Past Grand Master the Rev Martin Smyth told South Londonderry Orangemen in Maghera to be on their guard against challenges to the legislation of their country.
Mr Smyth, the former South Belfast UUP MP, said they were increasingly aware of the pressures of a secular society and the growth of militant Islamism and other forces.
"This has been evident in changing our legislation based on God's word and th
e clamour of the so-called gay lobby with its virulent attack on any who say the practice is wrong.
"When millions of people throughout the world are perishing because of the dictatorial attitude of their own Governments; like Nero of old, international fora fiddle, while Rome burns.
"This was most obvious recently when an United Nations report called for the abolition of the British Monarchy and the introduction of a written constitution with a stated preference for a republican form of government."
He added: "Today, as we join in thanksgiving to Almighty God for the heritage we enjoy as a result of the Glorious Revolution of 1688-89 and the Williamite succession, we pledge our loyalty to her gracious majesty, Queen Elizabeth, who has given faithful service to her people.
"This is not from blinkered loyalty but in obedience to the King of kings who in His word exhorts us to obedience and prayer for those in authority."
Mr Smyth recalled the "timeless and universal" message of the Gospel rediscovered by Martin Luther in Germany and the other Protestant Reformers.
"John Calvin, whose birth 500 years ago we celebrate next year, gave it an enduring theological form. Prince William of Orange, as a teenager, received the gift of salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ alone. This is at the heart of Protestantism.
This is the Faith based on the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, which made our Nation Great. It is not without significance that our nation is declining in power as we turn from this path.
"The Gospel is for sinful men and women, irrespective of colour, class or creed. It is the only place where true equality reigns. All of us are sinners by nature and choice. We are self- centred and want our own ways or obediently follow Satan's devices."
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