4 To sing out of the Psalms 5 To imbrace all occasions for Gods publike worship In each of these to seek the Lord conscionably 1 Labouring for preparation revetence sincerity feeling chearfulnesse and faith 2 Striving against carelesnesse coldnesse drousinesse hypocrisie and customary service 3 When any urgent businesse of my calling causeth the deferring any of these duties to take a more convenient time yea to redeem the time for the performance thereof Thirdly concerning the duties of my particular calling 1 In generall to walk faithfully diligently and wisely 2 In particular towards Supenours in all things lawfull obediently towards those I command gravely towards equals friendly 3 When I am commanded to pursue my businesse earnestly and chearfully till the same be effected 4 In commanding others to doe all distinctly throughly plainly and impartially to seâ— the same effected accordingly to check and punish neglect sharply 5 If joyned with other in command to seek and follow the best counsell and commendablest course 6 Not to despise the good advice of any though never so meane but by all good meanes to grow more fit for service 7 For better furnishing himselfe with ability to listen to others discourses to observe what others doe commendably in this or that occasion to consider the use of things with silent application Fourthly what company to avoid viz. of swearers drunkards quarrellers gamsters whore-masters filthy talkers scoffers at goodnesse c. to imbrace the society of honest men though meane Fiftly what places to avoid as of uncleannesse excesse playing c. though inticed or provoked thereto and to frequent such places where good is to be gotten Sixtly what especiall sinnes to strive against 1 In heart unadvised anger remembring injuries desire of revenge hatred envy impure lusts 2 In words brawling railing reviling scoffing indiscreet superfluous obscene boasting unnecessary selfconceited censuring ungracious familiar blasphemous speeches 3 In behaviour lightnesse lumpishnesse pride familiarnesse 4 In looks wandrings wantonnesse lustfulnesse 5 In action hard dealing impurity secret or open intemperance all sinne folly and disorder Seventhly to entertaine these contrary vertues 1 In heart watchfulnesse sobriety putting up wrongâ— forgetting injuries passing by offences without taking notice of them if God be not dishonoured or my selfe disabled else to use all good meanes to stand for the truth and cleare my innocency and quietnesse 2 In words that they be wise few seasonable to the purpost charitable true meek gracious 3 In behaviour gravity modesty humility curtesie seemlinesse to make a covenant with mine eyes not to behold vanity with delight 4 In action to shew tenderlie artednesse to live chastly temperately thriftily and to deale justly Eightly in case of justice and judgement 1 Not to condemne the innocent or justifie the offender 2 Nor to accept persons for any respect 3 To examine the cause throughly 4 To heare both parties deliberately 5 To hate bribes unfainedly 6 To helpe the afflicted against the rich and mighty 7 To execute justice rightly 8 To pronounce sentence according to warrant gravely boldly briefly impartially substantially how many who whatsoever opposeth Ninthly for convenient maintainance according to place and calling 1 To live within compasse 2 To weare plaine serviceable and decent apparrell 3 To avoyd running into debt and to pay debts by all good meanes possible 4 Not to live at anothers Table 5. Not to lay out on thinâ— superfluous 6 To allow what is fitting for my Family 7. In weldoing to depend â—â— God 's providence Tenthly in more espeâ—â— imployments in my plate To propound in each Goâ— glory to have respect to hiâ— Cause to be affected to hiâ— Church to order all affaires â—â— judgement where my calling requires though never 〈…〉 gerous to be willing forward couragious bould industrioâ—â— fearelesse to the death â—â—â—mending my self into the 〈◊〉 of God wholly for helpe 〈◊〉 and good successe To avoyd and strive agaâ—â—â—â— rash adventures without a warrantable calling foolish cuâ—osity ostentation unwillingnesse sloathfulnesse backwardnesse frivolous excuses cowardlinesse fear flying distrust of Gods help for sufficiency and protection for safety and blessing for a good issue Eleventhly and lastly concerning lawfull recreation 1 To take such time for them that things of more consequence â—â— the same time be not hindered by them 2 To use such exercises as are manly comely and fittest for my calling place and age 3 With nien most free from offence and of a good report 4 All with moderation not spending too much time labour or cost therein 5 Especially to spend some spare time in reading in some good morrall Author as Plutarks Lives Caesars Coâ—â—entaries c. and to ride abroad to view the Trench Works c. both for better enabling him to doe service To endeavour all in a conscinable manner seeking in all Gods glory chiefly by the help of his holy Spirit onely spite of all oppositions trusting through his grace in sincerity to testifie obedience and in all unwilling failings not to doubt of his most mercifull forgivenesse gracious acceptation and favourable blessing in the face of Christ Jesus in whose name my Father I beg a disposition and ability to discharge each part of my duty seasonably wisely uprightly and constantly according to what I have purposed and expressed before thee that thou in mercy â—ccording to thy truth in him â—â—ayest please at all times in 〈◊〉 things to be with me for â—â—â—d Amen How to stirre up and embrace right Christian resolutions for the Cause of God and against his enemies FIrst be fully assured it is the Cause of God else it is sinful and shall not be blessed but undoubtedly it is the Cause of God because his pure worship accooding to his Word is stood for because we have been and are grievously persecuted by tyrannous Idolaters for the same and that neverthelesse the Lord for his great names sake according to his truth in great mercy hath many and miraculously delivered and preserved us and still doth as at this day Secondly therfore as all good Christians are strictly bound so I my self must endeavour to doe my best to maintaine this his Cause and that because 1 The Lord requires it 2 And curseth bitterly such as helpe him not against the mighty 3 And hath plagued such for their neglect 4 Because I have the warrantable examples of Gods children who willingly ventured their lives for this Cause 5 The commendations in Scripture of such is also a spur hereunto 6 And the blessings of the Lord upon them both which we may look for 7 We are Fellow-helpers with the Lord in his Worke against his enemies an acceptable work Thirdly the manner how to performe this commanded warrantable commendable blessed and acceptable work 1 Zealously and that 1 Because the glory of the great name of the eternall God of which he is so jealous is the thing we fight for the Cause being his 2 The preservation of his holy Word and pure worship among
1 All manner of in justice by plotting counselling pleading or any other way by secret subtlely by abuse of wit or power furthering the same by or for themselves or others Levit. 19.15.13 2 Doing injustice with the most voyces or greatest number desiring to please or be applauded by the multitude or too much regarding or fearing their frownes scorns censures because they are many and mighty and may upon some other occasions further or hinder them as they may herein please or displease the most Exod. 23.2 Wresting the Law for their owne or others evill ends misinterpreting the same seeting false glosses therupon subtiely perswading or violently working to make wrong seem right and right wrong hereby to pleasure others to serve their owne turnes and to wrong the guiltlesse Deut. 16.19 4 Judging by outward appearance according to the a first unsearcht-seeming-simplicity or sincerity and right of the cause or person or according to the like unexamined seeming foulnesse of the fact â—nesse of the cause or guiltinesse of the party or whatsoever our owne or others conceits may be of the matter or manner without due examination deep deliberation and impartiall judgement concerning both John 7.24 5 Hasty and rash judgement before they be throughly acquainted with the case and all its circumstances and having fully heard out the party accused John 7.51 1 Cor. 4.5 1 Tim. 5.22 6 All falshood and double-dealing pretending one thing and intending another labouring to make that which is apparently false seem true Exodus 23.7 7 Taking bribes which most fouly corrupt and oft times wholly overthrowes the course of justice and turne all up side down Deut. 16.18 8 Covetousnesse the cause of bribe-taking so helping him that gives most be he or his case good or bad Evod. 18.21 9 Whores who will seduce and mislead and intice prevaile against right and to the Judges destruction Proverbs 31.3 10 Drunkennesse impaire the judgement besots the Judge makes them forget the Law and pervert judgement Prov. 31.4 5. 11 Highmindednesse which causeth a contempt and carelesnesse of doing justice as if it did not concerne them or that they were too good therefore Deut. 17.20 12 Gathering wealth which stirreth the mind by any way whatsoever to attaine thereto Deut. 17.17 13 Partiality to any for any regard of feare favour pleasure profit or desire of praise c. Deut. 1.17 16.19 Prov. 18.5 24.23 1 Tim. 5.21 14 Partiality to the poore out of untimely and unfitting pitty to him his cause being bad or because his adversary is thine enemy or because thou lookest for service from him Exod. 23.3 Lev. 19.15 15 Partiality to the rich and mighty in desire of their good will or feare of their evill will towards us Levit. 19.15 Deut. 1.17 16 Wronging the poore because he cannot fee thee or withstand his powerfull adversary who can pay thee better Exod. 23.6 Prov. 22.22 Zech. 7.10 17 Wronging the innocent out of private spleene against him or friendship to his wicked adversary c. for God will not justifie but plague such wickednesse Exod. 23.7 Prov. 18.5 Jer. 22.3 18 Wronging the Widdow the fatherlesse the stranger because they are so and so contemned poore and helplesse or for any of the fore-mentioned or any other respect Zech. 7.10 Jer. 22.3 19 Overthrowing a righteous cause by quirks in law of other glosses to make right seem wrong wrong right Exod. 23.6 Prov. 18.5 20 Cruelty oppression exactions to serve their passion lusts covetousnesse or any other base and sinfull humour yea though in regard of men they have power in their hand to doe it and may be unquestioned Ezek. 45.9 21 Fearing the face of man be they who they will and take it how they will for the judgement is the Lords to secute them spite of those that distaste threaten or would harme them for judging justly and to plague them if they doe otherwise whosoever may seem promise and endeavour to stand for them Deut. 1.17 22 Passing judgement upon one Witnes be the Witnes who he will be the Offender what he will and the offence as it will Deut. 19.15 23 Wearinesse in doing justice to any in any place upon any occasion 1 Sam. 7 15 16. Exod. 18.22 2 What Magistrates must do in executing justice 1 They must write and study and labor by all good means to acquaint themselves throughly with Gods Law being the ground of all good lawes to be the better able to understand and execute justice Deut. 17.18 2 In feare to offend and trembling at Gods displeasure for offending they most must wisely and worthily discharge this duty Ps 2.10 11. 3 They must be sure their endeavours in Christ be accepted and blessed least vengeance come upon them and they perish in their unjust wayes Psl 2.12 4 Their charge is strictly given them to execute justice uprightly Deut. 1.16 5 They must help one another in judgement for more ease and better furtherance and speedier dispatch Exod. 18 22. 6 They must shew the parties their warrant for their proceeding in the course of justice concerning the cause out of Gods Word for that if any thing will satisfie Exod. 18.16 7 Solid Counsell may be given by others and ought to be accepted by them concerning justice both for choosing â—â— persons to and for the manner of executing the same Exod. 18 â—â— 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 at large 8 Good counsell in these must be followed and men must not wholy rely on their owne wisdome opinion or sufficiency herein Exod. 18.24 9 They are to choose them well qualified persons to help them in judgement Exod. 18.25 see before how Magistrates should be qualified 10. They must warne the people to take heed they sinne not by standing in a bad cause least they suffer by Gods hand and by the hand of justice 2 Ch. 19.10 11 In doubtfull matters they must enquire diligently till what was obscure be cleared and all circumstances be rightly conceived Deut. 19 18. Job 29.16 Josh 7.19 John 7.51 Gen. 3.11 11.5 18.21 Iudg. 20.3.12 Prov. 18 13. 12 They may and must require an Oath if need be for clearing the truth and ending of strife Exod. 22.10 read from the 7 ver 13 An Oath that cannot be disapproved must be accepted Exod. 22.10 14 They must heare both parties deliberately patiently throughly to informe themselves in all part culars rightly and fully Deut. 1.17 Prov. 18.13 17. Iohn 7.51 15 If the matter be too hard for them they must bring it to God by prayer Deut. 1.17 16 They may and must give judgement upon the testimony of two or three Witnesses Deut. 19.17 17.16 Matth. 18.16 John 8.17 2 Cor. 13.1 Hebr. 10.28 17 They must doe with a false witnesse as he would have done to the party whom he falsly accused Deuter. 19.16 to the end 18 They must plead the just cause of the poore who want the understanding sufficiency boldnesse to plead their owne case or have no
well sincerely beleeve all shall be well Piety hath the promise infallibly 1 Tim. 4.8 11. When thou goest to bed read over the carriage of that day seriously reforme what is amisse unfainedly give humble thanks for what is orderly and so commit thy selfe to him that watcheth over thee fatherly powerfully faithfully Lord make me in all things upright before thee and be in all things God al-sufficient to me Gen. 17.1 A sure stay in greatest extremity BEing in most extreame perplexity of spirit and in great outward distresse all threatning uttermost misery even without any appearance of remedy knowing no other way to comfort and settle himselfe he plyed his prayers and betooke him to Gods promises submitting to his good pleasure for the issue especially by the Lords good grace he remembred these choyce places of Scripture they upheld him he had else fainted utterly Who is among you that feareth the Lord that walketh in darknesse and hath no light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay upon his God Isa 50.20 Alas for that day is great so that name is like it it is even the time of Jacobs trouble but he shall be saved out of it Jer. 30.7 The Lord also will be a refuge son the oppressed and a refuge no time of trouble Psal 9.9 God is our strength and refage a very present helpe in trouble therefore we will not feare though the earth be removed and though the mountaines be carried into the middest of the Sea Psal 46.1 21. Behold I am the Lord the God of all flesh is there any thing too hard for me Jer. 32.27 God hath power to help and to cast downe Amaziah said but what shall I doe for the 120 Talents he said the Lord is able to give thee much more then this 2 Chron. 23.8 9. If theâ—â— altogether holdest thy Peace at this time then shall their enlargement and deliverance arise from another place Est 4.14 God spake and it was done he commanded and it stood fast Ps 33.9 He shall deliver the needy when he cryeth the poore also and him that hath no helper Psal 72.12 When the poore and needy seeke water and there is none and their tongue faileth for thirst I the Lord will heare them I the God of Israel will not forsake them I will open Rivers in high places and Fountaines in the middest of the Valleyes I will make the Wildernesse a poole of water and the dry Land springs of water that they may see and know and consider and understand together that the hand of the Lord hath done this Isa 41.17 18 20. He clave the Rocks in the Wildernesse and gave them drink as out of the great dept is Psal 78.15 Numb 20.11 And the Lord said unto Moses is the Lords hand waxed short thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to passe unto thee or not Numb 11.23 Prove me now herewith saith the Lord of Hosts if I will not open you the windowes of Heaven and poure you out a blessing that there shall not be roome enough to receive it Mal. 3.10 Jesus fed 5000. men besides women and children with five loaves and two fishes Matth. 14.17 21. With God all things are possible Mat. 19.26 I know that thou canst doe all things Job 42.2 He performeth the thing that is appointed for me and many such things are with him Job 23.14 The Lord is good and a strong hold in the day of trouble and he knoweth them that trust in him Nâ—h 1.7 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations 2 Pet. 2.9 God is faithfull who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able but will with the temptation make a way to escape that ye may be able to beare it 1 Cor. 10.13 He that spared not his owne Sonne but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him freely give in all things Rom. 8.32 Besides the Lord saith call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorifie me Psal 50.15 Come unto me all yee that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Mat. 11.28 Thou which hast showed me great and sore troubles shalt quicken me again and shalt bring me up againe from the depths of the earth Psal 71.20 Blessed be God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and the God of all comfort who comforteth us in all our tribu latiods who delivered us from so great a death and doth deliver us and in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us 2. Cor. 1.10 The Lord hath delivered me out of the paw of the Lyon and out of the paw of the Beare he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine 1 Sum. 17.37 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me then thou knowest my path I looked on my right hand and beheld but there was no man that would know me all refuge failed me then cryed I unto the Lord O Lord thou art my refuge and my portion Psal 142.3 4 5. Why art thou then cast downe O my soule why art thou disquieted within me hope thou in God for I shall yet praysâ— him who is the help of my countenance and my God Psal 42.11 My soule look unto Jesus the Author and finisher of thy faith consider him that endured such contradictions of sinners against himselfe least thou be wearied and faint in thy mind not having yet resisted unto blood Heb. 12.3 4. Reekon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed Rom. 8.18 And that though thou be troubled on every side yet not distressed though perplexed not in despaire persecuted but not forsaken cast downe but not destroyed though the outward man perish the inward man is renewed day by day for my light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for thee a farre more exceeding weight of glory 2 Cor. 4. â— 8 9 16 17. Therefore I will looke unto the Lord I will wait for the God of my salvation my God will heare me reioyce not against me O mine enemy when I fall I shall arise when I sit in darknesse the Lord shall be a light unto me I will beare the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him untill he plead my cause and execute iudgement for me he will bring me forth to the light and I shall behold his righteousnesse Mic. 7.7 8 9. My soule be content with what thy God hath graciously given thee and trust him wholly for he hath said he will never faile forsake nor forget thee so that thou mayest boldly say the Lord is my helper and I will not feare what man can doe unto me or whatsoever shall betide me Heb. 13.5 6. Yea though I know not what to doe mine eyes and my heart are upon thee 2 Chron. 20.12 Now Lord though I be unworn thy thou shouldest come under my
hope beyond hope to beleeve beyond sense to comfort my selfe in thee and in the word of thy truth unto me to be quiet and silent to lay my mouth in the dust because thou Lord doest it and as becomes one of thine to await thy leasure and good pleasure who assuredly at the oppointed time and in due season wilt come and not carry all that it may appeare thy hand hath done it oh vouchsafe thy help herein leave my profession of thee prayeâ— to thee confidence in thee 〈◊〉 reproached least my heart aâ—â— the hearts of thine be discouraged by thy not helping me dâ— this that it may appeare 〈◊〉 right way is the best way thâ—â— it is not in vaine to seeke seâ—â— and trust in thee that the moâ—â— of iniquity may be stoppâ—â— others of thine encouraged aâ— my poore soule more and 〈◊〉 confirmed O my most gracious Lord reconciled God 〈◊〉 most mercifull Father and 〈◊〉 helper at all assaies in whoâ—â— have all without whom I hâ—â—â— nothing accept the meditation of my heart and words of 〈◊〉 mouth look favourably upâ—â— me stretch out thy hand to 〈◊〉 leeve me according to all 〈◊〉 great name notwithstanding all hinderances onely through the al-sufficient merits 〈◊〉 continuall mediation of thy Christ my alone most blessed Redeemer and most gracious Intercessor the Lord Jesus Amen Amen Being thus instructed resolved and strengthened by my God ought I not to comfort â—nd settle my heart in him may I not fully perswade my selfe that by one meanes or other it will please him to afford his help unto me and so with Hannah to be quiet in heart â—nd chearfull in countenance â—nd to await his most gracious powerfull promised reliefe according to his owne blessed will in Christ Jesus Amen See further yet more largely concerning this matter in his prayer made in his great extremity which prayer is among â—he rest in his daily devotions The right way to go to work extracted out of S. B. his Sermon on Prov. 16.3 1. The parts FIrst an Advice Secondly a Promise of â—â—â—nesse 2. The meaning Commit the choyce ordering and successe of all thy intenâ—â—ons words actions to Jehovâ—â— Doct. 1. Every one ought â—â— commit their wayes unto 〈◊〉 Lord. Proofs of this Doctrinâ— Psal 37.5 55.22 1 Pet. 5. â—â— Three things in this committiâ—â— First a sense and acknowledgement of self-insufficient for the worke Secondly a faithfull dependency on God for the appointing and effecting of it Thirdly an actuall recommending of it unto God by prayer 3. The explanation of the severals First we must feele our selves unable to under goe the burden and acknowledg our weaknesse 〈◊〉 respect first of our judgement secondly of our wisdom thirdly of our power First in our judgement to choose Pro. 21.2.25 Eccl. 11.9 10. Gen 11.4 Secondly for wisdome in managing a thing resolved on 1 Chron. 15.13 Isa 36.6 Job 5.13 14. Pro. 5.5 Jer. 10.23 Thirdly for power to accomplish any work though never so well conceived though means are never so well ordered Lam. 3.37 Joh. 15.5 Deut. 8.17 Psal 44.3 2 Cor 3.5 1 Cor. 3.7 Psal 127.1 2 Chron. 20.12 Of the second act of Faith in dependency on God and his efficiency 1. On his will and allowance 2. On his help and blessing For the first see Judges 1.11 20 18.23.28 1 Sam. 23.12 30.8 Numb 27.21 We have no Oracle but Gods Word therefore we must goe 〈◊〉 that onely for warrant Isa â— 20 Therefore examine 〈◊〉 what warrant we have hereâ—â— in every thing Reas 1. Gods will is the ruâ—â— and patterne of holinesse and justice Rom. 7.12 12.2 Pâ— 119.9 Isa 8.20 2. We owe him that respeâ—â— and obedience as our Lord Gâ—vernour Commander Mal. â— 6 Isa 55.4 Amos 6.11 For the second the act of dâ—pendency viz. a resting on God for the ordering of our courses as for provision of meanes and for disposing and blessing of them Mat. 6.25 10.19 Obiect If I must roule my work on God then need I not stirre Answ The best meanes must be used or we commit not our wayes to God aright as the word thy works thy thoughts doe prove Further then the second act of our dependency 1. In respect of our selves 2. Of other meanes For both our eyes must be towards him that he may guide us with his eye Psal 32.8 Ezra 5.5 If our businesse be in speech as Moses Exod. 4.11 12. If in action as Gideon Judg. 6.16 2 Sam. 15.31 Gen. 24.13 14. Reas 1. Gods wisdome is most exact and infinite that where he will not worke he knoweth to hinder prevent or frustrate all meanes and where he will to make all secondary causes to concurre in an admirable harmony which we out selves cannot doe Rom. 8.28 Gen. 45 5 7 8. 50.20 Reas 2. Gods providence is in every thing that falleth out Prov. 20.24 16.2 Joâ— 14.16 The third act of dependency is a resting and waiting oâ— God for the successe of our businesse and endeavours Psal 37.5 Acts 14.23 Isa 49.4 2 Sam. 10.12 Neh. 1.11 Est 4.16 Gen. 22.8 Reas 1. Because of Gods absolute power that he is omnipotent and solipotent Eccl. 9.11 Dan. 3.17 2 Chron. 14.11 Reas 2. Because of his decree all our times are in his hands yea all the actions and motions of those times Psal 31.15 Pro. 19.21 Isa 26.12 Signes of confidence in God 1. It casteth out feare Isa 12.2 Rom. 4.18 19 20. 2. And care Dan. 3.16 3. And causeth cheerfulnesse 1 Sam. 30.6 Psal 37.4 5. The last thing in committing our wayes unto the Lord is an actuall recommending of the same to him by prayer Isa 37.14 Reas 1. It is Gods will as in the Text c. 2. His wisdome invites us hereto 3. Also his power Pro. 18.10 4. His love 1 Pet. 5.7 Psal 113.13 57.2 Phil. 4 6. 5. His faithfulnesse he hath promised to give good successe as in the Text. The first Use Exhortation hereunto 1. For our owne affaires 2. For the distressed Churches 3. For others The second Use Reproofe 1. Of such as relie on their owne sufficiency 2. Of such as doe without warrant Jer. 42.20 3. Of such as dare not depend on God for meanes or sufficiency as Moses Exod. 4.10.13 4. Of such as distrust if such meanes take not or not at such time Psal 78.41.3 5. Of them that rely on theiâ— owne procurement of meanes Isa 31 1 2. 6. Of such as use ill meanes 7. Of such as trust not God with the successe Ex. 4.1.1 San 27.1 Lord I desire cause me rightly to acknowledge seeke and trust thee and as thou hast assured heare direct and help me Amen Before solemne setling himselfe to pray in private O Lord God whose work it onely is which thou knowest and I acknowledge to be exceedingly wanting in me be intreated in mercy as thou art wont and hast promised be I never so unworthy unthankfull and indisposed to poure out upon me the spirit of
judge knowing throughly the devises and intendments of their most secret thoughts heating distinctly all their words for and against the businesse being throughly acquainted with their just or unjust proceeding in sentence or execution ready to blesse them if they judge justly and to plague them if they deale unjustly Proofe for these 2 Chron. 19.6 if God be present it is not be sure as an idle spectator 3 That all be done in the feare of the Lord conscionably avoyding evill forbidden following good required in case of justice so standing in awe of his dreadfull presence sacred Majesty and infallible word 2 Chron. 19.7 4 That God before whom they are hath no iniquity in him to conceive as they conceive to speake as they speake to doe as they doe if they dare in any particular deale unjustly but abhorreth forbiddeth threatneth hath plagued and will plague them for it 2 Chr. 19.7 5 That the Lord doth neither respect the persons of the Judges to accept them by their doings be they never so wise in their owne conceits never so applauded by others never so able fairely to gloze a soule matter and be they never so mighty to goe thorow with all contrary to right nor the persons that have the controversie what favour soever they have with the Judges how subtilly soever they can plead their owne causes or misinforme others what power soever they have or friends soever they can make contrary to right but will shew his contempt of them in clearing the innocent and finding out the guilty party and unjust Judge by one meanes or other 2 Chro. 19.7 6 That the Lord will take no reward although the corrupt covetous partiall and wicked judge doe neither from the unjust Judge to favour further or prosper his unrighteous counsels pleadings censures or spare him from punishment nor from the guilty offender whose cause is naught be his proffers never so many and large but will assuredly reward both according to their ungodly proceedings in the course of justice 2 Chr. 19.7 These were the reasons which moved good Jehosaphat used to the Judges to move them to do justly in judgement 2 Chron. 19 9.20 6 Yea whether they be in Ecclesiasticall or temporall authority they must be thus charged 2 Chron. 19.5 6 8 9. 7 The abilities of all in authority from the highest to the lowest is from the Lord Numb 11.25 8 The Lord promiseth to enable them to judge justly if they seek it aright viz. 1 He will endue them with wisdome for Councell Prov. 2.6 9. 2 And with judgement for justice Isa 28.6 31.1 16. 9 The Lord as an especiall favour to his people hath promised to provide for and restore to them good Magistrates Isa 1.26 10 Such Magistrates must and will by all good meanes labour the welfare of the Church and Common-wealth Isa 49.23 60.16 11 And that good government in the Common-wealth may be maintained Isa 60.17 1.16 Psal 85.10 11. Zach. 8.3 12 We are to Subject our selves unto their lawfull commands not so much out of fear of punishment as for conscience sake Rom. 13.1.35 Mat. 22.17 21. Luke 20.22 25. Tit. 3.1 1 Pet. 2.17 13 And in these particulars especially Duty Tribute Custome feare and honour Rom. 13.7 14 Whosoever resist lawfull authority resist Gods Ordinance Rom. 13.2 3. 15 Such shall and ought to be punished Rom. 13.2 16 The way to escape the hand of justice and to gaine praise of the same is to do well and to be subject not for feare but out of conscience as before No. 12. Rom. 13.1 3 5. 17 Such as presume to doe evill shall and must be punished for to that end and not in vaine doth the Magistrate be at the Sword of justice let such feare as dare offend others need not Rom. 13.4 Yet where God warrants not we are not to obey men but God Acts 4.19 18 In all matters of controversie betwixt any manner of parties if they cannot otherwise agree both parties must present their cause of difference unto the consideration and arbitriment of the lawfull Magistrate Exod. 22.9 18.15 Deut. 17.8 9. 25.1 19 We must stand to their sentence in judgement Exod. 22.9 Deut. 17.9 10 11. 20 All Magistrates are most strictly bound to execute judgment aright 1 By the Lords expresse Command Deu. 1.16 16.18 20. 2 Chron. 19 6. Josh 7 24. Prov. 31 9. Jer. 21 12. 22.3 Ezek. 45.9 44.24 Isa 56.1 1.17 Psal 72.3 Jer. 7.5 Zach 8.16 Pro. 1.3 Amos 5.15 Micah 6.8 2 Sam. 23.2 3. 2 By the example of the godly as of Abrabam (a) Gen. 18.19 Moses (b) Exod. 18.13 15 26. Samuel (c) 1 Sam. 7.15 16. 12.3 4. David (d) 1 Chron. 18.14 Psal 101.1 Job (e) Job 29.14 all Jehosaphat (f) 1 Chron 19.5 6 7 8 9 10. 21 Whether they be superior or inferior Magistrates they must judge justly at all times and upon all occasions Exod. 18.25 26. 22 What manner of men all sorts of Magistrates ought to be and what vertues they ought to be indued with in this calling 1 They must be wise to understand and discerne between good and evill aright to be able to find out discover confate the subtill shew-seeming allegations against the right Deut. 1.13 15. 2 Men of courage boldly and resolutely to preferre vertue and suppresse vice who or whatsoever opposeth stoutly neglecting the sowre frownes and high threatning lookes stoutly rejecting the flattering or distastfull speeches stoutly opposing the powerfull perverse proceedings of many of any against the course of justice so holding their owne for rights sake in despite of all 3 Fearing God in whose presence they are in whose place they are set on earth and to whom they must give account of their devices and consultations alone and with others of their pleading for and against of their censures with or against the right shewing this fear by fearing nothing more then to devise speak or doe any thing in the least measure against the right withall searing his heavy displeasure therefore 4 Dealing truly as each cause requireth according to the warrantable rules of justice without studying broaching vrging subtill distinctions double the aning-likely proofes wrong-wrested book cases contrary to justice 5 Hating covetousnesse least that makes them long-armed and open-handed to receive bribes and those cause them to plot plead censure work unjustly and injuriously against judgment conscience charity reason and equity 6 No accepters nor respectors of persons least by flatery or force for feare or favour or through any other by-respect they betray the righteous cause into the unrighteous hands of most accursed unjustice proofe for these Exod. 18.21 Deut. 1.17 23 How Magistrates of all sorts are bound to behave themselves that they may in all cases and to all persons administer justice aright viz. 1 What they must conscionably carefully constantly avoid 2 What they must in like manner imbrace They must avoyd
have not followed such courses then for my part 〈◊〉 there be no other remedy if I must needs dye poore I would rather dye poore and honest and leave a good repute then dye miserable and wicked and â—ink in the esteem and report of others or if some seem to grow rich by these wayes I dare boldly say such ill gotten goods shall not long prosper but either they or theirs shall find Gods hand one way or other against them and why should we not be perswaded the Lord can as easily and remarkably help us as he hath helped others and ours though many as if they were but one and ouâ— of the most and greatest troubles as if they were never so few and small for it is all on with him to whom nothing is impossible if we but as conscionable Christians depend upon his fatherly providence oh it is cur propanenesse and distrust that with-holds his fatherly help from us Further there are I feare but very few among us that will take no more by ill meanes then the States by ill payment take from us witnesse if the profit of twelve men would make good that charge the profit of thirty men will not serve our turne and this makes them say if we would allow the Captaines tenne or twelve dead payes they would cozen us neverthelesse therfore why should they have that allowance true the States know they are cozened but know not precisely who cozens them or by what meanes and although forcingly they conive at they doe not approve of it witnesse their strict forbidding and if they find any faulty their sharp punishing of it howsoever if the meanes I use be forbidden by God as the very best of these are being at least lying and deceiving I cannot see that any conivance or other circumstance can warrant me to use them I acknowledge againe ingeniously that Captaines in these Countries serve in a most uncomfortable and unhappy condition who by the ill payment are forced to live theeves or dye beggars or spend their owne meanes and that it is extream hard that in recompence of all our labour and danger which our calling is subject to more then others we and our wives and children cannot ear bread except it be the bread of deceit and violence which though it seem sweet for the present will choake us in the end neither can I see any reason or equity in them that are the cause of such our extremities and if they can doe not redresse neither doe I see how authority will ever be able to answer it before Gods judgement sear that they have not removed the cause of such unrighteous dealings whereby I dare averre it for experientiâ doeet it is now come to that passe that it is impossible to serve the Land truly and hold fast our integrity are we not then in a fine case and is not the Lands service come to a fine passe and are we not like to prosper when we that are imployed in the service serve in a course of unrighteousnesse or ruine our selves and ours without remedy and for those places the labourer is worthy of his hire c. they shew what ought to be and not what alwayes is for another Scripture sayes woe to them that detaine the Labourers hire so indeed we ought to have out appointed pay or else how can we be content with our wages yet for all this we have no warrant to follow any unlawfull wayes forbidden and accursed by God as is proved before Grant I doe not as I say the truth remaines truth and if I dare doe otherwise the same will turne to my greater condemnation knowing and saying so much as I doe and this is that above all I abhor and condemn in the discourses of others concerning these things that because they doe not as they ought they dare justifie what they do yea some dare say they hold it no sin to do so and they do it will do it Oh horrible presumption it is too much we doe ill would God we were sensible thereof and we would not so plead therefore but to justisie our selves therein as if we not onely faultlesse but did well is too too bad oh if we doe no more let us at least give God his glory thus farre as to acknowledge we doe amisse doing so fouly amisse Take this in good part in some part of answer to these Objections which I vvish with my soule may satisfie others as they doe me To conclude I freely friendly and faithfully give this counsell in this case Take this as an infallible ground there is no circumstance whatsoever can make an unlawfull thing lawfull That the worst of suffering is to be chosen before the best of sinne That it is better to live in misery then in iniquity That in the day of visitation and at the houre of death which sooner or later will come upon every one of us these courses cannot any whit comfort but if we dye not stupid impenitent Beasts will torment us That God hath no need of our sinnes to serve his providence towards us That this our prophanenesse and distrust hinders his help and blessing from us That the right way is the best way procuring inward contentment boldnesse before the strictest authority a good repute freedome from the base accusations of vile persons all which our crooked wayes mislead us from proove the Lord by trusting him in wel-doing rather then thou shalt want convenient help he will work wonders for thee Mal. 3.10 and will doe more for us then we can lose thereby 2 Chron. 25.9 Let us with all due respect seeke to authority for redresse joyntly Let us be humbled for what is amisse hitherto confesse crave pardon for resolve to forsake labor against pray for strength to overcome our forepast evils in this kind and that unfainedly and constantly and beseech God to work upon the heart of authority and that we may preferre the generall good of Gods cause before our private profit seriously and we shall find a remarkable change and all shall goe well for Piety hath the promise undoubtedly 1 Tim. 4.8 And here I end this matter Somewhat concerning generall Obedience not to be neglected IT is written Acts 24.16 herein doe I exercise my selfe to have alwayes a good conscience voyd of offence towards God and towards men Ps 119. then shall I not be asnamed when I have respect unto all thy Commandements and ver 101. I have refrained my feet from every evill way Out of which O my soule observe these few yet needfull and profitable Lessons 1 THat though thou doest many good things and yet dispensest with thy selfe in the omitting or evill performing any one duty required it will not serve the turne 2 Though thou forsakest many sinnes if thou givest thy selfe liberty to live in any one thou deceivest thy selfe and it will not availe thee 3 Learne hereby to make strict conscience every thing required even in the smallest