even all com- mitted to his governing charge. The general equity that is in the obligation of " strengthening others when we are confirmed," desii"-
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mg them to be like ourselves in all participation of grace from God, — the nature of true zeal for the glory and name of the Lord, are a sufficient warrant for this, yea, demand the performance of this duty. So Jehoshaphat, being instructed in the ways of God, sent princes and priests to teach it in all the cities and towns of Judah, 2 Chron. xvii. 7-9. As also did Hezekiah, 2 Chron. xxx. 6-9. Let this, then, be our first position : —
I. It belongs to the duty of the supreme magistrate, the governor or shepherd of the people, in any nation, being acquainted with the mind of God, to take care that the truth of the gospel be preached to all the people of that nation, according to the way appointed, either ordinary or extraordinary.
I make no doubt but God will quickly reject them from then power who, knowing their Master's will, are negligent herein.
[2.] As he is to declare it, so he is to protect it from all violence whatever. Jesus Christ is the great king of nations, as well as the holy king of saints. His gospel hath a right to be preached in every nation, and to every creature under heaven. Whoever forbids or hinders the free passage of it, is not only sinful and impious towards God, but also injurious towards men. Certainly the magistrate is to protect every one and every thing in their own right, from the violence and injury of unruly men. In the preaching and receiving the gos- pel there is a right acted, superior to all earthly privileges whatever. In this, then, the magistrate is to protect it, that under him the pro- fessors thereof " may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty." And for this cause they to whom the sword is com- mitted may with the sword lawfully defend the truth, as the un- doubted right and privilege of those who do enjoy it, and of which they cannot be de^orived without the gi-eatest injury. Jephthah laid it down as the ground of the equity of the wars he waged against the Ammonites, that they would possess what the Lord their God gave them to possess; the defence whereof he pursued to the subversion of their (at first) invading enemies, Judges xi. 24, 33. It is no new thing to begin in defence, and end in oftence. Now, if the truth be given us of the Lord our God to possess, certainly it may be con- tended for by those who owe protection thereunto. And if this were not so, v/e may pray, and prevail, for the prosperity of those in autho- rity, and yet, when we have done, not have a right to a quiet and peaceable life. Let this, then, be the second assertion : —
II. The gospel being preached and declared, as of right it ought to be, it is the duty of the magistrate, by the power wherewith he is in- trusted, to protect and defend it against all or any persons that, by force or violence, shall seek to hinder the progress or stop the pass- age of it, under what pretence soever.
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And that a neglect of this also will be attended with the anger of the Lord, and the kindling of his wrath, shall not long bo doubted of any.
[3.] The protecting, assisting, and supporting of all the professors of it in that profession, and in ways of truth's appointment, for the practice of that which is embraced, anil the furtherance of it towards them who as yet embrace it not, is also required. And of this there are sundry parts.
1st. That, seeing Christ Jesus hath appointed his disciples to walk in such societies, and requireth of them such kind of worship, as can- not be performed without their meeting together o/xoOu/zadhv, " in one place ;" that he either provide, or grant being provided, the use of such places imder his protection as may, in all or any kind, be suited and fitted for that end and purpose. And the gTound of this is, —
(1st.) From the right which the gospel of Christ hath to be received amongst men, according to his own appointment; whether that be the appointment of Christ or not, amongst us is no question.
(2dl>/.) Because the magistrate hath the sole power of all public places, and the protection of them is committed to him alone, by virtue of that consent unto government which is among any people. This proved as above.
2dly. A protection in the use of those places, and all things exer- cised in them, answerable to that which he doth and is bound to grant unto men in their ow^n private dwellings and families. . The reason why I am protected from all hurt or violence in my family is, because I have a right to dispose of all things in my famih', being my ovfTi ; and so hath not another. It was asserted before that Christiaiis have a right to the ordinances of Christ, and truth a right to be at liberty; and therefore, if any shall invade, disturb, or trouble them in their rights and liberties, he is bound, " ex officio," to give them a protection, "not bearing the sword in vain."