508 Chap. 29. An Expiation upon the Bookof J o r$. Verf. any dayes let apart to pray for a bleffiing upon them, that they had not fomuch as a (raniie)* prayer, or a good with from any man that palled by. Not to pray our felves, or to be calf out of the prayers of others, is the worfl of any maps cafe. Laïi(y, VVe are not to look upon there words as a bare narra- tive only of what was done. Job defcribes matter of duty as well es matter of fa&, what fhould be,as well as what was. Hence Note, Fourthly, It is the duty ofpeople to prayfor,andwill, a blefng;iepon their Ma° yiflrates. This theApof}le gives in charge (a Tim. z. z, 2.) 1 exhort therefore that firff ofall feipplications, prayers, intercefons, and giv- ing of thanks be madefor all men, for Kings, and for all that are in flothority, that we may leada quiet and peaceable life in all god- linefs and bonefly, &c. This he would have firll in prayer, which force expound, as if the firft prayer when the Church afembled together fhould be for their Magifìrates ; but, I rather conceive the Apoftle cloth exhort to this as a thing of prime conlideration, or aihát' which fhould have a principal place in all Church-Af- femb1yes. As we fhould leek to God for a bleffing upon all ho- ly and fpiritual, fo alfO upon civil adminifirations, and upon thole by whom they are adminillred. For ashis biding only makes the ordinances of his own worfhip'fweet and profitable to us, fo allo the ordinances of Government. Theheart of the King (faith Solo. mon, Prov. zs. t.) is in the band of the Lord; and the heart of the Lord it' very much in the hand of his people, praying and calling upon him in faithand with uprightnefs. Leafy, VVhereas Job faith, Theeye whichfaw mtgave witr,efs. ,to me, Note, It is our duty: to give- a good. tefliínony to all, efpecially to Prin- ces that are good and doegood. VVhilc the law of God' -(in theninth Commandement) forbids ah'e' bearing falfe witneffe , it'tornmands the bearing of a true witneffe. As to defame and cart fpertions upon themthat deferve welk is a great wickednefs, fo it is our fin to conceal our ceflimonyt, or not to fpeak well. of thertr at all timed when called there-- 1
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=