Public affections, pressed in a sermon before the Honourable House of Commons assembled in…Publick affections, pressed in a sermon before the Honourable House of Commons assembled in…

Thus it is an easier matter to consent that the Antichristian yoke and burden shall be removed, then to set up Christs order and government. But when our Saviour invited those that were heavy laden and burdened (under the Pharisaical government and traditions) as some learned men expound it; lest they should think this were all, he bids them take his yoke upon them. Mens corruptions may make them willing to have Antichrist pulled down; yea, their advantages and self-interests may incline them that way: but there are required many positive graces to set up the ways and orders of Christ. And certainly, there was something in it, that the Heathens did so universally object against the Christian Religion and way, as incompatible with Common-wealths and Magistracy; not that indeed there was any contradiction: but only it is hard for States to bring up every thing in their Kingdom to the Scripture way. This must be laid down as a most certain principle, (saith Luther) that Gods word will not attemper it self, or condescend to Princes and States, but they must bring themselves to that. And therefore we ought the more earnestly to strive in prayer unto God for such that are in authority, and to rejoice in seeing the clusters of grapes, though as yet we are not entered into Canaan. Now let me instance in some particulars, wherein ⟨p. 16⟩your tender bowels may be wonderfully expressed: As,

Thus it is an easier matter to consent that the Antichristian yoke and burden shall be removed, then to set up Christs order and government. But when our Saviour invited those that were heavie laden and burdened (under the Pharisaicall government and traditions) as some learned men expound it; lest they should think this were all, he bids them take his yoke upon them. Mens corruptions may make them willing to have Antichrist pulled down; yea, their advantages and self-interests may incline them that way: but there are required many positive graces to set up the wayes and orders of Christ. And certainly, there was something in it, that the Heathens did so universally object against the Christian Religion and way, as incompatible with Common-wealths and Magistracy; not that indeed there was any contradiction: but onely it is hard for States to bring up every thing in their Kingdome to the Scripture way. This must be laid down as a most certain principle, (saith Luther) that Gods word will not attemper it self, or condescend to Princes and States, but they must bring themselves to that. And therefore we ought the more earnestly to strive in prayer unto God for such that are in authority, and to rejoyce in seeing the clusters of grapes, though as yet wee are not entered into Canaan. Now let mee instance in some particulars, wherein