The crown & glory of Christianity, or, Holiness, the only way to happiness discovered…The crovvn & glory of Christianity, or, Holiness, the only way to happiness discovered…

I have read of Lewis the eleventh King of France, who going about to establish some unjust Edicts, which when some of his chief Courtiers perceived, they went altogether to him in Red-Gowns: the King asked them what they would have: the President La Vacqueri answered, We are come with a full purpose to lose our lives every one of us, rather then by our connivency any unjust Ordinance should take place: The King being amazed at this Answer, and at the courage, ⟨image 13⟩constancy and resolution of those Peers, gave them gracious entertainment, and commanded, that all the former Edicts should be forthwith cancelled in his presence. Courage and resolution may prevent many a Public mischief and misery. But,

I have read of Lewis the eleventh King of France, who going about to establish some unjust Edicts, which when some of his chief Courtiers perceived, they went altogether to him in Red-Gowns: the King asked them what they would have: the President La Vacqueri answered, We are come with a full purpose to lose our lives every one of us, rather then by our connivency any unjust Ordinance should take place: The King being amazed at this Answer, and at the courage, ⟨image 13⟩constancy and resolution of those Peers, gave them gracious entertainment, and commanded, that all the former Edicts should be forthwith cancelled in his presence. Courage and resolution may prevent many a Publick mischief and misery. But,

Sixthly, As you are to do Justice resolutely, courageously, §6so you are to do Justice and Judgement exactly.¹ 2 Chro. 19.5, 6, 7. And he set Judges in the Land, throughout all the fenced Cities of Judah, City by City. And said to the Judges, Take heed what you do, for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the Judgement. Wherefore now, let the fear of the Lord be upon you; Take heed and do it, for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of person, nor taking of gifts. God is exact in all his ways, and he is exact in all his works: he is exact in all his promises, & he is exact in all his threatenings: he is exact in all his Rewards, and he is exact in all his punishments; he is exact in the exercise of his mercy, and he is exact in the exercise of his Justice: And therefore you that are called Gods, should in this be like God. O Sirs, some by force, others by flattery; some by large presents to your relations, and others by promising great rewards to your selves may endeavour to corrupt you, and blind you, and induce you to judge rashly, inconsiderately, irregularly, &c. And therefore you have the more cause to be exact in transacting all your judicial affairs. O remember, that the most sharp & piercing eye of God is still upon you! O remember, that the severe eye of Jesus Christ, who is the Judge of Judges, is never off of you; And the Angels those Princes of glory, are very strict Observers of you. When the Ethiopian Judges were set in their seats of Judicature, certain empty chairs were placed about them, into which they conjectured the holy