record to Josiah's praise that hâ—… down the Idolatrous Priests and the worshiâ—… Baal 2 Kin. 23.4 5. The like is mentioneâ—… good Hezekiah 2 Chron. 31.1 Nehemiah mâ—… on s it as a good deed and for which he wâ—… â—…ised whilst the world stands that he restrained â—…sons from polluting the Sabbath Neh. 13.15 16. â—…d it is recorded to Asa's commendation that â—…obliged his Subjects on severe penalties to atâ—…d the worship of the true God such as they could 〈◊〉 except against 2 Chron. 15.13 â—…n a word it is the Magistrate's place to punish 〈◊〉 doers whether they openly violate the preâ—…ts of the first or of the second Table for this â—…e great end of their office namely to execute â—…th on them that do evil Ro. 13.4 By Evilâ—… I do not conceive that such are meant who snot conform in every punctilio to the Magiâ—…e's mind in matters of Religion I know that â—…e have been dealt with in time past as evilâ—…s under pretence of breaking the Law the 〈◊〉 of Man when it has been only to keep a â—…d Conscience toward God The Magistrate's â—…er does not extend so far as this to punish 〈◊〉 for different apprehensions in matters of Reâ—…n whilst they agree in the Essentials of it â—…en all Faces are alike then shall we be all of â—… mind as to lesser matters And as 't is unreaâ—…ble for the Magistrate to punish any person â—…use he is not of his size in body so it is also 〈◊〉 reasonable to punish him merely for different â—…hensions in some disputable points which â—…nnot help Neither has such a course any â—…ade in it to make persons think otherwise â—…y indeed force outward compliance and 〈◊〉 men hypocrites but what aptitude has it â—…e or any one to take a stick and beat another 〈◊〉 by to make him of our mind This is no fit â—…s to enlighten the mind and if a man acts â—…st his perswasion against his mind he must needs sin for whatsoever in not of faith is sin Roâ—… 14.23 whilst therefore persons do agree in fuâ—… damentals there ought to be liberty and toleratiâ—… Though I do not plead for a boundless liberâ—… for Atheists Deists Socinians Idolaters and suâ—… like who subvert the Gospel and bring in daâ—… nable errours yet this to me is past dispute thâ—… those who maintain the Essentials of Religioâ—… ought to have a liberty granted to them as blâ—… sed be God it is at this day Magistrates then are not now called to execâ—â—… wrath on those persons who differ from them 〈◊〉 some disputable points wherein wise and goâ—… men cannot yet be agreed but on Atheists Idolâ—… ters prophane Swearers and Sabbath-breakeâ—… and such like In old time the Idolater and 〈◊〉 the Atheist was to be stoned Deut. 17.2 5. Tâ—… Blasphemer was put to death Lev. 24. ult So wâ—… the Adulterer Lev. 20.10 The Fornicator also hâ—… his punishment Deut. 22.29 And so had tâ—… Drunkard Deut. 21.20 Not to speak of the pâ—… nalties for Theft and Murder All these vices do fall under the Magistrate's coâ—…nizance The law of God is expresly against therâ—… and so are the laws of our land too We haâ—… excellent laws not only against theft and murdeâ—… but sabbath-breaking prophane swearing druâ—… kenness and whoredom though it were to 〈◊〉 wished that a more severe penalty than is noâ—… in force was annext to the last of those mentiâ—… ned crimes In the mean time it is the Magistrate's duty tâ—… put in execution those good Laws that we have 〈◊〉 against those immoral and prophane Sinners anâ—… I know not wherein they can better shew the 〈◊〉 â—…al for God A Gallio's spirit in this Cause of â—…d wherein his honour is so nearly concerned 〈◊〉 very unbecoming a good Magistrate What will â—…ignifie to have good Laws if so be there is no â—…ecution of them Did Magistrates according 〈◊〉 that trust and power committed to them exeâ—…e wrath on evil-doers this would be to their â—…mmendation hereby they would fill up that â—…rt of their office which obligeth them to it and â—…ould discover to all the world if they proceed â—…th life and vigour that they are zealous for â—…eir God I would humbly propose it to their consideratiâ—… whether they are as zealous in punishing proâ—…ane debaucht sinners who break both the Laws 〈◊〉 God and Man as formerly they were in puâ—…shing Dissenters In this last case the matter is â—…sputable whether such persons ought to be puâ—…shed It is a question whether the supreme Maâ—…strate has power to impose on any man's Consciâ—…ce in disputable matters when persons cannot â—…e the lawfulness of them And 't is a question â—…hether or no inferiour Magistrates ought to exâ—…ute such Laws notwithstanding their Oaths â—…r if it be sinful Oaths must not be bonds of â—…iquity Whereas the case before us is plain â—…here is no dispute whether profligate sinners â—…ho break God's law and Man 's too ought to be â—…nished And therefore I would humbly recomâ—…lend this to the Magistrate's zeal that he would â—…ow be as zealous in punishing these as in time â—…st he was the former and not brow-beat those â—…ho endeavour to bring them to condign punishâ—…ent Blessed art thou O Land when thy King is the Son of Nobles and thy Princes eat in due season fâ—… strength and not for drunkenness Eccl. 10.17 Wheâ—… thy Magistrates are just and sober do rule iâ—… God's fear and discharge their duty in executinâ—… wrath on evil doers and in protecting them thaâ—… do well Secondly I address my self to my Reverend Fâ—… thers and Brethren in the Ministry Conformists 〈◊〉 Nonconformists for in this point the suppreâ—…sing of vice we are all agreed Suffer Righâ—… Reverend this word of Admonition Shew youâ—… selves zealous for God against sin in promoting anâ—… encouraging the work of Reformation Be not offended whilst I take upon me to bâ—… your Monitor or rather Remembrancer It 〈◊〉 God's cause that I am engaged in and I know thaâ—… you who are on God's side will bear with me If such as we whose work it is to reform Sinâ—… ners should not assist when called on to proâ—… mote a National Reformation we were en'e aâ—… good lay down our Office We shall by our praâ—… tice declare to the world that whatever outcrieâ—… we make against sin when in the Pulpit yet wâ—… are not willing to have sinners reformed Give me leave my Brethren to expostulate 〈◊〉 little What is it that should make us thus backâ—… ward Are not the vices we are called on to lenâ—… our assistance for the suppressing of condemneâ—… by us all Who can deny but that swearing sabbath-breaking drunkenness and whoredom arâ—… crying iniquities that deserve punishment Yeâ—… who is there of those that are so forward to prosecute their neighbours for every neglect in poinâ—… of a Ceremony where the law will allow thaâ—… takes any notice of these profligate Sinners I speak not at random but from experience It â—…as been the grief
as Children whereby we are obligedâ—… stand up for God's honour or our relation to 〈◊〉 considered as Servants whose interest we ouâ—… to study and promote in all these respects and â—…ny more that might be named it is the duty 〈◊〉 private Christians to stand up for God against siâ—â—… And let this suffice for the Doctrinal part 〈◊〉 brief Application shall conclude this Discourse APPLICATION The only improvement I shall make of it shâ—… be to press you to this duty to exhort you all 〈◊〉 your respective places to be zealous for God agaiâ—… sin â—… And I know not how to direct you better to exâ—…ss this zeal than in promoting the Reformation 〈◊〉 Manners which is begun in some places of this â—…gdom and is recommended to all in general by â—…sons of the highest rank among us not only 〈◊〉 King's Proclamation but divers of the Nobiliâ—… and Reverend Clergy Lords Temporal and â—…ds Spiritual who have publicly subscribed â—…ir approbation God my Beloved has done great things for 〈◊〉 Nation He has delivered us from our fears 〈◊〉 Popery and arbitrary Government and hath 〈◊〉 a most Christian Prince upon the Throne who â—…er God has been our Deliverer When our â—…thren the Protestants in Neighbour Countries â—…an under severe persecution and are forced to 〈◊〉 the bread of their Souls with the peril of their â—…es we have it to the full Our Sanctuary doors 〈◊〉 wide open we have none to disturb or make â—…fraid In a word we have a confluence of all â—…s of blessings so that no Nation under Heaâ—… can scare boast of greater privileges Now what does God expect from us but that 〈◊〉 should be a holy People a Reformed People â—…norality and Prophaness have had a long reignâ—… time and have too much gone unpunished â—â—…e hath been when he that was vertuous when 〈◊〉 that was truly and conscientiously pious made â—…self a prey But blessed be God the scale is â—â—…ed the scene is altered The Law now begins â—…un in a right channel Liberty is granted unto â—…der Consciences Prophaness and Impiety meet â—…h publick check Persons that are pious may â—…s holy as they will and they have now also â—…pportunity to give check to others in their sin How easy is it were persons but diligent 〈◊〉 drive swearing and sabbath-breaking whoredoâ—… and drunkenness out of our Land at least into sâ—…cret and obscure places Did all ranks and degreâ—… of men lend a hand to it nothing more easy 〈◊〉 Ministers would but incourage this work and nâ—… only reprove sinners in the Pulpit but exhort Mâ—…gistrates and private Christians to their duty 〈◊〉 private Christians would rebuke their Neighbouâ—… as they ought to do and in case of obstinacy giâ—… information unto the Magistrate And if Magâ—…strates would but perform their duty in puttiâ—â—… the Laws in execution against vice This wouâ—… strike terrour on our Debauchees and make wicâ—… edness to flee before them Sinners then wouâ—… be afraid of the Magistrate's sword though theâ—… do not fear the Almighty's terrours and the judâ—…ment to come In brief it would not be easy 〈◊〉 find in short time an open debauch'd or prophaâ—… person That I may excite all sorts to their duty I shaâ—… apply my self distinctly to Magistrates Ministeâ—… and private Christians First I begin with the Civil Magistrate Suffâ—… Right Worshipful this word of Exhortatioâ—â—… shew our selves zealous in your publick stations 〈◊〉 God against sin Though you are our Rulers yet we by Offiâ—… are your Monitors we are to instruct and admâ—…nish you in the Lord therefore give me leave 〈◊〉 put you in remembrance God hath raised you to a high post he hath 〈◊〉 you above the rest of Mankind you are intrustâ—… with great power you have authority from hâ—… to execute wrath on them that do evil as well 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 reward and incourage the vertuous Shew then 〈◊〉 our zeal in a diligent and faithful discharge of â—â—…at trust that power and authority that is commitâ—…d to you Magistrates saith the Apostle are God's Miniers for good Rom. 13.4 They are set up by him â—…r the publick good the good of Church and â—…ate With reference to the State they are to proâ—…de good Laws those of them that are intrusted â—…ith the Legislative power for the preservation 〈◊〉 the publick peace They are to put as there 〈◊〉 occasion those good Laws in execution withâ—…ut having respect of persons It is their place to â—…ear Causes to determine matters to distribute â—…stice rewards and punishments as men deserve â—…d to take care of the publick weal. This office of Magistracy is so useful and necessaâ—… that a Nation or State cannot long subsist withâ—…t it Were it not for Government men would 〈◊〉 Wolves to each other They would bite and â—…oil and devour one another The strongest Arm â—…d longest Sword would carry all before it We â—…ould not sit secure in our dwellings nor be able 〈◊〉 call what we have our own As in the instance 〈◊〉 Micah and the sojourning Levite of whom we â—…d in the Book of Judges Ch. 18 19. which â—…agical Stories are both ushered in with this Preâ—…ce as the occasion of all In those days there was 〈◊〉 King in Israel The Magistrates office is so useâ—… to the State for the preservation of peace and â—…der mens lives and properties that 't is better 〈◊〉 far to have a bad Magistrate than none at all 〈◊〉 Magistrates also are set up by God for the good 〈◊〉 the Church Hence they are called nursing Fathers Isa 49.23 And Kings shall be thy nursing â—…thers and their Queens thy nursing Mothers Thâ—… promise was made to the Church of the Gentilâ—… and so belongs unto Gospel-times Though thâ—… be not Fathers to beget Souls to Christ which 〈◊〉 the Minister's work yet they are to be nursing â—…thers to defend and protect those that are begâ—…ten by the ministry of the Word The Magistraâ—… office and the Minister's office are two distiâ—… things each acteth in a different sphere As â—…nisters must not meddle with the Magistraâ—… Sword considered as Ministers so neither mâ—… Magistrates invade the Priest's office they ouâ—… not to meddle with publick preaching administâ—… tion of Sacraments Church-censures and the 〈◊〉 King Vzziah stands on record for caution to 〈◊〉 Magistrates in such cases 2 Chron. 26.18 19. Touching the Extent of the Magistrate's poâ—… in matters of Religion I will not enter on a laâ—… dispute now Thus much I take to be generâ—… granted that Magistrates are Custodes utriusqueâ—… bulae Guardians of the first as well as second Taâ—… Tho' Magistrates may not force persons to 〈◊〉 or that Communion perhaps that which 〈◊〉 themselves like best or impose upon their â—… sciences in sinful or doubtful matters the Coâ—… ence in such cases being subject to God only 〈◊〉 they may hinder the publick exercise of an Idâ—… trous worship and oblige persons to keep the 〈◊〉 bath and to worship God in some way or oâ—… It stands upon
Mastâ—… at the general appearing on the great day 〈◊〉 which day there will be no respect of peâ—…sons with God High and low rich and pooâ—… must all appear at his bar and pass under an iâ—… partial tryal And therefore we find that Kinâ—… and great men are brought in trembling Rev. 〈◊〉 15 16. Because with God there is no difference 〈◊〉 great or small no respect had to any man's persoâ—… but all shall receive according to their works Whether then we consider the great end of thâ—… Magistrate's Office to execute wrath on him thâ—… doth evil that solemn Oath they are laid undeâ—… to do right and justice according to the Laws anâ—… Statutes of the Kingdom the nature of their Oâ—…fice as they are God's Representatives or thâ—… high trust committed to their charge for whiâ—… â—…eafter they must be accountable in all these â—…pects it is sufficiently evident that Magistrates 〈◊〉 eminently concern'd in this duty to appear for â—…d against Sin 2. Ministers are concern'd in this duty It was â—…e commendation of the Angel and Minister of the â—…urch of Ephesus that he could not bear with them â—…t were evil Rev. 2.3 It is recorded to the everâ—…ting praise of Phinehas in my Text that he was â—…alous for his God For Ministers to shew an inâ—…ferent spirit in God's cause and to stand neuâ—…s to stand by as unconcerned spectators when â—…ers are busy in reforming-reforming-work and do call on â—…em to lend their assistance it argues a Laodicean â—…rit and God threatens to spue such Ministers â—…t of his mouth Rev. 3.16 Of all other persons none should be more forâ—…ard than Ministers in discountenancing vice and â—…pearing for God against sin These as well as â—…agistrates have special and peculiar ties and obâ—…ations They are God's mouth unto the people So they â—…e called Jer. 15.19 Therefore thus saith the Lord 〈◊〉 if thou take forth the precious from the vile thou â—…lt be as my mouth God every where speaks aâ—…inst sin and sinners and Ministers who are the â—…outh of God should speak as he doth They â—…ould in their preaching as well as in the exerâ—…e of Church-discipline make a separation beâ—…een the precious and the vile the good and bad â—…ey should instruct rebuke exhort with all auâ—…ority Of all others Ministers should least of 〈◊〉 bear with those that do evil Again Ministers in Scripture are called Ambassaâ—…rs 2 Cor. 5.20 Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us Ambâ—…sadors are a sort of Representatives they repâ—…sent the persons of those Princes that send theâ—… And thus it is with Ministers they sustain tâ—… person of God and Christ they represent Goâ—… and supply the place of Christ upon earth Aâ—… therefore Ministers especially should shew a zeâ—… against sin for if they be cold and indifferent 〈◊〉 the matter they will give occasion to others 〈◊〉 think that their Lord and Master is just such anâ—… ther as they are one that makes no great accouâ—… of sin and so they will bring dishonour and reâ—…proach unto God and Christ whose Representâ—…tives they are Once more It is the Ministers work to preacâ—… down sin Their very Office does oblige them to iâ—… The main design of their Office is to reform siâ—…ners and to turn them from the evil and errour oâ—… their ways to open mens eyes and to turn theâ—… from darkness unto light and from the power of Saâ—…tan unto God Acts 26.18 And therefore for Miâ—…nisters to shew a backwardness to discountenancâ—… sin they contradict the very end of their Officeâ—… and are not worthy of the name of Ministers 3. It is the duty of all in general of Privateâ—… Christians as well as Magistrates and Ministers toâ—… shew themselves zealous for God against sin Tiâ—… the duty of all that profess Christ to shew themselves zealous of good works This is one end for which we were redeemed Tit. 2.14 And 't is a good work to restrain sin in others to give check â—…o vice according to our place as we have opâ—…ortunity Yea self-interest does oblige to it not only to â—…tain from sin our selves but not to suffâ—â—… 〈…〉 â—…trouled in others There is a pertinent place this purpose Lev. 19.17 Thou shalt not hate thy other in thy heart thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy â—…ghbour and not suffer sin upon him This last clause â—…variously translated as you may see particularly 〈◊〉 the margin of the Bible where you find it thus 〈◊〉 at thou bear not sin for him And to this translaâ—…n I find Expositors of great note incline And 〈◊〉 the meaning of the words is this thou shalt in â—…y wise rebuke thy neighbour tell him of his fault â—…r shew thy dislike of it and shalt not bear sin for â—…im or for his sake i. e. thou shalt not make thy â—…elf guilty of his sin as thou wilt assuredly do iâ—…â—…hou dost not perform thy duty in rebuking him â—…or his sin And so this clause is a weighty reasoâ—…â—…o enforce this precept of rebuking our Brother â—…hat so we may not share in his guilt Furthermore if we consider that relation thaâ—…â—…rivate Christians bear unto God this likewise â—…does oblige them to appear against sin They stanâ—…â—…elated to God as Children therefore they shouâ—…â—…esent the dishonour and injury that is offered tâ—… God their heavenly Father An ingenious Chiâ—… cannot but resent his Father's wrong Touch thâ—… Father in his name or person and at the same timâ—… you reflect injury upon the Son Why God 〈◊〉 our Father we call him so in our daily Prayeâ—… as Christ hath taught us Mat. 6.9 And God 〈◊〉 dishonoured by mens sins their horrid oaths the open prophaness immorality and lewdness 〈◊〉 cannot but appear in the station God has set us 〈◊〉 the vindication of God's honour by endeavoâ—…ing what we can to suppress sin Once more private Christians do stand relateâ—… to God as Servants They are not their own 〈◊〉 are bought with a price 1 Cor. 6.20 therefore 〈◊〉 should mind the interest of their Master The 〈◊〉 perty of Servants saith Aristotle is not toâ—… their own will and pleasure they have giveâ—… themselves unto another Servants are not suâ—… ris at their own dispose they are subject to aâ—… ther by whose command and for whose pâ—… they ought to act Those therefore that proâ—… they are the Servants of Christ as do all that 〈◊〉 called by the Christian name they are or ouâ—… to be devoted to his will and should endeavouâ—… promote their Masters interest whose Servaâ—… they are consequently they should appear agaâ—… sin and do what they can to stop the currâ—… stream of iniquity for nothing is so oppositeâ—… Christ's interest as sin is Thus whether we consider the command of Gâ—… who requires us in the general to be zealously 〈◊〉 fected or our own interest which obligeth us 〈◊〉 give check to our Brother's wickedness that 〈◊〉 partake not of his guilt or our relation to Gâ—… considered
of my soul to see how difficult 〈◊〉 is to engage some Ministers to put to their asâ—â—…sting hand in promoting this work of Reformaâ—…ion I do not say that all are so God forbid 〈◊〉 should then fear it an awful prelude of some fore â—…udgment To see persons all life in a Ceremony but iâ—… God's cause to have no heart in some of the subâ—…tantial points of Religion to be as dead as a stone what is it but the height of hypocrisie Our Saâ—…iour himself has decided this case He hath told â—…s there are weightier matters and lesser matters â—…nd he hath branded those for hypocrites and â—…as denounced a woe against them who keep 〈◊〉 â—…other about smaller matters such as Ceremoniâ—… 〈◊〉 of Man's making mint anice cummin but negâ—…ect the weightier matters of the Law sobrieâ—â—…â—…ighteousness peace charity faith judgment mercy You know where it is written Mat. 23.23 When we see some persons thus zealous aboâ—â—…â—…esser matters Jehu-like driving on with a furioâ—…â—…eal and at the same time to have no regard foâ—… God's honour to be careless and indifferent whâ—…â—…her God's law and the great things of it be observed yea or no it is a temptation to many 〈◊〉 believe that there is more than a Ceremony thâ—…â—…s the difference between the Church and the Meâ—â—…â—…ng and that a separation is in some sort necessâ—…â—…y to keep up the power of Religion I could heartily wish that we could unite oâ—…â—…ne common bottom and walk together whereâ—â—… we are agreed and particularly in suppressing viâ—â—…â—…nd prophaness now we have an opportunity foâ—…â—…t the supream Magistrate's countenance and gooâ—… It was the observation of our Blessed Lord tâ—… the children of this world are wiser in their generâ—â—…on than the children of light Luke 16.8 O 〈◊〉 it not my Reverend and dear Brethren hâ—… true of Ministers Shall the men of the world 〈◊〉 different Interests unite their forces to promâ—… one common and general design Yea let me aâ—… shall the Devils themselves as I have shewn elâ—… where see my late Treatise Man's Sinfulness aâ—… Misery by Nature p. 145. unite and agree to caâ—… on one common Interest against Christ and his Kinâ—…dom And shall not Christians shall not Ministeâ—… unite in opposing the Interest of Satan by endeâ—…vouring the suppression of vice and prophaness Tell it not in Gath publish it not in Askelon let nâ—… the Papists hear of it lest these uncircumcised Phâ—…listins rejoyce who know that when we aâ—… throughly debaucht we are then fit for any Relâ—…gion and so may give them new hopes In the Name therefore of our great Master lâ—… us lay by our lesser heats and shew our selves zeâ—…lous for our God by promoting in our places thaâ—… National Reformation that is begun in some partâ—… I would hope my Brethren you need not mâ—…tives or a spur though I take this liberty to puâ—… you in remembrance Thirdly a word briefly to Private Christianâ—… and so I have done Is it a duty very pleasing untâ—… God to shew our selves zealous for him Then puâ—… this duty into practice It belongs to you as welâ—… as others Shew your selves zealous for God against Sin by promoting in your places the sâ—… much talkt of Reformation of Manners More particularly 1. Reform your selves Begin at home You â—…ll never be able to proceed with courage in reâ—…rming of others whilst guilt lies at your own â—…or It will be objected first mend your selves â—…al your self The Snuffers of the Sanctuary were 〈◊〉 be of pure gold Exod. 25.38 A Ceremony â—…as one has lately noted significative of this â—…nong other truths that they must be holy and â—…blameable themselves who take upon them to reprove â—…nd reform others 2. As there is occasion Rebuke your nighbour â—…ow plain is this duty though little practised â—…ev 19.17 Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Broâ—…her and not suffer sin upon him There is indeed â—…ome prudence required in giving rebukes someâ—â—…mes It may be done verbally or by withdrawâ—…ng our presence or some testimony of dislike as â—…rudence shall direct according to the circumstance â—…f time place and person 3. Lastly if after rebuke he continues obstiâ—…ate and other ways will not reclaim him giâ—â—…â—…nformation against him to the Magistrate that so 〈◊〉 â—…ay be brought to condign punishment What caâ—… Magistrates or Laws do though never so good â—…f none will take it on them to give information I know the Name of an Informer is become odious because the thing has been abused which â—…s either good or evil according to the matter anâ—…â—…ause of it To inform against the godly for maâ—…â—…er of duty to expose them to the rage of Persâ—…cutors that is wicked But to inform against thâ—… wicked upon the account of their sin wherebâ—… God is dishonoured to bring them to condign pâ—…nishment that is godly and a Scripture-duâ—… Lev. 5.1 Deut. 17.4 5. Perhaps you meet with some trouble and reproâ—… by giving Informations and by endeavouring 〈◊〉 reform others Well be it so Is it not our duâ—… to deny our selves in some cases Can we be Châ—â—…stians without self-denial Pray see Mat. 24.16 Who knows but you by your zeal may keâ—… off God's judgments from the land Did not Phâ—…nehas turn away God's wrath from the Childreâ—… of Israel Is it not recorded for the incouragâ—…ment of others Num. 25.11 Remember that it is the Cause of God Hoâ—… zealous were the wicked in time past in persecutinâ—… the godly for matter of duty in hunting them aâ—… Partridges on the Mountains sparing no cosâ—… time or pains And shall their zeal in a baâ—… cause wherein they did the Devil's works ouâ—… doe yours in the cause of God wherein God honour and glory is concerned Consider this God takes notice of all that yoâ—… do for he is Omniscient He sees your zeal your labour of love and all your trouble anâ—… notes it down in his book Your zeal to him is aâ—… well pleasing act of faith you may learn this from the instance of my Text. God was so well pleased with Phinehas his zeal that he bestowed on him an everlasting Priesthood and not only so â—…ut blest his Children for his sake Behold I give â—â—…to him my Covenant of Peace and he shall have â—…t and his seed after him Who knows but that you by your zeal may derive a blessing unto â—…our posterity Besides if with Phinehas your zeal be rigâ—â—… all be imputed to you for righteousness as his 〈◊〉 â—…sal 106.31 And God hereafter will rewaâ—â—…â—…ou for it and will abundantly recompence yoâ—…â—…ouble Therefore comfort your selves undâ—â—…â—…l discouragements with these thoughts To conclude If Magistrates Ministers and pâ—â—…â—…ate Christians would each do their duty aâ—… new themselves zealous for God against vice 〈…〉 hearty promoting of the present Reformatioâ—… were an easy thing to drive sin into corners 〈◊〉 â—…lear our Towns of whoremasters drunkarâ—…â—…rophane swearers and sabbath-breakers and 〈◊〉 â—…ring Religion and a shew of Godliness into 〈◊〉 â—…ute 'T would also be a means of lengtheâ—…â—…ut our present tranquillity and of procuring â—…us many blessings as well as the averting impeâ—…â—…ng judgments which in case this work of 〈◊〉 â—â—…formation be obstructed will in all probabilitâ—…â—…poured down on us Which God of his infâ—…â—…mercy prevent FINIS