Godliness no friend to rebellion, or enemy to civil government. Being the substance of a sermon occasionally preached at Great Yarmouth, Octob. 25. 1673. By a lover of peace and truth.

THE PREFACE TO THE READER.

HOw these weak and indigested Notes came to be made pub∣like, is best known to some that heard them preacht, where∣in their importunities pre∣vailed against the Author's inclination and judgment, who thinks the world sufficiently stockt with Prints, and should not be overburthened in that matter, lest through the excess of insignificant Papers, things more weighty and important come to be nauseated or disregarded. Yet soeing, though

unworthy, they must come to view, that I may not wrong the Readers priviledge, I shall give a short account of the Designe of this Di∣scourse; which as it promotes a great known Duty, incumbent especially upon all the Pro∣fessors of Religion, so it fairly wipes off all those blots and stains, which either the extra∣vagancies of former times have occasioned, or the bitterness & malice of some in these days cast upon the Profession of Godliness; who, that they might discourage the minds of people from embracing those things and Principles which agree not with their own sentiments or humor, before they well consider or understand the nature or tendencie of them, with great clamour condemn them as intolerable in a Land, and only taken up to promote Rebellion and Faction. I confess, I could heartily wish, with submission to the will of God, that there never had occasion been given to any to speak evil of that which is good: But that hath come to pass by the Providence of God, that there might be a more full conviction of un∣righteousness and error, and an ample justifi∣cation of the Truth, and ways of Godliness; and if there be any so far led away by the

insincerity of their own hearts, as to abuse the Profession of Holy and Godly Principles and Perswasions, by any inconsistent action or course, that shall speak them trayterous, heady, high-minded, or the like, let such alone bear it, but let all that understand Christian Reli∣gion aright, under what form or name soever, Fear God, and honour the King; and say with old Jacob concerning Simeon and Levi, Oh! my Soul, come not thou into their se∣cret, unto their assembly, mine Honour, be not thou united. Reader, This was the true Reason and Design of the Authors choice of this Subject, that if by any means he might stir up, or reduce the minds of dissenting Pro∣fessors in this day, to be more sincere and more fervent in praying for the King, and for all that are in Authority, it being a Duty founded not only upon the light of Nature, but also up∣on the positive will of the Lord Christ; as also to bear his testimony, though in weakness, a∣gainst the absurd and endless Cavils and ac∣cusations which disaffected persons heap upon the most holy ways of God; that he might de∣clare to the world, that Godliness, and Scrip∣tural Holiness in the most refined and highest

parts and practices of it, is a harmless inno∣cent thing, no way inconsistent with Civil Go∣vernment, but highly advantageous to the good and comfort of mans life. So that men need not look upon, or be afraid of the most strict method of holiness, as injurious, or as a pest to the Nation, because they give no di∣sturbance to any thing but mens lusts and sins, to the pride and excess of the world, to which also Civil Government, according to its na∣tive Institution is, and by a regular manage∣ment of it, should be a terror. And what is the fruit of our cavilling and bandying against each other about circumstantial things wherein we differ, but difunion, weakness, and a lay∣ing our selves open to the impressions and de∣signs of the Common Enemy, who doubtless in all the furrows of our mutual animosities, do by their secret Agents some the seeds of greater divisions, and the Tares of their detestable Romish Doctrines and Superstition? Certainly, it is high time for every publike Talent to be employed for the more abundant preaching of the word of God, that the minds and under∣standings of people may be well furnisht with knowledge and Scripture-light, to enable

them to judge betwixt Truth and Falshood; which, when all is done, will be of great use to exclude Popery, and secure England against it. For what will it avail by Power to exclude and cast out the trumpery and exercise of that Worship from amongst us, if the minds of peo∣ple, through their own ignorance, or cunning guile of deceivers, shall be tainted with, and receive their Principles?

Reader, I shall detain thee no longer; do thy self and me that right, to read what follows with that candor and charity, which a hasty Discourse, composed under many disturbances, calls for; it is not what the Subject deserves, but what could be offered within the usual li∣mits of a Sermon. It little differs from what was delivered in publike, save in what was wanting through defect of memory, or want of time. If what is offered shall conduce to the healing of thy spirit, or the helping on of thy duty, the Author hath his designed recompence and reward in thy good, and shall bless God for it.