The Duty of a People to Pray for Their Rulers

Wm. Dudley, Speaker.

AN Election-SERMON

I exhort therefore 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 peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.

AS it is a sigular favour and distinguishing privilege to be betrusted with the divine Oracles, according to that in Psal. 147.19, 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes, and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation. And that, in Rom. 3.1, 2. What advantage hath the Jew? — Much every way, chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. So to hearken unto, and obey the voice of GOD in his word, is, the most sure & certain way for a person or people to become truly and p. 2really happy. And hence, it is to be looked upon as a good Omen, a token for good, that those who are set in the highest and most exalted Places and Stations among this People, do not only permit and allow, but call the Messengers of the Lord of Hosts, the Dispensers of his holy Word, to be their Remembrancers, to put them in mind of the will of GOD, and their Duty, who do Annually introduce the weighty business & affairs of this Day, not only by solemn Prayer and Supplication, to the Prayer-hearing GOD; but also by giving attention unto the Word, which is profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, and for Instruction in Righteousness. And the Tribes do come up, the Tribes of the Lord, to the Testimony of Israel. Persons of all Ranks, Orders and Degrees come up to the Sanctuary of the Lord, and present themselves before the most High GOD, practically saying with them, in Luke 3.14. And what shall we do? Well, the words which have been now read do lay before all sorts of Persons their Duty, and show them what they are to do in their several Places and Capacities, to promote the best Interest of the People amongst whom they dwell.

These words are contained in an Epistle that was written by the great Apostle & Doctor of the Gentiles, unto his Son Timothy. That admirable Person who after he had been a violent Persecutor of Christ, became a zealous Preacher of him, did labour abundantly to advance his cause; and had the interest of Religion, continually lying very much upon his heart.

p. 3After he had planted a Church at Ephesus, he having occasion to depart from thence, and go into Macedonia, to promote the work of the Lord there, besought Timothy to abide still in Ephesus, for the better ordering, instructing and establishing of the Church there; and when he was absent from him, he wrote this Epistle to him to encourage and instruct him in his work, and shew him how to behave himself in the House of GOD.

And having directed him in the first Chapter, how to maintain the Truth of the Gospel, and defend it against the Teachers of the Law, and shewed him how to state the true use and end of the Law, which being rightly understood and used is not contrary, but consonant unto the Gospel; He does in this second Chapter, teach and instruct him with respect unto divine Worship.

In the words of our Text, with which the Chapter begins, we have a very serious and pathetical Exhortation. And here we may observe,

1. The Person Exhorting, viz. The holy and inspired Apostle. I exhort (saith he) or desire, as it is in the Margin.

2. The Duty exhorted to; or what it was the Apostle shewed his concern to have done, and that was, That supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks should be made. Supplications and Prayers for the supply of wants: Intercessions for others▪ And giving of Thanks for good things bestowed.

3. Whom this Duty doth concern; or who are to be employed herein. And the Apostle doth not only call upon Timothy, to perform this duty, p. 4and attend this part of worship. Nor doth he only call upon him to put others upon it: but he exhorts That prayers be made, &c. intimating, that Timothy should not only do it himself; but also put others upon doing of it. Ministers must not only give themselves to Prayer; but also put all others upon this duty, and stir them up to it, as they have opportunity.

4. The weight and stress that the Apostle lays upon it. I exhort that first of all, or principally: intimating, that it is a necessary duty that must not be neglected.

p. 45. For whom they are to do this. And this is to be done,

1. In general: For all Men, i. e. for all sorts and orders of Men: but this is to be understood with an exception of those for whom we are forbidden to pray, in 1 Joh. 5.16.

2. More particularly, and in a special and peculiar manner, for those who are set to rule over others. And,

1. For Kings. Those who are in the chief and supreme Place, or seat of Government.

2. For all who are in Authority under them; or in eminent Place: as the Greek word may be rendred.

6. To what end, or for what reason, we should pray for those who are in Authority, expressed in those words, That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. Which words do plainly intimate, that it is highly necessary and of great concernment that particular Persons, and a whole People should lead a quiet & peaceable p. 5life in all godliness and honesty. And how much Civil Rulers may promote their leading of such a life. And how needful our Prayers for them are in order to their being instrumental hereof. And what obligations we are under to be Thankful to GOD, when they are so.