(2.) If he desire this wisdom sincerely, and the Lord intend him 'as a light of the morning, as a rising sun, a morning without clouds,' to his people, doubtless he will reveal himself to him, and teach him his mind ; as he did David and Solomon, and other holy men of old. And as to this, I shall only with due reverence cautionate the sons of men, that are exalted in government over their brethren, that they take heed of a lifted up spirit, the greatest closer of the heart against the truth of God. He hath promised to teach the humble, and the lowly in mind ; the proud he beholdeth afar off. Is not this the great reason that the rulers believe not on him, and the nobles lay not their necks to the yoke of the Lord, even because their hearts are lifted up within them, and so lie in an unteachable frame before the Lord ?
(3.) The truth being revealed to them, and their own hearts made acquainted therewith, after their personal en- gagements to the practice of the power of godliness, ac-
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cording to the ' revelation of God in the face of Jesus Christ,' three things are incumbent on him in reference 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 comuiitted to his governing clrarge. The general equity that is in the obligation of 'strengthening others, when we are confirmed,' desiring 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. 8 — 10. As also did Hezekiah ; 2 Chron. xxx. 6 — 8. 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 their power, who knowing their master's will are negligent herein.
[2. J As he is to declare it, so he is to protect it from all violence whatever. Jesus Christ is the great king of na- tions, 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 pro- tect every one, and every thing in their own right, from the violence and injury of unruly men. In the preaching and receiviiig the gospel there is a right acted, superior to all earthly privileges whatever. In this then the magistrate is to protect it, that under him the professors thereof ' may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.' And for this cause they to whom the sword is committed, 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 deprived without the greatest in-
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jury. 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) invadino- enemies ; Judges xi. 24. 33. It is no new thing to begin in defence, and end in oft'ence. Now if the truth be given us of the Lord our God to possess, certainly it may be contended for bv those who owe protection there- unto. And if this were not so, we may pray, and prevail, for the prosperity of those in authority; 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 intrusted, to protect and defend it against all, or any persons, that by force, or violence, shall seek to hinder the progress, or stop the passage of it, under what pretence soever.
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 be 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 piactice of that which is embraced, and 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 disci- ples to walk in such societies, and requireth of them such kind of worship, as cannot be performed without their meeting together ofxo^vna^ov, ' in one place;' that he either provide, or grant being provided, the use of such places under his protection, as may in all, or any kind be suited and fitted for that end and purpose. And the ground of this is,