It is true, for some particular actions or works a wicked man may be anointed particularly ; as Jehu, and Jeroboam the son of Joash. But you have no instance, that ever God was with a people to bless them indeed, in a course of spe- cial providence, when wicked men by their own consent were their rulers, where the union and relation between them and the people is considerable. I confess unto you, I never think of the state of England, but my heart trembles at this thing; namely, that those who have, and it is fit should have, so great a share in the government of this com- monweal, should have their rise from the body of the people, that is dark, and profane, and full of enmity against the remnant. Did not God overrule men, contrary to their own inward principles and lusts, how soon would ruin and deso- lation break in upon that hand ? And give me leave to say, that God in his sovereign providence, having called so many at this time to the place of rule and authority, who indeed (as we believe) love the Lord Jesus in sincerity ; it seems to me to look as your duty, to consider all ways and means, whereby the power of these nations may be in succeeding seasons devolved on men of the like spirit and condition.
I shall not interpose in that, which by some is so much spoken of, the reign of the saints. I am sure the means used, and attempted by some, to set upon, and to set up such a rule and dominion, have not become sober men, much less saints of Christ. Yet this I must say, and in the saying of it, I dare say, * Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah, and Benjamin;' if ever God cease to call saints, that is,
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men interested personally in Christ, to places of chief au- thority in this nation, or commit the power of it into other hands ; and when those called to power, cease to exert it in a subserviency to the kingdom of Christ, for the true spi- ritual advantage of his people, there will be an end of England's glory and happiness. I say, Hear ye this, all ye people. This I have delivered long ago, and many times in this place ; this I say still, and in this persuasion hope to live and die. The Lord guide you in this thing: however we shall live on the good providence of our God, who hath hi- therto taken care for us.
This then, I say, is pre-required, as a qualification of any person to the performance of this duty of abiding with God. It is the psalmist's advice, Psal. ii. 11, 12. Let this principle be always owned amongst you, by it honour Christ in the world, give him the pre-eminence, it is the Father's will he should have it in all things. Expect not the presence of God, but upon this account. Bear testimony herein against the world of profane men, who despise these things. Seeing then it cannot be expected to have this qualification diffused universally, as yet, through the body of the people ; let the rulers take care, that they be not the cause of God's departure from us.
[2.] What is it now for such persons to abide with God, so as they may expect comfortably the continuance of his presence with them, which is their all, that they need or desire ? I shall name some few things that are signally re- quired thereunto.
1st. That they inquire of God, ask counsel at his hand, look to him for direction in all their affairs. He is present with them to give them direction : not to seek for it at his hand, is exceedingly to despise him. It must arise from one of these two apprehensions ; either he cares not for us, or he knows not how 4;o direct us. When he gave direction by the cloud on the tabernacle, the people being reproved for their carnal fears, and unbelief, upon the return of the spies, some of them would needs instantly into the mountain, •and fight with the Canaanites : but says the Holy Ghost, the ' ark abode in the camp ;' they went without God's di- rection, and prospered accordingly. With what contempt doth God speak of the wisdom and counsels of the sons of
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men, when they will adhere unto them ? How does he make it his glory to turn all their consultations into folly, and to make them err in their ways, like a drunken man? How doth he bid them take counsel together, when he intends to destroy them ? What instances may be given of all good and prosperous rulers of old, of their seeking direction from God ? What promises of a success, and a blessed issue in so doing are there ? The words of my text will suflSce, as an instance in every kind.
But you will say. How shall we inquire of God?
The nations had their oracles, whereby they deluded themselves. The people of God had their Urim and Thum- mim, their prophets and oracle. Bring hither the ephod, and inquire of God, was the word with them. But alas, what is all this to the advantage we have of seeking counsel of God, and taking direction from him? We have a high priest always present with us, by whom we may inquire. Our High Priest is the angel of God's presence, the mighty Counsellor, the power, and eternal wisdom of God himself. And where is he ? he appears in the presence of God for us, in the holy place, not made with hands, having made a new and living way for us to come within the vail, to inquire of the oracle. What would we have more ? He is our captain, our leader, our High Priest, Urim and Thummim, our oracle, our ark, on whom the cloud of direction rests and abides for ever. Would you then be with God ? Take direction from him by Christ in-all your undertakings ; so do in deed, and not in word, or profession only.