bring_v in_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o covenant_n the_o lord_n be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o be_v his_o people_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v they_o and_o their_o cause_n be_v he_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n &_o his_o people_n israel_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o in_o the_o text_n here_o solomon_n pray_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n may_v be_v incline_v to_o walk_v in_o god_n way_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n again_o it_o be_v observable_a the_o word_n render_v cause_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v translate_v right_a in_o the_o margin_n of_o the_o 45._o &_o 49._o verse_n that_o he_o maintain_v the_o right_n of_o his_o people_n there_o be_v a_o right_a unto_o house_n and_o land_n and_o the_o like_a but_o there_o be_v a_o jus_o divinum_fw-la a_o special_a divine_a right_n which_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v unto_o the_o one_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o liberty_n annex_v unto_o that_o right_n that_o none_o can_v lawful_o hinder_v they_o from_o enjoy_v all_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o one_o word_n the_o cause_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n be_v right_a from_o god_n and_o liberty_n from_o god_n to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o israel_n then_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v anon_o that_o the_o very_a same_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n now_o 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o lord_n maintain_v this_o cause_n at_o all_o time_n as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v he_o have_v make_v the_o same_o request_n twice_o before_o verse_n 45._o &_o 49._o that_o he_o maintain_v his_o people_n cause_n here_o he_o mention_n it_o again_o the_o three_o time_n that_o he_o maintain_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n with_o a_o addition_n of_o this_o further_a expression_n at_o all_o time_n as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v he_o have_v before_o in_o his_o large_a prayer_n comprehend_v all_o the_o common_a case_n which_o may_v fall_v out_o but_o because_o there_o may_v be_v other_o case_n which_o he_o can_v not_o foresee_v or_o they_o may_v be_v otherwise_o circumstance_v when_o the_o cause_n of_o israel_n may_v be_v so_o endanger_v as_o there_o will_v not_o be_v any_o help_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n therefore_o he_o commend_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n to_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o leave_v it_o with_o he_o and_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o by_o his_o prerogative_n will_v maintain_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o people_n even_o as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v and_o those_o word_n in_o the_o text_n at_o all_o time_n be_v in_o the_o margin_n render_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o day_n in_o his_o day_n i._n e._n not_o only_o in_o the_o day_n of_o prosperity_n when_o thing_n go_v smooth_o on_o but_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n in_o the_o hirracano_n of_o tempestuous_a time_n when_o it_o be_v a_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o rebuke_v and_o blasphemy_n as_o be_v be_v in_o hezekiahs_n time_n isai_n 37.3_o in_o a_o day_n of_o perplexity_n and_o tread_v down_o isai_n 22.5_o in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o this_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o israel_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o lord_n himself_o that_o he_o will_v maintain_v it_o and_o there_o be_v a_o emphasis_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o that_o word_n he_n that_o he_o maintain_v it_o when_o there_o be_v none_o else_o that_o will_v or_o can_v or_o know_v how_o imply_v the_o need_n the_o extreme_a need_n that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n may_v sometime_o have_v for_o the_o lord_n himself_o to_o maintain_v their_o cause_n above_o all_o that_o themselves_o or_o any_o else_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v so_o that_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o i_o will_v commend_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o present_a assembly_n from_o hence_o be_v this_o doct._n the_o time_n may_v be_v such_o and_o the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n may_v need_v and_o require_v more_o than_o ordinary_a help_n from_o the_o lord_n himself_o the_o time_n may_v be_v so_o perilous_a and_o the_o case_n so_o circumstance_v and_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n so_o endanger_v as_o it_o may_v be_v above_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n to_o direct_v or_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o help_v then_o there_o be_v work_v for_o jehovah_n himself_o for_o he_o to_o maintain_v his_o own_o and_o his_o people_n cause_n you_o see_v the_o point_n a_o little_a for_o the_o proof_n it_o be_v many_o time_n the_o cry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n give_v we_o help_v from_o trouble_n o_o lord_n for_o vain_a be_v the_o help_n of_o man_n psal_n 108._o last_o and_o our_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n psal_n 124._o last_o there_o be_v create_v wisdom_n &_o power_n and_o goodness_n with_o he_o that_o be_v god_n over_o all_o bless_v for_o evermore_o there_o and_o from_o thence_o alone_o be_v the_o help_n of_o his_o people_n when_o it_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v see_v upon_o earth_n i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o that_o in_o isai_n 63.5_o i_o look_v and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v and_o i_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o uphold_v therefore_o my_o own_o arm_n bring_v salvation_n â—â—ne_v and_o my_o fury_n it_o uphold_v i_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v here_o bring_v in_o speak_v of_o himself_o not_o as_o chriâ—â—nall_n but_o as_o christ_n mystical_a christ_n and_o â—is_fw-la church_n as_o beâ—…ers_n engage_v together_o in_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v represent_v here_o as_o in_o a_o despair_a sink_a case_n i_o look_v and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v i_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o uphold_v what_o then_o why_o therefore_o my_o own_o arm_n bring_v salvation_n â—o_o i_o the_o church_n when_o sink_v yet_o save_v by_o christ_n the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n when_o ready_a to_o be_v overturn_v overwhelm_v yet_o then_o preserve_v secure_v maintain_v by_o the_o outstretch_a aâ—m_n of_o a_o bless_a â—aviour_n imply_v the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o and_o the_o matter_n may_v so_o require_v that_o no_o less_o than_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o of_o omnipotency_n itself_o can_v do_v the_o deed_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o proof_n there_o be_v a_o three_o fâ—ld_a reason_n may_v convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o man._n 2._o from_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n 3._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n reas_n 1._o the_o first_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n from_o the_o inability_n of_o god_n own_o people_n who_o be_v affect_v unto_o this_o cause_n and_o engage_v in_o it_o but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v it_o the_o best_a of_o the_o saint_n have_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n they_o have_v something_o of_o the_o old_a man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o new_a they_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o be_v sanctify_v but_o in_o part_n and_o hence_o many_o weakness_n in_o manage_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o hypocrite_n among_o the_o sincere_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o pretend_v unto_o this_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o hence_o many_o time_n not_o only_a weakness_n but_o wickedness_n be_v inter-woven_a into_o the_o fair_a pretence_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n there_o be_v various_a apprehension_n affection_n and_o passion_n among_o good_a man_n moses_n the_o servant_n and_o aaron_n the_o saint_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sometime_o unadvised_a and_o when_o they_o be_v most_o upright_o when_o they_o lead_v the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o skilfulness_n of_o their_o hand_n and_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n yet_o then_o traduce_v reproach_v oppose_v et_fw-la tantum_fw-la nâ—n_fw-la overpoured_a by_o a_o murmur_a people_n and_o there_o be_v man_n of_o renown_n and_o famous_a in_o the_o congregation_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o god_n order_n sometime_o alas_o there_o be_v a_o sharp_a contention_n between_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o godly_a peter_n do_v not_o ever_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n and_o bless_a paul_n when_o most_o faithful_a and_o true_a be_v under_o evil_a surmise_n as_o a_o deceiver_n there_o be_v name_n and_o party_n of_o man_n divide_v christ_n among_o they_o some_o depart_n from_o the_o faith_n other_o lead_v aside_o from_o the_o
simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a and_o many_o in_o the_o last_o day_n very_o many_o that_o have_v the_o form_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n hence_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n much_o obscure_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v spoil_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o lover_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n reas_n 2._o take_a from_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrumentie_n satan_n from_o the_o beginning_n have_v have_v a_o old_a grudge_n against_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o he_o never_o want_v instrument_n who_o either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n or_o both_o have_v do_v what_o mischief_n they_o can_v against_o the_o church_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n thus_o in_o the_o story_n of_o exodus_fw-la pharaoh_n at_o first_o work_n wise_o to_o undermine_v afterward_o he_o work_v proud_o to_o overtake_v and_o destroy_v the_o israel_n of_o god_n thus_o also_o in_o psal_n 83.1_o 2_o 3._o keep_v not_o silence_n o_o god_n for_o ethine_v enemy_n make_v a_o tumult_n they_o have_v consult_v together_o they_o have_v say_v come_v let_v we_o cut_v they_o off_o that_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n be_v have_v no_o more_o in_o remembrance_n and_o then_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o gebal_n ammon_n and_o amalek_n and_o many_o other_o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n no_o soon_o have_v zerubbabel_n and_o joshua_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o poor_a people_n of_o israel_n begin_v to_o reform_v and_o set_v themselves_o about_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o satan_n stand_v up_o to_o resist_v they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o zech._n 3.1_o &_o he_o have_v instrument_n at_o hand_n present_o sanballat_n and_o tobia_n with_o their_o complice_n nehem._n 4.11_o and_o our_o adversary_n say_v they_o shall_v neither_o see_v nor_o know_v till_o we_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n among_o they_o and_o slay_v they_o and_o cause_v their_o work_n to_o cease_v thus_o also_o in_o ezr._n 4.9_o you_o read_v of_o rehum_n the_o chancellor_n and_o shiâ—shi_n the_o scribe_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o companion_n plead_v much_o the_o damage_n and_o dishonour_n of_o the_o king_n as_o in_o verse_n 13._o and_o when_o they_o have_v get_v a_o commission_n they_o go_v up_o in_o haste_n unto_o jerusalem_n to_o cause_v the_o work_n to_o cease_v and_o in_o the_o verse_n 23._o they_o make_v they_o cease_v by_o force_n and_o power_n though_o it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n as_o it_o appear_v afterward_o and_o if_o you_o look_v into_o rev._n 12.12_o you_o shall_v find_v there_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o last_o time_n it_o be_v say_v we_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o the_o sea_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v come_v down_o among_o you_o and_o his_o rage_n be_v great_a because_o he_o have_v but_o a_o short_a time_n the_o short_a the_o time_n the_o fierce_a the_o rage_n of_o satan_n against_o all_o that_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n &_o where_o ever_o he_o can_v prevail_v down_o go_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o up_o go_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o all_o that_o will_v not_o do_v must_v suffer_v and_o all_o that_o bear_v witness_n to_o truth_n and_o holiness_n must_v be_v in_o sackcloth_n until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o end_n now_o from_o hence_o again_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n be_v much_o endanger_v by_o the_o hater_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o second_o reason_n reas_n 3._o the_o last_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o afflict_a providence_n he_o the_o great_a god_n change_v the_o time_n and_o the_o season_n dan._n 2.21_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v inform_v we_o of_o this_o that_o after_o a_o time_n of_o peace_n come_v a_o time_n of_o trouble_n after_o a_o time_n of_o liberty_n to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o man_n will_v be_v and_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v there_o come_v a_o time_n of_o restraint_n and_o sometime_o even_o in_o the_o valley_n of_o vision_n there_o be_v a_o day_n of_o perplexity_n and_o tread_v down_o and_o that_o from_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n as_o it_o be_v in_o isai_n 22.5_o and_o though_o it_o have_v be_v question_v whether_o dioclesian_n persecution_n or_o julian_n toleration_n be_v more_o pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o without_o question_n neither_o of_o these_o be_v without_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v their_o peace_n and_o liberty_n when_o they_o have_v contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o such_o time_n it_o be_v but_o righteous_a with_o the_o lord_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n as_o adam_n have_v after_o his_o fall_n to_o know_v good_a by_o the_o want_n and_o evil_a by_o the_o feel_n of_o it_o by_o terrible_a thing_n in_o righteousness_n will_v thou_o answer_v we_o o_o god_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o confidence_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 65.5_o but_o from_o hence_o also_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n come_v to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n as_o the_o ship_n in_o which_o the_o disciple_n go_v when_o christ_n be_v asleep_a there_o come_v down_o such_o a_o storm_n upon_o the_o lâ—â—â—_n and_o they_o be_v so_o cover_v with_o the_o wave_n and_o in_o such_o jeopardy_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o cry_v out_o unto_o he_o master_n save_o we_o or_o we_o perish_v gather_v up_o the_o reason_n brief_o if_o the_o lover_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o unable_a to_o preserve_v it_o if_o the_o hater_n of_o it_o be_v so_o sedulous_a to_o destroy_v it_o and_o if_o the_o lord_n himself_o seem_v to_o withdraw_v from_o it_o than_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o time_n be_v such_o and_o the_o case_n be_v such_o as_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n do_v need_n and_o require_v more_o than_o ordinary_a help_n from_o the_o lord_n himself_o by_o this_o time_n you_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o good_a of_o it_o in_o application_n to_o ourselves_o and_o that_o but_o in_o a_o couple_n of_o uses_n the_o one_o for_o the_o information_n of_o our_o judgement_n the_o other_o for_o direction_n in_o point_n of_o practice_n use_v 1_o we_o may_v hence_o inform_v ourselves_o not_o only_o what_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n be_v in_o other_o part_n but_o what_o it_o be_v here_o with_o we_o i_o say_v to_o inform_v we_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n in_o new-england_n this_o be_v the_o first_o use_n a_o mistake_n in_o this_o may_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n the_o true_a state_v of_o this_o cause_n and_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o may_v be_v of_o no_o little_a help_n unto_o we_o in_o the_o time_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o it_o be_v more_o than_o our_o life_n and_o as_o much_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o own_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o it_o in_o our_o generation_n to_o confess_v or_o deny_v this_o cause_n be_v in_o scripture_n interpretation_n to_o confess_v or_o deny_v christ_n himself_o and_o you_o know_v what_o he_o have_v say_v in_o mat._n 10.32_o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o eight_o of_o mark_n and_o verse_n 38._o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n â—f_v he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n give_v i_o leave_v than_o i_o beseech_v you_o honour_a and_o belove_v to_o present_v a_o few_o thing_n unto_o you_o about_o this_o causâ—_n i_o confess_v i_o shall_v be_v utter_o inexcusable_a in_o adventure_v to_o show_v my_o weakness_n in_o such_o a_o place_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v i_o not_o able_a to_o call_v the_o most_o hâ—â—h_n to_o witness_n that_o nothing_o but_o conscience_n of_o my_o duty_n put_v i_o and_o keep_v i_o upon_o this_o subject_a when_o i_o receive_v the_o summons_n of_o the_o honourablâ—_n gâ—â—_n to_o preach_v it_o this_o time_n it_o be_v desire_v that_o some_o suitable_a word_n may_v be_v speak_v now_o whether_o the_o state_v of_o
judgement_n and_o in_o ephes_n 5.17_o be_v not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o two_o evil_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o election_n neither_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v but_o in_o two_o evil_n of_o affliction_n the_o less_o have_v the_o respect_n of_o a_o good_a and_o may_v be_v choose_v to_o prevent_v a_o great_a evil_n in_o the_o question_n what_o be_v best_a we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v best_a in_o itself_o but_o what_o be_v best_a with_o reference_n to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o a_o case_n in_o matter_n divine_a where_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a command_n with_o moses_n we_o must_v not_o yield_v a_o hoof_n but_o in_o matter_n humane_a summum_fw-la jus_o may_v be_v summa_fw-la injuria_fw-la stand_v upon_o extreme_a right_n may_v prove_v extreme_a wrong_n saluâ—_n populi_fw-la suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la the_o safety_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v the_o supreme_a law_n and_o here_o suffer_v i_o i_o beseech_v you_o to_o exhort_v you_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o we_o all_o and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o faithful_a in_o israel_n according_a to_o that_o speech_n of_o one_o in_o a_o troublesome_a time_n when_o there_o be_v some_o that_o say_v they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o david_n 2_o sam._n 20.19_o i_o be_o one_o that_o be_o peaceable_a and_o faithful_a in_o israel_n it_o be_v the_o speech_n of_o a_o woman_n but_o it_o may_v well_o become_v the_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o most_o godly_a to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o faithful_a in_o israel_n first_o peaceable_a from_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o sedition_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o whatsoever_o tend_v unto_o faction_n study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o every_o one_o to_o do_v their_o own_o work_n and_o then_o faithful_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n faithful_a to_o the_o king_n according_a to_o the_o oath_n of_o allegâ—â—nce_n and_o faithful_a to_o the_o government_n here_o according_a to_o the_o oath_n of_o fidelity_n and_o be_v you_o all_o exhort_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n rom._n 14._o â—9_n â—â—w_o after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o beware_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v endanger_v it_o among_o yourselves_o let_v none_o say_v that_o these_o or_o those_o be_v disaffect_v to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n because_o they_o see_v not_o 〈◊〉_d some_o thing_n as_o other_o do_v do_v not_o impropriate_a the_o cause_n of_o religion_n to_o some_o in_o opposition_n to_o other_o who_o profess_v the_o same_o cause_n none_o shall_v speak_v of_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a party_n and_o eminent_o saint_n and_o faithful_a with_o despise_v other_o nothing_o be_v more_o offensive_a among_o christian_n then_o to_o confine_v religion_n to_o some_o singular_a opinion_n as_o if_o religion_n do_v main_o centre_n there_o there_o be_v difference_n at_o corinth_n but_o how_o do_v the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o they_o all_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 2_o cor._n 1.2_o to_o the_o saint_n at_o corinth_n and_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n their_o lord_n and_o we_o mark_v that_o expression_n their_o lord_n and_o we_o they_o and_o we_o wherein_o the_o apostle_n check_v the_o conceitedness_n in_o some_o that_o will_v impale_v and_o enclose_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o christ_n unto_o themselves_o and_o some_o peculiar_a opinion_n of_o they_o let_v we_o beware_v of_o this_o and_o the_o apostle_n see_v it_o needful_a to_o admonish_v the_o best_a christian_n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n or_o in_o a_o way_n of_o provoke_v one_o another_o avoid_v jealousy_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n be_v watchful_a that_o satan_n get_v no_o advantage_n this_o also_o be_v for_o our_o admonition_n and_o i_o hope_v that_o the_o vote_n of_o this_o day_n will_v make_v it_o appear_v you_o have_v a_o due_a respect_n unto_o your_o ancient_a magistrate_n that_o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o that_o you_o have_v no_o undue_a prejudice_n against_o any_o that_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v still_o instrument_n of_o public_a good_a when_o once_o in_o capua_n they_o be_v think_v of_o leave_v out_o some_o of_o their_o senator_n they_o consider_v where_o they_o shall_v have_v better_o and_o what_o may_v follow_v they_o consider_v what_o may_v follow_v and_o this_o reconcile_v their_o mind_n final_o brethren_n be_v you_o all_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o this_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o peaceable_a in_o israel_n that_o as_o it_o have_v be_v so_o it_o may_v still_o be_v a_o honour_n to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o this_o colony_n that_o they_o be_v peaceable_a man_n and_o whatever_o the_o rumour_n and_o surmise_n have_v be_v yet_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o frâ—-men_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o disturbance_n that_o they_o will_v not_o offer_v to_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o this_o day_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o general_n court_n will_v take_v the_o case_n into_o serious_a consideration_n afterward_o but_o for_o the_o present_a all_o shall_v be_v careful_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o peaceable_a transaction_n of_o the_o public_a affair_n and_o a_o peaceable_a subjection_n to_o the_o government_n here_o and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n as_o one_o man_n do_v manifest_v their_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o many_o blessing_n they_o have_v enjoy_v under_o the_o present_a government_n for_o so_o many_o year_n that_o there_o may_v be_v conjoin_v prayer_n and_o endeavour_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o patent_n which_o under_o god_n and_o the_o king_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n here_o it_o be_v now_o 35_o year_n since_o i_o well_o remember_v in_o the_o year_n 28_o that_o one_o of_o the_o first_o minister_n that_o come_v over_o into_o this_o wilderness_n give_v some_o account_n of_o his_o ground_n in_o a_o great_a assembly_n of_o many_o thousand_o at_o leicester_n in_o old-england_n he_o mention_v this_o as_o one_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o patent_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o patent_n from_o the_o royal_a authority_n of_o england_n for_o the_o people_n here_o to_o choose_v their_o own_o magistrate_n and_o to_o admit_v unto_o freedom_n such_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v meet_a and_o that_o religion_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o this_o plantation_n in_o his_o majesty_n royal_a intention_n and_o the_o adventurer_n free_a possession_n this_o whole_a generation_n have_v see_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n have_v be_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o wilderness_n for_o so_o many_o year_n under_o the_o government_n settle_v here_o by_o the_o patent_n and_o therefore_o at_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o keep_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n keep_v to_o the_o patent_n and_o thus_o to_o be_v peaceable_a &_o faithful_a in_o israel_n be_v the_o way_n of_o well_o do_v wherein_o we_o be_v to_o commit_v the_o maintain_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n i_o shall_v now_o dispatch_v the_o other_o two_o direction_n very_o brief_o 2._o in_o the_o way_n of_o humble_a prayer_n commit_v this_o cause_n unto_o god_n by_o humble_a fervent_a and_o frequent_a prayer_n as_o we_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o text_n let_v these_o my_o prayer_n be_v nigh_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o he_o maintain_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n when_o the_o matter_n require_v more_o than_o ordinary_a help_n from_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o yet_o the_o lord_n seem_v to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o be_v asleep_a than_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n must_v awaken_v he_o by_o their_o importunate_a prayer_n as_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o storm_n do_v awaken_v our_o saviour_n say_v lord_n save_v we_o or_o we_o perish_v when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v faithful_a to_o own_o his_o cause_n and_o careful_a neither_o to_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o duty_n nor_o to_o go_v beyond_o it_o but_o keep_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o welldoing_a and_o yet_o meet_v with_o such_o storm_n of_o providence_n as_o they_o be_v at_o their_o wit_n end_v what_o remain_v then_o but_o prayer_n &_o tear_n o_o our_o god_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v unto_o thou_o arise_v o_o lord_n and_o plead_v thy_o own_o cause_n awake_v awake_a o_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o in_o ancient_a time_n 3._o last_o of_o all_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n himself_o as_o the_o alsufficient_a maintainer_n of_o this_o cause_n as_o david_n say_v thâ—â—_n o_o lord_n be_v the_o maintainer_n of_o my_o lâ—â—_n psal_n 16.5_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n seem_v ready_a to_o be_v spoil_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o ready_a to_o be_v mine_v by_o the_o opposer_n of_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v one_o in_o heaven_n that_o be_v able_a and_o faithful_a and_o watchful_a and_o skilful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o quietness_n and_o confidence_n in_o return_v and_o rest_v shall_v we_o be_v save_v as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v isai_n 30.15_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o submit_v unto_o but_o acquiesce_v and_o rest_v in_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o in_o his_o own_o way_n rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n reign_v over_o all_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n that_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v his_o people_n he_o may_v afflict_v his_o people_n and_o there_o may_v be_v need_n of_o it_o and_o cause_n for_o it_o but_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v his_o people_n for_o his_o great_a name_n sake_n 1_o sam._n 12.22_o and_o be_v comfort_v in_o this_o that_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a lie_v upon_o the_o hand_n and_o belong_v to_o the_o care_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o ship_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v endanger_v it_o can_v be_v drown_v so_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v he_o have_v a_o thousand_o way_n that_o we_o know_v not_o of_o for_o he_o to_o maintain_v his_o own_o and_o his_o people_n cause_n now_o unto_o he_o be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n finis_fw-la
remembrance_n of_o that_o which_o the_o text_n here_o point_v we_o unto_o namely_o to_o commit_v this_o cause_n to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o name_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o to_o interest_n he_o and_o engage_v he_o in_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o this_o be_v holy_a counsel_n give_v to_o job_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o plunge_n and_o distress_n job_n 5_o 8_o 9_o i_o will_v seek_v unto_o god_n and_o unto_o god_n will_v i_o commit_v my_o cause_n which_o do_v great_a thing_n and_o unsearchable_a and_o mervellous_a thing_n without_o number_n who_o disappoint_v the_o device_n of_o the_o crafty_a to_o set_v up_o on_o high_a those_o that_o be_v low_a that_o such_o as_o mourn_v may_v be_v exalt_v unto_o safety_n say_v brethren_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v not_o this_o that_o you_o will_v have_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o that_o love_v it_o may_v be_v in_o safety_n then_o here_o be_v the_o way_n for_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o commit_v this_o cause_n unto_o he_o which_o do_v great_a thing_n and_o unsearchable_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n without_o number_n unto_o he_o who_o have_v maintain_v who_o do_v maintain_v and_o will_v maintain_v his_o own_o and_o his_o people_n cause_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n for_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glorious_a grace_n quest_n now_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v but_o now_o shall_v we_o commit_v this_o cause_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v engage_v in_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v answ_n i_o answer_v brief_o in_o this_o one_o direction_n which_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o honour_a worthy_n of_o the_o general_n court_n and_o yet_o will_v also_o reach_v the_o mean_a in_o the_o congregation_n that_o you_o commit_v the_o safety_n of_o this_o cause_n to_o the_o lord_n himself_o in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o you_o do_v commit_v unto_o he_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n i_o say_v that_o we_o do_v all_o commit_v this_o cause_n unto_o the_o lord_n even_o in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o we_o do_v every_o one_o commit_v unto_o he_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n you_o may_v see_v the_o bottom_n of_o this_o direction_n in_o 1_o pet._n 4.19_o where_o the_o apostle_n advise_v christian_n in_o evil_a time_n to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o god_n in_o wâ—lâ—ing_v as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v abundance_n here_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o when_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o spiritual_a distress_n you_o commit_v your_o soul_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n you_o do_v also_o remember_v the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n the_o narrow_a way_n to_o life_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o of_o and_o in_o that_o way_n you_o do_v commit_v your_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o jesus_n christ_n sanctify_v he_o as_o your_o only_a and_o alsufficient_a saviour_n as_o david_n in_o psal_n 31.3_o 5_o 6._o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n for_o thou_o be_v my_o rock_n and_o my_o fortress_n for_o thy_o name_n sake_n lead_v i_o and_o guide_v i_o in_o thy_o way_n for_o i_o hate_v lie_v vanity_n but_o i_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n now_o in_o the_o very_a same_o way_n we_o shall_v all_o commit_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o lord_n himself_o that_o be_v 1._o in_o the_o way_n of_o welldoing_a 2._o in_o the_o way_n of_o humble_a prayer_n 3._o sanctify_v the_o lord_n himself_o as_o the_o maintainer_n of_o this_o cause_n i_o entreat_v that_o i_o may_v borrow_v but_o a_o little_a of_o your_o time_n and_o patience_n to_o explain_v these_o three_o particular_n and_o then_o i_o have_v do_v 1._o in_o the_o way_n of_o well_o do_v commit_v this_o cause_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o way_n of_o well_o do_v thus_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o well_o do_v 1_o pet._n 2.15_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n he_o exhort_v in_o the_o same_o place_n verse_n 13_o 14._o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n civil_a government_n in_o genere_fw-la be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o high_a power_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n râ—m_o 13.1_o but_o in_o speâ—â—â—_n it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o man_n though_o every_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o religion_n as_o its_o ultimate_a end_n yet_o hic_fw-la aut_fw-la iste_fw-la singularis_fw-la modus_fw-la as_o divine_v use_v to_o speak_v this_o oâ—_n that_o particular_a form_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o man_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o humane_a creature_n now_o mark_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n send_v by_o he_o this_o be_v our_o case_n his_o majesty_n the_o king_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v upon_o the_o throne_n be_v the_o supreme_a civil_a governor_n under_o god_n and_o over_o we_o and_o the_o government_n settle_v here_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o this_o colony_n be_v a_o subordinate_a government_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v our_o duty_n to_o both_o and_o that_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well_o do_v you_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v verse_n 15._o this_o way_n of_o well_o do_v be_v a_o narrow_a way_n as_o every_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v there_o be_v bypath_n and_o down-falls_a on_o either_o side_n it_o be_v not_o good_a intention_n nor_o pâ—aefrauâ—es_n that_o will_v excuse_v from_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n but_o here_o lie_v the_o exercise_n of_o godly_a wisdom_n to_o keep_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o well-doing_n show_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o honour_n the_o king_n to_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n the_o counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o be_v remember_v be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o innocent_a as_o dove_n the_o serpent_n eye_n in_o the_o dove_n head_n become_v a_o christian_a well_o it_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n when_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n carry_v it_o so_o as_o paul_n do_v so_o as_o to_o give_v no_o occasion_n so_o as_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o seek_v occasion_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v neither_o against_o the_o temple_n nor_o against_o the_o law_n nor_o â—gainst_a cesar_n have_v i_o offend_v any_o thing_n act._n 25.8_o and_o so_o as_o daniel_n do_v in_o who_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a spirit_n dan._n 6.3_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o spirit_n do_v appear_v in_o this_o that_o he_o behave_v himself_o so_o as_o those_o that_o seek_v to_o find_v occasion_n against_o he_o can_v find_v none_o for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o error_n or_o fault_n in_o he_o than_o say_v these_o man_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v any_o occasion_n against_o this_o daniel_n except_o we_o find_v it_o against_o he_o concern_v the_o law_n of_o his_o god_n my_o father_n &_o brethren_n this_o be_v for_o our_o admonition_n and_o this_o will_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n when_o such_o as_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o public_a affair_n be_v understanding_n in_o the_o time_n to_o know_v what_o israel_n ought_v to_o doâ—_n 2_o chron._n 12.32_o not_o what_o they_o can_v do_v or_o what_o they_o will_v do_v but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v not_o what_o their_o liberty_n be_v but_o what_o their_o duty_n be_v and_o what_o their_o liberty_n be_v according_a to_o their_o duty_n to_o serve_v the_o time_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n if_o it_o come_v to_o a_o stress_n but_o in_o manage_v public_a affair_n in_o such_o time_n as_o daniel_n live_v in_o the_o matter_n do_v so_o require_v for_o he_o to_o be_v so_o careful_a as_o that_o no_o error_n nor_o fault_n may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o this_o be_v for_o our_o imitation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n inform_v we_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a to_o understand_v his_o way_n prov._n 14.8_o and_o a_o wise_a man_n heart_n discern_v of_o time_n and_o
the_o corinthian_n to_o mind_n union_n 1_o cor._n 1.11_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o that_o you_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o have_v a_o most_o passionate_a exhortation_n to_o the_o philippian_n in_o chap_n 2_o 1_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o minâ—_n and_o sometime_o when_o he_o see_v little_a hope_n of_o it_o upon_o earth_n he_o look_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o heaven_n &_o beseech_v he_o to_o grant_v this_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n as_o in_o rom._n 15.5_o nâ—w_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v you_o to_o be_v like_o mind_a one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n you_o may_v glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n all_o which_o may_v leave_v a_o strong_a conviction_n upon_o we_o that_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n that_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n among_o we_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o some_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v fulfil_v those_o prophecy_n in_o a_o eminent_a way_n that_o his_o people_n shall_v serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v one_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n especial_o at_o this_o time_n &_o in_o this_o place_n to_o endeavour_v union_n that_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a we_o may_v be_v of_o one_o judgement_n of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n hence_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o affect_v of_o divide_v name_n and_o party_n among_o we_o but_o all_o shall_v be_v for_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n but_o one_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o one_o catechism_n one_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o one_o covenant_n be_v agree_v upon_o and_o use_v in_o the_o several_a church_n as_o a_o mean_n of_o consent_n and_o hence_o again_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n give_v liberty_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o frequent_a use_n of_o council_n among_o we_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o acts._n 15._o and_o other_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o time_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v great_a abuse_n of_o council_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o in_o divers_a of_o the_o first_o century_n there_o be_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o mean_n of_o council_n and_o in_o somewhat_o above_o the_o last_o hundred_o year_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v much_o promote_v by_o the_o godly_a council_n and_o conference_n of_o reformer_n it_o be_v a_o know_a passage_n of_o melancton_n vâ—ximus_n in_o synodis_fw-la et_fw-la jam_fw-la mortemur_fw-la in_o illis_fw-la they_o be_v constant_o search_v the_o scripture_n that_o they_o may_v reform_v all_o according_a to_o that_o and_o before_o they_o the_o church_n of_o the_o waldenses_n for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n walk_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v then_o frequent_a council_n and_o their_o general_a council_n every_o year_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o point_n more_o frequent_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o write_n of_o our_o divine_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n then_o this_o of_o the_o right_a use_n of_o council_n not_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o synod_n bind_v any_o further_a the_o 〈◊〉_d have_v conformity_n with_o the_o scripture_n but_o counsel_n be_v a_o mean_a which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v and_o promise_v to_o bless_v for_o clear_v up_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o unite_n his_o people_n therein_o it_o be_v true_a the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v err_v and_o there_o be_v divers_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o grace_n there_o can_v but_o be_v different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v not_o so_o full_a a_o agreement_n as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n mind_v the_o same_o thing_n leave_v other_o thing_n to_o god_n &_o time_n phil._n 3.15.16_o that_o be_v now_o when_o all_o god_n mean_n have_v be_v use_v and_o yet_o some_o lesser_a thing_n remain_v controversall_a among_o pious_a and_o sober_a man_n who_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a there_o be_v the_o place_n for_o christian_a forbearance_n not_o in_o order_n to_o separation_n but_o in_o order_n to_o union_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n join_v they_o together_o ephe._n 4.2_o 3._o in_o lowlyness_n and_o meekness_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n in_o one_o word_n union_n be_v to_o be_v endeavour_v because_o the_o truth_n be_v but_o one_o and_o forbearance_n be_v to_o be_v use_v because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n which_o yet_o be_v as_o far_o from_o a_o toleration_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o as_o my_o weakness_n be_v able_a what_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n among_o we_o be_v affirmative_o it_o be_v reformation_n a_o progress_n in_o reformation_n and_o the_o union_n of_o reformer_n now_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o this_o cause_n have_v a_o divine_a right_n and_o a_o divine_a liberty_n adjoin_v unto_o it_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o liberty_n the_o royal_a law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v call_v james_n 2.8_o 12._o i_o e._n right_o from_o god_n and_o liberty_n from_o god_n for_o his_o people_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o god_n word_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n that_o can_v lawful_o hinder_v this_o and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_n interest_n of_o new_a england_n i._n e._n it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o great_a concernment_n unto_o we_o the_o one_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o the_o high_a end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o our_o interest_n in_o other_o respect_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o this_o that_o here_o lie_v our_o predominat_fw-la interest_n &_o cause_n and_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o we_o come_v into_o this_o wilderness_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o use_v of_o information_n use_v 2._o it_o be_v for_o direction_n if_o the_o time_n be_v such_o and_o the_o case_n be_v such_o as_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n do_v need_n and_o require_v more_o than_o ordinary_a help_n from_o the_o lord_n himself_o than_o it_o serve_v to_o teach_v all_o that_o be_v sincere_o affect_v unto_o this_o cause_n what_o course_n we_o shall_v take_v for_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v this_o to_o commend_v this_o cause_n unto_o jehovah_n himself_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v maintain_v his_o own_o and_o his_o people_n cause_v both_o now_o at_o this_o time_n even_o as_o the_o matter_n do_v require_v and_o hereafter_o at_o all_o time_n as_o the_o matter_n may_v require_v i_o think_v i_o look_v upon_o this_o present_a assembly_n as_o in_o its_o proportion_n resemble_v that_o great_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n mention_v in_o the_o text_n here_o be_v the_o head_n of_o our_o tribe_n the_o honour_a magistrate_n and_o deputy_n of_o this_o colony_n the_o reverend_a elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o godly_a people_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o be_v affect_v to_o this_o cause_n as_o that_o assembly_n be_v your_o desire_n be_v to_o see_v religion_n flourish_v and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n be_v maintain_v among_o we_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o what_o the_o time_n be_v shake_v time_n and_o try_v time_n wherein_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n be_v endanger_v on_o every_o side_n i_o desire_v only_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o poor_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o by_o put_v you_o in_o