The Wise Ruler a Loyal Subject

Mr. Eells's Election Sermon,

George Wyllys Secr.

An Election SERMON.

Be wise now therefore, O ye Kings: be instructed, ye Judges of the Earth. Kiss the Son—.

TIS easie and useful to observe how the Word of God frequently represents the Ruler of his People in a twofold Light: In the One, we behold him raised up by divine Appointment & Providence to Rule and Judge the People; In the other, we view him on a Level with every Subject to be ruled and judged by the same Laws and Lord. With relation to the former of these Capacities, we have had frequent Discourses upon these Occasions, have seen the civil Ruler fixed in his Post, cloathed with Authority from the great Governour of the World, made the Minister of his Providence, A Revenger to execute Wrath upon him that doth evil, Rom. 1. 3. 4. and a Protector to defend him that doth well. And have heard the People put in mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers, to obey Magistrates, Tit. 3. 1. not only for wrath, but also for Conscience sake. p. 2It mayn't then be unseasonable to treat of civil Rulers in their subjected Capacity, as under the Law to Christ, and in Conformity to the inspired Preacher in our Text, declare their Obligations to Zion's King, who demands their Submission and Obedience.

In this Psalm the Spirit of Prophesy testifies and declares the mighty opposition that would be made to the Redeemer's Kingdom, the Victories and triumphs of his Grace, and the extent of his Empire notwithstanding, that he should have the Heathen for an Inheritance, and the uttermost parts of th◊ Earth for a Possession, ver. 8. And that his Oppose◊s who wou'd not submit to his Sceptre should be broken with a rod of Iron, and dasht in pieces like a Potter's Vessel, ver. 9. His invincible power should ruin them suddenly, easily and irrecoverably. To all which is subjoined the moving & pertinent address in our Text, Be wise now therefore, O ye Kings: be instructed, ye Judges of the Earth. Kiss the ◊on, i. e. Learn Wisdom & Instruction from these memorable Events, these evident Displays of mercy and wrath; that you resist not his Authority, nor contemn his Laws, but cast down your Crowns & Sceptres, your Honours and Interests at his Feet. This advice belongs to all both high & low, rich & poor together, for all are equally concern'd to become obedient to the Lord from Heaven. Only 'tis directed to p. 3Kings and Judges, the Heads & Leaders of a People, whose Examples have ordinarily a prevailing Influence upon those under them. Their Obedience to the Faith opens a great Door and effectual unto the Gospel of Christ, and their Disobedience shuts up the Kingdom of Heaven against Men. Thus mightily prevail'd that argument, Joh. 7, 48. Have any of the Rulers, or of the Pharisees believed on him?

p. 3The intervening verse contains the general Matter of Duty enjoined on them, together with the Direction how to qualify it. Serve the Lord with Fear, rejoice with trembling, v. 11. Serve the Lord, for he is your Maker and Preserver, Friend and Benefactor, Redeemer and Judge. With Fear, with awful Fear & solemn Caution, for the Lord is a holy & jealous God, who cannot be deceived & will not be mocked, who accepteth not the Person of Princes, nor regardeth the Rich more than the poor, Job 34. 19. Who will cut off the spirit of Princes, and is terrible to the Kings of the Earth, if they rebel against him, Psal. 76. 12. With filial Fear and Reverence, for he is a God of tender mercies and great Kindness, and delights in them who are free & chearful in his Service. And thô you rejoice in all that the Lord has done to and for you, in that he has honoured you before his People, and set you among Princes & great Men on the Earth, and has brôt you under the p. 4Dispensation of his Grace; Yet consider that absolute rejoicing is the Condition and Employ of Angels, and not of Men, who are to qualify this grateful Exercise with trembling, lest they receive the Grace & Goodness of God in vain, lest being lifted up to heaven, exalted high in Honours and Privileges, they are brôt down to Hell. Raised Circumstances prove a Snare to many, Joh. 5. 44. How can ye believe who receive Honour One of another, and seek not the Honour that cometh from God only? And the great do fall when the Lord arises to dispense Judgment. Psal. 110. 5, 6. He shall strike thrô Kings in the Day of his Wrath, and shall wound the Heads over many Countries. Therefore rejoice with trembling. Thus their Duty in General is set forth and qualified.

The more particular Command to them begins the 12th ver. Kiss the Son,—This figurative Expression may be understood, and applied by us agreeable to its literal Significancy and use, in three respects.

1. We kiss the Mouth, as a visible expression of real Love and Esteem; accordingly we are to testify that hearty and unfeigned Love we have for Christ, that he is dear and precious to us, that Pearl of great price for which we readily part with all that we may obtain it.

p. 42. We kiss the Hand, in token of Trust and Confidence; signifying in this Place that we repose p. 5our Souls in Christ for Safety and Salvation, repair to him as our way to the Father, and Intercessor with the Father; Rely upon his Merits, Righteousness and Mediation for Healing, Justification and eternal Life.

3. We kiss the Foot, to signify Submission and Obedience: Thus we kiss the Son, to declare our Subjection & Loyalty to him as our Lord & King, owning his right to rule us and our Willingness to be ruled by him, chearfully taking upon us his yoke of Government, renouncing all other Lords that have had Dominion over us, and devoting our selves entirely to him. And in this Sence of the Phrase, Kiss the Son, shall I discourse to you under the following Doctrine, Viz.