The excellency of a public spirit discoursedThe excellency of a publick spirit discoursed

PROP. III. That when Rulers do thus it will tend to their lasting Renown. Mordecai ▪ doing thus has caused him to be renowned in all succeeding Generations. And many others have had their worthy deeds recorded in the Book of God, which is a thousand Times greater honour ⟨p. 19⟩than to have them spoken of in any other Book. I shall mention but two particulars, which will clear and confirm the Truth now before us.

1. They that seek the Wealth of their People, are usually much Loved and Honoured whilst they Live, and much more after they are dead. It is too true, that there is wicked Ingratitude in the Hearts of men, whence Public Benefactors have been ill rewarded by those whom they have laid under the greatest obligations. Thus did the Children of Israel deal by Gideon although it was by his means chiefly that they enjoyed singular Liberties both Civil & Sacred. Yet they did not do to him according to the deserving of his hands, Judg 9.16. Nevertheless, natural Conscience has that power in men that except prejudice prevail against reason, they cannot but value those that have sought the public Interest. The Jews looked upon such as worthy of honour. They said concerning the Centurion, He is worthy, for he loveth our Nation, and has built us a Synagogue, Luk 7 4, 5. The Jewish Writers sa• concerning one of their high Priests whose name was Simon, that he sought the Good of his Nation in such wise, as that his Authority and Honour pleased them well, and •ha• his honourable name was therefore renowned to the End of the World Yea, and the Gentiles had those in high esteem who had sought the weal of their Country. The famous ⟨p. 20⟩Roman Orator was wont to say, that if he could gain Immortality by prejudicing his Country, he would not accept of it. And he was exceedingly Loved and Honoured. It is reported of him, that when he was by means of Clodus forced into Exile, besides the whole body of the Senate, there wee above Twenty thousand men put on Mourning Apparel, and when he had liberty to return, almost all Italy went out of their Towns to bid him welcome home The Gentiles used to choose those to be their Kings who had done great service for their people. And it was counted an honour to their Kings themselves, to be styled [Greek or Hebrew], benefactors. Some such have been Loved so as that others have been willing to lay down their lives for them Although such Instances have been rare, yet some such there have been. Hence the Apostle speaks, as in Rom 5.7. Peradventure for a gd man some would dare to die. By a good man in that place a great Benefactor or one that has done much good, is intended. Some among the Gentiles have shined with moral, and with that which they call Heroic Virtue, so that they would readily part with their Lives to Save their Country.