WHEN the Magicians in Egypt had in vain endeavoured to bring forth Lice by their Enchantments , before Pharoah , like as they saw done by the Power and Command of God ; they made at last an ingenious Confession in these Words : This is the finger of God , Exod . 8. v. 18 , 19. Whether they intended by these Words to declare that the Production of Lice by Moses and Aaron was a Work of Divine Omnipotency ; or to make their Excuse , that it had not been for want of Skill and Dexterity in Magical Arts , that they did not succeed , but that a higher Power , which they called the Finger of God , had hindered the Effect , which otherwise had been infallible : Or whether they had respect to both these Considerations , certain it is , that the Words contain a full and open Confession as well of the Divine Power in it self , as also of the Divine Commission thereof , vested in Moses and Aaron . And at the same time they afford a grave Admonition and seasonable Reproof to Pharaoh , his House , and People , how , in their refractory Disobedience and Obstinacy against Moses and Aaron , they had resisted the very Finger of God , and that therefore they had not to do with them , or with the Children of Israel , but rather with the living God , whereby it would prove too hard for them to kick against the Pricks . And this confession is still so much the more remarkable , not only as it was made before Pharaoh , but as it was made by those Magicians Jannes and Jambres and their Accomplices , who till that time had withstood Moses , and endeavoured with the utmost of their Skill and Power to efface the Light of the Divine Miracles , thereby to ridicule and disprove the High Commission of that great Prophet . For to see their Art fail them , and themselves in making their Apology before Pharaoh to acknowledge and own God's High Power , and Moses's Divine Commission has probably caused as great a Consternation to Pharaoh and his House , as the Dumb Ass at another time caused to Balaam the Son of Bosor , when he spake with Man's Voice , and forbad the Madness of that Prophet , 2 Pet . 2. v. 16. Numb . 22. v. 28.

Now as we praise and strive to imitate true Vertue and Honesty , as well in an Enemy as in a Friend , so ought we not to reject or slight a Confession upon Record , because it comes from an Enemy , but rather think it more important and pertinent for that very Reason . And therefore I see no cause , why upon the late great and wonderful Deliverance , which the Solemnity of this Day causes us to remember , we should not exclaim in these very Words : This is the finger of God . It is needless to lose time in giving an Historical Account of those Affairs : Can there be such a stranger in our English Jerusalem , that knows not the things which are come to pass there in these few days past ? whereof all Papers are full , and all Mouths open , both at Home and Abroad : Yet I may endeavour to say much thereof in very few Words , if I keep to the History of the Magicians in Egypt , and say , Jannes and Jambres and their Crew would by the Power of Pharaoh's Hosts and by their own Combinations , bring forth Lice into England , but they could not : and that they could not , this is undeniably the finger of God . Glory and Praise be to God that did not permit them ! This doth the Lord's Anointed , and our dread Sovereign acknowledge at this day ; he shews both his Command and Example to all his Subjects to do the same , an Action worthy of all Praise . Both Houses of Parliament adore the Finger of God for their Protection and Deliverance . All the Holy Temples in the Land are this Day open by Order of the Royal Proclamation , all that are good and true of Heart enter the same with Thanksgiving and Praise . We the Foreigners of the German Nation do not keep back . Our Interest is most closely united with that of this Land , and the Inhabitants thereof . The Person of the Lord's Anointed is equally sacred and dear to them and us ; England's Peace and Prosperity equally Precious , moreover , the Glory of God , and the Advancement of the Protestant Interest is equally amongst them and us counted inestimable . Therefore we also with the Multitude ( of England ) that keep the Holy-day , are gone into the House of God with joy and praise . Far be it from us , that our Devotion should be separated from theirs , on whose prosperity ours so much depends , and whose Temporal and Spiritual Interest is so much , yea so altogether our own . Far be it , that we , who enjoy our part in the deliverance of the King and his happy Government , should keep away from offering the sacrifice of Thanksgiving for the same . The great occasion of this day requires that as our Church with Hearers , so our Hearts should be filled with Joy , our Souls with Devotion , and our Mouths with Praise . Whereunto I shall endeavour to sharpen your zeal , by Treating upon the words of my Text , I have ordained , &c. from which words I shall shew you Gods Finger-work in respect of his Anointed , in these three remarkable instances .

I begin with the first , to shew the Finger-work of God in the Preservation and Illustration of his Anointed . But that this be done with Succefs , we must do it in good order , and therefore we are above all things to enquire , Who this Anointed is that the Lord mentions , saying , I have ordained , &c. In so doing we may give the Text its due Explication , and also find a suitable application of the same upon the present Solemnity . Therefore who is this Anointed ? We may perceive at the first hearing of the words , that it is not an ordinary or private person ; for the Anointing was at all times a particular pre-eminence , and only conferred upon such , as were to be Installed into the highest Dignity of Church or State ; so we read that formerly Kings and High Priests were Anointed , as also some Prophets , but now-adays , the custom remains in Kings only at the Solemnity of their Coronation . Hence we may collect that our Text speaks of an eminent person , of the highest rank and quality , either in Church or State , or both . And whereas the same Text mentions a Crown , and a Royal Seat or Throne is also spoken of , v. 11. which are Insignia Regni , it is plain from thence , that the proper object of our Text is a person endued with Royal Authority and Majesty . This being clear from all doubt , we further enquire , Who this King is ? Some Interpreters take him to be David , others the Lord Christ ; and true it is , that both are mention'd in the Psalm , David by name , and Christ by other expressions . At the beginning of the Psalm we have Davids vow of building the Temple , next the bringing in of the Ark of God is spoken of . Then he repeats Gods solemn promise made to David , 2 Sam . 7. 12 , 13. both that which was made without condition , concerning the fruit of his body the Messias , and that which was conditional concerning the rest of his posterity and their succession . Lastly , the mercies shewed to Zion are adjoyned , the Spiritual mixt with the Temporal , and at the same time so ordered , that the Spiritual are plainly seen in the image of the Temporal ; and of this kind are also the words of my Text . But the Lord Christ is spoken of not only by the by , but also in plain expressions , immediately before my Text , where God saith : There will I make the horn of David to bud , which horn is Christ , of whom Zacharias the Priest explains it in these words , Luk . 1. 68. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel , for he has raised up a Horn of Salvation for us in the house of his Servant David , as he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets . Here Zacharias quotes the holy Prophets ; but we find no other Prophecy in Scripture but this , where Christ stands promised unto David , under the Name of an Horn ; other Prophets stiling him David's Branch , Jer . 23. 5. The Stem of Jesse , Isa . 11. 1. Therefore Zacharias must have had respect to the words afore-mentioned , and taken them as speaking of the Messias ; and his doing so , when filled with the Holy Ghost , sufficiently authorizeth the same Application . Now , since the Psalm not only speaks both of Christ and David , but also puts their several appropriations indifferently together , many of which , though in different respect , being applicable to both ; this greatly troubles many a Reader and Interpreter , and puts him almost to a non-plus . But be we not affrighted at it , Christ and David belong together . David was both an Ancestor to the Messias , and also his Type in his Kingdom , the slaying of Goliath , the defeating of the Philistines , and other Instances . Hence it comes to pass , not only that David speaks in the Person of Christ , and Christ in the Person of David ; but that others also , even God himself , speaks of Christ , under the Name of David , and takes the Notions from him and his Kingdom , thereby to describe the Kingdom of the Messias , which is done partly because of the Type , and partly the better to delineate the Kingdom of Christ , and the Execution of his Royal Office . For since Temporal Things are more easie to our Understanding than Spiritual , Scripture represents the latter under the similitude of the former , and in the Kingdom and Victory of David , that of the Messias . For the same reason , Christ is also called by the very Name of David , Ezek . 34. 23. Hos . 3. 5. Mean time , David and Christ , the Type and Antitype , must not be confounded ; but their Persons , Attributes and Actions require a distinct Consideration , in regard of the Prefiguration , and the fulfilling of the same . Some things concern David alone , some Christ alone ; some speak of David typicè , and admit of an easie accommodation upon Christ . Again , some things speak properly of Christ , which yet may be applied unto David , and every Believer . All these must be well distinguished , lest , in taking one Person for the other , that which belongs to Christ be applied to David , or what is properly spoken of Christ , be only taken typicè of him , and properly of David , against the Intention of the Holy Ghost , in which many have often failed , to the prejudice of Sacred Truth ; but care must be taken that every Praedicatum be given to its true Subject , as it is spoken of the same , either impropriè or propriè , in the discerning whereof , respect must be had to the Analogy of Faith , and Harmony of the Scriptures .

Now concerning my Text , which is the end of the 132 Psalm , the words thereof speak both of David and Christ ; of Christ chiefly and properly , of David typice & per accommodationem ; like as also the 18th , 20th , and other Psalms . Therefore the Lord's Anointed is chiefly and properly the Lord Christ . There is reason why in all the places of Scripture , where an Anointed , or the Lord's Anointed is mentioned without a Name , or some other restriction expresly added , we should first of all think upon Christ , who so much more properly carries the Title by reason of his Three-fold Office , as God has anointed him with the oyl of gladness above his fellows , Psal . 45. 8. that is to say , not by measure , Heb . 1. 9. Joh . 3. 34. For altho' many were anointed at all times , as David , and other Kings , the High-priests also and some Prophets of the Old Testament , as aforefaid , as there are also anointed Kings at this day , not to say that the Unction in a spiritual sense is common to every true member of Christ , yet we may say in imitation of St. Paul , 1 Cor . 8 5 , 6. Though there be that are called Anointed , as there be many such , yet to us there is but one Anointed , the Lord Jesus Christ , whose Types those were that were formerly , and by whom the Kings of old , as well as those that are now , have obtained their Unction , to be his Vicegerents . We may observe how the Anointed themselves , such as David , &c. do speak and prophecy of this Anointed ; thereby to shew , that they owned him far more excellently so to be , in whose regard they were always willing to quit that eminent Title , and be called Kings and Prophets , rather than Christs , considering that though they were all taken together , yet they were not only unable to execute the Office of Christ , whereto an eternal and divine Person was required , but that they were hardly able sufficiently to represent him as Types , for which reason there was need for a continual succession . Since therefore God's Anointed is mentioned here simplicissimè without any restriction or addition , there is reason enough thereby to understand the Lord Christ . 't is true , the name of David is in the foregoing words ; but this gives no full Argument , why this Text should speak of him chiefly , particularly since there is reason enough to reflect upon the Horn of David , in the words immediately preceding , which by an immediate inspiration of the Holy Ghost were applied to Christ , as we have already observed .

At the same time we do not say but that an accommodation of the words may be made upon David also , to whom the Title of the Lord's Anointed belongs by reason of his Kingdom , and to whom feveral other things agree that are spoken of in this Psalm , and particularly in my Text . And as the Context makes this unquestinable , so it allows us also to accommodate the same to other Kings , where there is any proportionate similitude . This done with discretion , is so far from being contrary to the intention of the Holy Ghost , that it is very consonant to it , and of a commendable use , for which the Scriptures are given us . For instance , in the 20th Psalm , when David properly of Christ speaks these words , v. 6. Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed , he not only includes himself there also , but at the same time prescribes to all Subjects a Form of Supplication to God for their Magistrates . The same we think of our Text , finding that it speaks properly of Christ , and so far of David , as he was the Type of Christ , and that the same may be applied to other Kings and Princes : The ground of the application is the Unction by which they are made Christ's Vice-gerents , besides that they in the Communion of Saints , as sacred and spiritually anointed Persons do belong to Christ , to whom , as their Head , they are inseparably united . In both these respects our King also is the Lord's Anointed , and so is he also the Object of our Text . He is to these Kingdoms , what David was to Israel formerly : not to say now that there has been , and is still , a great parallel between his fate and David's , which makes the application the more illustrious .

We know now who the Lord's Anointed is , see we next God's Finger-work in respect of him , and first in his manifest Preservation and Illustration . Concerning this the Lord's mouth hath spoken saying ; I have ordained a lamp for mine Anointed . Consider we distinctly the application of these words , 1. upon Christ , 2. upon David , 3. upon our King .

1. Concerning Christ , of whom this is properly spoken , we know that one of the names which belong to him as the Messias , is that of Light , Isa . 60. 1. Joh . 1. 9. Luke 2. 23. but this is not what my Text intends , for it says not ; I have ordained mine Anointed for a light ; but , {αβγδ} , I have ordained a Lamp for mine Anointed . The word {αβγδ} is generally accepted for a lamp or lantern , and is taken in Psal . 119. 105. Prov. 6. 23. 2 Pet . 1. 19. for the word of God , in 1 Kin . 11. 36. & 2 Kin . 8. 19. it intimates glory , 2 Sam . 22. 29. sq. it tends to victory , in 1 Kin . 15. 4. it denotes posterity . Now in all these respects God has ordained a lamp to his Anointed , the Lord Christ . A lamp of Scripture was ordained for him , the testimony of all Prophets . To him give all the Prophets witness , &c. Acts 10. 43. Our Saviour in the days of his flesh , did often take notice of this lamp . Search the Scriptures , they testifie of me , Joh . 5. 39. Hither we may refer Gods testimony concerning Christ at the river of Jordan , also the testimony of John the Baptist , and the Miracles of Christ himself , &c. A lamp of Glory God ordained for Christ , in adorning his humane nature with majesty and glory . Psalm 8. 5. Thou hast crowned him with glory and honour , thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hand ; and Psal . 21. 5. honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him . This Majesty is all the fulness of the Godhead , which dwelleth in him bodily , and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge , which are hid in him , Colos . 2. 9. 3. the name which is above every name , Philip . 2. 9. in which Divine power he conquered his Enemies , and performed the work of redemption , as it is , Psal . 21. 5. His glory is great in thy salvation . All the redeemed are so many Trophies , and make up a glorious lamp of victory . Tho' our Saviour had no posterity after the flesh , yet a great many are spiritually begotten by him , and their number increases daily , from the womb of the morning , the dew of his youth , Psal . 110. 3. I mean from the Preaching of his Holy Gospel . These are the lamp of Christ . In them the Name of Jesus shews its lustre and shines forth from Sea to Sea , even unto the ends of the earth , abundantly more than in any natural posterity . All these things taken together make a very clear lamp , by which the glory of the Lord Jesus may be plainly discovered by any that doth not wilfully shut his Eyes .

2. Though the Ordaining of the Lamp , was chiefly and properly promised in respect of Christ ; yet ▪ as we have often said , it may in some measure be very well accommodated unto David . First , God made David himself to be a Lamp or Light , in placing him upon the Royal Throne in Israel , to make the same illustrious by the Rays of his Wisdom , Piety , Prudence and Conduct . Hence himself was called a Light or Lamp in Israel , and his preservation was thought necessary upon that account , 2 Sam . 21. 17. But God also ordained a Lamp unto David , in adorning him with Valour and Courage , and crowning him with Victory and Success . Even yet before he was God's Anointed , I mean , before he was Anointed the second time , and actually began his Reign , God ordained him a Lamp , in destroying Goliath the Philistine , which caused Israel to sing , Saul hath slain his thousands , and David his ten thousands , 1 Sam . 18. 7. This Lamp burnt clearer , when the Lord settled his Kingdom , and subdued under him all his Enemies round about him , insomuch that his Valour was not only admired by his Subjects , but generally known and feared throughout many Nations . He had his Heirs also and Successors in his Throne , and finally the Greatest of Kings , the Messias , coming forth from his Family , in whom are exactly fulfilled both his own Prophecies , and those of other Prophets . This David reckoned to be the greatest of God's Mercies , and that chiefly in this particular a Lamp was ordained for him .

3. To speak of the Anointed of God , His Present Majesty , our Dread Sovereign , KING WILLIAM , we may truly say , that God has ordained a Lamp for him . As God has made him to be a Light and Lamp to these Nations , in placing him upon the Throne , that he should shine before us in his happy Government , and with his Royal Example , and be a Light to defend us , as with a Flaming Sword , against our Enemies abroad , and all Confusions at home ; so likewise has he ordained a Lamp for him , both before and since he came to the Throne . If it be true , as some say it is , that some time ago , when his Plenipotentiary took the Homage for Him from his Subjects in Orange , a Light was seen there , together with Three Crowns on Heaven , then we may truly say , it was an extraordinary and a wondrous Lamp , to prophecy these Three Crowns which he now weares . But because the truth of such an Appearance might be questioned , and partly ascribed to the bare Fancy of the Beholders , it has pleased God to ordain a more conspicuous Lamp for this his Anointed . I will pass by all other remarkable Instances , and only take notice , that God made him the happy Instrument of delivering these Kingdoms from the Yoke and Tyranny of Babel . How glorious a Lamp did God ordain for him in this Action ? The boisterous and tumultuous Sea , in the most tempestuous Season of the Year , must become a great calm , that he might pass it with his Fleet and Army , and happily land in England on his Birth-day , the next Day after being a Day remarkable in this Kingdom , by reason of the Discovery of the Gun-powder Plot , in 1605. All which deem'd happily to foretell us the blessed consequence , which was , That the whole Nation fell to him , without a Sword drawn , the Yoke of Arbitrary Power , and other Hardships , which Babel had put upon us , was broken from off our shoulders . A thing unheard of ! Shall not this be written for the generation to come , that the people which shall be created , may praise the Lord for it ? O the glorious Lamp ! It shone so clear in the Eyes of the States of this Realm , that they desired to dwell under the Lustre and Protection thereof , and therefore Crowned him with the Royal Diadem , which none deserved so well as he , by whose hands God had delivered them and vindicated their Liberty and Religion . As formerly the Children of Israel thought it a good reason , why David and none else ought to be their King , when Abner said to them , The Lord has spoken of David , saying : by my Servant David will I save my People Israel out of the hand of the Philistines , and out of the hand of all their Enemies , 2 Sam . 3. 18. So likewise England , from that Deliverance which had happened already , unanimously concluded : WILLIAM has saved us from Slavery and Popery . Those that would destroy our Religion and Liberty , are fled from us ; therefore who but he should be our King ? And since that time , how many a Lamp of Preservation , Glory and Victory has not the Lord ordained for his Anointed ? His arm has been victorious against his Enemies and rebellious Subjects : he has reduced Ireland to obedience and Scotland to quietness : How miraculously has the Lord preserved him at the head of his Army ? He disabled the Cannon balls , and made them fall near him , as it were to respect rather than to hurt his Person . So doth the raging Sea at other times . The strongest Towers and Castles of the Enemies have submitted to him : An Army of an hundred thousand men saw , but could not hinder it . Some unlucky accidents have happened sometimes , yet they were such , as instead of obfuscating the Lamp of our King , made it burn so much clearer , that thereby the more particular care of God in preserving his Anointed , and his own admirable conduct , became more evident and conspicuous . Such a Lamp God has ordained him before his Subjects , his Allies , yea his very Enemies , that the remotest Lands speak aloud of his Vertue and Valour , and chiefly of this , that God is with him . Particularly now of late his Lamp has been magnified , and made more illustrious than ever , by the miraculous deliverance of his Royal Person and Government from the late horrid and dangerous Conspiracy . Whoever dives into the bottom of this Design , and sees how it was laid as deep as Hell could lay it , how Saul had a hand in it , how Pharaoh , tho' behind the Curtain , yet endeavoured with all his power to surther and help it , imploying thereunto the most faithful and most experienced of his Warriours ; Whoever further observes the unexpected . Discovery of this Plot against the Lord's Anointed , and remarks , that it was made by such as are in the same Condemnation , which certainly cannot be ascribed to the goodness of their Temper , for then they could never have been involved in so detestable a Villany , but only to the Finger of God which searcheth the hearts and reins , and changes them when he pleases : I say , whoever considers this , will find the glorious Light of this Lamp strike into his Eyes , and plainly perceive that God preserves the King , and also by this way of preservation magnifies him more and more in the Eyes of his Enemies , as well as of his Friends and Subjects . And whoever will not see by this . Lamp , that the Hand of God is with our King , both with his Person and Government , is certainly blind at Noon-day . Moreover , I have reason to say , that whoever is not hereby moved to acknowledge his High Commission , and to respect his Royal Person upon that account , but still remains obstinate and contumacious , the same resists the Finger of God , and shall bear his iniquity . As to the Lamp of Posterity , tho' our King has no Issue of his Body to sit on his Throne after him , yet such a Succession is setled as contents his Soul , and secures our Religion and Liberty . Moreover , his glorious Acts will be an everlasting Statue unto him . Our Religion and Liberty in this Kingdom will be counted his Posterity throughout all the World . And as long as the Gospel is preached in this Land , which we heartily wish and confidently hope , will continue to the end of the World , so long shall also this Work of God's Finger over his Anointed , be told for an everlasting Memorial .

II . Proceed we now to consider the Finger work of God in the shame and confusion of the Enemies of his Anointed . His Enemies , saith God , I will clothe with shame . Now accordto the different object , as aforesaid , the Enemies also are different . First and properly as to Christ ; It might seem strange that Christ the Anointed of God , the King of Glory , should have Enemies , he that has done Evil to none , and Good to all Mankind . But so it is , and so God has determined concerning Christ and concerning all that are his , Gen. 3. 15. God speaks to the Serpent , I will put enmity between thee and the Woman , between thy seed and her seed . And so it was ordered for our Comfort , that we should not think it strange , if we also perceive that there are Enemies against us . Now of Christ's Enemies are chiefly meant the Spiritual , Sin , Death , Hell , the Devil , the whole World also as it lies in wickedness , 1 John 5. 19. the whole power of darkness . Then his Corporal Enemies also , of which there were not a few , such as Psal . 2. vers . 2. speaks of , The Kings of the Earth set themselves , and the Rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his Anointed . To these chiefly belong , Judas Iscariot that betrayed him , Herod , Pontius Pilate , together with their Courtiers , Soldiers , Executioners , &c. The whole Clergy , yea the whole Nation of the Jews , which were his own , his Flesh and Blood , who ought to receive him with kindness , as he was sent for their Good , but treated him as their Enemy , and with that baseness , that at the last they murder'd him on the Cross . Also the Persecutors of the Christians , Nero , Julianus Apostata , &c. the Hereticks , Ebion , Cerinthus , Arius , &c. and many others . To all them God denounces Shame and Confusion . His Enemies he will clothe with shame . The words are remarkable , for like as vers . 16. God promising some particular Benefits to the Ministers of his holy Word , saith thus , I will clothe her Priests with salvation ; which imports thus much : They shall be endowed with all sorts of Happiness , so fully and so constantly , that Happiness shall become their own no less than their own Garments ; so here he threatens the Enemies of his Anointed , to surround and cover them with Dishonour and Reproach , so closely and throughly , as cloaths can cover a Body , and a Girdle tye them about it . Which also has been fulfilled in them . For as 't is evident concerning the Spiritual Enemies of Christ , how the Gospel sets forth our Redemption wrought by the Blood of Christ to their destruction and shame , Hebr . 2. 14 , 15. Gen. 3. 15. Psal . 110. 1. 1 John 3. 8. 1 Cor . 15. 54 , 55. and in other places ; so neither did his other Enemies fare any better . Juda's fate is well known ; He hang'd himself , and falling himself headlong burst asunder in the midst , and all his bowels gushed out . A great instance of the fulfilling of my Text , and of Psal . 109. vers . 18 , 19. As he clothed himself with cursing , as with a garment , so it is come into his bowels , &c. Herod and Pontius Pilate both mocking Christ , arraying him in a Garment , one in white , the other in purple , have had their Names long since covered with ignominy in this World , and their greatest shame and confusion they have yet to undergo at the Resurrection of the Just . The Jewish Clergy and whole Nation , bear an indelible Shame and Reproach before all Nations , ever since that time to this very day , and will so to the end of the World , unless the great Conversion , Hos . 3. 5. Rom. 11. 25 , 26. take it off in God's own time . The Persecutors also amongst the Heathen , and many of the Sowers of Heresie , saw themselves surrounded with Shame , either before they died , or in the moment of their Death . So properly and so fully are these words fulfilled concerning Christ .

2. David's Enemies both at home and abroad have found the same Words true in themselves . Who knows not how he defeated the Philistines , how he encountred that monstrous Giant Goliath , in terrible Armour , how he prevail'd over him with a sling and a Stone , and smote the Philistine and slew him , and cut off his head with his own Sword , 1 Sam . 17. 50 , 51. What Shame the Amonites were put to when their Metropolis was taken , and the Inhabitants thereof were put under saws , and under harrows of iron , and under axes of iron , 2 Sam . 12. 31. His Father-in-law , that sought to slay him , fell upon his own Sword , 1 Sam . 31. 4. and after his Death suffered Ignominy in his Posterity , which were hanged by the Gibeonites before the Lord , 2 Sam . 21. 8 , 9. Achitophel hanged himself , 2 Sam . 17. 23. Absalom was taken up by his head on a great Oak between Heaven and Earth , through whose Heart Joab thrust three Darts , and ten young men smote him and slew him , cast him into a great Pit in the Wood , and laid a very great heap of Stones upon him , which and the Pillar which he had reared up for himself , were Statues of Ignominy to his unnatural Rebellion , 2 Sam . 18. 9 , 14 , 15 , 17 , 18. Sheba also the Son of Bichri lost his Head for his Insurrection against David , cap . 20. v 22. Thus were his Enemies cloathed with Shame .

3 Shame and Confusion has also at all times attended the Enemies of KING WILLIAM . Great and many have been his Foes ; but Ignominy has been their Raiment and Girdle . To repeat all the Instances of this Head , a Day would hardly suffice us : However , most of them are still had in Remembrance . But that which the Solemnity of this Day puts us in Mind of , is a sufficient Evidence of this Truth . Can greater or baser Enemies be thought of , than those that ingaged themselves in this horrid Conspiracy to assassinate the King , and at once to destroy his Royal Person and Government : But behold what Shame and Confusion they are brought to ! They who had cloathed themselves with Violence as with a Garment , whose Hands and Feet did hasten to shed Blood , to murder the Lord's Anointed , that had maliciously combined themselves against his Life , and thereby sought to bereave us of our Liberty and Religion , to bring the Inheritance of God to Confusion , and to divide it as a Prey among themselves , their Hands and Feet are since put in Shackles and Stocks of Iron , some of them have their just reward already , their Throats astringed with a Rope , their Bodies divested of Honour and Covering , dismembred , dissected , their Bowels burnt , their Heads and Quarters hang'd up as the Marks of a just Punishment of Traiterous Villany ; others are still kept in Prison , as the Children of Death , their Hearts misgiving them , upon the Expectation of the just Judgment that is upon them , who are now become the Abomination of all People : In all which as they have been rewarded according to their deeds , and according to the Wickedness of their own Inventions , so thereby they are made a Shame and Reproach to all Posterity , which will say of them : Behold these had privily laid a net to destroy the Lord's Anointed , they had digged a pit for his Soul , and for our Religion and Liberty ; but they sunk down in the Pit they had made , in the same net , which they hid privily , is their Foot taken , behold they travelled with iniquity , and had conceived mischief , and brought forth falshood : But their mischief returned upon their own head , and their violent dealing came down upon their own Pate : So let all thine Enemies perish O Lord ! Such as are fled from Justice , and those no less who remained post principia , to keep themselves in safety , have yet their share of the Reward , and so much more as they make a greater shew in the World . Their Faces must need be filled with shame ; seeing they had intended mischief , and imagined such a device as they were not able to perform ; and that if they were not the Contrivers , yet have shewed themselves the Favourers and Supporters , or at least the Approvers of such a hellish Design , which as certainly had him who was a murderer from the beginning for its Father , as it had his nearest Kin , a Generation of Basilisks for its Midwife , a Design , without controversie , most horridly wicked , which all Christians abominate , all honest Men detest ; from which , I dare say , the very Papists , such as were unconcerned , will bless themselves with making a thousand Crosses about them . Turk and Tartar will be astonish'd at it ; and Gath and Askelon , who think no Wickedness too great , will yet shamefully disown this . Thus have the Enemies of our King , who thought to divest him of His Majesty , received an ignominious raiment of Reproach and Confusion for themselves .

Observe we in the Third and Last Place , the Finger-work of God in the further establishing and settling the Government of his Anointed . Concerning this , God says , But upon himself shall his Crown flourish . The ו in {αβγδ} is rightly translated But . For in the words a respect is had to the Enemies of the Person and Government of the Lord's Anointed , and shewn , that their Undertakings do not answer their Expectations against him ; but on the contrary , are so turn'd , that they prove advantageous to him , to the Glory of his Person , and the Security of his Kingdom . The words taken of Christ in their proper sense , contain a full promise of his Kingdom and Government , and of the prosperity and continuance thereof . To this end a Crown is mentioned , which is an Embleme of the Majestly of earthly Kings . Now Christs Crown is no such as the Kings of this world have , for his Kingdom is not of this world ; but it denotes that Kingly Government , into which his Father has placed him . So Psal . 21. 3. it 's said of him , Thou settest a Crown of pure gold on his head : whereby his supream power and dominion is signified , to which none other in heaven or earth can be compared , which our Saviour himself thus describes : Matth . 28. 18. All power is given unto me in heaven and earth . See also , Psal . 8. Heb . 2. 10. And this Sovereign Dominion in his Kingdom is called his Crown , so the perfection and continuance thereof , is intimated in the words , it shall flourish upon him ; it 's glorious perfection and beauty by the word {αβγδ} denoting a flower , full and open , pleasant and glorious in its excellent beauty to the eyes of all beholders : and it s everlasting duration , by the whole expression shall flourish upon him , i.e. as long as himself shall endure , which is for ever , without any decay , fading or diminishing , the future {αβγδ} denotes a continuing act , and the never ceasing of the Kingdom of Christ is known from , Dan. 7. 13. 14. Luk . 1. 32 , 33. Ps. 72. 5. This Crown is Christs Crown by a two-fold right , 1. By right of the personal union , of which St. Paul speaks , Colos . 2. 3. 2. By right of exaltation , after his active and passive obedience , Phil . 2. 9. and that this Crown should continue for ever and flourish upon him , God himself plainly said to the Messias , Psal . 110. 1. Sit thou at my right hand , until I make thine enemies thy footstool . The destroying of the enemies till none be left , plainly denotes a firm and everlasting settlement of his Crown and Dominion . Neither shall we think amiss of the word , sit thou until , for this until doth not limit the duration of the Kingdom , but speaks of the cessation of that part of Royal exercise , which consists in the subduing of the enemies , seeing after death is subdued , which is the last enemy , there will be none more left to subdue ; and so that word doth not intimate any decay of the Government , but foretells the end of all Rebellion against it , by which the glory and majesty of the Lord Jesus is fully accomplisht , and his Kingdom setled to continue in eminent peace and happiness for ever and ever .