and_o put_v off_o the_o time_n and_o a_o 3d_o seem_a willing_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n yet_o will_v excuse_v himself_o from_o the_o immediate_a attendance_n on_o his_o service_n lord_n i_o will_v follow_v thou_o but_o let_v i_o first_o bid_v they_o farewell_n which_o be_v at_o home_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n reply_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n no_o man_n have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n i.e._n no_o man_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o my_o service_n and_o after_o turn_v back_o to_o his_o secular_a concern_v with_o a_o regard_n have_v first_o to_o those_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v allegorical_a press_v a_o constancy_n to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o diligence_n of_o he_o that_o till_v the_o ground_n as_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o plough_n must_v keep_v to_o his_o business_n not_o look_v behind_o he_o or_o neglect_v his_o work_n to_o trifle_v about_o other_o thing_n that_o come_v into_o his_o head_n if_o he_o do_v he_o be_v unfit_a for_o such_o a_o employment_n as_o require_v a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o it_o so_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o my_o service_n they_o must_v put_v on_o resolution_n and_o not_o make_v vain_a and_o trifle_a excuse_n to_o return_v back_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v constant_a and_o sedulous_a otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n be_v unfit_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o my_o kingdom_n which_o be_v only_o design_v as_o the_o bless_a reward_n of_o the_o sincere_o faithful_a and_o constant_o laborious_a the_o text_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o severe_a reproof_n level_v against_o the_o coldness_n and_o negligent_a carriage_n of_o too_o many_o who_o profess_v to_o be_v disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v engage_v themselves_o by_o their_o character_n and_o vow_n by_o their_o office_n and_o order_n by_o their_o profession_n and_o pretension_n to_o be_v his_o follower_n to_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o holiness_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o these_o solemn_a declaration_n by_o a_o sad_a tergiversation_n return_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o and_o to_o a_o remiss_a and_o loose_a state_n of_o life_n and_o like_o lot_n wife_n by_o sodom_n though_o they_o be_v once_o by_o themerciful_a hand_n of_o convince_a grace_n bring_v out_o of_o that_o supine_n and_o sinful_a condition_n in_o which_o by_o nature_n they_o lay_v after_o all_o those_o enlightning_n and_o lecture_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n do_v return_v again_o like_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n to_o their_o former_a corruption_n or_o at_o least_o with_o long_a desire_n and_o incurve_v heart_n look_v back_o to_o that_o state_n which_o will_v become_v a_o prey_n to_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n in_o speak_v therefore_o on_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v these_o follow_a thing_n i._o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o put_v our_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n ii_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o look_v back_o iii_o to_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o dreadful_a retrospection_n after_o we_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o so_o good_a a_o work_n which_o be_v that_o such_o person_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n i._o for_o the_o first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o put_v our_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n since_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o so_o plain_a and_o homely_a a_o metaphor_n i_o hope_v it_o can_v savour_v of_o clownishness_n or_o rusticity_n to_o follow_v his_o example_n and_o since_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o those_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o afterward_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o his_o service_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v safe_a and_o easy_a too_o to_o follow_v such_o a_o expositor_n the_o plough_n we_o know_v be_v a_o instrument_n of_o husbandry_n and_o they_o that_o hold_v it_o render_v the_o ground_n fit_a for_o seed_n and_o this_o apply_v spiritual_o signify_v all_o those_o that_o labour_n to_o make_v the_o world_n fit_a to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o peace_n that_o strive_v to_o reform_v the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o render_v man_n heart_n capable_a to_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n to_o put_v our_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n therefore_o be_v to_o declare_v against_o sin_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o act_v against_o it_o in_o our_o station_n it_o be_v to_o engage_v in_o the_o service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o endeavour_v to_o render_v the_o church_n fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n it_o be_v to_o commence_v a_o holy_a warfare_n against_o the_o state_n of_o darkness_n to_o suppress_v vice_n and_o encourage_v holiness_n and_o to_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n and_o a_o undauntedness_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v opposition_n against_o that_o torrent_n of_o vice_n which_o be_v break_v in_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o own_o life_n into_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n but_o also_o strenuous_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v other_o to_o break_v up_o that_o soil_n which_o be_v crust_v over_o with_o a_o callus_fw-la of_o sin_n and_o to_o render_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o engraft_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o enter_v it_o be_v in_o a_o word_n public_o to_o espouse_v the_o cause_n and_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o grow_a progress_n of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o since_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o field_n as_o our_o lord_n himself_o deliver_v it_o in_o that_o parable_n mat._n 13._o of_o the_o wheat_n and_o the_o tare_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o much_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o tillage_n and_o cultivation_n of_o it_o in_o order_n that_o a_o bountiful_a crop_n of_o righteousness_n may_v be_v bring_v forth_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o this_o holy_a employment_n one_a every_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v a_o barren_a ground_n in_o which_o only_o the_o seed_n of_o sin_n spring_v up_o and_o fructify_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o destruction_n of_o himself_o and_o since_o by_o that_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n in_o give_v jesus_n christ_n and_o contract_v with_o we_o on_o condition_n of_o love_n he_o have_v render_v we_o capable_a of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o reap_v as_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o gracious_a harvest_n eternal_a life_n and_o since_o on_o our_o enter_v into_o this_o contract_n of_o peace_n i_o mean_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v swear_v to_o our_o great_a master_n to_o become_v his_o subject_n and_o servant_n to_o labour_v in_o his_o vineyard_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o his_o work_n the_o neglect_n and_o breach_n of_o which_o awful_a vow_n will_v terminate_v in_o destruction_n every_o one_o therefore_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n confirm_v by_o our_o redeemer_n between_o god_n and_o we_o have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n he_o have_v vow_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o obedient_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v declare_v himself_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o ungodliness_n he_o have_v promise_v according_a to_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 4.3_o to_o break_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o not_o to_o sow_v among_o thorn_n and_o agreeable_a to_o hosea_n 10.12_o to_o sow_v to_o himself_o in_o righteousness_n and_o thereby_o to_o reap_v mercy_n to_o break_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n since_o its_o time_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n till_o he_o come_v and_o rain_v righteousness_n upon_o he_o but_o two_o since_o we_o be_v not_o design_v by_o our_o great_a creator_n for_o ourselves_o alone_o but_o make_v for_o society_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o good_a and_o comfort_n of_o other_o and_o since_o in_o this_o regard_n there_o must_v be_v a_o discrimination_n of_o person_n in_o respect_n of_o superiority_n and_o inferiority_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o have_v put_v our_o hand_n to_o this_o good_a work_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o and_o who_o those_o be_v that_o be_v more_o particular_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v the_o three_o great_a division_n into_o which_o all_o man_n be_v rank_v
viz._n those_o of_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o people_n and_o show_v how_o far_o each_o be_v more_o than_o other_o oblige_v and_o have_v more_o immediate_o set_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n 1._o as_o to_o magistrate_n a_o state_n of_o government_n among_o man_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o since_o those_o that_o be_v governor_n ought_v to_o be_v copy_n and_o pattern_n for_o the_o govern_v therefore_o be_v those_o more_o especial_o concern_v in_o direct_v other_o by_o wholesome_a law_n and_o just_a sanction_n whereby_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o present_a and_o future_a good_a of_o mankind_n may_v be_v support_v magistrate_n be_v the_o representative_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o render_v themselves_o altogether_o unlike_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o unfit_a for_o and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o character_n they_o bear_v they_o must_v more_o especial_o imitate_v god_n in_o bestow_v favour_n and_o encouragement_n on_o the_o virtuous_a and_o by_o inflict_a punishment_n on_o the_o vicious_a it_o be_v their_o more_o immediate_a duty_n to_o enact_v and_o execute_v such_o law_n as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o suppress_n of_o sin_n and_o encourage_v holiness_n and_o since_o the_o high_a magistrate_n in_o this_o our_o happy_a form_n of_o government_n i_o mean_v our_o sovereign_n on_o who_o head_n the_o almighty_a pour_fw-fr down_o stream_n of_o mercy_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o administer_v justice_n in_o mercy_n unto_o all_o his_o people_n i_o hope_v all_o those_o that_o be_v delegated_a by_o he_o to_o be_v his_o substitute_n be_v and_o will_v be_v so_o conscientious_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o that_o justice_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n in_o obey_v his_o law_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o we_o owe_v to_o man_n in_o preserve_v their_o right_n may_v be_v true_o and_o impartial_o execute_v according_a to_o st._n peter_n rule_n 1_o pet._n 2.14_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n and_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o since_o they_o can_v bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a but_o it_o must_v be_v draw_v forth_o by_o they_o to_o establish_v righteousness_n or_o else_o will_v be_v draw_v forth_o on_o they_o to_o strike_v themselves_o into_o eternal_a confusion_n and_o since_o god_n have_v call_v magistrate_n to_o such_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o honour_n that_o they_o be_v his_o vicegerent_n they_o therefore_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o acceptation_n of_o their_o office_n have_v put_v their_o hand_n to_o this_o good_a work_n be_v call_v to_o be_v nurse_v father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o bear_v the_o sword_n of_o god_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n not_o to_o be_v a_o terror_n unto_o good_a work_n but_o unto_o the_o evil._n and_o if_o any_o shall_v remain_v idle_a and_o negligent_a or_o take_v up_o this_o office_n for_o any_o sinister_a end_n to_o serve_v themselves_o rather_o than_o the_o public_a to_o sit_v down_o in_o sloth_n rather_o than_o to_o cultivate_v the_o field_n of_o god_n church_n such_o person_n become_v guilty_a of_o a_o most_o wretched_a sacrilege_n and_o have_v the_o great_a cause_n to_o fear_n that_o their_o sword_n which_o have_v not_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n justice_n and_o piety_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o dart_n and_o level_v against_o themselves_o in_o the_o day_n of_o eternal_a wrath_n and_o vengeance_n all_o magistrate_n therefore_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n those_o excellent_a law_n which_o be_v enact_v for_o the_o propagation_n of_o godliness_n and_o correction_n of_o sin_n those_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o honour_n and_o office_n have_v put_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n of_o god_n 2._o another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v more_o especial_o engage_v to_o this_o good_a work_n be_v minister_n those_o i_o mean_v who_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o declare_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n by_o the_o man-christ_n jesus_n and_o we_o indeed_o of_o all_o man_n be_v more_o immediate_o concern_v since_o our_o whole_a life_n ought_v to_o be_v dedicate_v to_o this_o heavenly_a work_n to_o labour_v for_o the_o conversion_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n immortal_a soul_n to_o show_v they_o the_o danger_n and_o the_o fatal_a event_n of_o a_o ill-spent_a life_n and_o a_o conversation_n employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o sin_n the_o lord_n have_v show_v we_o our_o dignity_n and_o duty_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n ch_n 33.7_o o_o son_n of_o man_n i_o have_v set_v thou_o a_o watchman_n unto_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n therefore_o thou_o shall_v hear_v the_o word_n at_o my_o mouth_n and_o warn_v they_o from_o i_o and_o if_o we_o who_o be_v call_v to_o this_o sacred_a dignity_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n at_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n of_o have_v his_o oracle_n commit_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v make_v ambassador_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o declare_v god_n reconcile_v to_o the_o world_n on_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o fail_v of_o rebuke_v reprove_v and_o exhort_v with_o all_o gentleness_n meekness_n and_o love_n if_o we_o fall_v under_o the_o character_n of_o idle_a shepherd_n neglect_v the_o flock_n through_o our_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o cease_v to_o declare_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n for_o man_n salvation_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o account_n so_o heavy_a at_o the_o great_a and_o general_a audit_n of_o the_o world_n that_o no_o doom_n will_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o condemnation_n of_o such_o who_o have_v thus_o prevaricate_v and_o wretched_o slight_v their_o office_n and_o business_n ezek._n 33.8_o it_o be_v the_o great_a honour_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o be_v bring_v nigh_o to_o god_n and_o entrust_v with_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o be_v appoint_v principal_a labourer_n in_o raise_v the_o glorious_a building_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v dignify_v with_o the_o character_n of_o the_o legate_n of_o heaven_n send_v in_o the_o bless_a errand_n of_o invite_a man_n to_o become_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o such_o shall_v be_v infinite_o great_a who_o shall_v with_o conscience_n and_o zeal_n discharge_v this_o duty_n they_o shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o so_o the_o punishment_n also_o of_o those_o that_o neglect_v this_o duty_n shall_v be_v inconceivable_o great_a the_o blood_n of_o soul_n shall_v be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o smoke_n of_o their_o torment_n shall_v ascend_v up_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o minister_n therefore_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v peculiar_o engage_v themselves_o to_o labour_n in_o god_n field_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n and_o interest_n of_o holiness_n who_o have_v put_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n of_o god_n 3_o not_o only_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n but_o every_o private_a christian_a by_o the_o tie_v of_o humanity_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o work_n for_o since_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n since_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o fight_v against_o sin_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o allegiance_n to_o our_o redeemer_n to_o endeavour_v to_o exalt_v his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o his_o subject_n every_o man_n therefore_o be_v concern_v for_o his_o neighbour_n be_v oblige_v for_o his_o brother_n to_o do_v what_o be_v possible_a to_o pluck_v he_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o mercy_n through_o obedience_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o since_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o natural_a compassion_n in_o all_o mankind_n which_o be_v wonderful_o improve_v and_o sanctify_v by_o grace_n so_o that_o every_o one_o that_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o worth_n of_o his_o own_o immortal_a soul_n will_v have_v a_o concern_v of_o charity_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o indeed_o we_o shall_v be_v if_o we_o be_v ourselves_o regenerate_v solicitous_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o every_o man_n will_v become_v a_o friendly_a monitor_n unto_o his_o neighbour_n and_o will_v come_v to_o he_o in_o prudence_n in_o kindness_n and_o secrecy_n if_o he_o see_v he_o negligent_a in_o the_o important_a concern_v of_o his_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o will_v request_v he_o to_o beware_v of_o his_o heedless_a condition_n that_o he_o will_v take_v some_o cognizance_n of_o
the_o way_n in_o which_o he_o be_v walk_v whither_o it_o tend_v and_o where_o it_o will_v end_v that_o he_o will_v not_o rush_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o everlasting_a destruction_n through_o folly_n and_o incogitancy_n but_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o eternity_n the_o worth_a of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o value_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o dreadful_a state_n of_o eternal_a vengeance_n and_o that_o he_o will_v labour_v earnest_o to_o obtain_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o mankind_n both_o as_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o as_o we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o divine_a word_n leu._n 19.17_o thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_n thy_o neighbour_n and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o and_o so_o st._n paul_n heb._n 3.13_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n and_o in_o another_o place_n let_v we_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o far_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o persuade_v our_o neighbour_n and_o to_o use_v all_o the_o method_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n but_o also_o since_o some_o be_v so_o abominable_o vicious_a that_o nothing_o but_o the_o terror_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o magistrate_n can_v restrain_v they_o from_o the_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o detect_v such_o unto_o the_o magistrate_n that_o where_o the_o force_n of_o persuasion_n can_v prevail_v there_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n may_v restrain_v and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n thus_o to_o discover_v all_o such_o person_n who_o be_v the_o open_a and_o notorious_a opposer_n of_o piety_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v upon_o they_o legal_a infliction_n not_o only_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o also_o from_o a_o consideration_n of_o that_o general_a duty_n which_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o labour_v for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o suppression_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o since_o there_o be_v many_o so_o deplorable_o wicked_a that_o the_o whole_a bent_n and_o stream_n of_o their_o conversation_n be_v scandalous_a and_o vicious_a offensive_a to_o god_n destructive_a to_o themselves_o and_o pernicious_a to_o other_o therefore_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o god_n and_o in_o honour_n to_o virtue_n to_o make_v such_o person_n public_a example_n by_o labour_v to_o inflict_v those_o penalty_n upon_o they_o which_o our_o good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n have_v determine_v it_o be_v our_o great_a happiness_n that_o we_o live_v under_o a_o government_n where_o iniquity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n or_o so_o much_o as_o leave_v neutral_a that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o forbid_v but_o also_o punish_v but_o our_o law_n be_v nothing_o but_o dead_a letter_n and_o justice_n hold_v but_o a_o wooden_a sword_n without_o execution_n for_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o people_n which_o enjoy_v such_o wholesome_a constitution_n and_o since_o magistrate_n to_o who_o the_o execution_n of_o our_o law_n be_v commit_v can_v do_v it_o without_o information_n of_o the_o person_n and_o crime_n of_o offender_n therefore_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n as_o he_o tender_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o weal-public_a and_o as_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n in_o hide_v and_o conceal_v they_o to_o detect_v such_o as_o open_o and_o common_o affront_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n by_o notorious_a vice_n and_o those_o scandalous_a impiety_n which_o make_v we_o stink_v in_o the_o nostril_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o bring_v down_o his_o plague_n and_o judgement_n upon_o we_o but_o this_o point_n have_v be_v former_o so_o well_o prove_v in_o this_o place_n and_o on_o this_o occasion_n in_o former_a discourse_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o head_n of_o the_o text_n that_o magistrate_n by_o their_o power_n minister_n by_o their_o office_n and_o every_o christian_a by_o his_o character_n as_o such_o have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n of_o god_n have_v give_v in_o his_o name_n as_o a_o labourer_n in_o the_o field_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o root_v out_o the_o weed_n of_o impiety_n and_o to_o sow_v and_o cherish_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v all_o grow_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o more_o particular_o god_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o in_o and_o about_o this_o great_a city_n who_o number_n god_n of_o his_o mercy_n increase_v and_o who_o zeal_n god_n of_o his_o goodness_n augment_v who_o have_v unite_v themselves_o in_o religious_a fraternity_n for_o the_o more_o effectual_a carry_v on_o of_o this_o glorious_a and_o never_o to_o be_v enough_o commend_v work_n of_o give_v a_o check_n to_o vice_n and_o reform_v if_o possible_a the_o corrupt_a and_o deprave_a manner_n of_o the_o unhappy_a age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v and_o you_o who_o be_v enter_v into_o this_o noble_a design_n who_o heart_n god_n have_v more_o especial_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o duty_n you_o have_v in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n put_v your_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o to_o encourage_v you_o in_o it_o i_o shall_v true_o affirm_v that_o this_o work_n and_o the_o undertaker_n of_o it_o be_v the_o great_a spring_a glory_n of_o our_o church_n and_o a_o comfortable_a testimony_n that_o god_n have_v not_o utter_o leave_v we_o off_o to_o judgement_n this_o be_v a_o design_n worthy_a of_o man_n as_o we_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o worthy_a of_o christian_n as_o we_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n that_o you_o have_v undertake_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o vice_n and_o of_o religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o atheism_n it_o be_v a_o enterprise_n that_o be_v every_o way_n praiseworthy_a and_o i_o may_v speak_v it_o with_o a_o sufficient_a degree_n of_o reverence_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n to_o own_o and_o man_n to_o prosecute_v and_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o mean_n that_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o noble_a end_n which_o it_o design_n and_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v oppose_v it_o or_o become_v a_o enemy_n unto_o it_o that_o do_v not_o first_o by_o his_o own_o life_n render_v himself_o obnoxious_a to_o it_o but_o now_o my_o brethren_n if_o after_o you_o have_v thus_o begin_v in_o a_o divine_a work_n and_o have_v increase_v your_o number_n and_o diffuse_v your_o design_n throughout_o the_o part_n of_o this_o mighty_a city_n and_o you_o have_v see_v many_o good_a fruit_n of_o these_o your_o endeavour_n in_o cleanse_v many_o augean_a stable_n of_o lust_n and_o filthiness_n in_o make_v many_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o set_v a_o bar_n before_o their_o lip_n in_o repress_v the_o disorder_n which_o be_v too_o frequent_o commit_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o in_o charity_n one_o may_v hope_v of_o bring_v several_a to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o to_o bless_v the_o almighty_a for_o this_o your_o undertake_n now_o if_o after_o all_o this_o satan_n shall_v become_v so_o mischievous_o successful_a as_o to_o stifle_v your_o zeal_n and_o to_o baffle_v you_o in_o your_o work_n by_o the_o little_a mock_v scoff_v and_o taunt_n of_o those_o that_o be_v his_o agent_n if_o you_o faint_v at_o the_o opposition_n that_o you_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o frown_n of_o some_o and_o the_o threat_n of_o other_o if_o this_o beat_v you_o out_o of_o the_o field_n into_o which_o you_o have_v enter_v in_o order_n to_o work_v it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v a_o sad_a omen_n of_o your_o own_o spiritual_a decay_n but_o be_v also_o a_o great_a discouragement_n unto_o other_o and_o will_v give_v the_o great_a blow_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n by_o add_v the_o trophy_n and_o ensign_n of_o success_n to_o the_o black_a triumph_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v far_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o next_o part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v ii_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o look_v back_o as_o the_o put_v our_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n intend_v the_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o the_o cause_n and_o interest_n of_o holiness_n and_o