persecute them, that only in this particular disagree." So far he. I shall conclude with this humble petition, that seeing your majesty hath been most earnestly supplicated, by many petitions, addresses, and papers, to continue your former indulgence: Oh! that your majesty would be graciously pleased to do something in it, that may recommend your name to be embalmed by them for perpetuity; through the remembrance of your just, righteous, and merciful actions, in breaking every yoke of oppression, and to the easing of the conscience of every man professing Jesus Christ, from all unrighteous impositions. And as this will administer peace, joy, and comfort to many of your suffering subjects, so it will bring most excellent consolation unto your majesty's soul, when the heavens shall be no more. And as your majesty desires to be found on the right hand of the great Judge in that his day; so in this your day remember and consider, that magistracy and power of government are no institutions of God, either to fill the purses, or to furnish the tables, or to lift up the minds, or in any kind to gratify the flesh of those in whom they are invested; but rather to serve, to accommodate, and bless the societies and communities of men on earth, unto which they respectively relate, according to that worthy item, which the queen of Sheba 1 Kings x. 9. gave unto Solomon, Because the Lord loved Israel for ever; therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice. The same Lord and mighty God so overshadow your majesty with his power and good Spirit, that the conceptions of your heart may be holiness to him; wealth, and peace, and gladness of heart to the people of these great and famous kingdoms, the government whereof God hath been pleased to intrust with you; to your royal self, honour and safety, and length of days, with the peace and joy of a good conscience on earth, and a far more exceeding eternal weight of glory in the heavens. So prayeth, Your humble and dutiful subject, JOHN STURGION. THE END. |