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To the Chriftian Reader,

S ^ %g* & 8 feafonablenefe of ' % % thisSermon occafioning war me workings in the hearts of many who heard it preachedjhes ^Author of it was per/waded to print itibut he judging it unworthy fuch puh+ like view, returned a deny all unto thofe dtfires of his friends. Ulforwards un± derHanding that a Coppy taken hyjhort hand from his mouth, would be made* common, he rather chofe to perufe and correB it } then to expo/e him fife and the reader unto greater wrong Here** uponfundrjphrafes are filed, and fome A % Scriptures

To the Reader,

Scriptures layedmore ope®, other additions or amplifications are not yery ma~ ny, hut thou now hafl the body of the Sermon > both for matter and method y as itwasfrHdelivered* When thou mee^ tefl with wants and weakpejfes/emem-her that not the confidence of theprea* $her> but the importunity offome of his heareres, hath made tbisdifcourfe thus publike* If by meanes hereof y thy foule fh all receive any Jpiriwall edification, and grow more able with hope and com-fort,to tbru/l throughflraights in Hea* ven way -give God the glory of all his gracious wordings upon thy Jpira by fefm Chrifl*

(JPfttrtij.ij. i^4i:„.

IT is thfs day ordered by the Committee of foe Houfe of Commons in TarHament concerning Printing* that this Booke, intituled A(it^ortfir thefinhingheart m times ef&ftrep, be printed.

John Whits.

Gere sis.

_ mwmmMmmmmm r

Gen, XXIL XIV. In the ^Mount of the Lord it fhallbe

Jeene-»

iNterpreters call this Text a Froverbe, the interpretation whereof is to be fetched from the occafion of it.

God by way of tryall did put his fer^ fsrf.il vant Abraham upon a fad taske, a dead fervice, commanding him to make a burnt offering of his fonne, his fonne (faac^ the fonne of his age,and the fonne of Godspromife.

Take now thyfonnejhy onlyfinne I faack Whom thou toveft, Yer[ % t* And get thee into the /anaofMoriah, and offer him therefor 4 burnt offering.

How heavy this worke was likely to be upon Abrahams heart, I leave it to the judgement of any ameliorate father, when he hath ferioufly perufed the law of the Lord concerning burnt offerings.

1 he offering being flaine it was to Be cutinpeeces, Lcv,i.«.8 3 ^» the wood being laid upon the Altar fire was to be put under, the parts, the head, the fat were to be laid in order upon the wood, the 'inwards and the legs being wafot in water,all were to be burnt on the Altar.

When the good old man had chewed this bitter pill for the fpace of three dayes, towards the end of the third day, he lifting up hk eyes fiw the place afarre off where his Gen. z i+ A3 deareft

K^i fepport fir t fa Jinking heart

deareft fonne muft be facriftced.

Being come to his journey es end be builds the Altar, binds his fonne, and layes him thereon. What patheticall conference pa-fled betweenethem two, the Holy Ghofl reveales not. Bat what it was each affectionate heart , will make conjecture. When the father ( no doubt with a heavy heart) had taken the knife, and lifted up his hand, and was ready to give the deaths blow to his be-* loved Ifaack^ now imagin you what vj&QzAbrahamf ftraights.

Is it not probable he might have flich reafon-ings as thefe? If I kill not my fonne God will be incenf;dbe-caufe he is difobeyed; If I doe, how will the worH clamour and cenfure, being ignorant of my warrant,, and therefore apt to judge my act both impious and unna-turall.

Now in the Mount is the Lord feene, divine providence fweetly and glorioufly appeareth two wayes. i. Jn that Abrahams fonne is fpared. 2. In that a fitting facrifice is prepared, and both un-Z/irf.iiyi 2. expected. Abraham, Abraham hold thy hand.

How welcome were thefe words to the working warms heart of ^Abraham , being ready to let forth the life of his welbeloved fonne? The execution is checkt, Jfaack^is not killed, and yet the intention of his obe-Heb.11.17, dience herein is gracioufly accepted: yea and as an addition of mercy,he is afluredby Chnftthe Angellofthe 7JerC.il covenant,that God accounted him one that truly feared ■ ' his name. JSIowJknowthoufiareftme.

This unexpected providence might worke in the good mans heart willingnefle to tender unto the Lerd an offering in way ofthankfullneffe, that hisMajefty might have fome homage in the fame place whereinhad The w-ed fo much favour. And -though fpeedy provifion of that kind was as farre from Abrahams thoughts, as the pre-fervation of his fonne, yet when he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold behind him aramme caught in a thicket .Verf.i$. bj the homes; And Abraham Vcent and teokg the ramme

and

in times of dtstrefje.

and offered him up fir a burnt offering in the pad of kid fome, md Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah J -irch. IntheMountoftheLorditjhallbefeene.

I will not trouble you in reporting the various readings of thefe words from the original!. In fhorf, the englifh of my Text is this, Mdns extremity is ged: opportunity. Or tf you would have my Doctrine in other words, take it thus:

In the Mount, in the mtdft of ftrdghis it bath heenethe> jy 0 ^ manner of the Almighty, mercifully to manifefi himftlfe fur hisfervants comfort.

There are two things that I fhall deMre t© fpeake too in the proiecution of this point, purpofely pitched upon fcccaufe of this dayes perplexity.

1. Confirmation, that it may be ftrongly beieeved.

2. Application, that it may be feafonably improved. The Confirmation of the Doclrme I will give

in.

i. By Scripture-

2. By Rcafon.

The Scripture proofe you (ball have under two heais,,

i. The Promifes of God.

%. The experiences of the godly.

I will mention only two pretious Promifes* becaufe they are furficient, being both pregnant and pertinent, Ipeaking both fully and punctually tothe point in hand.

The former is in r Pfal-ji..i2. where the fweet dif- pial.7.2^. penfations of Chrifts rcgall authority being tipically foretold by King Solomons government, we have this recorded. Hejhatl deliver the needy When he crjeth, ihepoore 4IJ0 md him that hath no,helper. You may doe well to marke the fitneffe and fullneffe of the Tromife.

1. When Chrift finds his people in themfelves poor® and needy jdeftitute of abilities to (belter themfelves from wrong and violence.

%. When in regard of others it is thus with them 3 vi*U not only that they have weakc helps, or few helpers, but when they have no helpers,nonc at all.

3* When

Kji fuffort fir the [inking hart

3. When in this diftreffe they cry out as perfonsin an undone condition, tken, though not till then willhe deliver.

The other Promife is regiftred in Dettt.32.36. For Deut^t,}*. the Lord {halljudge bit people, and repenthimfelfi fir hisfer-*>Mts When hefeeth that their power it gone, and there is none jhut^p^or left.

The language is large, and hath much in it, but be-caufe the proofe in it is apparent to every eye, I will leave it.

The experiences of the godly which I {hall produce ycu may pleafe thus to coniider :

1. Of (ingle Perfons plunged into decpe dangers.

2. Of companies, whether few or many, comparted about with devouring perills on every fide.

Forfingle PcrfbnsJ will inftancein foure Examples. Dan.6. i&i7, ^ c f*& * s o(Danie/l, wherein foure circumftanccs See. are remarkeable.

1. He was cafi to Lyons, not only one but many, the number we know not..

2. He was put into'the Lyons den, and the doo^e was (hut, <* fione Veas brought and layed upon the mouth of the den that he might not get forth from thofe beads of prey.

3. The King fealeth it Veith his ownefignet, and With the fignet of his Lords y that the ptirpofe might not be changed con-WTM^JDaniell.

4. jli this darke den of deadly danger he continued a whole night, and in this great ftraight the Lord by his AngeH, Jhut the Lyons mouthes that they did hisfervant m hurt at all.

The fecond Example is that of David, : 1 Sam.i^ from the 25. to the 28. Saul purfued after David in the Vtildemejfe «f Maori, and Sau\ 'Went on this fide the Moun-mine and David and his men on that fide of the Mountainc, and David madehafie to get away fir feare of Snul, for Saul md hu men compared David 4nd his men roundabout to take them. But there came a meffenger unto Saul faying, haft ttiee md comet fir the FhUiftincs have invaded the Land y

Where*

in times ofdiHreJfe.

Cohere fire S aul returned from purjuing after David. In this Example thefe things are confiderable.

1. It was noleflc then 1) avids life that now Was en- Verf.1%* dangered.

2. The Ziphites who were acquainted with Davids

holds, combined themfdves alfo againft him. ^* l ^'

3. All this ftrengthdid njot ©nlyina w T arre-like way take up armes tomcetehim, for then by flying backe he might have made an efcape, but they compaffed him round about,

4. Hi*, ftrength was not fufficient fafely to breaks through thefe blood-thirfting fbrces:Now in this ftraight, an unexpected providence procures hisprefervation : In this Mount was God feene glorioufly.

The third Fxample is that of Paul, which you have in the 21 .zAfts 3 0,31,3 2. AL the City Was moved, and , the people ranne together, they bound Paul, drew him out of the Temple, and forthwith the do ores Were pout, and as they Went about to kill him, ty dings came to the chiefs Capmine of the band, that all Jerufslem Was in an uproare, Who immediately took* (ouldiers, and fonturions, and ranne downe ttnto them, md When they jaw the chiefi (,aptoine and the fink diers,they left beating Paul.

Herein you may note:

1. The generall InfurrecTion, All the City.

2. Their violent Opposition, They drew him out x

3. Their bloody Intention, It Was to kill Paul.

4. Their entrance upon execution, They Were beating him to beate out his life: Now in this ftraight commeth tydmgs, leave him there is fomethingelfe to doe: Thus was Cod in the Mount feene, and "Pauls life preferved.

The fourth Example is o£Peter, Ails 12.4,6,7. wherein note:

1. That H*?Wintending to kill him ( having done execution upon James 9 ver.2.)had apprehended him,and im-prifoned him.

2. In prifon he was committed to the cuftody of foure quaternions offoiildiers, that for every watch boti day

\^i fuppivt for thefmking heart

and night there might fey 6tf». and 4. looking to him to prevent efcape.

3. The night before he was to be brought forth, he was bound with two chaines, and twofouldiers had him betweene them. And now,that night,and in that ftraight, he was delivered by the Angell of God.

The experiences of Gods people in combined companies, come in the next placato be conlidered, and for brevities fake I will enly fuggeft three.

The firfl is of Shadrac^ Mefiech^ and nAbednego, wherein their Perfons are not fo many as the particulars notable in their deliverance, Dan.^. 19,20,21,2 2,23 ,&c. Then, Was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the forme of his vifige Was changed againfl Shadrack, Mefech and Abed-nego, therefore he fpake and commanded that they fhould heate the furnace [even times more then it Was Wont to behea-ted,8cc.

From thefe words their extreame perill with which they were befleged,appeares in five eircumftances.

1. Their death is determined by the King, who-had authority to command both their tortures and executioners.

2- The moft mighty fouldiers were appointed to bind them,and doc execution upon them.'

3. The furnace being heated feven times more hot then ordinarily, did burne to death them who undertooke their burning.

4, Thefe j mejnf, were caft not only into the mouth, but into the midft of the furnace.

5. They fell down bound in the midft of the burning ■ fiery furnace. Now in this conditio:], conceive how little hope could be expe^ed oi life to be continued, and <U ,r yet it is affirmed by the Holy Ghoft, that tlsey had no hurt,

upon their bodies the fire had m power, nor Was the haire of their headfinged.

The next is of Ifrael when they came out of Egypt v recorded, Exodus 14, Wherein the!"- things in forth Ifi raels extremity,

in times ofdi&reffe.

i. T he forces prepared againft them, The heart of Pha-roah and of his fervants Was turned agdirift the people, and he made ready his Chariot andtooke hit people With him, and he tocke fix kunared chef en Chariots; and all the (fhariots of Verfa fiff* "Egypt^nd Captnines over every ens of them.

7, . The purfuit made after them, 7hey purfued after tfo children of Iirael, and the Egyptians pur fued after them, all Verf&&» thehorfes and Chariots of 'Pharaoh, andhishorfemenandhU army.

3. The dreadfull apprehenfions railed in the hearts of the Ifraelites, (viz.) that no leflfe then their death was intended. Why haft thou ttkgnus away to dye ? Had it not

beene better for us tofervethe Egyptians then that Wejhould v«y.ll|l*. dye.

4. The particulars whereby they were further ftraight-

ned. I. The Egyptians overtoohe them encamping by the Verf.9.

Sea. 2. The<SV^ if they went forward threatned to de-

voure them. In this diftrefle Ged difcovers himfdfe,

and delivers them. For obferve the words, Mofes [aid

unto the people, fcareye not, ftandftill, and fee the (alvation of Verf. 13.

the Lord,Which he Wtlljhew to yon to day.

To day, even juft now and not before, helpe comes from Heaven. Herein this farther circumftance hath it's weight, that Jfrael at this inftant was provoking God, by murmuring and diftruflfullfeares.

The laft is of Jfrael in the raigne of 'Jeroboam fonne of % King, 14.1$, Joajh. The Lordfiw the affiSion of Ifrael that it Was very tj. bitter t for there Was not any fhut up, nor any left, nor any • helper for Jfrael, and the Lord faid not that he Would blot out the name of I fr aell from under Heaven, but hefaved them by the hand of J ei oboam the fonne of J oa{h.

All thefe p?ifages propounded from facred records , may abundantly fatisfie us in the truth of the docTrine now under hand : ( viz. ) That in the^^^ Mountofthe Lord it J&atl appear*, Mans extremity is gods ^X. opportunity. \

_ In cafe you inquire the Reafons of this divine difpenfa-ti«s>n, I returneanfwer,

B 2 That

K^i fufpm for the Jinking heart

CHimfMfe. That God thus worketh in reference to I His people.

C Their enemies

i. In reference to himfelfe. The prayfe and glory of

his own ble{T:d Name defigned in all his works, is the

iupreame end aymed at in this Providence. This God

bringeth in as thecaufe why his hand carryed Ifraelio

the very fide of the Sea, into the mquth ©f death before

deliverance thould appeare. / Will be honoured upon Pha-

* , raoh and upon all his hoafi, that the. Egyptians may know that

Exod.14.4. JamtheLor d.

Vponfuch oceafions the Attributes of the Lord breake forth in glory, His Wifdome is moft manifested when it worketh beyond meanes, above meanes, that humane reafbn cannot find out divine foot-fteps. His Power triumphs when all oppofition (hrinketh before his wondrous workings. The like might be ftiewed concerning his other excellencies. The event of Gods dealings with 'Daniel, and the three young governours in the-times of their ftraights, difcover that this was Gods intent in thofg providences. For marke how Nebuchadnezzar and King Darius did trumpet forth the praifes of the God of Shadrach, Mefech, Abednego and Daniel, when, they were eye witness of thofe two glorious deliverances which were wrought on by omni-

Ban.3.18^. potency. 'Then Nebuchadnezzar Jpakg and [aid, blejfed Be the £]od 0/Shadrach, Mefhach and Abednego, Who hath fent his Angett, and delivered his- fervants that trusted in him, and have changed the Kings Word, and yeelded their bodies that they might notferve, nor Wor/bip any pod except their oWne God. Therefore J make a decree, that every people, nation and language.. Which Jpeak? 'any thin? amijfe againfl the god of Shadrach, Mefhich and Abednego, [ball be cm in pieces, and their houfes (hall he m<ide a dunff- hill btcaufe there is no other Cjod that can deliver after tha (ert;

JDan.6.26,27. Then 7G'»£ Darius Wrote unt9 all people, nations and Ian-- gWge*, that dvpellin all the earth. 1 m^ze a decree, that in tvery dominion of my Kinodome, men. tremble and feare before.

in limes ofdijiteffe.

fore the CJod of Daniell, for he is the living God, dndftedfaft far e^er, and his Kingdome that Which Jhall not be destroyed, and his dominion Jhall be even unto the end. He deliver eth And refcueth, and he "Worketh fignes and Wonders in Heaven and in earth Who hath delivered Danicll from the power of the Lygns. By both thefe inftances it is evident, that the LordMth appeare in the Mount for his owne fake, to get and flp himfelfe a name in the world.

JHod doth thus work in refpecl to his own people, Andnere I will note only foure particulars.

i. Sometimes that he might difcovertohis fervants for thek. encouragement, both the truth and ftrength of his owne graces in them. This was the reafbn why God thus tryed Abraham, that he might manifcft that holy feare which was planted in his bread. Hereupon God putteth him to it, and carrieth him into the Mount, leadeth him into diftreffe by degrees, acting him on to build the Altar, to lay the wood in order, t© bind his ifaack* to lay him upon the Altar, upon the wood, yea to take the knife, and to ftretch forth his hand to (lay'his fonne, before he did appeare for his comfort, in giving order for the lengthening of Ifaacks life. And now when there feemed to be but one minute of time unto the efftifioh o£lfaacks blood, hearc the good newes from Heaven , Abraham I know thtu.fear eft me,

2. Sometimes to manifeft the feebleneffc of Tome grace in their hearts for their humbling, Teter thought himfelfe full enough of courage to cometoChrift upon the finking kas if he might have a call* Well I marke the iflbe, Chrift calleth him, come out Peter, but Men hefavptheWindesboyfterous* and when his footing failed,

he began to fmke> then he Wat afraid and cryed out, here- Mat.14.48,29, uponobferve Chriftsanfwer, 0 thopt of little faith, Why i° 3 ii* dUsi thou doubt.

3. That he may fet the graces of his-Spirit in exercife, both for their increafe, and for the enfeebling of contrary lufts. We know that habits are ftrengthened by exercife, and grace is augmented in it's meafure, by

B 3 being

being put forth Yigoroufly in it's operations. And by-how much any grace gathereth ftrength, by fo mucn the oppofing corruption bec©mmetb feeble in a Chriftian breft. And that the Lord hath this end in this kind of working, it might be evidenced by raanifdt inftances, but for brevities fake, I will only point at one, in one {ingle experiment.

As h«ly affiance in God is confirmed, fo by fuch like difpenfations creatursconfidence is abated in holy^earts, 2 Cor. T.p,io. But frehad thefentence of death in our feU ves, thatfreJhould not trufl in our [elves, but in Godfrhich raifeth the dead, Who delivered w from Jo great a death, and doth deliver ', in Whom Vce tru{l that he Will jet deliver us. Men in ftraights fee the ftrength of creature helps fhnunke up, and withered, whereupon they dare leanetothcm no longer; but Gods irrefiftible power, profound wif-dome, abundant goodneffe, and other glorious attributes in fuch difficult cafes being clearely difcovered, the foulc is incouraged confidently to caft it felfe into his armes for future times.

4. That their deliverance might be more fwect to their fpirits, and confequently that their joyes might the more readily runne out before his Majefty in holy trfankfullnefTe. When we expect that now our houfes {hall be fired, the City fack't, our eftates wafted, our wives abufed, our children cruelly murthered, our Sabbath and weeke day meetings interrupted, our Parliament diflblved, and our Kingdomedefolated. Now to fee thefe clouds to blow over, and cur Sunne to breake forth againe, oh how fweet will this glorious change beto our now-dropping hearts! Davids experince fpeaks to this purpofe, Pfal. 3 4.1,2,3. A Pfalme of Davidvjhcn he changed his behaviour before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed. / "frill blejje the Lord at all times, hii fraifejhall continually be in my mouth. My (oule fhaUmake her boafi in the Lord, the humble fitall heare there* of and be glad, oh magnify the Lord frith me, and let ut exalt his name together. Tial.8^. 12,13. / Will praife thee O

Lord

in limes ofdiftreffe, rI

Lor'dmy (jod With all my heart, and I Veil/ glorifie thy name for ever mere, For great is thy mercy towardme', and thou haft delivered my Joule from the loweft heft. But mors fully and fitly may our Kingdoms concernments beexpreffed by : Pfal. i 24. if our God be pleafed now to appeare in the Mount for London, for England, in this day of our deep danger, and exceeding, exceeding great fearer - And bur defired deliverance from prefent perplexities, may with joy of foule be exprefled by the words of that Pfalme. If it had not beene the Lord Who Was on 'ourfide, .now may Englandy^, if it had not beene the Lord Who Was on our fide, When men rofe up againft us, then they hadfival-lowed us up quick^ When their Wrath Was kfndled againft us, then the Waters had overwhelmed us, the ftreame had gone ever our foule, then the proud Waters had gone over our foule. 'But bleffedbe the Lord Who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth ,&c.

3. God thus workcth in regard of his peoples enemies, both the Divell and divelifh men. 1 .In regard of the Divell, that he might flop his black and flanderous mouth, which is upon alloccafions wide open in wayes of calumny, cafting flanderous accufations upon Gods good fervants. When all fobs eftate was removed in a day, all his children knockt dead at one blow, God commending Job faith thus to Satan, Haft thou confi- Job 2.3. deredmy fervant ~^ob, that there is none like him in the earth, a perftB and an upright {man, one that ftareth God andefi. chenveth evill ? and ft ill he koldeth faslhis integrity^ although than movedft me againft him to deftroy him Without caufe. And Satan anfwered and [aid, skin fir skin, yea all that a rci>^ < tnan hath mil he give for his lift, put forth thyhandnow and touch his bone, and his fiefh, and he Will curfe thee to thy face* Hereupon God bringcth fob into further ftraights, for this very purpofe to filence Satan. And whereas thofe malignant fpirits continue to be the accufers of theBre- Rev.! a.10. thren, and are dill apt to provoke his Majefty againft them, fii'ggefting, that if his providence put them to pinches, they will then fly our, and manifeft their carnall

fiefhlineffe

.flefhlineffe in the profcffion and practice of Religions .Hereupon God puts them (as it were) into the (locks, and fets them upon the rack, and caufeth them tobebe-fieged with difficulties to prove Satan a notoriour lyar,

2. In regard of divellifh men. Partly to fill their hearts with the more vexation : Partly to chaine down their Q violent fpirits, that they may not breake forth with further fury againft his caufc and s peoplr, and through the power of ftrong conviction, to workibme chaagein their lives and courfes.

i. To fill their hearts with the more vexation. The Lord doth indeed rejoycein the rnifery of the wicked. Pr o v. i. a 6, I WiM laugh at your calamity, and moch^ When your ft are com-meth: yeait is a comfort to his highneflfe to powre forth E&ek.^ii. fury upon them: IVcillcaufe my• firy to reft upon them.,, and I Will be comforted. And the Pfalmift feems to give in this, as a reafbn why God caufeth it to be midnight with his fervants before light peep forth, why they are in deep-danger before daylight appeare, Tjal. r 13.9,10. Vnto the upright there arifeth light in the darkneJfe, hi* heart is eftablifhed, he Jhall not be aft aid: untill he fee his deftre up~ on. his enemies, his home Jhall be exalted With honour, the Wicked /hall fee it and be grieved, he Jhall gnajh With his teeth and melt. away. It cutteth a wicked man to the heart, when he thinketh he fball have the day in the downfall of the righteous, and yet the -godly they rife, and get ground, and gather ftrength. We have a pregnant proof Edh 5*14. of this in the example o£Haman\ who expecting that Cfrfordecai {hould be hanged, when CMordecai was ad-EftM.io, i!. vanced to great honour, then Hamm mourned and hanged down the head : And thus it^ will be with the popifh and propbane, who this day re.f.yce in our doleful! fftraights, when God fhall appeare in the Mount for our deliverance.

•2. That chfines of reftramt might be laid upon their hearts and hands, by Gods ftrange and amazing providences-. When they fee that God from Heaven doth give seftimonialls of approbation to his poore pcrfecuted

fervants

ver i2*

Servants and tervice, being plunged over head and cares in the floods of deepeft calamity.

This is made good upon Nebachadnezzar. Therefore Ban. 3.29. I wake a decree, that every people > nation and language Vchich {peak* any thing amijfe againfl the Cjod of Shadrach, Me-fhach <i»df'Abednego, [hall be cm inpeeees y and their honfes fhall be made 4 dung- hill, becaufe there is no other God that can deliver after this fin. Then the King promoted Shadrach, vcr.jo, 0 Mefhach *nd Abednego in thejrovince- of Babilon.

In like manner the defcate of Haman, and the deliverance of the poore fewes devoted to deftrudion, pro- Efth.8.1^,17, duced the fame effect upon many ef their enemies. And truly notwithftandmg this dayes fearesand ftraights, we will hope to fee fome fuch effects upon the hearts and lives of fome who deride and oppofe our delired reformation. Thus much for Confirmation of the doctrine. Application followeth. There are foure ufes to be made which are both naturall and feafo-nable.

Hence it followeth, that people have no ground at <£>/£ r e all to fufpeft their own gracious (landing in reference information, to God becaufeof their ftraights. Deep and devouring dangers may be ready to fwallow up the righteous, Ged may bring an Abraham into the Mount, unto great difficulties, Gods people may travcll through the red fea in the way to Canaan, feas of trouble, bloody times may overtake them who are moft deare to God. This I rather note becaufe Gods people are apt to dafh upon this rock, and to doe themfelves much wrong by thus p reaf.ning. If God did love me, or had been gracioufly refpeftiue to my humiliations and prayers, I fhould not have feen fo black, fo dark a day. My felfc and mine, our peace and Parliament, our perfons and poflellions had never been in fuch danger, if the Lord had bin favourable to me in fceking better times. Herein "David failed : Pf*l.-ji .13,14. Verily I have cteanfed my heart invaine, and "toafhed my hands in innocency, fir all the day long have J bin pUgned % And chaftened every morning. C Now

Now to keep us from adding guilt to our grief, that we may not provoke God to be angry, while our enemies are filled brim full of bloud-thirfting fury. I will briefly fuggeit foure eonfiderations, to preferve us from this miftake.

i. By this error acted, we deny the perfection of the word of God, becaufe therein there is no fuch rule to judge by. Yea the Scriptures openly and evidently fpeake the contrary, Ecclef9.1,2. No man knoweth either love or hatred by all that u before them. All things come alike to all, there is one event to the righteous and to the kicked. And certainely if we ikalldare toaddeourde-

Vi-ov.zo.6. vires to Gods word, he will be angry. Adde then mi unto hU "Words left he reprove thee, and thou be found a. Ijar.

2. Thus peoplebearefaiie witneffe againft themfdves, by palling unjuftifiabie fentences againft their own

Exod io 16. f°ules. Thou /halt not beare falfe Vcitnejfe againft thy neighbour. To detract from our neighbours credit and comfort, is a breach of Gods law. And truly it admits many aggravations,when we deale thus injurioudy with our felves.

3. We expreflfe much ingratitude to God, the God •fall our mercies, calling his love into queftion, and overlooking or undervaluing all former favours, becaufe of prefent prellures and approaching dangers. Let Israels mifcarriage in this kind be your looking-glafle to fhew the foule face of this fault, that you may takeheed of this deformity. When Pharaoh purfued them, and the roaring feas threatned to devoure them, their deliverance out of Egypt (though, wrought on by many miraculous providences) was accounted a rnifjry rather

, then a mercy, for obferve their language, gxod.14.11. therefore haft thou dealt thus With us?

4. By this miftake we reach a wrong toothers, l^fal. 7 3« 1 5« tf If a 7 J ^^ Ifeakf thus, behold Ifhould of end again ft the generation of thy children. Our carriage in this particular may caft fad discouragements upon the hearts

of

of many dcarc to God, caufing them to queftion tlseir fpirituall ftate, becaufe of outward ftraights. Hereby alfo we feeme to fufpedt their wifdome who uphold their hopes, and maintaine their comforts, notwithftanding their manifold heavy affli&ions.

Cenfure not others to be re jetted or abhorred by the Vfe t. • Lord, becaufe you meet with them in the Mount, you Admonition. fee them in ftraights, in extremities. Beloved, the words of the Pfalmift are confutable. 'Bleffed is he that pf a i, 4 ,,i f j, confidereth the poore, the Lord VpM deliver him in time of trouble, the Lord Vvi/lflrengthen him upon the bed of languifhing, thou Wilt make all his bed in his Jicknejje. As ,

you delire favourable dealing from God in the time of your ptrfonall calamity, learne to judge wifely and charitably of them who are in extremity. The Barbarians did cenfure Paul to be a man under fome black note ©f infamy, faftened upon him by the Lord, becaufe of his fuddaine and unexpected danger. Atts 28.4. And When the Barbarians faw the venemous beafl hang on his hand,' they [aid among themfelves, no doubt this man is a murderer, , Marke their confidence as well as their uncharitablenefle, no doubt he is a murderer : And why no doubt ? becaufe though he hath efcaped thefea, yet vengeance fufferetb him not to live, for a venemous viper, a death threatmng creature now did hang upon his hand. Beloved when we looke upon men arretted by credit-killing accufations, and purfued with death-threatning charges, and con-ftrained to hide themfelves from the bloody hands of violence, let us take heed of adding to their forrow by our cenfures. T hat practice which was well befeeming, ^ Barbarians, will be very uncomely for us Chriftians. Two things confider to keep you from this fault, which I will propound without much enlargement.

% The d"ngeroufncOe}° f this ^^^-

Thefinfuilnetfeofit:

1. Being forbidden by Chrift, judge not, that you be not Mat.7, u judged-, judge not,that is,not rafhly, groundle(ly 3 unchari-tably. i C % a. Ar*-

exf fuyprt for the finking heart

a. Arguing want of love, for truth and ftrength of love maketbfaire andcanded conftru^ions of all occurrences which concerne them whom we love. Charity s Cor. i». f» dotk not behave itfelfe unfeemly, u not eafily provoked, thin-yef.7. keth no evill, beareth allthings', beieevetk all things, hopetk

all things,

3. Weakning love, for afEr&ion is enfeebled by our looking upon our brethren through the gla{fe which presents them as unlovely, while we think them per-fons difregarded by God, our refpeel to them is dfmi-niftied.

4. Hindering prayer,, the Apoftlc knew this, and thcrfore I" pray you confider by what an argument he pref-

, g feth the Hebrews to pray for him, pray fir us, fir Voe trnft fae 13. l . ^ ^^ e ^ ^ qo £ con ji' ienCe m a /i things, billing to live ho~

nepf. If you be well perfwaded of the .afflicted in rer gard of their pious frame,, you, will be the more willing to let out your hearts for them in a way of prayer. But . when men thus think, the Heavens, frown, and God is angry withfuch an one, and therfors it is ..a, vain thing to bellow time and breath in prayer for him, this office efCbriftian love is interrupted. By.thefe particulars you may perceive that this cenforioufnefle is very fin-full ; finfull in the root, and finfull in the fruits, finfull in the heart, and iinfull in the life, checking grace, and hindering duty.

2. Confider the dangeroufndfe of it. 1- God is much incenfed, You remember how Mfc phas and the other of Jobs friends,- loaded him with tbeir heavy cenfures, concluding his hypoenfie from his extremity. Now when God had done with fob, having fchooled him out.of the whirlwind, and had wrought him to his own bent, obferve what foileweth, The Lord (aid to Eliphas the Tevaamte, my VPrath is kindled Job 4,-1.7. jigainft thee, and again ft thy two fiends, fir ye have not sf>oken of me the thing that it right a& my fervant Job hath. Therefore my beloved if you would not fuffl-r under Gods frowns, nor fnaart under the expreffions of his diiplea-

fure

fure, if you would not have the fparks of Gods wrath to kindle upon you, take heed of cenfuring any of Gods worthies that have bin inftrumentall for good either in Church or commonwealth, beeaufe for the prefent under a black cloud, beeaufe expofed unto any difgrace or danger,by reaion of feme fad providence.

2. Ourcenforiouinefle may incur fufrering times adde much.weight to our own heavy prenures. It 1 cenfure ethers, and thereby adde affliction to their bonds,.! may expect that God will adde gall to my wormwood, when the bitter cup commeth to my hand, and I muft perforce take down a difpleafing and diitaftfulldraught. fudge not, that you be not indeed, for VrithVvhat judgement ye judge, ye pail be judged, andVcith What meajureye mete, Mat -7»*i it fhallbe meafiiredto you againe, Thefe meditations made ufe of, may, I hope through Gods mercy, prevent our finning againft GodjOthers and our felves, by uncharitable cenfures call upon our diftreffed brethren.'

It conccrneth all of us to prepare for a journey into Vfi$i. the Mount, to make ready for tryalls by extremities. Exhortation*. Beloved, this day the Heavens are black oves our heads, andourfearesarenotfew, for ought we know God will have us into the Mount, my meaning is, it may be the Lord will thruft us into fuch extremities, as we never yet met with in all our lives.

There are two things that I will plainly fpeake to in the enlarging of this ufe.

j. What may quicken us to prepare for ftraights. 2. What courfe muft be taken that we may be prepared' for fuch a condition-To perfwade our preparation.confider two motives* i. That we are all expofed unto perplexities. 2. That we are all futjecT to manifold mifcarriages in fuchaftate,

i. \V e are all fubjccT to a diftrefT-d condition, let him

that denieth it bring forth hisiuperfedias, and fay here,

I have that from Heaven (igned and fealed, which doth

fecure me I (hall never come into adverfity. Beloved, be«

C j Iccve.

leeve it, whatfoever afflictions have feized upon 3ny of Gods worthies formerly, may overtake you ?nd me before we dye, and we cannot tell how fpeedily. You have heard what befell Ifraell, and why may not the £me betide England, you hav« heard what befell zAbraha-m-, % *David, Darnell, Paul, and why may not welooke for the like.

Secondly, "SubjccT: we are to many mifcarriages when God in his providence bringeth us to extremities: I will only hint this in a word or two.

i. Extremities doe expofe us unto unbeliefe, A grievous finne it is to fuffer our foules at any time to be taken from an holy adherence, and firme dependance upon our God, and yet thus we are in danger to dishonour his highnefle, and wrong our own foules in times of diftreffe. Davids example doth evidence this fully. What morefayre promife can any man imbraee, then that which God made to him particularly, that he fhouldbe the King oflfrael, and yet when David wis in a ftraight, you heare of his diftruft from his own confeflion, / Vras Pf.sitf.io,*!. gratlj affliffed, I fiidin my hast all men areljars, Nathan alyar, and all others who told him of fucceeding Saul in the Kingdome-of7/?vt?/, they were all lyars. And why? becaufe he fa w not a faire and cafie paffage to the crown. The like alfo is recorded concerning him, when wearied out with the bloody purfuit of envious Saul. And g D avid [aid in hU heart, 1 flail perijh now one day by the hand

©/Saul.

2. In diftreffe we are difpofed to ftrange impatiency

and difcontent of fpirit, which diftemper doth wo-

fully diiguife our hearts, and difgrace our profefHon. It

is a wonderfull thing that ever a heart furnifhed with

grace, {hould fiye out as Jonah did. Firft> he thought he

jona 4 4, j^ ^ j-j£ s reputation^ becaufe Niniveh by him threat-

ned was by the Lord fpared. Well, he goeth out, and

ver.6, then the Sunne annoyed him in regard of his body, but

God provided a ihelter,and the man was calme,afterward

ver<7. the gourd being wormc-eaten and withered, Jonah he

chafes 9

in times oj dittrejfe. fp

ver.

chafes a.ii frets. The Lord checks him by this interrogation, does! thou Vvell to be angry? Marke and be warned by his anfvver, / doe ^ell to be angry even unto death. The hittory of patient Job alfo proves this plentifully. J ob ?•

3. I might adde, that we are fubjecTto fin full feares, which dilrnay and torment the heart, check duty, weaken joy, and interrupt our fweet communion with God. Take notice of this diftemperinGods own people, for.. which his majefty chideth them, And Veho art thou that ifa. 5 m *. fiareft a man that Jhall dye, and the finne of man that is but va, 13, as grajfe, and fir get t eft the Lord thy maker, that hath ftretched firth the Heavens, and lay ed 1 he foundations of the earthy

and haft ftdred continually every day,dec.

4. Apt we are toufe finrull fhifts betaking ourfelves to unworthy praclices to fafeguard our felves in times

of extremitie. Obfrrve this in Peters practice, his Ma- M^t.i^yo; iler is apprehended, violently carried away, likely to ver.7z. fuffer death as a grievous malefactor. Now he feeth him-fdfe furrounded with them that oppofe Chrift, and this ver.74. diftrefle drove him upon a dangerous rock, a three-fold denyall ©fhis deareft Matter: Let this move you and me, to prepare that we may not in like manner mifle it, if God fball be pleafed thus to prove us.

Thefe things Ibeleevedoe affecT your hearts, whereupon in probability you will defire direction. Attend therefore and Twill give you fome counfell briefly: Thereare fix. things which I {hall commend to your con-• fideration and prafhee.

Tirft,,You mult labour to make fureyour propriety in God: When r David\xpQn fcrvice had bin abroad, Ziglad^ 1 Sam.jo.** the place where be left his wife and children was burnt, gr when he commeth home, there was no houfc to enter-tainehim, no wife to welcome him, no children to be a comfort unto him* they all were carried captive, here r upon he with the reft, Veept till they could Weepe no Ion- ver 4. o-cr.Scc. 'But David incoura?ed himjelfe in the Lord Isii ver.5. "Cjod. Heede here the grouno of hi| fupport and con* iblationj not the Lord God, but the .cord his God, ddiy

and

V&.9*

,and propriety hold up hish*avy heart, for the good man enjoying God, might thus reftefh his drooping fpirit. What though I have not an houfe to dwell in ? thou art my dwelling place, my habitation, a place of fweeteft refe and fafeft refuge. What though 1 have not a Wife? I have more in God then a yoak fellow could have afforded. What though I have not a Child? there is more then the comfort of a numerous pofterity in thebleflcd Deity. Thefouldiers cannot batter down this cattle, the pilfering people pillaging, cannot po&ibly fteale away this tteafure, the troops of robbers, the defperate Ca-villiers cannot deprive of this pofT-ilion : This might be much enlarged both feafonably and profitably, but I muft not infift upon any thing. But this is my requeft, that you would without delay endeavour to cleare up your intereft in the almighty, that your dejected hearts may not abide difconfolate in the dayes of your di-ftreffc.

Secondly, Acquaint your felves with God, and labour to be familiar with his Majefty by conftant and frequent communion through JefusChrift. Men defire to know the utmoft worth of what they have in poffelTion, aad what improvement may be made thereof if need fhould fo require. We reade in the Parable, that he that had ljak.14.18. fought a piece of ground, muft needs gaetofeeit t and therefore he mutt be excufed if other things be negleclcd. If we were thus wife for our foules, we would feck to know, and to improve our God who is our inheritance, yea our all, unto our various advantages in the times of ©ur greateft need. Serioufly therefore aske thy felfe this qucfiion, What have I in having a God ? What have I ? 1 have infinite wifdome to advife me in all difficulties, infinite power to carry me through all flraights, abundant goodneffc to fupply all my wants, the tendered; bow ells to cornmiferate me in my moft doleful! condition, yea I have alfufficiency to fill me brim full, and running over unto fatisfaftion. I added converfe Tguth thy God. He that would have comfort from Phy?

fitians

in times of diHreffe

ai

fitians i* time of fickndfe, gaineth and maintaiaetii acquaintance with them in time of health. Jfyou and I (hall dare to keep at a diftance from God in a way of eftrangement from his Majefty in fummer dayes, and in fun-fhine fcafens, when the Heavens are cleere,and the City is peaceable, and the Parliament prom ifing, and our hopes flourifhing, we (hall want comfort through communion with-God, when the funnefetteth, winter approacheth, Parliament brcaketh, and mifery threat-neth on, every fide. Being in haft I fhall here lay heads confafedly on heapes, whereas I ftiould diftinclly have difcovered three things.

i. How God is revealed in holy writ for our comfort in the worft of times.

2. By what courfes Chriftians ftiould game, and main-taine communion with their God.

3. What fruitfull improvements may be made of God by fuchimployments. But I fhall leave thefe things to your private care, having fuggefted this courfe by way of friendly counfell to make way for your comfort in the day oFdiftreflc.

Thirdly, Walke exactly. Take heed of making breaches upon your conferences, by willing and willfull finning againft the God of your comforts. Beloved, beloved you know that thofe who have had bruifes and broken bones, they will fecle aches in hard weather, and certainly if you will in time of profperity dare to finne againft conscience, it will adde forrow to your hopes, and gall to your wormwood, when God com-meth upon you in a way of bitter calamity. Sinfull fenfuall furfets upon fweet morfells, will breed wringing paines, and painfull vomits. The fonnes o( Jacob weve Gen42,11 in a greatftraight when they were taken for fpyes as the ftory reports. What did now wring them ? The remembrance of finne, though many yeersfince committed, ah our brothers blood, our brothers blood; we would not pity him when he made his moane, and now God will be avenged of us. Alas, alas, we were hard-hearted to-D wards

wards a brother, and therefore no wonder that we meet with harihnefle amongft ftrangers. Whereas the maintaining of a cleere confcience, 6 what a comfort will it be When all fhallbeblacknefTe, and blood about us. See it in Paul and his companions. When they made no

%got> i. ia., other account but to dye, what faith Paul, Thu Vpos our rejoycing, (that Was Grange, rejoyce when the next day they.might expect to goe to the Hake?) well faith ^Patd "e'nr rejoycingisthid, the tefiimony of our confcience, that In jimfllcity and gadly fncerity, Vfe have had our converfation in the Vvorld. Beloved, beleeve it that you cannot lay in a better cerdiall, to comfort and to ftay your hearts in , fearful!* fainting, diftreffing, dying times/ then by ex-aft walking with" God before the ftorme fall. The A-poflles experience puts zfrobatumeft unto this prefcrip-tion. For ought we know, the day is at hand wherein we fhall heare the warre-Horfes neighing, the mur-thering Cannons roaring, the little Children skreaking, and the fearfull Women skritching: You know nor,be-loved, how foon you may fee your City flaming, your own houfes burning, your goods wafting. It will be a fad fight to behold your Wives barbaroufly abufed* your Husbands bloudily butchered, and your Children cruelly tormented. I bef ech you, I befeech you, consider now what will yeeld you comfort then. When Bezekiah did daily expecT to dye, take notice, unt© what he betooke himfelfe for folace and fupport: Remember

3&,$8,|.. now o Lord I befeech thee, how I have Voalhed before thee

in truth\, and With>aperfeSl heart, and have done that Vchkh u good in thy fight . -In like manner may we raife up our finking hearts in fuch heavy times, if we can truly thus fpeake unto the foule-fearching Majefty. Lord while times were peaceable and profperous, when I was fur-rounded with comforts on every fide, thou knoweft I had a heart to walke with thee humbly, toobfervethy Sabbath holily, to ufe thy worfliips purely, and to aimc at > the honour of thy name fincerely. This, this will sjieare yon both living and dying. You know that neither

in times pfdiftreffe. a?

ther the lowd windes, nor the black clouds, nor the great Growers, nor the flafhinp of lightning, nor the hideous claps of thunder, doe fomuch a&igbt us, as an earthquake. But when iome vapours are got into the hollow places, the bo wells of the earth, and the foundation of the world fhakes, this is terrible, this is terrible indeed, though the Sunne (him, and no cloud ap-peare in the side. In like manner it is not fo much an outward affliction as guilt within, guilt within which caufeththe heart ufman to rocke and quake through feare within him. Therrore take heed, (top all the paflages into your foules, keep the heart with all diligent, that no knowne guilt be admitted into it, as youdefire a ftable, firaK frame of fpirit, prepared for the ftrongeft (tonnes, the greateft ftraights wherewith divine providence may poffibly prove you.

Fourthly, If you have made wounds and bruifes in your confeiences, feeke an healing piaiftcr by found repentance fuddainely. A bone broken being well fet(they fay ) becomes theftr«nger. 1>avidh&d gaflsed. his con-fcience grievoufly, both by uncleanneife and murther, in the matter of Bathjheba and Vriah. Notwithftanding by means of Nathans plaine dealing being wrought to deepe forrow, the wound was healed, and the fame mouth which cured him by a corrafive, gave him this comfort, (jod hath forgiven thy finne, thou fhalt not dye, % m - « ?• Now after this, according tothethreatningof2Vji^^, . vec.u. God raifed up evill againft him out of his own houfe, and he was in a wonderfull ftraight, Abfolom was up in armes againft him. This diftrerfe ©ccafioned the third Tfalme, as the title tells, wherein he expreffeth his perplexed condition. CManyare they that rife ftp against me, Pfal.j.i.*» many there be that fay of my (ottle there u no help for him in Cod. Now here is a ftraight indeed, many imagining, that Heaven could not helpe him: yet if you will byiiis phrafeoffpeech, judge the frame of his heart, you (Kail find as much .confidence in him now, as ever in all his life: Take notice of it. Bwthou 6 Lordartajhieldfor ver j, 2) a me*

ver.,6.' wre, my gforj-, <*nd the lifter up of my head, t Will not be

afraid of ten thousands of'people , that have- fet tkemfeIves ver. y, againft me roundabout. Yea this is added, / laid me down

and flept. Conlider in his fuppofition, r, The number of enemies, ■ via. ten thoufand. 2. The manner of their Opposition, though they fhould rife up in a Warlike manner againft me. 3. Their advantage againft him, and his danger to be apprehended by them. It is. not though they come to meete me, or though they make after me, for then^ by flight he might hope forfafety, But though they fhould befet me round aboutficz. David having made his pelce with God, though now ih a very great diftrefle,, yea although (remembringGodthreatning) he might reade his fcandalous linnes, in this heavy aftiiftion, yet . •fois.confidencej courage and comfort is very remarkeable.. If any of your confeiences now wring you upon the remembrance of fuch a finne, or fuch a finne, (I name none s but leave it between God and your own hearts to conlider ©f it) goe home repent, repent and make your peace with God to day, without any further delay, that you may be fit for a ftraight if it (houldcome tomorrow.

Fiftly, Mind and trade your experiences. God hath done already as much for England as is yet to be done,to let all things right and in order againe amongft us, Not maay Months finee, our dayes were as darke, ourfearcs as great, and our'eBemies as many as now. Letus therefore remember our fdvesi the Lord lives, the Almighty is in Heaven, he {till is mindfullof his covenant, and changeth not. The holy Scriptures- yeeld us plentiful! proofe of improving former experiences, to armc againft i<Sam. 17*36* future feares. That of Davidis-notable, Thy fervant flew both the Lyon and the Beare 3 and this mcircumcifed Phi-vcr. 3 7* lijiine (hall be m one of them. D avid faid moreover, The Lord that delhered me out of the paw of the Ljon, and out of the paw of the Beare, he Will deliver me out of the. hand Hal.61.1,3, efthlsPhi/iftine. When my heart u overwhelmed, leadefne totherpckjhat is higher then /, for thou baft kin ajhelterfor

me and aflrong tower from the enemy. In like manner the Apoftle improves his deliverance from Nero, that ptrleturor. No man flood by me % but all forfooke me, not- iTim.4.t€; rvithflanding the Lord flood With me and firengthened me, ver.17., and 1 Was delivered out of the mouth of the Lyon. Confider the words, Taul was not only in the Lyons denne, not only within the reach of the Lyons chaine, nor onlyun-der.the Lyons paw, but in the Lyons mouth. Now his inferenc ' is obferveable, And the Lord fiall deliver me vtr.iSi, from every evill Worke, andWill p-eferve me unto hxheavenly Kinadome. Againe note, We bad the fentenc(e of'death' tn iCor.1.9, our J f elves, that We Jhould not trufl in ourfelves, but inQod Which raijeth the dead. Who delivered us fiom fo great <a - ver ' 1 ®' death, and doth deliver, in Whom We trufl that he Will yet deliver us. Here for your helpe, I will hint one experience ft ill frefh in our mindes, God fetled peace between us and Scotland, when after great preparations for warre, the armies were fet in battell array, the on-{ct given, the skirmiili begun, blood drawee, many flaine, the two Kingdomes ready to be broken in pieces, the one againft the other. Confider what great things God hath donc,and trade your experiences/or your future profit.-

Sixtly, Cleerc up your evidences for Heaven, and keep them fo faire, that in the darkeft day they may be legible, eafie to be read without hacking and hefitancy. 1 he ufcfullncfle hereof in evill times appeares in the Apoftles experience, For Which cau/eWe faint not, but though our a Cor 4.16. mtward man fcrijh, yet the hward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction that is but for a moment, Wor- ver. if» kethfor us afarre more exceeding and et email Weight of glory. Mind the ground, For We know that if our earthly ch ?cr< ^ houfeof this Tabernacle Were difolved, We have a building ef God, an houfe not made With hands, eternallin the Heavens. Theheire apparent of Heaven, may hold up head and heart, and in this manner exprefle hirnfdfe: come .the worft that can come, though my ftate fhall decay, my foule and body part, my felfe and deareft naturall

D 3 friends.:.

iHeb, 10,3 4. : friends be plucked afunder, yet I have in Heaven, a better and more enduring fubfance : more and better friends, fweeter and more fatisfying communion. If they take away my tram, the true treafure, that is out of their reach. What if they take downe my tottering tabernacle of clay ? I fliall have a glorified, a beautified body to all eternity, in Ipight of hell and earth combining againft me. What if they drive me out of houfe, and City, and Kingdome, the beft is, they cannot expell me from my God, nor deprive me of a manfion, an abiding place in the City of God, the Kingdome of Heaven. ^ Vftfa It is a ground of fweet joy, and ftrong incouragement

Comtort. unto us, notwithstanding our prefent ftate which is darke and dreadfull. Here we may feafonably with comfort call to mind that Jkrangc apparition unto CMofes : Exod.j t & <d bujh burning With fire, and yet the bujh Was nst confk-med. Beloved, what flames of fury are now kindled in the bofomes of many, threatning to burne downe all our hopes? Yet let us pluck up courage, for though our iinnes have made us combuftible matter, yet may we hope that ©ur God will not confume us. let us cheare our fdves againfl: the jeares and infolencies of the Malignant party with the words of the Church, ' Rejoyes Mich.7.8. not again]? me 6 my enemy, ^>hen I faM 1 /ball rife againe, Vrhen I ft in darkencfle the Lord Jhall be a light unto me. Some interpreters conceive, Abraham had this deliverance hinted" before hand, and therefore firft told his Gena %\ 5. fervantfi, / and the lad VcMgoeyondtr and Worjhip, and come againe to you: and afterward going to the pixe where Jfaack. was to be facrificed ; when the child faid, father, father here u the "Wood, but ^fare is the burnt offering, he anfwered, my fonne God Veill prepare one, and this held up the good mans heart, encouraging him thus to re-folve, I will goe on, I will fee what God will doc, I will put him to it. W« are in ftraights at this day, I need . ► not tell you, and who knowes but that to day in the Mount God will appears for our comfort. Much I cannot

not fpeake through want of time to thisufe, yet dare I not altogether be filent, confidering the feafon. Vnder two heads I will briefly afiift your finking fpirits byway of adtice.

1. Learne aright to make way for defired comforts in times pfdiftreffe, that you may have this Texts, and this Sermons incouragement at hand, not only now, but hereafter when you may ftand in need. *

,,2." Improve the particulars comprifed in this title fehovah y held forth for our ufe in the Text now handling, I may net now fpeake under thefe heads, both unto cue Nationall and Terfonall concernments diltinctly. For the former, way is made for our refreshing in the worft of times that can poffibly overtake us.

1. By ftudying the qualifications to which favour is promifed. ' ~

2. By ufing the meanes of our good which by the Lord are prefcribed.

Firft, Every one.may not challenge, propriety in the priviledge ofthe Text. Every loofc-liver may not come ©tot and fay, well 1. in the Mount God will be feene, and therefore I will fearc no c©lours. No, no, for there is a peculiar gracious difpofition to be found upon the hearts of them who may expect that God will appeare in the Mount for them, for their confolation.

1. Your foules muft be fo feafoned with Godsfeare^ that having his command, you will not draw backe from any fcrviceput upon your hands, how hard, how heavy foever.. Marke it in Ahrahafn, Ahaham now I know thou feared me, and how doth his fearedifcover it felfe, Vpon divine commiffioh hefets upon a fervice, the doing whereof, was againft heart and hake, repugnant torea-fon, without all prefident, againft the ftrcame of natural! affections, crofting the conceit and opinion of the world. Can you imagine if 7/44^ had bin flainc, and the fact known, what a hubbub would have bin in the Country ? how many mouthes would have bin opcned,in reporting Abrahms ftrange and unheard 9* cruelty? Jfk&k. is ft killed^,

killed, and his own father, rather Abraham, that religious man, he himfelfe hath killed hitri, how would thisbaye rung in every corner? Doe but thinke what Mother Sarah would have faid upon her Husbands returne home, Husband where is IfaachJ and conjecture with what a fad heart he might have made this anfwer, Wif# I have killed him, and I have burnt him before God as a facri-fice. Beloved, neither thefe things, nor any other which might be caft in as discouragements, did take him of from duty. The feare of God carried him above all di£-couragements, both from his naturall affedions,bis wives frownes, and the worlds clamours. And to this man, thus fearing God, God appeares in the Mount: Minde this 1 pray you, and labour herein to be like this gracious man,tbus devoted to Gods feare.

i. You muft not dare to adventure upan any known {inne, though it be to Safeguard your pei fons, your eflates, your places of favour and honour, your any thing, your all things under the Sunne. A man of this make, is one who may expect to meet with the Almighty in the Mount. The proofeof this is fairein the experience of ^aniell. I he decree wasfigned, he muft not for thirty Dan.6.7. <j a y es p ra y ^ to his God, if he did, he muft be throwne into the Lyons den, well faith DameH, let the Lyons make a meale upon my body, I am reklved I will not forbeare this worfhip due to my God, I will not thus interrupt my communion with my heavenly Father. The like you have in the three young Governours, the Dan.j. King he would have them fall down and worfhip the

image he hadfet up. If you will not, you muft into the 'furnace. Marke their anfwer, Our god Vohcm roe ferve u ahle to deliver , hit if not, be it kn«wne unto thee, VTe will not ferve thy gods. And the proofc of the point reported how God appeared in thedayescf their diftreffe for their deliverance, unto thefe experiments I might adde Tromifss. Ifa. 5 8 9. If thou mke away from the midfi of thee the yoake, the puttiwr

vcr.io, firth of the finger, and sneaking vanity ^and if thou draw em thyfiult to the hungry , andfiwfie the afflictedfiule.Thc meaning

_ .. . - ^-

ning is, if you will betake your felves to courfes of piety and mercy, contrary to your former wayes of wicked-neflc and violence, then /hall your light freaky firth in ob-fcurity, And your darknejfe fa as the moone-dAy. And the vecii. Lord JhaH guide thee continually, and fatisfie thy fiule in drought, [and make fat thy bones, and thou /halt be like a Watered garden, and like a spring of water, Vchofe watersfaile not. Jfiniquity be in thy hand put itfitrre away, and let net Wicked- Job1i„ i 4 ; i j. neffe dwell in thy Tabernacle, for then /halt thou lift up thy face Without jpet,yea thoufhalt beftedfaft, and thou Jhalt not pare. What inconragements fhoufcl thefe be to perfwade us to reforme our fefoes, and to endeavour the amendment of one another. Therefore goe home now, and thus fay to God, and to your felves ferioufly and fincerely, I amre-folved I will leave my cheating,and cozening, my oathes, lying, my hypocrifie and pride, and all my other known finnes. Away with thefe and all other difcovered ab-hominations, promife God for future times to betake your felves unto a better courfe ofliving,as you defire the fweet and feafonable difcoveries of God, in the time of your greateft need.

Secondly, The meanes of your good muft be ufed, and they are,

u Civill.

4. Sacred.

For Civil! meanes, You mud not fay we care not whether we have any more watch in the City, night or day, we will trouble and charge our felves no further in this kind. But you muft hold on in being ferviceable to divine providence, otherwife you Will tempt God. There is a notable example o£foab in this cafe both commendable and imitable. When Joab/bv the front of the battle Was 1 Sam. 10,^ etgainft him, be fire and behind, he chofe all the choice men of Ifraell, and put them in Array againfi the Syrians, and the reft ver l0 ' of the people he delivered into the hand of his brother. And he ver. 11« fold, if the Aflyrians be too fir ong fir me,then thoufoalt helpe me, but if the children of Ammon be tooftrong for thee then JwiH come md helpe thee. Now be of good courage, And let us ver , 1 2 ; E jtay

ylay the men and fight for qSS. and our country, and the Lord dee that which feemeth him good. Remember we have.by folemne proteftation bound our felves before God to doc ouf utmoft in w^ayes lawfull for the honour of our King; /the liberty of the Protectant Religion, for the peace and welfare of the three Kingdonaes, and for the priviledges of our Parliament, and keeping within the limits of our callings, to oppofe Popery, and popifh innovations. Therefore every man according t© the lawes of God and of the land, muft unweariedly be induftrious, night and day, for the Kingdomes good, in the ufe of meanes, both defensive and eiF;n{ive,as necelHty may require.

2. There are meanes facred, Teares and Prayers ars the Chriftians beft weapons, this munition let us make ufe of. Jehojhaphat fur rounded with danger, when Moafr, aChro.zo.j. Amman, and the children of <JM<mnt Seir came out again ft him, what courfe doth he betake himfelfe to ? he feared, andfet himfelfe tofeekg the Lord, andproclamed afajl. And "David being in danger to lcofe both his Kingdome and his life, by the iniurreclion cFAbfilom, W. tooke himfelfe 3. Sam. i j.31, to prayer, to breake the neck of Achitophels crafty coun-2?fal,j. fell, and alfo to fecure himfelfe from the hand of vio-

lence, now ftretched forth againft him. Beloved, as Gods command, and the practife of his people, doe guide us unto this imployment, fo Gods pretious promifes, and our own glorious experiences, touching the preva-lency of this ordinance, (hould perfwade our perfeverance herein in thefe times of feare and danger.

Secondly, What is the improvement of the original! word here llfed, In the Mount Jehovah Jhatl befeene. This title hath much in it, a great deale more then I may.mention. Thus much I have obferved from holy Scripture, that it both, i. AdvancethGod.

2. And ac'vantageth a Chriftian in times offtraigbrs. Bfal". 6 8.3. Let the righteous be glad Jet them re Joyce be fire God, yea let

ihe.exceedingly rejoyce.Sing untoCj offing praifes to hi* nan.&, w.4 €Xt&llhim that.ridethon twHeavens by his. Name] ah, and

rejoyce

rejoyce before &w«.Foure things there be hinted in this title Jehovah,an& they are all ufefull for our prefent purpofe. This title holdeth forth the Lords,

1. Soveraignty.

2. Independancy.

3. Immutability.

4. fidelity.

1. It fuggefteth the Lords unlimited Soveraignty, his abfolute and undoubted authority over all things. Jehovah he is the mo ft high, not only high, or higher then many, or p^g, l8> , more high then the moft,k the moft high over all the earth. It is Jehovah thatruleth Kings, and crdereth Crowns, joy in him, he can rule both the Kings heart and counfell, he - governeth in the Country and in the City, at Weftminfter, and here within the walls: Therfore drill rejoyce in him, for he is Jehovah, the all-governing Ma jefty.

1 . It noteth his independancy. All creatures for their continuance,haveakind of dependance upon one another. As the gralfc and plants upon the earth, the bruites upon the fruits of the earth, and our nutriment is from inferior creatures. But our Jehovah dependeth upon none, he is of,and from himfelfe,he necdeth no fervantjno fervice. In himVoe all live, wove and have our being, but his Majefty is Ads 17.28, beholding to none, either men or Angels, either for being or wel-being. Thus much God intended to teach by his fpeech to Mofes, and God faid unto Mofes, I am that I am, Exod. 3.1 $. We think verily that we (hail be utterly undone if the Parliament breake up, or if our King divide himfdfefrom this his body reprefentative. Beloved, my foule maketh out to God for the prevention of this fad fraction. Yet I befeeck you remember this, whatfoever falls out, that whereas all men, and all ordinances, Kings and Parliaments depend on God, yet our God Jehovah is an inde* pendent Ma jelly.

3. ItintimatethGodsImmutsbilify, All othgrthings

change, As 2 mow ball melteth by our kindling it,and the

flower withereth by our fmelling it, fo thefe fublunary

contentments waft and ware away by our ufingthemi

E 2 But

'I4a.»6.4. But in the Lord Jehovah there U everlaflingftrength, or as theoriginall language exprerfcth it, The Lord Jehovah is a rock of ages, heabideth the felfe fame, ftrong, unalte-rable,unmoveable God throughout all generations.

Mind this (my beloved ) that though England Ireland* like (hould be wafted, although there fhouldibefad changes in Church and Common-wealth, in City and Country, in Towns and Families: Yet (till our Jehovah continues in himfelfe, and unto his people the felf-fame All-furficient, All-fatisfying God. Surely we who pitch our hearts and hopes upon this unchangeable foundation,the "LorAJehova^mzy abide fteddy in our fpirits and comforts in the midft of the worft alterations that can overtake us. ExocL«.3. 4«It expreffeth Gods fidelity. -And I appeared unto Abra-

ham, unto Ifaack, andunto Jacob, by the Nam* of God almighty,but by my Name J ehovah Was I not known unto them. 6 The true meaning is, that whereas God had manifefted a-comparedwith bundantly his power by rfnany glorious providences in Exod. 12.41.] former times,now he intended to prove himfelfe mindfull and carefull of his promifes made unto his people. Now let us make improvement hereof for our comfort. Search r- _ divine records, confider the various pretious promifes an-

nexed by the Almighty unto the covenant of free grace and mercy. Choofe out of thofe Gofpell treafures, fuch pearles as you put the higheft prizes upon, Collecl: thofe particular promifes, which you conceive raoft pertinent for your condition, and moft full for your fatisfacTion. And from this fweet title Jehovah, you may comfortably and confidently inferre this conclufon.

Whatfoever Tromife is regiftredin the book of God, either in the old or new Teftament, that th\s Jehovah will fet all his attributes on work, for the full and feafonable accomplifhment thereof unto his own people by fpeciall covenant. Therfbre having evidenced your propriety in Gofpell a Promifes through J efus Chrift, from this bottom build your comforts, in the darkeft and moft dolefull times. Is is Jehovah the all-governing, the independing, the immutable and faithfull God that will be feen in the Mount for his fervants deliverance. FIMIS.

| GOOD J

iCOVRAGEf Idiscovered,*

ENCOVHAGED: I

^ «§*

♦ IN «§►

j A Sermon preached before the $.

Commanders of the Military Farces, $

of the Renowned Citie of Lwdon. %

<£*

In the Parifh Church of €reat S\ Helw. %

May the 17. r&^J. *§••

By Simeon Ash, Preacher in London. %

♦ Devi, 20. a, 3,4. * £

^ ^f»*/ iV /W/ be, when jee are come nigh unto the Battell 4*

J that the Priefijhall approached fpeake unto the people. > f£

^ dndjhall fay unto them, Hearc 0 Ifrael, you approach this S

J day unto Battel again/? y*ur Enemies: Let rotysur hearts faint, J^

«§*. /<w<? »o^ W doe not trem' le , neither be yee terrifiedbtcaufb &

"% For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you i to fight fir «§••

**§*• yoHAgainft jour enemies .tofaveyou, J£

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<fr LONDON. <§*

5 Printed by Iohn Dawfon for lohn Burrsngh s t and are to be J

*§*• fold at hh (hop at the golden Dragon neare the Inner &

^ Temple-gate in Heet-ftrect. 1642. %

Sp. JJi. fp.

TO

THE RIGHT

WOIISH IPFVLL,

the Aldermen,andCommoners, unto whom the Mtlitia of the Citie of London is committed 5 the Serjeant Ma;orGeneral!, the Golonels^the Lieutenant Colonels, Serjeant Majors, Gaptaines,and other officers of the trained Bands of the laid Que.

Ornelius, Centurion of the lta~~ UanBand u thus commended by the Holy Ghofi , fWheewasa devout man, and one that fea-* red God. zAnd I may report thus much to your hn our and to move others to make imitation ; that you have begun, and hitherto > carried on jour Martial \ affairs re/ijr>oufty> For having fat the City into a fofture of defence ; before the execution of the Mi' litiaj you pjntly fought God by Prayer for good fucceffe. F %. The

The Epiftk Dedicatory,

The Lord heard your Prayers , for you went forth, andretur-#tdhorns\ without the leap Much of danger to your felves , or your C^mpames. This remarkeable Providence called y oft agai*e together , topraife the God of falvations 9 the God of your mercies.

Hereupon yon were pie afed to appoint me (very unworthy) toajpft you iff the fe vice of Thankefgiving: &4' fepvice not unfeemlyfor the Hoaflof Heaven,

This Sermon^ which upon that occajion J preached, through the ConftruBions of ycur Lovefoundfuch acceptance-, that you tommanded it to comi abroadtodoe you furtherfervke.

And feeing you gave it good entertainment , as it yfasfrft prefented % it makesboldto wate upon you without change of habit , expetlingywr Proteclion.

Although ifomewhat fufpeti hat fundrf amplifications in the Sermon which affe&ed the Auditors , may not be. fa f leafing to the Iudicbus leader , yet your hfires to have it primed^ as it was preached, makes me to ruuHhat adventure.

The Lord of Hofis guide , guard, andencourageyouinalt your good undertakings for peace and truth , and make you carefull to put Chriftian references upon all your fir* vices,for the honour and fafety of our King, the welfare ofhu( Kingdomesy and the continued Profperlty of this famous £7-*uw 7 his your prudent and pious perfeverance in the worksft vrellbegun ,wiUdraw forth many prayfes to God, many prayer* for you , «nd much rejoycing in the hearts of all them , whofin^ cerely affeB'you\ of which number , J befeech you account hiti£ Me who is

Your Servant^in^nd for Chrifl^ Simeon Ash, 1

GOOD

COURAGE

DIS COVERED,

AND INCOVRAGED.

SAL. 31. 24.

^Be of good Qourage.

Ight worftiipfull, and worthy Gentle^ men, (whofe defires, and whofc fervicc of thankfgiving, I am now attending J I hope you are come hither with an in* tention;

Firft, to honour God for prefer-vation enjoyed, through his providence, to who m you prayed. My Text lookes back unto fuch a bufinefle j The Lord freferveth the fdthfull . therefore let Vejfe 2*3

B the

a Go&a Courage difiovered, andimouragedl

the faithfull upon fuch experiences in way of prayfe, in way of requital! learne to bee of good courage;

Secondly, 1 belecve you are corae together in expectation for the future, to receive further favours from the God oryourprefent prayfesjand my Text lookes forward to that, Beeof'goodcourage, and heefhali'Jfrengthen thine heart* *nd wait I fay an the Lord.

My Text is fhort, the words in our tranflation are not many, in the original!, there is but one word, *,ptn, The. Septuagint renders the Hebrew word, dvJpt^Se, Quit your felves like men; }TwUtter agite, play die men, Robo* raminiybcG yee ftrong..

The Gounfell here given is for all Chriftians,.at all times, needfull, but for you,and at this timc,moft feafonablc.

Bee yee couragious. F irft, The Counfellour was, a Worthy, a Souldier, a Warrieur, a Commander, a Kingt David, as the tide tels you, Hee cals for courage.

Secondly, The Pcrfons coun(elled,they are Saints, faith-full ones r. O yee Saints love him, his manner is by his fpe-ciall providence to preferve youjThercfore bee yee of good; courage. The point lies faire, which I conceive pertinent* and now purpofe to profecute,

B'tiSfc, Gods people mufi beeofgoodcouragei

I (hall briefly fuggeft the Scriptures proofe,in a threefold} gradation,.wherein good courage is called for:

Firft, Saint Paul an Apoftle with Apoftolicall aathcW-lity, periwades to it; a Cor, I S> 13.. Qttityee'like men.

Secondly, Iehofaphat a King, with regall authority commands it, z Chron* \% nit, Dtale cottragionfy.

Thirdly, The great God of Heaven and Earth, putting nimfclfe under a. warlike notion, as thefeord Gcnerallof all the forces in the World,the Lord ofHofts. He peremptorily preffeth it; Haggle. 2. 4. Now bee ftrong 9 Zoroba-bz\ faith thLord,and beeftr»n 7 0. iofhua, the Sonne of loze-iek the High Pri^ r 4ftd£eejreng tbeppplc efthe Lamdfatth

the

the Uri, and work, fr 1 <»* rrith jm fiiith th Lcrd of

"Three things therebe.thatl flullfpeake to, in the pro-

fccutionofthis point. MU

Fittt The explication of the vertoe, the gracecalled for,

•wherein I will endeavour to ditcover what this courage

*'Secondly, The confirmation of this truth by reafons, faomwhichthis Doftrine ^7*"™^ ^T?^ andbv which you may allbcefully convinced, that there fflndantcaufe, why all Gods people ifeouldbeecou-

MS Thiraly, The application of all, by wayofufe, thatmy

*^^mtt3&*+ It is the $ A M & daunted audadtyo S f a faUned heart in adventuring upon ™£f* *Sties|and y undergoing hardihips for a good «*<*««*

Th^e C arefix G tWng, considerable in the defaiption thatlhave given, which I will particularly point at, and

pr °Fkft the <?«<«. the common natureof it: it is an on.: daunKd'audacity. This Animofity (asfomepbrafett,)* £ common bo* unto men, and to feme bruit*. The

in V4ard of boldncffe,?^ 3?- >?• * c - *g '^ttl

Good Ceur ajpjfavered, and wcaurageA

And this boldnefle that is in brahs7it^h^r^c~~~ i piece ofthis lime conragethat God'fcp&ft?&"« men, E^ l ; 9. this i s the Lords promife. j, J'^°

The word a*, is the famein the Hebrew rf,,. -here mmy Text, Fonimm pttra; The Rock S .* ' S afratd of any weather, Summer or Winter Su„U "°i

Secondly, Conffder the fub;ea,it is the Heart th*r n,

Where Courage commands, and exercS; tarv nr' 8

phne-(mall I fo%; i, s W i t hia the bofomeiS?'*'" o«a valiant Souldfer' w«ome,it is the Soule

Some conceive, our Emlifi word Gonra^ »,> u, j rived ftom CW^ffi., the^y aa?„ g X r S becde -

A valiant man is defcribed, 2 x<tm 1-, 1r, T , amanj whofe heart, is as the St o ? f a Lon 5?5 Wime^theoriginaUtranflated, Comgion^' ±"1 O.J.O. may moft properly bee rendred , ^|*J

Beloved, valtiur doth not confifl in a r,;~„: ' in a terrible looke, in bigge words S £ ™ ? T' mettaU, the vigour that is wMiin' * ^f ? >D<ifts ln the times,, bwaXTXeuV,SStoSSSfi S ° me -

beefound within his bread, whotZtZf? ™ y promifethlittle, ornothingiSlS"'" ,*P<«'»«*

tude, as a moraU, «Ji£S£S f P«kng°t &*«"

Good Cow Age difeovered, attdiwouraged.

of God by fpcciall covenant, And there are three things that doc characterize it, and which doe diftinguiHi it from the morall vertue of f brtitude. The Roote, whence it arifeth* Th^ Rule, -whereby it is directed; The*End>to which it\isreferred*

The Roote, whence it rifeth, is love to God; All the Saints of God that love the Lord, bee of good Courage; The love of Chrift conftraineth mee to make thefebold, arid brave adventures, faith the Apoftle, a-£Vr. f, i^.

The Rule whereby it is direfted, is the wordof God t what the Lord hath pleafed to leave on record for a Chri* ftiaris guidance in holy pages,i Chron. a 2.12.1 i-Thc Lord give thee rvifed&me and- under/landing, that thou maifi kgepc the Um If thou take hsedto the fiatutes, and judgements, •which the Lord dwrjrasTMofes with concerning Ifrael: he fironq^andof good courage, dread not r nor bedifmaid. Bcea* manofmettall, but let thy mettall bee according tomy : mind, according to this rule.. .

• And the End, to which it referres, is God; For every fan&ified man, being a felfe-denying, and a God-advarv ting man; his God is his Center, wherein his actings, his undertakings reft, and hisSouleis not,, yea it cannot bee Jatisficd but in God.

The fourth thing confiderable in the Defcription is, thenaturall, theformall, the immediate operations, that doe flow from this gracious, audacious frame of heart, they, are two:

There is an adventuring upon difficulties* And there is an undergoing of hardjbips.

Yirft, There is an adventuring upon hard fervices, It is laid, I Sam\%\ K I a. The valiant wen rofe and went all nighf, tmdtooke the body of Saul, and the bodies of his Sonne s from the wale of Betbman and came to Gabejb, and burnt th:m therev When the Phtlifiins had taken their bodies and Were goneaway Conouerours, and fattened them there* B3 as

& Good Cwdge di[covcrtd % and IncwrAgcd.

as Enngnes of victory, brave blades, wellmettalled men, went by night, and fetched them back againe: an hard , andabravefervicc.

And by reafon hereof there is an enduring of hardfhips i Thofe Worthies of whom the world was not worthy, who arc faid to be men valiant in fight, Heb. it. 34. This, tdtimony is given of them, that They endured torturing* , the try all of"mockings>or cruel I mocQngspffcowgings, of bonis, andimprifonment, offtoning , of beingfawnea/under, of being faine with the freerd , of wandring up and doyrne at jheepe skins , and goats skins, being men deftitutc ,af$i&ed, and tormented.

Fiftly, in my description, I caft in the caufe, which true courage undertakes to doe, and fuffer for, the object it workes upon, the prize it adventures for, it is a good caufe,

I Cor. 16.11 Matters ofBu.Ha,fiaud yefafi m the faith,quit ye tike men.lt is a Gofpel peice for which I am to jeopard a ;oynt,to hazard alimbe, to adventure life, 1 Cor. 6.1 3* or matters of fact: I muftbe of good courage f o- my confciencc,that Imay main-taineanevennciTeof fpirit in reference to my rule, in relation to my God, 1 Pet. 3.14. If yee fuffer for righteeuf-nejfe fake happy arejee, be net afraidof their terrour, neither be troubled. It is a noble, a Chriflian rcfolution in any man* if hee thus determine, rather then I will make a wound upon my confeience, a breach betweene God and my fouljrather then I will violate afacrcd vow,and tranfgreiTe the command of my God, I will run the greatcft hazards in outward regards that can be imagined.

The goodneffeof the caufe ( Divines fay) for which a man fuffers, makes the Martyr : In like manner, it is the warrantablcnefTeoftheworke, wherein thefouldier, the man of mettall appearcs, that gives him the credit, the honour of this title, to be accounted a valiant man.

(of. 1 .9. Sixtly and laftly, J added that good courage makes the

forcfaid adventures upon the call of God. Have not I com-mundedihee^be fireng and efa good courage:_ If the Lord

plcafc

Gwdcomttge difctotrtijndinconrAgtd.

pleafe to beat up the Drum ; If the Lord pleafe to bid them ar me,andcome abroad,his call is fufficient, Now God cals either by his precept, or by his providence.Either God cals his Champions for to undertake dangers, or hcc commands dangers to over-take them j and hereupon being. led forth by the Lord of hoafts , they cxprefle their valour : For this they know , that whether it be eftate, or peace, or life, or liberty,, oj? Religion, or whatfoever clle they hope to defend , they are all tallants that God hath cntrufted them with , and that therefore only upon his Commillion figned , andfealcd by his owr* hand they may come forth, and mud come forth bravely* and fhew themfclve& couragious in reference thereto.

Now for a man in an impetuous,giddy,neady way, to breakehimfelfeunwUely in his reputation, liberty , eftate, and himfelfe knowes no other reafon : but becaufe his fpi-rit moves him, and his humours ftirre in him, or feme paf~ fionat inconffderate perfonsprovokc hi m,this(my beloved ) is not to be couragious. V\ T ec reade in the Gofpel,of a man poffelted w ith an evil fpir it", that d id often caft himfelfinto the water, and into the fire to deftroy himfclf And truly it nearely concernes many men of daring fpirits, to confider Mark £**•* ferioufly what fpirit it is that afts in them: Thefe things we muLVmarke,. that the true nature of courage may bee underftood*

Tfcis defcription of good courage I judged meet to prc-mife and tocxplain bricfly,thatwc may underftand the duty in the text, the duty, the feafonablc duty, which God call© fwvandlpteadfor.

Bee @f good QourAge. The fecond thing I propounded in the profecutionof this point, is the reafons wherefore a Cbrifttan ihould bec> couragious: And my doctrine inbuilt upon a fourefold ground* firft, Gods people fhould. be of good courage, in reference;

;8 GQpdCouragedifcoveredy andincmraged.

rcncc <mto the condition, unto which God hath called them*. God hath appointed all Chriftians to be fouldiers; A Sacrament is a fouldiers oath," when we were baptized we tooke prefle money, and vowed toferve under the co-iours of Chrift, and as manfull fouldiersto fight againft the world, the fleih, and the Devill; and as oft as wee have beene atlhe Sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord, wee have renewed our folemne, and facrcd obligation in that kind,in reference to Chrift,who is called The Captains of the Lords ho ft , 'jof. 5.1 ti< and the Captaine of eurfalva-tionMeb. 2, 10. Injure hardneffe (faith the Apoftle) as a good 'culder of Chrift, 2 Tim.2.4, EpapjoroMius my fellow fouldier, Phil.2, 2 5. Beloved, wifdome {s not more ne-ceffary for a Counsellor, nor eloquence for an Orator, then courage for a fbuldier* Souldiers we are, wee muft therefore, 7$e of good courtage.

Secondly:, the weighty fervices wherein the Lord of Hofts is pleafed toimploy us. Men imployed in peculiar fervices arc commanded to put on fortitude : As Iojbua who was a Commander to guide, and governe the hoff, the armies of the Ifraelites in their paflage to Canaan, Bee Xofh.1.7. thou ftrong and very couragious , that then ma'ft objerve to dee according to all the Law, which Mofes my fervant commanded thee , turne not from it, to ths right hand or to the left. And Ezra, in regard of his office, is thus fpoken unto -z t/frifo, for the mat ter beUngeth unto thee 9 bee of good courage> and doe it: and common Chriftians, in refpeel of fervices required of them, are to be couragious in their places , lof. 2 3 4 6. *Be jee therefore very couragious to keepe, and ta doe alt that is written in the booke of the law of Mofes, that you turne not *Jide therefr&m, to the right hand or to the left.

Shall I hint fome fervices that are charged upon all our confidences

The worke of mortification, to pick out 6m eyes; to chop off our hands, to cut of our feet .5 doe you thinke that a milks fop, a man that is not a raanof a ftout fpirit

Good Courage dtf covered^ MdiMdw&gtd. p

will doe this. Now to maffacre flefhly lufb,is(as it were) for a man to mangle, and difmember his owne body, it is a worke painefull and grievous, as for a man to cue off his ownc feet, to chop erf his owne hands, and to pick out his ownc eyes, as Chrift and the Apoftje iW/doe exprefleif. Besides this, there are- in Chriihans bofomes, ftrong holds tobebattered, fortifications to be demolifhed : there arehightnlsand mountaincs, that maft be levelled with fhe ground.tber are trenches to be made,vallies to be filled. O beloved,1 may not mention the hils that lye before usia f-ciren way, which we muft climbe upjand craggy rocks that we aauft get over: and without courage certainly the fervice put upon our hauds will not be difcharged. Ther si: alfo the wals^f / mfethrnxo be repaired,and the Temple to be rcedefied : It Nebemab had not beene a a man of a brave fpirit, hee would never have gone through ilitch with that Church worke, thofe weighty fervices which fece did undertake* How this isappliable tousfortheprefenttime, the time of our begun reformation , I fpeakenot; but rather doe referrcjit toyouc confiderations j I befeech you to reade Neh.q 1 j, 18. They which build e<i on the wall, and they that did bcare burthens , with thofc that laded : Every one with one of his hands wrought in th© work,and wk'i the other hand held a weapon. For the Builders every one ha4 a 1 word girded by his fide, and fo builded 3 and he that founded the Trumpet was by us. While they were at worke they were all ready for warre.

Thirdly,Chriftians muft bee couragious, in reference to the3. huge Armies, w"h which they are affaulted,

^ C Of Devils.

There are armies «^ Of Lufts.

£ Of men and women in the World „ thatdoo wage warre with every Chriftian, that in good sarncft makes out after his God in heaven way,

C /For

For the Devilsj.it is the argument of the Apoftle, and from thence I tooke it, Ephef, 6. i o. Brethren^ bejlrong ( faith hee,j for we we file not againfifle(b t andbloud, but a-gainfi principalities , and powers 9 againfi the Rulers of the. darkns\]eofthUWorld y againfi Spiritual! wickzdnejfes in the heights. Marke for the number they are many, Our name k, kgion,for wee are many; How many thoufands, neither you nor I know. There is ftrength in them, they arc Powers, Principalities, and they are Rulers, they have very great authority in the Barknefleof the World;in Midnight men, Darke men*.Men who love not Sunne-ihine light, but ra- . ther delight to lye in holes and caves..,

I meane, in regard of the Darknefle of their minds,and their wilfull ignorance of the things of God. And they are in the height; they fight with much advantage (as fome pbferve,) being over our heads. And they are Spirits, they worke invifibly* and they fight againfi: our Soules, they labour tokecpe our hearts in thraldome, they feeke to beggar and to undoeus in regard of our grace, and Spiritual! foyes.

The Holy Apoftle Peter fayeth, The Divell your adversary, gpeth about like a roaring Lyon, fecking whom hee may devoure. An Adverfary, and a Devil-l, andaftrong one, as a Lyon roaring, and then hee is a&ive, hee walkes about, and hee is full of malice, ready to devoure: Thefe things touched upon, doe tell us, that wee, who are al-wayes iurroundedj befieged by fuch enemies, havensed of courage. I?ct»a^ iu Therearearmies of Ms, I know not how many. The Apoftle faith,F/^/y lufis that fight againfi the Soule. Thefe foes lye within us, and they ftrikc at the head * and the heart,endeavouring to let put the precious life of our im« mortall foules, l&iag %%• AstheCaptainesofthe King ot Syria, had a command JfjjfcQ fight againft, neither fmall nor great, but the Xing of-'#»?•' And the Apoftle faith^thatlulls in his bofome were J * " " iuds

Good'Couragedifeovered, andmouraged. u

fucfa encmics,afrftili carried him captive, and haled him as a prifoner. ( You know the expreflion, Rom. 7. a \ . ) Beloved, doth not experience oftentimes prove thus much, that pride, paflions, unbeiiefc, hypocrifie, earthly minded-neflfe, creature confidence, fenfuality, doe take up armes againft our precious Soules. Alas laias llufts, deceitfuli lufts, many deceitfuli lufts, are ftill, ftili tyrannizing in our bo-fomes, which of us hath not caufeto complaine with the Apoftle,when I would doe good, they are at hand prefent with mee: ftrong in mee, ever (tabbing, and (hiking, and poyfoning, and wounding; if I would but pray, or weepc, or amend. Thefe Rebels raife their ftrcngths, and combine their forces to hinder me:: and no fooner can Sathan hold up ringer, and temptation (hew it felfe; But they are ready furioufly to march out againft Chrift, his government, graces, glory. Beloved, I appeale to your consciences, whether in regard of this black guard, maintained within us, wee have not need to bee of good courage.

Thirdly, the armies of people j The ApoftleiW faith, hee fought with men who were as beafts, JSeafis after the manner of men, 1 Cor t 15.32. David tels you they were Dogges, and they were Tygers, and Wolves, and Bearcs, and Buls, and Lyons, fo in the Pfalmes hee phrafcth them.' I promiieyou,a man that is fo befet, thus aflanlted, if hee bee not a man of courage what will become of him?, There are Sanballns and Tobiah's, men of malignant, mifchievous Spirits, to doe us mifchiefc in Heaven way, had wee not need in that regard to bee couragious ? And truly, women if they cannot ufe weapons, they will caft, and fling (tones, (hoote their arrowes even bitter words. David mst with oppofition in that kind, from one that was neare, and (houldhave beenc better. Michol fliee j eared him in his righteous, and holy zeale, in reference to God; you know the ftory, and therefore I report it not. And doubtMe, had not hee beene a man of an C2 Heroick

Heroick Spirit, hee might have beenedafht out of countenance and baffled and cooled in his zeale, becaufe of her reproacbfnll language.

There are thofe that are ready to perfbrme ill office? SbebaAiks, to blow a Trumpet of {edition, of contention' to caft coales, and kindle ftrife betweene the head and the members, thcKing r and his Sab;efts; to fet ail on a flame-in the Kingdoms, in this-regard, wee had need to bee (teete to the back, that wee bee not difheartned. From all rhefe three particulars, I might apply that paffage, 2 Sam. to. o 9 -1 1. When loab faw the front-of the battaile agafoft him before md behind; hee fayed.* bee of good courage, andletnstUy the men : His fpeeches did fparkle Spirits, heherein proved' himfelfe a man meete to bee a warlike Commander, for danger and difficulties'did adde heartand heate.

My Mailers, you fee our cafe, let us play the men for our people, and for the Cities of our God. Beloved, you perceive by that which I have pointed at, that our enemies are more and worfe, we are befet befbre,and behind,«bove, and below, without and within; not onely our Cities- but oar Soules are oppofed, endangered. Hell and Earth, Men and Devils., yea and oar felves are Adverfaries to our felvc& Therefore there isgood reafon, why wceflaoali put on Courage,

Fourthly and laftly, Wee have need of Courage, becaufe bf the various afrlicftioiis to bee expected. For ought wee know, heavy things may befall us, andmuft bee borne by head, and {houlders by us, before wee get to our Gaftle-dar place of refuge,, our reft in Heaven; how ftony, how* thorny, how deep?, and how dangerous our waves may prove, before weegettoourjourneyesend, wee cannot tell. It may bee,wce muft travaile through blood, through &ur owne bloud^and therefore wee need Courage,

After our Saviour had fuggefted to his Difciples*, UWat. %-Q. %i. Brother fh all deliver brother to death ; the Father the Child, and tk Child flail raife againfi the Parents, and

satifh

eaufethem to be pat to death, mi you (hall be hated of all men for ttfy names fake ; Hereupon hee adds, verfe 26, Feare roc, 3 2. Feare not. Beloved,. We know not what may be our portion here on earth, before we come perfeaiy to en/oy God our p jrtion,and be happy in enjoying of him for ever. Wee may live to-fee the Citic fired, our eftatcs wafted, our wives abufed, our children torne in psices lim6e-mcale,. peice-rneale before our eyes.- beleeve mce without courage, thefe fights will be hard and heavy to be beheld, lush like ii°hts will caufc us to iownd away, to fuiek into the d'uft, it wee provide not courage. Thus have I run over my rcafons, and now I requelt you ali 5 ferioufly to confider,. whether in all the fore-meotionsd regards, we have not abundant caufe to endeavour, to get the grace the text commends, and to doe the duty that in, the text God cals for. *Be of good courage.

I comc now to the application of all that hath becne delivered by way of uf<r. The ufes,of this poynt that I (hall fpeaketo, they are buttwo-

Thefirft Reproofe, The fecond Exhortation*

for Reproofe, hence I have occafion For to blame both' unworthy co ward lineffc in fome, aud wicked audacious neffe in others : both vices contrary to thisvertuc, both cxtreames, ©ppofed by this pra&ize of Chriftian fortitude, which mVtextperfwadcs.

Firftlmuftxheck an unworthy dattardhnefle, which discovers it felfe three wayes in thebofomesof men. * FirftjWhenmenbyreafonof pafilanimityj&lowneflTcof fpirit, dare not appcare in the caufe that they are convinced, to bethe caafe of God. There were fotnc,!oh.i 2.45; who, though they beleeved onChrik, yet they durft not profeffe him for feare of the Pharifees, left they (houldbee Gxcomawnicated. The confcicnces of many tell them^ «m —-■- - ■-;"' " C3 thati

that fuch a way is the way of God, doubtieffe this is heaven road; furely thefe are the coarfes to be taken to enjoy God, and communion with him, and yet for feare of I know not what, fcorncs, mocks, loffe of friends, or the like; they dare not be fecne. It may be they will goe to Chrifl: with Nishodemus in the night, for feare too many eyes obfer ve them, and take notice of them in fuch un» wounted paths, exercifes which feeme to proclaims ftri&neflfe and precifeneffe. You fee I am in hafte,and thcr« lore cannot inftance in particulars.

Secondly, others by reafon of cowardlineffe foone grow difcouraged in fad and weighty undertakings, be-caufe they find the way to heaven craggy, the duties difficult, the fervices fomething hard ; and becaufe they have not expefted fuccefTe on a fuddaine j here upon their i pi-rits ihrinke up; I have reference in this cxpreffion to the original word ufed to this very purpofe,in Num. 21.4. And 1 the foul ofths people rv4S much difcouraged Jbecaufe of the way. Their fpirits were fhortned fas it is in the Hebrew) they run up by reafon of diftrcfs,and al vigour gave in. As a Cra-vant begins to iooke pale through feare ; his fpirits fly to the heart, you (hall fee no blood in his face: O did he think to be mocked,and to be purfevanted? and did he expect to be imprifoned ? and did he conceive to bee put on fuch a dead taske, and to workehimfelfe downe in his ftrength, refpe&s amongft men, and other outward comforts , and reape nothing but the wind. Much hath beenedone , and much hath beenc endured, many weeks, moneths, yeares, are run up, iiuce hec expelled a good crop , of increafe and comfort: but hopes being frustrated, and expectations difappoy nted; hee fits downe dcje&cd : Becaufe Reformation is driven on heavily, things flick in the birth, therefore many arediQieartncd.

Thirdly, thofe that under darke clouds and fhowresof fufferings lye grovelling on the ground, through difconfo-lateneffe; He that faints m the mildaj,hti ftrcngthyufmal>

■frtv.

<Piw.24,io. There is mention of fome, lof.i. 11. when the wind and tyde went againft them ; when the victory was carried on the other fide, it is laid, their hearts melted, there was no more courage in them : The melting of the wax is the fevering of part from part: The confirming of the parts together, istheftrengthof it, the loofeningof the parts weakens it: a mans foule runs out through fain-ting feares , as water; whereas it fhould be confirmed, as a peice offteele. Chriftiansfhould be magnanimous, and Fortitude will fortifie, and corroborate the foule. As the originall word fuggefts thus much, fo the conjunction of ftrcngth,and valour in the holy Scriptures doth import it:. Beftrong and ef good courage, Thinkc of this, and take heed I pray youof'daftardly dejectedneffe, and dismaying feares, in fad, fuffering times, becaufe thereby both foule. and body are much feebled, and much prejudiced.

Thefecond thing reproved, is wicked audacioufneflfe j This branch of the reprehension is needful], for certainely, there is in fome men akind'of fire, tbatrifeth out of hell, or rather fome mettall, which is digged out of the bot-tomleffe pit, which is called Courage, and fo accouted in the world. My meaning is t that there is a devillifh,wret-ched refoluteneffe in the bofbmes of fome to hold on in iinne j notwithstanding divine reprehensions, convictions,. threatnings, and executions • which is as much oppofite to true courage,as the greateft cowardlinefs in the world. I told you before, that true courage is for good, upon a Command from God* The Apoftle checks the Corinthi~ ems, becaufe they had fo much boldnefs, as that they did dare to doe that which was offenfive, vto& to goe to law one with another, and that before Infidels ,you dare doe it faith he,you have fo much boldnefs, 1 for.6. & the Apoftle Feter checks men, The* are not. afraid to/peak evil of D ignUf ties. The Pfalmift brings in bad men thus refolving, airF & H* i * tongues are our own^andwe wilffeak^nd v»ho is Lord over us.

Some, there be,. wiw though the Min after flajfo the very

fire

fire of hell in their faces, difcovering the danger of their evill courses ; yet like unto the warre-horfc, they will adventure further , lettheconfequence prove what it may i •yea, although God be on them in wayes of heavy afBifti-on, with one rod after another, and one blow bigger then another, theugh his providence pinch them in their per-fons, impoverifh them in their eftates , crisfh them in their credit; and it may be they fuf&r much in their yoak-fel-lowes, Children and neere allies; yea, though the often recoyling of their coniciences, caulc earth-quakes in their owne bofomes, yet on they will ftill to doe wickedly. Tbefe are the men of whom the Prophet complaines,

Icr. y, 3 * Who make their faces harder then the Rock » and ref ufe to re-turne. Men of this make are common in every place, and their way of living is much to be bewayled : and now I am neceflitated to fpeake unto them , becaufe their ftur-dinetfe in refuiing to ftoopeutuo God in reformation, is reputed courage.

To crulli thefc wretched conceits, I heartily wifh that the Scriptures maybeperufed ; where you mall find, that thofe who are commended for the moft valiant Champions, and theftouteft fouldiers in the Campe of Chrifr, that they were the moft timorous in matter of finne, and moft caa-tious in references to-God, that they might not in any kind offend His Majefty. David, that durft takea Lyon by the beard, and durft adventure upon a Duell, a fingle combat with Qo/iah, yet thus h©e expreiTeth himfelfe to God,

PfaL 119 ♦ My flefb tremhlethfor feare of thee y and I am afraid of thy

«*o« judgements. And Nehtmiab , who had many wayes wor-

thily exprefled his magnanimity for God and his caufe,yet no man was ever more awed with the fears of God* Hee perfw aded himielfc, and others thereunto. Ought not wee

Neh«j.o.-xj. ^*Ws in the feare ofGtd? Andagaine complayning of

'the governours , who were his Predeceflors , that

they were ufurious, and very injurious in their places; hec

addcth but (a, Qidwl{l durft w ) beemje of the fare

of the Lord my God. I atn confident, that this polition is toll of truth, you may trull: to it, as found and orthodox s That there is no more Chrillian courage,then there is Chri-ftian feare in our hearts. There is no more true valour in Gods account, in confl : cling with dimculties, and ftout ftandin CT under heavy preflures, then there is a cautious,and timorous circumfpc&ion, left finnc of any kind fhould be committed to the dishonour, and provocation of God. Shall I tbinke that a man that will fweare, and roare, and curfe, and pox, and plague (I (houlA not have defiled my mouth with thefe words) (hall I thinke that, this man of Beliali hath Chriftian courage ? Hee may have morall magnanimity, as an heathen, asaRommc, but he wants the courage of a Saint, that courage which my Text cals for. Beloved, I pray you beieeve it, ( I fpeakeas a Scripture man ; and I fpeake to men that mud labour to be men valiant, as becommeth Saints) hee t : at rules hit cwnefpirit, _, - ■ deth more then hee that overcomes a€'tie. That man who roTsI * S ^ takes downe his untamed lutts; and that man who bridles the unruly member the tongue Hee who conquers the rebellious mutinies in his owne bofome, and who notwithstanding allavocafions, is careful! ftill to keepc clofetoGod , this is the valiant man indeed, God him-felfe, by Solm*** pen, gives fuch a one his Letters tefti-moniall to be magnanimous. And for my part I will ad-venter that which is deareft unto my felfein this world, in the hands of this man, if in the hand of any, in regard of valour, and holy, hearty, heroick refolution. But I put off from this reproofe, wherein my zealehath made mee bold , to fpeake my mind : For I had rather counfell then reprehend ; and before I goe forward, I wifti that my checks lighting on ungracious hearts may make kindly and deepe impreflioos on them, for their amendment. And God grant that you that come to prayfe God , as becommeth Saints this day, may learnealfo hereafter to be valiant as it becommeth Saints, according to the directions offa-aed Scripture. £► Th2

Good Courage Mfcovered, and incoitragtd.

Thelaft ufe> is an ufe of exhortation; fI feare, I have more to-fay then my time, and your occafions wiUiuffer mee to deliver,^ It is onely this, to pcrfwade you all (my beloved, ) I fay all, without exception, Coloncls,Ciptaines, other Officers, Souldiers^yea all the Servants of the Lord,, to yeild to the word of exhortation, and in your places to endeavour Chriflian courage; This ufe molt ufefull m% heart dcfires to enlarge, wherein I faine would*

3, By Arguments perfyvade it > 2. By Dtrettiom help yon ink*

I have Arguments of two kinds, God grant they vc&j csme with fome ftrength upon your hearts, to move you, to endeavour to bectruly valorous.

Firft, From the confederation of the rich commodities^ that are the undoubted confequences of Religious fortitude. Otbe booties, otheboones, & the benefits, that Chriftians may enjoy in the way of Chriftian valour & I will point at 6. and I ffoall doe little more then point at them. . Firft, It will wind, and worke you into the bofome* and favour of God ;. Be of good Courage , and bee Jba$ firengthen thy heart. Put thou thy fclfe forth in a way of bold adventure for him, and his providence fliall bee Iweetly exercifed for thy good. A worthy Gomrnan-der,how carefull is hee of a brave blade*, a man that wilt fightat a Cannons mouth. Doth heeheare from him, that a bone is broken ? Send for the Bone-fetter: Ishee like to bleed to death? call for the Surgeon, let him poll away to prevent that pcrill; Doth hee grow weaker and weaker £ Is there any thing in the Campc, that may reftore his Spirits, withhold nothing; nothing is too good> toocoftly, would hee cate gold, hee mould have it.

Thus it is with God, O what letters of commendation doth hee give in manifeftation of his ownc love to them

in Pergamw, upon this very ground : Thou, faith the Lord % Rtv, ** 15. tbou haft held forth my name, and not denjed heven inthofe daps, w^^Antipas my fakhfuU Martyr was flaine, even where Sathan djvelleth. i hou didft fight for Ch r i s t in the Cave, where the Devill commanded, thou didft ftand and appear© for him, when other men did lofe, life, and iMoud. Here is a man that God willowne, fuch a one, /hall have Gods heart and hand to doe him honour, to yeild him comfort. And therefore I appeale to your consciences, is not this Courage worth the having? worth the fee king?

SecpndIy,Your Courage will hearten you in the weigh-tieft and dirficulceft adventures, which thecauie and glory of God, the welfaire of his Church, the honour of the King, the peace and profperityoftheKingdomemayput you upon. Befter was a woman, yet valiant. Mufti to the King for my people; Iflperijb, Iperifk. I will take raj? Xife in my hand and adventure: Nekemiab, had a hard tasks to undertakc, truly a dead peiceof fervice to fet upon, yet notwithftanding being a couraeious man, hee will hazard •his Ail, to obey the command ofhisGod,and to fcrve the tieceflities of his brethren. This is recorded for the ever* lafting credit of fomeofthe Servants of God, tho Priefts, a Chro»*26. 17.18. *4nd Azariah the Priefi went in after himjind with him 4. [core Prieftsofthe Lord that wereva* iiantmen; and they with flood Vzzwhthe King, and fail unte bim, it pertainethnot unto thee Vzziah tobttmcincenfetothe Lord.

Men of brave Noble Spirits will fpeake, whatfoever it «oftthem,uponacallfrom God, men of valour will ap* peare according to Geds command in fervices fad, and .heavy. Wee lay, that a well metled horfe, will take forward, and draw at a ftanding tree, but that I fhallfp:akc of in the next.

Thirdly, It will make us unwearied in our worker though deiircd, and expected fucceffc bee denied. You fee 0 ~ D % it .

itfometime; (My fimilitude is a plaine one, but beloved, it fully evidenceth the thing I fpeake to,) A Carre-horfe of good mettall, will plucke, and fall on- his knees, and up-, and take forty pluckes at a kicking load, whereas a Jade, if it come not at the firft twitch, goes back, back, and you cannot get him forward. Iuft thus is it with a Coward, if hee have not victory at the firft skirmifli, hee will hardly make a fecond aJTauit; if hee bee knocked downe, once, twice, or thrice, heegives up alias loft, and is ready to runne away; but a man of a ft out Spirit in fuch a cafe, will pluckt up heart, fight againe, fo long as hee can either ftand or ftirre. Thus Mofes hee goes, tfec firft, and fecond, and third, and tenth time toPharoab, notwith* ftanding brow-beatings, rcpuhes, tbreatnings. Thusfahh the Lerd i let my people goe. That was his meflage, either it muft bee granted, or hee will not ceaie his importunity. Jfrael hee comes for, and IfcaeLhtQ will have with him, or elfe, hee will not leave Egypt.

My beloved, let us bring this downe to our fctves : Many prayers wee have made, and many fafts wee have kept for Sion .-and before our deliverance bee compleat, wee know not, how many plucks wee muft yet have, and how many fhall wee take to repaire the walks, and torcedific th: Houfe of God, in cafe, God give us this mettall, which 2 am commending.

Fourthly, Courage will bee a meancs to keepe us from conference-wafting, and fcandalous mifcarriages. What had become fthinke you) of Shidrack_ Me/heck, and A-b'dnego} or what had become of Daniel) if they had not beenemenof undaunted hearts? The one had given off doing his duty, prefenting his indebted homage to his God, hee muft not pray for the fpace of thirty dayes to his God. The other three muft bow downe in way of Idolatry to an Idoll. But marke the Sparkling of their Spirits; "Bee it knowne unto thee o King^wee know Cod can deliver us fat if hee will no-t } wet wifl not fall downe } norworjbjp that

Jma re which thou haft fit up. They were by Courage kept out of the briers, and ofFtheRock, which might other-wile have tome and broken them wofully. And Daniel was preferved from the neglect of his devotion to his God, by the lame meanes.

Fiftly, Believe it, that our Courage will daunt our Ad-verfaries,and drive them away ;The Captaine of that black guard, (the Devill I meane) will give back,if (toutly with-ftoocl \Refift him, and hse mllftes , ft and to it,and hee mil rumc lam. 4. T\ awaj. In like manner, will thole, who march under his colours againft Gods people. It is faid exprefly 1 Sam 4* 5. 7. when the Philiftines heard the Ifraelites fhout, O fay they their God is among them, wo unto us. Without doubt, the very valour of Protectants will bee the daunting of the Papifts. Let thofe who appeare for Reforma-tion.maintaine their ground, and the enemies thereof, vvill bee difcouragedjvanquilhed,

Laftly, I might adde, that our Courage will incourage, I know not how marry,One bold leader,will hearten hundreds^ O faith Paul, my bonds, and fufTerings are famous,, they are manifeft in all the palace, and in all other places; and many, of the Brethren by reafon of my bonds Wax bold, and fpeake the word without feare, Phil. 1.12.13. 14. If you would know what word? It was the word of Christ, who was denyed, derided, Now to fpeake for a Chriit when Paul is in prifon, and in bolts, and fetters fir the word ofCHRisr, was an aft of Manhood. And Pauls valour made them thus bold. The Cities Courage will mike the Countrey couragious.

This true valour that I fpeake for, may hive influence J know not how farre, through the Kingdome in way of benefit, and advantage. Therefore looke you to it, Quit pur ft Ives likg men,Be of good Courage*

The fecond motive, is taken from the consideration of the fad confequences of cowardlinefle. ;

Jirft*. A mans perfonall dilcredit, csll a Souldier a cra-D 3 vantj,

vant, and how doe you difgracehim? They would faine, (faith Nehemiahy) Ptitmeeinfearc, that thej might have had fomewhat to reproach mee- Nehem. 6. 13. ACaptaine, and a Coward* what a fhame is it ? If you defirc to maintains your honour and reputation, in City and Countrey, hold up your hearts, 'Be men of valour.

Secondly, This is another a fad confequence of coward* Uneflc, it may tend to make us unprofitable,and unfervicca-Mattti. 2j4 ble in cur places* / was afraid, and hid mj ta/ant, for % z ^ thought, thou wafiahardmajler. You know whofeipeech it was. When a man hath both oporturirics and abilities to doe, God and the King, the Parliamcntand Kingdoms, good fervice. God hath beftowed a good hcad-piecc,much wifedome, an able body and heakhfull, a ftrong arme, a vaft eftatc, a great command; and yet notwithstanding, when the welfare of Church and Common-wealth, call him to make appearance, hee drawes back, dares not bee feene, all his talents arc tied in a napkin, there is nothing traded for God, becaufc hee is a Coward, and dares not lookeoutofdores. There will bee a heavy reckoning for that man, Take himfrnd hm hand andfoote. Cowardjiinefle makes men, though able, yet unprofitable, therefore tako tieed of it*

Thirdly, The good caufes, which men owne and favour, may receive a great dealc of dammage, andpreiudice by the pufillanimity, the poorcneflc of the Spirits of them, that appeare therein. There was a notable piece of policy, in the endeavour oftherayling wretch Rabjhecah, to affright the Souldiers of Hc*£k&*b t i Chr. 3 2.18.7%«r they did, that they might make ns afraid and takg our City. Coward-linefle ties a mans hands behind him, that hee can doe nothing in the World, hee cannot keepe his ranck, and place, hee neither knowes when to charge, or difchargc j his hands quake, his eyes cannot fee, hee cries where am If and what muft I doc? Thus all is loft, becaufe of cowardli-neflcjit is a mighty diiadvantage to bee a daftard. Cer-

tainely.

GMdcew-age difcovered y a&dimow-aged\ %\

tainely a man under the power 6f difmaying, in fearesis icarfc a man in the ufe of his intellc&uals.

Fourthly, What iad breaches cowardlineffe, may make upon us, both in regard of finne, and judgements. I know not. The fad example of Saint Peter is here considerable* O what a wound did hee receive, l>y reafon of his unworthy fcaremlneffej It coft him deare before the cut was cured. You know his threefold deniall of his Mailer, with the black aggravations thereof; Olknow him not, Iain not any of them, you are miftak^n in mee, &c. But before that breach was, made up, it cod him hot water, He wepr bitterly.-

Beloved,belovcd, confider what I fay,many a man doth that under the command of cowardlineffe, which is paine and anguifh in his heart to his dying day. God is wonderfully incenfed, when men fbrinke from him^becaufe of difficulties and dangers, Fcarenotleaft IJlay thee. Bee not difmayed at their Faces ( faith God to ?eremiab y ) left I confound thee before them, Isr. i. 17. When God cals often, and cals loude upon men to take part with him, and yet they fhrinke and draw back, believe it, the danger is not little. You know whofe fpcech it is; If yon mil deny meeMuke B.$%1 ^ before w*en r I mil deny yon before my Fother> which is in hea» <wen.

] & valiant Captaine, when the field is fought, and the victory is got, bids, bring in that cravant, thatmilke-fop,. who tyi runne away: Hifle him^-turne him out of doores, as the (hame of his Cottntreyy when Chrift fhall come and call, and fay to fome White-livered men 5 . you were. afhamed to appeare for the ftrift obfervation of the Lords*: day, and you would not bee feeneto favour the Reformation, \vhich by Englanels Parliament, at fuch a time was-endeavoured, and you would not labour to have the fan-£tuary fwept from all pollutions, and you would bee at nocoft,to have Chrifts-coine, bear his (lamp alone, to have his ordinances pure without mixtures, but y/>u would ra-

thsrr

ther Jtfachar-lik?, lye under burthens,then ftruggle for deliverance. You were afraid what mrght bee the iflue of your boldneffe in fuch bufineffes, if the times fhould turn, and the t> de run another way, and matters change in fu^h and fuch a manner. And hereupon you fneakingly left me, and my cauieand glory in the open fields. Beloved, this will be an heavy hearing to the cowardly Apoftate at the laft day, when thefeare'ull, and theunbeleeving muft befent into the lake which burneth with fire & brim-ReveU.8, ftone. Therefore I intreat youagaine , andagaine,to con-fider well of this matter.

Laftly, how fane cowardlinefle may tend to difcourage others: I wifhyou toconfider: I here remember, that when ffra< I of old , was to goe forth unto battaile, God commanded the officers to fpeake thus unto the people, what man is th-re , that is fearefttU. and faint hearted , let him goe and retttrre unto his houfe, lefi his brethren hearts faint (or melt) as well as his heart.

Gentlemen , God forbid that you who are come hither to day, to acknowledge your felves bound to God for your ettates 3 lives,and libcrties,& to havethe word of truth, preached and prefled upon you for your fouies good. God forbid ( I fay ) that yeu who give good examples in many other kinds, mould doe any thing which may tend to weaken the fpirits, and to dampe the courage of any, who fhall enquire, what doe they in London ?

Having thus farre perfwaded you, to pluck ujr. your hearts, as it becommeth Saints: I now intreat you, to ! -^ ... give ms leave to couniell you, what courfe to take, that you may be couragious, and I promife to doe it, as with tincere reference to God, whofe fervant I am, lb with unfained faichfulnetfe to you whom I nowferve.

What fhall wee doc, that wee may bee couragious ?

My directions are in number ten, I will not belong in any one of them, becaufe I would not be tedious, I humbly beg your beft attention, dcliring to fpeake to your

fouies

foulcs, and IbefeechtheLordto lpeakc to my heart, and

yours.

Thcfirfthelpe to Chriftian courage (which makes way for all the reft J is this: Labour dearly from Scripture grounds to evidence your propriety in God.

When i>avtd was utterly undone in outward appearance at £*£%,beingttriptof all outward comforts } and rxpe-tfed that his brains (houid be beaten out w;th ftones,( They talkedoffionmg him) David mewrajred kintfelfe (hec con $ .

firmed and ftrengthened his heart; as the original! expref- w fem it, inthe Lcrd lis (jod : Is there not mote in fciod, My beloved, I pray you put this queftion uponferious debate in your owne bolomes, my God to hearten mee, then in mine enemies my greatcft, my worft enemies todifmay mee? Take the improvement of this point in twopartU culars.

1 Gods omnipotence

a GodsOmniprelence.

Is there not more ability in God, then power in all the World, if combined together. TSeeftrong , and conragious, z q hro.j i.^' (faith HexjskytS) Be not afraid 3 nordtfmajed t fsrthe King<f Ally ria, nor for all the multitttde, that ts with him ,' for there be more with hs , then w th him: with him it an arms offiejh, but with us is the Lord our Cjod to helpe us, and to fight our bat tat r es t tAnd thspsople refted themplves upon t he words of Nezekiah , King of Iudah. At this time Senacherib had raj -fed a very great Army, as holy Hiftory reports: And ray-ling Rabjheksh was confident, that Ifraels God could not deliver; yet you fee, that this thought. The Lord our God to hclpe us, did ftecle and ftrcngtben their hearts.

The knowledge of Dictie,and Proprictie, will increafs magnanimity in afearefull heart, what are huge armies, ftrong fortifications,wcapons of war, the ftrength,ftout-nefle, skill, or experience of common {ouldiere, or warlike Commanders againft the Lord Almighty? look hick to the hiltory laft mentioncd,wr]ere we tcad,thatoneangeliaono

r);i.ghti{illcd five thoufand men inthehoft of the King ol\ Efa;37.$6' Affyri^. By this example, gucflfe at the ability of your.. God , having made lure your intercft in him 5 and from: thence gather courage. . \

T rt i 2 As the ability , fo the pretence of God by the efficacy.

of his all-ordering providence, may hearten all them, whole God hee is by fpeciall Covenant; Have not I com* manded thee, beftroxg, and of a good com age , benotafrayd, neither be thou difmayed , for the Lord thy Cod i&witb the whitherfoever thou goe ft. The lord is with us,by thepre-fence of his fpeciall favour, in aliour good undertakings whetherfoever wee goe. The Chriftian carries his commander , his refuge, his Caftle, his God along with him, whether hee keepe in the Citie, or goe forth into the coun-trey; whether hee ferve by land, or by lea, his God is ftill at ha nd^AfTurance therefore, that the al-lufficient, al-pre° prefent God is ours, will lay a good foundation for good courage : Thofc who adventure upon any fervice without God going along with them, may expecT: defeats ; notwithstanding all meanes of defence : and therefore no/ mirvell, if they tremble .• But God taking part With his; people, they may confidently from his prefencs especT: deliverance, ff it. had not been the Lord who was on ourjide* c ,. , they hadfwallowedus upquicke, &c. but bleffedbe the Lor4^> who hath notgiven us, asa prey to their teeth. God and his\ people make one fide; and becaufe their helpftandethin th& name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth ; therefore they have aboundant eaute/0 be of good i our age, \ \

Secondly, make fare, that the caufe you appear e in,is the-, caufe of God. If a man marching to Looke his enemies jn the face , and being about to begin the battaile, fhould .. leele the earth to (bake under him, aiad the ground to fink* every foot hee fet forward .• Ohow would this daunt; Mm, and how would his heart recoy k, and give in within, tijm? Obdoved, Ibefeech you,.heyouwelt,confirmed iw your o wneheaits, that you doe ferye for God* It is that* j . " 'a "'' which-.

^WhkhwasadSdto^bcCoarageto them mlehofkphats time, when they were furronnded1, with Ammm, Ml OHoaL and Mount Seir^s ifwee fhould fay, with Le*. markelnd France, andPapiftsat home, WeL^ faith themat* of God Hearken yee all ludah, and yee Inhabitants or % chroa, ao* lerufalem, and thou King Iehofaphat; Thus faith the Lord .,,*, unto you: Bee not afraid nor dfma:d t hyre^fbn ofthe great multitude for the battaile is not jours but Gods

Beloved, hee that hath a oad confaence*and & bad caule, ever fights as a Coward, and isready at every ftrokc to lay ■down? his weapons and runne away. A true man, wiM (land to it, come who may come, for his caufe is jaftifia-bl- andhee may with boldneffe owne i^ but theives, it the'y h'carc any noifc, any whfpering, they cry one to another, let us haft and bee gone, for they know, their adventure's unwarrantable. When a man thus thmkes with bimfelfe, being belet with dangers and difficulties, what if I mould dye in this bufineffe ? could I wuheconfideoce owneit,attheBarreof Iesus Christ t Themcourage-ment of his owne conference, will much embolden him But if amansownehearttellhimj that adventuring Sddytagin.afichc.ufc. e lhall finckinto Hdl,becaufe*e oppofcth the Commands and Government ot I E s u s C h r i s t- the liberties, the comforts, the prayers ot Gods people, how is it police, that hee iliould play the ma^and bee truly couragious?

Thirdly, Confider ferioufly, the many weighty con-feouencs of the good caufe, which from g^d grounds, jm undertake'to maintaine. Sit downe and fadly thinkd what will the iffue bee, if you defert your Proteftation, Whereby you bound your felves, to fiand for the true Protect Religion, the honour of our King, the Pr iviledges of Payment, the Lawes of the Land ^^reofthe Kin^dorne Here it is notable, how the Phhjlwes heartened one another, in theday of their[dccpcdangcr, x MM 4. 9. Be firing, tyk ]o*r- fi&fi* ll k W o Phvbftms ; thm

you bee not Servant? to the Hebrew es; J$uit yourfelves tike men and fight; Either pluck up your hearts, and right now, ©r bee (laves for ever; that is the argument.

And I pray you, obferve how Ioab pleads, When heefaw the battell before and bebink 2 Sam. IP. *z. Be of good Courage, and let us fU) the men for our people, and for-the (pities of our God. And that paffage, Nehem. 4.14, It is conuderable, as either of the former;^ not afraidyemenc ber the Lord whkh is great and terrible, and fight for your Brethren , foryour Sons, foryour Daughters 9 for your Wives, andforyour Houfts,

Marke it, my beloved, and make application, whatif the Papifts fhould get the upper hand? What if the Parliament fhould bee diflblved ? What if the malignant parity fhould tfteft their mifchicvous defircs ? Oh how darkc and dolefull, how black and bloudy, would our times prove, we are all, many waves cbliged to ftand for the government and worfhip of the Lord Chrift : for the iafcty, and honour of our King, for the welfare of his three King-domes, for the Priviledgesofour Parliament, and for our rights by Law; All thefe are to bee prized at an exceeding higbf atev our happineffe will bee great in the enjoying of them,and our mifery not fmall, in the want of them. Every man according to his Relations and engagements, fhould leafon the cafe with hiraielfe. What adventures fhould I make, and what hazard fhould 1 runnc, that my Jelfe may not bee enslaved* that my Wife may not bee abu-fed, my Children maffacrcd, and (which is above all,) that Chrifts holy l^eligion may not bee corrupted, and that Popery may not bee introduced and cftablifhed in England- Thus meditation upon the worth of the things to bee maintained, will bee a fpeciallmeanes to quicken and to augment Courage.

Fourthly, Keepc Chrift your Captainein yourcye; For true valour, there never was, nor ever Avail bee any like yniO him. Gird-thyfirwd upon thy thigh, $ wjf mighty, wkk

thy glory and Jlfajefty, and in thy Majefly ride profperonjlj, and thy right hand /hall teach thee terrible< things $ Pfalme 45. 3. 4. How valiant a Champion was the Lord 1 e s u s! Bee endured the Crofieytnddefyifedthe {hame\ Hee went on, Heb.ix.*; though dogges did barkc, and Lyons did roare, though men reproachfully reviled him, and the Devils endeavoured to devoure him; though the earth (as it were J did {hake under his feete, and the Heavens were black and thunciring over his head. Although when his profeffcd enemies had confpirei his death, Judas did betray him,and his other Difciples did forfakebim, yea although his God and Father did bide his face from him, when hee anfwe-redDivinelufticeforourfinnei?, yet hee fhrunkc not, hee drew not back , from the glorious worke undertaken. When outward dangers encompaffed him, and the iorrowes of Hell tooke hold upon his Soule y though hee was apprehenfive, and fenfibleof all, unto the utmolr, and therefore both complained and prayed to his "Father , yet was he not dif couraged. Hee did not found,when hee fa w his ownbloud,yca although bis body was wet all over with abloudy fweat,buthe worthily did wade through the floud of his appointed paffions.

Consider him, confider hrro, ('beloved,) that you may not faint in your minds j when a fbuldier ices bisCap-taine content to take up with poore provisions and undaunted, though hec meet with hard ferviccs,harfh ufages, fore affronts, bee thereupon growes the more refolute; For thus hee rcafons within himfelfc. My worthy Commander, for his diet, takes up wirhaemftofcourfebread and a little water, hee hath not beeoe in bed thefemany nights, hut jlill, either watcheth, or elfe, hec lies upon the grouncUhc cold ground,no way es>no weather difcourages him, Winter, Summer, wet, or dry, fcoiching heate , the pinching froft, arc alike unto him : Ballets, blowes wounds, bruifes, broken bones, doe not caufe him to found a retreat,.to give backhand {hall I {hrinke? Beloved,if

E j. Chrift

;§.e» &ood Cow Age difcovtred^ and meow aged.

Chrift had foruoke when Heaven frowned, and men deferred, and Devils oppofed him, what had become of you, and mee? Is this Chrift mv Captained ard hath hee Cap-taine-like, Champion-like for mee bo-h done and luffered thus worthily, thus incomparably, and fhall not I put on Courage, and fliew my ielte a man ,a valiant man for him? rbefeech you,, consider-this frequently and affectionately.

Fiftly, I commend unto you, mutuall Chriftian communion, as a lpeciali meanes of Chnftian Courage. In the Prophet Mai achy his times, when wickednefie was SMal* z« itf« growen to a great head, and the power of godlinefle was difcountenanced in thim, then thofe that feared God, /pake -i>ften one to another* Aft. 28« if. W hen P*'*'after fhiprack, fare the brethren, -who came Aft iS t0 meete ^ m - ^ ee tG0 ^ e Courage. And alfo, upon aftrong ddpate with fomc who oppoied Qrift, when Silas and Tiraot-heus were come, Paul was prejfed in Spirit God bee thanked for that unity and love which is amongft you, amongft you, the Aldermen and Commons of this City, unto whom the Militia is committed; God continue it, God knit your hearts together morefaft, and firme from day to day : God give you when you meete to confider lerioufly what may heat, and hearten your Spirits in the way of Chnftian valour, according to that, which this day I have preached, and according to that, which this iday wee all need.

. . Wee read in If ay 41. 6 t of a Company of Idolaters, animating each other, in promoting Idoll-worfhip. They ■helped every one hh Neighbour , I and every one fayd to his prober, Bee of good Courage. So the Carpenter encouraged the Cjold ftrnth, and hie.thatfmootheth with the hammer , him thatfmkethwitj? the anviHy &c.

Doubtleffe, at this day, thofe who envy our hopes, and

oppofeour peace, doe meete and hearten one another, both

hy words and actions. God forbid therefore, that wee

r fhould

Should bee more regardlcffe of one another, having a better caufe,and more incouragements.

Sixtly, fet faith on worke in the promifes oftheGof-pell* The worthies in the primitive times, waxed valiant by meanes of faith; Hebr. ri.34. You may doe well -to in forme your feives, what the Lord is pleaied to fpeake in the word of truth for your comfort. By the bond of his owne rich unchangeable grace, he is become your deb-tour to doe more then I can poflibly expreffe. Three-things I thought to have fpoken unto, under this direction.

Hrft, Thepromifeof Gods affiftance, Bee of good Cow-rage t mdhee willfirengthenthine heart. The fweet Pfalmifi faw much fweetneffe in this, and therefore doth mention it, once and againe when the Souie faith, I am ready to pfal « 2 ^ *$■■ falldowne, yet taking courage, to march forward, it mall renew ftrengrh, it mall receive an addition of new ftrength, Efa, 40. 31. And that {pecchai Solomon, Pro v^ jo. 29, is very remarkeable. The way of the Lord is frenqth to the upright. They goe on and gather ftrength in going, they walke from ftrength to ftrength, Pfalm a 84.7. Truly this is an heartening confederation.

Secondly, The promife of good ifuccefle. Beloved, Ghriftians maintaining the caufe and minding the glory of God, are as lure ofviclory as if now they were ringing the triumph, and going away as Conquerours. This is moft- certaine, for trutn it felfe hath Ipoken it- In the Worldly x $ t J?( j yee/ball have affli&ion, bee of good chf ere, or bee bold, J have' overcome the World. The DcviU hath his deaths wound,.. Corruption hath (as it were) the knife at the heart of it, and the power of wicked men is broken, they are but iprun-ting and ftriving for life.

By this irgumentjthe Lord heartened his fervant Iofhtia$

Tee ftrong and of a good Courage r for unt<* t'^is -people

Jbalt thou divide for an inheritanee , the land which &

fwitre nnt9 their Fathers to give them%'fojb* &» & As

Vi " "~ ^~ "' though

though the Lord had thus fpoken; although thou roayefl fight many battailes, receive many fbyles, loofc many of thy fouldiers, yet bee not difmayed, for certainciy as a Conquerour, thou (halt bring the people to Canaan.

Thirdly, Then the recompencc aflured upon all them, whoftoutly ft and tothecaufe of God, is more richvnd large, then I can relate. To him that overcormneth, wUl /

Rev 3 .a f# & rant to fo w ^ mee m m J e ^ 3rme - And ^ rotn ^is aflurance, the Apcftla Pml incourageth the Corinthians. Therefore my beloved Brethren, Bee fee fiedfafi^ and immoveable aire iyes abounding in the n*or^e of the Lord, for as much, asjee

iCor.tj 58. fo ow th*t jour labour U not in vaine m the Lord' God will requite all paincstaken, all fbrrowes iuifcred,and you

Ma h to 10. that have lofthoufcSy or land\ orfather\ or mother, or wife,or ' children, for Chrtfi; and his caufe, befides that inward peace, and tranquilitie and ioy, which an hundred fold exceed all fubiunary contents, to bee enioyed here, you (hall inherit hereafter evcrlafting life. And againc, fcare none of thofc things which thou flialt fuffsr, Bcholdthe Devi/lfhallcap fame ofy off into prifon, &c. Be thoufaithfuU unto death, and j rpUljrive thee a Crotvne. of life. Feed on thefc promifes,foc Cordials flow from them tocheereyour drooping hearts, and to ftrengthen courage.

Seventhly inlarge your loue. If thofe hearts which now doe but drop love,might flow forth ftreames of love upon Gods caufe, our Kings honour,andthe Kingdomes welfare how wonderfully would our courage be increalcd. Both rcafon and rfligion.wil give in manifold ftrong arguments to augment our love to our Prince, our Parliament, our peace, our privileges, our pofterity : and doubtleffe our love and valour, will grow together.

Love will ad venture far re; Women arc the more feeble, the more fearcfall Scrte, and yet love in a tender mother will produce bold adventures to fare the babe of her wombc. The timorous mother, who is wont to tremble at the report ofa Muskeg will almojj come tg a Can-,r-r - — '' " ' nons

Good Courage dtfcdvered^ and incourAged* %j

nons mouth to fave her Child from being broken in pec-ces: Love doth it.

Have you not in the countrey fometimes feene an Ewe, in defence of her lambe, to turne head upon a maftive dog 3 andtoftampe, although at other times, the barking of a litrje whelpe, will make a whole flocke of them to runnc away. O, love doth it. AndtbepooreHen, (bee will fly ■at the Kite to fave her brood ; Love doth it, O that you and I had this Love; Love to Zion i to the Gofpel of peace, Love to Chrill, and the pure ordinances of grace ; Love will make brave and bold adventures.

And as it will adventure farre, fo it will endure much, and long. The Apoftle faith, Charity beareth ail things, %c endureth all things,/*w£ though he had tedious dayes.and or ' x * 7 " weary nights, a lore fervice under a fowre Vncle, a cnuf-lilli Mailer, y tthtfervedftvcnyeares for %achell , and they Jeemd unto him , but a few dares, for the I we h-e had to her, ^ Love ujtronjr as death , many waters cannot quemh love, neither can the flouds drowne it; if a man would give aU'tbc fnbfiance of his houf for love , it wouldutterly fa contemned, Ganc 4 8* 6.ji What ii one fliouid come to a woman, and make this motion, be content that your child be tcrne in pekes, and here is a thoufand pounds for you. Her anfwer would be ready 0 Not for a thoufand worlds : yea , ftiee would almoft fpit in bis face , who {houldpreffe fuch apropolicion, what rend my child in peices? There is nothing can conquer love .• fo it would be with us, in reference to Gods com-mandements, the liberty of Gofpel ordinances : No pro-mifes, no threats^io means,fayre, or fowle would taKe us off from appearing in the defence of them, if our hearts Were more enflamei with love.

Eightiy, Walke exactly , keepc your confidences deare*

Notable is that direction of the Lotd,Deut . 13 $ % Tejhd kfep all the commandetmnts which I command you this day > t', at j$h may befl/ong : Suppofe a man, who hath a wound, or

£ m

G&ed Courage difcovered, miincouraged%

an impoftu mated fwelling on his body, fhould goc into the Campe, if any toach him, hee skritcheth. and he cries, come not ncare,ine, you know the reafon, and the application is familiar and eafie to the point in hand, wounds in our confciences,will make us timerous and cowardlyjbut Ths Righteous is as, bold as a lyon : He thatrvalkes up* $»«£S.i« rightly J walks* boldly \ Take a man who hath no broken-netie, no boyles, noblanes, nobruifes, handle him, (hake himjcruflihim, crowdehim ,tbrufthim, cafthim: not-witbrtanding hecan better beareall this rugged uiage,then another can a fillip with the finger. I befeech you mind the application of this, for the Lords fake take heed, make not inroads,and breaches upon your conicicnces , goe not againft your light, for guilt willmake you cowardly. Adam as foone as hee had finned he runs and puts his head in a bufh, what was the matter? hee heard a whittling wind, and hee runs away : What haft thou finned , faith God \ J, that is the matter.For if Adam had kept his heart found, if hee had not finned, hee wotrd with boldneffe have en-countrcd with any approaches*either o£ thecreatures, or, his Creator.

Ninthly, Improve your experiences. It would bee of' Angular ufe to us, to bellow many houres, both together* and afunder, in recounting the many great things which the lord hath done for us^both in former times, & of later; we have nationall deliverances Gitie deliverances,Family mercies & pcrfonal mercies to improve providence: Give me leave to calto mind two mod feafonable now to be re-jnembredjCofidering the end of our aflemblingat this time? lam credibly informed that your felvs who are here to honour God for your health continuedjpeace maintaincdjives lengthened, had that day when you wereabroad,two notable experiences of Godi providence for your prcferva-Sion; i .There were muskets broken in the field,and yet nef* ther the Muskettiers, nor any neatcthem received the leaft featme^ although the throng of people was very great.*

Good Courage difcovered, andincouraged. g%

^flight not fome mens eyes, limbs, or lives have been loft, by iuch accidents; it the all-ordering hand of the Almighty had not prevented fuch like dangers. The other paffageof divine providence is more remarkeable,

2 Gods hand turned afide gracioufly, aadftrangely, a kindled match which was caft towards a basket fullof Gunpowder, which flood in the field for that dayes fer-vice. From what malicious heart, and by what mifchie-vous hand this match was caft, the Lerd heeknoweth, whom we this day magniHe as.ths God of our falvations. ."■ Beloved, the remembrance of luch like providences, fliould incourageour adventures for theLord.whofchand hath diverted many unfeen, & unexpected dangers. But 3 had almoft forgot to give in my proof, that the improvement ofexperienc s,increafeth courage.! pray youobferve %tin Tof. lo.2 f .* And 1' jhuafaidttnf&themfsaren t y nor^ee difmayed, be firong a*d of good courage ; for thus jhallthe ; Lord doe to all jour enemies, tgainft whom jee fight.

Oar God hath many times difappointed the defignes of our enemies:': many of them who hated us, and endeavoured our undoing, and-defolation, have beene difcovered and brought to ftiamc, the Lord hath trampled upon them giorionfly. Thefc mediations enlarged by particular pregnant inltances, 1 commend unto you, as mcanes to increafe your courage.

Laftly, when ever you have occaffon to flic w your cou-l«age,goe out fetfe denyingly in the ftrength of your God, *Beftrong in the Lord, and in the power of his might % Ephtf 6. HCr.Througb God we JhalldoevalUmy, PfaL6o la. David' was a man, as in other kinds, fo in this mutable; when hec came againft Goliah fwho tbi earned to pluck him in pei-ces, as a Faulkoncr doth a bird ) his words are very obfcr-va! le,. Thou commefi f> m* withawvd andwitha/peare, iSam.lys^f^ Andwtth'ajUetd'butIcometo theeinthenane of theLordrf ho ft ,the God of'the Armies of I ael, whom hou haft dffoei. Let thefe be the breathing < of yourf ules. So «e tmft in Cka-mts , <w<fy<M»? w forfes, but wee mil rm mhr the nami of E* "* ' ths-

t'eLirdourGoi They a*e irought down- and fallen, btti ve are rifev an--'ft and upright. Save Lord, let the King heart w whenvre cM.

Thus be care full to make addition of prayer, unto all the

othe* meanes of Chriftian courage. Pray heartily, fdfe-

jdcoyingLy.arid'bclievingly. Advance God, and plead

his ptomife ; and exped afliftancc according

to his promife B* of good com age % and

hejkallftrengtkeiijour hem r att

jee that hope in the Lord.

FIXIS.

It is ordered by the Committee, of the Houfe of Commons in Parliament concerning printing , that this Booke intituled, (food fourage difcoveredy andincoura-red, be printed.

Uh White.

Ibestrefvge

Jf FOR THE

I MOST OPPRESSED,

v A Sermon Preached to the Honour 2 wble Houfe of Commons at their fo-we lemne Fast, March 30. 1642,

y

By Simeon CAfi Minifter in London,

Publifhed by Order of that Houfe,

E s a. 26.1. , 3^,

In that day fhall this Song befung in the Land of J udah, W<? have 2fr aflrong City, Salvation Vcill God appoint for Walls and BhI- 5T yparkes, cFT

LONDON, |fr

Printed for Edward Brewfler and lohnBurrough$ y 3^

andareto befoldat the Bible on Fleet- jc

Bridge and the golden Dragon nearc the fjj,

Inncr-Tcmple-Gate, 1642. |l

TO T T-T 17

HONOVPvABLE HOVSE

ofCoMMONs nowaffembled

in Parliament.

'p^^^^^He feyeraU Creatures, according to their fever aU inftincls y feekc the preferyation of themfelyes. Nature hath taught tbofe which are <void ofreafon, to make ujc^ ofjuchjbelters as commonproyi" dence hathproyided, The Conies(f^ Solomon) ^°' 3 °' are but a feeble folke-, yet make they their hou« fes in the rock. AndthePfalmiUteUeth us, that the high hils are a refugeior the wild Goats* x 8 '*° 4#

Men in like manner acledby different principles he-take themfelyes to differentiates of defence*. The Pro. 18. rich mans wealth is his ftrofig City 5 and as an "• high Tower in his conceiuSomefbroud tbemfebs under the authority of great ones, ds Birds huild in Dan.4-the branches , and Beafls feekjhadoTv^ undertke-> 10> x * hughsofhigh and ^reading Trees,

A i When

The Epiftle Dedicatory:

, When hbimdechencampingagaintt'Thchez had

jo^'f' $ Amenity all the men and women fled into the ftrong Tower that Was within the City,

But the regenerate being raifedby the (pint of grace

above the TDorldjbey are carried beyond allthings\on

this fdeGod/ot the fecuring of their comforts and

Pro. 18. faffguarding of their perfom. The name of the

i°. Lord is a ftrong Tower, the righteous runneth

into it and is fafe. Vnto this re/uge(whi:b is above

aU others^and better then all others) my Text and my

Sermon direSietb Gods opprefedpeople. This Text

was judgedfeafonabk when (preached upon it y for

then the times began to be lowing : the improvement

of this Doclrme, is no $? become more nscejfary 9 be*

caufeour dangers areincreafed^andfomefujpecl that

England is threatnedmtba /bo we ofbloud m

Nab. 5. The words of the Prophet Nahum to Nineveh-

**• arenoteable. All thy ftrong holds (hall bee like

FJg-treeSjWiththefirftripeFigsiftheybelhakea

° 7 ' they ihall even falL And therefore our fouls fbould

fay> forme truft in Chariots and fome in horfes*

but we will remember the name of the Lord our

pf 60 God. Give ushelp from trouble r forvain is the

i-i. helpofman. When God had delivered David

from the hand of all his enemies^ and from the

Kj&.tit hand oiSaul^hefiillrefolvesto hay eftediy refer en*

cer

The Epiftle Dedicatory.

ces unto his Majefl) forfuture defence. The tctd v.5,3. -is ray Rock and myFcrtrefle and my Deliverer, my God, my fhength In whom I will trudj my Buckler and the home of my,Salvation 3 and rny high Tower, I will call upon the Lord How much more doth it now concerne its {being furroun-ded with dangers) to make ball to Heayenfor deliverance. For our helpe is in the name of the 8 / 12 ^* Lord who made Heaven and - arth, T ,

Byfyeedy Repentance we run t% God^andifwe re- 2 3)25 2 * turn unto the Almighty,he will be our Defence. By afirme fduciaU adherence unto the word of pro-mi fe we make our abode with his highnefje. H e that dwelleth in the fecret place of the moftHigh, ajj/" 1 * (hall lodge under the ftiadow of the Almighty, 1 will fay of the Lord he is my Refuge and my Fortreffe, myGodinhimwillitruft, heelhal! cover thee with his feathers^ and tinder his wing (halt thoutruft, his truth (hall be thy Shield and Buckler, The Magazine and Militia of the world is in this Cafile with the Lord of Hofts, and it is ex* ercifed by the prayers of his people* Prayers draw forth the Armies of the Hying GodA can pray to my M ■ , Father (faith Chrifl) and he (hall prcfently give 53/ me more then twelve legions of Angels, 1. The Hojisfent from He ay en upon prayer are Angels ^ A1 which.

TheEpiftlc Dedicatory.

which excell in ftrengtb* For one of them in one nigte hilled a hundred four efcore and five thoufand fvali^ dm men. 2. NoleJJb then twelve legions are fet on worke by meanes of prayer : A legion is judged to he fix thoufand Foot and fey en hundred Horfe i ac~ cording to which computation this Army of Angels raijed by prayer fe exceeding great, j, This great Army is by pray erdifpatchdfrom Heaven in anin-ftant, and he (hall prefemly give me^c,

Luther called his groanes and prayers Guns and inUruments oflVam* Chrifliam in the Army of Marcus Aurelius by prayer prevailed withGad both to give rains torefrefh the Army and to catt do wne~> haikwith thunderbolts upon the enemy , whereup-omhey were honoured with that title^ Legio Fulroi-Pf. 1 S:£, natrix. David fecmitbto fuggefl fomefuch confe-quences of his pray en in times of danger : 1 n my d i-ftreffef called on the Lord,^, r^the Earth 44. fhooke and trembled, the Foundations alioof the Bils moved and were {haken : There went up a fmoake out of his noftrils and fire out of his mouth devoured. The Lord alfo thundrediu the Heavens and the higheft gave his voyce, haiie-ficnesandcoales of fire, yea he fent out his arrows and fcattcred them> and he (hot out Jightenings and dKcomfited them. Preces &

lachry-

The Epiftle Dedicatory*

lachryma* fuat aima Ecclefia?, md withfach Weapons (mofl-Nvbie Senators) lwn perfmded you be as well guarded, as eyer any Affembly in the world. The hearts of many thoufands doe daily put you into the armes ofomnipotency i and into the bofome of the Lord ofHofis. This one thought' (which is much inferiour unto many other encouragements) might befuffictentto beare up your Jpirtis a-boyed\di$iculties, whiebcan emcunttr you in at" tending upon the well fare of this Church and Com-mon-7oeakb 9 Tour fe foes haye tajied the firjh fruits of Fafting and Prayer in many-fold experiences : Be confident there is afullHaryeft behind, which willabundantly recommence all pur great labours and adventures for God and his people. ^

Many of my Key er end Brethren, haye prefented you "With their rich gifts, with which they [er<ved you at your monthly Fafts: And now 1 humbly tender my two Mites. Tour acceptance is my falls-fatlion-i and if this my poore labour ofmuchlcve and duty, [hall contribute any whit unto th^j publickegood (at which 1 levelled in it) it mil be nofmall addition to my joyesz

The Lord direel your Counfds by his wife-dome 9 protettjour Terfons by his power , and

prof-

TheEpiftlc Dedicatory,

profter all your, worthy endeavours by his blef-ftngi according to the riches of his glorious grace in 1ESF S C HR 1ST, in whom 1 am

Your Servant in all faichfulneffc, but in much weakneffe

Simeon AshJ

SERMON PREACHED

At the late Faft before the Commons Houfe of Parl ia m ent.

PsAL, 9.9*

Zbe Lordalfo-ftill bearefugefortbeo$re$ed> d re» fugein times of trouble*

His Pfalme is almoft altogether Euch3nfticall, for it containing twenty verfes, oncly three of them are fpent in prayer, v, i$>, 19, io. the other 17. ate beftow-edinthankfgiving.

Andcertainely there is muck Chriftianity,muchChriftian policy inweaving and working praifes and prayers into each other. For as God is highly honoured by prayer, Tfd. 116. 13,14. What Jhdll I render to the Lord f^r 0 his benefits towards me (faith David) tys anfwer followcs, imllidlufQfltheNxmtof the lord*

A Sermon preached at the late Fafl

So Prayer proves rhe more prevalent, being accompanied with prayfesj becaufe when glory is returned unto God for favours formerly afforded, his Majeftses great defigne is ferved and. his expettati-Pf.jo. x j. on fatisrled. / will deliver and thou Jhalt glorifte me_j^ whereupon the thankfull Petitioner may moft hope-fully expe&thefpeedingofhis great petitions at the throne of grace.

Let us learne this pious policy, this religious Rhe-torick in oar addredes unto God, (viz,) to preface^ to put on our fuites of greateft concernment with tharikfgivings to the Lord, for the great thi-n^s already done amongft us, by his apparant and remarkable providences.

The Occafionofthe praifes in this Vfdmt prefen-ted (as it is generally conceived) was fome glorious generall deliverance from fome very deepeand defpe-rate danger. And fome Interpreters conjeclnre, that the killing of Goliath and the overthrow of the fhili. times, as a confequence of that victory, occasioned this part of holy Scripture.

One ground of this conjecture, is, from thefe words in the title fet before the Pfslme, Viftori fuper <Mnth* Labkn, orfiper morte Labkn, To the chiefe Mufiti-an upon Mutb-Labkn. For Muth in Hebrew (igni» Hes death, and Labkn they take to be the name of that Champion, that Giant, that Monfter of men, wfio defied the hoaft of the living God.

From hencenote by the way two things,

i. That the enemies of Gods Ifraclaxc put to flight by the downfall of their Champions. An Antichri-ftian party may better be plucked downe, if the heads ©f thaxfa&ion be removed,

a. That

before the Commons Houfe offaflkmenu

2. That the death and downfaU^fi/heisl^^ drawcth forth praifes from the righteous.

In this Ffalme, Davtd that facet Singer of Ifraet praiieth God, both in regard of the bcautifoll, ufefulf extelleneies,which heefpiedinhim, and alfo in re fpedof therenowned Afls which had becnewrought

It may be fome heere prefent, beeaufe of this which havefpoken, begin to queftion mydifcretion in the choyce ot this Text this day. For how unfea-fonable (may itbeobje&ed) isafubjecW Thankef giving, for the fetvice of heart humbling. Give me

leave therefore (Right Honourable) before I proceed to prevent this prejudice. r

Whereas the three chiefe fervices of this day are i. Heart humbling. J ... 9

2. Humble hopefull praying.

3. Conscientious Covenant renewing All thefe are much promoted by fuch a fub je&.

Forthefirfowhat meditations moremcltingto thaw downetheicy, the frozen fpirits then Gods mercies! what confederations can more kindly,more through! v breake the toners heart then the excellencies and kind-ncflcspf that God who hath beene by finne difconou-reo •

For the a<* what arguments will more forcibly draw forth the foul in holy fuites beforethe Lord,then his abilities tobefteadus in all concernments, and our experiences of his readinefle to lay forth him fcJfc for our comfort in former times.

For the ^. How (hall a Chriffan befoonerconque-

red, togjveupfelfeuntothe moft Hjgh by folemnc

Covenant, thcnbythcapprehcnfionofthc fulifatif-

A Sermon preached at the late Fa(l

fa&ions to bee enjoyed, in enjoying his Maje-ftic.

• My Tex? contains one inure Proportion,- The Lord pill be a Refuge for the opprejjedin times of trouble. •

Wherein, i. The Subjed. 2. The Predicate are cpn/iderable.

The Subject hath in it much fowreneiTe, for it fug-gefteth unto us, Gods owne people in a fad, in a fuffe* ring condition, Opprejfedand w trouble.

The Predicate comprizeth more fweetneffe, for k propoundeth Almighty God asthehappieft harbour for his poore people to put into in ftormy weather, or rather (that I may hold to the Metaphor in my Text) It dire$eth the oppreiTed foulc unto the fafeft refuge toi run into in daies of ruinating dangers. The Lord will be a refuge for the opprefzd, a refuge in times of Trou^ blt^j.

My Text holder h forth two Truths, open and appa-rant unto every eye.

i.Tbat trouble andopprtffion may be the condition of Gods ■ m»e peculiar people.

2. That the Lord will k a refuge unto his of pre fed people in times of trouble.

My purpofe is to profecateboth thefe points at this time, being both profitable and feafonafre, I (hall faf< the lefTe or the former, becaufe onely implycd ^ bufi I will be larger in the latter, becaufe openly exprclTed" and chiefly intended. The firft truth which craves JDy^.i. your attention is this, That o^preffionand trouble may be in this world the port?on of Gods children.

In the handling hereof, I fball, 1. Interpret the words. 2. Confirmc the Dodrine. 3. Eadcavourto put all iato praftife by applicators .

The**

before the Commons Houfeaf Parliament, j

There are *. words to be opened. ,

''Vix&iopprejfed* The originallword here ufed T!-I find tran dated in holy writ.i.Brokendo wn.Thcn haft H.44. \«f. fire broken (or broken us downe) in the place' of Dragons, and covered us with the fhadow ofdeat h,

2. Sore broken. J 4m feeble And (ore broken j I have pc^M r fared by reafon ofthedifquietnefe of my heart.

And the fulncfle of its fignification, may be fetched from the root,whence it is derived, which is variou% rendred in facred Scripture.

i.Tocrufh.

His children are far re from fafety, And they Are cmfh* j oh . edin the gate, neither k there any to deliver them,

2. To crufh under feet,

Te crufh mder his feet all the prifomrs of the Earth. ttm 4 34

3. To fmitedowne unto the ground.

The enemy hath perfected my foule, hehath fmitttn-^ny^ my life downe to the ground,

4. Tobreakeintopeeces. •

They breake in peeces thy people 0 lord, *M-*»

Alkhefeareapplyable, tocxpreiTethe fad condition of Gods Servants in regard of oppreflion \ they may bee crufhed by intolltrable loades laid upon them, they may bethrowne into the duft by the hand of violence, they may be fore broken* broken into |>eeces in regard of all their outward comforts, by the prevailing power of cruell enemies.

The 2 d . word to be interpreted is Trouble "^which 1 Ifinde rraoflated,

1. Affr&ion.

In *U their affliction, he was affiled. IM*"?.

s. Advesfity. . As the Lord'Itveth who hath redeemed myfoule from all'" x $ mi9 tdvetftty. B3 3, Tri- '

A Sermon preached at the late Fafi

3. Tribulation.

1*1.10,14. Qoeandcry untothegods whomyou have cbojwjet them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.

4. DiftreiTe.

Pf.i 8.6. j^ m y diftreffe I called upon the Lord.

5. Anguifli. . . .„ Gen, 41 . T^ 4^ w/) £**% concerting ombrother> w thai XI » tve faw the angui fool'his (ode ,&c

£♦ Thepangsofawomanintravell. Efa 4 2i.j, 3for# are my toy nes filled with paine. pangs have to-ken hold upon me, as the fangs of a woman that travelled. ,

And it is derived of a root which figmfieth to be-(lege, and is fo rendred in holy writ. ler 3* k The King o/Babyions <-/*r»jr %%** lerufalem.

All thefe words, tell us, what {ore troubles may overtake and take hold on the people of God, Many and heavy may be the the afrMions of the godly. They may be purfueel, overtaken, trampled upon, gnevouflypained,filledwithjnwardanguim, and besieged on every fide with tribulation and diftrefle. , empm- xhe proofe of the point followes, 1. By Scripture, *** a.ByReafon.

By Scripture. .

Firft more generally. Take notice of the complaint of Gods Church. Wherefore hideft thou thy face Pf ' 44,84, andforgetteli our affliction and our opprepen. For our (ode is bowed downe to tbeduft, our belly cleaveth unto 2,. the earth. And the Pfalmift reporteth thus much. Pf.107.39 Thy ar e Aiminifhedand brought low through opprejfion,af flitfionandforrm. «■

Secondly and more particularly. The fcrvaats ot God may be troubled and opprefled.

before the Commons Houfeof Parliament. 7

1. In their credit by falfc and injurious accufations, Davids adverfaries charged him with murtherous and traiterous defignes, 'Seeaufi of the voyce of the enemy, Pti$ h hecaufe of the opprcjfion of the wicked fir they caft inl- ^-H* 1 ** qmty upon me. Fal/e witmjjes (or mtnejfes of wrong) did rife up^ they layedto my charge, things that I knew not.

2. In their outward eftates and perfons, as by heavy impofitions and fore exactions, fo by the oppre£ fing fwordj and bloody warre.

The Prophet ^mos cryed out in his times, of them Am.4.1.-who oppreffe the poore, and cruft) the needy. Who fold the Gha. a .6,t righteous for filver, and the poor e for a pay re of (hooes. Who lay edthem[elves downenpon cloathes layedto pledge. And the Prophet Jeremiah often fpeakes of the op-prefltng Sword reaching Gods Jfrael. x^irife and 1 ™-* 6 -**' let m goe againe to our owne people, and to the Land of eur Nativity from the oppreffing Sword : For feare 0 f lQr -1°' l$ < the oppreffing Sword they fiall turne every one to his Feople.

g>. In their foules by violent perfections, driving them from the houfejand worfhip of God.David he figheth forth this fad complaint when by the malice of blood-thirfting Saul, he was driven into the wildernelTe when faine hee would have convers'd with God in his holy place. Why goe I mourning pc 'l 2 ' 9c (faith he) hecaufe of the op^reffion of the enemy.

The fore-going verfes tell us that at this time Da* *vid was banifhed from the publick Ordinances of God formerly enjoyed. And in the following Pfalrne he makeththe like complaint upon the felfc fame ground. Why goe I mourning hecaufe of the eppreffioit of the pf.43.tjj,

enemy o fend oxt^tby light a>d thy truth , let them bring met wto thy holy HtU , and to thy Tabertta-des*

Ourowrse times have given in too many inftanccs of gnevous opprdftons of all thei'c kindes, which have pinched the people of God, aiidtherforclfhal! cot need by way. of proofe to fay any more.

The Grounds whence it is that the cordldon of Gods deareftfervancs may be thus calamitous are two, 9&fA* From God fliarply corre&ing them for their evils. Pi,io«MG T jj en f ore W44 t h e mat fj 0 f t hc Lord kindled dgainft hk % 41. people, i^Andhe gave them tnto the hand of the Hea-**" then 1 And thy that hated them ruled over them. Their tnemifs alfo oppyeffed them, and they were brought into fubjetlion under their hand.

That patfage in the Prophecy of Mfaiah $ I may not p ffe over in ftlence, becaufe it is fo pregnant to the .Sfa.4t.a1. point in hand. This is a People robbed anei fioyled, they are all of them fnared in holes , And they Are Hi " in prifon houfts, they Are for a preyj and none deltve-^er.z4. refh, for a freyle And none faith ReHore. Who gave Jacob for a fpoyle> And If^ael to the Robbers , did not the Lord again ft whom wehavefianed ? for they mnld not tvalke in his WAyes, neither were they obedient to his *f» Law : 1 here fire he pouredupon him the fury of hu anger 'and the ftrength of battle^ And it hath fit him on fire round about. Meaf.t. %• From malevolent mifchievous men maligning them for their goodneiTe. For thy, fake are jve killed £ K44.**. 4 '# the day long % and we are accounted as fheepe for the flaughttr. Why mud Shadrach, CMefha'ck and o/-bednego be call into the firry fornace? becaufe they would not idolattoufly bow to the Image that was

fee

" " »■ . M*„.ll il --

before the Commons Houfe of Parliament,

fet up. Why muft Darnel be rhro wnc into the L yons Den < becau/e hec would not draw backe from doing homage and devotion in wayes of holy prayer unto his God.

The Application of the Point followeth, and it may fundry wayes be feafonably fetviccable to our foulcs.

Hence we may gucfTeat the hainoufndTe of ilnne, V fii. for which we come to be humbled this day at the foot of the Lord.

Should we fee a wife, patient and a loving father caft his child to the ground, bruifchisflefhand break his bones by blowcs, we would be confident the offence was foule 5 fuch a Father isGcd unto his People, and yet thus be fometlmcs deales with them, as the Scriptures already cited doe evidently and abun- ' dantly witnclTe. Herein confidcr the carriage of divine Providence towards lob, though he was the Ph&mx of the wot Id for Piety, none like him upon Earth, a man perfect and upright, who feared God and efchewed cvillj yet was he opprefied in his cftatc, broken in hisPoftcrity, blemiuVd in his credit, bruis'd in his body, and wounded in his fpirit. And yet marke in this his deplorableconditioo what was fpoken for his humbling. Know this that God exstfeth of thee UJfe then thine iniquity defervetk lofru.^

This meditation may be of Angular and feafonable ufe to helpe forward penitcntiall hcart-ake for our (ins this day. Had we fpoken, or done fotnewhat inconsiderately for which the high Court of Parliament might juftly by imprifonment confine our Pcrfons,by fines ruinate our fortunes,by fettins us upon the Pillory expofc us to reproach and derifion, or by painfull C rac-

Mcfcing, torment our bodies, how would blufliing cover our faces and our knee bones knocke one againft another: How my- Beloved our (innes, perfonal! fins, Family finnes . City fmnes, Country rlnnes, King-dome (innes, Pride, Palfio^ProdigalityVHypocrify, Oaths, Blafphemy, polluting Gods Ordinances, Sacrilegious lavifbing cut holy time, doe expofe us to much more mifcry rhen lean mention, unto more heavy opprefiions then my language ean reach unto : an<l mill we not be deeply humbled before divine Majefty from whom fuch fad things have many thousand waies, and more then many thoufand times beene de. ferved.

Vfe 2 " *. This Doclrine fomewhat difcovereth the excee-diag^exceeding fad condition of the wieked,fbr doubt-JerTe their cafeis much more uncomfortable fhen the worft" eftate that Gods owne People can pofTibly be eaftlnto: Holy Scripture doth hold forth this infe-

Fj.ov.ii. fence, Sehdd the- right mis Jhalt be wompenced m the

M» garth, how much more the weked and the Sinner?

The Apoftle Peter fpealeing of the fiery tryall, per i which the fairhfutl in thofe times were put upon, he

i^e.4. 7 ar gyg |n j n t ^i s manneri The time is come that judge-went mufk hgin at the houfe of God, mdif it fir-ft begin as m. x what fljall h tfa end of them who ebsy not theGofbellofG&d, And, is there not abundant teafon to make good this c^nclufion.

1. If God a friend, a Fat-her a^id thus feve^ely, whatwiilhedoe ? when.asanenemy he commesh ar-

K.i x.fc M$ w *^ fa*y- ^f™ *k*'™$ed ke> fnall raine fkam, pe andbrimpne, and a horrible (or burning) tempeft, "this Jhall be the portion of their cap.

2. If the Lord havbg his jufttee fatisSed doth <3eaJe

thus

thus roughly with his ownc People endeavouring their good, what will he doe (thinke you) when as an angry Judge he commeth in extreme rigour, fo take vengeance, and to make men miferable. If I whet my glittering Sword, and my hand take held On judgement, Deur.jt. I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and mil reward ve ' 4 ,4 * them that bate mee , / will make mine orrowes drunke with blood,and ?ny Swordfhall devour-e flejhjnd that with the blood of the (laim and of the Captives, from the he-ginning of revenges upon the enemy* You whofe confidences tell you, you have fleighted Gods government, obfeured his excellencies -, difhonoured his name, I befeech you be perfwaded from this which hath beene fpoken to repent, and to amend this day. Remernfeer that God is angry with the wicked every day, ifhe turne not he will whet his Sword , he bath bent his Bow and made it ready, he hath prepared fir him infrummts of death, he ordainetS bis t^drrowes a- t g t l Sm s gainfi the Perfeculours.

I conclude this Ufe with the Caveat given by the Pfalmift, Now confider this yee that forget GOD^ left I tear-e you in peeces, and there bee none to de* pf.jo.22. liver.

, This meditation may be of fpeciall ufe to (lanch murmuring, and to ftrengthen Patience under our ^fii* prefent PreiTures. The auchour of the Epiftle to *Jie Hebrewes maketh this improvement of this Doctrine. Wherfore feeing we alfo zxtcompaffed about with fo great a cloud of Witnefjes, let us rnnne with patience unto the race that is (ct before us. The witnetfes to whomhee c '" ,I " hath reference were with their fore fufferings pointed at in the preceding Chapter.

And the argument will.com c- home, with itrength C; upon

upon our hearts, if wc fake notice of a double difli >u~ litudeor difference between our felves, and thofefutfe. rers in the Primitive times. i. Our PrefTures are lighter. 2, Their Graces were higher. Firft, Their grievances were heavier then any that we through Gods long-futferance as yet lye under : Heb.ti. F&r *fy "^ t*1 &tt of cruell mockings and fcourgings, yt**i*»l? yea moreover cf bonds and imprifonment» they were fto-md y they were fame a/under, flaine with the Sword, they wandred about in Sheeps-skins, Goate-skins, being deftiMe, affli fted, tormented. Secondly, Their worth was greater, then our mo-rer.js. deftywillfufferusto fay we have yet attained : Of whom ( faith the Apoftle) the world was not worthy. Thofe who were beyond the worlds worth, yet were thus inhumanely* thus barbaroufly dealt with. Let this be thought upon withali ferioufneffe; for though Chriftian Patience be alwayes needfull and commendable, yet moft beautifull and feafonable when humiliation is profeffed and exprefTed before the Lord, as we doe this day. The humbled hearts will accept the pu-Lev.16.41 wjhment ef their iniquity.

Vfeq. The thought of the many diftrefling troubles which Gods people are cxpofed unto in this world, may fcrveto abate in our hearts the immoderate defire of; long life on Earth.

Miftake me not, for I know that long life is a de-firable Blcflhg.

Yet ftiDuld we all labour to fit loofe, both in regard of the meanes of bodily livelihood, and life it felfe. And doubtleffeour God endeavours to weane us

from

from the world, by applying wormewood (ask were) to the full Breafts of our fweeteft fublunary contentments.

The Apartle Paul, by his prifon and bonds was brought to this bent, to be willing, at a little warning, to come, away from all enjoyments under khe Sunne.

1 defireto be dijfolved. phii -

Here I thinke it needfull to give in a double Can- ? ,,,1J " tion, that we may cfcape a double Rocke, upon which many dafh and bruife themfelves in defiring death, i. Doe not defire to dye in psflion and difconfenr. Herein the Prophet lonah mifTed it very much, when he conjectured that his credit might be foroewhat ec-clipfed, and himfelfe reputed a falie Prophet, becaufe Nineveh was not deftroyed. And when the heat of the Sunne annoyed his Body, He rvijhedin himfepfe todte, i*n.**« and fatd, it is better for me to die then to live,

2. Be not weary of life, through difcoutagement of fpirit, becaufe of difficulties and dangers encoun-tring you in doing duty. In this kind Elijah was too blame. When Iezehell refolved to take away his life, he , Kint fate downe under 4 lumper tree, and requeued for him- 1,4. jdfe (or for his life ) that hee might die, &c.

(Right honourable) The Lord I believe hath given you more mafculinc, more Heroick fpirits, then to offend in thefc kinds : Therefore inftead of enlarging the Cautions, I will give in two Directions, to guide your practice of the ufe under hand, in both which, you have the blelfcd Apoftle Pari for a glorious pattern*,

C 3 1. Let

14 A Sermon preached at the late Fafl

Phil.]

i. Let nothing fo much as love to Jefus Chrift carry your hearts out of the world.

/ have a defire to depart and to be with ckrift which is farre better.

And there is good reafon for it, in reference to the Point now profecuting, becaufe perfect liberty from the worft opprciTours s and heavielt opprefiionsis one-ly to be enjoyed in the bofome of our bleiTed Saviour.

2. When your longings after reft with Chrift are boyled upvare rayfed to the greateft height, even then in love to Chrift, be content for a time to be without him in Heaven, that you m3y ftillbe ierviceable to him in his caufe a and the comforts of his people here phil on Earth.

aj a j6.' ' N evert helefe to abide in the flejb is more medfullfor you. Kyind having this confidence^ I know that IJhaM abide and continue with you- all, for your furtherance and joy of Faith, That your rej eyeing may be more a-hundant in Iefus Chrift for me, by my comming to you againe.

Now here (Right Honourable) give me leave to fpeake one word to you, and beare with it> though you account ic a digreflion. If the good ApoftJe could contentedly keepe from Heaven for a time, yea from Chrift the Heaven of Heaven, that he mighc doe his fervants fome more fervice in the world. Then be you willing to be with-held from many accommodations in your owne countries, yea in a fore tobeeftranged from Wives, Children, Neighbours, delightfull enjoyments, that you may ferve both Church and Common-wealth in England, that you isiay honour Iefus Chrift in the happy wprke of Re-

forma-

formation now in your hands, and in rhe hearts of ail Gods people tbroughthe Kingdome.

Itadmonifhcthusalltotakeupcur thorghrs feme- v ^ e *• times with ran troubles and heavy opprtflions.

Abundant cauie we have thus to rice, and we fliall confefife thus much; if we consider, 1.How Heaven (the God o* Heaven J meare) is in-cenfed againft us, by our continued and. multiplied a-bominations ; we ftill heare profane, blotidy Oaths, Curfes, Blafphemies ringing in our eares j wee ftill fee bruitim drunkennelFe reeling and fpewtng in our ftreets 5 The Lords-day is commonly profaned before our eyes 5 yea though this City be femcus for Religion, yet the ftreetsarefilled with vain walkings and the fields with profane fportings, even during the time of publick worffoip, K^ind pdl Itm wfit far ier.9.9, thefe things, faith the Lerd ? z .Row hell and earth are- combined againft us,becaufe, we endeavour Reformation, Tbe Devil} r^ares, be-caufe his Kingdom is battered. Papifts and Atheifts rage,beca-ufe Popery and profaneneife is oppofed.

And certainly if thae Prince o£ the ayre, who al-fo worketh inthe hearts of tbe children o£ difobedi-mce can worksany mifeMe&,raife any- ®orme$.,caufe any-eonfuftons, we (hall now be lure to be opprefFcd ^J'**™ ■with them.

j. Kow Ireland is oppre-iTed and walled, becaufe ii profeffeth the- Proteftant Religion. Religion, Religion h the root ol the qyarrel), of the wanes rai-fed there. And doubukflfe th<& Papifts, thok Lyons-, tbofe Bcafts of prey are of'the faime fpmt, as \ greedy- after Proteftantblond in England, as in JMN AW. Vhey ate birds of 3 feather, though they rooft in divers nefts. But

But you will aske me > whac is your meaning? wtier-fore would you have us mind tribulation &opprcflion. lanfwer, This I humbly requeft for a double rea-fon, i. That fuch a condition may be prevented* 2, that we may be prepared for What in that kinde mud be endured.

Fir ft, That wernaybemovedtofeekethe prevention of fuch troubles and opprcflfionsas are ready(for ought we kaowj to prelTe 3 to rufh in upon us fuddenly. i. By an humble fubmimon unto the good plea-fure of our God, in an open ingenious acknow-ledgement of our provocations.

Malefa&ors who refufc ftubbornely to take a

fairc legall tryall, according to the Lawcs of our

Kingdome, muft be prefFed to death. This courfe

God held with David^ he did fet him, as it were,

upon the rackc, where he roared till he refolvcdto

PC j a. ji confefie. When 1 kepfilencejny bones w axed old through

my roaring all the day long* The Lord make us wife

for our ownc eafe and comfort in this regard. Lee

us particularly without partiality acknowledge our

offences againft our God, and fubmit our felves.

And the children oflfrael (aid unto the Lord, We have

iwig. io. finned, dot then unto tu whatfoever feemtth good unto thee t

**• 2. By a fpeedy Reformation. Acknowledgement

without amendment will be no prevention of wratb,

but rather a further provocation. Wheras repentance

may make way for our efcape, when judgement is

at the doore : Kjind they fut away the ftrangt gods

in.i©.*$ 4 from among them, and Gods pule was grieved for

Ioilj.io. ffc mfery of ifraeL They turned[from theirevifi way ;

and God repented of the evill that he had fat d he would

doe. Whereas if this be not done, the Lord will

lay

before the Commons Eoufe of Parliamenti \j

lay on more weight, he will puni/h feven times more, and feven times more, and feven times more, and feven times more, andfe^en times more. The parages in Leviticus fpeake fully Gods purpofe in this parti- Lc V i t \b cularagainft the impenitent Y iMwi

I befcech you, I befeech you (Right Honourable * 8 ' and Beloved ) let nor thismy counfell be difregarded on this great day of our Humiliation before the Lord.

£• Secondly, That we may make provision, for the better bearing of the heavicft ioades which man can or God will caft upon us.

- We daily fee in this City that Porters prepare them-felves instruments, that they may carry their Ioades more eaftly yea Carryers provide for their horf-backs Saddles and fuch like things,that thofe Creatures may beare their burdens without bruiting, and mail we be careleflTe?

Bat how (ball this be done * i . By endeavouring to make and maintain all found and whole within.

The fincerc heart will well ftand under great pref-furesbecaufe found Being prdTed above meafure, ..Cor.,. fc the Apoftles did joyfutly beare the load by meanes of X1 -ftneenty. Whereas ifa bone be broken, or if the flm betorne, yeaiftheskinberub'd up, and the place a-bideraw the laying on ofthc lighted load will caufe pameandfhrinking.

In like manner will it be with our foules. As lob while he maintained his gracious frame of heart, he wascalme, though impoverimed by the hand of op-weffion, though made childleffe by an heavy acci-dent:buc when by fretting he had galled his heart,how

D doth

doth he lye do wne, ddireto dye and flyoutfhame-fully under the load.

2. By feeking intereft in God through Chrift. Gome

Mat 11.28 *»w me (faith our Saviour) allyee that are heavy laden . Whatfocver our loades are, whether inward, outward, heavier,or lighter, we muft maketo Chrift for ability to beare them, for he adds and abates weight at pleafure : Hee alfo augments and with-drawes

lob.15. j, ftrength according to his pleafure. Without me ( faith Chrift) you can doe nothing, neither without him can we endure any thing. And he onely can fupport the finking foule under the moft fmarting troubles and heavy oppreffions. Under his wing we (hall be fure either of prefervation or fupportation. I will conclude this Ufe and this firft Doctrine, with the counfell of z * 8 ' * the Pfalmitf. Trnft in him at all times, ye people, and pure out your hearts before him, God k a Refuge form* Selah.

Now this lets in the fecond part of the Text to be profecuted, which I called the Predicate in the Proportion, wherein God is by a Metaphor both made knowne and made over to his owne people, as their defence and deliverer.

&i& T#* Lord will be a refuge in times of trouble.

In the handling whereof. 1. The words ufed are to be interpreted. 2. The Truhes infolded in them are to be confidered.

The Hebrew word here rendered Lord is Jehovah^ aglorious title of our God, the only true God, ufed in holy Writ. 1. Both to advance his Name. 2. And alfo to fupport and folacehis people.

JK6&4, Extdl him that rideth uyon the Heavens by his Name-]ahzwdrejoyce before him.

The

The Original! word tranflated, Refuge, is derived 3$P° ©fa root, which (as it is rendred iri our translations) doth fignifie.

i. Tofetonhigh. 2p m

J will fet him on high, becaufehehathknownemy name, Pf.^1.14,

3. To exalt.

Behold God exdltetbby his power. Iob ****

3. Toexalttofafety.

To fet »p Oh high thofe that be low, that thofe which lob m*. mourne may be exalted to fafety.

4. To defend.

The name of the God 0/Iacob defend thee, pf.20.1 s.

And I finde the word in the Text divers wayestranfla-ted in the old Teftament.

1. A ftrong Tower.

The name of the Lord is a firong Tower. p«m8.s»

2. A ftrong refuge.

Thou art my firong refuge. Pf.71. 7,

3. An high wall.

The rich mans wealth is his firong City , and is an high pro l8 ' lt wall in his owne conceit.

4. An high Tower.

The Lord is my rocke, &c. my buckler, the heme of my Salvation, and my Ugh Tower. l8,v !

J. HighFortrefle.

K^indthe Fortnjfeofthe high Fort of thy walls frail he Efc.ij.ifc hringdowne, &c.

6. Defence.

The Lord ismy Defence, &c. ft****-

Times. The word fignifies the tempeftivity, the rftffjfa fcafbn of time. The Septuagint renders it rights &/#«-P«*<. In good feafons. And thus we fometimes iinde it expiefled infacred records.

D2 The

Era,jo l4 . ^ke Lord God hath given me the tongue of the lear-ned^ that1j)wld know how tojpeake a word in feajon, to htm that is weary.

This Explication of the words being pfemi fed, this Predication, this part of the Propofiuon in the Text, holdeth forrh 3. ufefuli rruthes.

1. That the true God is Jehovah.

2 . That God iehovah is an incomparable Refuge to his oppreffed people.

3. That the Lord Iehovah will be an incomparable Refuge to his oppreiTed people in the -fitted lea-Ions,

The limits of time fet for the bounding of my Dif-courfe will not allow me to fpeake unto thefe observations feverally, and therefore I will only fallen upon the 2 d . being the principall: in the profecution wher-of I (hall take in fome things confiderable in the two other, as the Lord (hall direct DoB. q-fj at gW Iehovah is an incomparable Refuge to his of-prejfed People.

There are 2. Branches in the Doctrine. i. That God is a Refuge. 2. That he is a Refuge incomparable. In the handling hereof, 1. I will prove both the branches diftin&ly, 2. I will apply them joyntly. Refuzium The Lord will be a Refuge. The Greeke, the La-Kctl^vyn tine and the Englifh word, all hold forth the fame thing. A place to fly backeunto.

The Metaphor feemes to be taken from the Camp, from warre, where it is the manner of Souldiers being beaten backe by an over-powring enemy, to retire unto fome place of fecurity and defence.

Nowfuch a thing is God Iehovah unto his poore

peoplc 3

people, overpowred and opprefTed by the fkength and violence oftheir enemies. He is a Caftle 3 a For-trcfle unto whom they may, unto whom they mud retire, repairc for defence and fafery.

For the general] proof of this fii ft Branch, youmay pleafetoobierve,

r. That God himfelfe promifeth to be the refugeof his opprefTed people.

For the oppreffon ofthepoore, for the fighing of the pf.n. f . needy ; new will I anfe, faith the Lord^ I will fet him iff jafety from him, that puffeth at him (or would en-fnarehiru.)

2. That his opprefTed fervants claime and challenge thus much from his Majefty. - o Lord my strength andmyfortreffe, and my refuge in . 6 the day of affliction.

Thwart my ht ding place, thou fhalt preferve me from pCja.*. trouble, thou fhalt compafe me about with Songs of Deliverance. Selah.

More particularly, it may be of good ufe for us to confiderthat the holy Scriptures doe give more full witnelle unto this truth, difcovering unto us. That God is a refuge unto his Servants in regard of all kinds of annoyances which moleft, all dangers which threaten them.

1. When clamours and out-cries are made after them. When they are wondred ar, as Owles by the chirpings and chidings of other birds.

1 am a wonder unto many^ but thou art my frrong pf. 7I#7 , Refuge.

2. When infectious billing difeafes are fcattered round about them / will fay of the Lord^ he is my Refuge Pf-9».*»s And my Formffe, hefhall deliver thee from the noyfome pt-frtlence&c. V 3 3. When

22 A Sermon preached at the late Fafl

3. When bloudy perfecutors arc flirted up againft them. pr.! 4 *tit when David by the violent purfuit of Saul was &M,r '* compelled to take Covert in a Cave, (hce faith) / looked on my right hand and beheld, but there teas m mm that would know me, refuge failed me, no man eared for my foule, I cryedto thee 0 Lord, I faid, thou art my refuge.

Perfections are fometimes compared to the fcort-ching heat of the Sunne ( CMatth. 13. 6,) and in that cafe God is a Refuge to fhadow them.

And fometimes Pcifecutions are compared unto tempefts or ftormes (^4^.7.25,27.) in that cafe the Lord is a refuge to fhelter them. Ef Thou haft heene a ftrength to the pore, 4 firength to

a,t5 '* the needy in hts diftrejfe, a refuge from the forme, a fhadow from the heate, when the blaft of the terrible ones is as a forme againft the wall.

The 2 d . Branch of the Doclrine remains to be illu-ftrated, That Cod is a Refuge incomparable. iWc may well call this Refuge, Non-fuch. For certainly there is not any other like unto it. He is a refuge and a refuge. A refuge k*t%qw for excellency, as the fullnefle of the Originall word (explancdj doth intimate.

And this may appeare in 7. particulars 5 three wher-of are hinted in the word Iehovak sr.fj.is. z Heisthehigheft,the All-commanding refuge. Iehovah is mo ft high ever all the Earth. In laying open the Originall word here rendred Refuge, you heard that it fignifics, i^in high wall, an high Tower, an high Fortreffi.

All high Towres are over-topped, and all Caftles ure commanded by this Refuge: ThegreateftMoun-

taines

taints are as Valleyes, as Mole-hils under the Lord Iehovah. No long Ladders can fcale this high wail.No Arrowes of the ftrongeft Archer 5 no Cannons of the mightieft Waniourcan reach ibis high Towre. Vn-Jcr tbe jhadew efthy wings (faith David) will I make 5 ,' 57,1 '* my refuge, untill thefe calamities be ever-paft. And he addeth, / will cry unto Cod meft high. Be thou exalted 0 God above tbe heavens.

And the Prophet in his defcription of the Lord, Ef M0 . 14 , hath thefe cxpreflions. 7he Inhabitants of tbe Earth *j>m. are 4* Graflwppers. He bringeth the Princes to nothing, he maketh the Judges efthe Earth as vanity. He fhall ttlfe blow upon them and they flail wither, and thz^f wbirlewinde jball take them away as ftuhblc^,

2. He isan independent Refuge. The glorious title Iah, tels us, that our God is the God of beings, having his being of and from himfelfe. What would youthinke (Beloved j of a Caftlc which could not be prejudiced, though all foyle mould be digged up under it, fhoughno warers mould be fbffered to flow untoir, though the paflTages for all provisions mould be block'd up from it, though no Sun, no mowers, no influences of Heaven mould fall upon if.

Now fuch a refuge is our God Jehovah, for he can neither be damnified nor advantaged by any creature, any courfe, any combination whatfoever. If thou finneft, what dofi thou again ft him ? or if thy tranf ^ b **'*» greffions be multiplied) what dofi thou unto him ? if thou beeft righteous, what givefl thou htm $ or what receiveth he of thine hand,

3. He is a never-falling, a never-failing refuge. In E ^ tUt . the Lord Iehovah is everlaHing ftrength, or as the Originall imports, In tbe Lord Jehovah is tbe rocke of

ages*

24 d Strmmpreacbedattbe late Faft

ages. No batteries can beac dovvne or weaken this FortrcfTe. The longeil trad of time cannot demoliiri or ruinate this place of defence. Here the words of CMofes the man of God are considerable. Lordthoit

K.-90.I. fj a ft beene our dwelling place in all generations (or as the Hebrew exprefieth it) in generation and generation. What our God hath beene at any time to his dittrefled, endangered people, that he is and will be without alteration : For he is a ftrong, ftable, ever-flanding, unmoveable, immutable refuge to fecure and fafeguard them, who are his by peculiar Covenant.

4 ? He is the moft capacious refuge. Gods immensity is roomy enough to receive all commers.

hbu. 7 . canft thou byfearching finde out God, Canft thou jinde out the ^Almighty unto ferfeBion, It is as high as Heaven^ what canft thou dee t deeper then Hell what €anft thou, know. The meafire thereof'is longer-thenthe Earth, and broader then the Sea. Whereas Caftles on Earth may be fo crowded with companies, that the laft commers are compelled to lye out ofdoores, as Beeshang out of the Hives mouth on heapes, through want of roome within. Although many millions more then ever will make unto the Almighty, fhould creepe into his bofome> yet no one could have occasion to complaine of being ftraightned in him. The Earth is not fo vaft to entertaine more Inhabirants, as our God, who is infinite and beyond all dimenfions, to give fhdter unto all thofe who flocke unto him in dayes of danger. Doe not I Jill Heaven and Earth,

lew »4- faith the Lord.

5. The pafTage to this Refuge is moil fafe and paf-fable. Although our fins had blocked up our way

to

—' ' W '

beforethe Commons HoufeofParliamenP* 2 J

to God, and had made fuch a reparation betwixt his Majcfty and our poorefoules, that our approaches to him might have beene perilous to all eternity : Yet now we have boldneffe ( or liberty) to enter into the Heb.*o s Boliefl by the blood of lefts* t by anew and Itvtngway^ «?»»°-which he hath confecrated for us, through the vaile, E? '* u * that is Co fay fitsflefh. In whom we have boldnes and ac~ cejfe with confidence 3 by the faith of him.

The Lord our Saviour hath caft up fuch a cauf way ■ .(as it were ) to Heaven, that we may well travell thither from ail Coaftsand corners of the Earth: we may fafely faile through Chrifts bloudinto thebofomeof the Father. There are no boggs,no fands to finke us, no Armies to cut us orTin our approaches unto God for fafety in ftormy, troublefome times.

6. God is a refuge, ever and every where at hand. P f, 4 ^, (

God is cm refuge andfirength, a very pre fern helfe in trouble. W hich is not only to be ur.cierftood concerning the prefence of his Efifence, but of his fpeciall providence for their protection,

MyTcxttels us that he is a refuge for the oppreffed in the feafons of trouble : God is not onely once, but alwaies feafonably prefent with his opprciled people, for markethe words, In the times, not at one time only, or only many times, but in the times, in all* times, all feafons of need. Thisconiideration the ChiiTch i«l 4*» of Godtook comfort ir.<9 the hope 0/lfrael, the Saviour thereof in the time of trouble fix in thefeafon of dtfttejfe,

Whitherfoever God by his Providence carneth his people, there he vvill undoubtedly be a refuge to '„

them,both for prore<5Honand prqvifion. Thusfaith '.** " the Lord, although 1 have ca(t them fane off among the Heathen, and although I have fcattered them among the E Coun-

A Sermon Weachedat the late Fafl

Countries > yet wll I be to thm a little Sanffuary in

the Countries where they fhaUcome,

And the ApoftlePrfWreporting Gods difpenfatnns

i Cor.!© towards old ifrael, Ppeaketh in this manhet. fhsy

4« dr-anke 9f thai Jpirituafl rocke that followed them for

w-ik with hem) and that Rocke wm ChriSt.

Some sloiling upon thefe words, fay, that the waters which flowed from the Rocke did in a ftreame ■ follow the Jfraelttes In their journy for their refrefliing. B * this I take to be the true meaning of the Scripture. That in all their removals, according to their various neccflitie?, the Lord was dill at hand for their fupply and fafety. Gen.17,1. 7-He is the beft furnifhed refuge. The Lord is ML jhadlai, God ^Allfoffcient, perfectly able to fatisfie all foules with all contentments to all eternity.

That which fully anfwereth unto all accommodations and comforts whatfoever, is to be found in God our Refuge. Here the Promife to the upright man, recorded by the Evangelicall Prophet is very confide^ fife j?.i6 r8 bk. tie jhatt dwell on high (or in the heights) bis flace of Defence fhaS be the Munitions of Roches, bread JhaM be given him, his waters [hall be fore. Are not the words both fit and full to exprefle and prove the particular under hand.

In this harbour the heart hath the goodlieft pro-fpe&s, the fulled: provisions, the fafeft protections* Here the fouleftedcth upon t he fweeteft Cordials, ta-keththequieteft, moft refreshing reft, 6 the Bowers, the Walkes, the Gardens, the beds of Spices, the All-delights, which the fpint enjoyes in the bofome of the Almighty. i* *,« Will you heare X><fwW/ judgemeat, Whom have tin * n * Heaven

Hed'ven but thee, and there ts none ttpw Earthy thai I dfire be fide thee^ God is the frength of my heart and my portion for ever.

in the bcltfouated Caftles in the world, there is fomedefeft in fomethkig need full or definable : ei-therthe ay re, or the water, or the foylcor the ne gfr bourhood doth annoy 5 either food, or fewell, or friends, orfomewhatelie is fcarce or wanting. BuC in God there is no darkneffe,no difcomfort,nodifcafe, no deaths no deft & at all

By thefc7.particulars (whichI have briefly pointed at, and which your owne meditations may profitably enlarge) I hope you be well farisfi d and (etlcd in the truth underhand, That Ichovah** a& incomparable Refuse unto hk opprefed People.

The Application of this Dodrin,now cats for your attention. In the making whereof 1 (hall faithfully endeavour to befetviceable unto your foulcs by afour-ri^Admowtion,

foldUfe,of<^ /4f /^

^Exhortation,

1. admonition. It warncth all men to take heed of tf/S- ti X ppprt fling. Wife King ^/wfrwfuggcftcth the natu. ?*^*? rallncfle of this inference. Rob not thepoore bec&ffibe is poore, neither oppre/p the af{lifted in the gate. I For the Lord wtllpleade their caufe, and fpoy'e the fettle ofthofe that fpoyledthtm*

And the ieaionableneffe of this Caveat will becon-fefTcd, iffhe duty of this day, and the quality of my Aoditours beconficJered.

We are arTt-mbled to keepe a religtdfW Ftt. A^d, Is not this the Fafi that lhavtchofen (faitfi the Lord) Ef«.$8.s.

B % to

%% A Sermon preached at the late Fafl

to loofe the bands ofwlckednefk, to und&e the heavy burdens, and to let the oppreffedgeefiee, and that yee break* every yoake.

The perfonsto-whom I am preaching are men of high place, great power and much authority in the fe» verali parts of this Kingdom?,, whofe temptation it is tobeoppreflburs.

In the enlarging of my dehortation from opprefifton> I humbly crave leave to give in, i. Some aggravations of the finne. 2. Some diflwafions from it. I mall briefly aggravate the fin of opprefiion under 5. heads. . Firft, from the perfons opprefling. 1. When they

H>1 * an theft who herein offend again ft the light. Although ihey know divine prohibitions and menaces againft this evill, yet they ad it. You remember the words of the Apoftle here applyable. Knowing the judge-3i.&i!i. WW of Cod {that they who doe fuch things are worthy of death) yet doe them. 7 here fore art thou inexcufahh 0 wan whofoever thou art.

2. When fuch opprelTe their inferiours, who doe much complaine of opprcffion from others. There areCountry Gentlemen,who cry out of heavy oppref-fions in Weftminfter-hall, and yet they themfelves doe grinde the faces of their Tenants by racking rents and fines at home. Unto thefe I will only report the

Rom.*. 1. judgement oft he Apoftle Paul, Therefore art not thou inexcufaBle 0 man, for wherein thou judge'jl another jhou confcmneft thy felfe, for thou that judgefi, doe'ft the fame things. f

3. Whenmendelignedtodoe Iuftice by venue of their callings, yet deale inj Jrioufly. The Pfalmift aggravates the injufticeof ludges by this circum fiance.

$$%h$. Mow-long: will ye (ye who fit to judge others) judge

unjufily. They know not neither will they tinderfiand^ they walke in darknejfe, all the foundations of the earth are out of courfe. And that palTige of the Prophet /- Bfa -*'7« .faiahy is remarkable, The Lord looked for lodgement, n£^p fat behold opprepon >fcr Rigkeoufnejfe, hut behold a cry. The Hebrew word tranllated oppreffion, flgnifies a Seabb or a wounds and Vifcator gives this note upon the place, Indices inftar Scabiei molefttfunt epprefis. When the opprelTed peaple petitioned the Judges for reliefe, they caufed their condition to become more painefuli and grievous.

Secondly, from the perfons oppreffed. i. If poore, the Item of Salomon is obfeivable, Enter not into the Pr#tJ 10 felds of the fatherle/fe,for their Redeemer is firong^ he n. mil plead their caufe with thee. In Nathans Parable * Sam,IX ' that oppreffion is judged very grievous, when he who had an herd and a flocke of hisowne, yet tooke from Ihe poore man hisone^nlyjllngleEw.lambe. It is an heavy oppreffion, when poore men are neceffitated to fell their working tooles and to pawne their beds and wearing apparrell.

%. If godly. They e ate up my people (faith the Lord) Pi ' 14 '* m men eate up bread. Uuro the palates of fome, no morfels are fo fweet as the bloud of the Saints. And God will give them bloud to drinke for they are worthy.

\ 5. If the wrong reach many, They opprejfe a man and Mici.i. his houfe, even a man and his heritage, faith the Prophet. Our Patentees,Monopolifts & other men of that make, may juftly be caft under this loading aggravation.

Thirdly, From the qualify of the things wher-tn people are opprelTed. The Apoftle faith txprefly,, Thd -Thatnomanjhould opprejfe or goe beyond any other in m% 6.

3© A Sermorrpreachedat the late Fafl

things Yet are there aggravations to greaten the Cm of oppremon, from the wotth of the martcrs wherein the wrong is offered. i. It is 3 curfed cou^fe to crofh peopk in their out ward eftates. Curfed is he

Beut.»7. *^ 4/ remdve tb his neighbours Land marke., and all tk e peo.

17* fie fhall fay, ^yimen. %. But to overthrow mens

civil iiberties>androbrins them into (Livery is afarre

A ,2i. a 8 g rea?er £ n j ur y. Men with great fummes of money (or long [zrv\ce)okaine freedome. 3 How heavy then is that oppreflion wnich ex^endeth to the bloud and

Vto\,6^ lives of men. Their (inne h hainoas, who hunt for

I ob 1. f . the precious life of a man Skin fir skin and all that a man hath mil he give for his life. 4.The woift oppref-fionof all other, is that which pinch; :h upon the im* mortall foule. That accufation charged upon Baby*

R*». • 3. \ Wi for making mercbandfe of the foules of men is moft

12,1 *' intolerable. And how farre this fault is chargeable upon fuch who poyfoa or ftarve foules by impo-fing Pcpjfh Innovations* polluting Gods Ordinances, inhibiting Sermon$,&c. I referre it to your judge-ment. Fourthly, from the ends aimed at in eppreffion.

Prov 6 jo ^M* n d° e **oe deflnfe a theefe (faich Salomon) if he fitale to fatisfiehts fiule. But if a man (h 11 opprcfie othc rs, to latbfle his owne lufts, this circumftance maketh an addition of very much guilt. 1. When through co-

Pro.22.16 Vetmi f* nen ^\ a tnir ft ar " tcr money, a mm doth oppreffe t$ increafe riches. 2. When through bu:i(h Senfu-

a.iity, to pUa?e thepahte, and ro fi'l the guts, they op-

Am 4.1. prefjc the poore faying bring and let mdrinke. 3. when men tianfported by the ipirit of revenge, opprtfTe others, purpofely to eafe their ftomackes,and to p<>ure forth thdr gall upon them. As it was wkh#*»w#,ii

feekiD^

before the Commons Honfe ofParlument. j I

feekingto crufhnot only Mordecai, bmall the Nation ofthejewes. Thm mtn make provision for the fleflojo Ro.ij 14. f&hfoit m the lufts thrrtcf^vhlch is a praftife ftwmefuU and abominable.

Fifthly, trom the manner of mannaging this finne of oppreffion. If men oppreile only in fetter, as be. ingafhamedto owne their injarioufnefTc (asthethcefe vm fiealcs in the night) the fault is lefTe hainous, then when they are corrupt andJheake wickedly concerning op- Iob , 4 freffiM,fyeake loftily, and jet their mouth agtinfl the he&- 1^,73.8^. *vem > undertaking to fatisfie and maintaincadteof un-righteoufnefle. When Lawyers at the Barr plead for oppreflion, JiT<3g£S on the Bench juftiSe it, Minifters in thePulpits preach for it>and Doctors in the Univer-fities difpute and determine to defend it.

And here I bumbly referre it to your wifedomes to confider, whether our Prelates have not been (of lace especially) thegrand oppreftbrs of the Kingdome,ac-cordingto moft 9 if not all, the aforenamed aggravations. Have not they been great oppreiTors both in Church and Common-wealth * What County,what City,what Towne, what Village, yea what Family, (I hadalmoft faid)what perfon in the Kingdome,hath not ifi one kinde or other, in foaie degree or other, at one time or o r her, beene opprefTed by them i They and their officers ,by citauonSjCenfures^exa&ions have been Catholicke oppreflfors. How many wealthy men I have been crulhed by their cruelty ? How many poore [Families have been ruinated by their Tyranny i And [I befeech you to confider, whether the moft pious, Iboth among Preachers and people, hive not m:t with the hardefl: tneafures from their heavy hands. |Alas,ala,s 1 Haw many faithfull Miniflershave they

filenced?

{ilenccd ! H,->w rmny gracious Chriftians have they excom nunicated ! How many Congregations have they ftarved or diflolved in this Kingdome ! For the proofeof all this, and of more then all this,I appeals unto the many Petitions prefented to this honourable Parliament. And thefe are no fmali aggravations of thde and other like their oppreflions, tnat they call tfoerafelvesthe FathersoFche Church,and are accounted more knowing men then their brethren.

I have done with the aggravations of oppreilion.' The diflwafions from oppreflion follow, fome of whichlihall briefly fuggeft under 2.Hcads.\ i. i^d Commotio. 2. ^Ahlncommodo,

Firft, the efchewing of oppreifion will be comfortable, i. It maybe fome evidence of a regenerate eftate. Gods people are called His mercifull Ones (For fo the Hebrew word ufually rendred Saints, in the booke of Pfalmes doth properly flgnifie) becaufc the tender mercies oft he Almighty fhed forth abundantly upon them, doe leave a compiflionate frame upon their hearts. The Apoftles Argument is pregnant to my purpofe. ^4s the elettofGod, hoty andhelo-Col. 5.1a. ve d y p Ht on bowels of mercies. And the example of the Gaoler exprelTeth thus much. How did thecom-ming in of conquering grace change the man, from churlifh and cruell,to kinde and companionate. 2. Ic willadmihifter boldnefleunto us, both before God and men. The Prophet Samuel is a good prefident to 1 5am. 1 *. prove it. Behold here lawjvitnejfe againfl me before the * »4 t ord> whom have T defrauded, whom have I offlreffed, &c.

^A'nd they (aid, thou haft not defraudedits,noropprefcd us. 3.It may hopefully intereft us in the fpeciall

providence

TDH

before the Commons Boufe of Parliament, jj

providence of God for our protection and proviifion

in the times of our need. For obferve how divine pro-

mife fpeaks, He that dzfyifeth the gaine of opprefflons Jhe Efa.33.15

jhati dweH en high, his place of defence JhaU be the muni- l6,

ffonsef roch t bread Jhall be given him, bis waters fhall be

fire.

Secondly, the fruits of oppreflion are many and bitter unto them who pra&ife it, I will point at fome of them, i- It fattens a blacke cnarkc of gracelefnefle upon them who ufe it. That pafiTage of the Prophet isconfiderablc. He u Canaan (fo 1 render it from the Original! with the approbation of good Interpreters) Hof.ia-7, The ballances of deceit are in his hand, he loveth to op-frefie. You know by what exprtffion Ezekiel fug-gefleth the condition of men unregenerate, ihy birth and thy nativity is of the Land of Canaan : Andfuch e*ci5,j. (UiihHofea) is the eftate of men, of Merchants practitioners in opprcflion. 2. It expofeth unto the many and heavy judgements of Almighty God. This (faith lob) is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppreffors, which they {bull receive of the AU ° z? ' li mighty. In thefe Words, fivft opprelTors are branded for wicked ones, as was before touched. Bu f paf-fing that, let us enquire what this their portion is, Which they muft inherit from the ponimhg hanJ of God * I will in few words propound it, from -he following verfes: God will cafl upon him, and not (fare, he ?er « 1 *» would faine flee for in fleeing he would flee) out of his hand. In his cftat e. Though he heap up filvtr its the dtt strandprepare ray ment as the clay. He may prepare it y ytUi * 17 ' hnt tbejufl; Jhdlpttt it on, andtbeinnocem fht'l divide tht filver. In his pofteiity. if his children he multipli-

ed, it is forth [wordy and his offjpring full not be fa-,, , F ' tisfed

ver x8 tisfiedmth bread He buildelh bis houfeas a Moth, and m a Bootb } tbat the Keener maketh. In his perfon, both in-

ver 2©,zi. ward terrors, and outward mine. Terrors take bold on bim,as waters , a tempe/f ftealeth him* away in the night. The Eafl-winde carricth him away and be depmeth, and asafiormekttfleihbim out of his place* In his credit ver.zj. amongft men. Men frallclap their hands at him ^andJhall bife him out of his place, 3,Thefe offendors cannot be concealed: For as their finneringeth in Gods eares,

lam.j 4. andcalleth for vengeance. Behold (faith the Apoftle lames) the hire of the Labourers\ &o- 'cry etk^nd the cryes are entred into the eares of the Lord of Sabaoth. So the Lord himfelfe undertaketh to give in evidence againfl:

Mai.}, %. tncrn * l W M come neare t0 1 0U in lodgement, and I will be a fwift witnefe agamll thefe that opprejfe. A nd wil 1 it not be fad, when the Judge mall be a wimeiTeagainft the prifoner at the Barr. 4. At the laft day, the fentence againft the oppreffbrs will be unfpeakably heavy. Yoa may gueite at it, by an Argument, a mi-nori admajus^ if you reafon from the leffeto the greater, from thofe words of our Saviour, Mat.25- Then

^"' 2 * fatt be fay to them en his left hand .Depart from me ye cur-fed into ever la fling fre, prepared for the Devtll and bis jiwrels, for I was hungred, and ye gave me no meat,Sec. And thefe jhall goe away into everlajling pmijhmeffl* Marke my Argument (my Beloved; from this place. If not fuccourtng, not fupplying, not folacing, not fupporting Gods impoverifhed,imprifoned 3 oppreiTed people will procure punimmentperpetualland unfup-portable, what will rhe condition bee of them who b.yc been their cruel 1 oppreflors i The Apoftle lames

lam.!.!?. feh, They Jhall have indgement without mercy wh$Jhew nomercy. The Lord fee thefe eonfideraiions home

upon

beforetheCommons Uoufe of Parliament* ft

upon your hearts to affright from oppi eilioa.

For reprehenfion of 4.forts of otfendors againftthe Vfe t.

truth in hand.

If God promife to be the refuge of the opprefled, thenthofe defcrve blame, who imagine- that let ki g to rhe Lord in times of trouble is labour in vame. Mbringeth in the wicked thus breaching heir Arhe»-ftical) conceits JF^tf is the Almighty that we fhould ferve ° * w f ' him f And what profit fiould we have if we pray unto him? And doubtlefle many among us are orchis opmion,as their negled and fleighting of holy prayer ooih undeniably difcover.

But (my Beloved) our prefent employment doth prove that we are better ptincipled, and our grounds arefolid and (arisfyirg {viz,.) 1 .God* promife. 1 Our £fa ^ owne experiences. For the Lord hath pot (ad to the feed of Jacob, feeke ye me in vaine. And we have reaped luch tiuit of cur prayer?.that we may fay with the Prophet David, We fought the Lordand he heard W, . and delivered us from all our feares.

2. Much more are they worthy ftiirp rebuke, whofe profaneneffe is fc grea r , that they deride thofe who under prtflures and in dayes of dangers, give themfeVrs to prayer The Pfalntifl mentions this, as the p*a<5Hce of Arbeifts. Tou have planted the Conn- K.14.& \ cell of the poore^ becaufe the lord is hh Refuge. In like manner, in theic times, how many doe fcoffe at the people ot God, for their frequency and unwearied-ntfTc: in Prayer and Fading, expecting deliverance by fuch endeavours. Thusrayling Rabjhekch reproach- H&.37;] ed Hez>ekiah and ifiael^ but the Lord accounted his language blafphemous, as holy Story doth wit-nclte.

F 2 Lee

Let nor us be difcouraged in improving God our Refuge by uncefTant fuites, becaufe of mens fcornes andderifion : bu: rathctr imitate the Pfalmifl, who upon the report of the jeares of the wicked in this kinde,

VC1+7. in the next verfe breatheth forth prayer. 0 that thz_j Salvation 0/Ifrael were come out of Sion, when the Lord bringeth backe the captivity of his people, Jacob ftall rejoyceand Ifrael (hall be glad. With the change of fome few words, the fame fuit may be feafonable for us. O that the deliverance of England and Ireland were come out of Syon, when the full Salvation of Ire-land, and the perfed Reformation of England (hail come from Heaven, then Ireland Iliall re Joyce and England fball be glad.

3. My Doclrinecheckeththem, who in wayes of Creature-confidence betake themfelves unto other Refuges, and not unto the Lord lehovah. Miftake me not herein I pray you, for I dhlwade not the ufe of meanes to prevent and remove trouble : but my meaning is, that God muftbe bleflfed for meanes, eyed ia meanes, and at him the foulc muft lookc above and beyond meanes, when mod promifing.

There are two Rocks upon which men are in dan-ger to dam in dayes of trouble, either to tempt God by difufing meanes, or to provoke his Majefty by i-dolizing them : and this fecond fin I now reprove, as crofTe-whetdngupon my Text, and dangerous unto them who doe commit \u Cur fed be the man that

In i7$> tyuBeth in man andmakethflejb his arme^ndwhoje heart departeth from the Lord.

£fa.3i.i. jYoe unto them that goc downe to Mgy^lfor helper 5 and flay on Horfes and truft in chariots^ becaufe they sn many, And in Borfe-men becaufe they are very ftrong.

We

before the Commons Eoufeof Parliament* y\

Wclooke upon you our Parliament worthies, as the Horfe-rnenand Chariots of England* we bkiTe ycu, and we bltlTc God for you, but wc may not, we dare not depend upon you, left at once we incenie the Almighty both againft you and our felves.

4. The fharpeft rebuke belongs un?o them, who goe downe into hell for hel p in dangerous times, who rather make the DiveM then God their Refuge : Such I meane who betake themfelves unto (infull fliifts for the procuring of their fafery, when they fee a ftorme comming. ■ Such who will take courfes contradicting their confeiences, their Covenants,their engagements both to God and man, to fecure their comforts, to fave their own heads. How farre are thefe men from beleevingthetruthofmy Text, which tels us, that, the Lord will be a Refuge for the oppreffed, a Refuge in times of trouble. I fhall Wifli fuch perfons feriouily to confider the word of the Lord. Becaufe ye have Efa.*8. if faid we have made a Covenant with death and with Hell are we at agreement, when the over-flowing fcourge (ball pafle through, it fliall not come unto us, for we have made lyes our Refuge, and under falfhood have we hid our (elves. Therefore thus faith the Lord, Judgement will I lay to the line, and righteoufneffe to the plummet* and the ha'tle fyall fweepe away the refuge of Lyes, and the waters ft all overflow the hiding place.

FoxfonfoUtion, unto all them, unto whom God un- *rjk §, dertakesrobean helpe and (belter. Happy is he tbtf n, 146.5. hath the God of Iacob/<?r his helpe, whofe hope is in the Lord bis God,

In the amplification of this Ufe, there are two things ufefull to be enquired.

1. Who may hopefully expect helpe from Heaven. V s 2, Whae

;8 AS rmon preachedatthe late Falh

2. What confederations concerning God rheir Refuge miy make unco their comfort i For brevity fake » I will not pailethe bounds of the 145. Pfalme in returning anfwer unto thefe two demands.

Firft, Godwin be their helpe, who enjoy him as their God. This is maniftft from the % . th . and 1 o fa . verfes, Wbofe hope is in the Lord his God. The Lord fhall raignefor ever, even th) God. Now to make the Lord our God, it is required that with higheft eOimarions, moft vigorous affections and utmo^en-deavours,we beftowour felves upon him. That in the Scripture phrafe, men are faid to make that their god, upon which the hear* flowes forth with the higheft Eph.5,*. tide o p the fullefr affections. Hence it is that covetouf-PinLj.i^. neffe is railed idolatry, and the Epicures are laid to make their belli est heir gods. Reflect therefore upon your felve-moftferioufly and aske your hearts in the pre-ferceofthefoule-fearching Majefty, what you place thehightft in yourbofomes, for what you are refol-ved to makethc greateft adventures : And if upon examination you finde that the Lord Jehovah hath the throne, the command in your breads and lives, then doc not quell ion your intereft in his HighneflTe, as your helpe and refuge.

Secondly, 1his Pfalme holdeth forth foure truths concerning God, which may adminifter matter of muchfweet fupport and joy unto them, whofe helpe and hope he is. vertf, ■*• His Omnipotency exprefP-d in the worke of Creation, which made Heaven and Earth, the Sea and all th*t therein is. There is much marrow in this one confederation to refrefh a difconfolate fpirit in thefe drooping times : I fhall helpeyouto it in five Cor-

relaries

relaries or confeqaences, which naturally flow from trustruth, (vid.) ^hat God in whom our helpe lyes made Meaven and Earthy the Sea^ &c.

1. Therefore God can eafily fuccour and fafeguatd his pecp'e : As by the word of the Lord were the Hea-

<vtns made, and all the BoaH 9f them by the breath of m -* 4 ^ his mouth. By his word hecan command deliverances 'tfa.ij.ii for lacob. CAndby ft/reading forth his hands? as he lz * thatfmmmtthM bringeth dewnethe pride of Moibydnd ' thefortrefe of the high forts (hall he bring downe, lay low and bring to the ground. Now the motion in i wim-ingiseafie, not ftrongj forftrong violent fttoakes in the water would rather ilnke then fupport. And therforeby this exprtffion the Holy Ghoft would ma-nifeft with what facility he can fubdue the ftouteft ad-verfaries of his Church.

2. 1 herefore the Lord can without prepared matter raife up his owne defignes. As fie made the world without any pre-exiftent principles, firfthemade the Chaos out of nothing: and then out of aeon fufed heap, he framed the curious ftru&ure of the world, wherin all creatures in an admirable harmony feiveeacho-thcr.

This particular brought home to our concernements may be profitable. Although we looke upon our felves, as an unpollifhed people, to doe any great matter cither in Church or Common-wealth. Although the Philofopher fay, Ex mhilo nihil ft, and we complaineof {elf-norhirgnefrej yer faith tels the foule, thai God made the things which Are mwjeene out Heb.ii*3. of things which doe not appeare.

3. Therefore the Lord can accomplifh whatioever he undertakes without afiiftaats, for he had neither

tools

4° A Sermon preached at the late Fafi

toolcs nor co-workers, when he reared the glorious

fif«.*M. Fabrick of Heaven and Earth. Whcnthere ts no helper, none to uphold, then the arme of the Lord brings Salvation. What though there be few, very few who favour the workeof Reformation, in comparifon of the Malignant Party, who oppofe our hopes and welfare, yet may we pluck up our hearts with comfort

Ff.«4 8, f rom t hj s confederation, That our helpe fiandeth in the name of the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth.

4. Therefore God can effect his-defignes, notwith-' {landingthevafteftdiftance betwixt the termes from which, and unto which he workes 5 forin the Creation he wrought from nothing to all things, from the Earth which was without forme and void, unto the perfecting of the world, in which worke nothing is defe&ive, nothing redundant. We looke at a fetled peace with perfect Reformation, as a great, great way off, efpying millions of impediments, difficulties and oppositions in the way on this fide it: yet this meditation may encourage.

5 Therfore the Lord can difpatch his mighty Acts

Gcn.i.ji. fpeedily, For infix dayes hecreatedthe Heaven andthe

& * ■• M arth, with all the hoft of them.

2. His Fidelity, who keepeth truth fir ever^ ver. 6 m Our God in whom our helpe is, is a Covenant keeping God. Had the words runne thus, who dealeth with people according to their deferts for ever, then our hearts might have fainted in us, and out hopes have perifhed for ever. But feeing his Ma-jefty hath bound himfelfe to keepe truth, the truth of the Promifcs of his free grace, this consideration may hold up heart and hope together. When

Mtc.7.10. 5 acan and our owne confciencescaft in fad difcourage-

ments

ments, yet we may animate our ielves by the wok's of the Church unto her God. Thou wilt performe the truth unto Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hajlfworne unto our Fathirs-from the dayes of old.

3. The variety of Offices which the Lord undertakes in the behalfe of his people, according to their feverall neceffi ies. The particulars fpeeifled in the Pfalme I fhall only name, without interpretation ot enlargement. He extcuteth judgement for the oppreffed, v . 7,8,9. givtth food to the hungry, the Lord leofeth theprifoners. The Lerdopeneth the eyes of the blinde, the Lord raifeth them thAt Are boved downe 5 the Lord loveth the righteous, the Lord freferveth the Jlrwger, he relieveth the fathrleffe and widow, but the way of the wicked he tur-mih uffidt down. The fumme of all thefe expreffiaqs amounts to thus much. That the providences or the A?m : g tyarealwayes fleetly and feafonably exer-eifed for his people, and againft their ,wicked op- . prefTours.

4« The perpetuity of his government. The Lord ftall reigne for ever, even thy God 0 Syon unto ah ge-neranom^ ver.fo. Beloved we know that things went Vc-ryiii w k\\ I frtel, when there arofe up anew King over exo.i.*. JE >vpr which knew not lofeph. And certainly, ifrhe bull irfl^sof-rta world, mould be tranfa&ed by any other fupreme a u:hority,then of our GcdtheLord Al-mighcy, then might our condition be deplorable and miserable. Bat thisis no fmall comfort unto us*, that the God of 7/r^isthe God of England, that his King* dome foil doth and ever (hall rule over all Kings, Coram mders, creatures and concerneraents whatlo-evcr. The L$rd reigneth, let the Earth rejoyce^ Thy God PC.97^ $ Syon reigneth unto all generations, praife yce the Lord. G the

a | A Serm&n preached at the late Fa(i

Vfe-%, Uie, the Ufe of Exhortation followed

/idedinto various branches, In the ..;ion whereof I (ball preflfc 5. duties which belong nmo all without exception, and afterwards ■{hall make bold to direct one exhortation by way of humble Petition unto the worthy members of the high and Honourable Court of Parliament.

Exhortation 1, To returne praife unto the Lord our Refuge, for that defence and thofe deliverances which hitherto we have had in him. Nationail and perfonafl experiences mould be perufed, and for all the God of our falvation mould be honoured. If we of this Kingdomc call: backe our thoughts unto late providences, wee flu 11 fee caufe to breake forth in the words of the Pfalmift. The Lord remem. rf.i3 6 «-l yd m in our low eftate, for his mercy endureth for ever, HisMajeftycommandeth and expecleth glory. I VC^.i$. will deliver thee andtboit fhdtglorifie me. Yea he doth abundantly deferve it, for all that patience, wifdome, goodnclle, powerand truth expreffed upon us in our continued peace and fafcty. Therefore I pray you, Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name. And pf.i§.». j^ w we jj ma y . £ b ecomc us every one in particular to pHf^itfj refolvewirh David, I willfing of thy fower, yea I willflng aloud of thy mercy in the mornings for thou haft hm my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Vnto thee omy strength willIfing 7 for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy .

This debt I believe will readily be acknowledged^ but the queftion • will be, how mud it be payed * Praifes are due debt, but how muft they bee ten-dered £

1. My anfwer is at hand, and it Chali be but Chore. 1. Gods fpeciall providence rauft be cbferved and proclaimed. Itjhail come to pajjein the day that the ■Lerdjhall give thee reft from thy forrow and ft cm thy ifa.14,3,4 ft ares > and ft cm the hard bondage wherein thm wait made to ferve. That thou Jheuldft take up tits Proverb* &o How hath the opprejfour ceafed, the Lord hath broken thejlaffe oj the wicked. Noble Senatours, we honour you as our inftrusnentall Saviours in a great degree, and God forbid, butwefhould ftudy to requite your labours and adventures for the Kingdomes welfare. Yet we muft looke beyond you, and you beyond your felves in admiring the raoft high God, in what hath beene already wrought unto our admiration.

2. Our religious vowes muft be performed. What ourvowes were in the dayes of our feare and deepe danger our confeiences will report, I onely preffe the payment of this debt, offer to God thankefgiving and Pf.jo.14i pay thy vowes unto the mo ft High, Praife waheth for pf * 6 J ,lu thee in Syon, and unto thee jhall the Vow bee performed.

3. Our obedience in all the branches of it fhould be bettered. Pra&icall praifes are the raoft acceptable. Our lives muft witneiTe the gratitudeof our hearts : In this cafe I cannot propound a better paterne for your i-mitation then David,who upon enquiry, what thank-offering fhould be tendered, breakes forth into this Refolution. / will walke before the Lord in the Land FC*»£* of the living. Wherein three things are obferva-

ble and imitable.

1. His purpofe to make aprogrefle, / will wdke.

2. The finccrity of his courfe^^e the lord (a< d.)

G2 I

I wiM take every ftep, undertake every duty, as urader Gods pure and piercing eye. All ads of hoiineffe and righteoufneffe (hall be difcharged as before him.

3. The conftancy of this care, In the land of the living (q. d,) fo long as I live, Such a prefent of praife (Beloved) would pleafe the Lord better then an Oxe or Bullock fas the Pfalraift hath iv) that hath both horns andboofes.

4 Gods publick worffiip fliould zealoufly be promoted. This was the fiift thing determined in cMofes his Song* upon rheu expected continuance of ifraels fafe-^Exo.5 ?.».,. ty. The Lord is my flrength and fmg, and he is become my falvation, he. is my rocke and. I will prepare him an habitation. It concerns us all upon the recording o" our perforiill and National Dciiv rances,from opprcrflions either felt or feared,to lay forth our utmoffc ftrengths of authority, opportunity, intereftsand ability, bath to purge and fettle the holy worhYp of God, rhat his Majefty may enjoy a fixed habitation with content and glory amongft us.

Exhortation ?,. To make fure our title unto God> as our peculiar refuge and protc&toi, that we may not be reputed intruders, when we (hall have occafion to throng into him-for (heler in tempestuous weather. Davids fuitmaybefeafonjb^c for us all to joyne in, M.7 j.$. Be thou my Jlrong habitation, whercunto I may.continually refort.

To quxken your care in this kind, many things might be mentioned. 1. Oar dangers are greae, whether weconfiierour owne defervings from God* or thedefignesandindeavours of Syoni enemies againHfc qui' peace and we) fare.. 3, The infufficiericy of .all Creature fuccours and

fbvJters 2

fhelters, howfaireand howpromifing foever. "There i6

is no King faved by the multitude of an hoaH, a migh< l? . ty man is not delivered by much flrength <^4n hoy ft. is a vaine thing for fafety } neither JJj all he deliver any h b? s great"Jhcngth.

5. The Al fufficiency that there is in the Lord ' in every kinde to beftead every endargercd foule, which enjoyeth him, as was fully difcovered in the ilJufhation of this Point now in proiccu-tion.

More Arguments! mall not need to ufe to move your looking after the Lord, that he may be your Refuge when mine is ready to rufh in upon you. But ta guide your courfe thac yon may pofTeiTe God, as your place of Defence, I will commend unto you 3. (Lort Directions.

1. Labour by the knowledge and contemplation ©f Gods glorious, incomparable beauties, to ler forth floudsof theftrongeft love upon! im. Becaufehthath^r fet his love upon me, that fort will 1 deliver him ImU ' 91, * A ' Jet him on high, becaufe hehathknowne my name,

2. Endeavour from activity of pure love to his M&-jefty, moreto awe your hearcs,. wuh the feare of his frowne, then of any, (hen of all combined oppositions which doe or can furround vou. Say ye 'not a confer E ^ 8, '%* deracy to all them to whom this people faith a confide* l5>1 *' racy, neither feare ye their feare, nor be afraid, SancJL fie the Lord of Hefts himfelft, and let him be your / ear •<?» and let him be your dread; t^tndbejhall be for a.'San* tfuary.

\. Se'eke to be enriched wnh that rfghteoufncfife wff ch is ruil Evangelicail, For Salomon aflTnres is, tb<u the name of the" Lord is a pong Tower, and that p ro if, I<5 G 3 the

the righteous runneth into it and is fafe ( or fet aloft.) Now if you aske me, who are righteous according to the Gofpels conftru&ion •?

I returne anfwer, from the defer!prion given of Za-* I * ' chary and Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God, walking in all the Commandements and Ordinances of the Lord blamelejfe. From which teflimoniall three notes of Gofpell-righteoufnelTe may be fug-gefted.

i. The rule regulating their courfe, is that which God hath commanded and ordained.

2. The latitude of their obedience, which in their ay me and endeavours is aslarge, as Law divine. They mind Commandements and Ordinances, yea all Commas dements and ordinances,

3. The continuation of this courfe. They did not only now and then take aturne in the way of obedience, but they wereperfons walking, fuch who held on in obediential! references unto God.

In thefe things, I befeech you, beftow your befl houres a^d abilities, even as you doe defire, that the Lord Jehovah may be your Refuge in the times of trou* hie* in the fed fans of diftrefle.

Exhortation 3. To improve our propriety in God ( having made him our Refuge ) for fafety in ftormy an : ; perilous times. I mould not need to perfwade this practice, if felf-love was rightly ordered in us, feeing 6©r felves, both greatly need the Almighty, and night reape abundant fruit by making improvement of hijm. The unreafonable creatures, by a naturall in-(Hn&,betake themfelves unto places of defence, when dangers doe threaten them.

The high hits are a refuge for the wilde Goates, and the Roches for the Conyes. We

We know by obfuvation, thacrhe -little Bees will haft to their Hives, and the Pigeons will flock to their holes, whenthe ftormeis rifing. I will forbcarc to enlarge this Exhortation, cither by Gods Precepts and Promifes, orby the praclifes and experiences of hi? people, taking this courfe in all ages.

This unto me is a commanding Argument, that we {hall in a great degree take Gods name and excellencies in vaine, if we labour not to-live upon them by a " fruitefull improvement, and fo conkquenrly, we (hall at once, both difpleafeanddi&onour God, and dam-niHe and endanger our felves.

If you demand, how you mould make your tile of God, as your incomparable Refuged (hall dired: you unto David for an Anfwer, 1. Truft in him at all times, P[t6ltSm ye people, 2. Toure outycttr heart before him, God ts a Re-fageforus, Selah.

Firff, by true truft in God, we betake our felves unto him as a Caaie of Defence. The words Irnmedi-ately following my Text declare thusmuth. ^And Pf.^ia. they that know thy name mil put their truft in thee, for thou Lord haft nst forfaken them who feeke thee. Such who apprehend fure fafety to be had in God, they, will feeke him, by placing their affiance in him. The practice of David makes this more apparent : for foe; by way of appropriation, fpeaking thus of God, My l ^' % Tertre(fe, my high Tower and my Deliverer, my Shield ( he addcth ) and tn whom I truft. As by diffidence the foule keepesata diftance from God, fo by confidence we draw nigh unto him.

Now to encourage your fiduciall approaches unto God, I will only mention 3. things, which your felves muft enlarge and apply untoyour own hearts fcrioufly.

i.Con«

1. ConiidcrUicinLfiititD.candimmucablcftrength Efa*<5. 4 . of the Lord. Truft ye in the Lord for ever, for in the

Lord Jehovah is cverlafttng ftrcngth.

2. Acquaint your ielvcs with precious Promifes, whereby his Majefty defies to draw the difconfolate foule unto him. God willing nore abundantly to flew

xl,' * 17 unt0 d° e keyres °f Promifi the immutability of his Ceun-

fell, confirmed it by oath, that we might have (Iron?

: Pl 6 o * on fo a ti° n > who have fled for refuge, to lay hold upon

11. ' ' the hope fit before us. In the Lord ( faith David) I

mil fraife Bis word, in the Lord I will fraife bis word J

in the Lord I have put my truft.

3. Review and husband your experience? of Gods protecting providence in times pHt. Jn the day when

•sSam.a*. £$<£ had delivered D s vid from the hand of all hu ene-

***" miesy and from the hand of Saul, thus he fpcafees,

The Lord is my Roche and mv Fortrefle, and my Deliverer. The God of my Mode ? in him I mil trufl, Sec.

Secondly* by holy Prayer we haft unto God for belpe in times otnouble I cryed unto the Lord (faith David) I fold thou art my Refuge Attend unto my

•*.»4Mi er y f -Deliver me from my Ptrfecuteurs. Here for the guidance of your prayers,you may take notice of thefe briefe Directions.

1. Your crves muft be enroll, and not only vo-

&&<3 7>S> ca ^" Pwe <Mt your hearts b fore him. t^fnh lift up a Prayer (faith Hezthah) h will nor be Jufficirnt to fay a Prayer (as the world is wont to expreile it) or to word ir before the Lord, but we mould rather heart it before God in holy prayer 3 that we may receive help -from him in times of need. 2 . Your hearts rnuft behave themfelves humbly before

5 — ■ => -

before the Commons Houfe of Parliament. 49

fore the throne of grace 5 when you petition deliverance from rhedevouring oppreffours. lord thouhaft ?f. 10. i 7i beard the defre 0] the humble, thou wilt prepare their heart, * 8, thou wilt caufe thine eare to heart '. To judge the fathtrleffe and the opprejfed, that the man of the Earth may no more oppreffe-

5. The foule fhould have fincere references, to the glory of God,in feeking felfe-fafety. Tnus David de-firing deliverance from many mighty Perfecutcrs, he adds. Bring my foule out ofprifon, that I may praife BC.i^6 ) thy Name, 7*

4. Plead the wickedneffe of them who doe op-preiTe and would devoure, They gather themfelves to- P zl 9 *** 3 get her again ft the foule of the righteous, and condemne the innocent bloud, hut the Lord is my "Defence and my Cod is the Eocke of my Refuge, and he fliati bripg upon them their crvne iniquity . and fhaR cut them off m their cwne wickedneffe, yea the Lord our God [hall cut them

# :■■'"'"'

5. Wait upon God unweariedly and refolvc to continue praying, whatfocver dclayes, checks, or oppo- , fit ions may encounter you. In the fiadow of thy wings * 7,1 * will 1 make my refuge^ untill thefe calamities be ever-paft.

Becaufe of his ftrength I will wait upon thee, for God is my Defence. And certainly if we rightly confider *^ 9 ' 9 * 1. Our diftance from God in worth and degree. 2.Out dependance upon him, together with our undone con-ditionifhedefertus, we mall rarry the Lords leifure, attending upon his Majefty, for the anfwer of our Amplications, when befieged with dangers on every fide.

Exhortation 4. To caft off all cowardly feares of H our

our oppretTours,. how potent, politick and prevailing Coeyer they be. The people of God have frequently 3. 2 ' 1>2 gathered courage from this confederation. Truly my foule waiteth upon God, from him commeth my falvati-on y He only is my Rooke and my Salvation, he 'is my defence I find not be greatly moved. How long will yee imtgine mifchiefe againfi a mm, je flail be fain i all of ytot', as-a'bowing mil full ye. be) and as a_ tottering fences. Bf.46'i. God is our Refuge and flrength, a very frefent helpe M»7j*. • i n trouble . Therefore will not we fear e thmgh the Earth be removed, and though the tMountaines be carried into the midji of the Sea, though the waters thereof roare and bt troubled, though the Blountaines fluke with the fwelling t her of Sec. The Lord of Ho ft s is with us, the. God'of 'Jacob is our Refuge, Selah. .

Through wane of time, I dare not adventure upoa the amplification of this U'fe. Therefore toave leave for your helpe and heartening againft the feare of Op-preflbrs, to improve onely one Scripture, which I Bfa.jx.12, conceive very pertinemand profitable. L even I aw s *' he thai comforteth you, who art thou that thou fliouldesi

be-afraid of a man that fhall dye, and of the [on of-man which fhall be mile as grafe, and forgettef the Lord thy mik.r^ that hath, ft retched forth the Heavens , and laid the fovili'iG-ti of the Earth\ and haft feared continually every day betattfe of the fury of the Oppreffd.'tr, as if he were ready to deflroy i and where is the fury of the Opfre(for. J &c.

fnthefe words, the Lord by his Prophet checking

and chidinghistirnerous people, doth coanlell them

to il-eke the conqueft of their difmaying feares, by

nparing hirnfelfe their God, wish their furious op-

p.rejlpurs., i. 9 .Thc

»__ , \ —,

1. Though they be ouroppreiTburs, yet his Maje-ftyis our comforter. And is not the God of all confo-lations more able to cheare us, then all men are to diflicarten us?

2. They in their beft ftrength are but dying men and -witheringgrafTe s butheisthe Almighty, theall-ma-kingGod, whofe omnipotency and independency is fumciently difcovered by ftretching forth the Hea-veas, and by laying firm the foundations of the Earth. And our necciiicies cannot poflibly pus him upon a more difficult fcrvicc for our Deliverance.

3. Although they feeme ready to deftroy,as an Army at hand to devoure : yet remember thac your Saviour is the Zw^//ft?/?.f, whocommands and orders vcr,If# all Martiall forces in the world, who can found a retreat and call them off by one word in a moment. When we fpeake of Armies on Land, and ftrength on

the Seas prepared againft us $ What though Papifts, AtheiftsandDivels were in combination to deftroy us, yet the Generaliffimo who manageth all forces and maketh all motions, is the Lord of Hofts our maker, our comforter.

4. If our trembling, mifgiving hearts mall objeel the mines wrought in Ireland, as occafions to increafe dejecting fears: we fhouldrepell them, by reminding experiences of Gods former famous ads for his fer-vants fafety, when in much deeper danger, / am ti^j ver,, *« Lord thy God who divided the Sea, whofe waves roa*

red. That was Ifraels experience which is on record in holy Writ for our encouragement. We may add from Gods difpenfarions inthis Kingdome. Who in the yeare Eighty-Eight funke and fcattered the Spanifh Navy called invincible? Who broke theneckeofthe H 2 Topifh

jt A Sermon preached at the late Faft

Popiib pQuder-plot, md brought to light thofe under ground workings of the traiterous, bloudy Papifts? And who lately compofed the dangerous differences betwixt England and Scotland^ which threatened the defelation of both Kingdomes Z Remember this God is your Refuge* and therefore be of good courage and feare not the fury of the oppreflburs, though in appearance ready to deftroy.

Exhort anon %. To move us all to make ufe of our in-tereft in God,in thebehalfe of our opprefifed Brethren. You know that we are bound to love our Neighbours as our felves, and to pray for them as for our felves: therefore my Inference isnot forced>but natural!.

I (lull be very (hort fas ftraights of time command) in this Exhortation, wherein I have bleeding, op-prefled Ireland principally in my thoughts, and the rather becaufethe fad troubles of our Country, men and Brethren there>is one chiefe occafion of our Congregating thus folemnely to feeke our God this Day.

Good Nekm/ah may be propounded as an excellent patrerneboth to quicken and to direct this duty. He having intelligence, that the Iewes were in great affitcYion and reproach, and that the wall of Jerusalem alfo was broken downe, and the gates thereof burnt Ncb.1.4. with fire. It cametopajfe (faithhe) whcn'lheardthtfe words, that 11 at downe and wpt and mourned certain Dayes y an& fafteb and prayed h-fore the God ofHeaven, This holy man was warme fa worldly refpe&s, being well placed and refpe<fi:d in the Court of & great King, he was in the Palace of a Prince in profperity, at~a great diftaoce from danger, though Ter^fJem was diflrdTed, yet you fee his firopg affect ons, you reade

his

bis religious practice, in both which we are bound r"o make imitation. Remember them that are in bonds Hcb.ij.j, (faith the Ap file) as bound with them, and them which [uffer adverjitj, as being your [elves alfo in the body* In which words out duty is both ftrongly urged and well guided. You muft remember them, as Beingywr [elves in the bodj (q. d,) becaufe you are fellow-members with them in the fame rayfticall body (asfonieinterpret) or (as others judge) feeing your felves are yet in the body, natures frame not being yet difiolved, you your felves are expofed to ^he like fofferings, and therefore fhould Chrlftianly remember them. But will a fleighty, wordy minding of them befufflcient * No, (faith our Apoftle) you miift feelingly minde them, as though your felves perionally fhared in their fuflferings, or as your felves would deflre to be remembred if in their fad condition.

This imployment is excellently petfwaded by king David In the i^.Pfalme. 1. Becaufe hereby we mall at once,both evidence our fpirituall love and inre-reft our felves in Gods Promife to underrake out perfo-nall welfare, Pray fir the pact o[ Ierufilem, they PC.mJ. Jhall pro/per that love thee. 2. By his owne practice, for this was his rc-queft in reference to Ierufalem. Peace be within thy walls, and frojferitj within thy Pa* V9K '7' laces. 3 . Becaufe of our Desre tela ion unto them, whofe condition calleti* for our prayers. For my Bre- YC r.8. thren andcomfamem fakes, I will now fay peace be within thee, 4. Seeing the Religion and worfhip of God isthrre p:ofe(Ted and pra&ced. Becaufe o[the houfi vcr *** tfthe Lerd my Grid I will [eke tfaj good, How fully alithcjc Arguments reach ».Hin reference unto di^ra-Hj cled

54 ^ Sermon preached at the late Fafl

&ed, dilheffed Ireland, I humbly refer re it to your .confiderarions.

But you will fay unto me, wherefore doe you thus perfwadeus? Doe you not fee we are here with you to pray for Ireland. And is there not a monthly Fafl appointed, that prayers may be continued «r All this 1 thankfully acknowledge, both blefling God for this mercy ,and honouring the Kings Majefty 5 with the Honourable Court of Parliament, for their religious care herein : Yet it is my duty to lay the weight of Scripture authority upon your consciences, that you may confcientiouuy and affectionately bellow your felves in fecret daily, as in publick weekly, monthly in prayers for your oppretTed Brethren.

But is this ail that you have to fay? Ianfwer.No. . There are two duties ?o be added unto our prayers, with out the addition whereof, our prayers for Ireland, will be IciTefuccefTefuliforir, and leiTe comfortable to our felves. r. WemuhYrepenungly returneumo the Lord from the evill of our wayes. Both Nehe-mi ah and Darnell tooke this courfe^ when they fought ioh.41.8. the Lord for Ifrael. The Lord dire&ed lobs friends, to crave his prayers*, promising to accent him in their behalfe. And the Prophet Icel calls for heart humiliation and convenor?, before he directs this fup-plication^ Spare thy people 0 Lord, and give net thine heritage to reproach, that the Heathen fiould rule over them. Wherefore JJwuld they fay among the people 3 where is their God. The Reafon whereby He^ekiah moves his people to repent is remarkeable. , For if ye turne againe unto the Lord, your brethren jh all find companion,

2, We muO: contribute our beft aififtance in all kinds, , according as God gives power and opportunity, for .

their

their reliefe and deliverance, Thus did Nthemafr in trading every Talent with which divine providence had truftcd him, for Ierttfalems welfare: He improves his favour with the King, and imployes authority received by commiflion from him for the common good; he worketh, watcheth, warreth, commandetb, encouragerh, threatnethjpuniflieth^^ _that he might be ferviceable. In like manner (hyald we for Inland, confult, command, contribute, underwrite, encourage others or adventure our (elves, according to our fcverall ftations and abilities, as the Lord {hall be pieafed ro goe before us by his leading providence. And truely, there is no more fincerity of heart in our fairs, then there are fuitable endeavours in our lives, to effect and accomplifh what we pray for.

From thefe general! exhortations which concerns all, I now proceed unto that, which morepeculiariy appertained unto you Right Honorable, whofe fer-vant I am, in my prefcnt irriploymenr. Give your, feivant leave Ipray you, to perfwade, to petition. your imitation of God, inbecomminga Refuge tohis cfprejfed people in the timts of trouble. Tb'c Lord is a Refuge both ofFenfive and defensive, orTenllve unto the oppreilors, defenfive unto the oppreffed. And it will be your honour, in both to be imitators of him.

From God our Tower and Fort re ffe f our Ca&le of defence, there are battering Canons difcharged, thunder and lightning fcattered, terrible judgements (I meane) denounced againft. opprerTors-The Lord undertaking the profperity and e{hM : fh-meiKoi his people, addcth* \yiitd I mff pmifJr^itK^o.xp,

that.

that ®??rejfe them. And of ChrHI this was propheti-

?£/* 4- caMy roretold. He fhdl breakc in peeccs the (f prefers. Right Honourable, I prdk not rigor, but righteouf- I ncfle. Neither doe I take upon my leife, the bold-nelTe in perfonall cafes to counfeii you. God hath made you wife, and my prayer is, that your zcale and courage may be anfwerablc. But my zcale for Gods glory and your honour, m kesme bold to tell you, that there are many, who reproachfully fay, Tou jhew pur teeth, hut you doe not bite, For my part, I (kill only reade to you, two quotations out of fa-cred Scripture, the one fuggefts the comfort ©f doing judgement, the other inticoates the danger of

„,, neglecting it. / have dene iuftice and udiemmt. leave

i»i 3 i&s. we not to mine opprefjors. Be furety for thy (erva&tfer good, let not the proud oppreffe me* Thus faith the Lord,

jKin.zo. j> €cm i e thou haft let gee om of thy hand? a mm whom I appointed to utter def ruction : therefore thy life [hall goe for his life.

But my principall arrardisto rcqueft you,to labour

Efa. i^4- to be like yourGod,in becomming a covert unto wfrom the face of the ffoykrs. From my Text I preffe Gods

pf.10^6. ovvne practice. The Lord executeth right eoufnefie and judgement for all that are opprefied. He frengthneth the floy led again ft the ftrong And this was propheeied con-

Zach 9 ,8. ccrnino Chrifts care of his people No opprefior fhall paffe through them any more. Yea this is reported in the commendation of the Lordjefus, that whiles man he a-bode on E irth, He went about doing good-Jhealing all that

A<a.io.j8 were oppreffed.

Thefe 4, Considerations following may ferve further and more forcecibly to let on my prefent fuite.

1. The

«J«Jr5 frUit$ ofo PP Rffion ^Ponp«t!ci^rib^

oppreffed are very grievous. Surely ( faith Salonon\ * i opprefton Ma^man^d. LoXt~i "' t.esand confutes are many at this day anemone om, becaufcbitten, or rather torre wnh Ac^A of PreancaUopprefiours. Andlam conffdent ,ha t,h c hkel.eft way toheale our breaches, and to comrofe ourdirTer C nccs,istheremova]ofcuropprcffi3nd

f.f/;r fmst t t f edMemder «*» w. w'" 1 ' 4 -''

JJZ^lfr ' kfide ***%M** tierZ was {ower, hit there was no Comforter Whref^Tf

fmjed the Mad M are alreadjdead, nl^tthe

hvmg „hcb are jet alive. Many in this Kingdom

have dyed many deaths underthe yron hands orTa-

vy oppreffours, and trnely many thoufards of us mail

dye many thoufand times more, except you 1™

», The danger of the Kingdome is no JefTe then de. folat.on, except you our Srate Phyftions aoply ti mc -Jy platao beale our breaches/by e.finguVof our oppreffinns. For thus bath the Lerdofmfjfcj X *'■«•«. jeedwne Trees, and caff a uve-unt a^nfi Utfil thuu the at, to be vjted, fle « J>oll opr^Z 7»* the mdjl of her. The people of the LanFhie Jed *** opprefion have exerc;fed robbery, and have vexed'! i9ii °' 3 *-poore and needy, yea they have oppreffed the ifLZl

fhmld make ., the hedge, &c. but jfcundnone. ihen-Jore have I pmr.d out mine indignation upon them I have confumed them mth the fire of my /rath 3- Thofe draw downerhe wrath of God upon their

owiic heads, who having power in their hands, coru tinuecarelefTein endeavouring the reliefe of the op*. Icr.ai.i2. prefTed. 0 boufe of David, thus faith the Ltrd* De* liver him that is ffoyled out of the hand of the Offref-four, left my fury goe out like fre, andbume that none can quench it*

4. By labours of this kinde, you (lull promore the honour and profperky both of our King and this King-lcr.ar.5.4 dome. Deliver the Jpoyled out of the-hand of the oppeffour, &c. For if ye dee this thing, indeed^ then jhall there enter in by the gates of this houfe^ Kings fitting upon the throne of David, riding in Chariots and M herfes, he and his Servants,

The equity of this Exhortation I am confident will beconfefled : but enquiry may be made, What I meane by the opprelfions, from which the Parliament fhould deliver us.

I anfwer, we groane and lye grovelling under many opprcffihg Grievances, both in the Church and Common-wealthy yet considering my calling, it will not fo well become me,to particularize ourcivill pre A fures, neither need I beftow any words that way, feeing your felves have given us abundant caufe to acknowledge that yeu have taken exa&noticeof them. But feeing loades which are laid upon mens confeiov-ccsare mofi proper for metocomplaineof, fufferme, I pray you, feelingly and faithfully to fpread fomc of them before you.

i. Subfcription urged upon all Graduates in both Uftiverfities, and upon all men entering into the Mini-fiery is an heavy oppreffion. (Miftake me nor, fori meane not Subfcription according to the Statute of Sfcc 1 J. of Qittni: Mlixafatb, which is to thofe Articles.

before the Commons Houfe of Parliament* $p

tides which onely concern© the Confefllon of the true Faith, and the Doctrine of the Sacraments 5 but I intend the Subscription commonly called and knowne by the name of the Bijbeps Subfeription.) By reafon hereof, many young men of promising parts and well ripened hopes, are driven from the iludy of Divinity, from the workcof the Miniftery, becaufe not able to get over this block. And moft inthcUniverfities, at leaft thofe who take the degree of Barchelours of Arts, are neceffitatcd to fub-f cribe, themiclves know not to what, and fo through ignorance miferably enfnare their owne consciences* as many fad experiences witneflc.

2, The preiliog of the old Ceremonies in divine AdminiOrations upon pain of Sufpenfion, Silencing, Deprivation and Excommunication. How many deare unto God are hereby deprived of fome facred Ordinances «? How many able Minifters of the Go£ pell have hereupon loft both liberty and livings, and their Families expofed to woefull penury i How ma* ny Congregations have beene deprived of their pain-full Paftours * How many of our deare Country-men both Preachers and others, have within few yeares laft part, been compelled to leave this Kingdome the place of their nativity. And certainly the continuing of this Grievance is the more inexcuiab'c, becaufe the moft moderate men who plead for thefe Ceremonies, hold them things indifferent, and fay they are, tfilerd-Utts inqtU.

3. Conniving at an ignorant, idle,erroneous, fcan-dal us Miniftery. Under this head I complaine of fourc forts of Clergy-men(commonIy fo called) being heavy burthens to the Church of Chri&

la 1. Blind

£o A Sermon preached at tbelate Faft

t . Blind Seers, who know not Heaven-way, dumb dogs which cannot barke.

2. idle dromes, who either preach not at all, or very feidome, or fiuklcfly without care and ftudy.

$. Mif-guiding Guides.Men Schifmaticallmd He-reticall, vvhoiet poyfon inftead of wholefbrae food before their people.

4. Men femdaIous 5 who plucke downe more with their foulehands, thenthey buildup with their faire tongues. Uider this head I may place Non-refi-dency, which breeds and feeds a M'miikry, ignoranr, idle, erroneous and licentious.

4. Thefearefullabufe or that high Ordinance of God, aS aend tf^amongftall rankes and conditions ofpeoplcintbe Kingdome. In the U nverdties, the OathofoJWrffwV»/^/Mroobfervc the Statutes of the Vniverfity, which nr>t one of many hundreds ever know.The Oathes of fevcrall Officers both in Church and Common-wealth, which although I cannot fpe-cifie, yet it is my hearty requeft that they may be per-ufed 2 to prevent the profanation of Gods name, and theenfnaring of many thoufand foules.

5. In regard of Church-cenfurcs. The dreadfull fentence of Excommunication is oken pa$cd and ex* ecuted.upon perfonsfor fmall offences, yea for acls not evill, and (which is moil horrible) for doing that which both God and the necefS" ies of their own fouls require, Iris a burthen intollerable, that men fhould be caft our of the Congregation of Gods people, ba-niihed from his publick worfhip, and delivered up to Satan for non-appearance at the Cathedral! Court,far buying, felling, or working on an idle holy-day, yea

for

for going out of their owne Pariflies to heare a Sermon or repeating Sermons and praying with forne Neighbours in their owne Families.

And on the other handjt isnofmall Grievance,bot!t to godly Minifters and their people, that thofe who are the true Officers of Chrift in his Church,havenor authority to keepe them who are pslpsbly ignsrane and notorioufly, fcandalotsfly profane, from the Sacrament oi the Lords Supper.

6, The oppoiuion made again ft the power of Religion*, is a grievous opprcflion. When fuch who are forwarder in holy courfes then others, are derided and difcouraged by reproachful! names,, yea molefted and perfecutedfor frequenting the Ordinances of grace, whither publike or private, for the building up of their fbu<es in Chrift.

And I humbly commend this to your confutation, whither the Prelaticall Government hath not bin the root of all, cr (at leaft)of almoft all thefeoppreflions. For my part, I profefie that I cannot expect a compleat deliverance from thefe, and 'other like oppreflions, but by the extirpation of that frame.

Right Honourable, you have done much, yea very much for our eafe already, we are ft ncible that many heavy burthens are taken ofFour backs, which crnfhed us grkvobfly heretofore: andfor that reliefe which we have receetved we blefte God, we honour our K ; ngand you. And I'now heartily intreat and incou-rage the perfecting of that whichyeu have Co worthily begun. When Syon is fet up in -beauty, adorned and (lengthened with her watch-Towers and Officers, then God mil be knoxvnein her Palaces for a Refuge. Pf. 4 s. $.

Great joyes have bin rsifed in our hearts by under-l 3 ftan-

v^^» j- — -»~— ■ "

'6% J Sirmonpreacbedattbe late FaU

fUnding from you, your intentions to call an Affem-bly of Divines a to confuk with God concerning Church occafions, and we will daily pray for the dire-cling and perfecting thereof, unto Gods honour and this Kingdomes welfare through Jefus Chrift. But I befeech you give me leave in the name of many to re- . queft your great care in the choice of men raoft meet for that great worke. And for this end, I humbly

_ commend 3. qualifications to be minded in the men to

£SJT beeleaed. Let them be,

Wore the i. Men of approved piety, whofe hearts are awed

choice of w lt ^ q q £ s £ care anc j uanioveabiy bent to advance

mentor . . . '* "

■the Aff«n-«is glory.

%. 2. Scripture men, Men well acquainted with the

records of Heaven,by the authority wherof,all doubts end differences mould be determined.

3. Men not biaffed with felfifti partiality .Such who may come to the Confutation as white paper,capable of thofe impreffions, which the evidence and power oftruch (hail imprint.

Sound Doctrine maintained,pure Worfhip exerci-fed, right Difcipline erected and eftablifhed will con-

igf duce greatly to Englands peace and profperity. When

v " a ' 4,4, ' s the Lord jhail have wafted awai the fiUbineffle of the daughters of $y on, ejrc The Lord jlull create upon e-*t>en dwelling place of Mount Syon, and upon her Af femhfiesj a cloud and fmodke by day , arid the fhining c a {iaming fre by night t for ttj>on all the glory jhallk

F I N I S,

IT is this day Ordered by the Commons now aflembled in Parliament, That M . AJh and M. Hampdin fhall rcturne thankes to IbAt/f/h for the good patnes he took in the Sermon hepreach'd thelaft Faft day but two at the intreaty of the faid Commons, and that he be defired to print his Sermon, And that no man prefume to print it,but fuch as hee {hall appoint, till the Houfe ihall take further Order,

EL Elfjng, Cler.TarL 2X Qom,

Jappoint Edward Brewfter and John Burroughs to print my Sermon. Simeon Ajb*

Self-Surrender unto God,

Opened and applyed,

A SERMON

Preached before

The Honourable Houfe of COMMONS,

At Margarets, Weftminfier, at their late folemn Faft,February 23. 1*47. • BY

Simeon Ashe, Preacher of Gods Word at MichaelBafsingjhaw, London,

1 C o r. 6*. ip. Tee are not your owne.

Rom. 1 a. 1.2. / befiech you therefore brethren , by the mercies of Cjod, thatyeeprefentyew felves a living Sacrifice, holy s and acceptable unto <jod, which it your reasonable fervice.

And be not conforms ho this world, but be yeetransformedby the renewing of your mind, that ye mayprove , what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God*

Luke Ij. 17,18,19. tAnd when he came to himfelfe, he [aid, Imllarifeandgoe to my father, and will fay unto him ,K*-ther } makf me as one of thy hired ftrvants.

LONDON.

Printed for 8. Brewster, and are to be fold at heff

(hop on Ludgate-hill at the figne of the

Bible neare Fleet-bridge,

TO

The Honourable Houfe of Commons Affembled in Parliament:.

Mi

\Henyour Order commanded me to preach before you, on the day of your folemne Humiliation, Fcb.i 3./ conceived nofubjeU more necefjary, or morefeafonable, for my Sermon, then this doBrineof felf-furrender unto God $ for as the Lordde-ferves much more then your All 5 fo the fuccejje of all your fe/vices lies in his hlefsing • and the comfort of all your labours, arifethfrom pur fine ere refpeBs unto his Majefly through thrift. All is loft to your own foules 9 {though others receive benefit by you) if you doe net re. ally intend God in your adventures and undertakings. By jetting up the mofiHigh in your hearts and thoughts, dulneffe, delayes, cowardlinefje^ unfaithfufnejje, defpon* dency, and wearinejfe in his work will be prevented: By keeping the Lor din your eyes andaimes, love would bee. enlarged,zeale enflamed,diligence doubled, uprightnejfe maintained, courage increa[ed,and refreshings multiplied. And negleB of tbis duty cannot proceed from want of arguments to move tt, for every holy ordinance which you ufe, and every ordinary providence, which reacheth you,doth fpeak ftrong rjafons to per [wade the giving of

your

ThcEpiftle Dedicatory,

pur fehts unto the Lord. Every Fa ft you keep, every Sermon you hear e,and every grayer you make, fhouldwork you more fully towards God^Honor & difhonourjafety and dangers, fucceffe and disappointments in your Negotiate ens, jhould carry you to God. Tour owne Orders, calling for Sermons,approving them, and appointing them to be printed, will rife up in judgement againftyou, if you doe not really devote your (elves unto the Lord. [O therefore let not Gods words and works,bis frowns and fmiles, be loft upon your foules 5 winter and Summer fhowers andSun-fyine,arenotinvaineto the fencelejfe plants and the dull earth, for they, upon the receit hereof give forth their fir ength^to the uje of man. AndfhaU men, wifemen,men under various, glorious adminiftra-tion$,refufeto makeover themfelvesunto their God,in all they are, and have received from him I O God forbid. Right Honourable, The imploding, the improving of every Mans All for the Lord God, if the duty which I preached to you, and now publifh to the world, according to your command, under your protection. That the com* fort of this VraBiee may fill your owne hearts,ana that the fruit hereof may fpread to the glory of God through the, thankfgiving s of his people,fhaU be the prayer of

Your faithfully though unworthy Servant)

Simeon Ashe

SERMON

Preached before

The Honourable Houfe of COMMONS.

At their Monthly Faft, on Wednefday, the 23. of February, 1^47.

2 Chron. 30.8,

Yeeld yourfefoes unto the Lord.

His Text, as I have read it, is rather a para- fi>-^. phrafe, or an Interpretation, than the Tran- ' " 1jn flaticnoftheOriginall. The genuine con- i> attnianm% ftru&ioH of the Hebrew phrafe, is, Givtjee the hand ttnto Jehovah, Proftml Dei

I finde a foure-fold glofle given upon the W» & Will-Text in reference unto theOriginallexpref- u ™"$^ u £ fion. Firft, feme conceive that it implyes a profeffed depen- flii e rigZ\^ dance opon the Almighty, and requires a prayerfull application & Trcmoi.

B to

to his Majefty for fuccours according to prefent neceflirici. Deodate hath this note upon the words. frU upon him for mercy : And there are parallel! Scriptures to juftifie this fence wherein the exercife of prayer is thus expreffed, **Jri.i Ul * J ft hen prepare thine heart, and firetch out thine hands towards htm. AndEfa.1.15. whenyou ftread forth jourhands, when

„ you make many prayers. This interpretation therefore would belafe, and the obfervation thence would be feafbnable (viz.) That in ftormy troubleiome times, people (Wd betake them-felves unto God by prayer.

eedite manum . .^ c ??$* oths J s i ud S c > that ^ P^rafe befpeakes obedien-m fount obe. tiall iubjedtiofi to Gods commands and government • and they dknt^^dy al edge that place of Scripture, to make out this interpretation Sf^/S t tlt t he Q obe ^ e °t **-*> febjcat-nntp him as their iet^^ Kl ^ d S ^raigne is declared, by the felfe-fame words, m obedientiam, * ^ roD - 2 9- *!• All the Princes and the mighty men, and all «*-Pircaioft *A* /0Mvrj/^«»^ ^Kmtj- David,/!^^^^^^*^/^/ Cor save ththat](jj unto Salomon the King, r r > ™ J y\ f °me imagine that a faederaliobligati^addedunto infoumfxie. an obediential! refolntion, is hereIntended. Their reafon is be rn.Eman.ssk caufe giving the hand is frequently fpoken of in the OldTefta-ment as a figne of Covenant making: As the Lord upbraiding andthreatnng Tharoah for his falfhood, notwithstanding £

E*ck. l7 . lg . ffdt h< Q fhi hrrkiKgthe CoveHmt (w henloehlhadZ» Vro.zi.i6, s^f/^^^ efcape. 1 And

,. u Salomon in the Boofcof Proverbs thus fpeaketh of obligation

by Suretifhip, Be not thou one of them that firike hands §r of_them tvat arc fweties. From this notion I might take occafion tp dilcourfe of felf. ingaging unto God, both in refpecl: ofitsprohtableneiTe^and.ourealltoit, asalfo the right managing thereof, to our owne advantage.

JW«*, r . 4 ' J h " ei jy et pother truth hinted to mbythisexpreffion, qwthfifito the-.Lord. The 70.render it thus, Giveolor v tothe lord dicing the people to determine ail dutief I\\ obediential! endeavours in God, making his honour the hjgheft and laft end of all their fervices whatfoever. And doubtleffi fccharc the motions of every fancied foule, beeaufethey arife

»VfJ«.»

fromGods grace, therefore they are referred to hisglory j For lnmtm ^ m . as theNaturallifts fpeak concerning water, that it may beraifed d a in qnmum to a Cifterne fo high as theFountaine was from whence it fell: defcendit.--In like manner, men under the powerfull principle of faving grace, are carried on in their eourfe, till they center in God. The Apoftle 'Paul told the Philippians, tkat his earneft heart- phjij,2 0 „ workings were, that the Lord might be magnified by him> whether by life or death* And doubtlefle thefe are the breathings 1 Cor.10,51. of every gracious foule, beeaufe we are commanded to doe all to the glory of God.

But pafling over thus briefly the feverall apprehenfions of learned Expofitors, lee us take the words as we finde them in <?ur Tmnttationfeeldycur felves unto the Lord* This Text calls for a facred furrenderof cur felves to God.

Wherein we may confider :

1. The gift, Tourfehet.

2. The givers Tee your felves,

5. The receiver, Jehovah the Lord.

There is need of warinefle, left according to this divifion of . the Text, the fence thereofftiould be mifapprehended and mif-applyed; 1 herefore let thefe Cautions be premifed, before I pitch upon the Doctrine hence to be handled.

Firft, this Text doth not prefuppofe that we are our owne to Cautions, difpofe of,as our felves pleafe; for the Pfalmift afluresus, that the whole world is the Lords, and all that dwell therein, there- P fa *' *4' u fore this gift is not in the givers pofleflion to doe with it as hee lifts.

Secondly, neither is it intimated in thefewords, That wee have ability in our felves, to make a furrenderof our felves unto God : For the Receiver (God Almighty ) enables his fer-vants to make tender of that which he deferves and accepts.

The Holy Ghoft reporting the fuccefie of this advice given inihefext^eWs M, I» Judah the hand of Godwas to give them' 1 c h 0.30, w, one heart to doe the commmdement.

Thirdly, nor is it implyed in this phrafe of fpeech, that

men may by any forcible refiftance gaine-% and difappont

God in bis eternall purpofe, to make improvement of them for

kimfelfe; for ihe giver hath not thus the gift in his own power:

B 2 ue

True it is, that the commands and tenders of God aredifobeyed

and fleighted by Mans ftubbornneffe s In which fenfe the Lord

complaines, My peoph would not hearken to my voyce, and Ifrael

ffaUli-ir; would none of me. Yea, Iconfeffe alfo, that many motions of

Gods Spirit are refitted by heart-perverfnefiej Id which re-

fpe&, the Martyr Stephen fpeakes in this manner to the Jewes,

Tec flijfe-necked anduncircumcifedin heart and cares, ye doesl-

Aft, 7. 1 1. W y es refifi the Holy Cjhoft j as yeur Fathers did, fo doeyce. But

the Almighty by the all-conquering power of his grace, fubdues

allthem untohis government, whem he intended from eternity,

to bring unto himfelfe. All whom the Father giveth toe (faith

Mu *.*7« Chrift}/W«w<? to me. And though the ele& through the wic-

g , kedncfle and way wardnefle of their hearts, {hculd fay, Wee will

Z9 ' * u be like others, ferving wood and fione ; the Lord will anfwer,

That which commeth into your minde, it pall not be.

Fourthly, neither may we hence inferre, That when we doe through the afliftance of divine grace, give up our felves to the Lord^this may properly be called a gift. Mpo? &ttpor. Its a giftleflc gift*

For 1. We give to God, that which is his owne. Tee are not 1 C«r.*.jo. y 0Hr oyfne ^(ai t h the Apoftle)7<>»r bodies andfoulcsare Cjods.

2. And when the Lord enjoyeth us in the fulleft imploy-ments and improvements, this queftion may be propounded, If Iob.jf.7. thou be righteous, what givefttheu him 3 or what receiveth he of thine hand} The Pfalmifts confeffian anfwers the queltion, O Pfal.i*r.i. myfmle, then haft faid unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord, my goodnefc extendeth not to thee : Neither our klvts, nor our ferviees can poflibly reach God, with the leaft advantage ; for unto perfection there can be no addition at all. My Text holds forrh, Firft,What is Gods due, Tour felves. Secondly, What is mans duty, Teeld your felves unto the Lord,

The DocVme is open and evident^ k lyes fair* and full in the face of the Text, Vsftt fte* That people of all forts t fhould yeeld themfelvet unto the Lord. ThisisthecounfeU, the command of the Text; anditis con-

fiderablc* that herein w more was required of iriferiours, then

T ^_ ; .. ^ ----- *--.• was.

■was endeavoured by Superiours of all forts, towards the promoting ofthis ferviee.

It ts turning heart (faith King Hez-ekfah) to make a Covenant with the Lord God of Jfrael. He gathered the Rulers ^/iChron^Jo. the City* andwent ftp to the hottfe of the I ord. And the Primes alfo, went throughout alllfrael and Judah, according to the Com* ca p.j 0 ,^. mandement of the King, faying, Tee children oflfrael, tm m again si,,to the Lord.

Neither can any juft ly except againft this Do&rinej as though it heldforthto Chriftians an Old Teftament exercife.For Gof-pel mercies are mentioned by the Apoftle Paul (that Gofpel- acm.r2,Ti Preacher) toperfwadcir, ibefeechyou ffoith he) by the mercies of God, that you prefemyour bodies as a living faerifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reafonable ferviee.

And it is recorded to the great commendation of the Macedonians, That they gave thctr own felvesto the Lord, iCor.8.?.

The words which furround my Text, di/eover thefeverall Rea r onS arguments, whereby this practice was prefled upon this people, J which I will briefly point at, and leave it to yourconfeiences to confider, whether they concerne not us 3 even our feives this day.

Firft, From this glorious Title of Godjehovah, which hints £ X0 <k, *.;, untous both hislndependency and Fidelity. i,HisIndependency .The Lord revealed himfelf to Mofes by this Name, lam that jam ; What I am> I am, of and from my felfe, neither needing creatures, nor receiving advantage from creatures. Wee have in our times notorious experiences of many men, yeeld-ing thcmfelves asfervants to men, becaufe of their dependanec upon thern,though their fupporters are alfo fupported by another power. How much rather fhouid we give up our feives to an Independant God.

2. His Fidelity. J appeared nnto Abraham, unto Ifaac, and unto Jacob (faid the Lord unto Mofes) by the Name of '' *. God Almighty, but by the Name lehovah was 1 not known unto them* The meaning of which words ismanifeft, that although manifold providences had abundantly proved his great power, yet in the faithfull performance ofhispromifes,hehad not been fo clearely difeovered, a$ now he intended to difeover himfelfe.

B 3 Ate* •,

Alas, many amongft us enflave themfelves tofalfe-hearted men, who are eeither faithful! to God, nor to their friends.-much rather fhould we make refignation of our felves unto Iehovah, whofe wayes are mercy and truth , whofe promifes are yea and amen in Iefus Chrift, unto all thofe who humbly wait upon him.

tv(i»7Z&iZ- Secondly, from their relation.ro his Majefty. The 70. ren-

Ufd-AK. der lhe word I'bovtb, by thefe words, The Lord God of Ifrael.

And it followes immediately after the Text, Serve the Lord jour God, Jn the 6, verfe, the exhortation is thus exprefled, Tee children of Ifrael, turne Agatne unto the Lord God of Abra-

rrv.17.T0. ham, Jfaac and Ifrael. Here I remember the counfeil of Salomon, Thine owne friend, and thy fathersfriend, jvrfakf thou not. I appeale to your eonfeiences , whether I may not with more tfrength ofreafon, give this advice ; To your owne God, and your fore-fathers God, dedicate your felves reJigionfly. Is Dot Iehovah the only true God ? our God by publiie profeflion, and by manifold feveral! engagements; our appearing before his Maj'efty in the duties ofthis day, is a reall acknowledgement of him, as our God : And which of us knows, how many times, upon Sacrament dayes, Falling dayes, and upon various occasions, we have by folemne Covenant taken the moft High to be our Gcd ? Therefore yeeld up your felves unto his HighnefTe, as to your God.

Thirdly, From his providences, both towards others, and them felves.

1. Towards others, Gods providences had been deftru&lve. Tour brethren' trefpajfed againfl the Lord God of their Fathers, whotherefcre g.ive them up to defilation ,Asyoufee t v.7. Many of us bavefeen the black foot -tiep> of bloody warre. How many thoufands have loft their lives by the mercilefie Sword ? And whatwofull fpoyles have been made bytheprevahWeflemies? Many fadly complaine of the breaches made in their neerett relations, and fay with fighs, that thebhoufes bave heen demoli -ihed, and themfelves in their outward eflates are utterly imr poverifhed. In this refpeel:, Godexpe&eth ourfubmifllon un-

Zcp'r.3 .6, ?. £© h m, Towers are deflate ( faith the Lord ) / have wade

jlreets

at the monthly Fafi , Feb':.23. 1^47. T

ftreets wafte , *£**> Cfjn^r 4^ deftroyed. J [aid, Surey thou wthfeare mee , *;W »//#. receive inftruttion,

2. - Towards them felves, [the providences of the Lord had been defenfive. Ton are efcaped out of the hand of the King of ^jfyria, ver.6. How various and glorious Gods adminiftrau; ons have been for your prefervationjn your perfons.poPeffions, relative comforts, and your faire ©pportuhtks of publick fe«-viee, I leave it to your felves to confider. But w. hen you have furyeyed them, I beieech you let this be the refult, the improvement. Wejwill therefore yeeldourfelvesutttothe Lord.

Fourthly, Fiomhispretious promifes. Both to themfelves, and unto their brethren.

Firft, that God might fubdue them unto himfelfe, heepro-mifeth to them, 1, The eeflation of his anger* Serve the Lord,that the fiercemfje of his wrath may turne away fiomy tt, verf%. This argument was ftrong in Hex,ekiah his thoughts, qukkning this engagement. Now it it in my hearty to make a z Chro. 29.ro. covenant with the I ord (fodof Ifrael, that his fierce wrath may turne away from vu* Let, us, I pray you, apply this toourfelves, Amongft what fort of- people in this Kingdosne are there not coales of divine difpleafure kindled? ourfehifmes, and fidings, our factions, and fractions, (I know not how many jour divi— /ions, both in regard of Church and Common-Wealth concernments, doedifeovei; the flames of Gods anger burning a-mongft us. Now what gracious hearrdefires not to tread out the ipatks of divine vengeance? Are we not aflembled this day, to powre out buckets upon thefe burning flames. Therefore let us yield our felves unto theLord.. 2. I he continuation of his favour. He e will not turne away h u f. vour fi'om you t ifyee re -turne unto him, ver.9. Oh how fweet is Gods love, in it felfe, a»din thermits thereof, unto the foule which hath beenfeort-ched with theexprelfions of his difpleafure? Doubtleffe, in his favour is life; and his loving kjndnejfeis better then life*. In him pf j ( we live, nriove, and : have Gur being. If wee may have Gods fmiles, we fhall not need to feare mens frownes; His good-will fweetens all our forrowes, betters all our comforts, fupports us under all our preffures, and adds very much to our advantage, in all concernments and conditions of life, whatfocver; There-

' foreL - -

f jtiStmM jre/tched before the Moujh of Common,

♦ fore let this argument p*evaile with you, thui to refolve , wee

willyield our[elves unt§ the Lord*

Secondly, Godi grace gives out promifes, extending to their brethren as to themfelves, upon this condition, of arightfelfe-dedieation unto hit Ma/efty, both companions and reparati-tions.

i. Companions. If yonturneagaine untothe Lordly ottr brd thrtn and children ftallfiudcewpajfion.

2. Reparations, Theyjhtflnme again i*to this Laad.vcr.9i

And that thefepromifes maybe credited, notwithstanding this peoples unworthinerTe, the reafon of all isrendred,verfe g. For the Lord your God is gracious and mercifull. Now to bring thefe incouragements of Gods grace home to our fclves, by way of argument. This day wee mould havebofomes full of bowels towards all our fufTering brethren: poore Ireland efpe-dally may challenge a great (hare in this dayes prayers ; Alas, alas, how inexcufably hath that wafted, and altnoft loft King-dome been neglected/ And I am pcrfwaded that every good hearc here.akes for bleeding lreland % and gafpesafter the fpee-dy repairing of the wofull breaches there. Therefore to the ufe ofother meanes, for the effecting of your poore brethrens deliverance, add this, Tieldyourfelves untothc Lord.

Thus from the interpretation of my Text, and the confirmation of the doctrine thence collected, I proceed tothe application of all by way of ufe, and the ufes which I (hallinfift upon are of two forts, the one of Reprehenfion, and the other of Exhortation. Reproof - I DC §' n w ^ n reproofe,'wherein I premife two things by way ofrequeft. i. That if any fhall judge mefharp, it maybe re-membred, that Ifp akfor God, and therefore may be bo d, and muft bee faithful. 2. That every mans conference may by felfe- reflexion make a particular application of that which I fhallonely in general! propound unto confideration. j. -■- m There are 4 forts of people, whofe courfes are inconfiftcnt proved^ r " w ' m C ^ at ftlfe-furrender unto God which my Text calls for. rheDevils Firft,thofe who yield themfelves up unto Satban; foGodand *affalei. the Devill are Afufiata t they are at as great a diftance as Heaven

and

and Hell, light and darknefTe. what fellowship u there ( faith the Apoftle) £tt*m Chrifiand 'Belial.

This charge Ibelieve will be acknowledged ju ft, but few or none will be willing toowneit,as reaching themfelves. Every onewillbe apt coward off this blow, to avoid this blame, as imagining that itbelongethnot unto them; therefore letusen-quire, the characters of thofe, who ate in this kindeblameworthy,

Fira, AH Witches, Wizards, Conjurers.and fuch I ike creatures , who by compact fell themfelves to Sathan, upon condition that he will be ferviceable to them, in the accompli&ment of their malicious, mifchievous defires. But thefeliook upon as too fowle to be Ipoken of in this Aflembly,

Secondly, thofe who abide wilfully ignorant, of the things of God, the matters of Religion. The Devils are called, The rulers of the darfytefe of this world. Hereto accords the fpeeeh R . oftheApoitle P**l % reporting the end of his fpirituall Com- b P h, V 2 ' miffion to the Gentiles; It was (faith he) to open their eyes , to bring themfrem darknefe to light, and from the power of Satan to God. Thefe words imply, not onely, that men under Sa-tans power, ar« unfubdued to ©od ; but alfo, that men in darkneffe 3 men willingly buried in ignorance, are in the Devils dominion. I wifli that all thofe who contemnethe knowledge of God in his vvorfiiip 5 and the government of his Church, &c. would ferioufly confiderofthis matter. There is a generation who fay to God, Depart from us, we defire not the knowledge of thy wayes. If they may underftandhow to buy and fell,to fave Iob lT > T * and gain, to converfe with men, for their owne credit and advantage, they lift not to learnehow rodifcerne betwixt truths anderrours, things that differ in matters of Religion j doubt-leffe thefe yeeld not themfelves unto the Lord, but rather contentedly continue in fervitude to the Prince of darkneffe.

Thirdly, fuch who notwithstanding the light of knowledge which they have attained, and whereof they boaft, doe yet ftubborniy perfift in conrfes of known difobedience to God. The Apoille thus chara&erizeth them in whom the Prince of the power rn the ayre exereifeth his authority. Children of 1 C jfc

Iob,8,44-

Nonperfitadebis

etiamfipcrfiM-

feris.

The fccond fort to be reproved, The worlds drudges.

Matth^.M, lam. 4.4.

4 Sermon preached before the Houfe of Commons 7

difobedience, children ofxoperfwafien, as theOriginall imports, ) who will not be prevailed with,by any perfwafive arguments to- \ order their conventions according to holy Scripture, but they walk according to the manners of the multitude,and the irna -1 ginations of their owne hearts. Our Saviour himfeife fpeakes | home to the confeiences of thefe men, Tee are of your father j the Devil/, and his works yee will doe. A man that comes to the Congregation, Sabbathafter Sabbath, Faft after Faft, and, yet isrcfolvedin himfeife thus farre, andno further will hee proceed in reformation of himfeife , whatfoever God by his MefTengers (Kail make known; he will doe thus much, and no more • this man (I fay) is marked outbyChrift himfeife, to belong unto the Devill,andnot to God.

Secondly, thofe who are the flaves of the world. This I intend not againft them,vyho are in bondage to the men of the world, (fo I fhall dealewith them under the next head of re-proofe) but this I direct unto the drudges of the world, who make it their maine bufineffe,toferapeandheape together the poore, low. under-moone contentments of this tranfitory world. For our Saviour faith, Te cannot ferve Cjodand LMam* mm. And the A poftle J a met renders the reafon oftheincon-fiftencie hereof, Te Adulterers and Aduherejfes, know ye not, that the amity of the world is enmity to Cjod ? whofoever therefore will be a friend of the world t is the enemy of God. Inordinate affe&ion to the worlds vanities, can no more confift with loving fubje&ion unto God, then whoredome, with chafte con-jugall communion. This afiertion will not be denyed, becaufe-. it is fo open and evident in the language of the Holy Ghoft.

But the que'iion will be, How may perfons herein blame* worthy, be difeovered ?

Ianfwer. They arefuchj who make the world their end,

intheprofeffion and practice of Religion- They ajfsmble them-

felves fas the Prophet complaines) for come and wine. They.

fee up Family-duties, frequent Sermons, keep Fafts, &e. to

feather their owne nefts, to make themfelves and others rich,

Mat. 53.14^.. and greatin the world. Wotoyou Hypocrites (kid our Saviour)

^'n^^'jwdevottrefVtddowes hou\es i and for pretence makje longpraycrs r

hwitas? thereforeye fhall receive the greaw ] wffiffrffw*.

- t * 2. The-

Hof.7.14,

2. Theftrength.the fireameoftheir heads hearts 5 Interefis, -^ W-

and all abilities run out much more w orld-ward,then after Uod, * m ^ r m CH _

in advancing him, and enjoying communion with nirn. They raattKebuster .

mind earthly things. This is their unum necetfamm ih™ bull rmis dedklfunt

nere 3 asthoughfheywerebroughtintothe^orld (as Factor Mcaor

arefent into forraigne Countries) for no other end then to get g£gg

^Thisisnotablyfet^ £«^

fpokenofin the Parable, He thought wtthm himjefe.jay^g, vcrbu .^ quonim whattkattldoe} andhefaid, this will I doe. ■ P" Io S« c wl ' c amtjtofiudi ' he-debated the bufinefie with himfelfe. Himfelfe asked the bommsuum cpeftion, and himfelfe returned f^^^^ SgSSm abilities to gather or ftoreup the fruits of the earth. Dot we ^

read ofno forecafting, no proje&ing, to grow richi in grace,, or ^ to make Gods Name glorious in the world: HedidtneworK D miit}<ed ^ €atj of men about earthly concernments, but labours not at alitor m i a t quadrat* Gods honour, or his own eternall happineffe.. "a***

? . They fit down fatisfied m the enjoyment of fublunary accommodations ; having ft ored their houfes, filled their pur-ies, provided large portions for their pofterity, they lettle as the ftone in the center.- Here they live, and folace themfelves as theFifhin the water: Like that Wcrldling,ofwhom I,fpake before, when his barnes being inlarged, were filled he iaith to his foule, K™ take thy reft Jor then haftgoods layed up for ma- Luk. i 2 ,r 9 . ny yeares. Now he fings a Requiem to himfelfe; now his dayes p .

workwasdone, he thinks he may goe unto bed and reft..And «-^f£ thereisone circumftar.eemoreconfiderable(«*.;thathecaIs £$&£** the fruits of the earth, his jot*, looking upon them witn Nmidgems higheft refpeas: I call upon your eonfeiences, to make applies- hommumdivi-' tiSi of this particular,when the fecuring of outward eftates,ana uasUna a m h the fetlingofcivillliberties, *f^>*^^^£ £~-Religion continue uniformed, and «he go\ernment ot jeius. ^v ^ Chriftinhis Churches is neither perfeaed, nor eft abided. qucd ^{ lmem This frame of heart argues that men rather yeeld themlelves Vimi n um \. to the world, then unto the Lord. . ptf.Groiiw

4 . Their confeiences can contentedly difpence with things inloc,

difpleafmetoGod, and di&onourable to him, that they tnay

ferve theirowne turn, in cornpaffing worldly accommodations.

C 2 Demos

vt A Sermon freached before the Houfe of Commons,

alim.4,10. Demos hath forfakenme (faith Saint Paul)having loved this prtfent world, and is departed. What eared he for the truths credit, or the Apoftles comfort, if he might gaine the world? And of like fort,*were thofe ipoken of in the parable, who fleighted Gods invitation to ordinances of Communion, in eomparifon of a Farm purchafed, Oxen bought, and a Wife newly married, Luk.T&aV^s Orphah in hope of marriage-preferment in her own Country, Rwh a16 - will leave her mother inlaw Naomi, her Religion and her god feath.19.H3a2 alfo. So the rich young man in the Gofpell willgoe erode to Chriftscounfell^hazzardeternalllife, andforfake Chrift him~ fdfe, rather then fell hisfaire eftate. Directly thus it is with many amongft our felves; what care they what becomes of the Covenant, confcicnce, Chrift in his government, or the work of Reformation in the Kingdome, if themfelves may be enriched, raifed to places of preferment, and bee made great in the world? There isnoqueiiion to be made of it, but thefe perfons yield themfelves to the world, and not unto God. The third fort Thirdly, thofe who are in willing fervitude to men. The icproved,thc Apoftle 'Paul faith, yee are bought with a price 3 bee yee not the fervants of frvants of men ; And the Evangelift gives the reafon, for one "r"*- y- *'jour mafter, which is Chrift^ The Levellers of thefe times Math "^o. Biay be apt to inferre from thefe expreflions, that all fubordi -nations in eivillfoeieties mould ceafe amongft men, that there ftiould not now bee any more King and Subjects, Matter and Servants, but parity and equality amongft all. I may not dt~ grefl'e to (peak againft this wild pbancy, the birch of mans intolerable pride : But the Apoftle himfelfe in his words 1 fore-c .. r . going, doth fuffieiently difeover his dillike of this conceit. Lct

%i 12. *" every man abide tn the fame calling wherein he was called, ssfrt thou called beinga fervant, care not for it ; (q d. perplex not thy %fit heart, with the thought of this thy condition) for he that is ca\ledbeingaftrvmt % i6ths Lords freeman. And it followes, Brethren Jet every man 3 wherein hee u eafad, therein abide with God,

The meaning of the Apoftle is, That in matters of Religion and Confcience, no man profefling a fervant-like relation to Chrift, mould pinne his opinion upon another mans fleeve, and enflave his judgement or practice unto another mans wi J

and

at the monthly Fafi > Feb:.2 3. 1 6*47. *3

and way. But as the Lord hath dijiributedto every manias the vcr H ;» Lord hath caked every one ', fo la him wa\ ^ '

j^ow here it will be demanded, who are theie fervants of men, whom you reprove, who doe not yield themfelves anto the Lord? ianfwer, 1.. Such, who in the things or Godmake mens opinions, precepts, pra&ices, their rules-and ftandards, whofefeare (whofe way of wotfhip) u taught by the precept g£ a H* of men, as the Prophet Efaiah fpeaks. And who willingly wal{, after the Commandment, as another Prophet exprefleth it. You may know them by their language, by their queries in matters of controvert, what is the judgement of fuch a per- py ^ fon in this particular, what way walketh iueh a prevailing par- Mmm u( ? ty in, in regard of this difference amongft brethren $ like un- O f ero C um 0 m~ to the enquiries ©fold, Dee any of the Scribes and Pharifets mbmqutfum believe 0% T/>«»? Ioh. 7.48. Doe the Grandees, the matters of & b**;v*m thefe times,praaice,or approve fuch a eourfe? Thefe fervants |~ £* of men will ftere according to theirmaiters compaiie; let their ^^ & r b . watches according to his diall j dance after his pipe. As Luther qumi sagn 0 f. before Chnft converted him, yielded himfelfe to the Popes cam. Lurh<

Luthers

plesfure ; fo many to prevailing and overpowering great ones leucr coPope amengrtmen. 2. Who aime at mans applule as their mark, iQ ' ^^ in their appearing for Religion, either by word or *aion MMvh.is-L „. their work* they doe, (faith our Saviour) to bee feen of men. And asthefoolilTiBen cackles when free hath laid an egge ; lo thefe men defire that Tmmpets may be blowne, to found out farre and neare, their brave exploits. £W »*/>«** fiaith-Jehu) andfee my ^ealefir the Lord. Thefe men-pleafingmen, r x;n.io.u. iiill folet their wills, that the wind of mans applaufe may ^fill their fayles. And therefore to honour them, whom they Idolize in thiskinde, they will adventure both credit and eonici-ence too. hs Herod ft-etched out his hand, to v«x certame of AAiw,»«\ the Chmch, and hee ktiled lames, the Brother of Iohn, with the fword tAnd becanfe hee few it pletfed the Iewes, hee proceeded furthertotake Peter alfo. 'Thepractice of PtUt proved him to be a man of the fame make, whonotwithtfanding caveats gi Math 1718,. ven by his Wife, and checks received from hisowneconlcience; m,*^. yet to gratifie the tumultuous, mutinous multitude,pafled the femence of condemnation upon Ieius Chrift. And I heartily

wifti, that therewerenonein this age, who accufe, revile, per-fecute, and prejudice their brethren, even againft their owne profeflions, and the verdict of their owne eonfciences, being carried on headlong with an impetuous defire to bee approved and applaudec&y fome men. Oh that this fort of peopIe,men of this generation, would ferioufly and fadlyconfider the words of Gall. io- the Apoftle Paul,Do lnowperfwademen,or god\ordo I feek^to pleafe men ; for if I yet f leafed men, I jhouldmt beethe fervant of Chrifi. The Fourth Fourthly, Thofe who make themfelves their own-Mafters, fort reproved, whereasif felfe bee not denied, Chrifh cannot be followed, as felfe-feekcrs. appearesby his owne words. If any man will some after me, let Maui*.* 4. fc m £ (n y hi m f e ife } mA ta fy n p y s croffe and follow mee. Take this truth with caution; for doubtleffe the Lord allowes men to feek their owne credit, liberty, and other outward comforts; yet felfe in thefe things muft notbefupreme, but fhould be fought in fubordination to farre higherends, There is alfoa fpirituali felfe-feeking, in tiudying peace with God, groweth in grace, communion with Chrift, and more full conformity to his go-, vernment; and this cannot bee feparated from a faered felfe fur-render unto the Lord. But the felfe-feeking which I reprove as inconfiftent with giving up felfe unto God, is thatfelfe-Ido-lizing which is common amongft men, whereby they fet up themfelves as their own laft ends, either onely, or principally, minding felfe eafe, felfe-advancement, felfe-advantage in all their negotiations, whether civill or faered, perfonall, or more publique.

Hereit will be enquired how felfimnfTe in this fenfe may be detected.

Firft, By confuting with earnall reafon alone, in holy undertakings ; Like that people, who bdng diflwaded from burning incenfe to the Queen of Heaven,they review theirformer plenty enjoyed, in that fuperftitious courfe, and therefore Height the Prophets counfell; Wee will certainly doe whatfoever Icr.4:.i7,i.8. >. thing gosth forth of our own mouth, for then had wee plenty of Vitlnall) andwere well 3 and ftw no evill; but fence wee left ojf % we have wanted allthings\and have been confumedby the fword. This (lam afraid,) is the reafoningof marjyin thisKingdome,

in

in reference to the work of Reformation begun amongft us. When wee had our old way of Divine-Service, and when all were admitted to the Sacrament without any examination , how well was it then with our forefathers and with our felves? Thus people argue the cafe, from i^nce, not having recourfe to Gods word, for fatisfairion, Jn like manner, many reafon againft the Presbyteriall Government, the exercifing of it, is likely tobeeanhinderance to us, in our callings, our credit, our commands, and gainfull courfes, and therefore we will not af-fent unto it. As the King of Navarre told Bez,a 9 'that hee would not adventure on Sea "for Religion.any farther then he might* feeafafepafagetojhoreagaine. I leave the application of this, in refpecl to your concernments, unto your own fpirits. Sure I am, when Gods grace had wrought f^/untoChrifr, he faith (and his practice proved the truth of it) / confulted not with GaLi.iS.

Secondly, By makingcarnall-feife,in theinjoymentoffub-lunary contents, the laft andehiefe end, in Religious fervices. The Lord by the Prophet Zacharye, blames old Ifrael for this fault. Tee fa/led to pur felves , and nottome ; Anddidyounot Zach.7,fr& eat and drinkjo your felves> How low and unworthy were the fpirits of Hamor and Sechem t in moving their Citizens to accept of Circumcifion (which was an holy ordinance of God, and a feale of his covenant with his people) becaufe by this means they might enrich themfelves. If every male among us be Gcn.34,ii,^j circumcifedy as sbey are cireumcifed, (hall not their cattell, and their fubfiance , and every beafi of their t be ours? Such a bent of heart upon perfons in thefe times of more full and glorious light, is more abominable, and much more inexcufable. Should men now make rheir pretences to Religion meerly ftirrups whereby to raife themfelves, that they may fit in the faddle of greatnelfe and rule, they would fallen upon themfelves a bloc not to be wiped off. I have heard it reported, that fome great ones have faid, thattheonelyendof our Solemne^Nationa'.l-leagueand Covenant, was to bring in the Scots, for our afli-flance in the time of our need. Oh tell it not in Gath, and pub-hfhit not intAskelon-, Alas,alas, that ever fuch words fhould be fpokn in England) as though our ufe of an ordinance fo

high.

f .s A Sermon preached before the Houfe of Commons,

high andho'y,our obliging our felves to reform our felves and families, and our engaging our felves to reform the Church according toGodsvvord > was meerly to ferve our ewne turne, in the day of our diftrerfe Queftionleife men thus minded, gave themfelves up to themfelves, and not unto God, in their covenanting.

Thirdly, By fiering more, upon wrongs and affronts otTered tofelfe,then for dishonours done to the great God. How many are CjtUio like, not carinn at all what diigrace is caft upon the ' government of Chriit, and his Embafladours, and yet will be sil on aflame if their own credit be touched, their free-holds fhaken,and carnal i hopes difappointed, as it was with them who . made filverfcrwts for Diana, when Paul by his preaching did

' undermine that vanity.

Thus have I ingeneralls fuggefted the courfes which are in-confident, with a right felfe Surrender unto God. Do nor, I pray you, in the application put them off unto others (as children, when looking-glaffes give the reprefentation of their owne faces, fay, they fee Babies) but let every one labour by ielf-refleclion to difcover their owne defers, and upon humiliation refblve upon future amendment. And thus from re-proofe I proceed to Exhortation. The ufe of My exhortation is, come and let us joyne our felves to the

Exhortation. Lord. Oh that all our hearts might joyntly refolve, Iec. jo. $ . ^ ee wiU y^ld our [elves unto the Lord,

In the inlarging of this ufe, I will r. Lay open this duty, beeaufe it is largeand comprehensive. 2. Perfwade theprs&ife thereof, becaule ir. is neceflary, and yet there is a wofull way-wardnefte in our Natures to fubmk unto it. ,. ] begin with the unfolding of this fervi.e,ofJe/ff Surrender

comprelTen- umo God ' which ( as l conceive ) comprizeth thefe parti-dedindevo- Rafting cur Telves Firft, A minding of our own felves, both firft and moft in to God. references unto God; Whereas the Hypocrites faj y but do not;

,Math.*3.M. The y bi »d>hefivj burthens upon others, but themfelves will not move them, with one of their fingers. It's an eafier thing to command others, then to obey our felves. Eut in our language to others, we fliould learn alwayes, to take in our felves. £W,

let

let mgoe to the houfeofthe Lord* He will teach us of his waits, _ r and wee mil walkjn his paths. ***•*■

Secondly, Consulting with God in alf our religious concernments. / am thine (faith David) and I have fought thy pr SL3 , precepts; I am thy fervant, give nee understanding, that £ may *\^ %

know thy tefiimonies. Wee muft yield our uudertfandings to be informed, and ourjudgemems to be rectified by the Lord, not daring to entertaine any opinions, or to adventure upon courfesjin matters of Religion, but fuch as God approves.

Thirdly, Reall refolutions of obedier.ee. His fervantts you are, (faith the Apoftlej to whom you yield your felves as fervants Rom,^. to obey. Knowledge aggravates difobedience j And it's a fore note of an Hypocrite^ to propound queftions without purpo-fes to fubmic unto truths difcovercd. The Prophet leremiah had to doe with fuch people: Tee dijfembled in jour hearts (faith he) when ye fentme to the Lord your <jod, faying t pray for Ier.4*, 1 o, 2 tl usmtothe Lord our God j and according to all that the Lord our (jodjhall fay, declare unto us f and we will do it: And now!have this day declared it toyou % but you have not obeyed the voice of Lord your God in any thing, for the which he hath fentme unto you. It is a molt fad thing and an argument of 1{on-dedication to God, when Gods Mclfengers are called to attend a people from Faft to Fait, with the meflages of the moll High God, and yet that people refufc to yield obedience.

Fcunhly, Integrality in regard of perIon* <}/erifie(Jodboth 1 q ci6 in your bodies and in your Jpirits; And yield your felves, faith myTcxr. Ood will not take up with halves ; Hec will not accept any partner, he cannct indure any competitor; Hee will cither have all, or none at all. The council ef Samuel was, ffy.ou returne to the Lord with ally our heart, ferve him If onely. If you bring your bodies, withcuc your hearts, hee will net accept your prefenr, it's a vaine oblation; And if your Ma^.;iv fbules come :-n,y cur bodies will not, cannot, be kept back.

Fifthly, Vmverfalny t \n refpeel: of duty. I remember the anfwerof the governourof Ahabs children, Ant to Jehu his challenge; We are thy fervants ', and we wtlldo* whatfoever thou •. Km. ic. commandefu Sure I am, it is more reafonableto refolve this, in regard of God. Andihisis moft eertaine, that they do no-

t % A Sermon freached before the Houfe of Commons^

thing forGcd ccnfcicnably, who ebrynot univerfaJJy • but

the words of the Prophet Jeremiah may be applied to them. Icr.31.j3. They have done nothings of ail that which the Lord commanded

them. Pf«iro.j, Sixthly, Spontaniety , Thy people are a witting people, faith

God to Chrift, This offering up of our feJves unto God, muft

I udg y.o. in l nc k n k aforcfai£ * > be a f ree ~ ™ il1 off €rin g' * oti your [elves, yieldyourfelves/mhecouti&llof my Text.

Bccnothaild per-force to God in holy performances, but come freely,: It added much to their commendation, who offeredthemfelves willingly ,to God in his fervice. Let this incou-rage us to doe the like.

Seventhly, Sincerity^ Refpe<5ting both Gods call and glory inthisfcifc-furrender. Whether -we live (faith the Apoftlc^wv

Roia, 14. . j^ tQ t fo e L or( } oy w kfth er we die % we die to the herd \ therefore whether we live, or die, we are the Lords. If God be not intended as our ultimate end in this work, we lie open to that rc-proofc which was charged upon the people in the Reigne of

It 10t Iojiahyd whom God thuscomplaincsj Iudah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but fe'gnedly ; becaule the command of the King, and refpc& to company, did moreco-operate, then refpe$ to God, in that their conversion.

Math 6 % , ^ ighthly, Wtllingneffe, not oneiy to doe duty, but alfo to indure ' 4 ' hardjhip for Cod. Hce that followcs Chrift, muft as well take up hi* crojfe, as betake himiclfe unto his work. The hand mutt bercady foraAioo, and the back for burthens, forblowcs.

Aa f ,T # Tj, Herein Saint Paul gave us good Example. lam ready, not

to be bound onely,but alfo to die at lerufalem,for the Name oft he Lordlefus,

Tir^.14. .Ninthly, Zeale, Gods peculiar people Jhouldbe zealous of

geod works. Arid is there any concernment in the world, which fhtjuld fomuchfirecur hearts, as the things of God? Micah gathered a company, and made after them, with an out-cry, who had taken away his Idols, and his language exprefled

lud.if*:*; much paflionateneiTe j Tou have taken away my gods, and what have i more, and what is this thaty on fay tome, what ayleth thee? Ohblufhfor fhame> ycu luke-warrn Hun, who under pretence of moderation, can contentedly fuffer God, the oncly

true

crue(£od,irt his ordinances, in his truths, in the government of his Sonne, to bz diftionoured in your Families, and in the Kingdomei'.fe, both by opinions and pfa^ices which are in* tolerable*

TenchJy, Conftancie, The Lord taketh no Apprentizes for term of yeares, but wee mu&firvehim all the diyes of our life, kuk« tyi. And I pray you confider, whether thole reafons which may pc-rfwacte * fervant-likefubje&ion unto God, once, wiil not be found asftrong, eoprevaile with you, to yield your felves tohimforever. Doubtlefle that man loved his Wife butJittle, whoM-ifliedher ikean Almanack, that he might have another the nextyearc; and he that defircsto be fet free from his engagements to God, loves him not at all. The fervant that lovsdhts Lflfafier, would not go out free, but was content to Exod.tj.jv?. be bored, through the eare, that he mighty^* him for ever.

Eleventhly, Concordat hearty afftftions towards all them,wh@

will ^foctate with us for C'od.When lames, Cephas Wlohn (faith p a . lx ?* 1 ■ . « n 1 \ r 1 1 ■ t Intirm con*

the Apo \t Paul) jAfthigrace that was gtvento me, they gave j m fti m i s n t ~

tome and Barnabas the right hand of fe//owfh;p. Our Solemne fir* fignum & Leagtieand Covenantee Is for om Harmonious holding toge- obfignatio. ther, that we may, by united endeavours, perfect thr work of Parm in loam, publique Reformation. The combination of our common ad-vcr&ries, requires our conjunction for Gods glory, and our owne comforr. And it is a very lamentable thing, that when Religion lies at ftake (as it were ) men fliould drive private per. fonall defignes, and make parties to fcrve their owne turne, though to theincreafeof our divifions, and to the difhonour of God.

T we 1 ft h 1 y, *A calm and contented committing of our felves, with our Ally to the dijpofall of God, as may feem good in his fight* The pratt see of 'David may be our pattern in this parti -ci.lar i VVhen his credit, hisCrowne, and his life, were endangered by the rebellion of Abfolo»,ih& were his words ; If theLordfay, I have no delight in thee, here am /, let him doe , Sam.t j.atf to mee asfeemeth good unto him. And upon the pra&ice of this felfe-furrender, in the forernentioned particulars, wee may with much confidence and comfort, put our felves with out concernments, upon the irream of Gods providence, to bee D 2 carried

a $ A Sermon preached before the Uoufe of Commons,

carried to fhore, fooner, or later, with more, or with leffe, as

ySSpg^f* Thus having laid forth the duty of the Text, in the com-ourtelvraunto prchenfions of it , 1 new proceed to perfwadethe pra6ice tncLord. of it, by Scripture arguments; and I (hall give in the argu-TheFuft mo- mtnrativc enforcement of this felfe-yielding unto God, under tzvcfiomt- foure heads of motives.

quay, The firft is taken from the *s«/>/thereof. The ApoflJe faith,

* osi.ji.i. j t > s y 9UT re ajhnahle fervice. This will appeare by three Confi-

derations. Gods Right pj rl ^ Becaufe the Lord hatb a more full right to us, then .ourt o d. c iiher curfeives^or any other can ciairrs AUfoules are mwe, Ezek.18.,. fahh the Lord. Pf.100.5. Io And the rfaJmift gives one reafon : For bee hath

made us, andnotwe our fehes t we are his people, who organi-r. ByGreatt- 2 cd our bedies, whocrcared our irrmorta 11 foulcs : dare any on< other challenge right to us in thefe regards?

2. By Prefer- 2 * Another reafon is rendered in Vjhimiah r. Thou art vation. Lord of all,, for Thou prefer veft them; In him wee live, wee

move, and have uor being. The whole frame of nature would Neh.^.f. fa]] into pieces, if Gods hand did not hold all together.

R . 3. Hereto might be added, other works of God more pc-

^ culiar, vtz,. cur redemption. Tm are mt jour owne, jou are

bought with a price) therefore g/orifie (jod, both in your bodies 1 Cor.£.20. And in jour fpirits, for they are God's. Here the consideration

of the flavcry from which Chrift bought us, and the price paid

for our rantome, weald add much ltrength to the argument.

Another work of God engaging us to his MajeGie, is our ju-Izck.i^8 4 f.ification. The Prophet Ezekiel, thus expreiTeth it, I covered

thy nakedneffe, andthou became ft mine. But thefcthings /only By Federa. name, without enlargement.

3 tion

S on 4. Btrides thefe adminiftrations of God us-ward,whereby

we are obliged to become his, by our owne a&s wee have t d 1 .; many times made over our felves unto him. Here, our federa-; * ' rionsfacramentall, cur promifes,proteftation$,vows perfbnall, and ourSoltmne Nationall League and Covenant might bee rcmcrnbrcd, In reipec} unto all, we have eaufe to (»y, as lepb-tbabyihinht had vowed, / have opined my mouth unto the

Lord

which are God's : Therefore, Tteldyour Jelvet unto tie Lord*

Secondly, Becaufe God's right hath long been detained from him.Hcw much of our firftfircngthand beft time ; hatb bcenlavifhed rutin thepurfuitof vanities, and in thefervice of fcolifh, helliili lufts? Is it not therefore moftequalli that whatremainesfhould be refigned up to God ? This is the argument of the Apoftle Paul: Jjpeal^after the manner of men. ^ om l9 ' Asyouhaveyieldedyour membersfervantsto uneleannejfe,and to iniquity uuto iniquity; even fo new yield your members fervants to right eoufneJfe } unto holinejfr.

Thirdly, Becaufe Gcd Al-fufficient tenders himfelfe in tke operations of all three pcribns in the God head, to be enjoyed by us- and it is through our faultinefle, that we doe not pofleiTe and improve him. heareO mjpeople 3 I am the Lordthy Cjod, Pf«8i.8> I o» I i' of en thy mouth wide and I will fill it; But my people would not hearken to my voice, and Ifrael would none of me.

I leave the enlargement hereof to your owne meditations. How infinitely is the Almighty better then the befl of Creatures ? In how many thoufand regardsdoe we need him ? How happy may we bee, in receiving him , and in living upon him ? whereas his HighnciTc, neither ncedeth us, nor can receive the leaft advantage from us. Therefore feeing hec offers himfelfe unto us, it is mod equal), that vtee fbculd returne our felves unto him.

The Second argument may be gathered, from the necejjity The k e one of thisfelfe-dedication to the Loid; Thefemay be made ma- ™ l ^ I6m nifeft,by taking noticeof thefe three particulars.

Firft, That necclTary Supplies cannot elfe- where bee had : pr.7j.ay,i<t, Whsm have 1 in Heaven but thee ? (faith rhePfaJmirt) Godis 38, the Hrength of my heart, and my portion for ever ; therefore it is good for me to draw neerunto Cjod. Remember how this w^-cejfity brought the poor Prodigall,with afervant-hkefubjecti-on unco his father. Hee faid, how many hired ftrvants of my LuK.if.17,18. fathers have breadenough t and J perijh for hunger i IwiHrife 4»dgoe to my father.

D3 This

ler.}.lt :

3i Sermon preathed before the Moufe of Commons,

This we read, as one complaint in feremiah his Lamentations I We have given the hmd to the Egyptians, and to the Affy-ri/tnf to be fatufied mth bread. If wane wrought their fubmif-ften to Heathens, hdw much more fhould our need work us towillingnetfctogive the hand unto the moil High? for alas, where elfe can we hope to have bread f can folio, fatitfying fupplics,be received from any other hand?

Secondly, That fafely cannot be had from any other. From this ground, repentiog liiael refolves upon areturne to God. Beholdrve come unto thee, for thou aft the Lord our God', Truly in vatne ts falvauon hoped for frofi the hils. or frem the multitude of mmntaines: Truly mt^e Lo,dour (jod is the Salvation of i/rael. Noah his Dove came back again to the Ark, and yielded hei felfe into his hand, whes? fliee could not elf-where find reft r Hils, and houfes, and high trees were all covered o-verwith waters; therefore without danger of drowning ftiee could fail nowhere, but upon the Afk. I need not make application of thisftory,bccaufe every one with cafe apprehends ic. Where, on this fide Sod, Can we pc-ftibly be fecured from dangers, which threaten Chuicb and State, ourperfbns, our liberties, and our begun Reformation ? A Parliament,and an Army, will appeare to be weak, inefficient, unfafe refuges ; therefore let us yield ourfelves unto the Lord.

Thirdly, Thatruine from Gods hand of judgement, can-pf.y 1? not in any other eourfebe efcaped. Loe, alt they that are farre *' 3 " 2/j J ' from thee/ball perijh ; Therefore faid the Plalmift, h ts good for mee to draw neer unto God. In chis cafe (beloved) wee muft either yield up our ielves to God, or be deftroyed. I pray you confiderit; either yield, or die. Th Thirl Thethird argument is fetched from abundant benefit to be motive from received by devoting our felves unto the Lord, Vnder this utility head, Ifhall only briefly hint three things.

Firfr, Hereupon we fhall be in a fit fo(l#re y to attend upon (jod, in theufeof his Holy Ordinances. Thewords immediately following the Texe, fpeak this, Ti. Id your felves unto the Lcrd.andenter into his fanBuary. I may no here fhew how much preparednelTe for any good impJoyment, is comprized in this one pjra&ice (viz*.) A regular felfe-reAgnation tothe Lord,

Secondly,

Secondly, Thisbe ngdere, we may cccnfider.tly 7<^f/4«w MttGodyiSOiix God. Then haft eon firmed to thy [elf, thy people $ am '7.M< Ifntelytobe a peofle unto thee for evtr; and thou Lord t art become their Cod. For, as the reafon of out love to God, is be-caufehelovedusfirft ; So his giving hirnfcile untous, cauieth us to give our felves unto him. Therefore in this holy claim, we may reafon from thecfft(5t to the caufe,with much aflursnee;/ will fay Jtis mjpeople-andthey fkallfyjhe Lordismj godM*' h ' l *' 9a God will acknowledge us, to be his, we may challenge him to be ours. I ammy bebveds, ("faith the Spoufej and my be-, cant.*.*. loved it mtne. And oh, how great is the fwcetnelTe which from hence flowes into the Soulc.

Thirdly, Thofc who have made over them/elves unto God, may boldlypUad their caufe before him by holy prayers, upon all occafions. I am thine, (Taith Vattid) fave mee. And the p ~ people of God , having made many fuits of great concern- ' ' 3i * mem, conclude all with this argument, we are thine : For Efa.^.ir , 9 thus the Lord is moved from felf-love, to fee unto the welfare of them, who acknowledge themfelves more his then their owne. In this manner (having yieldecfcur felves tothe Lord) We may humbly expefiuiate with his Ma jetfy. Lord, although we know no worth in cur fclves, we finde no reafon wherefore thou fbouldft confidct us for our own fakes : yet it's moft reafonable,that thou ftouldft fee to thine own poiTcfnon; therefore for thine own fake arpearcfer ti y people, according to their ncctlTuies, for we are thine.

Thclart jrgumem rtlatej toihe fad conftquencts, of refuting to yield our felves unrothcLord. Thisiiubbomneffewill TheFo r urth

° r * c , , , motive from

expofe us to a threefold danger. their danger

Firft, To be call under the Tyranny of ci ueli men. When$\i\- who yield not fhak Ktng of t/£gypt had taken the fenced C ittes which jertat - to ©od # nedto Indah i and came to Jerufslem, Shcmaiah the Prophet came » Ccr,x*.4,y« to Rvhoboam, and the i rincesof Judah that wen gathered to* get her to lernfalem.andhefaid y

g lint f*tth theLord; Tee haveforfaken mee, thereforealfo have Jit} yen tn the handof Shtfhak^ And though thty humbled thcmlehes, and acknowledged Gccis tightccufnefTe, yvhticupon he refolvcd upon feme mitigation of the judgement,

yet

yetthisisthreatned, They ffiall be his fcrvants, that they may know my fervice, and the fervice of the Countries . We ha ve a I -ready in. this Kicgdcme bcenc enflavcd to men (and what yoakesarefor the prefent upon our necks, I forbear to mention, though multitudes feelethcm jj Oh that wee might at length learn to be fo wife, that our perverfe withstanding the government of* Chrif}, may not yet further fink us under tha; tyranny and thofe oppreflions whereof we have jutt cau fe to be afraid.

Secondly, To bee lift unto the fervitude of decurfed corruptions. This judgement is ten thoufand times worfe, then to bee enflaved unto the woiftof men. A fouiemafletcd withhcJlifh lulls, is in a mote fad condition, then a body poffefled with a Legion of Devib. Now this judgement of judgements all you Jieopen unto, who gain-fay the government of God. Ulfy P'a! 81 10 tr.F r ^'(^' tD theLotd) would not hearkenunto my voice, and Jf-rael would nont of mee ; fo I gave them up to their oxvne hearts lufis } andtheywalkedin theirownscourfis . And the Lord looking upon poor Ifrael under this bondage,laments their mi/ery, ver i: as knowing it to bee excraordinaiy, O thai my people had

hearkencdunto mee j Tremble therefore, and refute not to ftoop unto God.

Thirdly, To be flaughtered by Gods revenging hand} And how can better bee expected, as theconfequence of the fore-Luk.19 17 ♦ mentioned curfe ? As for thofe mine enemies (faith Chrift) who would not that Jfhould rule aver them, bring them hither» and fay them before mee. What hope of fafety, when the judge himfclfe proceeds againft the Malefactor, as his enemy ? And how great is that feverity, when the judge himfe'fc will fee execution dene upon tha offender befei e his face ? ^ow confider Pf.jo.ia. this, you that forget God, left he teareyou in pieces, and there bee none to deliver*.

Thefe arguments have } I hoj.e,afre<ited your hearts; there fore put not God off with adeniall,or with delay ; fay no only, we will think of this motion hereafter. For if this b< not done, you are undone. Now therefore be not ft'iffweeded}> ytetdyourfelves unto the Lord, according to thecounfell of m Text. The Pfalmift thusexpefTcth the comminginof the Ge

tile;

tiles in Gofpcll times. Ethiopia jhali\foon firetch forth her hands ^ ^ z unto (jod, or thus,fhall make her hands to run unto God.Oh with ^1^5, c "ur-what fpeed will a converted heart, under the command of grace rere Fader, ma poft unto God. Zacheus made hafte and came, upon Chrifts n s fuss. call: The Lord wingyourfpirks,* JW to day.whileit is called to Not" "j^T day, you m\y give your [elves wtoththord. And if God fhall "j aut fo * conquer your hearts to come inuntohim 3 you may not, you n?# ^ vei fa will not, you cannot be content tocomein a!one,but you will Lcnm. ferioufly fcek to bring in others alfo, by counfeli, by command, and by example alfo j As Bez,ekiah\n this Hiftory, layeth forth his power, and his interefts, that his fubjects with hitnfelfe, mighty ieldthemfelves unto the Lord. Andrew brought,

his brother Simon to lefus. and Philip brines Nathanielz\onz,. . ,

.... J * r o o lonn r.-40.42,

With him. 44%

This I might perlwade, 1. From holy felfe-love, that our felvesmay have the comfort of thisgood endeavour* 2. From good will toothers, that they alfo, with ourfelves, may bee advantaged by their attendances upon God. 3. Fromrefpe£fo to God,that his Name maybe advanced, in thecomming in of more fervantsunto his government. But I may not enlarge thefe things any further.

And now Right Honourable yfeeirig your command called me hither, to attend upon your felvcs in the prefent fervice, I numbly crave leave to make a fair and faithfull application of this Text unto your confidences, in few words.

Firft, Remember your finfull man-plea{ing,andfelfe-feek-ing, with your former defects in this felf-fui render to God; Be humbled, repent and pray, that what hath been faulty may be fully forgiven, through Gods rich grace in Chrift.

Secondly, Refolve for hereafter to Tield your felves unto the Zcr^For,aspublikeperlbns,as Parliament men,as gifted men, as truftcd men, as men of parts, and as men of power; you owe more toGodthen to any other, then to all others whatfbever.

Did not God call you hither ? Hath not he continued you here, in life and fafety hitherto ? therefore in all your authority, abilities, interefts, and opportunities, Tield your [elves unto the Lord* You fliallexprefleyour reallity herein,, by nnploy-iirg your power to rcdifie the Univerfitics, to propagate the E ' Gofpell

Gofpell thoughout the Kingdome, ahd to perfect the work of Church-Reformation, which you have begun. 1 heare, that according to your own order, an ordinance is in rcadineffefor report, for the fuppreffing of fwearingjCurfingjthe profanation of the Sabbath day, andFaftingdaycs; call for it I befeech you, that further diflionour to God in thefe fcindes, may by your care be prevented; Difregard not their comforts, difappoint not their hopes,who have ferved God, and you,with their prayers, purfes, perfons, and with all that isneare and deareunto them in this world. And take I pray you, thefc two hints a-long with you, in all your Negotiations, i. Make Godf word your Rule. 2. MakeGods honour your End.

When yon think of wayes of Accommodation, reiblve to yield fo farre, and no further, then Gods word doth allow, and will ftand With his Honour; E nquire whether yielding to connive at Hercfie and Blafjthemy, and to give a boundleflc toleration in matters of Religion, can poflibly confift with right &lfe- yielding unto the Lord. And as in Gods pretence ask your hearts thisqueftion(to which you muft anfwer at theday of judgement) Whether witting, willing, deliberate Covenant breaking can ftand with a fincere felfe-furrender unto God.

When you fay amongft your felves, we muft not fuffer our honour to be blemiflied, or the Authority of Parliament to be trodden under foot by Malignant Pamphlkeers; I imreate you add this interrogation, May we pern.it the Scriptures of truth, the Word of God to be traduced and blasphemed ? May we fuffer theSon of God, the Spirit of God, to be undfcfied by mens tongues and pens, without manifeftingdiflike, without making oppefition ? Can we in thefe and fuch like cafes be fi-lent s andyet faytruly, we yield our felvesto the Lord f

1 befeech you for the Kingdoms fake,for the Churches fake, for the Lords lake, to yield your felves unto his Majefty, vi-goroufly, effectually, and for ever. Meditate, Speak, Ad for the Lord. Confult, Confer^ Vote, Adventure, live and die for the Lord. This is indeed right yielding of your• [elves unto the-Lord.

FINIS.

Die Mercurij, 23 Febr. 1*47;

ORdercd by the Commons affembled in Parliament, that Mr. RofeAos from this Houfe give Thanks unto Mr. Attn, for the pames he took in his Sermon preached on this day at Margarets Wcftmmfkr, before the Houfeof Commons, and that hebedefired to Print his Sermon: Wherein be is to hare the like priviledgein printing of it, as others an the like kind ufually hare had.

Hen. Elfyng, Cler, Tarl/D. Com.

IappointE. Brevflerto print this Sermon.

Simeon Afbe,

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GODS f 1

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^ Goodnefle unto

I ISRAEL

J Vnfolded and applyed

fMn a Sermon.preached at Margarets 4§

§£ Weftminfter before the Honourable J| g^ Houfe of Commons AHembled in Parlia ^

H^. ment, At the laft Solemne Faff,

*■ By Simeon Ajh 5 Vreacher at Bafingjham, H

London , and one of the Affembly. j| !.«► Publifbed by Order of the Houfe of Commons. fM

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jpfc #■<?/>/>> <*rf */;ow o Ifrae/, who is li^e unto thee I 0people favedby the Lord, ^J

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||g£ Printed by W-.Wilfon for Edward Erewfter^nd are tobe J^

foJdathisShoponLudgate-hi!l, at the bigne of the Bible *j»

To the Honourable Houfe

of Commons Affembled in Parliament.

Right Honourable,

g ^^^^i^&f Bis Sermon was preached, and is now Printed, in humble obedience to your Commands, In both thefe fervices, I have (according to my weakpeffe) fticerely endeavoured to approve my felfe faithfullto God, and to your consciences, the fobjeB I judged feafonable, for all the duties of the day, not knowing a~ ny argument fo kindly breaking the heart for' finne , or more forcibly perfwading prayer to God, obedience to his Word , and Jerious Covenant-renewing with his Majejiy, then his abundant gooodnefs. Andmy thoughts could notfaflen upon any difcourfe, more probable to quicken thefruitfull improvement of your prefent Authority and trufi, then by propounding God himfelfe, in his goodneffe towards his Ifrael, as your pattern for guidance and encouragement. This Sermon is plaine, as beftfuiting with my Spirit, and in that regard beft a-greeing with the day of Humiliation, wherein Gcd would have thofe Robes laidaftde, which at other times may A i be

The Epiftle Dedicator)/.

be better bom with. Thefoode isfivory, though not at* rioufly Cooked. Timeth , not words doefeedethefoule ; mdlmuch rather defire in my Mini fiery to profit, then topleafe my Auditory. Confider I pray you, that all the Fajl Sermons which you heare (bejides many others) the moft whereof are made publique, will be upon Record a-gainftyou, ifyoudoenot confcientioufly a& , according io the counfell given in them , in the Name and authority of the great God. The Lord give you continually to remember that his holy eyes are alwayes open upon your hearts and ways: and that you mufi be judged according to his Word, atthelafiday. Such thoughts will double induftry, move felfe-deny all, make fingle-hearted in yourends and aimes, increafeyour zeale, and add much to your courage for JefusChrift. Jndthatyou may proceed with this glorious frame of heart, to do worthily for this our Ifrael , in imitation of our God, is andfhall be the prayer of

Your faithful!, though unworthy Servant, S im: AsH.

A

SERMON

Preached before the

Honourable Houfe of

Commons at their monethly

Faft , April 28, 1647.

Pfalm 73.1. Truly God is good to ifrael, even to fuels who are of a cleane heart,

H E Title of this Pfalme, is A Ffalm of (or for") A-fafb. But whether Afafh was the Pen-man , or whether David penned it, and committed it im-to ^pMbrpubliqu: ufe'. Interpreters doe not accord.

And where the holy Ghofl isitlent, we fhouM not, we need not be curioufly inquilitive.

Thisis raoft apparent in many patfages of the Pfalme, that B the

A Sermon preached before the Uonfe of Commons

Votirim. Phil- 1.12.

Vfe.

Pfal. io 2 18.

Doctrine.

Vfe. Fr<emonitUf Frxrmnitus*

the Pfalmifts fhiartmg fufferings occafioned.this good Pfalme. Gods rods were frequently upon his backe, hereupon Satan (who watches for oportunities todoemifchlefe) makes fore adaults upon his foul, and many tinful! diilempers break forth from his Spirit. This (barpe conflict made way for this Scrip--ture, which hath been for many ages, and ftiJl is on record for the Churches ufe. Hence wee may note, That tbe fufferings of Gods fervants, tend to tbe Churches advantage.

The ApoMe Paul reports the experience hereof 5 Phil i 12. Jwouliyeflmdd underftand brethren, that the things which happened unto me, have fallen out to the furtherance of the Gofpel, &c.

How many parts of Holy writ have wee for our edification, which were the happy confluences of the affii&ions and faults of Gods people.

This meditation is marvelloufly comfortable in thefe times of fb great diftraftions and uncertainties : for doubtlefs thefe ftorms this winter weather will produce an happy harvefr,ei-ther for this age, or for fucceeding generations. And I may boldly fpeake it in the words of the Pfalmirt, Pfal. 102. 18. The people which fhall be created, pallpraife the Lord.

More particularly, its enquirable , from whence the good mans inward trouble and temptation arofe ? He few the wicked fit fafe and warm, (helteredfrom dangers, and filled with contents, whilit himlelfe was wet & weather-beaten, with an inundation of Crofles. This perplexed the holy mans Spirit. Hence we learn, The prefperity of the wicked is fomelimes a matter of offence unto fuffering Saints.

The reafon hereof, the Pfal mifthifnfelf renders, ve'rf. 22. So foolifb was I and ignorant. -

Through darknefle they mine their way, and are in dangers to be milled. Some Interpreters conjecture, that David was thus offended in his younger days, before hee was well acquainted ivith Gods various aaminiftrations in the world, towards his foes and towards his friends.

This may be an item to us to take heed of this rock;* Beware of niHpriifion of Providences. And for your fecurity , take this fliort direction. Interpret all Gods workes out of his word j Make the holy Scriptures a

conftruing

conftruingbooke, to chebookeotGods providences. Judge neicher better of profperity, nor worfe ofadveriky, then Gods word warrants. This was the Pfalmi its cure, his experience did pataprobatum eft unto this prescription, verf.16 .17. When' I thought to kjiew ibis, it was too painfull for me, until! Invent to the San&uary of God, then under flood I their end.

I proceede. In the body of the Pfalme, we hear the PfaJmift groaning under his daily burthens , wee fee him violently zf-faulted by Sathan, and find him wounded by fundry iinfull di-ftempers, (vid.) Envy, Infidelity 0 ~Difcontent, &c.

But in the Text and elfe-where towards the concluiion, wee meet with him as aConquerour, in thepurfute of his enemies, and we heare him linging the triumph. Truly God is good.

Hence observe. That notwitbftandifig the foreftajfaults of Sa- Detfrine. than, the world,and corruption, thefervants of the moft High (ballget the.vitlory.

The Apoftle John gives us the true reafon hereof, which holds in reference to all oppositions, though he makes a parti^ cular application, 1 John 4. 4. Te are of God, little children, and 1 John 4.4. have overcome them, becaufe greater is be that U in you, then bee that is in the world. Although children, yea little children in regard of their own weaknefTe, yet conquerours through the ftrength of the Almighty.

This may wonderfully encourage Gods people to hold out 37/e. the conflict, to keep the field, though the ftrength of the bat-tell come upon them. Although worfted, difordered, routed for the prefent, yet rally, gather up broken ftrength, face a-bout, and give a frefh charge, for the day (hall undoubtedly be yours. Say to the infulting adverfaries, as Mic 7. 8. Rejoyce M j ca , 7 .8. not againft me 0 my enemie, when 1 fall, I ft/all rije, when I fit in darkjteffe, the Lordwill be a light unto me. Yea this is comfortably applyable, in reference unto Ghriftian-Soulconfii&s, when the vnderftanding is darkned, thoughts dilVa&ed, affe&ions diftempered, conscience wounded,the Devil gratify* d,and God provoked 5 yet be not difcouraged, but chear upj^ithithe words otVavid, Pfalme 42.5.11. Why art thou caft downe % my -foule, and pf a j m 42.5.11. •why art thou difquieted. within me ; ftill hope thotiinGod, fori, fhallyet praife bim. }

B 2 Further

Further obferve, that the Ffklniiit gives God the glory of this vi&ory, God is gooc).

The more deliverances, and the better fuccejfes , agrarians heart receives, the more it admireth and advance ih God.

And indeed, Gods manner is, many times to make the bat-tail the more hot , and the fuccefle in appearance more doubt-full, that the congueft in conclulioii; might be the more to his praife. Vje. Hereby, learne to judge aright of the temper of your owne

Spirits. How doe your hearts behave themfelves God-ward, upon the perufall of the great things which hee hath done for you ? Is God the higher in your eftimation and affections ">. Do you the more magnifie him in your converfations, becaufe hee hath profpered your Counfels , and Armies for your honour, and the Kingdomes welfare 1 I propound the quettion to your confciences, let your foules return right anfwers to the Lord.

And oncemore mark (as another generall ) 'that a ferf experience is improved to an univerjall advantage..

One Afafb, or one David , is refcued from the power of Sa-than and fin : but the inference made, is for the comfort of the whole Church, truly God is good to Ifrael.

This is very remarkable, together with the ground of it, in " thepra&ifeofthe ApolHeJW, bringing that unto common

Heb-13- $16. u ^ wn j cn was (poken to Jofbuah many ages before, Heb.i$. 5, 6. He hath [aid, lwilluever leave thee, norforfakf thee : So that we may boldly fay, the Lord is my heifer. For God in his Covenant and affections towards his people, is lebovah who chan-geth not, throughout all generations. Vfe. 1 Be inftru&ed to trade the providences of God for the good

of others , unto your owne particular profit.

Vavid ih an eitate of defection, hath recourfeunto Gods gra-Pialm 225,5 c j ous dealings with his fore-fathers, Pfal.22. 5,6. Our Fathers trufied in thee, they trusted and thou didft deliver them. They cryed untothee&were delivered^ they trujiedin thee & were not confounded. %)' e , 'i Be p^rfwaded to impart your owne experiences for more

common ufe; Conceale not within your bofome, thofe things the communicating whereof nny be lor publique profit. And in this regard it is very deiirable 3 that Gods many marvellous

„~ admini(b:a-

at their Monethly Faji, April 28. 1647.

adminiftrations in this Kingdome, in this age, miy be handled to pDlterity. Oh that they might berecorded, and reported to the encouragement of fucceeding generations. As this my " Text is here regiftred for oar life and edification this day. Truly GodisgoodtoKrad.

Having thus briefly pointed at thefe few observations} in my way to the Text, I now come more clofe to the confidera-tiDn of the words: Truly God is good to Ifrael.

In which words we have, 1. A precious priviledge propounded. Truly God is good. 2. The Iharers in it defcrtoed, 1. By a Title, Ifrael. 2. By a qualification. Pure> or true of heart.

I will take the Words, as our tranflation renders them, and fbal undertake (through Gods grace) the handling of this pro-| polition. Truly God is ^ood to Ifrael. In the handling whereof I ftull endeavour, 1. The explication of the words here ufed, 2. The confirmation of that truth, in the latitude of it, which is hence tendered. 3. The application of thep'oint, thatit may be fruitfully improved.

I begin with the firft. And in the proportion, I coniider,

1. ThefubjecY -Ifrael.

2. The predicate. Truly Godi* good. Wherein note i." the aflertion. God is good. 2. The afleveration. Truly. The word Ifrael fignifies a prevailer (or) one ftrong with God. And primarily it was a name of honour put upon Jacob byGodhim-felfe upon his prevailing prayer mad: in the time of deepe di-ftrefle. Gen. 32. 28. Thy namefhallbe called no more Jacob but Ifrael, for as a Prince hafi thou power with God.

Afterwards this title was commonly given unto his natural! Poilerity, fometimes more largely , and fometimes more ftri&ly.: which now in Scriptural difcoveries, I may not looks "after. But here neither All, nor only Jacobs children according to the flefh are meant. Nor all the outward viable members of the Church ChriiHan, as the laft words of the Text ( which are Exegeticall) doe declare. Such who are cleane of heart.

It is here obfervable, with what cautioufnefs the holy Gho r t ferves out Gofpell Cordialls. He neither doth careleOy lavifh them out unto all, without exception : nor unto all profeifors of Religion,, without a fpeciall limitation : Evjn t,:ojewbo are

B 3 tUane.

A Sermon freached before the Houfe ofCommons

Bonum utile benejlum, ju cundum.

clean*of"'hearth' Our Lord and M after in the dayes of his fleih faid 3 li# not meet to give tlxs cbiUrensmeate- to fags. The Lord make Minifters & people wile in applying Gofpel prerogatives. Next j the (everall words in. the predicate come to be opened. God. The originall is Elobim^ a glorious title of the great God, the only true God, which word faggeits unto us i. Both the Ofn?iipotemy.-2. And the fubfifoncy of the God-head. Elobim fignifies ftrength, ability. And Elobim (in the plurall number ) Gen. 1.1. hoilds forth the Trinity of the psrfons in the | Deity. A? Gen,.

i. t. Elobim created. The work of creation belonging to Fathei!, Sonne, and holy Ghofc 3% f Good, The word is little., but very comprehenhve. ft is ufe j

in Scripture to fignirie good of all kindes, and in all degree^ The goodnefTe of the Creature,both in its being and wei-b^'ing, But we are here to confider it only as applyable to God. Gsd Marth. ip.17. is good. AndGod is good Effentially, Math. 19.17. There if, none good.but one- God is only good, eternally, infinitely, indepen~ dai tly. In this fenfe the Lord is the fame good God , both i n reference to Ifraei and Iflmaely to the godly and the wicked. As the Sun is the fame goodly glorious body, whether it mine upon a (lately Pallace, or a ruinous prifon^ a pleafanr garden, or an svifavory Dunghill. Vhl n? <58. ' 2 ' Oferatively , Pf. 119.68. T'bm art good and dofi good. AncJ thusGodisgoodin his gdminiitrations, 1. Either in a way f more common to all creatures, Pf. 1 45. .9. The Lord is good to all,

Pfai % H t 2 " ^ r * n a manner more peculiar to his people, Pf. 86.5. Tbott Lord art good^ ready to forgive , plenteous in mercy. Now in this latter and better fence, God in the choyfeft wayes of his piovi-dence, is good to Ifraei. Ifr There is but one word more to be interpreted, truly its but

a particle: But the.fmalleft rileings of gold are gathered up, Little pearls are of great price. And this fmall particle is not of fmall ufe, being rightly applyed and improved.

Firft, take it (as our late tranilators give it us) as a note of AfFeveration. Truly. Its a word of faith, oppofite to the Pfal-mias fence, andSathons injections. Whatfoever fenfe fees or feeles , whatfoever Sathan indnuates and fayes ; yet precious faith, with confidence aflerts: Truly 9 verily God is good. He is not

only good in word, but in deed alfo. Not only feeniingly, but certainly good.

Secondly confider it as an Adverfativeparticle ; Tet, To our olde Tranflation. Ainfworth renders it , pt furclj : taking in Adverfative the former & this together. And then the fenie runs tbus:How capitur prove-ill foever things goe in the world , how ill foever it fares with runtamen-Gods Church and people amongit men, Tet God is good to Ifrael. Calv.

Thirdly, fome conceive, that the word carries Admiration, p^ mm boms oh how good is God to Ifrael. Where expreilions and appre- e },or per-bonus henfions faile, there the Pfalmiit takes up Gods providences eft Dtus. with admiration, oh how wonderfully , how tranfcendently good is God to Ifrael.

All thefe things in the unfolding,:n the conftrucVion of the words being premifed : Now take the do&rine in its latitude and full fence. That the mighty God, Father, Sonne and holy Ghoft, is really, confcantly , fingularly good in his adminifirations to his Church and people. Truly, yet, oh how good is God to Ifrael,

The fecond thing premifed irf my difcourfe, follows (vid) the confirmation of this point which I {hall give you , in the three branches which are diftinft in it.

Firft, God is truly, really, good to Ifrael, not only in appearance but in pra&ife, not in words alone, but in his works alfo. And this is manifeft under thefe two heads.

1. In that he-confers all needed good upon them, P/.84.11 Pfal 84-11-No good thing will he witb-bold from them tba t vtalke uprightly. Its' moft manifeft in experience that many things are with-held and withdrawn alfo, from Gods faithful people, which they high- , ly prize, and much defire: But nothing which God in his infir nite wiftfome forefees, might be for their true good, is either denyed or removed.

2. In that he converts all events to good unto them. Thus faith the Lord 7er.2 4.5 .God of 'Ifrael Like tbofe good figs fo will I 3 er ' 24 ' 5 ' acknowledg them that are carriedaway captive ofludabfor their good. Though the antecedents and confequences of captivity were grievous, yet God intended and effected his peoples good. Blowes, blood-fhed, baniihment, IofTe of liberty, lively-hood, and the lives of many in neare and deare relations , with the want of holy Ordinances, the comfort, the life of their lives.

The

The reproaches caft upon themfelves, yea upon their God in his government, faered admininrations, and prefent providences, by his and their enemies, (which things to gracious hearts are more bitter then death) were all for good. Rom.8.28. We\q19w (faith the Apoitle, Horn. 8. 28. J that all thingsfi?a\l

workg together for the good of them who love God. Do not (ever pro* vidences, which God would have con[ideredtogether,and you mall be able to make out this pretious truth.

Secondly, God is conflantly good. Xef, God is good. This yet (as 1 conceive) hath a three-fold reference into thy body of the Pfalme. For as Interpreters obferve, though theft words are let in the beginning, yet they fuggeft the concfuiion of the Pfalmifts conflict. And the Pfalmiit feems to begin fome-what abruptly : Jet God is good. But having filled his thoughts with his former foiles and fears. And now feeing himfelfe in a fafe condition both for the prefent and the future, he is full of confidence and comfort: and that which was the flrongeft and chtefeft in his heart, nowbreakes out firfi: '.let God isgood. Vs-rfe it I ' This jet relates unto his fufferings, verf. 14. All the day

long have I hen plagued and chained every morning.

Notwithftanding the variety and frequency of the Saints fufferings, )el.GoJ is good. Though forrow falutes them every morning, at theji'firfl: awaking, and trouble attends them to bed at night, )et Cod isgood- Though temptations many and terrible make.batteries and breaches upon their (pit its, yet Cud Hgiiodio Ifrael.

2. This yet reflects upon his (innings, the frettings & wario

' 2 ' 3 * g H * n § s °f n ' s diftempered heart, ver.2.%. My feet were ahnofigonei

my -fiefs bad well nighflipt^ fo r I was envious at the foolifb when If aw

Verfe 2 r- the f rojfcrity efibt wicked. And ver. 21 ■ My heart was grieved^ and

I war f ricked in my reines.

Though (in full motions doc wutinye in the foule againfl: Gods wi e adminltrrations. Though there b:e fool till proud quarrel lings with divine providence?, andinexcufablediflrufc of his faith full promifs'. 1 hough .frctfulnefle at otheis prof-pet icy- and difconfcr.t a their owne adverfity '.yet Godisgooik Ifracls fnfii 1 oiilempers caule not the Almighty to change the cc-urfe ot his accuftomed goodnefle. W hile corruptions are

kept

kept from breaking out into fcandall, while the foule contends «againftthem, and is humbled tor them (as this Pfalmift wasj this concluiion muft be maintained: yet Cod is good.

3. This jef looks back upon his mifgivings. There had been diftruftfull defpondency upon the good mans heart. For from both the premifes (vid his fufferings and iinnings) hee had inferred this concluiion., verf. 13. Verily Ibave cleanfed my heart in vaine, & wajbed my bands ininnocency. As if hee had laid, I have kept Fafts, obferved Sabbaths, heard Sermons, made prayers, received Sacraments, given Almes, avoyded fins, refilled temp- - ^ tations, with flood lu Its, appeared for Chrift and his caufe and thefts intfrpra-fervants in vain; yea to his heart had added an affeveration (ve- vas imaginati-rily) to this faithlefle opinion : but now he is of another mind, ones quatfugge* let God is good. The adminiftrations of God are not according TIt Satbatt & to the fad furmifes of his peoples mif-giving hearts. For f. oc v ?™P*? ta ' though they through dirhdence are apt orten to give up their j n quo nuncfe holy labours, as loft, and all their conscientious care and car- confirmat. riage as utterly caft away -,yet God is good to Ifrael. Calv.

Thirdly, God is luperlatively good to Ifrael. Plus aliquid

This tranfcendency of divine indulgence towards Ifrael 5 I vult intelfigt, will discover in fixe particulars. l uam verb ' K

. 1. Hee gives himfelfe to be pofTefTed and improved as their ^[ v mn ' God, Luhjt 1.68. Biejfcd be the Lord God of Ifrael. Luke 1. 6B.

He is not apamed to be called their Godj Hab.i 1.16. He is {take Hab. 11. \6> in^tbis thought humbly, and admire rich grace in it thankfully ) as truly theirs, as his owne. All Gods attributes and excellencies are Ifraels through rich grace , to bee employed as really for thdr advantage, as for his owne advancement.

And is not this Superlative goodnefle ? As much as God is better then all created comforts, fo much is his goodnefle to Ifrael greater than to other men. Though Efau hath the fat of the earth, yet Jacob (in this fence) hath the dew of Heaven. The wicked are Lords of worldly accommodations, they have in outward regards many times (as-this-PIalmill expreffeth it, verf 17J more then heart couldwifa yet God the prtion of Jacob is not likf them (as the Prophet fpeakes, Jer. 10.16.) For hee is J«-10. 16 . the former of all thefe things. Marke that claule. Beiides all his owne\AU-fufficiencies, and all exiftent comforts in heaven and C earths

earth to be communicated to them for good , he can with eafe create new rcfrelhings, and doubtleffe will , rather then they {hall lacke any thing which might doe them good. Jer.14.8. 2. He is their hope,Jer. 14.8. 0 tbou the hope o/Ifrael. God

is Ifraels hope. Ffalme 39. Not only 1. Objectively, as Pfalme 39. Lord what waitelfor,

my hope is in thee.

The loule through its high, incomparable eftimations of God, being with loves and longings in expectation of nothing fo much as of God , to bee more and more enjoyed and improved, -

2. But alfo (and that principally) effectively.

Fropheta hie Take it thus. True hope is the vigorous daughter of preci-

adperpemita- ous Faith. And hope lookts out for the performance of that

temfxderis re- promife, which faith believes as tiue. Faith aflents to the truth

[pint. Calv. of the promile, Hope cxpe&s the good promifed. As is cleare

&.om. 4.18.. in Abrahams prudc'ife, Rom. 4. 18. Who againft hope, beleevedin

hope. And the reafon is added, verfe 20, 21. Bee was firongin

i faith, and fully per {waded, that what be hadp-omifed bee was able to

performe .-When neither fence, nor reafon, nor experience, can

make out the probability or poffibility of receiving the good 3

held forth in the promife, then God holds up Ifraels hope and

heart both together. And certainly when the Hypocrites hope

Tob8 14. ^ a ^ k ? as a Spiders Webb , Job 8. 14. And as the giving up of the

job i'i- 20. gb°ft* J 0D 1 1- 20. then this will be found a very choife, fweete

priviledge, which is peculiar to IfracL That their God , the

God of all grace, is the upholder of their hopes.

3. He is the Saviour thereof in the time of trouble ( as it Ter. 14 8. Followes in the fame Scripture before quoted) Jer. 14. 8.

There is more in the originall, then bur tranflationexpref^ feth ; In tempore anguftU, In the feafon of diftreiTe.

Two things feeme to be intimated. 1. That God is a mighty Saviour to Ifrael. He faves from diftrefle, when plunged o-ver head and eares into perplexity, when walled up (as it were) With furrounding dangers, when there appeares no promiing meanes of deliverance, when men and means faile then hee can 2 Cor. 1. 9- ^ ave - He that quicl>:etb the dead (as the Apoftle fpeaks) 2 Cor. j. Hal. 44- 4- 9* He can by his word command deliverances for Jacob, ?/• 44*4.

His

at their monethly Faft, April 28. 1647. n

His word workes what he wills, both with eafe. and ipeede.

2. That God is a wife Saviour. The wife man (lakh Solo-mon) obferves both time and feafon. Now God faves feafona-bly. He takes the firit , the fitter! oportunity for Ifraels refcue. The Lord mites that be may be gracious, Efay 30.18. As the Scrip- Efa . g0i l8< turereports of Jofefb, Pfalme 105.18, 19, JPboje feete they hurt pfalm 105.-iff, with fetters , be was laid in irons untilltbe time tbat bis word came* ip-The feafonable time. Its the fame word in the originall. And as Job fpeaks of himfelfe, Job 23.10. When be bath tryed me , I Job 23. to. pall come forth like gold. Men who melt fuch pretious metalls, will ufe care and skill that they may lofe no oportunity of advantage to therafelves.

4. Jefus Chrift, who is the Spring head, the fountaine of all Chriftians fupplies and refreshings, belongs tg them.

He is called The convolution 0/lfrael, Luhie 2.25. & verf. 32. Luke 2, '25. 'the glory of lfrael

Remember that in the opening of the words, you heard, that Elobim, all the three Perfons in the bleffed God-head, are Angularly good to lfrael : In the fore-going particulars you were, acquainted with God the Fathers goodneffe to lfrael: Now this imparts goodneffe communicated from the Son, and this is indeed the ground both of what went before, and follows after in Ifraels priviledges".

But you may aske what prerogatives iffue from Jefus Chrift to lfrael. Ianfwer, 1. both grace, 2. and the comforts of grace. You fhall find both together in Alls 5.31. Him batb God exalted Ads $. gi, witD bis right band to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give re-' fentance unto lfrael and fo rgivenejfe of fins.

1. Repentance. Many graces are comprehended in this one, (vid) convi&ion, humiliation, converfion. Sight of fin, for-row for (in , and amendment. The penitent reflects upon fin s with fhame, forrow, hatred, feare, resolution to forfake it. He looks towards God with love , longings, estimation, and an obedientiall difpoiltion. Now thefe and all other graces Gods lfrael receives from Chrift.

2. Forgivenejfe offinns. Well may I call this the comfort of grace, forthePfalmiil, Pfalme 32.1.-Speakesofth:; B'effedneffes of them whofe iniquity is pardoned^ and whole iin is covered.

C 2 Hence

A Sermonpreached before the Houfe of Commons

Gal- 6. itf.

Gal§. 22. Kom.J§-iJ.

Phil. 4- 7-

ttf7lf*2ft7K

Hence iffiies tranquility and joy of heart , bold addrefles to God upon all occaiions, and fiduciall expe&ati on to have all gofpell promifesfeafonably accomplifhed , both forfancVifica-tion and falvation. Now thefeand fuch like Cordials flow from Chrilr, into the foules of the Ifrael o$ God.

5. Peace, Gal. 6 .1 6. pall be upon the Ifrael of God. Look upon this as the good work of the Spirit, the third Perfon in Trinity, Gal. %. 22. Rom. 15. 13.

Here I will not expatiate to fpeake of peace in generall, or the divers kinds of peace, but fhall only wifh you to take notice of the worth of this peace, from the expreffions o*f the fame A-poftle, Fbil. 4.7. 'thepeace of God which pajfetb all underfiandingy pall k^epe your Minds and hearts through Cbriji Jefus.

From whence you may obferve, 1. The excellency of it 3 It fajfeth all underjianding. I pray coniider the phrafe. It is not. It is as great as words can fet forth. Nor thus : It paflfeth the reach of mans language. Nor thus ; It is as excellent as mans reafon can comprehend. Nor yet thus jltexceedeth the.comprehenfion of ordinary under/landings- But it pafleth all ( even air)"~tra~-derfranding. No mind can fathom if

2. The efficiency of it, Shall keepe as with theguardof a Garrifon. The whole fouleis fecurea, both in the actings of the undemanding, and motions of the affections, which might divide the heart from God. This peace preferves againff the batteries both of earth and hel.That Chriftian beftknows how to prize this pease, who can tell experimentally what it is to be belieged by Spiritual! adverfaries.

Hence the inference of our Saviour from this Legacy bequeathed, is very notable, John 14.27. Peace Heave with you, my peace Igive unto )<?#, let not your heart be troubled^ nor be afraid.

6. God makes over his marvellous mercy unto Ifrael. This follows in the fame place, produced to prove the former peculiar prerogative appertaining to Ifraely Gal.6.16. Aid mercy pall bee upon the Ifrael of God. 1

It is moft true (as I hinted before in Vfalme 145. 9.) that the wercisofGodare over alibis works. Thefe common companions which ftielter, fuccour, and fupport in a fort the wicked , are jsot to be flighted. But fpeciall mercies, Covenant mercies belong

tr&ftdio cufio-diet.

Pax deivoscw fiodiet, nepra <v s cogitatinni bus-, aut dejide-rjk deficiatit a Deo. Calv. John 14 27-

F/abnei4$.P'

long alone unto Ifrael. Hence that paflage, 1 Fet. 2.10. is con- * p ct- 2.10. fiderable, differencing Gods peculiar people from others ; Tou (faith he) bad not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

And how admirable is this priviledge, for oh, how fweet is this mercy. It is fin pardoning mercy, Mica 7 18. It is corrupti- Mica 7-18. on killing mercy, verf. 19. Itisfoule fanttifying mercy. This mercy feafons all comforts, fweetens all forrowes, eafeth under all burthens, vanqniflheth all temptations, upholdeth under all difcouragements, and procureth the acceptance of all fervices, ZW.9.18. And that I may at once, give all,fn one word. This Dan- p. 18. mercy etfateth , interefteth us in all the precious promifes of the Covenant of the richeft grace. For the Covenant is grounded upon mercy, Luke 1.54,55. He bathbolpenbis fervantKrael in remembrance of bis mercy. As be fpakf to our Farters, &c. Luke 1 ■ 54,55.

And in this laft handfull, you have more tendered then your hearts or heads can hold. O take into your consideration I pray you all thefe rich difpenfations of Gods gbodnefle unto his Ifrael, that you may give full and firme afient unto the doctrine under hand; "that God is really, constantly and tranfcendently good to Ifrael.

Thus having cleared the words of the Text, and having alfo confirmed the Doftrine offered from them , in the third place according to promife, I proceed to the application,which I (hall give in without much amplification in feaven ufes.

1. Confutation .This truth (which ftands firm upon Scrip- Vie. ture bottoms) gives check to the irreligious, Atheifticali conceits of all them who imagine the wayes of holy addrefies to God, to bee altogether unprofitable. The Pen-man of this Pfalme, in time of temptation, had a touch, a taint of this er-rour, verj. 13. as you heard before. Verily (faid he in his heart) I have deanfed my heart in vaine.

But he tooke (name to himfelfe for this miftake, verf. 22. upon better confederation. So foolifh wot J and ignorant, and as a beaft before thee.

And the Text befpeaks him a man ( upon coole confiderati-

£>n) of a founder judgement. Truly God is good, yet God is good,

Whatfoever Sathan hath fugge!ied,and I have imagined, yet if

l (hould fpeake thus (I have cleanfed my heart in vainej Jfbould

C 3 offend

1 offend againfrtlk generation eftby Children, verfe 15.

The Lord takes himfelfe to bee unworthily dealt with by Mai- 3. 13. men of this mind 3 Mai. 3.13. Jour words have been fiont againfl me ( faith the Lord of Hotfs ) you have [aid it is in Vaine to ferve God. And well he may make this interpretation of inch words, as fpofcen againft himfelfe. For he hath openly and often afler-i ted both by word and workes the truth of the Doctrine under Efa. 55- ip. hand, Efa 55.19* J have not [aid to the feede of Jacob jeekeye me in vaine'? Therefore how can it be lefle then blafphemy thus impudently to give God the lye to his face.

But I may fpare this Langnage here, feeing your comming together this day, in this extraordinary manner tofeeke God, doth prove that you be of a better mind. And I befeech you fo, to behave your felves in the ufe of Gods Ordinances, both Sermons and prayers, that it may appear you account them not vahie unprofitable difpenfations. !£/&, -^qv For humiliation , which is more feafonable and fukable

td the lervjce of the day. Is God thus admirably, and abundantly good to Ifrael ? And hath this our Ifrael , have wee his Ifrael;, had experimental! proote hereof to our great comfort ? Oh how then fhould our ill requitals of Gods goodnefs break our hearts. Have not we returned to our God evill for good, and even hatred for his good will ? What elie meane, the lowing of the Oxen 3 and the bleating of the Sheep which I hear?

Doe not errours broached (, and blafphemies belched out a-gainft God in this Kingdome proclaime it > Doe not cmel op-preffio'ns, wherof many of your Committees itand guilty, pub-liih it in all the corners of the Land I Doth not the contempt of Chrifts government. Ordinances, Officers, witnefie it, farre andneare? What elfe fpeakes our crying downethe Sojemne Nationall League and Covenant., which makes the-ears of our Brethren in Forreign parts to tingle ? What elfe isdifcoyered, by.a bold pleading for tolleration ofall Sects, under pretence of indulgence to tender confeiences. Alas, alas ! Might not ; GodsMeiFengersfpeaketous, as Mofes did to itrae! ofolde, Jjeut. 32. 6. J)oeye thus reward the Lord , yefoolijhpofle and un-* yife,&c. 1 \W.'

I might here (heW you that the abufe of Gods goodnefs doth

much

much aggravate fin, and greatly endanger the finner, Jer.i. ip, Jer. 2. r^To. 20. It is an will thing and bitter , that thou baft forfakjm the Lord iby God> and that there is not in thee thefeareofmy Name. For of old time I have broken tbyyoake and burnt thy bonds..

But I know, that there is nothing which moredeepely wounds an ingenious, a gracious heart upon the remembrance of fin, then injury offered to (6 good a God. Againft tbee 0 thee only have Ifmned^ was Vavihs mournfull complaint, PfaL 51,4. pf a j me 1# 4 Itrunnes not thus in his lamentation. Again!* my houfe , my -Kingdome, my felfe have I finned, though there was'truth in all that, as the Hiftory declares. And now I believe he had in his thoughts Gods goodnefle, whereof Nathan before had re-membredhim, 2 Sam. 12.

And no marvail that this confederation doth paine a pious 2 I2> penitent heart, for this anwoi'thinefle, this worifykindofun-thankfulnefle, doth put God himfelfe upon complaint and lamentation.

The Prophet Ifaiab brings in God upon fuch like returnes for his goodnefle, bemoaning himfelfe ( as it were ) before the fencelefle creatures, lfa. 1. 23. Heare bheavens , andgive'eare b Efa. «. 23. earthy for the Lord hath fyoken it. I have muriflted and brought up children^ and they have rebelled againft me. The Oxe krioweth his owner •, and the Affe his Mafters crib. But Ifrael doth not know> &c. Ab finfullNation , m

God isburthened with fuch bafenefs, and therefore fighing-lyfayes; Ah, I will eafeme ? veij. 24. The Lord command your confeiences to bring this home for your humiliatioa,both in reference to mifcarriages publique and perfonall. For how much or how little better you be for all your deliveranees,God and your confeiences beft know. And though our felves be not fcandaloufly guilty, yet the fins of others in our Ifrael fhould in this regard afflict our hearts, Gen. 3 4. Its faid of Jacobs Sons, The mm were grieved (in reference to Sechems fin) becaufe bee had Gen * s * wrought folly in Ifrael.

3. For Information. How unlike unto God are all thole Vfe.. Who thinke ill, wifti ill, fpeake ill, plot ill, and pra&ife ill, a-gainft the Ifrael of God.

la all the fore-mentioned particulers, expr eiTed in the Doctrine

A Sermon preached beore the Honfe of Commons

Pfalmei37 :

c"trine,they are contrary to God. For they i. really, 2. un wea-riedly, 3. with the heate of the higheit difpleafure make opposition againft Gods people. Their heads, their hearts, their hands, their purfes, their pens j their votes, then Swords, their friends, are all again!} the welfare oiZion , the evel-doing of Gods IfraeL Though Gods word chide them, crofie providences check them , and their owne confciences troublefomely re-coyle upon them, yet will they furioully , defperately engage againft Gods people.

Doubtleffe thefe are not God-like. But Edom-like, who cry-ed againft Ierufalem, Pfal. 137.Town with it, down with it, even to the ground.

Numb.22.tf. And Moab-li\e, who faid to Balaam, Num. 2.2. 6. Come curfe

this people. Sending to hell for helpe, to lay wane the Church ofChrift.

Yea Devil-like, who like a roaring Lyonfeek.es whom hee may 1 Pet- 5- 8. devoure, 1 Pet.5.8. And might he have his will, he would not fuffer a true Ijraelite to live.

I know that Ifraels enemies are of feverall kinds, fome ap-pea:e in wayes of open hoftility, others oppoie more covertly and fubtily. But the^Manner and meanes of their way-laying Gods people in their comforts and hopes, are all knowneto God^ who accounts them his adverfaries, and will deale with them accordingly.

Gods Church being allured of this truth, doe under this no-Pfalm 83.1.5p tion turn the edge of their prayers againft them, Pfal. 83.1.59. Keep not tboufilenee 0 God, &c. For loe thine enemies makf <* tumult) and they that hate thee have lift up the bead. 7key have takgn crafty counfell againft thy people, and confulted againft thy.hidden ones. They havefaia, come, kt us cut them off from being a Nation , that the name of Ifrael may be no more in remembrance, &c. perfecute them with thy tempeft, &c.

4. For examination. It nearely concernesus all, to prove whether we be true Israelites'.

1. Who delires not to know his right to this prerogative now laid open, which isfopretious, and fo compreheniive, as you have heard. Men of the world imagine that they can never make fure enough their title to earthly accommodations. G that we were fo wi(s for our foules. 2. All

Vfe.

2.* All are not Ifrael , wJiw are of Ifrael faith the Apoftle, Rom. Rom p. tf. 9. 6. Neither every naturall Ifraelite, who iflued out or" Jacobs loyns, nor every vilible member of the Cbriftian Church, muft now bee admitted into the fellowfhip of that Ifrael which my Text fpeaks of.

3. And we who by naturall delcent are Gentiles, may yet by a fpirkuall Intereft, be ftiarersin the priviledges of the Ifraelites

ofolde. Ephefz. 19. Tee (faith the Apoftle to the Epbeftans) Ephef. 2-1$> are no more grangers, nor forreiners, but fellow Citizens with tbe Saints, and of tbe boujbold of God, &c.

4. The knowledge of our propriety in the immunities, liberties of this Ifraels Charter, wil wonderfully conduce to our fpirituall advantage, both in point of fervice and comfort. The Apoftle fpeaks much to this purpofe, in his Epiftle unto the £-fbeftans, that they might admire Gods rich grace in Chrift,and make a fruitfull improvement thereof in their converfation.

Now in Cbrift Jefus,ye wbofometimes were far off, are made nigh by ^ ^ 2 ' I3 ' 14 ' tbe blood ofCbrifi. For be it our pace, who bath made both one , and ' hatb broken downe tbe middle wall of partition betwixt us, &c And we have acceffe by one Spirit to tbe Father, &c.

Now the difcovery of a right borne Ifraelite in the fence of the Goipel, may bemade by tnefe foure notes following.

Firft, A conforming of our courle according to'Canonicall Scripture. This note lyes faire. Gal.6.16. So many as walkg ac- Gal- <*• *6-cording to this rule, tbe Ifrael of God. -Irridet obl }^f

There are two things notable in this Chrafter, 1. The true ^Zoftmjt Ifraelite in all doubts and ambiguities hath reference to the ho- Santiam f qui ly Scriptures, for direction and fatisfa&ion. de carnali A-

It is not the judgement of fuch and fuch men , which alone b™k<* proge^ carries him, nor the phantafies of our owne brains, which are n ^f u Perbiebat^ by many called Revelations , and new lights. Some for Inde- fatiifraekm* pendency; Others for Presbytery. A third for Epiicopacy. k unum larvatum fourth fort for Newtrality, waiting only in policy to lee w ch quih homnwn way may bemoft advantagions in accomplishing their own in- con fpeSu app&~ feriourends. No, no, but the true Ifraelite defires to know the gj}' ^ run * minde of the holy Ghoft in Scripture, whether it agree or ' .? v * disagree with his own defigns, engagements, alTociates.

2. Tbe true Ifraelite walkes according to his Scripture light D As

1 «ke j. 6. As L«% i. 6. It is faid ot'Zacbary and Elizabeth. Toey walked in

all the Coirmandemems and Ordinances of Go J. ypft™" Not as many , who only protefle , and prate according to

lncctknc Mihi Scripture rule the original! word walk ranflated, iignines (as v f et f d **%& Beza wel obferves) both exattnefTe and constancy, in fleering abq HLJ"ZL- our courfe according to Canonicall Scripture. Whereas the naJHrfignifica- Hypocrites jaj and do wfyMatth. 23. 3.

re, nempe ita Secondly, A minding of the inward man , in the courfe of incederejit cer* obedience. This my Text tells us, Gods Israel is cleane or pure of turn ordinem £ mr .And St. Peter affirms, Alls 15.9. That God puts no difft-Tlmeamnm' Tence ^ etvt;ixt us Gentiles, and the beft of Jewes, having purified Iranfileas. <W '^ earts b J faith.

Ads 15- 9- The Apoftle PWfpeakes out clearly andfully to thischara-Pvom.2 28,29. # er3 R om 2 . 28,29. He is not a Jew, Qnfenceits the fame , which Quia aput Ju- ^ ^ mt m JfVaelice^) which is one outwardly. But he is a Jew, with retbatmam- ™ one inwardly , and Circumcifton is that of the heart in the Spirit, alitcircumci- The true hraelitelookes inward, works inward^ both in avoi-fio . ding fin, and doing lervice.

Therfore thegawdy outfide Pharifees,muft not goe for right Ifraelites, who are like gilded Sepulchers ', who honour God with lip, but their hearts are far from him.

Tbudly, A true Ifraelite is Natbaniel-lify, a man in whom there John i. 48. is no gpils, John 1. 48.

ir e rh decitur.. He defires not to cozen the world with faire fiouriflies. Hee fffy qwre-ip\^ had much rather be good, then appeare good. Not fnewes but talis eft, f^H fubftaiice is in his heart and endeavour. eye vi emr y^. g cufs ^ cxmfo& 9 and crufheth the hopes of thofe people

Match. 23- $- * vn0 on ^y deftre to be feene of men. As hiattb.'i^. 5. our Saviour defcribes the Hypocrites. A plaudite from men, is much more contenting to them, then an Euge bone feme, etfidel'u. Welldone good and faitbfull fervani from God, Mattb. 25. 23. Match- 2$.23- 4- A genuine Ifraelite may bee knowneby his trading with God in prayer. For hence it was, that Iacob originally received Gen. 32.28. this Name, Gen.% 2.28. as I hinted before.

I know that the Rabbins vainly fancy, that the Angell with whom Jacob wreftled, was Efaubis AngeU, who now way-laid Jacob, and hindred him in his courfe : but the hiftory itfelfe in many paffages fufficiently confutes this conceit, and therefore

•

at their monethly Faft, April 28. 1647. 19

I fhall not beitow any words about that conceit: but wil ihort-Jy charafterize his prayer, for the proofe of yours, and confe-quently to manifett to your con fciences , whether you b*e true Ifraelites. Now in Jacobs prayer, (which I give in as a touch-ftoneto try yours) thefe things are conUuerab'e.

1. It was an occaiional prayer, (liiting wich his prefent condition. Gen. 32. 1 j. Deliver me If ray thee from the band of my bro~ Gen ' 32 I! ' ther, the hand o/Efau. A new danger occasions a new prayer.

Although I dare not condemns all (et forms of prayer as fin-full, yet 1 confidently afhrmc, that they are not fully fatisfying untoatruelfradke , who will vary in his tranfa&ions with God, according to the variation of providencies. For both love to the Lord and ielfc-Iove, caufeth the right bredChriiii-an to poure forth all new concernments into Gods bofome,

2 d . It was fecret. Gen. 32.24. Jacob was left alone , and were G™ 32-24-wr eft led.

Though the true Ifraelite refufeth not to pray with others, yet hee cannot be content, except hee fometimes graple with God.hand to hand. (Bearewithmy bold expreffion, for the Scripture cals prayer wrefting.)

Every gracious heart hath fomewhat to whifperinto Gods care alone, which is not fo meet to fpeake out in company, & warme loves will feefce fecret converte and communion.

Let the querehere be, whether your hearts can take up con; tentedly, with prayers in company.

3 d It was penitentiall.The Prophet Ho fed havingoccasion to review this Hiftory 9 tels us that Jacob weft & made juffiication y Hofea 12- 4-Hor.12.4. And why wept the good man > As his teares expi'ei-fed his fervency in prayer: So it is probable, that they were ei> R ; tet ;„ / w -feels and cxpredions of his forrow, for that tricky of Leger-de-hidifoe* that finfull deceit, whereby he deceived his old Father, andcheatedE/k^ofthehleffing: which fraud ot his provoked his Brother, Gen.2j. 41. Efau hated bis brother becaufe of tkeblef- Gtn . 27.41. fm£. And this is the rather credible, becaufe the Angel by asking hisname, GeH.32.27. and his repeating it (my name is Geo- -2-:7. Jacob) rnigh^iut him in mind of that mhoanra^e, which Ej'ak Jong before laid, didfuite well with his name, Gez2.27.36. is bt Gen 27. $5. not rightly named Jacob., for be bath fuffUntedxie rbefe two tiiies. D 2 the

The true Israelite defiresto wet the ground where he wreliles with teares, that if he be foiled, his fall may be the more eafie. He reviews with forrow his fins againftGod,when he prefents his prayers before him.

Men of flinty remorflefife fpirits, may in this refpeft queftion their Spiritual! eftate, who commonly ftand up under the remembrance of fin, with dry eyes, and fencelefle hearts.

4 th . It was hiimble.Jacobs humility appeared divers waves. €kn- 3 2. io. i Jn his reviewing his former bare & low condition,Gew. 3 2. loWithmy (taffe I faffed over this Iordan,bringing nothing elfe. TheChaldee expounds it, my [elfe alone. Doe you frequently, confeiencioufly reflect upon your perfonall, domefticall, poli-ticall lownefle, that your hearts may not fwell before God.

2. Acknowledging God the Author of all hisencreafe, of Sen- 32.10- bis happy change, Gen.%2. 10. themerdes which thou hafifbewed

to thy fervanu Not idolizing felfe-induftry, vigilancy, policy, (though much hereof was in him, as the Hiftory relates) buj he lookes as farre as Gods hand and blefTing. Doe you caft your eyes beyond your owne Counfels, and your Armies courage in your fucceffes. I mention not more fecret concernments.

3. Confefling himfelfe, kffe then the leaft of all tbefe favours, Gen. 32.10. with which the Lord had now filled him , Gen. 32. 10. The

proud Hypocrite lookes through felfe-conceite upon his Alias too little: but the true Ifraelite freely acknowledged himfelfe lefle then the Ieaft of the bleffings which God beftoweth, and thus much he here freely exprefleth before God in prayer. 5 th . It was fervent. This is implyed, in that his praying is

Gen- 32. 24' called wreftling. Gen. 32.24. Wherein there is both intention of mind, and extention of bodily ftrength. Both dexterity and a-bility are exercifed in wreftling.

So in right prayer, all the faculties of the foule, (vici) the underftaoding, memory, will, affeftions, and all the graces in the heart are ferioufly fet on work.

£&wis ^e Apoftle James gives a full defcription of it, lames 5.16*

irepap&N "the effsduallfervent payer.

Hon vox fed It is a working prayer. Lip-laboured prayers, well-worded

votwn fupplications, are no good arguments to prove a true Ifraelite.

Much lefle will yawning, fluggHh, bed-ridden devotions evi^ dencea mans intereft in this prerogative, &. I*.

6 th . It was fiduciall.This appeares ». By his pleading Gods promife,<je/z.32. 9- 12. Thou[aidftreturne unto tby Country.and to ^32.9.12* tby Kindred, andlwil do tbeegood, &c. Faith in right prayer takes hold on the engagements of God grace, when it cannot fatten elfewhere.

2, By his clofing with the Angel , who was Cbrifi. Holy faith, though humbly, yet adventuroufly ftrikes in with Jefus Chrift, being in regard of his humanity our neere Kinlman, and our Mediator, according to the appointment of the Father. And the obedientialnefTe of his heart to Gods command, was amanifeft figne 3 that his faith was right, verf. 9. Thou faidjl returne. As though he had fpoken in more Words, thus. Lord I am come hither in obedience to thy call and command, therefore doe not difapoint the hopes of thy fervant. True faith which embraceth the promife, doth fubmitto the command of Godalfo.

7 th . ItwasforaBIeflingj Gen. 32. 26. /will.not let theegoe^ Gen. 52. %6. except thou blejfe me.

This I conceive was not only for deliverance from the approaching imminent danger, but forforne manifeftations of his love 5 that in fome kind, according to his promife he would doe him good, verf. 9.

The Pfalmift gives in this as an infallible mark of the true Ifraelite, Pfalm 24. 6. 'this is the generation of them whofeeke tbee 9 pf a i me 24. 6% wbofeekg thy face. As David exprefleth himfelfe, Pfalm 4.6. Ma- pfalm 4. 6. ny fay , who will (hew us any good, but Lord lift thou uf the light of thy countenance upon me.

The fmiles of Gods face are rather begged thea the the gifts of his hand. Loves rather liberality in outward contentments, are looked for, and longed after by the gracious heart.

8 th - Itwasconftant&perfevering, Qen. "32.24,25,26. There wrefrled with him a man till the breaking of the day. And when befaw Gen ?2, 2 4> 2 5> that he prevailednot againft him , be touched the hollow ofbis thighs and the hollow of Jacobs thigh was out ofjoynt as hewrejiledwitb him. And he faid let me goe , for the day breaketb. And bee faid 1 will not let thee goe except thou blejfe me. From thefe words note, that he continued praying, 1. Notwithftanding Gods delayes. Although God give no anfwer, yet the true Ifraelite will not give

v a off

ofFprayer. He muftand will continue this worke., though h e receive not wages.

2. Notwithstanding Gods denyals. Faith interprets deny-als, in this cafe, as tryals, which rather quicken then diflioir-ten. And the gracious heart keeps Gods command in the eye 5 and therefore will doe duty, though comfort be denyed.

3. Notwith sanding Gods oppofing pinching providences. Though Jacob iutter in continuing his conteft, yet he will rather fuffer then linne. The loile of the ufe of a limb, will not caufe him to come off from his God. Bring all this home to your hearts I pray you. GoodChriftians can experimentally fubfcribe to fuch fad difpenfations from God to whom they no anfwer. 2. They read down-right denyals in fome of Gods pray. 1. They have providences. 3. Yea, their condition feems to grow worfe and worfe. Lofles are encreated, CrolTes renew-ed 3 temptations multiplyed, yet they continue praying.

Vfe. 5 th * ^ or confolation.Conlider, Veut 33-29- Happy.art thou b

Deut. 23. 2$. Ifraclj who is like to thee^ 0 people faved by tke Lord, tbejhield of thy belpe y and who is the [word of thy excellency , and thine enemies fhall be found lyers unto thee^ and thoufbalt tread upon their high places.

How fweetely fruitful! is this Scripture for the comfort of Gods people.But I muft leave the enlargement, <k the improvement hereof to your own meditations.

I might here remember you of all the Cordials given out to Gods Ifraelm the proofe of the Do&rine.

But I fhal onely briefly point at the amplification of this ufe under two general! heads, vid. 1. The removing of difcourage-ments. 2. The propounding of encouragements to every true Jfraelite.

1. This truth improved , will take off our greateftdifcou-ragernents which mon ordinarily arife from thefe 4. grounds. -

Firft, Our oxvne vpe^neffe^ Either to difcharge fervice, or to refill aflaults,To'bear affii&ionSjOrto fill relations. For God i; 1 Sam. i$. 29. the flrength of Ifrael, 1 Sam. 15.25. And is not this a Cordial to the foulethat; is ready to faint under its oxvne fceblenelTe, t.o unckrftand that it hath interefx in the abilities of the Al-n%bty. •

2; Our own unworthiwjfc.Ths foule which fiirvayeth its own

»n:

finfulneffe, is wont with fighs to fay .-Alas , I deferve no good,

from the hand of God 3 no guidance, no affiftance, no fbpply,

no comfort: yet in this cafe, Gods mercy may cheare , when '

merit cannot be pleaded. Let Ifrael hope in the Lord, for with the

Lord there is mercy, Pfal. 130. 7. Pf 3 j n , I30 . 7 ,

3. Ourmanij : oldfuturenecejjities 3 confideredwitb our unanfwera-bleneffe to former favours. Thefe are the common complaints of gracious hearts. My receipts from God have beene many and great already , but I have not improved them , I hive abufed them rathenwhy therforeftiouldl look far any further know-ledg. But yet mould Ifrael hope. For with the Lord there is plenteous redemption , Pfal. 130.7. Former failings bewailed, fhall p^ , not interrupt the courfe of future kindnefs. Although old debts

be not payed , yet God will give his Ifrael leave to goe upon a newfeore.

4. Our various and faynous provocations. If yet the poor fonle fay,1 am not only weake and unworthy in my felfe , or only unthankfull for, and unfaitable to former mercies in my conversation : but alas, how many evills arife in my heart again ft his government, and break forth in my life unto his difhonour: yet is there comfort. For God will redeeme Ifrael from all his iniquities, Pfal. 130.8.1 only point at thefe things,. not having pf a | me , 30 . g leizureto enlarge them.

2. This Doftrine applyed by faith will adminifter marvellous encouragement in every change and condition, of life whatfoever unto Gods Ifrael.

For 1. Though amongfl: men they are defpifed as the of-fcou-ring of all things. Yet Ifrael is Gjds peculiar Treafure } Pfal. 135.4. The difference which God puts betwixt an Ifraeliteand a Cana-anite , is greater then men make betwixt their Jewels and dirt in the ftreet.

2. Though friends forget their labours and adventures of love (as many in thefe times of fo great changes have too much

caule to complain) yet thus faith the Lord, Efa 44.21. Thou art Ef a . j 4 . 21 my fervant 0 Ifrael, thoufbalt not be forgotten of me. God keepee a Catalogue of their Names, their fervices, their fufferings, and of every thing which may render them acceptable to himfelfe.

3. Though men leave us to ftiift for our felves, taking no

care

care for our fafety. As fome of your fervants(pardon my bold-neflej whom you formerly flickered , are now negle&ed both. in thek credit and comforts. Yet God, who tyepetb Krael, doth neverjlumbernorjleep. The Lord is thy keeper, the Lordkimfelfe 3>ft 1.121.4,5,7 upon thy right hand. The Lordfhall preserve thee from allevill , &c. Pfal. 121. 4,5. 7. And he who hath Gods guard, may without danger want mans protection.

4. Though there be nothing in us to deferve Gods favoura-rable difpenfations for our welfare. Yet his honour is engaged to accomplilh k,as the Lord himfelfeby the Evangelicall Prophet expreffeth it, Efa 46. 13. I will place falvation z'wZion for Ifraelmy glory. And doubtlefle his Majefty will maintaine his own glory, how low, how little foever we be in our own eyes, or the account of others. Vfe. 6 th . For admonition,which is two-fold. Firft, to Gods If-

rael.Let them be hence warned, to take heed of a double rocke. h Of envy, whereof they are in danger when the wicked prosper. 2. Ofdifcontent, to which they are difpoled when them-felves fuffer.

I mail not need to travail out of this 73. Pfalme, for the en* larging of this life: For this very Pfalmift acquaints us expe*» rimentally. 1. Both with this double difeafe with which he was diftempered- 2. And with the medicines, the means wher-by hewas well cured.

I laid open thefe maladies before, in the particular proofe of the Do&rine: therefore now I (hall only name the feverall ingredients in the medicine, or antidote, which may be for our preferuation or recovery.

Firft,To prevent or remove envioufnes arifing in the heart, becaufe bad men fare fo Wei in the world. Confider with your (elves, that all their enjoyments are 1. Empty deceiving appea-tmafmlhrum rances > § av nothings, i/er.20. As a dreame when one awakes , fo 0 'admiratio nift Lord when thou awakeft , thou fbalt defpife their image, guiafopor men- They are as men in a dream who judg the worlds vanities, to tes noftrai oc- be better then unfatisfying fhadows unto a wel awaked foul. ™P at - i ma i° 2. Uniforming. Thefe men are wicked though they profper y hicfigwficat va £- 12 fhejj. I ar a e poffeflions have no fuch influence either amut apparen into tneir hearts or lives, as to make them better. . Nam Calv 3 • Cor-

11 4 ■ : ~

3. Corrupting, v. J&9-1 1. Their eyesftand out with fatnefs* Tbey are corrupt , and fpeake wickedly concerning opprejfion ; tbey fpeake hftily.Tbeyfet their mouth againft heaven. They fay how doth God fee. As wines and cordials to a man in a fever, enfiame the blood and increafe the difeafe. So are thele men worfer for their honour and worldly abundance. They are the morefinful becaufe God is Co bountifull.

They cannot poflibly preferve their owners from perifhing, vcrf. 18, 19. Thoucaftedjl them downe into deduction. How are they brought into defolation , as in a moment. Envy not that gallantry which can neither keep off a ftorm nor the fcorching Sun.

Secondly, to ftaunch murmuring, and fuprefle difcontent in refpett of our owne wants and afflictions.

Consider that you are upright, have rather reafon to raife up your hearts in the admiration of Gods incomparable goodnes, in the words of the Text. Ob how good is God. Mind I pray you for this end fourc remarkable pauages in this Pfelme 3 which I muft only name, without illuftration or enlargement.

1. Weehavefoule-fatisfa&ioninGod, verf* 25. Gcd it the ftrengtb of my hearty andmy portion for ever. All the neceflities of the heart are anrwered, and all the capacities of the foul are filled, out of the Al-fufficiency ofGod^ and therefore there is no Gen. 35.1*. repining. I have all faith Jacob, Gen. 33.11. The originall fo eXprefleth it.

2. They have fiireprefervation from him, verf. 23. lam con- Gratias agiu tinually with thee, thou hafibolden me by my right band. When dan- quod in illarur gers draw nigh,God is more high,to fecure from al threatning in* proclivity mifchiefs both temporall and fpirituall. Now at this time the ^r^H, ne Pfalmift was ready to be carried headlong upon rockes, but "the p/Jj^ excide-handofOmnipotency fecuredhim. ret. Calv-

3. We have his fpeciall direction, verf. 24. Tbouftjalt guide me with thy ComfeU. In wayes of darknefle and danger a good guide is comfortable. What our prefent times be in regard of pernicious errours, &c I need not lay j therefore the (eafon adds to the fweetnefle of this engagement of Gods grace for the guidance of his word and Spirit. y^ f .

4. God undertakes, with the communication of all needfull tath^oftr**' comforts here,our full glorification hereafter, verf. 24. Andaf- curfum cempk* tcrwards tkoufbalt reciveme to glory. The promife is very com- $nur- Ca!v-

E prehenlive

prehenuve, containing the communication of all needfull contentment/upon earth, & the inhetiting of happineife in heaven. From all thefe coniiderations,i may conclude my counfel with Heb- is- $• tne words of the Apoftle, Hzb. 13.5 . Be c.mtent with fuch wings as ye have. For be bath faid, 1 will never leave thee nor for fake tbee.The ori-imall is very Emphaticall, for there are 5. Negatives. i fw» scT « m 1 mil never not leave th:e, no, never notforfake thee. Secondly, the admonition to all others follows. Seeing God Jer. 33 ■?. * s *"° §° 0 ^ to Ifwh ta ^ e heed of doing them any hurt,7er~.33 .9. Toe Lord [aid to Jeremiah tfa Prophet 3 all tbe Nations of the earth fhallbeare of all tbe good that I doe to Ifrael, and they fball feare and tremble for all tbe goodneffe, and for all tbe profperity that 1 procure S r 18 10. unt0 * tm ^ ea ? 1 remember the Speech of the man who told I2 ' Joab, the reafon wherefore he killed not Abfolom the Tray tor,

when he found him hanging by his head upon an OdkeJtbougb Ifljould receive a thoufandjbeekjes o'f filver inmy band , yet would 1 not put forth my band againft tbe Kings Son, for inmy bearing , tbe King charged. Beware that none touch Abfolom. Here take notice of Gods inhibition and former readinefTe to vindicate their Pfalme 105.12- wrongs, Pf. 105.12.15,16. When thzy were few., yea very few, be fuf-Hi H fered no man to doe them wrong, but he reproved even Kings for then

fakes, faying. Touch not mine Anointed,nor do my Prophets no harme. And I appeal to yourconfeiences , whether Gods charge concerning his people, mould not more prevail then Davids in re-fpeft of Abfolom. Zach 2- %,9. 2. How apprehenfive he is :>f their miferies. accounting then as reaching himfelfe, Zach.2.%^. He that toucheih)ou,toUcbetb tbi Apple of mine eye.Together with the danger incurred, thougt Ad 9' 4- done ignorantly. As appears in the cafe of 'Saul, why perfecutef, thou me faith Chriil, AU. 9.4.1? k hard for thee to kick^againjt f/j< prices. Beware of a defign or vote againft Gods Minifters anc V\e. fervants. Pfal. 73- 28 ' yth. Exhortation. 1. To draw nigh to God, P173.28. This wa. the inference of the Pfalmifr. Both prudence and ielf-love mai put us upon this improvement, from the hearfay of Gods good nefle: and the rather mould this perfwafion prevail with you who have had in variety of experience, proofe of Gods good-nefie unto this our Ifrael. Now this is to be done two wayes 1. By felfe-refignation. 2. By fupplkation.

Firft

Firft, By felf-reiignation to God.This improvement of my do-

ftrine was long iince foretold to be made in Gofpel times 3 Z*d». Zach 8.21,22,

8.2 1,2 2,2 3.The Inhabitants of one City pal pe to another, joying, *3< come, let us goefpeedily to feeke the Lord. Tea many feefle and firing Nations (ball come to the Lord , &c Saying, wee mil goe with you, for wee have heard that the Lord is with }ou.

It is reported, Heft 8.17. That upon the famous deliverance HefterS tji which God wrought for the Jewes from Ramans confpiracy. The Jewes had pi and gladnejfe , and many of the people of the Land became Jewes. Oh that the thoughts ot Godsgoodnefle to I\rael might work upon many hearts.

This might be lengthened, by coniidering that Ifraels receipts from God are, ^^

1. For quantity, the greateft. 2. For variety the choyfeft. ^ m 3. For quality, the fweeteft. 4. For fecarity, the iureft. 5. For duration, the laitingeft, Whereas the contents of them , who keep at a di'lance from God, are 1. Scanty, ihort,aod not fa-tisfying, 2. Few, and not extending to our feveral] neeefli-ties. 3. Unfavory and vcxin?. 4. Falfe and fading. Now this felfe-furrender to God, in. Covenant renewing, fhould be

1. Rational!, from the apprehenlion of our engagements to himj and fatisfaftioris to be received from hinr

2. Totall. For the whole man is due. unto him, and our AH is too little for him. therefore yeeldyour [elves unto the Lvrd, 2 Chron, 30. 8.

3. Voluntary. Gods people are a people of willingnefe, Pfalme 11 p. 2. Where can the will find fo compleat, fo pure, fo fuita-ble an object to choofeas God is.

4. Sincere. Intending Gods hoflour as truly as our owne gaine, iti this felfe dedication. Glorifie God both in your bodies ond [firits, for they are Gods, 1 Cor. 6. 20. iCor^.20.

5': Cohftant. To ferve him in holineffe and righteoufneffe before him all the dases of our life, Lake 1. 74, 75. If you can finde a- Luke 1.74,7$. ny point of time, wherein Goddeferves not yourfervice , or wherein you need not his grace, then with-draw your felves from him.

Secondly, By fupplication, Jer. 14.8, 9. 0 thou the hope oflf- J e rem 14.8.9. rnelj &c. Wherefore fbouluft thou be afiranger. IVe are called by *):y E 2 Nume,

Name, leave us not. Have not wee reafon to make the fame ufe of this Do&rine ? Hofea 12. 4. Thatplace in Hofea 12.4. is very remarkable, where the Prophet relating to Jacobs iuccifefnll prayer, fpeakes thus. He found bim in Bethel, and there be fya\e with us. Rivet hath this njte upon the place.

It was a Proverb amongit the Hebrews. Qy.£ patribus accide-runtfignwn jmtfiliis. The Fathers concernments were the chil-drens documents. They applyed their Fore-fathers experience unto their owne proper encouragements. And this doth fea-fonably conccrne us in regard of our oppoiites. For Ijraels God can fubdue the rebellious , calme the mutinous , and re-ctiriethe erroneous ->ina word. He can behead us in regard of ^Sfegu all other concern nents wh.-tioever. Therefore bee more frequent in prayer. And I befeech you be more reverent in your approaches to the Almighty by holy prayer.

Secondly. To imitate God in his goodnefle to Ifrael. Here fiSam.*9-x-7- remember 2 Sam. 9. 1.7. The ingenuity , the gratitude of Vavid towards Jonathan in his refpe&s towards his Allyes. Is there any to reborn I may flew \indneffe for Jonathans/^e, &c. Surely we &ould be kmde to the godly, for Gods fake much more.

if Be redly kind. Doe not feed them only with fair words, 1 John 317^- \Iohm. 17, 18. My little children ( faid the beloved Difciple ) let ur not love in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

When they petition you according to their feverall neceffi-ties , and grievances, doe notthinke it enough to tell them, that you will in due time take their cafe into confideration. Right Honourable and Behved, our God is not only verbally good unto his Ifrael ; it is not his manner to put off Petitioners with good words. 2. ^zfingularly favourable to fuch, Gal. Gal- 6-?. 6.9. Do good efpecially to the Houfbold of Faith. Let the world know that you will put a difference betwixt a Saint and a Malignant, and that your attions diftinguiQi betwixt them who have beene faithfull to God and you, and fuch who have bsene falfe both to you and God. Let piety rather then pri-1 vate interefts, and felf-feeking draw forth your favour. Mind

this I befeech you both in your a&s of charity, and in conferring offices, places of honour, advantage and truft. Let meebe

your

your remembrancer in particular, in behalf of the wounded foul-diers who have loft their limbs for you : and in the behalfeof poor widowes, whofe husbands havelo n t their lives in yourfervice. DoubtlefTebDth religion and reafon doth call for that, for which 1 humbly move. 3. Bj conlaidy Friendly to them, Gal 6. 9,10. GaJ Be not weary ofwel-doing.This was commended in the Hebrews^ h, 10 . 6.10. Toubave Miniflred to the neceffiticsoftbe Sainy, & doe yet mini- Heb. 6 -to. jhr- Oh never let it be truly faid that Englands Parliament growes cold-hearted towards old true-hearted friends. I might here mind you of that change which appears in you , both towards Gods faithfull Minifters and others, who have been your fail and faith-full friends in the times of your greateft heede. Oar Saviour gives M . you three admirable encouragements, Mat. 2510 pra&ife this du- att 25 ' tyin imitatiqp of your heavenly Father. ThefeoAccs ofloveihal finde with Jefus Chrift. 1. Kind accep ranee, ver£ 40, In as much as you have done it unto one of the leafiof tbefe my Brethren,ye have do:ie it unto me. 2. Firm remembrance, verf. 3 4,3 5, &c Then (ball the King fay I was an bungred, andye gave me meate, I was thirty, andye gave me drinkg 9 &c. At the day of judgement all particular expreffiqiis of love (hall be recorded. 3. Lirge recommence, verf.3 4. Come ye blejfed, inherit tbeKingdome prepared for you. The activity of faith wil add efficacy to thefe fhort hints.

Thirdly, to requite Ifrads God I remember 2 King. 4.13. the 2 Kings 4. fpeech of the Prophet to the woman who had beene kind to him. ig. T"oou baft bad all tbif care for us, wbatfballwie doe for thee. Yea the Heathens yield to the law of retaliation in reference to men, Mat. Marth.5. 5. 46,47. and therefore Chrift faith. This is nofmgular thine And 4**47* (hall we be worfe in relation to God > O God forbid. But you wil askemethequeftionin Lb 22.2. Can a man be profitable to God , as j , bee that is wife is profitable to bimfelfe ? And I muft anfwer, that the 22 ' a ° queftion implies a ftrong negation. For Pfal.16.2. Our well-doing pf g -dotb not extend to God by way of advantage. And our Saviour hath !,. taught us to fay. Woenwe have done all, Luke \j. jo. thatweareun- £11-1710. profitable fervants. Yet a gracious heart will bz enquiring, 'Pf. 1 16. 12. What (ball I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me. ?(ll6lz ~ Knowing that God may be glorified by man, in a way of man'x/e-ftation, though not by addition of any thing todiim, who is both perfeft and infinite. And thisnuy be 4<>ne by your Co tenant E 3 keeeping a

keeping, Pf. 116.12.14. This was one part of the Pfalmitts anfwer unto the Fore-mentioned demand. I will pay my vowes. Wherein fhould be endeavoured, 1. The conforming of your owne lives to Gods commands, according to the advice ofiojbuai) to others , & his refolution in regard of himfelf, wherof Wc read at large in the 24 th . chapter of his Book. 2. The reforming of your Families. Thepra&ife of hcob mould be your pattern, who laid, Gen 35.2. To bit boufbold and all that were With him , put away the flrange Gods that are among you$ and mah^e you cleane. 3. And the promoting of Exo. 15.2. Gods publike worfhip, Exod. 15.2. The Lord is myjirengtb & Jong (faith Moles & Tirael) and he is become my falvation , be is my God^ aid I will prepare'for bim an habitation. The things which lonely name^ are of mighty concernment 2 and they more concerne you then your Fore-fathers, as in many other regards, %> in refpeel: of p, . your Solemn League and Covenant w ch mould never be forgotten.

• ' 2 ' 12 " Here I humbly crave leave to entreat youQMoble Senators) for Gods fake to be good antohis // poel. I now ipeak ofijrael as a politique body. The Apofile calls the Church the Commonwealth of j. r Ifrael) Ephef. 2.-12. And (eeing God hath called me this day to totumorbe ^P ea ^ in his Nam? to you,as to fpeakin Ghri -s name for you, I moderetur, will be faithfull. I told you before,that Ijael is Gods peculiar Ecclefiam treasure. And ihould^cro^n jewels be c<red for I tamsn fu- Now niee thinkes I heare you whifper, what would the ma n

umdam haVC ?D ° ?y ° U ^ What W ° Uld tbe man h ' lVe ' The ^ lnifter ° f Mceph Chrift, an ^ y our Servant ( Right Honourable ) won id have the

propriore IfraelofGod minded, thewel-fare of the Church moreendea-

imuitu voured. We have liberty to fpeak to God forlfrael 3 and there-

>natur

fore may be bold to fpeake for Ifrael to the chitfe;t of men 1 be-Hxc rath f eecn y oa b e gr 0 od to the Church abrord , and to the Church at eft, cur prophet a

home. As for the Church abroad , I (hall now looke no further

Ifraelem then into Sc tl and z\\>> Ireland.

nominet.

For Scotland I request, 1. A than kfuli remembrance of their Calv brothei ly love and ailifcance in the time of otjr great need.

2. Sympathizing bowels towards them in regard oi the fires which yet burn there, together with con ftant prayers.

3. Care to continue firm the brotherly League of Love, and zealous with landing all overturesto the contrary.

4. And readinefle to perform all good offices for that Church

and

and Nation , as occa'^on may bee offered in way of reall re-quitall.

For bleeding Ireland, As Iearn o H:ly petition from you and all Chriirian praying hearts, teares and prayers, in wayes ordinary and extraordinary, till the Lord be pleafed to fiibdue the Rebels there, and to fettle peace with truth among ft them. So I befeech your care;

i.Thatfuch Forces may be fteeded thither, as in probability may (through Gods bleifingj difpatch the work there. Alas, alas, why are our motions fo (low for our brethrens relief and deliverance. Their eftates, liberties, blood, lives, cry to you for reliefe. Take heed left through your negleft f their blood cry to God for vengeance.

2. That the Army there, and to be fent thither, may be comfortably and conftantly (iipplyed for their encouragement. For you knowfoy experience, what it is to promote the fuc-cesfull fervice of Souldiers by filling them with accommodations , and what it is to break them, by with-holding means of fubiiftence and comfort.

Now for the Church at home,what (hall I fay for diftra&ed, divided England, You know our difeafes, our diforders, our breaches, our dangers, and God hath given you power and oportunities to doe us much good. Ycu have heads and hands, the good Lord give you hearts alfo more and more to be faithfully ferviceable to himfelfe and unto IfraeJ.

And here for Zi<ns fake I mud not be lilent, but (hall make bold to Petition fixe things, by the granting whereof I am confident, you (hall honour Goci, and well provide for Ifraels wel~fare.

1. Theipeedy fetling of Church-go vernement through the Kingdome. And herein I in treat you be God-lil^e for ourifrael. 1. In Reality, 2. InConftancy. 3. and Singularity of endeavours.

I acknowledge with thankefulnefle your good beginnings, and I deiire that Nebemiab-likfyon may not ceafe till the work be finiihed.

Our God when he hath begun a good worke in us, bee will prfeft it. And in the parable he is counted an unwife builder, who begins and makes not an end 3 Luk 14 An

An half-faced government will make as a ("corn to our enemies at home, and a wonder to our friends abroad I beleech you let Gods houfe bee built and governed according, to bis own pattern.- Pvemember Mafes axa&neffe, in acting to rule, Heb. 5. And the commendation which the holy Ghoft gives of his faithfulneffe. I intreat you to proceed from good motions to good actions, and in good actions to perfections. And let your hearts fpeafc as Pfal. 137. 5, 6. If 1 forget tbeeO Jerufalem> let my right band forget her wining. If I doe not remember the , let my tongue cleave to tbe riofeofmy moutb, if I prefer not Jerufalem /-above my chiefe joy, or the head of my joy. You mould rather be content to be cut (hort of all comforts, to be dilmabled for any employment, then grow regardlefle of Gods Church. The flouriftiing eftate of the Church mould be more in your hearts and aimes, then your own houses or the Common-wealth.

2. The fetting up of good Magifirates in every Countrey, who may be at hand to countenance the exercife of Ecclefiafti-Magiftmus ca M government. Therefore let not Parentage, parts, andpa-/ cufios tu trymony be looked upon as the only, or the chiefeft requintes irtufue tabufe. in a Juftice of Peace, or fuch others who are to be invefted with authority from you to manage the affaires of State. But fet up men according to Jetbro his direction, Exod. 17.22. Men of courage, fearing God, bating covetoufnejfe, dealing truly. You (hould know them well whom you intend to truft with the civill Sword, for the conlequence of fuch a truft is marvellous^redt. 3. The enlivening of old laws, and the making of new ones, for the punifhing of old fins, and the fupprefllng of new difor-ders. It is worthy your time and ftudy to find out the beft medicines to cure our growing difeafes.

You have made good overtures to fee unto the better obfer-Ex malis morr vat j on 0 f t h e Sabbath day, and Faffing dayes, Ihefeechyou wntur^kfs practically profecutethofe and fuch like motions. You know tget% that execution is the life of the Law.

Lately you appointed a Solemn generall Faft that we might be humbled before God, and pray, in regard of the inundation of Errours and Herefies. Give mee leave to aske you whether yeu only intended to fpeake to God, and to act nothing. If you doe net adl: according to your Orders and Prayers, God

uiJl

will judge you as hypocriticall abufers of his Name and Ordinance. DoubtlefTe proportionable to your fincerity in apoin-ting that Fail, will be your zeale to fuppreffe that, for which you profefled humiliation before God.

4. The regulating of the Army. That the Souldiers may neither, 1. Opprefs the eftates. 2. Nor infect the fouls of poor people.

Its reported that your belt friends are worfi: dealt with. Faithfull Minifters and others , who have done and fuffered moft for your fake, are mod pinched by quartering, and that many known Cavalliers are entertained and maintained in our Army. Its too notorious that all forts of Errors abound and are abetted there. Either thefe reports which common fame carries abroad, are true or falfe.

If falfe , then upon examination let the Army be cleared by fome Aft of yours. But if true, then I humbly Petition , that for the credite of the Army y the peace of the Kingdome , the well-fare of the Church, that for Ifraels fake y ou would fpee-dily bethinke your Cd ves how your army maybe throughly purged.

5. The reforming of the Univerlities. Ihope you defire both a Learned Magiftracyand Miniftery 3 therefore the Universities fiipuld in no. cafe be negle&ed.

1. Incourage the good work begun at Cambridge, by providing honourable maintenance for the Mafters ofColledges, that they may be able to live there, in that fort as may become their places. If this bee not done, they muft either relinquifti their charge there, which would be deftru&ive to the worke of Reformation, or elfe be non-refidents, which will be fcanda-

I° us « (jomifsion

2. Speed the defired, much needed, long looked for t co wi i -4|ii for the purging of polluted Oxford. You cannot be ignorant how much matters are out of order there, both in reference to errours, yea herefies impudently broached, and alfo in refpe&of profefled Malignants continued. I am credibly informed, that fome Parents remove their children from thence, becaufe the Llniverfity is fo corrupt, and their hopes of a Preformation are tired out through difappointments.

F Give

Give me leave humbly to petition your ferious 3 your zealous care, that piety may be cherifhed 3 learning encouraged, errours fupprefled., profanenede punifhed, and notorious incorrigible Malignants checked in both Universities.

6. The encouraging of pious painfull Minifters. Had you no regard of them, as Chrifts Embaffadours, and fuch who under him are to bee Saviours to your foules: yet 1 pray you remember how your work hath been carried on by their hands. Therefore I humbly move-jthat neither their Callings may be contemned and reproached as Antichriittan by them who are fa&ioiis and impetuous-

^ 2. Nor their admini=lrations interrupted by fuch who are Malignants profane or feditious.

g. Nor their due maintenance fraudulently or violently with-held upon any pretence whatfoever. Tn this particular I profefle thaLl fpeak for my Brethren the more boldly, becaufe my felfe through Gods gooodneflV) have no reafbn through want^o fpeak for my felfe. Right HonourabIe s I befeech you flight not my faithful! advice from God and for God. Remember you are Gods Stewards , andmuit bee accountable to him how youipend your time, improve your parts,trade your Interefts, ufe your authority. The ivorkeis worthy, and fuch asmaywel become the greateft among men, for it is Gods own work to care for the good of Ifrael. And it will bee your honour among men to be repairers of our breaches, yea it will be your comfort beforeGod here and hereafter, when you call to mind the faithfull fervice which you have done for his fer-vants, his houfe and Name.

I conclude all with this requeft (which was the firft in mine eye in the choife of my Text) that you would in imitation of our God, be realty) conftantly, and abundantly good unto bis Ifrael.

FINIS.

Die Mercuri] 28° Aprilis^ 1647.

ORdered that M r - Alderman Atfyn doe from this Houfe give thankes unto Mr. 4[he for the great paines he tooke in the Sermon he preached this day at fflargaretfWeR-niniter before the Houfe of Commons , [it 3eing a day of pubhque Humiliation } And :hat hee doe defire him to print his Sermon, wherein hee is to have the like priviledge in printing thereof, as others in the like kind aiually have had.

H. Elfinge.Cl.er. Pari. D. Com.

I appoint Edward Br ewfter to Print this Sermon, May 25.1647. §1 meon Ash..

!l Reall ThankEiInefle ;|

ll o a, |

| A SERMON PREACHED |

€ InyifULiSChurchLOJ^O^ ft

*' Vpon the fecond day of No-vember, 1645.

t| At a Publike Thankfgiving for the taking in of the ^

J; Towns and Caftles of Caermarthen and Mounmotvh 3*

J] ir.Wales, icbeing the firft Lor d s-day after the inaugu ■§£

ration of the Right Honourable Thomas ^4dams now 5^

Tfc Lord Major of that famous City. ^

*£ >

^| ___ _ . - : . j^

^£ fty Simeon Afh Preacher M Bafwgfhaw, London, and one 3* *£ of the AfTembly of Divines. |f

«£g PSAL, JO. 14. ^

$£ Offer to God thankfgiving, and pay thy vows unto themoH high. :§£■ *£ %*

^g P S A L. 50. 23. |^

*£ who (ooffereth praise, glonfuth me, and to him that ordereth his ^r *£" conversion aright, mlilfhetvtbefatvationofGod. .^er

<j€ _ . ■—: &

tf LONDON,. |*

*% Printed by Q. Miller for Edward Brewfter at the Sign of the Bible 1^ on Ludgate-hiii neer Fleet-bridge, M. D C. X L V. 2T

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE

THO^MJS ilT>A\?Ms

Lord ^Major of the famous City of Lo n d oN.rogetherwith thcrighrworfliip,

full the Aldermen and Sheriffs thereof. Right Honourable,

Hen I prepared this Sermon to attend your com. mands, it was very farre from my purpofe or thoughts, -to makeit mere publike then in thz_> Pu ¥ f * ^*nd although I fade in my felf m mjg&tm utter averfneffe (in many regards) to appear in <"»W3**rLoMipsea^

nand) jet on by thefoUi citations of feme others fath conquered ny unmllmgmsfo tranfenhe this Sermon for the Prefie

1prefume upon thisDedication , not only became the S or-*mwatfreached,and is printed at your command, hut alfo hat I might hereby mahanopen, gratefiSacknowledgment fyour love divers waies exprefed towards me.

My Sermon is for jubilance the (elffame, which you heard knowmt any one particular head, which I have either added 'dtmwfhelonlyfomephrafes are changed (for my memory Wd not reach the fame exprefions) and the words ofScrL ■we-quetations are given tn more largely , thin when I ■eached CMy fub]eliUjeafonableforthefe times, wherein* e Lord hath been pleafedto give us in this City occafionto ce-bratemany dates ofThanhfgiving, The practice of our prai* ' 9 is that which Godexpefts, andIperfwadtLj. Vntohow many in our x^ffembltes ( when we meet to Cm? *f> ma y wMfa* Olidvcrbaaudio,cum hfai\t o* This people d,aweth nigh to roe.with their mouth, A a am $.

The Epiftle Dedicatory.

and honoureth me with their lips, but their heartis farre from rne.Lcquere,utte videzm.Letyour lives anfweryour Ungate. When/hallyour works witntffe'your thankfulncffe? <jMy Lor d,l have often heardyouufethefe words ,Quidretri-buam Domino < Give me leavtto be your Lord/hips remembrancer •, your obligations to the Lord are now much increafed, and with them God hath added opportunities of more puhlikz^ fervice tohimfelf Divine providence hathfet youtn a places of Honour, Authority andTrufi, wherein much isexpetied from you: Magiftratus virum indicat. A man is that in truth, which he is when tried. The world w'd)udge of you for thes future according to this years fervice. Tou be likely to meet with many temptations, to draw you afide both to theright hand and to the left: but J befeech you remember, whofe you are, and unto whom ycumult give a prill account of all yom waies. ^Advance Godinycur hearts , dtfign the welfare o Sion,'confultm0ft with them, who court/ell from God and\fii God according to his Word, and I befeech yot allien, md fe rionfly minde your felvts, and remember others of the Jolem t Nationall Coven>*nt, that the Almighty may net be fur the ■provoked by tbenegletf and violation of it. FortheSwordm der which wefmart and bleedjoth avenge the quarrell of Got CovenantXt\.2 6.2 5. Therefore let every one thm freak ur to the Lord,?ti\£c waketh f r thee 6God in Sion,and ut tothef{hallthevowbeperrormed 3 Fp/.^5-i. T willfin praifeuntothy Namefor ever 5 that I may daily perfori myvows,F/:6i.8. Right honourableandright worlhi] iu\\,the Lordhaib conjeynedyou as brethren Jn the great wa of the Government of this renowned City J fray God you may of one minde foul and way, for the true welfare thereof, and) theincouragementofallfuchwit.whofincerelyfcektofetupi holy Government ofufus Chrift, in whom I am

uv J£> J J Tour bumble Servant,

SlMBON *SH,

Thankfgiving realizd.

P S A L. IO).45.

That they mightobferve his flamtes^nd keep his Uws*

His Pfalm is Eucharifticall, and this day is a day of Thankfgiving, therefore the fubjeft of the Pfalm, and the fervice of the day, doe well fate. In the Pfalm the high .exercife of praifing God is,Firft, commanded and partly directed, in the four firft verfes, O give thanks unto the Lord, &e.

Secondly, Perfwaded, in the remaining part of the Tfalm. The arguments'ufed to preffe Gods people unto this Angelicall imploymentj are considerable under two heads.

i, The quality and variety of divine adminiftrations for thek comfort, Remember his marvellous Vcorks, that he hath done, his wonders, ^.j.&c. And that this might be the more prevailing upon their hearts, a large Catalogue of kindeneffes conferred, is given in,-*wherein we have an enumeration of glorious* remarkable providences, in almoft fourty Verfes together. \

2. The end which the Lord propounded and aimed at, in all thefe many and memorable difpenfations. And this is held forth in my Tex-t 5 That they might obferve his ftatmesfand keep his taws. Whereas the life of thankfgiving, lies in thanksgiving, in a Well-ordered obedience to the Gdd of our Salvations, the God of our mercies. This is the fubje& matter of my Text. Wherein ire confiderable.

1. The titles, whereby the rule of mans obedience is eyprefled, Statutes, Laws,

B », The

Thankfeiving realized.

-2. The termes whereby the regularity of deferved obedience,is fuggefted, Obferve, Keep.

3. The way or means whereby this regular obedience, is promoted, viz» All the wonderfull works of the moft High, for his fervants, and againft their enemic?. For the Plalinift having particularized a great number of them, he concludes in the Text. That, or (as the old Tranflation renders it) to the intent, they might obferve his ft Mutes, and keep his laws. If any fhould enquire ( upon theperufall of thefe famous providences) the rea-fon, wherefore the Lord wrought wonders fo many, fo great for Ifrael: the Text gives an account, That they might obferve hisfiatntes and keep h*s laws.

From the divifion of my Text, I proceed to the explication of the feverall words uled in it: wherein I will be but brief, though (bmething rnuft neceffarily be fpoken, to make the fairer way, un to that which afterwards muft from thence be obferved and improved.

You heard before of the two titles given in this Text unto the rule of mans obedience. The firft is, Statutes. I finde the origi Fj?0 nail word tranfiated, i. A decree, Pfal 148.6. He hath made a Job 38.33, decree which Jhall not pafe. As all the motions of creatures Jf*3*'3U3f~ snferiour to man are bounded by the decrees of Gods dominion &iJ>M* (which are often catted the ordinances of Heaven) So all mans

operations fhould be ordered and limited by his Commandments.

2. nA Portion, Prov. 31. I J. She giveth a portiow^o her Maidens. And truly Gods commands are a good portion tc his people, 1 have tjhemed the words of his mouth (kith f{ more then my neceffarjfood, Job 23.12. A nd, Thy teftimonie. ( (aith David) are my heritage for ever, Pial. 11 p. 1II. Untc a gracious heart, Gods work is wages, and imploymenc is pre ferment. STTVin Thefecondword,is, Laws. Theoriginall word is moft or dinaFily ufed to fignitie the morsll law, the Decalogue, that con ftant ftandard, or (tending law, by which all Natipns,in all ages 01 the world, havebecn 3 and ftwll be bound to order their convert a ciofls bsfore God*

Thu

Thanksgiving realized.

Thus much of the words ufed, to exprefle Gods revealed will a guide mans courfe: It follows, that I explain thoie words, vhich fugged mans regular refpecl: thereunto. The firft is,Obferve, which imports,i .either to minde or referve Tap n memory. As old Jacob is laid to obferve the fajings (the " v ireams) offofeph, Gen.iy.il.

2. Or to preferve in fafety. In this fenfe, the fame Jacob ufed he word, in iris prayer or vow, Gen.2S.20. If God mil be with ne, and keep me in this way that I go, &x.

. And this (enie anlwers the true meaning of the next word* -^ Keep, which properly fignifies to keep with care and vigilancie, "* ts ammunition is prelerved from fire, and falfe hands, when an :nemy is expected, Nahum a, I. He that dafbeth in pieces is onte up before thy face, keep the munition, watch the way.

Now thefe notions from the originail, are not vain, tbey are >pth profitable, and men as anfwer the more open language of :he holy Gh'oft elfewhere. The laws of the Lord (hould be tre3-uredupin thecabinetof mans heart and memory, Prov. 3.1. Myfonne,forget not my Law, but let thine heart keep my Com-mandments.

And all the precepts of God, fhould be fecured from violence, :hat no breach be made upon them, Keep my Commandments and ive,andmy Law, as the apple cf thine eye, Prov.j.l.

Thefe things I only touch, as I pafle forward to that point, on which I purpofe to pitch, both becaufe it is the main intended in the Text, and alio being moft feafonable for the fervice of the day.

That mans regular obfervation of all Gods Commandments, D*#. Is the end of all his glorious administrations for mans comfort.

More {hort. The end of Gods bounty, is mans duty.

Or thus, in reference to the inftances of the Pfalm, and the experiences of ©ur times. Therefore the Lord mketh vengeance upon his adverfaries, and therefore the Lord worketh the deli* wrance of his fervanir, that they might obferve htsftatutcs and kgep his laws.

My beloved 1 Who can number up in order, the great things, which our God hath done for us, now of late, as heretofore?

Thankfgiving realized.

Ourfrierids have been rdieved,-our foes have been routed, our prayers* have been heard* our hopes revived, our forces profpcr-ed, our enemies difcomficed. I pray you,fill your thoughts with the .particulars, which this day have been mentioned, and upon other occafiohs fpecified : And then adde unto the remembrance of alljthls Doctrine which now I am to deal in.ThatGods end and-aim in all, is this, That we might obferve hisfiattttes, and keef . his. Laws*

In the handling of this weighty point, well worth ourferious confiderations, I fhall according to my accuftomedplainnefle endeavour two things.

i. The explanation or the truth, thatic may be rightly .under-ftood. -V

2, The application of it, that it may be fruitfully improved. I begin with the former, wherein I will be but fhort, leftl fhould want time to fpeak unto the later,which I chiefly intend, it being of greateft and moft feafonable concernment.

And here by way of caution, to prevent miftake in this matter underhand, I wifli thatthefe four things may beobferved.

I. Mans obedience is the end of Gods gracious providences in regard of his precept, though not alwaies in regard of his fecret, eternall purpofe. I well remember the words of the Pfalmift* Pfal.Ql.'j. When the kicked doe tyring as the grajfe, and the Workers of iniquity doe proffer, it u that they jhall be defiroyed fir ever* But here I fpeak not of Gods end in regard of his ever-lafting, righteous decree, which he is pleafed to keep clofe within his own bofome. •.

As for the end of Jiis'command, revealing his pleafure to the children of men : the words of Mofes that man of God are plain and pregnant to our purpofe, Deut.io. 12,13* where after an enumeration of various, marvellous fa vours vouchfafed unto Jf. rael, hefpeaks thus, <tAndnov?iO«Ifrael } Whaidoth the-Lord thy God rehire of thee, buttofiar the Lord thy God, to tiW^** aM his V?aies t and to love him,and toferve the Lord thy God With aU thy heart, and Wit hall thy fonl, To k*ef the commandment? efthe Lord^andhisftattttes. au It is tie end of God, in (the fore-mentioned } intention,

though.

Tbrnkfeiving realized.

though too. toofeldome in execution, God having engaged man to obedience by .his bounties,, he expeifleth an obediential! improvement, though his Majefties expectations are commonly difappointed. The Lords fad complaint of his vineyard, Ifa; % expreffeth this fully, What could have been done more to my vineyard, that 1 have not done in it . ? Wherefore, when-1 looked that it jhottld bring firth grapes, brought it firth yfitde. grapes ? ver.4. He looked for judgement, but, behold oppreffton,for righ-teoufnejfe, but behold a cry, ver.7. And our God hath very much occafion of the like lamentation, in this Land, yea in this City at this day, notwithstanding the admirable deliverances, and victories wrought fjpr us. Alas, alas, how few, how very fe w do any where anfwer the expectations of his highnefle, in reformation of their waies, and in obedience unto his holy Laws.

3. Although mans obfervation of Gods ftatutes, be one end* yet is it not the only end of his manifold favours.. For amongft many other aims, which are al waies in his ma/efties eye, fuch is. his fatherly indulgence unto his people, that he doth give out cordials on purpofe to cheer their drooping Ipiriis, and to facilitate-their paffage thorow the wildernefle of this world, Let the Lord, be magnified, who hath fleafure in theprofyerity.ofhufervmts,, Pfal,3$.27. As the mountains are round about ferttfalem , fo the Lord is round about his people: for the. rod of the wicks d fh all not re'ft upon the lot of the righteous, left the righteous put for.th their hands unto \ini<]uity,V{'d\.li$. 2,3. . :

4, Mans ferviceable (ubjecTion unto divine iujundions, is not Gods laft and chiefelr, end, in all his glorious difpenfctions. The ultimate, the fupremeend of all Gods purpofes and providences, is his own honour, He doth all things, for him/elf, Prov. 16* 4, In them who are not obedientially conquered by his kindeneflcs, he will be glorified. Proud, hard-hearted Pharaoh ftubbornly. withftood all the aflaults of God, made upon hjmfelf and his people, both by plagues and deliverances, yet God faith, Exod.14*. 4. / wiH be honoured upon Pharaoh and upon hu hofi. And thold who are made obedientially fruitful!, 6y the Ihowres and Sun-ftiine of divine indulgence; they being filled with the fruits of righteoufnefe, arebyJefwChris~l to the glory and fraife of

Thankfgiving realised.

God, Phil. i.i i. So that ail adminiftrations doe at laft determine and center in the honour of the moft high God, who is the authour and orderer of them.

Yea beyond the duties of obedience, the welfare and happineffe of them who are fincereiy obedient,both here and hereafter is ordained ^nd intended by God himfeif, as an end fubordinate unto Irs own eternall praife, Oh that there was fuch an heart in them ( faith the Lord ) that they would keep a M mj commandments alteaies, that it might be well with them, Deut.5.29. And the Apoftle,having provoked the believing Romans unto the work of fancTification, addeth thefe words, Te have your fruit unto ho-lines, and the end everlafting lift, Rom.6.12,

Having premifed thefe cautions, thefe propofitions to prevent mifapprehenlions, and that the meaning of my Text and Doctrine might be truly underftood, I proceed unto the Application thereof, which is the fecond thing promifed in the ptofecution of the point.

The improvement of tlais feafonabie inftru&ion (thus far unfolded ) is that which I had principally in mine eye, in the choice of this Text, and 1 pray God, (b toafliftmein this laft, and the greateft part or my Sermon, that I may reach your hearts, unto your edification and fpirituall advantage. All that I (hail fay by way of Ufe, i will give in,under thefe three heads.

1. Information.

2. Reprehenfion.

3. Exhortation.

The two former forts of Ufes I fhall difpatch quickly, but I fhall crave leave to enlarge the laft, becaufe molt profitable, and raoft pertinent unto this Congregation, and moft conducing to promote the realizing ofthofepraifes, which this day we prefenc unto our God.

Hence it naturally and neceflarily follows. That the difobedi-enceof thofeperfons is moft abominable and inexcufable, who have been under the moft, and beft adminiftrations of the Almighty.

- Such offenders doe not only violate the Laws of Soveraignty, bat of Amity. Their negle&s, their mifcarriages,are not only un-

dutifulnefles,

Ihmkfgiving realized.

ii.

u.

dutifulneffes, but unthankfulneffes and unkindnefles.

It is here confiderable how the holy Ghoft doth ordinarily caft thiscircumftance, as a loading aggravation upon the fins both of Nations and perfons, to break their hearts in the deepeft humiliation, and to juftifie God in his fharpeft corrections. Thus Samuel s S; lets upon unfubdued Ifrael, I Sam. 12.6. <±And Samuel Jaid ? , unto the people, It is the Lord that advanced Afofes and Aaron, and that brought jour fathers up out of the land of Egypt. New therefore ftandfiill that I may reafon with you before the Lord of „ all the righteous ails of the Lord, which he did to you and to your fathers. When Jacob was come into Egypt, and your fathers cried unto the Lord, then the Lordfent Mofes and sAaron, which brought forth your fathers out of Egypt, and made them dwell in this place ,&c. And the LordfentJerubbaal, and Be dun, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and deliveredyou out of the hand of your tnemies, on every fide, and ye dwelled (aft. Here is the commemoration of mercies.Now follows the fin therby aggravated. And when ye faw thatNahaJh the king of the children of Amman came againsi you, ye faid unto me, Nay,but a king Shall reign over us, when the Lord your God was your king. Beloved, I may not fpend time in paralleling thefe paffages, with Gods providences, towards this poor Kingdom, and this Kingdoms miscarriages-towards the Lord Do it your feives,!pray you,and I doubt not,but -the ferious doing of it, will be advancagious both in the advancing of our God,and in the abafing of our felves before him. EngUndt deliverances and mercies. London s deliverances and mercies have. been more and greater then of other Kingdoms and Cicic s; therefore Englands fins,and Londons fins are more hainous,horrid,high provocations of the moft high God.

And as the evils of a people are thus aggravated by the Lord • fo are the offences of particular perfons alio. In this manner ,£/*»*##/greatens thedilobedienceof King Saul, 1 Sam. 15.16; lSam -**' Then Samuel faid unto Saul, Stay, andi will tell thee, what the ' Lordfaid unto me this night. When thou waft little in thine own fight, waft not thou made the head of the tribes of Ifrael, and the Lord anointed thee King over Jfrael ? And the Lordfent » 8 ' tkceonajournej i and {aid,, Go^andHtterly defray the finners,

Thankfgiving realized.

theiAmalekites, and fight againft the^t, till they be confumed, rp VVherefore then didft thou not obey the voice of the Lord, but didft fiie upon t he sfoyl, and didft evil in the fight of the Lord?

I will not glofle upon this Scripture, which might truly be applied unto many of the richeft and chiefeft rank in this City: but I numbly befeech you to remember from what low and little beginnings, the Lord hath advanced many of*youj and then Be-fle&ing upon your lives ; conGder what account you can give unto his Ma jeftie, for your obedience (or for your difobe-dience rather) to his holy Commandments. Yea, this courfe God hath been wont to take with his own deareft fetvants, te work them unto true repentance, Davids fcandalous fals are well known (f might lay they are ill ksown by top many, who' thence take encouragement to offend ) and I believe you are not ignorant of that couife, which his God took by Nathans mini-ftery, to prefent his (ins as very firifull in his own fight, i Sam. 12.7,8. Thus faith the Lord God ofIfrael, I anointed thee king

' .'• over Ifrael, and Idelivered thee out ofthe hand of Saul, Audi gave thee thy Afafters houfe, and I gave thee the houfe of Ifrael 8 » andoffudub ; andif that hadbeen too little, I ft opt Idmoreover have given unto thee,fuch and finch things. Wherefore haft thou des^ifed the commandment of the Lord, to doe evil in hid fight? &c. Herein, herein, lies the aggravation, wherefore haft thou ? Thou fo prefer ved, thoufo preferred. How canft thou anlwer this?

Give me leave to touch one inftance more," which I doe the rather adde, becaule it concerneth men of mine own cloth and calling, that you may be convinced : We Minifters defire to. aggravate our o wn faults, by the (elf-fame circupaftances, whereby we greaten yours. Eli his finfull indulgence to his wicked fons is notorious; now mark how a MelTenger from the Lord paints

-'* *7' n out this his provocation, in black colours, 1 Sam. 2 4 2y. Thus faith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the houfe of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaohs houfe ? And did I choofe him out of all the Tribes of Ifrael to be my Prieft, to offer upon mine ssiltnr, to burn incenfe before me ? ssfxd did I give unto -the houfe of thy father, all the offerings made by firr of the children

%9.

Thankfgiving realized.

dren oflfrael? Wherefore kj^ye at my facrifice, &C And . honottreft thyfons above me ? We, who are the Minifters of the Lord mould look upon our aberrations, as the more Loathfome, becaufe God hath honouredus with an high and holy knploymenc in fpeciall attendance upon himfelf.

I might much enlarge this meditation,by acquainting you, that guilt under this notion, is moft grievous unco a truly gracious repenting heart. It was this that cut good David to the quick., When he died <bXXZ>isAgainfi thee 3 thee only have I finned,?/.*} 1.4,.

But I muft leave this Ufe, becaute notfo fully iutable unto the. peculiar fervice of this day.

The next Ufe follows, which is for the /uft reproof of two forts Refrehe*fit of perfons,whofe practices do point blank oppoie this purpofe or God,in conferring favours,which my Text makes report of. ' Firft, whom handling this doctrine, Can hold his hand oft them, who are the idle obedient and the more diflblute in their" lives, becaufe of Gods long-fufrerance and loving kiudeneffe. This (ticks, as a black brand upon King Rehoboam, 2 ^hro.i 2.1. Jtcameto paffe that when Rehoboam bad eftablifijed the kjftgr dom,and hadfirengihned himfelf,he forfookjhe Law of the Lord.

It may be truly faid of many,that they had not been fo bad and bare in their lives, if God had not bin lb bountiful! t& them in his beftowings.Herein men difcover their egregious folly, which can no way be excufed,Z)c? ye thm re quit? tkeLord,yefdoliJhpeople& Hmfefis not he thy father that h ith bought theefhath he not made thee,& efiablijhed thee? Remember the days ofdd,drc.'DQ,'3 ) z.6 i j

Yea, herein appears the vile malignity of our natures, the inbred poyfonous difpofition of our unhaliowed hearts, which Spi* der-like fuck venome out of tfeofefweet flowers, from whence the little laborious Bee draweth wax and honey.

I have three things to fay unto men perions, which I heartily wifli may tend unto their humiliation and amendment. %

i. Thatthis hainous abu(e of Gods bounties,is a fad n*gn of an Unregenerate eftate. Let favour befoewedto the wicked, yet will he not Uarn righteoufncjfe, in the land ofuprightnejfe will he dml unju02y 9 lisfip 1 o. I have heard the Hypocrite fometimes compared co ; a Top, which goes no longer then it is laftied, : Theex-

C .pre'fi-ions

preflions of the Pfalmift concerning fuch unfound hearts, are here notable, Pfal.73-34- When he flew them, then they fought him, and they returned, and they enquired early after God, &C. Ne~ verthetejfe they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied - unto him with their tongues, for their heart was not right with him, neither were they fledfaft in his Covenant.

a. That in this particular, idolaters expreffe more refpe&s unto their vain, dumb, idleldols, then thefe people do unto the only, true, living, world-governing God, God blefled for ever. Tor obferve how the Prophet Hofea, bringeth in the idolatrous, reafoning for their Idol«worGiip,Ho/;2.5.7^*7/£* after my louvers,that give me my bread and my water, my wool, and my flax, mine oyl, andmy drinks In which refpect, we may take up a-gainft thefe malefa&ours, the patheticall complaint of the Lord, Jer.2.Q. J will yet plead with you (faith the Lord.) For paffe Jer. 1,9, over the lfles of Chit tim and fee, fend unto Kedar and conpder

jj* diligently, and fee if there be any fuch thing. Hath a Nation changed their gods which are yet no gods? but my people hath chang ed their glory for that which doth not profit. B e aftonifbed, 0 ye heavens,at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very deflate, faith the Lord &C.

3. That this carriage is no better then brutifh, Jefurun ( faith Mofes ) waxed fat and kicked, thou art waxed fat, thou art qyown thicks, thou Art covered with fatneffe. Then he forfoof^ God which maie him, and lightly etteemedtherockjifhitfalva ticn, Deut. 3 2,15. The Metaphor is taken from the foolifh- Afle, which being kept iow,will come to the Matters hand, but being put into a rull pafture, waxeth wanton, and either runs away from his feeder, or clfe turns heels, and ftrikes him.

And the zealous Prophet Jeremiah doth with much fliarpneffo ^ cf ' 5 7 ' ' fpeak in like manner unto thefe beaftly kinde of men, when I fko them to the full, then they committed adultery, and affemblet *■ themfelves by troops in the Harlots houfes. They were, as fee horfesin the morning, every one neighing after his neighbour. wife. Shall I not vifit for thefe. things (faith the Lord} an>. fhall not my foul be avenged on fuch aNation, as this ?

'Jhe Lord aj^akefc the fleeping consciences of fuch, whom th<

^juick reproof doth reach, that they may be the better for it through his rich grace in Jefus Chrift.

The fecond fort to be blamed I fhall touch with a more gen- vfe 2. tie hand (viz.) all thofe whofe ends and aims, in feeking, and Reproof, in beftowing favours, are directly contrary unto the command and practice of our bleffed God. I here point at offenders, in the fame kinde, under a double head.

x.Such who in the purfuit of outward advantages and accommodations tor themfelves, do only intend th^ gratifying of theflefh, the fatisfying of their own hellifh lufts \ The Apoftle fomti •checketh theiemen, Jam.4.3. 7e Mkami^e^thatye may confums upon your lufls. And there is a fmart rebuke of Bar nth, wrapped up in that Queftion, which the Prophet Jeremiah propounded to him, 7^.45 5. Seekesl theu great things for thy felf ? Thofe ' mud take this home to themfelves, who minde nothing fo much, v as floth, fenfuality, pride , luxury , revenge , and the like* in coveting and hunting after vaft eftates, places of honour and command in the world.

2. Thofe who in conferring places of profit, authority, im * ployment and truft upon others, doe principally (if not only ) aim at the making of a party, the ftrengthening of a faction, a-gainft the government and waies of Jefus Chrift. I will make no inftances, but leave it to your wifedom and confeiences to make application and improvement of this generall Item.

i f there be any, whofe purfes, power, votes, vigour, are to fill offices with men, whofe mindes, hearts, hands are againft ■ the power of godlinefle, the purity of Gofpel-ordinances, the progreffe of out* Church- ReformaDon, I wiih they would confi-der, that they are not herein acted by the Spirit of God. I will not make any application of BaLtckj promite to promote Bala- Numb,**. am, if he would endeavour to difcomtit Ifrael, left I fhould feem over, tare Neither would 1 be thus interpreted in that I have fpoken, as though I purpoied to ftrike lecretly, any who labour in the (incerity and fimplicity of their fpirits, to make Jelus thrift glorious in the world. Let my tongue rather cleave to the rooffofmy mouch for ever, then that I dare to utter one word wittingly and wilfully againft the honour of our Lord OhuRJefus.

C 2 Now

Thdnkfgiving realized.

Vfe 3. Now I come to the laft Ufe, which is to perfwade us aH

Exhortation unto a double duty, and accordingly is to be divided into two

branches. ix. Branch. - Firft, We are hence to be moved to praife God for this his indulging providence, in that he is pleafed by means of kinde* neffes to leek the winning and working of our hearts unto his holy .obedience.

This inference is made to my hand, in the words immediately following the Text, Praife ye the Lord. Now to quicken our hearts unto the admiration arid adoration of God, in this regard, let thefe following (hort meditations, be ferioufly con-Hi dered;

1. That mans obedience makes no whit at all unto Gods advantage, Can a m*n be profitable to God ? Is it any gain to him, that thou makedfb thy waies perfiB ? Job 22. 2, J. If thou be righteous,what giv?ft thou him, or what receiveth'he at thine hand ? Job 35.7. Thele interrogations carry along with them vehement negations. That it is not poflible to profit God in the lead meafure, by ourbeft obediential] endeavours.

Men hire (ervants, becaufe their work tends to enrich them. But in references to the Almighty, Alfurficient God, all muft (ay, when we have done all thofe things, that are commanded, ■we are unprofitable fervants, Luk. 17.10. My well-dnng (faith David, though a man according to Gods own heart) doth not extend unto thee, Pfal 16.2. Forunto that, which is infinite and perfect, no pollible addition can be made.

2-. That mans dii'obedience doth not in any degree prejudice Cod* lfihcufinnesl-y'what doft thou again ft him ? or if thy tranf-, jreffions be multiplied, what dofi thou unto him ? Job 3 5 -6. The Sun is not ob'cured-by mans refufing to behold it, or to commend fche light of iz.

The (elf-lame beauties r perfections, happineflfe, which the l:ord eijoyed in himfelf from eternity, he ijball poffefle for ever, though no creature ihould feiviceably attend upon, him. *

Amongltmenitisotherwife, for a (lock cannot be traded, a, Krajecannot be managed, many neceExry works would be undone x

done, if we had not the afliftance of fervants. The Crown needs the Plow, the chiefcft could not fubfift, but by the fupport of the meaneft. The feet uphold the head, and the Whole body.

- 3. That Gods rich, meer mercy did move him, to make ma-nifeft his minde unco man , that man might underftand what carriage would content his bkflcd Majclbe, and in this regard ('if God had not added any further motive to obedir ence) we are obliged to honour his highnefle, He fheweth his Wordunto Jacob., his•'fidtutef and his judgements unto Jfra-el. He hath not. dealt jo with any Nation 3 and as for his judgements they have not known them. Praife ye the Lord;, Pfal. 147.1^,20.

What ifche Lord had left us all in our naturail darknefTe, as Heathens unacquainted with his Commandments, yet fliould we not have had any occaiion to except againlt his Ma jtftie.

But how great is our engagement to our God, who having given (ome light of knowledge, doth liberally give in favours* to move the obedientiall improvement thereof &

4. Suppofe that the Lord Impending all waies of love and liberality towards us, fhould-only by threats and blows, have endeavoured our obedience, yet in that refped: there would have been caufe of thankfulnefie, for 1: is much better to betieaten to Gods work, then to neglecl' it. David was ofc this iriinde, Pialm II>>. 673, 68. Before J was siff.icled, I went ajlray, but now haze 1 j^ept thy Word. Thou art good, and dofi good. And. verf.71. It is good for me that I.have-been a flitted, that I might learn thy ftattttes.

Therefore the waits of foirntfle and fatherly indulgence, whereby God leeks to conform our hearts and lives unto his Command menrs, faouid endear him toour hearts, and draw forth our fouls in thank!giving.

5. Tneworkeand worfliipof the Almighty, which we take in handjis a\ wait s more or kfle defiled jGods excellencies are much ob!curcd,his name fundry ways diihonoured,by our imperfe£froJ;s-

j which t v„r attend our beft performances. I here ts iniquity in cur holy, offerings, Ail our ri r ;hteoufneffes are like mjightly rags. Ifa.?^. C 3 Wxien

when good Nehemiah reviewed his famous fervices for God and his houie, upon the difcovery of his finfulneflesjhe cries out, Neh. 13.22. Lord, pardon me according to thy great mercies.

Now all this God knows, yea he fore-knew all our future aberrations, When he fhowered down favours, to move pur obedience, Thou hafifet our iniquities before thee, our fecret fms in the light of thy countenance, Pfal. ^0.8, And David teftiii-eth, Ffal.139,2. Th3tGod kyows his thoughts afarre off. Is it not therefore to be very much admired, that the Lord (hould by renewed and multiplied favours labour to prevail with oar hearts, To obferve his flatates, and to keep his hws ?

6. Laftly, (as though all that I have (poken were too little) the Lord hath herein further manifefted and magnified his un« fearchable grace, that he hath undertaken abundantly to recom-peoce all our obedience, In keeping of his Commandments there is great reward, Pfal. 19.11.

Every felf-knowing Chriftian, who is wont with any feriouf-neffe, to compare his returns to God, with his receits from God, will freely acknowledge that he is alwaies infinitely behinde hand with his Majefty : therefore confidenng his former favourable providences, to perlwade obedience, together with future precious promifes, to crown obedience, we have all reafon to call upon our idveSyPraife we the Lordnnd to fay unto one another,iVd*/> ye the Lord. Branch. The fecond branch of my Exhortation follows, which I have

had principally in my minde and aim, all this while.

To perlwade your confeientious care to improve all Gods favourable providences unto the promoting and bettering of obedi-mll . l enc€, according to his purpole and appointment, Ibefeechyon therefore,brethren,by the mercies of God, that you prefent your bodies,a living facrificejnly, acceptable unto God, which is your reafonable fervice.

If my Exhortation upon this ground be not reafonable, lay it afide, / ipeak^as unto wife men, judge ye what I fay* Beloved, lam ^eryferiousinthismyinefl'age, being not only feaionable, but of exceeding great, concernment, andihallbe very unwilling *o goe off with a deniall unto this my reafonable requeft,

which

which I make in the Name of God for your good.

Manifold examples might be produced to pretie this Exhort- Motive I, ation. That double, that treble refolution of- Ifrael, railed from this confideration, is notable, God forbid, that we fbould Jofh.24,i4,i6 for fake the Lord, for the Lord our God he it is that brought us verf.i?.

up, and onr Fathers out of Egypt, from the land of bondage, and l * which did thofe greatfigns in our fight, &C. Therefore we will alfo ferve the Lord.

And again, when Jojhua feemed by his words to fufpecl: their zu fincerity, The people faidunto fojhua. Nay, but we will ferve the Lord*

And yet once more, Jojhua putting them to it unto purpofe, The people faid unto J ofhua,The Lord our God will we ferve, 24 , and his voice will we obey.

But I will come lower, then Ifrael profeiling dependance upon God. The very Heathens, wicked ones, moved only by morall principles, will requite kindenefles in reiped: to the law of retaliation, Ifyoudogoodtothem,whichdogoodtoyou, what thank have ye? forfinnersalfodothe fame. And,yet in reference unto God, I now requeft no more. Doe but Chriftianly endeavour to anfwer Gods kindenefles with an obediential! carriage, and. I call for no more.

I remember, when cruel! Saul, plotting and practifing Da~ vids death, was yet by Davids forbearance to flay him (having power and opportunity) lo overcome, that he brake forth into -thefe Words, My fon David, I will no more do thee harm,bee anfe my foul was precious in thine eyes this day, I Sam. 26.21. Gods long-(utteranceand loving kindenefle to us-ward, doth wonderfully exceed all that David either did or could exprefle towards Saul: He hath not only with-drawn his own revenging hand, though we have infinite times provoked him to his face, but he hath alio held the bloudy hands of crudl men, who have deiired our death: yea, we doe not only enjoy fafety, but rich tupplies of comforts from our God. How much rather therefore fhould we refolve no more to dishonour God by our difbbedience, but to obferve his fiatutes, and to keep his laws.

2, ThisgraceruUobedienc^i the Lord will gracioufly accept,

as

as a full contenting recompence for all his bounties. When Mlife s had numbred up multitudes of bleflings beftowed upon Ifrael, headds, Deut. 10.12,13. aAnd now , 0 Ifrael, What, doth the Lord thy Godrequirecf thee, bm to walk^in- all his Waies, to keep his Commandment si'' As if he had faid, this is all, he will be fatiified with this, he looks for no more. O beloved, how deeply are we indebted unto the mod high God, and yet fuch is his indulgence, that upon {incere obfervation of his laws ( which by vertue of our being reasonable creatures, we are bound to yeeld ) he will cad a quietus esl, a full acquittance into our bofbmes.

, But if this consideration cannot prevail with 'you, yet I pray you confider on the other hand, how unkmdeiy the Lord taketh their difobedience, towards whom he abounds in benefits. How patheticali is that complaint of God himfelf agiinft his Ifrael, breathed forth by the Evangelicall Prophet, Hear 0 heavens,and give ear 0 earth, fir, the Lord hath ffoken., I have nourifbed and brought up children, but they have rebelled again ft m'\ The. Ox knows his oventr ',. and the tAfft'his mafters crib, but Ifrael doth not know, my people doth net confider. <±Ah fin full Nutim. Inreference unto this lamentation, which the Lord maketh over ftubbom, unthankfull ones, I will only fay thus much; Have you not yet offended your God enough, but will you proceed to grieve him (fill.

3 .This pradifing of Gods praifes will be many waits tsneficiall toourfelvcs.

1. it will render us wife, in the account of all fuch ? who with any ieriouineflc confider our great obligations unto bod. Keep therefore and do them, for this is your ft.ijdome and under ft and.-ing, in the fight of the Nations which fkall hear of thcfft.atutes,. and fay, Surely this great Nation is a Wife and under ft ending people. For What Nation is (0 great, who hath Godfv nigh unto them, ai the Lord our Godwin all things, that Wecall upon him. for? Deut.4.^,7. Is it not wifdome to obierve him, who fecurts our perfonsand comforts, whofe ever-waking and all working providence is for our good in every kinde ? And how can map #ioremanif eft his wifdome,then by making Gods.ends, his xyme

in

Thmkfgiving realized. T j

in every thing ? .Now Gods end in the adminiftrations of bis love is ^7 hat We may obferve his ftatutes , and keep his laws.

i. This obedientialli improvement of Gods goodnefie, Will e-videncetheuprightnefieofour hearts. Mark Davids argument which he pleads before the all-knowing God , Pfal.26". O Lord, I have Walked in mine integrity, ver.I. For thy loving kindc-neffe is before mine eyes, and I have Walked in thy truth, verf.3. Threats and blows drive hypocrites to duty, but cords of love draw the gracious heart unto exacl: walking with his God.

5, When former favours produce better obedience, then may we boldly expedt the multiplication of future mercies. Mofes having, Dtut. 79. fpecified lomc of Ifraels rich receits from Gods good hand, from verf. 2. eo the p th , he chns concludes, Keep there fire the Words of this Commandment, and doe them, that ye may proffer in all that ye doe. The felf-feeding husbandman Will caft precious feed with a liberall hand into a fruitfull (byl, which is wont to return an anfwerable crop. God hath the »nd of his bounties, in our obedience. And his promifes to follow P et, H 8, l " *♦ md to fill them who are obedient, withbleflings of all forts, are manifold in the holy Scriptures.

4. Many and heavy are the judgements threatned againft them who continue ftubbornly difobedient, notwithftanding the fweet jffaults made upon them, by Gods gracious adminiftraoious. rhatcomminationinD*«f. 28.47,48. hath often affected and ffrighted my heart, in reference to this trembling Kingdome, Becaufe thoufervedfi not the Lord thy God With joyfulnejfe, and Kith gladneffe of* heart, fir the abundance of all things (mark ;hat, ior the.abundance of all things ) therefire /halt thou ferve hine enemies, which the Lord/ha/l fend upon thee, in hunger %nd in thirft, andinnakedntff'e, and in the Want of all things, tndheJhallpHt.ayokepfiron upon thy neck., untitt he hath defrayed thee. When Samuel had prefled the bettering of obedi T ■nee, by Gods remarkable works (which is the very exhorcaci->n, whjchihave now under hand ) he fets it on by the ielf-fame Vrgumcnt, 1 Sam.l 2.24,2.5... Fear the Lord, and ferve him in

D truth 9

:v jw.i— it

truth, with all your heart \ far confider h<m great things he hath done for you. But if ye Jbati ft ill doe wickedly, ye /had bt confumedjbothye and your King, Beloved, we know to our furrow, thatbothourKingandhisKingdomsareina wafting-condition. God forbid, O God forbid , that our continned-Jdifo-bedience fhould work our utter confatnption and defolation.

This which Ihave (aid is fad, and I have made mine own Jieart fay by faying it; yet that is much more lamentable, which the A-poftle Paul reports concerning Gods judgement upon poor, pur. blinde Heathens, for their ingratitude, in not living up to theii light, to their receits, tvom.1.21. Becaufe when they knew Gt& (it is meant of knowledge attained by Gods works ) they gUri-fed him not on God, neither were thank^fitll, &C ffhertfon God gave them up unto uncle annexe, through the lusts of then own hearts, to difhonour their own bodies between themfelves verf.24. The penalty infii&ed upon the immortall foul is th< snore heavy, becaufe of the fouls excellency. And meer tormeni upon the well-awakened foul is not comparably (o grievous as it's fervitude to finfull lufts. Now this, this judgement o judgements is incurred, by not anfweringobediencially our recek from God. And let none thinke to put this off, by faying, Thii concerned Heathens, but we are Chriftians : for confider, I be feechyou, whether the danger be not hereby increafed ? Is.ou light greater?Have Gods works amongft us held forth more grac 2M glory ? Then queftionItife our disobedience will expofe us t as great, or greater judgements.

I have done with the Arguments prepared to enforce my Ex tiottation : and I hope they have fo farre prevailed with you, (a Jeaft with feme ofyou ) as to move refolutions, to make an obc tiiermall improvement of your experiences. I now proceed t acquaint you withfome few rules to direct this yoHr obedieric< your reall thankfulnefle unto God, "With which I flaall conclude And for brevity fake, I will only mention fuch, as iflue natuBall ^nd neceflarily from my Text and Doctrine.

^ThereforeGod Ihould rather be obeyedjtften any man what feever. I am ftfrre ftom <3iffwading dutifull observance unt te\^^9tipertt)0tscfftoy^Kty©r'degtee:bmj propound th

Queftioi

Qgeftiofl of the Apoftles, Whether it be better to obey Ged or men, judge ye, A& 4,19. &$.29. ",

Let rurn,who doth moft and greateft favours for us, receive the largeft and frequented refpe&s from us. Give the chief eft attendance unto the beftbenefa&our. Now who, or what is he, that (hall dare to ftand in competition with God ? No doubt but fa-fefh, D axiel, Shadrach, Mejbach, and sAbednego, had fo much ingenuity, as to acknowledge with gratitude their obligations unto their Supericurs, yet being a&ed by their ftronger, higher engagements unto God, theyrefuled to gratifie them in things dilpleafing unto his Majcfty. And I (hall not need to tell you how farre the befto wings of God in quantity, quality and variety, doe tranfcend all that kindenefle, which either hath been received, or Can be expected from any humane hand.

a. Therefore we fhould obey God with our All. Both riches and honours come of thee, and in thine bandit is to make great, 1 and t» give Jirength unto all. <tAll things come of thee, I Qhro. 29 11,14. Isitnotreafonablethatall which is received from the Lord, fhould be imployed for the Lord ? You Merchants expert thus much in juftice and equity from your fa&ours beyond feas, that whatloever commodities you convey unto them,fliould be difpofed of to your advantage. Now I pray you turn the Tables, and deal you with God, as you require men fhould deal with you. WhCdoth not acknowledge ftrength in the Apoftles. argument? I Cor.6.20. Glor-ifie God both in jour body and in jour ff>irit,which are Gods. Therefore if we grant the premiffcs, k will be our weaknes to deny the Concluiion.

Conftder what I fay. If any of you enjoy any wifdom,ftrength, authority, eftates, parts, interefts, opportunities, which you received not from the Lord, then rerule to lay them forth for the Lord. But let me appeal uoto every individual foul here prefent, in the Apoftles words, what haft thou which thou didfi not receive ? 1 Cfr.4.7. The inference therefore comes with force upon you, Thou fait love ( and conlequently thcu ilialc obey) the Lord thy God with a& thy foul, with aM thy thought, with all thy might, Cum omni valAe tua. O it is an unequall and unrea-, fbnable thing, to make any deeds of refervation in our dealings

D a with

withourGod,the God of'allgrace and 'of att conflations whatsoever.

5. Therefore our obedience unto God, (hould be tendered fpeediiy. For is not the Lord fofarre beforehand* with us in his favours, thit^/T'Ivvv, at this very inftant, we are engaged obfe-quioufly to fubmit unto his government ? fajhua having particularized to Ifrael ancient providences, whereby God had expref-fed his care and kindenefTe towards them and their fore-fathers,he calls for fervice without delay, joili.24.14. Now therefore fear the L*rd,andferve him* Doe not any of you dare to put off God one day longer with procraftinations. A father faid, that eras, era* y was corvina vox. Delaies will breed guilt, and bring danger. Let us call to minde how much we were in Gods debt,how farrein arrears, before we began to pay one peny (as it were} in any humble, holy, hearty performance. Therefore let us now, now obedientially remember our Creatour, our Proteftour, our Benefactour, our God bleiTed for ever, To day .while it U called to da)iydo not hardenyour hearts.

4. Therefore in all waies of holy obedience, we fhould walk,, humbly with cur God. Well may this alone abafe our hearts,that the excellencies of the Lord, and the worth of his fervice, fhould not be Sufficient to work us unto dutif ulneffe, without a daily addition of fre(h favours from his Ma jetty. But when we compare our unanfwerablenefle to Gods purpofes,expefictions, defervings, h is ftrange that there fhould be the leaft conceitedneile in us, in regard of any work atany time difcharged. If ever man had occasion to glory in his labours, and adventures for Chrift, the A-poftle ?aul ( 1 thinke ) might be the man. But he profeffeth, Ati.ZQ.\<). That h&ferved the Lord in all humility of minde. Now it is rnoft apparent, that befides other means whereby he attained and maintained this (weer, humble frame of fpirit, this was one, viz*. That he had much in his eye, his rich receits from Chrift, whichhewasnowayableto requite. And I am confident, that byaferious, wife paralleling that which God doth for us, with that which we doe for him, in regard of quantity , quality , variety andaonftancy, the (welling of our hearts will be much abated,

& There-

5. Therefore all our fervices for God (hould be the warm breathings of flaming love. All the undertakings of S c Paul for Chrift, Iceined to be (parks atifing out of this fire. He (peaking of labours-, io{fes,hazards, gives in this as the reafon of ail, 2Cor, ^.14. For the love of'Chrift conferaineth* And when David had endeared his God to his heart, by meditating upon his mercies, Pial.l 16.1, / love the Lord, becaufe he hath heard my (up-plication, &c. From thence did iffue obediential! resolutions, / Vcillcall upon the Lord. I Wilt tyalkbefbre the Lord in the land of the living. Although God alloweth the ufe of other arguments to quicken obedience, yet this of love (hould have cue preeminence.

. 6* Therefore We fbould fcrve the Lordin truth Jzeczufe he hath done great things for us, I Sa. 13. 24. This truth is ©ppofed to feem-ingnes and faMhood.God doth not feed us with fair words. We do not only hear of his bounties,but we fee,touch,cafte,enjoy the comforts of his good providences. Let us anfwer our God with realities,//*»v man onlyfeem to be religious,his religion is vain, Jam. 1. As for thofe who content themfelves with (hews of godlines,denying the power thereof, they are abhorred by the Lor4.Be notde-ceived,fir God Veill net be mocked, According as every man (owes, fo /hall he reap. Ifyouforve the rvinde,yau Jhall reap the eaft-winde. Be you well aiTured,that Court complements,frothy flatteries,ern- -pty (hews will not take with God. Thoie who pay. in good coyii t will not be repaied with that which iscounterfeit.Let us not ther-fore dream of requiting Gods reall favours With meer formalities, Let us not only love in Wordand tongue Jettt in deedavdin truths i Joh.j.if* 1 J. Therefore fear the Lord andferve hint in fincerity.Tkisfm~- T . eerity isoppoieduntofdfiftineiTe. Whereas the hypocrite centers, JO 24,1 ** proudly inhimfelf, makes himielf hislaftend, his God. "Did ye, r.oteat for yourfelves?Didyenot drinl^for-yourfelves ? Did ye ^ cc " 7.y,*i-at all fall: unto me, even uytto me ? faith the Lord. f he practice of God, intending and effecting our good, as truly, as his own glory, may well prevail with us,to minde his praife in that which we undertake. His gracious providences are for our comfort, his,holy Commandments are for our good,therefore let not us fk'down fa«* tisfied in fer ving. our own turn by ourfervicesjbut let us move for-

D 3 ward*

ward,nofc retting till we come to this center, Gods honour. What-foeverwc doe, whether in our generall or particular callings, in

commanding,obeying, in private or publike, Let ailbe done urn* the glory of God, I Cor. I o. 31.

8. Therefore We(bould olferve Gods Statutes, and leeep h» laws continually. This the Lord defires, Deut, J.2?.0 that there were fitch an heart in them, that they wouldkfep my Commandments alwaies. And this his Majefty well deferves, For he daily ioadethm with his benefits, PfaL 6&.iq. His unweariednefie in following us with favours, (houldmove us to follow hira un» weariedly in the waies of well doing. If in the whole courfe of your lives, you can finde one day, or one hour, wherein God doth not,in one kinde or other, doe you good, then on that day,in that hour fufpend the ferving of his highpefle. We ( fuch is the (in-fulneite of our (inning hearts ) doe every moment of our lives, give the raoft high God moft juft occaiion to refolve to favour us no more: but the Lord (fo admirable is his goodneife ) doth every minute of time, afrefb engage us unto his okedjence* Therefore be not weary of well-doing , but rather, be alwaies: abounding in the workjf the Lord. God forbid, that it friould be truly faid of any of us, That we began in the Spirit, and did endintheflejh.

All theleeight rules, neceffary truths, and naturally deduced from my doctrine, do concern every one in this great Congregation without any exception. I cannot imagine, from what Teeming pretence any fhould dare to plead exemption from thefe directions ; and I pray God, that no one of you may depart this Aft iembly , without tome obedientiall bents and refolutions upon your (pirits. But all my Sermon, all my counfeli doth moft concern them, for whom the Lord harh done moft, in waies moft remarkable and glorious. No City in the world hath been more magnified by divme providences, then this wherein we are. No people on earth hath been more enriched with temporall and fpi-ruuall provifions together, then our felves. Our God grant that our improvements obedientiall, may prov.j in iome geodmealurc aniwcrable.

Notwithftanding,by vcrtue of the equity of my do&rine, the

Lord

Lord expcfteth co be beft ierved, to be moft advanced, by them whom he hath moft enriched, whom he hath moft advanced. And therefore give me leave to tell you, Right Honourable, the Lord tjMajor, and Right worjhiffoil, the Aldermen of this famous O-ty, that God deferveth and expeBeth more from you, then font four brethren. For unto whomever mstch is given, of him {ball be much required, and to whom men have committed much? ofhim they will ask^the more, Luk.12.48. As you are bound-to be exemplary in exad endeavours, To obferve Godsfiatutes, and to hep his laws : So is it your duty (in a fpeciall manner ) , to take care that all others under your command be conformed to the Commandments of your God, Magiftratus eft cuUos utrt-

ufatabuU;

Rkht Honourable, your Lordihip hath for divers years been, acquainted with my plain Miniftery, and I cannot lay that I have loft any place in your aftedions by my plainneffe,, therefore I will take the boldneffe to direft my fclf in faithfulneffe unto you.

1. Do not you dare through indulgence to fpare the punching. of them, who doe dare to caft Gods Commandments behinde their backs. Could you hold your hands, and connive at tuch>. Who ihould go about to fteight the works, which are railed and maintained for the (afety of this City ? Youheardin theopemng. of my Text, That God would have his laws prelerved from violence, as the means of our prefervation. 1 once heard a plain, Valine Preacher, compare a remitfe Magiftrate unco the fan GtorvywHorfe-bacK; who ftandeth all the year witn his hand. on the Sword, but never ftrikes. My Lord, Ton have not received the Sword in vain, Rom. 13.4, Although 1 would not iharpen the edge of authority unco undue fevency. ; yet would I whetmine own knife to launce and let out the impoftumated matter in my friends flefa. I grant your Lordftiip muft be cautious, ascouragious, and therefore you have good realon to.make So-hmonsm^x, lKing,39- Give thy fervant an understanding ■heart, tojndge thy people, that I may difcern between good and ifitd. But I befeech you remember withall, Thu foohfiptty iloils the City. Let not common drunkards, profane curlers and' lweara-8, bmtifti wantons* andfuchfcte;wickedones,e(cape that; ,

penalty*,,

penalty, which the Law hath appointed for them. Phineas executed judgement ', and it was counted unto himforrighteoufne^e^ Ptal. 106.30,31.

2. I call tor your zeal againft Popery,that abomination,which brings defolation. Let your zeaLmove often inquilitions, whether in fome corners of this City, there be not Idolatry in the afe of the Maffc, left through neglect of fearch, that abomination be filtered. But I move that in a fpeciall manner, fearch may be made after Jefuites, thofeunfufferable incendiaries, who blow the coal of contention amongfi: brethren, who have caufed, and doe continue the unhappy breach betwixt our King and Parliament, our Sovcraign and his Sub/efts. I have heard a Story of a man, who palling by a tree, which Nature was cleaving, did thruft in his hand to increaie the breach j whereupon providence fuddenly doling the breach, did there hold the man by the hand, as an aA of revenge. Though I dare not aflert the truth of this Story, yet I make this morall. Doubtleffe there are Jefuiticall fpirits, who haunt thele coafts, who walk in this City, audit is fufpe&ed by many, that they have a fpeciall hand in iome of the pamphlets published, to increafe the flames ef unbrotherly divifions : I heartily wilh that they might be apprehended by fbme good hand to be made exemplary. It's reported that the Pythagore r ^»j did let a note of infamy upon the number of two, becaufe it was the fnft, which dared to depart from Unity. Solomon faith, He that [owe th difcord among brethren^ is an abomination to the Lord, Prov.6.i6\io. And this reacheth more then .Jefuites in this Kingdome, yea in this City; For how many make it their bufineffe to make breaches, not only among private brethren, But alio between the two K ingdoms of England and. Scotland, not-withftanding the folemn brotherly Covenant. Now Ibefeechyon, brethren, mark^them which caufe divifions andofftnees, contrary to the do&rine which jou have learned, and avoid them. For they that are (uch,ferve net our Lordfefus Chrift,Ko t l6.l"j i l%. 1 humbly move cautioufnefle in regard of Malignants, that thole mifchief- workers, who now (as report fpeaks) are moving homeward, may not lncGnliderateiy, upon too eafie rearms be entertained and tr&fted. 11 is my daily prayer, thatGod would convert

and

and pardon thofe who exprefTe the mbft nulignity againftthe work of Reformation fo happily begun amongft us : and my foul faith, God forbid, that any who are fincerely changed, ftiouid by our foumetfe, be lent back again into our enemies quarters. Notwithstanding I muft tell you * iAbundans cautelan&ri noceu When Saul was come to Jerufalem >he a fayed to jejnhimfelfto the Difciples, but they were all afraid of him, Act. 9.16. Faif-hearted ones amongft our felvcs, may doe us much more wrong, then known adverfaries at a diftance. And is it not a jult ground of complaint made by our friends, when foes who have fortaken City and Parliament, fhalLmake their peace at fuch eafie rates, that they fuffer ieffe in their outward tftates upon their return, then approved friends have done, if their Afleffements and voluntary CQnrributions be confidered ? I undertake not to direct in this cafe, but I intreat God,to make the Parliament and City wile and circumfpect in this particular.

4 I moft earneftly importune your care, for the better and (trimeter obfervation of the Sabbath, and I heartily commend worthy Nehemiah, as your pattrn of imitation in this practice. The waies and courfes whereby he witnefled his holy zeal in this kinde, lie open in the Hiftory, I (hall not need to fpecifie them. I be-feechyourLordfhipto £ee to the fuppreflion of buying, felling and fporting upon the Lords day. 1 have often thought upon a fpeech of chat famous fervant of Chrift, and Minifter in this Ci-ty, /earned, humble , holy , publtke hearted D 1 Staughton^ which I had from him in private conference in thofe times, when the Sabbath, and the observation thereof, was decried by the Prelates and profane (ort of men. H>s fpeech was this, Should any man give up a Cafile of' fuchc oncer nmer: to this Kingdom?; at the fourth Commandment is to the (afctj of Chriftian Religion, he wonlddeferve to die many deaths* As youlove the Lord, and the life of Religion, regard the Sabbath, and let your heart and hand be againft thole doctrines and practices, which tend to the profanation of it.

5, I entirely Petition your utmoft towards the compounding of our mif erable divifions about Church affairs. There are not or-, ly,Congregations of zAnabaptifts, zAntlnomians and Brown-

E ifls

ifts in this City connived at; but ( as it is commonly and credibly reported) alfocompanies of men, who deny the Deky of Ghrift^and divine authority of the Scriptures. I remember that when i&dMio was Deputy of *Achaia, there was infurre&ion madekiCoW«^againftP<«»A and there were wofullconfufions in the City, but it is added j Ad.18.17. And Gallio cared for -none ofthofe things. God forbid, that either your Lordfhip, or any other Magiftrate in this City (hould be thus regardleffeof our prefent diftraftions. When there was a great breach made in the ground by an earth-quake at Rome, and notice was given, that the gods would not be pacified, except fomething of fpeciall worth was caft into the breach, Marcus Curtint did caft himfelf in, in love to his Countrey. And I believe that there are very many amongft our felves in this City, both Miniftcrs an*'Others, who could be content to facrirke their lives in this ferviceV J to reconcile diffenting brethren. For alas, alas, Doe not diviiions threaten diflblution? A Kingdom divided cannot ft and. My foul defires that London may,in waies or" truth and holineffe,belike fe-rHfalem, A City compact together j or ( as others render the phrate) A City that isjoyned to itfelftogetber± Pfal.l 22.3.

For the effecting whereof, I make it my laft requeft, that with all yourmight ( as God may be pleafed to give opportunity) you Would promote the fpeedy fetling and exercife of Church-government. Were the Church blefled with the ute of that Dilcipline, which is according to the mindeor Chrift,in thispofture,it would be terrible m an Army with banners, Cant. 6. 10. By this means profaneneffe would be crufhed, fuperftition lupprtiled, errours checked, Malignancy difcountenanced, the Sabbath better obier-ved, holy Ordmarkcs more purely adminiftred, and our breaches Well healed. Here are motives enough to move every right bred Ion of Sion, to let head, heart and hand unto this work. Contentious, zealous care in this kinde ? will contribute very much to your honour here, and your com fort hereafter. Good Nehe-miah thus pleads for himfelf before the Lord, having been indu-ftrious in this fervice, Remember me,0 my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds (my kindeneffes) that I have done for theheufe ofmj God, and for the offices thereof$$&zm,l$. 14.

Now

Now in this cafe, the counfell of Gods faithfull Mmifters, is to be confide red. The words of esfrmxerxes are notable, Ezr. 7. 2 1 . Whatfoever Ezra the Priefl, the Scribe of the Lavo of the Gdd of heaven Jhall require ofyon y let it be done ffeedily. Some (it may be ) will catch at this fentence, and (ay, Tnis dilcov^rs the drift or Presbyterian fpirits; you defire to exercife dominion over yourbrethrensconlciences, and therefore would have all things managed according to your minde ? But I muft take the boldntfle to anlwer, That this is a notorious {lander. For we petition nothing, but that which in our confeiences is according to the mir.de of JefusChrift,and profefle our felves willing with the leaft and loweft of Saints, to lubmit unto the Scepter of our Lord and Saviour, not requefting favour in any thing, repugnant unto the holy Scr pture.

litis is that advice, which in f aithfulnefl'e, and with humility I prefent unto your Lord (hips consideration; and I doe it with the more confidence, becaufe in all particulars it (peaks the lan D u3ge of our Cplemn Nationall League and Covenant, which ftioutd never be forgotten. And now to conclude all. I befeech you all (both right rVorfhiffull Aldermen , andright worthy Citizens) to confider ferioufly how far my counfell directed to the Lord ykf/i/V concerneth you every one. Othat God would give you all with one heart to fay unto his Lordjhip ( as it was once fpoken to Ezra, to quicken a work of Reformation) Arifefor this matter belongeth unto thee, wealfowill be tfith thee. Be of good, courage,and doe tt, Ezr.10.4 For my part, I (hall ufe no more words, but thofe of David to Solomon (relating to Temple-work) I Chron.22.16. Arife therefore and be doing, and the Ltrd he mth thee.

finals.

THE

CHURCH

SINKING,

Saved by Christ.

Sep out in

A SERMON PREACHED

Before the Right Honourable the Houfe of Lords, in the Abby-Church at

Wesiminfhr,on Wednefday, Febr.16. 1644. being tbc day of the Monthly publike Faft.

By Simeon A/h Minifter in London, and a Member of the Affembly of D 1 v 1 n e s.

Dear.* x.}6, for the LorJfljaff judge h'u people, and repent himfelfe for hbfer, vann 9 tvben befeetb that their power ugone; and, there u none {but up, or left.

Beuc.* i( *«j. Happy art tbots t O /frael: tvbo u \i\e unto thee, 0 people! favedby the Lord thefhWdofthy bel?,andwbo k the[wordofthy excettencie:and thine enemies JhaUbefomdtyarswto thee, and thou /halt tread up** their high places.

LONDON,

Printed by G. M. foi* "E&voard Brervtfer&nd are to be fold

at his Shop at the Signe of the Bible on Lud-

gate hill neer Beet-bridge. 1645.

IT is this day ordered by tbeX ords in Parliament aflfembled, That, this Houfe doth give thaxikes to M r zAfh for his great pains taken in the Sermon he preached yefterday in the Abby Church ffeftminfter before the Peeres of this Realme, it being the day ofthe publike Fali* And that he is hereby defired to print and publifh the fame j wJifch (ball not be printed or reprinted by any, but fuch as (ball be author rized thereunto under hishand.

J o. Browne, Ckr . Farlumem.

I doe appoint Edwrd Brewster to print this^ Sermon, and no man elfe.

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE

The Houfe of <PEE%ES

Aifcmblcd in Parliament.

Right Honourable,

[ N Obedience to your Lord/hips Or-der^l humbly prefent unto publike Seryice^my Sermon^bich attended your commands the laU publike Faft. HereinyourLordJbips have lefus Chritt propounded^ tsaper-feS pattern to per/wade, incourage and direclyour continued endeavours to Jay e and uphold his opprejfed Church. This work U not toohvforthofe who are tnoft High amongTtmen f feeing ourLora^who is the choiceft of ten thoufandsi the only Potentate, God blefltd for ever hath undertaken u\ The fad di-yifions anddiSkattions of three Kingdomes doe daily* hourely, petition your lora(hips for help and healing: Your Honours are Jlrongy obliged by Gods Commands

Az and-.

The Epiftle Dedicatory.

and Providences*, by your ownefolemne Covenants and interefls, to lay forth your [elves faithfully and unwea-riedly, for foe honour ofChrifty and the good of his Church* U$his Service (moft Noble Senatours) you have the hearts and prayers of Heavens Favourites for your comfort y and theattendanceoj r tbe holy Angels for your defence. And in the fincere prqfecution of this defignefiQdjheYzfSxzxjhe Son, and the Holy Ghoft, are engaged for your afiiftance and good fac-cejfe/ Therefor 1 know nothing that (hould (nay ) that can difhearten them in this gldrious &ttbeive~ ment t Toho keepe their mindes and hearts upon the Almighty, and the oblgations of his rich grace, through Iefus Chritty-tobich that your Lordfhips may doe, and in fo doing, proceed andprofper, (ball be the conUantyfervent prayer of

Your Honours humble, faithful! Servant

Simeon <*Afh.

^^^m$W?w^^r5^?Y? ^m^r^fVw^r^m

A

SERMON PREACHED

to the Lords at their Monethly Fatk) Febr.i/. 1644.

Is a 1. 6%, 5.

Therefore mine owne arme brought Salvation unto me,andmj furyit upheld tnc^ 9

\Sfw Ckitfs fcarc of Ms negle&ed, dhlreffed Church, is the fubjeft mattct of this Text, wherein thefe two particulars are confidcrable. Firftjthe reafons wherefore he engageth himfelf to fave Sion. Secondly, the mcancs, whereby he worketh her fafety. Firft,the caufes of this undertaking, fuggefted in thefc words, are two:

1. Becaufe others are carelefle of the Church in danger, therefore the Lord Jefus will appearc her Saviour. The firft word in my Text (Therefore) cals us backc unto the former part of the vcrfc, from whence this argument is open and apparent. / looked And there Vets none to help, therefore mine owne arme brought Salvation. Amongft men, company doth encourage difficult undertakings. But with God, it's otherwifc; His Majeftie had rather ad alone,that no creature might (hare with him in glory. a. Becaufe Jefus Chrift in regard of his fellow&ip with his B Church,

A Sermon tothe right honorable Houfe of lords

Church, doth account himfelfe a fuffcrer in her fufRrings. This is twice expref&d intnewofd(Me,me) This is the language of our Lord. Sions deliverance isfihation to me, The fupport of a finking Church, is the upholding of me. Should the Church fufe fliipwracklntheftormicSeas of this troublefome world, Iefus Chrift, the ownetv the Matter thereof, would judge himfelfe a great loofer, therefore for his own fake, he will fecure and fave -her. All the defigncsofGod arife from himfelf, and they are re-ferred to himfelf: He tranfa&s all with himfelfe and for himfelf t As he is the firft efficient^ (o is he alfo the laft end of all his ad- ; miniftrations.

Secondly,therueanes ? by which Chrift doth accomplifh his_ Churches prefervation are double, as my Text doth difcover.^ 1-, OWine ervn arme. Mans Arme is that part of his body, whereby (in warlike atchicvements, as other*wayes) his ftrength is exercifed. And here it is metaphorically afcribed to Chrift as God, to fignific that ftrength and abilitie, by which he e/Fwdeth the deliverance of his endangered people. He hath jhewed flrength "With bii Arme (faith tbebkftcd Virgin,)/^ hath fcattcredtheproud. And when God manifefts his omniporeneie in the refcuing of hisopprelfed ones, its thus exprefled. The Lord hath made bare hi& holy arme in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth Jhatl fee the falvationof our Gvd.

The mighty power of Chrift procures the prefervation of his Church and people. His right bandana his holy Arme hath gotten. him the vittory .Neither did their own arme fave them, but thy right hand, and thine arme.

2. My fury, it upheld me a

Seme tranflate it, Myhtat, and they interpret it concerning: the f re of love which burnes in the bofome of Chrift towards, his endeared Spoufa. j i.2«, \ fonde the originall word rend red (Bowels.) Thus the Lord

and 4.19.' fpcakethvirith his favourable references, towards his repenting IfiAigriatH ■ Ephraim. MyRowels aretroubled for. him, -I Willfttrelyhave .mcrcjs i^M, C-qthl a upon hlm,faith the Lord',

Zaptde. Others render the word,indignatk>n,anger 2 pr fury (as we find

igxcZiefim"' IC ^ Cl? *$$&. tranfetionjunderftanding it ofthe flaming difplca-. ifoij$ farc.ofCJhrift,.aga'inft.thc adverfaries of his Churcho. And ti% ~

fenfe the words fallowing (which feeme exegeticall)bold forth. J Will tread down the people in mine-anger, and make them drunke in my fury. Solomon' makes ufe of the fame word, to exprefis the rage oft he drunkard. Strong drinke is raging. The Lord repaireth pro v. *«• 1. -Sions niin'es, by ruinating her enemies in his wrath and fury. .And we may warrantably (with fomc others) take in both, the Z elmment heat of love, and the heat ©f anger, which make up the flame of acaens ^jfi. £eale. For in the deliverance of his Church, firift puts en zeale muians.pmn* as acloake, Ifai.59.17. As the flame which was kindled in the'-«**»• bread of King Ahafuerus, ca.ufcd him to command the Qjeenes refcue, from that violence and wrong, which he apprehended,

^Was by wicked Uaman intended againfl: her. Such a deliverance from tyrants and oppreflburs whether unchriftian,or Anticbrifti-an, is undertaken in this Chapter. For by Edom (mentioned in

s the ficft verfe) we muft underftand (by aMetonimy) theldume-ans,andby theldumeans ( Synecdochically) are meant all the adverfaries of the Church.

' It upheld me. The originall word, according to its various ■life in holy Scripture, is very considerable, and ufefull in its Ap- ^n^m plication to our prefent purpofe. It flgnifie's, 1. To uphold,as an « T » infirm? aged man is Hayed, by leaning upon his (taffc, I/ai.^6 t 6. 2. To fupport, as a great, weighty building is upheld by pillars, fudg.16.2g. 3. To fuftaine, as mans ftrength, and life are maintained by provifwns,(^#.27.37. r Pfal,fi.6. 4. To flay '-^?? up, from fainting, by adminiftring cordials, £>*f.S.s.

Now, here I may not take occafion, to enlarge my felf according unto thefe things, which I only hint, in the expofition of my Text. Though hence it is notable, That Sufficiencies fir Sions fupport are in Jefm Christ, according to her various necejjities.

Thus have you (right Honourable and beloved ) the diviiion and the interpretation of my Text, both together. And by this time, I beleevc,you can eafily guefle at the various pretious truths which might from hence be naturally collected. But becaufe I muft wrap up all in one Sermon, therefore I (hall only refolve . upon the handling of the generall Docline of the Text, in the profecution whereof, I lhall have occafion to touch upon the federals which are confiderable in the words. Our Proportion or point of Doctrine is this, .

B 2 That

A Sermon n the right honor Me Houje of Lords

That the fafety of the militant Church lyes upon the hand of Chrisl.

if the Church be in danger, his Arme faves; and if ready to finke through opprcflions from men, or faintnefTs in herfelfc, he fupports. All Interpreters with one confent agree, that the words of my Text are the words of the Lord Chrift, and thcrfore it would be vain work to labour any further to clearc the foundation upon which my Doctrine is built. Neither thall I need to travel! farre to fetch in witness, to atteft this truth. In this Prophecie, Chap.59.16. we have a paflage which almoft runncs paralell with my Text, (the perfon only being changed ) HU tsfrme broughtfalvation unto him, and his righieoufwfe it fuslai-nedhim. And ifwecaft our eyes,a littlefuriher into this Chapter, we (hall fee our Prophet once and againe averting the fams thing, ver.%-. He "toas their Saviour, and ver. 9. The Angel of bit prefencefaved them .

If the reafon of this Chrifts undertaking be enquired after, I oiuft preface my anfwer with the words of the Lord, upon the like occa (ion, Szek.36.22. Say unto the houfe of ffrael, Thus faith the Lord god, 1 doe not thx fir your fakes, O houfe of Ifrael,butfor wine own holy Names fake* Beloved our proud hearts (which on fuch dayes as this Ihould be kept humble, in a fpeciali manner) are apt to fwell and to grow conceited, wbils we are hearing of the meanes which God provideth to prevent their dejecledneflfe t therefore let it not be Judged unneceffary, if I tell you and tell you againe, That the caufe of Sions fafety lyes in God, and nor in the bofomes, or abilities of the faireft member of the Church on earth. Alas, alas, we have no colour of caufe to re Joyce incur feives, when we are told, thatjefus Chrift engageth himfeifto be our Saviour. For the welfare of ihe Church atifeth caufally, neither from any meritorious qualification inherent in our per-fons, nor from any deferving worthiness adhering to our performances. It is pertinent for this purpofe to obferve,?hat when the Church had by faith pitched upon this conclufion, lfai.64. in the end ofthe fifth verfe, We pM be faved, it fcllowes immediately in the next verfe, But Vce are all as an uncleane thing, and aU our tighteoufnejfes are as filthy rags. The univerf'ality cf the words is very conftderable, both in reference to the Agents, We all, and

*h a

M the monthly Faft, Febr.26. 1644.

feoXbe remainders of corrupt ion.and the fa.reft excellences, ihouXbftraaedfrcm their duties, are not in any capacity to Seanvkindnc&orcarefromGod: And it is of good ufe t„^mindeoar Gives of this, when we have occafion to me-dTtauupo^heever-waking.and ever-wotking province of

G °As f our fehf^u'abeabafed, fo our Savionr mull be exalted ia ourthoughtsandhearts, when we make cnqmr.e after therea-ftns wherefore heundertakes tofecure his lfrael: For hough he nndnothingmus,nothinginanycf hisfervants, vvhichca«

meriwrioufly commend them to his twt.on, y« iri h.mfdfe, •!iv, iimf-lfe there is caufe fufficient for this glorious engage-^SSaSt* holdsfortb.asl have already hm.e, Shallhereafter more fully maniftft. The true ground of all Reafl • ■ tSe o e wn ch ChrV takes, that his Church may not utterly fekeund« her O ppre0ions, is his faithfulneffe Jo filVto fulfill alt

iL r n«£ endearing relations, wherein he ftandcth in refe-thofe ""r^cndearing rejau , ^ ^

fhreefoU Notion. They are 1. Naturall. a. IJomefticdl.

3 ' mSift^ haiofhU Church, andtherefore (faith the

Aooftle') the Saviourof that body, Spkf. 5. H . .. , 4Natur ,.m

Nature hath placed 'vitaWna»£-s, with S^bt Hu m p and >•"» XS the head, as Sentinels in a Watch-Tower or the

tienstohis people and every one of themyevlds us loine ratio ^

v .IhJfJthcereat Land-lord of the world,and all the earth, ti^aS

A Sermon to the right honorable Hoiffe of lords

from the world-drowning deluge. Lot like wife was called upon by the Lord, to fave his Family from the devouring flames ,I? * which confuted Sodome. And the Holy Ghoft commandeth

all forts of people s to be peculiarly kind unto the houjhold of faith, galj.p. yea, this is left on record in holy Writ, that, he who provide th not for hiiownt houfe it Worfe then an infidel!. \ Tim. c. &. We therefore may be confident, that our Lord and Mafter Ieius Chrift doth in this regard fee unto his Churches fafety,

2. The Church is effroufedunto Chrifl^s her hufband, 2 Cor, il.4. and foe is called the Lambs Wife. Rev. 19.7. anj 21.0." And our Gofpell Prophet gives in this as the reafon of her prol fperitie,even in this world. Jfai.54,5. For thy tJMak^r is thine Hmfband. I remember what holy Hiftory doth report concerning Davids brave adventures, to deliver his Wives taken captives by the Amalekites, and this he did, being incouraged by counfeil divine.

Now never did man more exprefle love to his Spoufe, then Chrift Icfus hath towards them who are fpiritualjy troth-plighted to him. And this the Lord renders as a reafon ofhis readinefie to doe good to ill-deferving Ifrael. fer,$. 14, p or / am matrjed toiou, faith the Lord*

3. Chrift in reference to the the Regenerate (who are borne againe by his Spirit,^/* I -I2,13.) is called, The everlaftingfa-ther,Ifai t g.6. And thus he is brought in by our Prophet fpeaking ofhis peculiar people. JfaS. I8. "Behold. J\andthe children Vehom thou hasl given me.

Now in this relation there isa commanding power, to caufe care of Safety. How doth father Jacob beftirre himfelfe in wayeg both prudentiall and pious, to prefcrve his poore children, from the death-threatnihg rage of his bloudie brother Efau, as the* 3 2. *>f Genefis doth fully evidence 1 Yea doe not Creatures of all kinds, though vpyd of reafon, yet by ftrong initincls, both aft and adventure to fecure their young,from harmes and dangers ?

And therfore, we may well add this patcrnali relation of Chriil to his people, as another reafon* ofhis regard of them in froublefome times. This argument alfo, is grounded upon the holy ScriptureSjfor from hence, the moft High God, fits his So--veraignty on worke, to redeeme his Ifrael from Captivity. JJ*.

at the monthly -Faft, Febr.26. 1644,

43.6. I will fay to the North, give up, and to the South, keepe not hack, king my Sonsfrom farre, and my daughters from the end of the earth. All creatures, all coafts and comers of the World, muft according to divine appointment, cooperate for the comfort of Gods Children. And hence it is, that the Church firing out ta the Lord for deliverance, pleadeththis relation unto his Maje-ftie. /fa. 61.16. Doubtlejfe thou art our Father, thou 0 Lord, are-our Father. The doubling of this argument, argues, that ftrong confidence and hope, is rayfed from this fatherly relation, in the. hearts of them,to beg and expect Salvation from htm.

4. The Lord lefus ftands in a brotherly relation to his people, 4.Frater ndlL for they have all one Father, Joh.iQ'iy. Cjoeto my brethren, and fay unto them, Igoennto my Father and your Father. And, A garden enclofed (faith he) is CUj Sifter. Cant^.i 2. He u not afhamei to call them brethren. Heb »2.11.

Now thofe who are but very little verfed in the facred Story doeunderftand what an effc&uall influence this relation had upon Jofeph,to prevaile with him to provide for his brethrens welldoing in Egypt, notwithftanding all their unworthy carriage him-ward formerly. And it is here notable, how the f;rv3ntsof Benhadad improved this title Brother, for their Matters advantage,! 7O'.20.;2,33, They did haftily catch it, Andthtyfaid, Thy brother Benhadad.

But to bring this home unto our prefent purpofe, our blefikd Saviour, though he had been forfaken by his Difciplcs,and denied by Peter,yct knowingthat they were full of forrow upon his death, and very apprehenfive of approaching periil upon his de=»-parture from them, it is worth" the obferving how carefull he was to give them norictof his Refurre&ion, and to promifc them a meeting for their comfort and confirmation, becaufe he ftiil owned them as his brethren. UHatth.2S.10. Qoe tell my brethren (faith Chrift) that they gee into galUee.andthirefhalt they fee mee.

The third fart of relation betwixt Chrift and his Church fol- $.poIiricalfc. lowcs(w*J Politicall J from whence as from the former, his ftudiefor her fafetieis inferred. This we have faire and full from the Prophet ffaiah, The Lord is eur Law-giver, the Lord is our KingM Voillfave m, /fai^$,i2. It was a fp:ech wel-becominga

S A Sermon to the right honor Me Boufc of Lords

King, Salmfopiili fitpremalexefio, making the fubje&s (afede the end of his authoritie. Thus I am fure it ever was, and ever will bs with our Lord and King, Jefus Chrift, in all Ordinances and. Ad minifi rations whatfoever, be intends as truly his peoples welfare as-his o wn honour.

Here 1 might tell you, that Chrifts Resell power is LnScrip-

FfdUo i. tufe expreffed by comparing him to a Shepherd, and calling the Church his/for^, and that from thence> his care thereof is concluded, Ezek^i 4./ Will deliver mjflocke, ver.l o. and again, 7 ftM fave my flt>ck_, ver.22.

But 1 will enlarge my felf no further in the reafbnsof my Doctrine, for I fuppofe that fufficient which hath been fpoken, to ratifis the truth ofit by the fevcrall relations, wherein our Lord and Saviour h endeared and engaged unto his Church and people, through the riches of his free, fuperlative grace. Therefore from theproofeof the point, I proceed to the improvement thereof by way of ufe: And I finde the Doctrine in hand three wayes especially ufefull, according to the inferences and applications of holy Scripture, whereby I defire to be guided in my minifteriall fervice*.

The Vfe ^ lt ^» ^ ov tnc ^ n f Qrm ^'* on °f otir judgements\ Secondly ,fbr trie

Conflation of our hearts. Thirdly, for the 'DireBionofour cotirfe* The inference by way of Information is double: firft, There-

Infermatton. f orc all thofe are very unlike unto Icfus Chrift, who have no regard at all of the welfare of his Church. Men ofGa/Iio his temper, of whom it is faid, that though the place where he was Go-vernour,was filled with confufions, and though Sofihenes (a good man, an i one deare to/>*#/, 1 Cor. i.j.) W<# beaten and abufed

A&. 18^i 7. openly, yet (jallio cared for none oftkefe things. Many (iich Gallio's we have amongft our Gallants, yea, and amongft people of infe-riour conditions alfo, who regard not at all what becomes of the work of Church-Reformation begun amongft us, whether Gods Ordinances be purged, or pudled; his Embaffadours incouraged or abufed, his Gofpell propagated or interrupted; all is one to them ; if they may fave their own skins, fecure their own perfo-

feZfabownT na ^ contentmcnts > and & warme in their own Nefts, whether

CbryC Sion finke or fwim, they are at a point, they care far none of thefe

matters.

And

at themonethly Fajl, Febr. 16. 1644.

And give me leave ( Right Honourable ) to tell you how the Holy Ghoft hath marked with a black coaje, the Nobles of Tekoa,who when Icrufalems breaches cryed aloud to them foe Reparation, yet it's faid, Nehem.^. Their Nobles put not titeir recks to the War kj>ftheir Lord. There feemes to be fome difficulty in the place, J will not prcflfe too ftridly the phrafe of putting the Neci^to Veorkj it fignifics voluntary fub/e&icn to fervice. As Matth. 11.29. Takemjjx>keuponjou. And doubtkfle Nobles, men of chiefeft ranke and qualitie, £hould deny themfelvcs fo farrc as to put beads, hands, (boulders, fides, and necks alfounto the fervice of the Church But that which ismoft ebfeure, Iks in the Word tranfUted (Lord.) Some underftand it ofNehemiah, who was chiefs Commander in the prefent fervice. Now though he was in regard of his former imploymcnt, a mcanc perfon in comparifon of thofe Nobles (for he was the Kings 3 Cup-bearer at the palace of Shuihzn.Neh.i.n.) yet thefc Nobles are checked, I might fay, blotted with a note of reproach for not fubmitting to him in the fervice of Ierufalcm. Yea, the word in the Otiginsll being in the plural! Number, fignifying Lords, 'JtK fome Expofitors conceive that thereby arc meant the fubordinate CommanderSjalligned by Nehemiah (who commanded in chiefe) tooverfcethe work, and from thence they inferrc mere then was noted beft re. For they thence obferve, that thefe Nobles arc rebuked and reproached for not fubmitting to the directions of men inferiour to Nehemiah in the fervice of the publikc- But I rather judge that the word though in theplurallNumber, (Ado* ' ni) doth only relate unto God, whom thefe Nobles (hould have ftooped unto, as to their Lord. And if the Scripture be apply ed in this fence, (which to me is the faireft, becaufe I find the word > thus limited, Mai. 1,6.) yet hence it may be noted, that the mod High God doth ftigroatize Nobles with a brand of infiinic, for refuting to appeare, and to aft perfonally, hborioufly in Church Reformation. How great is t(ie diffimilitude in affection to the Church betwixt Iefus Chnflyand this fort of men ? For fup-pofe he (who was brought up in the bo fome of hU father, and fr 0 ^*** 0 ; thereen joyed full, and perfect delights, before the foundations of the world were laid) had refolved not to difplace, dif-cafe himfclfe for mans rcftauration,we with all mankind feould have

C continued

continued under mines and deflations unto all Eternitie. .~ I have three things to deliver unto thefe perfons, who arc pcffrft with a Spirit of indiff)rencie, in reference unto Sion, rc-folving to fit ftill, and to fee the game played on both fides, not caring much who win,or who loofe j who prciper, and whofuf-fer; whofe hopes are accomplished, and whofe disappointed -ifr refped of Church concernroenfs.

i. Without all queftion thefe Neuters are not incorporated i z*6 fpiritually into Iefus Chrift. For if any man abidethin him, he-ought himfelfe alfofi to Walke, even as he Walked, And I appcale to mens Confcienccs from that which hath been delivered,whether» snany age of the Church, the Lord Chrift ever ftood by,as a Neuter, when the concernments thereof were in difputation and agi* nation amongft men.

So foon z%?ml was favingly fubdued by the Spirit of Chrift,

las change in this particular was manifeft: Be Who perfecutedm^

in times pas! (fay the Saints) nowpnacheth the faith Which he once

de&rojed, gal.1,22^. And when the Lord had efficacioufly

touched, and taken hold on,the Prophet Jfaiahj (though formerly

backward to engage for God) no fooner can a queftion be asked,

who flisllgotfor ml but he prefsntly offers himfelfe, Here amI s

fend me. For certainly in this cafe 9 ( as in others wherein Chrift

&«3,i4« is concerned) the love of Chrift conftraineth Chriftians to ap*

peare and adventure for him. And Cbrifts people are a willing

people (Volunteers, a people of willingness) in the day of his

power. Die exereitmm, in the day of his Armies, when he mu=.

*°«J■ ttereth up his forces to fecure Ierufalcm.

8> Therefore all fuch who are not in thefe kindes animated and

a&ed by the Spirit of Chrift they are none of his.

2. This Neutralitie is by our Lord himfelfe interpreted as downe-right contrariety. His words are plaine, he that runnes-may read the meaning of them. He that uxot With me, in again ft. me. I feali not glotTe upon ibis Scripture, nor give in any other applicat ion then the Note which the Rhemi&s have left us. They thai\ nsre indijferer.tto all Religions } coynmon{y and fitly called'Neutws, joyning tkemfehes to neithtr part, let them mar-kjbeje Words Well, and tl^ypoallfee that Qhrif accettnted all them to be againft him and hU.., Church, that &f not f)ai&ty~wdfatly WithMm*,

j*a

3. The mifcry of thefe men is exceeding grievous, which X kno w not how more fully (with brevity) to exprefTe, then by applying and opening the curfe againft Meroz, for the like neg-k&. Curfeje Meroz. (fald the Angel of the Lord) curfe ye bitterly Jisdg.f. tf. theinhabitants thereof, becaufe they came not to the help of the Lord, Maiedicitema. to the help of the Lord againft the mighty. Hence thefe particulars efuuuntsp^ are feafonably enquirable: 1. What is threatned, A curfe, * bitter ^ u vziafttfi mrfe> the curie of men warranted by the Lord, and to be executed f a »t, meemi by the Lord. Though the curfe caujlejfe fiall not come ; yet when /ewp&rpronun-Godarid Chrift, Angels and men curte, how unhappy fliall be e j$ mt * i 2 em --the condition of fuch accurfed creatures? The barren fig-tree ■J^J'^;"* withers upon Chrifts curfe j Mens perfons., comforts, hopes, all Wvfte being blafted by divine malediction. 2. For what caufe this ^Anathema, this heavie curfe is gone out from the Lord •? The words tell you once and againe, becaufe thej came not taffo help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord. It is not laid, they took up Armes, and /oy'ned in combination againft the Lord, in the Liberties and comforts of his Ifrael, but becaufe they would not come in, and foync themfelves with the people of the Lord, nor fhew themfdveson Gods fide, therefore this heavie curfe is denounced againft them. Bareomiffions of good, when God gives abilitie and opportunitie doe cxpofe unto the Axe of divine dif-pleafure. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit, is heveen downs and caji into thefire. Ulfattb,$,iQ. And at the day of judgement our Saviour will paffe this black fentence upon them who have neglected offices of love to himfelf in his afflicted members. ZJ*- Mattfi. t $41." fart from meye cur fedinto everlafting fire, prepared forthe devill and his Angels, islnd thefe fball goe into everlaUing punifhment. 4#

3. What was the cafe and condition of Ifrael when Meroz, refilled to aflbciate for their afiiftance ? Truly at this time many Dwelling neer mighty enemies had got the upper-hand and greatly opprefled L hcp n C ^ o£ , Ifrael. If you will lookback unto^.4.3^ You (hall fee, that blilk^L fabin King of Canaan, had poo. chariots of iron, and he mightily op- the fuccefle) preffed Ifrael for twenty yeares. Now although the inhabitants of they came noc Meroz. mightjin the ©pinion of morall cautious men, feeme in out J &c * Sir this regard to have fu^ficientreafon to refufe fiding with Ifrael, Wai.Raleigb, yet you heare, how heavie a curfe is threatned againft them for this their Neutralise. Fig leaves will neither cover guilt, nor

C 2 defend

defend from Gods wrath. Many allegations^ which take with worldly wife men, will be of no account with God. I might here take occafion alfo, to tell thefe Luke warme perfons, moderate men, (as they would be accounted) men of a tepid temper, neither hot nor cold, who are neither zealous for Chrift, nor yet furious againft him. That our Lord threatens to Jpew them out ofkls mouth. But I will not proceed to difcover their fad condition who are ejected with abomination as the ?omit of the Lord our Saviour.

The f.*cond inference by way of information folio wes» Hence may be manifefted both the malignancy and mifcry of all tbofe, who profeffedly engage thcmfelvcs againft the peace and prefer-vatian of the Church of Chnft. I bsleeve (beloved) that you look upon thofe to whom I fpake in the former ufe, as in a dole-full condition, if you minded and credited what I delivered from the Lord : But this fort of men, who now come under confederation, are in a farre worfe plight; For the former doe only hang betwixt Heaven and hell, betwixt God and Belial, Chrift and Antichrift, in a way of indifrerencie, but thefe people doe place themfelvcs in a pofturc of contrarietie againft the Lord Iefus, for they drive a defignc diametFically,diredly oppofite unto the offices, relations, engagements and undertakings of his Highncffr* The head.the heart, and the hand of Chrift are all at work, to fpp-pert and f3v? his oppreffed, finking Church: But thefe men (£ had almoft called them mifcreants) gather, conjoync, and cxer-cife all their ftrengths to lay Chrifts Vineyard wafte, to fubvert not only the comforts and hopes of his fubjects, but alfo the fundamental! lawes and government of his Kiogdome. In the entrance upon this ufe, I.fpake of the malignancie of thefe persons, andtruly I have reafon to call them Malignants, if the devils powerfull working in the hearts and lives of men, may warrant that Denomination. The Pevill is named Jbaddon, and tAfolljan^ becaufea deftroyer. And it is the devils endcavour,to devcurc the inftruments, the meanes- of Church Refbrmaticn. &ev, 3^4, The D tAgon floodbefore the )froman % Vthich Vcm redfy to. be delivered,

far to devo&r.c her. child, asfoon as it Was born. laMjta This malignant fpirit moved Jftdw to betray. Ckrill*. And the

Holy Ghoft faith, that the ?>evih f(by infpiring and over-powring

pcrfecutoursj

te1r.5j.ii.

Wecutcurs) c*Ji tkChriHims, in the primitive times, intotrU Rev... i*. /£■ And from this very ground, the Apoftle ?*** faith, that Can

Thishatredofgoodmenforgoodncfle arifeth from hclhfti ma-liSeagainftGod himfelfe. Like as the Libard, or Panther,. which in regard its diflikc of man will rend and teare his image* I (hall not need to fay more to evidence their Mahgnme, but I will proceed to difcover their mifery. For which purpofe,I pray, vou 3 confiderthefpeechofChriftto^»/, beingin a way ofop-ooficionagainft his Church. ^#.0.4,?. Smrt,S<ml, Mr verfic*-teft thou me t *A»d hef*id, Who m thou Lord? *A»d the Lorf fad, I am fe/Hs Mom thoH ferfecHteft, it u hard for thee to ktck^

** to tide words, wemay note for ourprefent purpofe thefe oarticularsi i.That Chrift accounts bimfdf perfceuted m the: oerfecution of his members. TkoHferfecuteXme^ when the foot cnearthistrodcncn.thc head in Heaven compiatnes, Why doc you hurt me? This fin therefore of oppofition againft the godly; is of a more hainous nature then men imagine.

a.Tbat the Lord takes cxaft notice of every individual per-fon who hatb an hand in the wrongs c&red to his people. The; MefTenecr, the Purfevant,who now was on bis journey with letters miffivc from the High Pricfts, to bring Chriftlans bound: to Tcrufalem, he is here called unto by name, SauhSaulWhy doef thou perfecute ? Although the. Eagle foare high, and fceme farre : from her Neft, yet her piercing eye foon efpies, if any approach be made to prejudice her young. .'

* That this oppofition is very perilous. It » hard for the* Cmmftirt f kieiamnfi the prick*. The fpeech is Metaphoncall, taken tumcatce$.~ from the brutifh Creatures, which being prickcd,doe by kicking* eo qui fcaftta ftrikcthat which pneketh them deeper into their owne flcfli, poKnuousc. That paflage of our Saviour, UMattk.i 1.44. is fomiwbat anfwe- imiu nble^WhofoeverJhallfaa an thUfione, Jhall be broken. By falling ayponChrift,whcthcrby oppofition againft his Government, or members, menbreake themfelvcs s as the proud waves breakeup*

on the hard rock. ... , , .

AThat although men throagh ignorance know not,or through-incokit?iicy,confider jiot,their courifss of contrariety againft the 0 " C 1 Church

tms*~

Church of Chrift, yet is their fin thus high, and their danger thus heavie, as yoa have heard> Saul here imagines nof, that any ' wrong was offered to any one in heaven, and therefore thinking it firange when hejicares of complaint from thence, he askes. Who art thm Lord3 yea,elfe where he ptofefletb, that he did it ig-tioramly, and that through z.ealehe perfected the Church;yca,tbat he verily beleeved, himfelfe%W to doe lomewhat againlfc the Nameoflefus Chrift.

I heartily wifh,tbat this msy be well confidered, becaufe many who bitterly makeoppolition tgainO- the Church ofChrift,at this day in this Kingdome* doe verily hope, that becaufe they

- a$: according to their Consciences, therefore they are in no danger. It is true, "Paul himfelfe faith, / Vpm received to mercy, for 1 did it ignoranttj in ptnbtliefe > yet for all this, he kickjl againfi the pric&znd had undoubtedly perifhed everlaftingly in this way of perfection, if Gods glorious Grace had not converted him. Alas, alas, then what will become of all them, who wittingly and wilfully, malicioufly and defperateiy engage themfelvcs againft the caufe and Church of Chrift ? Truly,I tremble,when I ferioufly ponder that imprecation of the Pialmilt againft fuch perfecutors? Lord, be not mercifullto any Wicked tranfgreffoHri. Selah.

Although this might fecme fufficicnt to ftartle and awaken thefe Malignants, who make it their bufincfle to" breake in pieces the people of the moll High; yet I will make bold to diicovee their dolefuli condition further, from my Text and fome neighbouring paffiges,which border upon it.

There are two things confiderable concerning their mifery.

- i. It is inevitable. 2. It is irrepairable; Gods arme cannot be refilled. And the breaches made by his indignation cannot be repaired. Firft, their dcftrucTion cannot be avoided, j. Either by multitudes aflfociatcd for their fecurity.ver.<5. 1 Will tread down ^^//^(forfoitisintheoriginall) noting the pluralitie, the Numbers of Antichriftian oppofites. And for this cnd,Zech. 12.3. is very remarkable. / Will make Jerufalem a burthenfomc flow fir all'people, allthat burthen themfelves With it jhdl be cut in pieces\ though all the people of the earth be gatheredtogether againft iu TheCaptaine of our Salvation will rout the greateft armies

that

that can poflibly be raifed agamft his Jerufalem. 2. Or by places fortified for their fafetie. yer.i. The Lord in taking vengeance had dyed his garment* in 'jBozra. This Irezra was the Metropolis, the mother Citie of Idumea, Ifai. 34.5. And ftch places ufualiy are moft Strengthened by forts and fbrtifications» But the breath of Gods difpleafure will blow down and demol-lifh all fuch means of defence,how profiling foevcr they appeare* £. Or by accumulated eftates, accommodations, honours and au^ thority. Thus much is Metaphorically, yea, Allegorically expret-fed in the Scripture laft cited, Ifai.^jSq, 8. The fword of the Lord' it\.filled With bloud, it is made fat With fit'neffe, and With the blond of Lambs and Goats , with the fat of the Kidney e-s of RamSyfor the Lord hath afacrifice in Bozrah, and a,great (laughter in the land of Idumea , and the Vnicornes Jhall come downs •mth them, and the 'Bullocks with the bstls , and their land JhaH he fiaked with blond, and their d»fi made fat with fatnejfe , for it is the day of the Lords vengeance , andthe ye are ofrecompen-ccs fir the controverfie of Zion* By Goats, Rams, Unicomes, Bullocks and Bulsareunderftood menofhigheft place and power in the world. And when our Lord taketh vengeance upon the adverfaries of Zion,.hc will make it to appeare, that he is no re-fpe&er of mens perfons. He Willflrike through Kings in the day,- pfal. 1.104,6.* ef his Wrath: He Jhall Wound the heads over many (or great) countries. There is no refptct of perfons with God. Neither Crown aor Scepter can fecure them, againft whom the Almighty is in-cenfed.

Secondly, their ruine cannot be repaired. Thus much is fug- J ° Ic «««<»•»-geftcd t ver ,3. / Will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in c * V£rable « ; my fury, and their bloud Jhall be Jprinkjed uponwy garments, and J Will fiaine all my raiment. The Metaphor is taken from treading the winc-preffe, where the grapes,, were full, and faire before prefling, but when the moyfture is fqueezed our, it cannot be reftored,.. nor the beauty of the grapes repaired, . ThusGhrift will in vengeancebreake (as it were) the vcynes and bones cf his enemier,. and fquecze out bloud and marrow, And if timely repentance prevent not this vengeance, they (lull heremedikfly ruinated P r never to be healed, never to be re« Sore do

Mora.-:

iThcf,?, t.

hnx> ffl dro'

^.b bwamibm, abfurdoqua* datningenio frxditu.

A Sermon to the right honorable Houfe of Lords

More I will not fay (neither need I) to fct forth the wicked-neffeand wretchedneffeof thefe mifchief-plotters, and mifebief-workersagainft the Church of Jefus Chrirf, which he undertakes to fave. And I mould think, that enough hath been faid tocon-vince s if not ro convert thefe «ien,had not the Scripmre told m% that Perfecutors are unreafoa&ble men s and if Taul had not con-feffed of himfelfe, tfiat in this way he Was exceedingly mad. Ati. 26,i i.. Pride, pafiion, and malice doe more then infatuate perfeeutours.

I mud leave thefe diftempered (if not diftra&ed) men, but while I ana leaving them, truly my bowels are troubled for them, therefore before I leave them, I will breathe forth ChrHVs prayer for them. Father, forgive them, for they k»ow not What they doe.

Thefecond Life foilowes. Our Doftrine adminifters much matter of lingular Confolation unto the fervants of Jefus Chrift.

And let it not I pray yon, be oflT;nfiYe,as a fervicc urifeafonaHe, that I fervc in cordials on our fading,heart-humbling day ,where-in we mould feed uponfower herbs. Tor as my Text doth na» turslly,acCording to thepurpofe of the Holy Ghofl:, offer com-fort,fo the prefent fad condition of this Kingdom doth call for if, and the drooping fpirits of many godly ones amoogft us need it. Moreovcr,the minding of Ch rift scare and kindneffc towards his finking Church and bleeding fervants, may much promote the duties of thcday,becanfe thereby the heart is mod kindly broker, for our feverallur?kindnefles and disregards of fo kind and care-full a Saviour. By meanes hereof alfo ,we fhall be qufekned, wi th more fervency and confidence tofupplicate his M? jwftie, f or tnaC falvation, which he hath promifed, and which we expeci.

But to paffe from this digreflion,let us a little minde the ftrong confolation here intended. From this Do&rineof Z tons falvation undertaken by Chrift, his Church is called upon to re Joyce, Rejoyce greatly, O daugter ofZiou, Shont, O daughter Jerufalem, fahold, thy King cometh unto thee, he is jujt and having falvation.

And upon this confederation, the godly have been wont to triumph and to glory. < ?/4/.68.jp,so. *Bleffed be god, even the Qod of our falvation iSdah. He that ii our god, ii the God of Salvation, yea, this jay doth rn a peculiar manner appcrtaine unto Gofpel times. In that day, it jball he faid, Lo, thk is ow God, c We

Wrhave Waited for him, and he Willfave us ; this is the Lord, We have Waited fir him, and We- Will rejojee in his Salvation. This honey 1 (you fee) drops out of the Comb, without pre/Ting, this Ccnfo-lation fiawcj from the Do&rine, without ihe leaft forcing.

Now this Fountaine of comfort fendeth forth its ftreames: 1. To the Church in gcnerall. 2. To the fcverall living members thereof in particular.

As'for the Church univerfall, Mount Sion flandeth fafl, and pf a i. Uf . T ,' can never be remsved. And the Church being built upon this rocJ^ (ChriO) the'gates of hellfiallnotprevaile a^ainfi it. The greateft M-vth. 16.18. Xtrength oneirics, especially when befieged and endangered, is placed at the gates. And the gates were wont to be the places where the wife Elders and Judges met for civill Judicature. Now our Saviour, by the gates of hell understands, all the ability and fubtilty of Satan, and he affares his Church,tbat neither pow-cr,nor policy, fhajl prevail: agsinft it, feeing the foundation of its fafsty lies in him. And I fhail not need ro fter>out of my Text, to bring in pillars, to fupport our confidence, that our hopes may be Panopiiam • unfhaken in this regard. For this purpofe, I fhall now make ufe 7)ei defcribit. of the foure obftrvations from the words of the Text, which Brubw* &^ were briefly pointed at in. the division and interpretation of it. i*^*"*? 17 * Here we have the whole Armour of God, weapons both defen- arliATteUui-five and ofL-nfive, that the Church may be prefer ved and her ene- bm omniavin' mies deftroyed. tit. Cornelius

1 .That the leffe afiiftance comes to Zion from men, the more » lapide. ready will our Lord be to engage himfelf for her deliverance. -Mark well, I befeech you, my Text, with the words preceding. There Was no help, there Was none to uphold, therefore: He faith nor, though there Was no help,yet Ifaved, Neither doth he fpeake thus, There Was little help, and there Were few to uphold But the words run thus.There Was no help, and there Was none to uphold, therefore, 1 brought falvation. Therefore when multitudes ltandaloofeof£ as idle Spectators not daring, or not willing to fide with Zion in the day of her trouble, then, even then, may wc hopefully look for help from Heaven, I Willre/iore health to thee, and 1 Willheale jer.30.17. thee of thy Wounds, faith the Lord, becaufe they calledthee an out-cafi, faying,ThisisZion,Whom nomanfeeketh after. Yea, when many cither throughfamtnefic, or falfneffe, fall off (though thefe are

D fad

A Sermontothe right honorable Houfe of Lords

lad prognoSkksofour danger to fcnfeand resfon) yet even from* hence will will-guided frith fetch and plead arguments tochc-rifhhope In holy prayer. Be not fare from me ( faith *David to

. i*,it« ~ God) fir trouble ia neere, and there it none to helpe. CWany Huts is. have iompaffedme, ft rang buls ofRafean have befet me rmnd. Here joufee 5 that ilrong refinance, and no afliihnce from man is the argumentation of holy faith before the Lord-

% : That the Churches welfare depends upon the Almighty rowevor Chnft. L.Minearme({ahhhe) brought falvation. This is comfortable to Gods people, when endangered, by an over-powringenemie,asitappeares in the experience of Ktogdja,

Wi^s i. feeing it is nothing With him to help x whether with many, or with. them who have no power. Here concerning the Lords Arme, I might note thefe three things. I. That its irrefiftibly ftrong^h<* Pfa!miftfaithtoGod,T/^/.8.5. The heavens are the work^of thf,, fingers. Now if Great ion-work, be but finger-work with the. Almighty, imagine (ifyoucan) what power is in his Arme. He that could bring beauty out of deformity,the goodly ftrucrurc of the Heavens out of confufion,out of nothing, by the motions (as it were) of his fingers, can perfect Church Prefcrvation and Reformation by his ftrong Arme. 2., That it is incomparably Img. By the breadth of his hand, you may guetfe at the length of his Arme..7/&4o.i 2. He meted out Heaven with hii jpan. His Arme then is long enough, to reach from one end of the earth,, unto another. He brought IfraeJ out of Egypt with a ftrong hand,.

-13&.1 t 3 u. apAan out'ft retched arme. And the Pfalrmlt fpeakes in this manner to the Lord, Thy hand fhaU find out all thine enemies t thy, right hand /hall find out all that hate thee. His Ma jeftie caneaftV ly, quickly reach h\s fervants with deliverance,and his foes with vengeance, when they are at the greateft diftance. 5, That it is everlastingly unchangeable, it cannot be weakned, or wearied 3 _ much leffc broken er corrupted. And this is mentioned by Me* Jk th© man of God, for lfraels conftant incouragement. Tin.-j> ■ eternall Cjodts thy refuge, andunderneath, are theeverlasting armes,

> ^ f * Therefore the feares and hopes of Gods people mould not ebbe s~~ and flow, abate and augment, according to the incrcafe, and de-crcafe of their own, or their adverfaries ftrcngtb. For the Armes

IgOLjI.S,

a the monethly .FjMFebM^ ^44* __ Ip

2 That fclf-iove fees our Lord on work,tofecure and favehis endangered, ne^lecled, defected, finking Church. This reafon fr^htfaf cLriflr twice prcftth in.this flu* Text, UJr,« And indeei if the matter be well confidercd, we (ball finde that lefus Chrift hath rcafon, in felf-refpeds to look unto his Church, for the riches ofChrift are in tbeChurch the members thereof ^hufe^elsM^culUrtrc^re. Yea, the Church is part of u&.pf. -himfci his body. He (boald be an head without a body,i< he did Exod..*,* not maintainethe being of h* Church. The Church isthe ful-netfeof him (meaning Chrift) who filleth all in All (fanh the Apoftle.)AndS* Paul is not afraid, to call the: Church Chn&, i Or. 1 2.12. where having compared that Myfticall body of his with the body naturalise thus concludes, So <* ch "\ .

I might enlarge this ground of comfort further, by ftiewmg feow much Chrift isconcerned in his offices exercifed, and in bis Ordinances adminiftred in the Church If the Church of Chrift fticuid mifcarry, then the greatcft defignes of the God-head would be difappointed, and then the glorious Promifes of the Gofpel would be nullifiedj&c.

Therefore, though we can plead nothing from our fclves, to move Chrifts care of his oppofed, oppreffed Church, yet he can and will produce arguments from himlUf, to prevailc with him-fclf, and with his father alfo, to preferve his Church: yea, although we who arcT>affengers and adventurers in this flup, doe by our finnes make kakes to let in dangers to fink all, yet will Chrift, (who is the Pilot, Mafter,and Owner alfo ofall the goods therein) for his own fake, betHrrehimfelf, and preferve all. It is here obfervable, that when Daniel on his failing day^bad ac-knowledged, and aggravated fin, confeffing that confufion of riahtdid belong unto that people of God, yet in the conclufion ef the prayer, his faith pleads ftrongly with God, for his own fake, and his Chrifts fake. Now therefore, o our God, Aw* the Dan§ ^ prayer of thy fervant and bis Applications., and cattfe thy face to (hine upon thy Sanctuary, that is defolate, for the Lords fah. O Lord,heare, hearken, and doe: define not for thine owne fake, S.

a That Chrifts indignation againft his peoples oppofers and perfecutors (hall work on,the Churches fafety. <My frry, it up-r D 2 heid

held me. Mark the.verfe fore-going the Text. The day of my vengeance is in my heart, and they tare of my redeemed ones is come. When Chrift taketh vengeance on his daring, provoking enemies, then he effceteth the deliverance of his endangered, perfected people. Therefore by how much the more outragioufly profane, the adverfaries of the Church are, and the higher their wickednf{fes,andthe mors frequent their diihonours done to the Lord: by fo much the more hope have we of-deliverance. And in this regard, though we have indeed occafion offbrrow, to fee and heare Gods Lawss violated, his Government defpifed 9 and mens immortall fouls everlaftingly endangered: yet we may fprsad the inhumane cruelties, filthineflVs, outrages, with the ftrange blafphemies of Zions enemies, before the Lord, as argu-j r o. nwnts to preflfe their do onfall and our deliverance. As Pfal. 74, i'L O Cjoi^howlongjhalltheadverfaryreproach? Shall the enemie b!of-11. pheme thy Name for ever ? Remember this, that the enemie hath re-a. 3* pr 0 ached, Ojjord, and that the fooli(h people have blaffhemed tfjy Name, Arife, O Qod, plezd thine own caufe. rememkr how the fdo-lip} man reproacheih thee daily. Forget not the voice of thine ene* wies, the tumult of thofe that rife up againfi thee, increafeth con-pjnjtally, ■ ^

Thus farre the comfort hath been carried on, in reference jto the Church in general!, I now proceed to the Application of it unto the members thereof in particular. And here I might take occafion to difcourfe concerning the comforts from hence to be adminiftredjunfo NationaH Churches, the members of the holy Catholikc Churchy and unto the Church in this our Kingdome particularly. But as time will not fuffcr pie thus to expatiate, fo becaufe I frnd not fure footing in Scripture, to grcund fjch dif-couries upon, therefore J had rather be filenr, then too adventurous. That thrcatning of our Lord againft the Church of Ephe-vd. s s |» |^ Sj j w ;tf come unt0 theg quickly, and will remove thy Candlefick^ out of its place, except thott repent. That thrcatning ( I lay), doth not only prove, that the Church, date of a place, a Kingdome may . be removed,but it doth alfo-intimate our danger.. What the Lord intends in this kind Sngland-vizrd', himfelf only, certainly un-derftands. But thus much I may fay with confidence^bat fo farre 3S we endeavour to fet up, aod to- keep up 5 the Government oi

Jefus Chrift in the Church amongft our felve*, fo much hope we may exercife in the expectation of a Church ftatc to be here Continued by Jefus Chrift. If Ephefus repent and reforme, the " tandleftick (hall not be removed.

But leaving thefe things to your conflderation and care(which I ihall again quicken anon) let us a little enquire after the corr.-fcrtff, which from this Do&f ine,appertaine unto the individual], living members of the Churdyhemyftkallbody of Jefus Chrift. For our Lord Co careth for the whole, that he is no:, ( indeed) he cannot be unmindfull of the loweft, the meaneft part thereof, at any time. Now left the childrens bread (hould be given to dogs, left the cordials which belong to the members of Chrift, frsouli belavifticd out aoiongft the limbs of Satan, I will very briefly by" forae pregnant Scriptures, fignifie to you fome qualifications of the perfons who may,with divine warrant, challenge a ihare in the comforts, afterwards to be propounded.

F'irft, Surely they are my people, children that mil not lye: fo he j.f a i $«».& vtai their Saviour. Two things are here notable. Firft, They are my people. A people Jelf-refigning, and felf. devoting to God, whoaceount not themfelvcs their own, to live unto tbemfdves, but yeeld up their All to God, thefe may expecl the Salvations of God. Secondly {They are children that will not lye. I could wiifc that all Lyars would ferioufly confidcr of this, whether that praclife of theirs may not give them caufs to queftion their fcdc~-Sail reference to God. This I fpeake the rather, becaufc this foule. fin of lying (I report it with griefe of heart) is wcfully common. amongft many ProfelTeurs. But I rather conceive that by Children that mil not lye, here are underftood fiich, who neither anfwer their own profeffion,nor Gods expectation in their con -verfation. They profefle one thing, but pra&ife another. Their lives prove the falfhood of their fair Profdlion.

Secondly, <yW Voill fave the humble per/on. Such who fwell Jobiuza^ not with their parts, who acknowledge themfdves lcfle then the leaft of Gods mercies, who lye low in their duties andkifTe therod,whenlayedin the duft, thefe are they whom the Lord will fave.

Thirdly, Hewitt be amlfie the meek^Vvith Salvation. Mecknelfe, pfal,i 4 <, a. (inftii&ncfle) is that grace which moderates anger, and prevents

D 3, the..

the defire of revenge. Thofe therefore, who arc of calme, well* 7 appeafed Spir its,not p3flionately furious,when croffcdjproVoked wronged,but having an eye upon God, in all affronts and injuries o&red, doe referre their own righting, and the vindicative re-compence unto his Majdlie, fuch (i fay) may look for nicrcifull glorious deliverances from the Lord.

* Tim. 4. : o« Fourthly, The living Qod U the Saviour of all men, esjeciallj of them Mo beleeve. Such,who feeling all creature props ihrinkmg under them,yet rinding ftrength and fteddinefle in the Almighty* doe, from the ineouragement of his Promifc, rely upon him, in the dayes of danger, they d 0 e engage his Majifticto be their Saviour.

Pfel,Sj.€.~ Fifthly, Sttrelj hi* Salvation is nigh unto them who fare him.

Men whofe hearts are awed with divine Maj:ftic, and who" through cfttmation of his love and glory, draw back from finnc' becaufe it tends to his difpleafure and difnon©ur,thefe may exp«ft Gods Salvation.

Thus from the Characters of the perfbns, to whom this com-? fort in peculiar appertaines, I proceed to particularize the comforts hence deducibk, and you may take them from thefc fjure heads.

i.Iwillfaveyou (faith he) from all your uncleannejfes. And again, Hejhallfave his people from their Jinxes, This is a great fal-^ation, and a fure falvation. There is no doubt to be made of ir but Jefus Chrift will fave the fouls cf all his redeemed ones from ail their fins,frcm the affrighting guilt of them in J unification, and the commanding power of them in San&ification.

2. They (hall befceured from all external! grievances and annoyances, To farre,as freedome there- from may be for their bed advantage. For he will be a Sun, and a Shield, and no good thing mil he withhold fiom them who rralk^ uprightly. As the carefull Phifitian would not (were it in his power) fuf£r his Patient to loofe more blond then might tend to health.

3 # Theyfhall undoubtedly be delivered from the poifon, the prejudice of every affliction which befals them. He fhaU deliver thee infix troubles^ea.infeven^o eviUJhall touch thee. This is not To ft range as true,that though the godly be over the head and eares in the flouds of various calamities, yet no evill doth once touch

them.

them. It is with all outward troubles which take hold on Gods

people, as it was with the Viper which fattened on Pauls hand;

though the 'Barbarians feeing the venemous beaBhangon his hand, A&«»<St3,4>.,

faid,furely Vengeance rviUnot fuffer this man to live: yet its affirmed, h

Hefiook* off the bea& into the fire, and felt no harm*. It is moft

certain,thac though men (or rather) beafts of prey, may plunder,.

impoverifrS, wound,, and imprifon the Saints of the moft High

God,yet they neither doc, nor fhall receive Spirituall detriment

thereby; yea, though they may be killed, yet they cannot b&

hurt.

4. Chrift is the tAuthorof eternaW Salvation unto all thera thai Heb.?,?*. ofay him ; whereas death, naturall deatlys the utmolt and the lad danger, with which our bloud-thirfting enemies can reach us l this is our comfort (and how great this our comfort is y I know not) that then^and by meanes thereof, our perfeel, our everlafting deliverance is received. So (bon as we (hallpafle out of the gral-pinghandsof death, our foules(hall be eternally faved from all fin, and forrow whatfoever, not only in the power and prejudice thereof, but in regard of the prefence, and appearance of it alfo 9 .

The laft fort of tjfes follow, (vi*.) Exhortation, which divt- ^ %.: ckth it felf into three branches,whercin I will Rudy brevity. r **

Fir{t,letushcncebeperfwaded to joyne ourfehes unto the Church of Chriftjbecaule there tbefureft falvation is to be enjoy- &, Ia -ed. The Lord foretels this improvement of this Dodtrine in the txioorm day es of grace. Thus faith the Lord of hefts, It Jhall come to pafe Zsch. 8**j, that ten men Jhalltake hold, out of all languages of the Nations, even. Jhall take hold of the skirt of him that if a few, faying, We mllgoe with j ou, for me have heard that god is wishyou. Nature feeks its own fifety,and humane prudence in mcer morall men, will project for their own prefervation. Hence it was that upon the glorious providence of the Lord, for the deliverance of his people from Uamans hellifli confpiracic, it is i^Ay^Manj of the people of the Efth.&syi &andbecame fewes, . Ob that there might be fomc fuch fruit of this my poore Sermon, that Ibme might be brought in, to joyne themfelvcs unto Z ion, upon the report of: the peculiar falvation of Godjthere to be expeded.

Right Honourable and beloved, I fpeake not ( the Lord knowes) without forrow of taart, of Tiding with this, a* that

gatty D:

party, againitthe other, here in bleeding England: my foule rather makes its uncettant (bites to the God of peace, to give us a fpeedy good peace, that our dread Soveraigne, and his divided fubj 'dtSjin all the three Ringdomes,m ay be of one heart and way for Chrift, and that we may fide as one man againft Antichrift : But if our teares and prayers cannot reconcile our unhappy differences, give me leave to advifeycu, to be on Gods fide. Now

Pfa!iz4.i, thcPfalmifttelsus, thatGodand Ifrael make one fide. If it had not been the Lord, that was on our fide, may Ifrael fay. But you will anfwerrne, what is this to us? I reply, This is very much to us, for we may be Gods Ifiaelby fpeciall Covemn: and grace, although not by narurall defcent and propagation. Obferve you

Gal»&i& therfore, the words of the Apoftle, As many, as walke according to this rule, the whole Ifrael of God. All fuch pcrfons, who are careful), to/?^n?theit courfe according to Sacred Canonjhey arc true Ifraelites in Gods eftimation.

Wherfore I pray you, confider without partiality, which party in the Kingdomc, (Indies Church-Reformation,and State-Reformation according to the Scriprures, and be you confidenr, that Gcd is, and will be on that fide, making bare his Arme for g the falvation thereof, according to bis promife. And if God fa

\om. ,3s. e h our fide, who can be againft us. My beloved when the Lord (hall convince your hearts of his truth, difcovering to you the way of his government and worfiiip. Take heede, 6 take heede how you with-draw your felves therefrom, under any pretence whatfocver.

And if hope of Salvation, will not hold you, yet let the fearc of deft ruction, chayne you to Chrift, who hath thus fpoken.

Lufe.19.17. Thofe mine enemies,who -would not have me torule overthem, bring them hither ', and flay them before me, 2. Secondly, let us be incouraged, to fet upon Chrift by our fup-

gxhortation. plications to hvzZion, to uphold his {Mattered, (inking Church amongft our felves. The refolution and pracTife ofGods people, grounded upon this truth; fhould be both our incouragemenc and patterne. O thou the hope of Ifrael, the Saviour thereof in the g day of trouble, why fhouldesl theu be as a man aflonyed, as a mighty

man that cannot Jave? "jet thou 0 Lord artin the mideft of us, and we are called by thy Name, leave us not.

MthemonethlyF*ft,¥zbx.i6. 16^. : »5

IbefeechyouTmake conference of this duty. I will not got out of this Chapter for arguments to prefle this prattife.

i The Lord is able, with cafe to lave us, though our dtltra-a'ionsare many, snd our dangers great / (faith he) /peaks [» %hteou/ne^.mighty to fave.ver/ i. Weknow that when the Seas were rough, and the Ship (wherein Chnlr was with his Difciplcs) was coveredwith wave/, upon bis word all was Kill, mwM.j^ -herehtkedthewinds andwaves, and they obeyed him. And quefti-onlcff-hecan, by his command fuddainly quiet and calme, the proud waves inour troubled.waters Thcrfore we ibouid pray. Thoaart onrXingo God, CommanddeUverances/or Jacob. _ f, 2 H- is willing to admit of a parley, a treaty with us. Thus much may be gathered from the three firft verfes of the Chapter, which containc a Dialogue, an interchangeable difcourfe betwixt Chrift and his Church, wherein we fhall find his High-ncfle ready to returne anfwer after anfwer unto her demands.

i for this purpofe, that paflagcin this prophecy, isvery con- ifi ,.!«. fiderable C ome kt m n ^ on t0 X ether - Adf fi € l* A f°* & di /P me ' ratahltu. mm The criginall word, I find tranflated (D/^) lot 13.7. rD» om j 'jigtrove Gen.2i.i$- So great is the condefecntion of Gods increpemt. loVe to bis people, that he doth not only allow them, but he in- j^«^**L Semftor^

geft arguments for audience, yea to tell him plainly, wherein Arguittmet thev.conceive themselves negledcd, or too fevcrcly dealt with HmhtnOx-, /. bo, inire vo~

by S^doethus g lo^upon^ P hra(e. fa/""***"* &*££ produce my bonds obligatory, plead my promifesfhe wall the 'J*™** ■ cvidenccsyou can, to engage mc. Truly (beloved) this liberty Me j ctU . offpeech,which the Lord allowes to pcore penitents,when they aooroach his prefence by prayer, (herald wonderfully incourage our hearts, in fpeaking for Sion In this regard, let us give the Lord no reft, for we have manifold, open promiles, to pleade m the bchalfe of his people, ^ -/^.

a. He is full of love, Ind tendcrncfle. The Church in the eighth verfe faith, / will mention the loving kindness of the Lord, and the great goodnejfe towards the hou/e 0/ J/rael, which he hath he slowed on them, according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his loving kivanefis. Mercy is.the gate of prayer,

E and

andkindnefle in great ones,inerea{eththe number of their petitioners. I here remember the words oC^wW^/fervants, We s J^ing, 10,3 i, have heard, that the Kings oflfrAclare mercifuil Kings, let us got euttothe King of Ifrael, per adventure he mH fax* thy life* The heare-fay of mercy m a man, moved them to petition, though they had no more then a per adventure to prevails. And ihail not the fure, approved, abundant mercy es of God, incouragc us much rather to fpeakefor our King and his three Kingdoms* for the prefcrvationboth of Church and Common-wealth.

4, He doth Sympathize with his fuffering fervants. Marke the nineteenth verfe, In aS their affiitlion he-mas afflitted, and tbr Jngell ofhitprefencefavedthem. Chrifts bofome was full of bow* els, while he was upon earth: And though now he hath layd a-(idehisnaturall infirmities, yet affuredlyjhshatbnotputof" his fympsthizing compaflionSo Therefore I will concludethis ar-,., , gument, with the words of the Apoftlc. fT* have not art high

-,, «4»Mi » .. Writ ft\which cannot be touched withythe feeling ofour infirmitiesJet us therfere come boldly to the thrsne of grace, that we may obtaine mercy, and find grace to kelp in time of need.

If hereupon, you be refolvcd, to ply the throne ofgrace for 2ions fafcty, I intreate you> to take with you thefe &ort dirc&i-ops.

1, Pleade the Churches relation to Ghrift, when you have al-% Clvoa.i^i j. ; ^^ not h mg ^fe to urge> As Terfe fi xreenCj Doftfolefe thou art

our Fatkez/houart our Father. And 6 Lord thou art our God,lct not man prevaile. And Jer., x4. p.. We are called by thy name, leave m not* For the incouragement of our hearts and hopes herein, that Scripture is fame us. (Concerning my Sons, commandye me t If*. 45.1 **i Let us with wondering and thanksgiving lay hold op this glorious engagement, and in the improvement hereof] ht usthusreafon in our rcquefls before him. 6 Lord if thou be wilting to be commanded in the behalfe of thy- children, why then r doe not teares and prayers t fighes andfuppdeations prevaiie with thes. for them, who crj^Abba Father.

2. Rcfjrmeyour hearts and wayes. Ifrael wearied, wafted with oppreflions, cryed to God, and received a fad anfwer. /

Jade. 10. j * "mil delivery ott no^ more, yet when they put away their firange gods, the ^ <s. :; f"d* rf'k* L* r <f yMPQnblcdf&r the friferies of Jfrael,

I

At the moncthly Fafi, Febr.26*. 1644. zj

I will apply to you (Beloved) and to my felfalfo, the incou-ragement given 2 Chro»,$o,S> If you turne again unto the Lord t your brethren and children /hallfind compajfton. \f fonah becaft over board,the feas will be quiet. And {ball we rather hazard the lofle of Church and ft ate, ofour felvcs and ours, with our dea-rc(Vcomforts,thcn part with our fins ? O Godforbid^odforbid: ifor ho w (hould we be ever able to anfwer fuch an horrible thing either to God,or man?

5. Laftly, perfevere in prayer: You that are the Lords Remembrancers give himnoresl t iill he eslabRfb.and till he make femfatem Ht»6%.fl dpraife in the earth. It is recorded in the Parable, that the unjuft ftcward was prevailed with, by conftant importunity. And or> ferve the improvement hereof to our purpofe. And fiati not Cjod avenge bis Elett which cry day and night unto him, though he beare Litk. it j t 9c Jong with them 4 I tell yon, that he will avenge them fpeedtly. Wherefore let us every one refolve,as IJai.62. 1. For S$iousfakc I will mot hold my peace, and for ferufalems fake I wilt'not reft, untilltherigh* teottfnep thereof goe forth as brightmjfe, and the falvation thereof \at a lamp that burnetii,

Thirdly and 1 allly, let us all be prevailed with, in imitation of j e J-efus Chrifl:, to en Jeavour with our utmou\with our A'll,to favc SxhortMion, and uphold his Church. Me thinks I heare Cbrift fpeaking to us, as once Gideon did to the men under his command, Look^ on me* Judg.7.r7. and doe likevolfe. My Beloved, Can we write after a fairer Co-pic ? Can we find another pattern fo pcrfeft to guide our pra-clife ? Will it not be our glory, our crown, to be coadjutors, a> workers with J efusChrift, For what will we engigc, if not for the Church ? wherein are all our pretious and picafant things, tbemeanesofourf-veeteftjOioft folacing Communion,with our deareft Lord fc> For whom will we adventure any thing, every thing, if not for Jefus Chrift ? who is fo worthy ? who deferves, or can defer w?,eithcr by doing, or fuffering, fo well at our hands? Whatfliould be deare unto our hearts in comparifon of the honour of our Lord and Saviour ? Therefore let us joyne our hand to his 9^4rme t let us adde ourfpark to his fiamc, m feeking to fe* cure and fave 2 ion.

But if this my expoftulation prevaile not upon your hearts, I pray you weigh wifely the words immediately before the Text,

I looked, and there Was none to help, -and I Wondred that there Wo* none to uphold. Hence twoftfong arguments may be urged, to enforce us (as it were) to engage for the Church of Chrift. i .The Lord takes 3n exact account, who come in, and who keep on; from Zions fuccour. He-obierves the Name?, aftd thcNiimber Jucfg. ?.f ,i 4 j oftheta who are employed in his Church- work; He takes no-1 J » l8 >^ ,&c * rice of the Nature of our work, the place, whercit Jies s and manner how we behave our felves at it. All this, and more then this might be manifefted from the'third Chapter of Nehemiah, if I had leafure to look into it: yes, he confiders who -are abfcnt, and wherefore they abfent themfelve?, when the Church of God needs their help; as it might be evidenced ftovnfudg. $.i6 3 rj. For the divifionj of Reuben, there -were great thoughts of heart. Why abode ftthou among the jheepfolds, to heare the bleatings of the flocks ? gilead abode beyond fordan: and Vi>h} did 1)an remaine in Jhips ? Afher continued on the fed ftore, \

obfiapui (via.) 2. Chrift Jefus is as a man amazed, when he beholds multi-ob tmtamvim tudes making head againft his Church, and yet few, or none, hofttm,V2&. come in for her reliefs. IV(>ondred({aith he) that there Were none Wus * to uphold. And no marvell, that our Lord wonders, feeing nei-

■ ■'■'<•- therhis own amhority^lory, defervings,nor the Churches beauties, excellencies, neceifities, dangers, together with mens owne concernments involved in her welfare, can prevaile with them, to appeare for her deliverance. Idolaters will .hazard liberty, lively hood, limbs, and life it felfe, for their idols. Morall men, Heathens,aded by (late Principles, and heated With love to their Countrcy, have made bold, and brave adventures for the honour and fafety of the Common-wealth. It is reported of UKarcus fortius, (that Noble Romanc) that when by a terrible earthquake there was a great breach made in the ground tending to publikc danger, he cauVhimfeif into it, hearing that ibmethingof fpeciall worth muft be thrown in to pacifis their provoked gods. Its no Wonder then, to heare that Chrift is aftonifhed at Chrifti-ans backwardness to contribute their afliftancc to prevent the ruine ofa trembling, tottering Church. In this rcfpeA therefore, I pray you,lend Zionan helping hand, that you, you alfo, may not be objects of aftonifliment to Jefus Chrift. If now, (my beloved) youbc reiolved to ferve the neceflities

of

of a bleeding-Church-, 1 {hall briefly from my Texr, aft in fame rules for your direaion. 1. Lay fcrth your chiefesl firmgthm this glorious fcrvicc. Chrift ftretcbeth forth his Arwe, therefore doe not you thinks it enough to touch the work now and then, with one ofy our 'fingers. We fhculd love the Lord "frith all our might. Every one therefore iliould enquire where his Strength lies,whether in partvpowertfurfejinterefts, and employ that for the Church of Chrift.

2.'Draw not back, though the (late of the Church fhculd be more defperatc. When the frame is falling, Chrift upholds. And kt US rciolve alfo,to help at a dead lift.

3. Be not difcouraged, nor wrought off, by paucity of helpers.

Por Chrift doth engage alone. Obferve w,j, / have- troden the MokM©-. Vtine-prefie alone, and of the people, there VV^ none mth me. Therefore let us make up the number, though there be but few"befi^es

ourfekes. - ■ . . ■

4. Be zealous and vigorous in ycur endeavours this w§y\ 4% heat, my fury (faith Chrift) it upheld. So mould we, be fcr-ven(inSpirit,ktfmgthcLox6.

5. Have pure and fincere references to the honcur of Jefus Chrift in all your adventures and endeavours. As he mmefes himfelf (My armefaved me, and upheld me t ) {o fhouli we alloy Think otten with your fdves, that you hearc the Lord fpeaking thus to you. Did you at fuch a time confult for me, orengage for me f Doc you give for me, or lend for me I Doe you pray, and

fsft for met

6. Give not over the work, come not off the ground, till the Fia& mmf Churches deliverance be cbmpleated. As Chrift brought Salva- ^ w#

tion, he did not only begin, but did perfefl-, what he undertook.. He, went not to reft* till all vjzs fimjhed. Therefore let m not be weary of wli-doing.

And now>Right Honourable,I humbly crave leave in the con- ■ clufion of my Sermon, to appropriate my Exhortation to you, f-emg accordin^tojour Commands, I attend jour foules peculiarly f» this dayesfervice. 1.God hath honored you with his own Titles, He hath faid,you are Gods; he hath called you Saviours, therefore filly out places, anfwer your titles, labour as Chrifts Vicegerents on earth, to fave and uphold his Church. 2. God hath & E 1 trufted

£o A Sermon Mk right honorable ffwfe of lords

tfufted you with more Talents thenoiher men, and all fhould be traded unto your Matters advantages Your autboritie, abilities, wifdome, interefts* opportunities, doc engage you the more to

Tembana dat, God : Your felves are not your own, you fhould glorifie God

■utboiajimm. with your AIL Tbofe ro whom the Lord hath given much, of

^htirn: them the more will be required. Be you well affured'that Jcfijs

Cbriit willoall you to an exad account, how you have husban-ded,that which he hath lent you. Remember the fentence of thcftothfull, unprofitablefervant, and be warned thereby : Call to minde the recompence promifed to them who are faithfully la-borious,and be incouraged to imitation. 3. Thatipscch of Mor»

Efl.4.14. decai to Efiher was fmart and quick. If thou hold thy peace at thi*

time, there Jhallbe enlargement and deliverance to the ferns from fame other place, but thott and thy fathers houfe Jhall be destroyed. I commend the application and improvement thereof to your wif-dome, wifhing hearrily, that your purpofe, and pradifc may paraldl hers. 4. This work will yeeld both comfort and honour. Worthy Nehemiah plcided his care in this kind,before the Lord with confident expectation of recompence Remember me,

Ncfi.13.14, O tnjQodconcerningthisyand rvipemt out my good deeds, that I have done for the'houfeofmy God, and for the Officers thereof And God hath faid to them, who inftrumentally ierve the publike,

Jfai. r8 1 1' Thottjbalt be called,The repairer of the breach, t he refiorer of paths ti> dwell in. I will conclude my Motives with the words of the

Pfal izx.6. Wai'mift, Tray for the Peace of Jerttfalem, they fhall prober thai ' 1 love thee. 6 that every one of your hearts might breathe out his refo'ution, Becauje of the hottfe of the Lord ottr god, I VPiS feel^ thy .good. But it may be, your Lord (hips- will aniwer, Whatmeanc you thus to move us! Have we not done much, tending to Church Prelervation and Reformation ? Arc we not ftill doing what we can,tc compleat.tbe work begun ? Right Honourable, All this is acknowledged with humble thankfulneffe. f$m monet tit facias, quod jam jacu, iUe monenho laudat. We honour your Lordftiips, and we honour God in you, and for you, upon the remembrance of what you have done, and are ftill endeavouring s yet give me leave, I humbly pray you, to adde a few direc>ions,ro guide your furthenearc, to favc and uphold the Church of Chrift «mongft our fcives.

*. Proceed

1. Proceed more and more to reforme your fclves, that the Lord may delight more and more to ufe you as inftru-mcots of his Churches welfare. If thou doe fo and fo (fpea^

king of felf- reformation) then Jkalt thou raifi; up the foundations of " a -S«i7-l»» many generations. And thu honour (faith the Pf almilt) have all hi* Saint.\?faL\$9.% The Lord loves not to work with rufty toolcs, by unreformed mcn,he rather ufeth tbofe who arc ckofen, holy, and fitithfi/ll. Pride, prodigalitie^idlcnefTe, Epicurifme, fenfualitic, oppreflionSjfleightneiTcinGods WorHnipyand much profanencflc are too commonly found amongft Nobles: What your faults arc I know net* but I beicech you betwixt the all-knowing God and your own Gonfcienccf,. confider your wayes, and amend whatsoever you find ami(fe,as you defire to profper in the weigh* ty, glorious fervices, which you have under hand.

2. Execute judgement through/}, between a man and hit neigh* hut* Right Honourable, you have divers petitions prefented to you, which lay open the injuftice and injfurioufneflfe, whereby many have been, and are oppreffed. Now it is your duty, to cleat the innocent, to relieve the opprcflcd, to punilh the delinquent^ and by (o doings ycu (hall prevent our dangers, and haftcn our de-livcrance^ Phineae arofi and executed judgement,and the plagueVoas p£al,io& flayed. And the Proraife ofGcd to this pra&ife l-es open./*r.5.i.

Run through theftrectsofjerufalemtifyoucanfnde a man, if there beany that executeth judgement, andfeekfth the truth, and I W/£\ $are it.

3. Doe what you can to countenance and advance the power of Godlineffe throughout the Kingdome, and for that end in a•.■« fpeciall manner confider, by what meanes the more confeienti* ous, carefull keeping ofthc folemne National! Vow and Cove* nant may be promoted. May not I take the boldncflV to apply unto you (Right Honourable) the words, in the like cafe fpokea

to €<ra (and I am confident that there are thoufands who herein E&ta la^, affent with me) Arife, for this matter belongs /o you s W4 <a//S Wi/l bevrith you : Be ofgoodcourage, anddoe it. And my fbule de(ircs 3 that the counfell given and the courfs .taken in the profecution of that bufincfTe,( which is recorded in the 14,15,1 o^verfes of that Chaptei) might be duly considered, and in iome anfwerable kind 4 imiwJ. Although I dare not undertake to advife your Honours

(for-

(for I am confcious to mine owrrweakncfle) yet I humbly move, •whether it might not-be worth the whi!c,tocall upon the Reve?-rend Affrrhbly, toconfultof accurf;, to further Covenant keeping in the Kingdome. Blame me not, for being zealous in this partkular,becaufe the Lord himfelf faith, Lev,26,2$. IWl bring ,-afword'uponpu, which jhall avenge the quarrell of my Covenant. I ferioufly prolfefTe, that there is no one fin which more fhakes my heart and hopes in reference to bleeding England, then falfify ing our Covenant with God.

4. Endeavour vigoroufly to compound our differences in Ec-cleiiafticall Concernments. Alas, abs, my heart akes, becaufe of cur breaches. Let mine eyes rmdowne with tearcs night and day,and let them not ceafe,for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievouf blow. fer. 14.17. What Factions and Fractions, what Schifmes and Separations, what rents and divifions are in this poore, diftra&ed, diftrefled Church: of Bng* land /How fhould cither Kingdome or Church divided ftand ? God forbid, but tender refpeel: fhould be had to tender Confcien-ces. But (Right Honourable) I befeech you take heed, left under that pretext, you think of tolerating all Religions amongft us* Suchlike liberty (I am afraid) Would u 3* er in Libcrtinifme, and halter* our defolation.

5. Andlaftly (as onemeanes of the former) Expedite^ what you may, the eitablifliment and exercifc of that Church-Govcrn-ment,which is found moft confonant to the Word of God; Discipline is as the hedge or wall about the Vineyard of the Church, to keep out deftrusflive dangers. The Church reformed in matters ofDacT:rine,and holy Worfliip, and furnifhed with power to exercife cenfures,according to the Scriptures, is like an sArmy with "Banners, both to terrifie the common adverfaries, and to fe-cureitfclf. The Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Sion, And upon her Affembliet, acloudandfmoakeby day,ana the Jhi-ningoja flaming fire bynight: For, above all the gbrj jhall be a covering, or (as our Tranflation renders it) upon all the glory Jhall be a defence.

Confider, I befeech yo^wbat I havefpoken from God, for his Church,and the Lord give you the fruitfull improvement of my counfelJ, through the riches of his Grace, in J efjs Chrift. Amen. TINIS.

fRELIGIOVSf

i COVENANTING |

| DIRECTED, |

& AND |*

Jf Covenant-keeping perfwaded :

^ PRESENTED, ;£,

€lnaS E RMON preached before the ^

*£ Riant Honourable Thomas Adams Lord Major, |*

S andtheRightWor(hipfulltheSheriffs, a ndAld« g

it men his brethren, and the reft of the Cora |*

!| mon-Councel of the famous City or |f

% London, Jamnwyi^. ifitf; 'C k Upon which day the folemne League and Covenant wasienewed |fr

■5 P by them and their Officers, with Prayer and Fatting,, 5*

*C at Michael B*fi»g-lhav>, London.. -jgf

By »w ^/fc Minifter of the Gofpel'i |^

3*

S «*,* *&*« Jhalt vow a vow unto tie Lord thy God, thou Jhalt not |*

*!? Veouldbefwinthee. Deut.23.21* »>JS*

5 J.^U bring the/word upon yon, that Jhallavenge the quarrell0} ^ Jo my Covenant. Lev.26.25. ^

S LO N*D ON, -: ; _,. I*'

H Printed bv (7. A*, for **#. ^«^W at the figne of the Bible ^ ^ y in Wood-ftreet. M.DC.XLVI. ^

WWW ^^^^^^^^^: ■#««***

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE THOMAS <*AT>AMS Lord Major,

AND THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL M he Sheriffs and Aldermen his Brethren, and to

the reft of the Honourable Court of Common-Councel of the City of London.

gg TS^feJ) Q^^r ^H^ plain Sermon Which attended yourfervice \t of Covenant-renewing from the Pulpit, comes now from the Trejfe, in obedience to your command, to do you and the fublike fome further ftrvice. If upon the perufall of tiiat Which joh heard preached, it may pleafe the Lord to quicken your zeal in Covenant* keeping JJhall have occafion to bleffe his Name With a joy full heart. The zeal of the Common -(faun-ell of London, in renewing their folemne League and Covenant, rings thorow the fever all Counties of the Kingdom of England : and I am confident, that the found thereof hath been heard in many other Kingdoms: And doubt/effe there are often enquiries, and earnefi expectations to he air What London new doth in the fur fiance of their Covenant heretofore taken f and now again (olemnly renewed With holyfafting and prayer* A City fct upon an hill cannot be hid', your practices have had, and Will have ftrong influences into the feverall parts of this Land, and into other 'Njktions: You have formerly and lately done well and Worthily in refpeB to jour Covenant: I pray God, that your continued holy zeal may ajfett and fire many mother Countries infatthfull C<>-

A 2 venant*

The Epiftle Dedicatory.

venant-keeping, (jod firbid, that y oh fjouldever deferve thw to be ftigmatized, either by Cjod or men ; Their heart was not right ' with God, neither were they ftedfaft in their Covenant, Pfil

78.37.

I {hall not need to tell you, that our folemne League and Covenant is deffifed, derided, after fed and oppjfed by too many: fir that which you may read in Pamphlets, and hear from (ome 'Pulpits and other places, doth make you both eye-witness and ear-witneffes of this ev'tl t which (bould be greatly bewailed. This contradiction^ thu oppofition. fhould increafe your gracious heat for your Qod. Fire gives out the mofl fcorching heat in the cold'flweathsr.lt is time forthee,Lord to worke {faith "David) for they have made void thy Law. Therefore I love thy Commandements above gold, yea above fine gold. Therefore I efteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate every falfe way, Tfil. 1 ip,126, 127,128,

CMy (out dejirejj that according to the guidance of that Wifedom "Which is from above, you all may make the like gracious improvement of the checks and affronts Whichjon meet with, in your Covenant-keeping. By how much th^more i any others do plot and prattife to hinder the glorious "Worke of (fhurch-reformation, by ft much the more do you confult and act, to expedite and perfetlit. By how much the more any ethers flrive andfiudy to maintain Popery, Prelacie, Schifme t Herejie, by (0 much the more,doyou fit your felves againjifuch matters, as be', ing dtilruttive to the welfare both of(fhurch andpate. By how much the more others dejigne and endeavour to breast he brotherly union between England ^»<^Scotland, by (omuch the more do you lay forth your felves to maintain it. And that your zealin thefe kindes may appear tv your felves and others to be pure and Jincere, let it be jour chief and eonfidnt care, to Yefovme your felves and allyours, in every things according to the mil of God: That you all may in thefe parti' tutors and in allthings elfe 9 approve yattr felves faithfuU both to god md man t in holy fcovenmt-keeping* fhaU be the prayer of hinu "Who*

ToftrfervantjniAnd

Tcb^* fir Jefus Chrifi,

Sim: As b«

*j» e^** V4*-» «V* *$**$> «$» «$* «<p»

RELIGIOVS

COVENANTING

DIRECTED.

DoU.il

P SAL. ^6. IK

Vtfto and ^ ay unto the Lor dy our (jod*

lis Text perfwades a double duty. 1. To make vows. 2. To pay vows unto the Lord our God. From whence two truths, feafonable for the fervice of the day, fall naturally, and eafilyi without forcing, into our consideration. That Gods people must make religious vows, as his hand of providence doth lead them forth thereunto.

That fuch vows, being made, must be fayed unto the Lord j) 0 ft t f our God.

In the handling of the former of thefe propositions, I fl>all briefly give you, 1. The explication; 2. The application thereof.

The explication of the point I fliall di(patch under thefe three heads. 1. The AcT: required, vqw. 2. The Agents, or perfons upon whom this duty is prefled^ This the following words ex-preffc, Allthofe that be round about hinu. 3. The providences, whereby God calleth forth to this practice of making vows.

Firft, Holy vows are the folemn engagements of the foul unto the Lord, according to his will: If a man vow a vow unto the

B Lord,

Religious Covenanting directed.

Lord, or [wear an oath,to binde his (oal With a bond, Numb.30.2. To vow, to fwear, and to covenant, arc in Scripture phrafe equivalent, importing the feme thing, Jonathan made a Covenant with 'David, Andfonathan caufed D avidto fwear again ,1 Sam. 30.16,17. Here I may not fpend time, in difcourfing concerning the feverall forts of vows, which might be fpoken to, under thefe, or fuch like heads. 1. They are either made to God, or man. 2. Of things neceflary,or arbitrary. 3. Explicice, or implicite, mentall,or vocall. 4. Aflertory,or promiflory. But let it be fuf-ficient, that I now fuggeft thus much: That the Text is to be un-derftood of fuch vows, as are promiffory obligations unto the Lord. And from hence I fhall perfwade and diredt the managing of fuch vows unto God, as are neceflary and openly unfolded to every ordinary understanding, in the folemn League and Covenant this day to be renewed.

Secondly j the Actors in this duty are defcribed to be fuch, as are round about the Lord. The Pfalmift hath reference to Numb. 2.2. where Ifrael was commanded to-pitch their Tents round about the Tabernacle, which was a figne of Gods fpeciall prefence. Arfd this phrafe ( as I conceive ) defcribeth Gods people by a double character. 1. Their fpeciall attendance upon God,their readineffe to receive and obey his commands ; As the four and twerfty Elders, are faidiRev.q.^. to be roundabout the Throne, as pres'd to praife the Lord. 2. Gods fpeciall prefence in themidftofthem, to hear prayers, and to performe promifes, for their prefervation and welfare in every kinde; Veho hath God (0 nigh unto them, at the Lord our God, in all things, that we call upan him fir I Deu.4.7.

Thirdly, the call unto this imployment I (ball note ander a five fold providencefrom the Lord.

. I. Sinf ull defections from God,that by means of religious vow-ing,his backfliding people might be recovered! Our fathers have treffiaffed and done that which is evil in the eyes oftheLordour God, and have forfaken htm, and have turned away their face from the habitation of the Lord, and turned their backf* A 1(5 they have fiut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, mdhave not burnt incenfe, nor offered burnt offerings,in the holy flace unto the God of JfraeL Now it k in mj heart (faith He.

' " ' — ■ Mkiah

Religious Covenanting directed*

z,ekiah ) to make a Covenant with the Lord God of Ifrael, a Chron. 29.6,7,10. Thus likewife the people of God refolved in the dayes of Ezra: We have trejpajfed againfi our God,Scc. Now therefore, let us make a Covenant with our God, Ezra

10. 2,3-

3. Sad difcoveries of divine difpleafure, that by holy covenanting prefent judgements might be removed, and future evils prevented : The Wrath of the Lord was upon fudah andferu/alem $ and he hath delivered them to trouble, to afionijhment and to hi£ing, as je fee with jour eyes. For lo our fathers have faU len by the fword, and our fons, and our daughters, and our Wives are in captivity fir this. Nov? it is in mine heart (faith Hez,el>iah ) to make a covenant with the Lord God oflfrael, that his fierce wrath may turneaway from ut,2 Chron. 25?.8,9,10.

3. Famous experiences of Gods goodnefle, that by the right ufe of religions vows his Majefty may be praifed, and his providen« cqs improved. The exhortation in the Text was grounded upon feme fuch occaiion, as many verfes in the Pfalme declare: The 'fiout-hearted are Spoiled, they have fie ft their fieep, and none of the men of might have found their hands, ver. J. At thy rebuke* O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horfe are cafi into a dead-fleep,vcr.6. When God arofe in'judgement to five all the meek^ of the earth, ver.S. Hence follows, vow and pay,dec. Interpreters judge, that this Pfalm was penned, upon AJhurs overthrow, Whereupon many brought gifts unto the Lord unto ferufalenu, 2 Chron. 3 2.23. according to the advice given in the words immediacy following the Text, Bringprefents unto him that ought to be fiared.

4. Defective improvements (if any improvements at all) of Gods favourable adminiftrations, that by foe derail engagements his people might be bettered: Thefe are the words of the covenant which the Lord commanded Alofes.Scc. Te have feen all that the Lorddid be fire your eyes, even in the land of Egypt,$CC. The great temptations, and thofe great miracles: yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to fee,and ears to hear unto this day, ^Deut.20,1,2,3,4. This is propounded asone ground of the Covenant renewed, whereof we reade in the following verfes.

<» Religious CcvMAnting dtreffed.

j. Apparent danger of fedu&ion a#d departure from God. In this regard Gods fervants have afrefh obliged themfelves to his Majefty, for their own eftabliftiment and prefervation : Te Fland tim day before the Lord, to enter into covenant with the Lord thy Godjeft there Jbould be among jl you any,whofe heart turneth away from the Lord, Dcut.2p.io,I2,18.

The application of this point followethj which ferves in the firft place to informe you of your call to covenant-renewing, the intended fervice of this day. For give me leave to appeal 'unto ycur conferences, Right Honourable, right Worjbipfull, and much resetted Citizens, whether all the five fore-mentioned parti-culars, do not fully reach you and take hold upon you, both in re-fpedt of Gods dealings with you, and your mifcarriages towards him, fince you at firft took the folemne League and Covenant, And here I (hall make bold to propound unto you fomefhort interrogatories, under the five fore-mentioned heads, to which I wifh your hearts may returne anfwers, as in the prefence of the All-knowing God.

Firft, Are you not guilty of finfull declinings in a great degree from your former engagements unto the Lord ? Have you not loft your firft love ? Have not the matters of Gods houfe been much fleighted and negledled ? Hath not your care to preferve the truth of ReLigion from corruption been much abated ? Have you not connived at the fpreadingof pernicious errours in this City e Hath not your zeal againft fcbifme and finfull ieparations from our Church AlTemblies been very much cooled ? Is not your love towards our Brethren of ^m/WinagreatmeafureleiTened? Have not your vigorous endeavours to promote the fetiing of Chnfts government in our Congregations been wofully diminifhed ? And have you not been lamentably wanting in labouring thethorow reformation of your (elves and families ? Which of you, hath driven to exceed, to excell others, in advancing the power of gcdli-nefle in your converfation ? Doubtiefle thele and fuch like back-flidings from former engagements, may well warrant ycur Covenant-renewing with your God.

Secondly, None of you can be ignorant of the manifold, mani-relt difcovenes of Gods heavy dilpleafure againft this poor trembling Kingdom, Hath not the Lord delivered & up unto trouble

And

Beligious Covenanting directed.

and aftonijhment, by his fevere adminiftrations ? How many thou-fands have fallen by thefword ofcruellwar? What woffill deflations are made in many Towns, yea Counties in this Kingdom, by the prevailing pitileffe enemies ? And fhould not we read-Gods wrath againft ourfelves, in the abundance of blood which hath been died, and the unhappy fpoils which have been made in Scotland and Ireland? Bt fides ail this, I pray you confider whether thefe things do not proclaim and (peak alowd Gods anger? Our long looked for reformation in matters of Religion, is ftill deferred : our hopes of the much -needed and much-dtfired Difcipline of Jefus Chrift, are ftiildifappointed : the miserable rents and divisions in families, Congregations, Cities and Counties, by reafon of different, yea contrary opinions and practices, in wayes of Religion, are wonderfully increafed. And have we not in thefe regards reafon to renew our Covenant, that the wrath of the Lord' may be turned from us ?

Thirdly, God hath often remembred m in our low eftate, be<° caufe his mercy endureth for ever. Who can recount Gods many marvellous works for our fafety and comfort ? Have not our deliverances been wonderf ull, and many of our victories little leffe' then miraculous ? How often hach the fubciil enemy been infatuated, the ftrongenemy weakned s and great Armies broken by a little ftrength ? I (hall not need here to minde you of the many wonders' which Gods Almighty hand hath wrought for us, both in the Nor-therne and Wefterne parts. And as for chis-City, how admirably and unexpectedly hath it been preserved and provided for,in every kinde by the Lord ? How many opprefiions are we freed from, by Parliamentary authority, through the goodneiTe of our God? Therefore befides other prefents of praifewhich God deserves at our hands, we have juft occaiion to preient our ielves unto his HigneiVe by Covenant-renewing. ;

Fourthly, Notwichftanding our various- and glorious experiences of Gods patience and goodneffe; Have we not too much caufe thustocpmplain, that to this day we want hearts to hul-band Gods remarkable providences,to his honour, and our own advantage ? WholovesGod more, or whofervesh'rii better,becaufe of the great things he hath done for us ? Is our faith in Godspro-miies ftronger ? Is ourfear of Gads difpkalure greater? Are we

B 3 more

Religious CovmAnung dinBed*

more zealous for theLordofHofts, or more couragious for his truth, againft errour ? Dare we fay thatwedoourutmoftforthe fpeeding of Church-reformation,that we may not be over-run and 4indone bySe&s, Schifmes and confufions? Therefore certainly, we have a call to renew our Covenant, to quicken our improvement of Gods gracious providences, both to his praife, others profited our own further comfort in thrift.

Fiftlyandlaftly, That we may not fall from our ftedfaftnefTe, we have need to binde our felves yet further unto our God by fo-iemne Covenant. Men are wont ( as I have heard ) to hoop their vejfe/s with iron bonds, in which they carry their ftronger liquors beyond feas,that by the toifings in the (hip and the liquors working, the veflels may not be broken into pieces, and the liquor loft. And have not we more need to add the bond of a fokmne Covenant to the bond of Gods facred commands, that we may not be broken from one another, nor divided from God in his truths and holy worftiips, in theft broken, erroneous, ftormy, tempeftuous times ?

For I; Emulation y variance, firififrditfonSyhentjies, are reckoned up, by the Apoftle, amongft the works of the fkfh, unto which our corrupt natures do ftrongly difpofe us.

2. There are more then a good many of (ubtle, bufie favours in this City, to promote errours, fchifmes and factions of feverall forts, to draw difciptes after them, and to fpread their infection amongft people of all rankes and qualities.

3. It is apparently too many inftances,that divers perfons both •wile and godly, have been deceived and drawn afide from the waves of truth, into the by-paths of errour and Ichifme, and into practices of bitterneffe (I will not fay of how many kindes ) againft their brethren. Therefore in this refpecl, as in thofe before mentioned, you have juft caufe to fay one to another j Com% let us joyn our felves unto the Lord in a Covenant, never to be forgotten.

Having thus far endeavoured to clear up your call unto Covenant-renewing, I now proceed by way of exhortation, to per-fwade your regular and reverentiall cautioufiieffe in this weighty bufineffe. Coniider the glorious Ma/efty of God, unto whom vows are to be made j He ought to be fiared, as our tranflation ' - r '~ """ renders

Religious Covenanting diretted.

renders the words following the Text: or,He&;/?«?-,as cheOri-ginall hath it. J n which phrafe we have No-men apBrn, pro ob-j&tto. God is a dreadf ull and terrible Ma jetty. And this doubtleffe is added, to awe mens hearts, in the undertaking of fuch like fer-vices.The advice of Solomon upon this ground is more open, Ec-clef.^.2. Be not rafh-with thy mouth, and let not thy heart behaflf to utter any thing before Qod,for God is in Heaven, and thou upon earth. In which counfell,the wife man hath fpeciali reference unto vowing»as the following words declare.

Now for your guidance in this great fervice, I will give you briefly fome plain and neceflfary rules.

i. You muft Covenant knowingly. It is thus openly expfefled,. of them who covenanted in the dayes of Nehemiah, Every one having knowledge, and having underftandbig, they clave to their brethren, they entredintoan oath to walkein Gods Law, Nch»ic6 29. Ignorance doth nothing well: the light of knowledge muft guide our whole courfe. And in this bufineffe of a facred vow, ic isneceffiry that men know, both the nature of the duty, and the matter of the federall engagement. Nomaa ftiould bemovedby an implicite faith, but every one fh-©uld be fully'perfwaded in his own minde. Eor as in other cafes, fbin this, What fi ever -is not of faith,iifin,

2. Repentance for former offences muft precede,and prepare foe Covenant-renewing. Thus it was with thofe, who fealed and fub°; fcribed the folemne Covenant in the time of Nehemiah, for they ^ aflembled themfeives to keep a religious Faft ( as we do this day ) • before they entered into the Covertant,2V>&.Qii. In which exercife deep forrow for fin was exprefled,. their particular evils were aggravated and largely confefied, themfeives were judged, and God was juftified in his fevefe adminiftrations: All thefe expreflions of repentance, are manif eft in that <% h Chapter of Nihemiah, which then was the introduftion to the Covenant. And doubtleffe if we do not penitently bewail our former violations of Gods com* pands and our own vows, we cannot with acceptation to God, or with comfort in our own hearts renew our Covenant with hirn this day.

3. Your hearts muft go along with your vows. It is faid, 3 Chr0n.i5.i5* That aHjudah did/wear with ail their hearts:

?And

Religious Covenanting direffed.

And God will not take up with lefle at our hands this day. It is no better then hypocrifie,to lift up hands before God, when the heart isfarfromhinu. We muft in our judgements approve and refolve upon the payment of our vows, and all our affections, both concu-pifcible and irafcible, muft be upon the wing, according to the various particularities expreffed in the Covenant. The ioul fhould with love, joy and longings, worke towards the fpeedy ieding of Church-governement according to the word of God, and towards the maintaining of brotherly union between the two Kingdoms of England and Scotland, together with the more full reformation of our felves and families. And O how fhould your fouls now ri(e,in holy diflike, in the hatred of, and in indignation againft 'Popery, and all profaneneffe, z.^XYC& Here fie s,Schifme, deteftabU Neutrality, and whatsoever elfe it is, which is againft God and the welifare of thefe Kingdoms i

4. Our Covenanting muft be accompanied with humility. 1, Prom the fenfe of our own weakneftes to keep touch withGod,in comming up fully to the Covenant; we fliould lean to his promile, and take hold on his ftrength: Say,as the ChuxchfThrough God Vee fhall do valiantly, P(al.6o. 11. And as the bleffed Apoftle did; Phil.q.13. I can do all things through Jefus Chrifi ftrengthen-ing me*

2. And being apprehenfive of our own unworthine(Ie,to receive any ability from the Lord* feeing by our (ins, we have enfeebled pur own fpirits, therefore we ihould humbly petition for divine afliftance. Herein imitate David, who having thus inrefolution and promife expreffed himfelf before God;/ y>?ill keep thy statutes, he immediatly adds, 0 firfake me not utterly , Pfal.\iQ.%, The more of thefpirit oifelf-dcniall and prayer is in your hearts, when you take the Covenant, the more hope there will be of your keeping it afterwards.

5. Come to the Covenant confeientioufly. Be not adted only by the appointments, expectations or practices of men in this particular : Let not this be the alone motive upon your fpirits ; Covenant-renewing is ordered by the Court of Common-Councel : But rather reaion thus; The manifold providences of God before fpecified, do call unto this fervice, and therefore we will undertake it. If you reipecT: not God in the worke,you ihali loie both acceptance and recompence. 6* Cove-

Covenant-keeping perjrvaded*

6. Covenant fiducially; Ifyour fpiritsa&fincerely, according to the fore-named directions, then be you confident that the consequence of this dayes fervice will be comfortable. Although your weaknefTes are many and great, yet if your hearts be herein found upright with God, you may hopefully perfwade your felves that the Lord will fb far regard his own ordinance, and have re-fpecT: unto the mediation of Chrift ( the Me(fenger, the Media-tour of the new-Covenant) that your worke (hallbe crowned with good fucceffe. Ycu heard before, that Enemy-conquering providences made way unto the exhortation in the Text, Vow and pay unto the Lord jour God. And I conceive that theverfe following is confiderable,being the language of faith $ He Jhall cut off the Jpirit of Princes, he is terrible to the Kings of the earth : The mod potent adverfaries of the Church fhall be brought down, by holy Covenant-making and Covenant-keeping with God.

Now this lets me into the confide ration of my next DocTrine $

That vows made ,mufi be paid unto the Lord our God, Do Ctrl

Although a vow muft not be made a bond of iniquity, and therefore unlawful! vows rather call for repentance then performance, (as Davids ralli revengefull refolution againft churlifh Nabal.)

Yet fuch Covenants as we make according to Gods will, we muft make good, in conlcience to his commandment : Pay that which thou haft vowed (faith Solomon,) Better it is that thou Jhouldeft not vow, then that thou Jhouldeft vow and not pay it. Suffer not thy mouth to caufe thy flefh toJin t Ecclef.54,5. The Scribes andPharifees were but fleighty fuperfkiallExpodtoursof Gods Law, yet tky were wont thus to pubUJh Gods command: Thou Jhalt not fir [wear thy [elf, but Jhalt perfirme unto the Lord thine otths, Mat.5.33.

In the profecution of this plain, profitable, feafonable and necef-fary point,I {hall faithfully endeavour three things. 1.T0 perfwade this duty by arguments. 2. To guide this practice by rules, ^.Tti promote your obedience herein,by (6 me fbort directions.

The motives whereby we may be induced to make good our Motived honeft and holy vows, (hall be call: under fever all heads, that my progrefle in them,may be the more eafie and edifying.

I. From the nature of a vow in generall, and from fundry

C circumftances

circumftances confiderable in our Covenant particularly.

In generall 3 i. All vows are facred obligations upon our con- ■ fciences: If any (faith Mofes ) vow a vow unto the Lord, or fwear an oath, to bmde his foul with a bond, Numb. 30.2,^. In this refpedt the holy Pfalmift refolved upon this duty, Pp.,56. 12. Thy vows are upon me, O Lord, I will render praifes: And doubtleffe every gracious heart will be fenfible of this great fpiri-tuall engagement. 2. By means of vows we become Gods debtors: Hence it is, that the Text calls for payment, Vow and pay. I here remember the fpeech of the Prophet unto the poor widow 3 King^.j. Go fell thine ojl, and pay the debt. And the Holy Ghoft gives in this, as a note of a wicked man, Pfal. 37.21/ He borroweth,andpayeth not again. Ycu Merchants, who have great dealings in the world, would you not be afhamed to appear upon the Exchange, if you were not carefull to pay your debts unto men ? Therefore, vow and pay unto the Lord your God.

More particularly, there are iundry weighty circumftances con-fiderable, in regard of our folemn League and Covenant, which may worke our hearts unto ierious resolutions to keep k.

1. The materials of our Covenant are law fait and jufiifiable-YJevoW to endeavour the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, Super' fiition, Herefte, fchifme, profanenejfe, and Vvhatfoever fball be fiund to be contrary to found doctrine and the power of godlineffe. And have we not good reafon thus to do ? For have not thefe things much endangered the welfare both of this Church and Commonwealth already ? and will not the indulging of fuch matters, prove deftrudive both to our pubiike hopes and comforts ? We vow fincerely, really, conftantly,through the grace of God, teen-deavour the refirmation of Religion, in Doctrine, Worjbip, Discipline and Goverment, according to the Word of God, and the example of the befi Re firmed Churches. I fhall not need tofpe-cifie our engagements, to defend the Kings per fon and authority in 1 the prefervation of the true Religion , to preferve thepriviledges of Parliament, as al(o to continue a firmepeace and union between the Kingdoms 0/England and Scotland. Thefe and other things exprefled in the Covenantee by you Covenanters accounted /lift and equall. I remember Davids refolution, Pfal. up. ie6J have /worn and I will per firm it, that I ypUlkeep thy righteous

judgements.

Covenant -keeping perfwaded, ! j

judgements. And if we judge the ma terials of our Covenant righ-' ceous,we fhould in that regard lay the greater charge upon ourcon-fciences to keep it.

2. Our vows are deliberate. The nature of this ordinance hath been unfolded, the feverall Articles in the Covenant have been confidered of, and therefore the rather to be obferved. Rafli vows binde confeience, if the keeping of them prove only in inexpediencies pre/udiciail to our felves,and contradict not any of Gods ever-binding laws. Therefore Solomon calling for the payment of vows, tells people,that they mult not thinke to put off that obliga-tion,by faying, h was an crrour^EccL^. an inconfiderateoverfight. And we all know,that when Ifrael was bound to the Gibeonites by an oath, through a miftake, being over-reached by a cheat, All the Princes faid to all t'le Congregation,We have [worn unto them by the Lord God of Ifrael, now therefore Vee may not touch thetru t 1<>fh.9.\9. How then uhall we be'excuied, if our premiditated vows be not performed ?

3. We have vowed before many Veitneffes. Men who (land much upon their credit and reputation in the world, will be taken with this argument. When King Herod was caught in a fnare, by his heady vow, and being troubled, becaufe the dancing Damfell demanded the head of ^^theBaptift, it is faid, Nevsrthelejfe for the oath Jake, aud them which fate with him at meat, he command, d it to be given her, Mat. 14.Q. Confider how many have feen you life up your hands unto tne moft High poffeiTour of Heaven and earth,in holy Covenanting ; Remember how many thou-lands know that the vows of God are upon you, and be you hereby prevailed with to kcei) couch with him.

4. Hereto I might add the coniideration, both of the multitude of all rankes, qualities, callings in this Kingdom, in Scotland, Parliament- men,Sauldiers,Citf*,<:ns,D-ivines : &cc. who are herein mutually engaged with us. I might alio mindeyou of the often reiterations and rcnewingsof your vows and Covenants: Doubt-lclle thele things will not b.fleighced by them who are ingenuous 5 but I may not infill: upon them, having divers other heads of arguments to ipeak unto.

The iecond foit of arguments to perfwade Covenant-keeping, fliall be taken from our God, tne only true and bkfkd God, unto

C 2 whom

whom our vows oblige us. And under this head thefe particulars are considerable: i. His Majefty takes exaft notice of all fuch engagements, together with all the circumftances of time, place,' companies,occafions ? c^c.which belong thereto: 0 God tbov haft heard my vows,hkh David,P/al 61.5.

2. His Highnefle well remembers thefe obligations: The Lord rounds Jacob in the ear with this Memento, I am the God of Bethel,where thou anointeft the pillar, and where thou vow eft avow unto me,Gen. 31 -I g.

3. He calls for paiment, he will not be taken off from demanding his debt in this kindtiWhen thou ftzlt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thoufhalt not be flackjopay it,fir the Lord thy God will fiirely require it of thee, DcUt. 2 3,21.

4. He is the moft High pofieflbur and commander of Heaven and earth, The Plalmift layes Strength upon this confederation, P/2/.50.14. Pay thy vows unto the moft High. And this thought was prevailing upon the hearcs of fephthah and his daughterjn a

_ cafe very difficult in a courie very croffc to theftream and ftrength of naturall affection: you all know his vow, therefore I (hall not need to name it, but marke I pray you the expreflions, both of the father and of his childe, fudg.11 35,36. I have opened my mouth ( faith fephthah ) unto fehovah, and I cannot go back. And jhe (aid to him, Afy father, if thou hasi opened thy mouth unto Jehovah, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth.

f. He is a moft faithfull Covenant-keeping God : He is God, thefaith<full God, which keepeth Covenant andmercy, Deut.7.^. Although meer mercy move his Majefty to make Covenant, yet will he make it good : How much more Should we keep our holy Covenants, which both duty and neceflity call us to renew.

6. Although our well-doing, doth nor, cannot reach the Lord with advantage, yet his HighnefTe will account himfeif honoured by our faichfullncfie in Covenant: Hence it is, that thefe two duties are conjoyned in the Scripture ; Offer to GodthankeJgiving, and.paj thy v%ws unto the moft High, P (al. 50.14, And Pfal.6$* I, Praife waitethfor thee O God in Sion, and unto thee Jhall the vow be performed. Confider I pray you, Do we not owe God pratic ? Do we not pray, Hallowed be thy Name ? Will it not be

our

^^^^^^l^^Thenforekt us all re-

/I ♦ ^rforme our vows unto the Lord our God.

l0 'VVetDheTd ".argumentsfcllowstobeconfidered, and K.S ^.^,.

j from the various precious benefits toberece.ved, by con-

drawn frorn^the va . p Lotd ^^^ ^ Care

fd t^inde wSev&efcauallconverfiontoGod. The ,n th ' skin . d ;.Tforetelling the calling of the Gentiles,, fpeaketh

p ^ e ;ttJ«-» *bp. »* > h < sot'*?, ».*

^'fGoodCovenant-keeperslyeverynearuntothe^rdswartne

. u i ., * rhrm dcarlv '■ If T ™ 11 ci "J <ni voiee " ,deed -ani heart,he loves them dearly . m , ^ ^ mt

¥ m f?o% &5 % 5. Cot n^-'keepefe.re Gods jewels, 4 r irXfiJns a e accounted as the lumber of the world.m and all °^jf°™ a ^ n wiU advem ure much to ingratiate them-companfonof them wia cur vows, that we

is better then We f h the Lord by our pray-

e 5 S Jltfr^; he addsimmediatly, O (*>«« <*>"' ^«# ''"TtoSfo loon as this ccunlell was given, F/3/.50.14. J»-T „,,«.,.And to^ oon ^ ^^ M1 ^y way

o/ A , ^ *« ^ fweet mercy> in [he peiio n oi hls

"'"" '£f runs throuf the veins of all his providences for the good promifes, runs «»% Covenant.kcep touch with him: And

ytidefuea toe"herein.makeconlcience to, v7 «r^«r..*»

-precious promif es of the Covenant of Gofpel-grace, are aflured upon them, who are faithfull in Covenant with God. The Pfalmift having moved this qusftion, F/S/.24.3, Who fhall afcend tnvo the ' hiS. of the Lord, and Who (hAHftand in his holy place ? part of his anfwer is this ; He that hath not [worn deceitfully, he fhall re-ceive the blejfingfrom the Lord, and righteoufneffe from the God of his (alvation ; Therefore be prevailed with t througii holy felfe-love and delires of bieflednslfe, to pay your vows unto the Lord your God.

6, And yet once more give me leave to preflethis argument abutili, upon the hearts of you who are affe&ionice parents : I know your bowels earn cowards your children, and you defire cheir good,asyour own comfort; now be you well aflured, chat you can take no courfe, which will be more probable to entaile Gods blef-fing upon your poftericy, then this of contcientious Covenant-keeping with God. How admirable and defirable is that promife in Pfil.lo^.ij^iS, The mercy of the Lord is from everlajiingto ever lifting, upon them that fearhim, and his righteoufneffe unto childrens children,to (uch as keep his covenant?

Thefe benefits ef Covenant-keeping I leave in your bofomes, defiring that through thcblelfing of God, they may do you good,

I might here mention a further motive, to perfwade the paiment of vows, from the fad confequences of falfenefle and unfaithfull-nelfe in this kinde. 1. The Pfalmift gives in this as a character of a wicked man, Py2Z.55.20, He hath broken (orprofaned) his C&~ venant. 2. All the lies of men are greatly aggravated by this circumflance, that they are not only tranfgreflions of Gods Law, but violations of their own vows. Thus Solomon brands the adulterous woman, Trov.l.lj, She firgetteth the Covenant of her God. 3 Breach of Covenant brings Gods burning diiplealure upon people: This thought did awe Ifraelfm reference to cheir raih League made with the Gibeonitesy J0G1.9.20. We Will let thznu live J. ft Wrath be upon us, becaufe of the oath Which We jware unto them--.

4. Gods anger in this kinde kindled, may bring a consumption upon our hopes and comforts. That Item which the Wife man gives in this ca'e (hould be ferioufly minded,£o7 5 5, 6.Better it is tfjat thou fhoxldefb not vow 3 then that thou fbouldsjtvow and not

Mi

pay ; Where fire fhouldGodbc angry at thy voice, and deflroy the Vcork£ of thine hands ? Never were greater works under hand for Church and Common-weakh, in ourdayes, or the dayes of our fore-fathers, then are in agitation amongft us at this day ; therefore let us take heed,left our unfaithfullnefie in our Covenant provoke the Lord to da(h all cur endeavours into pieces, with the disappointment of all our golden hopes. Gods curfe is annexed unto his Covenantjto enforce the keeping of it. Jt is faid, Neb.1c.22. They entered into a enrfe, and into an oath t& Walks in the Law of God. And the fword or cruellwar is drawn by the hand of Divine juftice, to avenge the quarrel of the Covenant, Lev.26,25:. This (word of Civil war is eating mans flefti, and drinking mans blood in this Kingdom at this day; and how canweexped that the Almighty mould command it to returne into its fcabbard, and to be quiet, if we continue careleffe in keeping Covenant ? I pro--fefle ( beloved ) that I have often trembled to thinke upon that dif-coveryot Godsfeverity, in punifhing lfraelVvith threeyeers fa- 2 Sam,u; mine in Davids tim?, becaufe Saul had broken the rafh vow, Which the Elders of Ifrael had made long before with the Gibeon-ites, For thus I reafon, Jf the violation of an unadvifed oath with-fubtill finfuil men, by the pollerity of them who made it, did bring afore nationalljudgement; what then may weexpedt from the hand of God, for contradicting both by words and deeds, both by opinions and practices, the iolemn iacred League and Covenant which our felves have upon deliberation, both made and renewed with man and God ? Thefe are weighty con(iderations,and worthy your often and ferious thoughts, unto which many more might be added; but 1 forbear the enlarging of this fubjeft, becaufe you have fo fully been acquainted with this matter, by my Reverend bro- M. Calamy, ther, who hath largely to fatisfa&ion fee forth the exceeding great danger of truce-breaking, from 2Tim,^.i. Covenant-breaking makes the times perillous: unfaithfullnefie in Covenant is a Land* deftroying,a Kingdom-devouring fin.

Now (my beloved) to fumme up ail my arguments:. If there be in your hearts, 1. Either refped unto the Iacred obligation of a fo-lemn vow, 2. Or unto the moft High poneffour of Heaven and earth. 3. If you either prize the promises of his grace, and defire to be partakers thereof through Chrift j 4. Or dread the difco-

veries

veriesof the wrath of the Almighty,and would preferveyour felves and your pofterity, your (elves and the Kingdom from breaking. blows of vengeance, pay your vows unto the Lord your God.

Thefe arguments I hope will not be fldghted by you : God forbid, that matters of fo great, fo publike concernment, fhoutdbs disregarded by them, who profcfle fo much zeal and refpecTr to God and to his caufe, unto the profperity of this famous City, and the wellf are both of Church and Common-wealth, as you Worthy Citizens have done, and perfevere to do: Therefore I proceed in this fervice, to fetdown fome Scripture-rules to guide you in the filthkvKl payment of your vows unto the Lord jour God. e 1. Pay your good vows univerfilly-.Pay thy vowsjmh the Pfalm-

ift, 7/2/.50.14. All thy vows, none excepted ; whatfoever you have vowed according to his word,you muft make good according to his command : Thus much is open in the texc,i>ow and pay unto the Lord your God. Take good King Jofuh for a prefident for your paterne in this particular, of whom it is thus faid, upon his covenanting with God, 2^^0^.34.33, Andjojiabtookjiwayall the abominations , out of all the countries which pertained to the children of Ifraely and made all that were frefent in Ifraelto fwear t eventoferve the Lord their God. You fee that he fpares nothing, no where withiq the reach of his authority, which might be difpleafing unto his GodjOr dtffou&ive to his people. I pray you perufe the particulars to be oppofedby vertueofycurCovemnc, Popery, Prelacy s Profanenejfe, Schifme, Here fie • and do not dare to indulge any abomination, which you have vowed to oppofe : Take heed that no finfull biaffe of near relations,or any (elf-ad van-tages,take you off from your faithfullnefTe in this kinde. The Holy Ghoft makes this a character cf an heir of Heaven, TfaL 15.4. He fweares and keeps it,though to his own hinder ance : Therefore let not fear of lofing a cuftomer, a friend, an office, a good bargainer any other outward advantage, hinder you in keeping your Covenant. I will not further enlarge this head, which] leave to your thoughts, but will conclude the rule, with reading the practice of King A(a in the pursuance of his Covenant, 2 Chron. 15. 16. And alfo concerning Maac hah the mother of A fa the King, heremo-ved her from beingQueen.becaufefhs had made anldolin agrove^ And Afi cut down her Id J, andftampedit, and bur fit it at the

broo\

Covenmt-keepng yerjwaded.

brook Kidron. There are Idols of mens heads; and of mens hands, there net Idol-opinions and ldol-pratlices tobeoppofed by vertue of our Covenant, and you muft beware left through refpecl of per-ibns,you prove partiall and unfaithfull.

When thou Jhalt vow avow unto the Lord thy God, thou Pith p u / 2 not beflac^ to pay it, Deut. 23.21. And, thou jhalt not defir to fay ft,Ecclef.;.4. I might herefpeak much to perfwade the fpee-dy paimentof our vows ; hereby your comfort will be increafed, and the publike worke of reformation quickned and expedited, your a&s will be exemplary and of common influence both thorow the City and the whole Kingdom. How many thoufands enquire, what is done in London againft Popery, ProfanenefTe,Schifmeand Herefie, in the purfuance of their talemn League and Covenant ? The feafonableneffe of an aclion betters k,doub!es it: Bis dat qui cito dat: and I may truly fay in the cafe under hand, Bisfacit qui eito facit: ply the work of reformation now it is upon the wheels, and you may do much worke in a little time; principium eU di-midium totius ; gain-fay growing evils, tread upon the Cockatrice in the ihell, oppole thofe opinions and practices in the bud, in the birth, which if fuffered to grow,to live longer, will threaten the peace both of Church andftatej by delayes your own guilt will be multiplied and greatened,your hopes of reformation will be enfeebled, and the whole Kingdom endangered: Bufineffes of ne-ceflity call for quick difpatch ? and is there any worke of greater concernment, then the worke of your God, in endeavouring your own reformation, and the reformation of his Church according to his word, which is the matter of your Covenant ? I remember the words of Mofes to sAaron, Go quickly to the Congregation, fir there is Vvrath gone out from the Lord, the plague is begun, Num.1646. And it isfaid thai Aaron did run. Blame menot, but bear with me, I befeechyou, if I appear warme,in perfwading your fpeed in acting according to your Covenant, for I fpeak for the fafety of a finking Kingdom. Are we not all on a flame ? which Way can you caft your eyes, but you fhall fee the fparkes of unbro-therly contentions, riling as out of a furnace ? Alas, alas, we (hall burne into alhes, and from confuflons fall into a ruinous heape, if through Gods blefling upon Covenant-keeping-endeavours, our raifery be not prevented.

D Pay

Pay your vows boldly r with fo much opennefle, that the wit-neffe of your bonds may be witneffes likewife of your faithfuli-neffeindifcharging them : The refoiucion otDavidis herein imi-table, which he exp'refleth once and again in the fame Pfalme, / VeiU pay my vows unto the Lord in the prefence of all his people, in the prefence of all hi* people, yearn the midSi of thee,O Jerufalem.',, P'/2/.i 16.14,18,19. Isitanyihamefcramantobehoneft, and to pay his debts * Wherefore then (hould men be loth to appear in the purfuance of their Covenants ? AcT: fo publikely, fo couragiouf-ly for a full reformation according to the word of God,and againft Malignancy, Sedition, Hereiie, together with all other things de-ftru&ive to the welfare of the three Kingdoms, that both City andCountrey tmyunderftand your undaunted refolutions to keep Covenant with your God ; And if in this way of zeal and faith-fulineffe, you (hould meet with checks and affronts, make ye that anfwer unto your oppofers,which brave-lpirited David made unto mocking Michal, If this be to be vile, I will yst be more vile ZS'am. 6. J '

Keep Covenant with the Lord eonfcientloufly: Have refpeft unto God in paying as in making vows: My text holds forth this openly, as many other parallel Scriptures, which I have formerly made ufe of. Whatfoever we do,which is materially comprehended in our Covenant, we fhouid doit, beeanfe of the oath of God, EcclefS.2. Do not only intend rr>an-pka£ng, or felfe-feeking in the purfuance of your Covenant; be not popular and vain-glorious., butfincere and fingle-hearted in this fervice. As in other ads of obedience, fo in this of Covenant-keeping, have an eye unto your heavenly father Mhofeesinfecreet, and he Will rewardyou openly* God forbid, (Sod forbid that any one of you fhouid acYagainft your brethren with an envious or malicious fpirir, under pretence of making good your Covenant. O take heed unto your felves, that you difgrace not this holy ordinance,nor open the mouths of them who maiigne our Covenant, and would upon fuch like obferva-tions, reproachfully afperfe both yon and it. I will conclude this rukywith the caution given by worthy Nehemiah: Ought je not towalke in thefiar of our god 3 becaufe of tht reproach of our ene* mieji$eh,$.$'i u

Be vigorous in the payment [of your vows: The command of 3 ___ _ ^

Covenant-keeping perfwaded*

God given unto Mofes for the guiding of this bufinefle, is here very confiderable, Lev. 22.21. whosoever offereth a {aerifies to accomplijhhisvow, itJhallbeperfiU: to be accepted, there fball be noblemijhinit* When you pay your debts to God, bring your Deft coyn; put not off your light gold to God; imploy and improve your very beft for your God; give him the flower of yourwife-dom, ftrength, authority and interefts j fit down and confider where your chiefeft ability lyes, and refoive with that to pay your vows. Say thus unto your own fouls ferioufly in fecret j I will beat mine own brains by ftudy, I will ftirup my beft friends by importunity, and I will induftrioufly take ail courfes within the compafle of my generall and particular calling, that my felf e and my family, that this Church and Common-wealth may be reformed, and that unity betwixt England and Scotland, may be prefer ved according to the (olemne League and Covenant, To quicken your care in this kinde, remember thofe fmart words, Mal.1.14. Cnrfed be the deceiver, Who hath amale inhisflockt andvoweth and fieri'fieeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: fir I am a great King,faith the Lord ofhofis, and my Name is dreadful! among the heathen. Look to it therefore, I befeech you, thinke not to puc God oft, with fupine, fuperficiall fleightneffe in Covenant-keeping : If you have male-confultations, male-affections, male-enr deavours, male-adventures for other things, God will not accept your female, your cold, faint, feeble actings for him, in the payment of your vows : Therefore if you have any talent better then ordinary, trade that for your GoaVin the purfuance of your Covenant.

Keep Covenant with the Lord conftantly : I will fing praifes Rule 6, to thy Name fir ever (faith David,) that I may dailyper for me my vows, Pfal tfi.8. ycu muft not be like thofe Tenants, who bring in their rents readily, and mifle not a day for the firft year, but grow carelefle afterward, in making paiment according to their compafts and agreements. The fame heat which is in your hearts to day (this day of your Covenant-renewing,) for reformation according to Gods word, and againft the hindrances and hinderers thereof, muft be kept burning in your bolomes foiong as you fhalliive. It is to be bewailed with tears of blood, that the trad of time takes off the fervency of mensfpirks for God

Covenant-keefing ferjmded.

in the worke of vowed-reformation. How have we loft ourfirft love ? How is our zeal for good, and againfl: evil of late abated * The time was, when our Covenant was much in our thoughts, much in our mouthes, when we moved others, and provoked our felves to make confcience to keep it: but now (I am afhamed to ffeak* it,) our Covenant is forgotten, our Covenant is laid afide j yea ( O that I had not occafion to add ) many repent their taking of the Covenant, and fomearenot afraid to plead againffc it s 1 heartily wilh, that the true caufes of this great change were well enquired after. My beloved, Is Church-reformation according to Scripture grown leiTedefireable? Are pure ordinances leffe lovely in our eyes? Is there now leffe danger of our undoing by malignancy, popery, divifions and herefie, then heretofore ? Remember, I fray you, from whence you are fallen, and do your firft works, in reference to your Covenant, the obligation whereof continues upon your confciences. Our God keep Covenant to a thou find generations, Deut.79. Let his example in this particular perlwade your conftancy. Be not ^oeary of ft> ell doing' 3 ,be not dilcouraged by difappointments; be not beaten off by difticukieSjdelayeSjOppoiitions; buc proceed according to your callings and conditions, to promote that bleffed reformation which is under hand : In dvetime youjhallreap,if you faint not-finis coronat opus j Be you faithfuil in your Covenant unto death, and you Shall receive the crown of life.

I have done with my Rules; now give me leave to give in fome few helps that ypu may act accordingly, and I will conclude all.

That you may be able to keep touch with God in point of Cove-nant,take cheie very fhort directions.,

1. Worke well into your hearts the knowledge of all the fore-mentioned particulars produced to perfwade Covenant-keeping: eA^ife man (faith Solomon ) isfirong, yea, a man of knowledge increafnh Brength (orftrengthenethmight,) Prov.iq>$. Scripture-truths clt arly underitood, convey according to Gods Ordinance, ipirituall abilities into the fouls of men to act accordingly; As the warme beams of the fummer fun adminifter vivacity to the creatures, both vegetative and fenfitive: Therefore I humbly ad» xife you, to put your felves often under the power of thofc truths*,,

-• w hich,

Covenant-keeping ferfaaded.

which may convince you of the neceffity and equity of paying your vows unto the Lord your (Sod; and I doubt not,but by means of ferious meditation, you fhall finde more activity herein to do your duty : While I Was mufmg (faith D avid ) the fire burned, P(alA9'l. The bellows of meditation will produce the flame of zeal,' out of the fmall heat of holy defires to keep Covenant with God.

2. AcT: confcientioufly, according to that meafure of ftrength which you have received. We all know by experience, thatexer-cife increafeth bodily ftrength, and queftionlefle Christians finde the truth hereof in their fouls. Solomon allures us, Prov.10.29. The Vcay of the Lord is ftrength to the upright: The further we walke on in the wayes of faithfullnefle with God,and for God, the more able we fhall be to make good our foederali engagements unto his Majefty. Do you not all remember that famous ftory of the well-minded widow, lamenting her inability to pay her debts, whole little ftockof oyi was. multiplied by pouringlorth, 2 King, 4. I befeech you make a fpirkuali improvement of this experiment ; give out thofe gif ts, graces, which you have received in the paiment of yourvows, and be you confident ofincreafe: In this fenfe habenti dabitur ; trade your two talents, or your five for your Mailers ufe,and they fhall be doubled, arife and be doing, and the Lord mil be with yopt. Many of you know to your comfort, that a fmall frock traded, is grown up to a great eftate; I pray you make pra&icall application.

3. Minde your lelves, and minde one another often of your fo-lemne Covenant: This was Gods own direction in this cafe, 2iC*»f.17.39? The Covenant which I have made with you, ye fhall not fir get. Among men, many promifes are not performed, becaufe they are not remembred : Andfo itislikewife in many of our obligations unto God, f orgetfullnefie is fometimes one caufe offome unfaichfullnefle. The Pfalmifts connexion v P/2/.i03.i&. is conitderable; Thofe that keep his Covenant, and thofe who remember hi* Commandements to do them. There is an Older of Parliament, requiring Minifters to reade the folemne League and Covenant in the Congregation, upon our Monethly Faft daycs;. And I humbly move,that there may be an Order of the Common-Ceuncel of this famous City, that the Covenant which you this.

Covenant-keeping perftvaded.

day renew, may once at leaft in every quarter of the year be read amongft you; by means hereof, you would be quickned to appear both jointly and feverally, in courfes to promote both private and publike reformation according to your Covenant.

4. Seek ftrength from Heaven, by faith and prayer: The holy Apoftle, holding up to JefusChrift by humble confidence, could fay, I can do all through ChriH Strengthening me, Phil 4.13. And thePfalmift makes this report of the fuccefle of his prayer; In the day when I cried, thou anfweredft me, and FtrengthenedFl me with ftrength in myfiul, Pfal.138.3. Your felves beft know, wherein Covenant-keeping fticks moft with your felves, you are acquainted with your ownremoraes, your own difficulties in this fervice. Confider that your heipe lies in the Lord your God, therefore fetch it thence by fervent believing prayers; plead the promifes of Gods Covenant with you through Chrift, that you through him may be able to deal faithfully ,to do worthily ; and be you confident that the Lord will never be wanting unto the foul which feeks him in truth, He hath not /aid to the houfe of Jacob, Seek^ je me in vain.

FINIS.

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