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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n church_n civil_a power_n 1,238 5 5.3865 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53702 An humble testimony unto the goodness and severity of God in his dealing with sinful churches and nations, or, The only way to deliver a sinful nation from utter ruine by impendent judgments, in a discourse on the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, Luk. 13, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 / by John Owen. Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1681 (1681) Wing O762; ESTC R17781 63,319 169

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let_v we_o stand_v up_o if_o we_o can_v and_o plead_v for_o ourselves_o herein_o but_o the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o plead_v with_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v full_o describe_v isai._n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o it_o must_v be_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n lay_v a_o ground_n for_o plead_v and_o argue_v with_o god_n for_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n that_o must_v save_v this_o nation_n if_o it_o be_v save_v and_o not_o a_o plea_n for_o exemption_n from_o judgement_n on_o the_o account_n of_o our_o innocency_n this_o be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n god_n most_o abhor_a in_o the_o people_n of_o old_a and_o which_o all_o the_o prophet_n testify_v against_o in_o they_o but_o yet_o to_o speak_v somewhat_o more_o particular_o unto_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n in_o reference_n unto_o ourselves_o there_o be_v four_o sin_n or_o four_o sort_n of_o sin_n or_o way_n in_o sin_v which_o unless_o god_n prevent_v will_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o this_o nation_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v atheism_n a_o abomination_n that_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o all_o until_o these_o latter_a age_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v concern_v speculative_a or_o opinionative_n atheism_n in_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o his_o righteous_a government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o will_v not_o avail_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v unless_o withal_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o yet_o of_o this_o sort_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o among_o we_o yea_o some_o that_o make_v great_a advantage_n of_o religion_n do_v live_v and_o talk_v as_o if_o they_o esteem_v it_o all_o a_o fable_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v practical_a atheism_n when_o man_n live_v and_o act_v as_o if_o they_o be_v influence_v by_o prevalent_a thought_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n such_o the_o nation_n be_v replenish_v withal_o and_o it_o exert_v itself_o especial_o two_o way_n 1._o in_o curse_a oath_n and_o blasphemous_a execration_n whereby_o the_o high_a contempt_n be_v cast_v on_o the_o divine_a name_n and_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a thuanus_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o parisian_a massacre_n with_o the_o horrible_a desolation_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o ascribe_v it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n unto_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n revenge_v the_o horrid_a oath_n and_o monstrous_a blasphemy_n which_o from_o the_o court_n have_v spread_v themselves_o over_o all_o the_o nation_n histor._n lib._n 53_o nor_o be_v it_o otherwise_o among_o we_o at_o present_a though_o not_o general_o among_o all_o yet_o among_o many_o and_o those_o unpunished_a 2._o boldness_n confidence_n and_o security_n in_o sin_v many_o be_v neither_o ashamed_a nor_o afraid_a to_o act_v avow_v yea_o and_o boast_v of_o the_o vile_a of_o sin_n the_o awe_n that_o man_n have_v of_o the_o knowledge_n conscience_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o concern_v their_o evil_a and_o filthy_a action_n be_v one_o mean_n whereby_o god_n rule_v in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o restraint_n of_o sin_n when_o the_o yoke_n hereof_o be_v utter_o cast_v away_o and_o man_n proclaim_v their_o sin_n like_o sodom_n it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o practical_a atheism_n nor_o i_o think_v do_v it_o ever_o more_o abound_v in_o any_o age_n than_o in_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v 2._o the_o loss_n of_o the_o power_n of_o that_o religion_n who_o outward_a form_n we_o do_v retain_v we_o be_v all_o protestant_n and_o will_v abide_v to_o be_v of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n but_o wherein_o in_o the_o confession_n and_o all_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v man_n change_v renew_v convert_v to_o god_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v they_o make_v humble_a holy_a zealous_n fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n by_o it_o have_v they_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o its_o transform_v of_o they_o into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n without_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v of_o very_o little_a avail_n what_o religion_n man_n profess_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v of_o evil_n abide_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n at_o this_o day_n through_o the_o world_n the_o glory_n the_o power_n the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o be_v if_o not_o lose_v and_o dead_a yet_o great_o decay_v and_o a_o outward_a carcase_n of_o it_o in_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n do_v only_o abide_v hence_o have_v the_o reform_a church_n most_o of_o they_o a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a live_v only_o on_o a_o traditional_a knowledge_n principle_n of_o education_n advantage_n and_o interest_n in_o all_o which_o the_o roman_a religion_n do_v every_o way_n exceed_v they_o and_o will_v carry_v the_o victory_n when_o the_o contest_v be_v reduce_v unto_o such_o principle_n only_o and_o unless_o god_n be_v please_v by_o some_o renew_a effusion_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n from_o above_o to_o revive_v and_o re-introduce_a a_o spirit_n of_o life_n holiness_n zeal_n readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n conformity_n unto_o christ_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n in_o &_o among_o the_o church_n which_o profess_v the_o protestant_a religion_n he_o will_v ere_o long_o take_v away_o the_o hedge_n of_o his_o protect_a providence_n which_o now_o for_o some_o age_n he_o have_v keep_v about_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o for_o a_o spoil_n unto_o their_o enemy_n so_o he_o threaten_v to_o do_v in_o the_o like_a case_n isai._n 5._o 5_o 6._o such_o be_v the_o state_n describe_v 2_o tim._n ●_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o 3._o open_v contempt_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o divine_a operation_n be_v another_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o dreadful_a abide_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o who_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v he_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n neither_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v mat._n 12._o 32._o that_o be_v those_o who_o persist_v in_o oppose_v or_o reproach_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o dispensation_n and_o operation_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v not_o escape_v vengeance_n and_o punishment_n even_o in_o this_o world_n for_o so_o it_o befall_v that_o generation_n unto_o who_o he_o speak_v for_o continue_v to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n wrath_n at_o length_n come_v upon_o they_o even_o in_o this_o world_n unto_o the_o utmost_a which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n now_o scarce_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v do_v this_o iniquity_n more_o abound_v than_o it_o do_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o for_o not_o only_o be_v the_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o some_o deny_v and_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o preach_n and_o write_v of_o many_o be_v to_o oppose_v all_o his_o peculiar_a operation_n but_o they_o be_v all_o make_v a_o scoff_n a_o derision_n and_o a_o reproach_n open_o and_o on_o all_o occasion_n every_o day_n especial_o as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n and_o supplication_n he_o be_v the_o object_n of_o multiply_v sober_a blasphemy_n this_o iniquity_n will_v be_v revenge_v 4._o the_o abound_v of_o uncleanness_n which_o have_v break_v forth_o from_o a_o corrupt_a fountain_n have_v overspread_v the_o land_n like_o a_o deluge_n these_o sin_n i_o say_v among_o other_o have_v such_o a_o predominancy_n among_o we_o as_o to_o threaten_v perish_v without_o repentance_n second_o it_o be_v require_v that_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o person_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o some_o of_o these_o provoke_a sin_n for_o destruction_n be_v threaten_v unto_o all_o you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v all_o not_o universal_o pro_fw-la singulis_fw-la generum_fw-la but_o general_o pro_fw-la generibus_fw-la singulorum_fw-la therefore_o all_o must_v be_v some_o way_n guilty_a of_o they_o and_o this_o they_o may_v be_v three_o way_n 1._o personal_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n life_n and_o practice_n which_o include_v a_o great_a multitude_n 2._o by_o not_o hinder_v and_o prevent_v these_o sin_n in_o other_o so_o far_o as_o their_o duty_n lead_v and_o their_o power_n enable_v they_o unto_o what_o number_n of_o magistrate_n of_o minister_n of_o parent_n of_o master_n of_o family_n be_v comprise_v herein_o be_v evident_a unto_o all_o especial_o minister_n see_v mal._n 2_o 7_o 8._o jer._n 23._o 14_o 15._o 3._o by_o not_o mourn_v for_o what_o they_o can_v help_v or_o remedy_n for_o it_o be_v such_o alone_a as_o shall_v be_v exempt_v from_o public_a calamity_n ezek._n 9_o and_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n take_v we_o in_o all_o and_o the_o due_a consideration_n hereof_o
saviour_n see_v rev._n 6._o 13_o 14._o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n be_v as_o it_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o tremble_a disorder_n upon_o the_o approach_n of_o god_n in_o his_o wrath_n and_o fury_n and_o put_v itself_o forth_o in_o extraordinary_a sign_n of_o its_o astonishment_n tremble_v for_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o call_v on_o they_o to_o repent_v before_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o terrible_a one_o do_v seize_v upon_o they_o so_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o sea_n and_o river_n mountain_n and_o hill_n be_v represent_v as_o mourning_n shake_a tremble_a at_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n when_o he_o come_v to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n see_v hab_fw-mi 3._o 6._o 7_o 8_o 10_o he_o drive_v asunder_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o everlasting_a mountain_n be_v scatter_v the_o perpetual_a hill_n do_v bow_v be_v the_o lord_n displease_v against_o thy_o river_n be_v thy_o anger_n against_o thy_o river_n be_v thy_o wrath_n against_o the_o sea_n the_o mountain_n see_v thou_o and_o they_o tremble_v the_o overflow_a of_o the_o water_n pass_v by_o the_o deep_a utter_v his_o voice_n and_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n on_o high_a the_o mountain_n hill_n sea_n river_n bow_v tremble_v and_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n as_o cry_v for_o compassion_n see_v psal._n 97._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o by_o these_o sign_n and_o token_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v god_n give_v warning_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judge_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n god_n do_v not_o work_v these_o strange_a thing_n in_o heaven_n above_o and_o the_o earth_n beneath_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v gaze_v at_o only_a and_o make_v a_o matter_n of_o talk_n not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v subject_n of_o some_o man_n curiosity_n and_o of_o the_o scorn_n of_o other_o there_o be_v a_o voice_n in_o they_o all_o a_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o their_o hurt_n by_o who_o it_o be_v not_o hear_v and_o understand_v 3._o he_o do_v the_o same_o constant_o by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n ordinary_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n be_v full_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n god_n have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n so_o as_o that_o no_o work_v of_o providence_n shall_v be_v unsuit_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n much_o less_o contrary_a to_o it_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v wise_a to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o unto_o present_a affair_n and_o occasion_n we_o shall_v in_o most_o instance_n know_v in_o general_n what_o god_n be_v do_v of_o old_a it_o be_v say_v sure_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o judgement_n but_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3._o 7._o what_o they_o have_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n we_o may_v have_v in_o a_o measure_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o declaration_n which_o god_n have_v make_v therein_o how_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o a_o sinful_a provoke_a people_n so_o have_v threaten_v various_a sort_n of_o judgement_n the_o prophet_n add_v search_v you_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o read_v no_o one_o of_o these_o shall_v fail_v isai._n 34._o 16._o that_o this_o great_a mean_n of_o divine_a warning_n may_v be_v useful_a unto_o we_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o stable_n rule_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v sin_n repentance_n impenitence_n and_o judgement_n such_o rule_n abound_v in_o it_o and_o no_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n shall_v interfere_v with_o they_o god_n will_v no_o give_v such_o a_o temptation_n unto_o faith_n that_o any_o of_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v contradiction_n unto_o his_o word_n and_o if_o we_o will_v learn_v our_o present_a condition_n from_o these_o rule_n it_o will_v be_v a_o antidote_n against_o security_n 2._o consider_v the_o instance_n record_v therein_o of_o god_n deal_n with_o sinful_a provoke_a nation_n and_o church_n this_o god_n himself_o direct_v the_o people_n of_o old_a unto_o when_o they_o boast_v of_o their_o church-priviledge_n send_v they_o to_o shiloh_n which_o he_o have_v destroy_v and_o when_o we_o find_v a_o record_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o severity_n towards_o any_o nation_n in_o our_o circumstance_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v deal_v so_o with_o we_o also_o in_o his_o time_n unless_o we_o repent_v 3._o always_o bear_v in_o mind_n our_o infallible_a guidance_n as_o unto_o god_n final_a deal_n with_o impenitent_a sinner_n this_o the_o whole_a scripture_n constant_o equal_o universal_o witness_n unto_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v eternal_a destruction_n and_o this_o will_v preserve_v we_o from_o distract_n surprisal_n when_o we_o find_v thing_n fall_v out_o beyond_o our_o expectation_n in_o a_o way_n of_o severity_n 4._o consider_v those_o sign_n mark_n and_o token_n of_o approach_v judgement_n which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n which_o whoso_o do_v wise_o consider_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v in_o his_o prognostication_n of_o future_a event_n among_o these_o abound_v in_o sin_n with_o security_n in_o such_o person_n nation_n city_n and_o church_n as_o god_n be_v please_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o take_v near_o unto_o himself_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_a for_o those_o sign_n be_v buoys_n fix_v to_o show_v when_o we_o shall_v certain_o make_v shipwreck_n if_o we_o approach_v unto_o they_o when_o these_o rule_n be_v observe_v when_o they_o be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o and_o comply_v withal_o so_o as_o that_o we_o receive_v instruction_n from_o they_o i_o shall_v say_v with_o some_o confidence_n that_o every_o believer_n shall_v know_v what_o god_n be_v do_v in_o a_o way_n of_o judgement_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a unto_o his_o guidance_n in_o his_o own_o duty_n wherein_o he_o shall_v find_v acceptance_n and_o not_o provoke_v god_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o 5._o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n but_o neither_o be_v yet_o this_o work_n of_o give_v warning_n of_o approach_a judgement_n exempt_v from_o that_o office_n and_o duty_n christ_n himself_o in_o his_o ministry_n preach_v here_o on_o this_o subject_a they_o be_v watchman_n and_o overseer_n and_o their_o duty_n herein_o be_v graphical_o express_v ezek._n 34._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o when_o god_n place_v any_o as_o a_o watchman_n for_o a_o people_n one_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v to_o look_v diligent_o after_o the_o approach_n of_o danger_n and_o evil_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o come_v on_o the_o account_n of_o sin_n and_o thereon_o to_o awaken_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o take_v care_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o destroy_v the_o shepherd_n be_v not_o only_o to_o provide_v good_a pasture_n for_o his_o sheep_n but_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o danger_n the_o watchman_n hearken_v diligent_o with_o much_o heed_n and_o he_o cry_v a_o lion_n isai._n 21_o 7_o 8_o have_v make_v a_o discovery_n of_o approach_a danger_n he_o cry_v out_o to_o the_o people_n to_o warn_v they_o of_o it_o but_o if_o the_o watchman_n be_v slothful_a and_o sleepy_a if_o they_o be_v dumb_a dog_n and_o can_v bark_v when_o evil_a come_v if_o they_o be_v light_n and_o treacherous_a person_n blind_a guide_n that_o have_v no_o vision_n if_o they_o also_o be_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n and_o security_n so_o as_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o warn_v by_o they_o of_o their_o danger_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o severe_a token_n of_o wrath_n approach_v it_o be_v a_o great_a warning_n when_o god_n take_v away_o the_o mean_n of_o warning_n when_o he_o say_v unto_o a_o people_n i_o will_v warn_v you_o no_o more_o by_o give_v they_o such_o watchman_n as_o be_v neither_o faithful_a nor_o able_a to_o warn_v 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he_o threaten_v isai._n 51._o 8._o hosea_n 5._o 12._o somewhat_o that_o shall_v eat_v up_o and_o devour_v the_o strength_n and_o sinew_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o a_o nation_n as_o a_o moth_n devour_v a_o garment_n whilst_o it_o lie_v still_o it_o seem_v it_o may_v be_v to_o be_v sound_a and_o firm_a hold_v it_o up_o to_o the_o light_n and_o it_o appear_v full_a of_o hole_n and_o be_v easy_o tear_v with_o the_o finger_n so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o nation_n whatever_o outward_a peace_n it_o seem_v to_o enjoy_v when_o it_o be_v decay_v in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n of_o its_o counsel_n it_o be_v easy_o tear_v in_o piece_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o send_v the_o hornet_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n exod._n 23._o 28_o deut._n 7._o 20._o that_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v vex_v disquiet_a and_o torment_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v ready_a every_o one_o to_o strike_v himself_o or_o the_o next_o that_o he_o meet_v withal_o as_o many_o of_o these_o hornet_n be_v at_o present_a among_o we_o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o way_n whereby_o god_n warn_v a_o people_n church_n or_o nation_n of_o approach_a judgement_n it_o concern_v we_o now_o to_o inquire_v how_o it_o be_v how_o it_o have_v be_v with_o we_o with_o reference_n hereunto_o and_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v use_v all_o these_o way_n of_o warn_v of_o a_o sinful_a people_n of_o approach_a desolation_n if_o not_o prevent_v by_o repentance_n it_o be_v enough_o unto_o the_o end_v of_o this_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n if_o he_o make_v use_v of_o some_o of_o they_o or_o of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n wherefore_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v want_v among_o we_o yet_o if_o we_o have_v have_v other_o of_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v we_o excusable_a if_o we_o repent_v not_o but_o 2_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o have_v upon_o the_o matter_n have_v they_o all_o and_o they_o have_v abound_v among_o we_o we_o have_v have_v the_o previous_a judgement_n of_o plague_n fire_n and_o war._n some_o may_v say_v they_o be_v desolate_v judgement_n themselves_o and_o so_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o whereas_o sin_n still_o abound_v and_o no_o reformation_n ensue_v upon_o they_o in_o any_o place_n among_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n they_o be_v but_o warning_n of_o what_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v if_o not_o prevent_v and_o their_o language_n be_v except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v we_o have_v have_v a_o multiplication_n of_o sign_n in_o the_o heaven_n above_o and_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o such_o as_o all_o mankind_n have_v ever_o esteem_v forerunner_n of_o public_a calamity_n and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v despise_v the_o loud_a be_v their_o voice_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n god_n have_v continue_v hitherto_o his_o word_n among_o we_o wherein_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v open_o declare_v and_o if_o those_o unto_o who_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v have_v not_o faithful_o warn_v the_o people_n of_o their_o danger_n their_o blood_n may_v be_v find_v at_o their_o door_n herein_o at_o present_a lie_v our_o great_a strength_n the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o other_o call_v of_o god_n unto_o repentance_n depend_v much_o on_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n but_o whilst_o by_o some_o this_o work_n be_v despise_v at_o least_o count_v unnecessary_a by_o some_o it_o be_v neglect_v utter_o and_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o private_a capacity_n whereby_o they_o be_v disenable_v to_o speak_v unto_o magistrate_n city_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o people_n think_v not_o themselves_o concern_v therein_o it_o be_v almost_o whole_o lay_v aside_o for_o what_o will_v some_o say_v do_v this_o speak_n unto_o a_o few_o in_o a_o retirement_n signify_v as_o unto_o a_o general_n reformation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n but_o whereas_o we_o have_v all_o sin_v in_o one_o measure_n church_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o more_o strict_a professor_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v every_o one_o duty_n to_o be_v press_v these_o warning_n of_o god_n within_o his_o own_o bound_n and_o precinct_n and_o if_o each_o of_o we_o shall_v prevail_v but_o with_o one_o to_o return_v effectual_o to_o god_n it_o will_v be_v accept_v with_o he_o who_o in_o such_o a_o season_n seek_v for_o a_o man_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o will_v save_v a_o city_n for_o the_o sake_n for_o ten_o if_o they_o be_v find_v therein_o let_v we_o not_o pretend_v that_o the_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n call_v for_o respect_v the_o public_a enormous_a sin_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o atheism_n profaneness_n sensuality_n luxury_n pride_n oppression_n hatred_n of_o the_o truth_n contempt_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o like_a they_o do_v so_o indeed_o but_o not_o only_o they_o respect_v also_o the_o decay_n in_o faith_n love_n zeal_n with_o love_n of_o the_o world_n conformity_n unto_o it_o lukewarmness_n that_o be_v find_v among_o the_o most_o eminent_a professor_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v our_o present_a wound_n here_o lie_v our_o weakness_n namely_o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o quick_a active_a zealous_a ministry_n to_o call_v and_o stir_v up_o magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o effectual_a repentance_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n unless_o this_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o i_o fear_v we_o can_v be_v save_v if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o if_o we_o have_v a_o ministry_n that_o real_o do_v attend_v unto_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o beg_v their_o pardon_n for_o other_o apprehension_n but_o then_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o the_o most_o pregnant_a sign_n of_o approach_a destruction_n see_v it_o be_v apparent_a unto_o all_o that_o their_o endeavour_n have_v neither_o fruit_n nor_o success_n so_o far_o have_v we_o proceed_v with_o our_o proposition_n namely_o that_o sin_n abound_v among_o we_o that_o judgement_n be_v approach_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o manifold_a warning_n of_o their_o so_o do_v 4._o that_o which_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v unto_o be_v the_o equity_n of_o this_o divine_a constitution_n that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n rule_n and_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n repentance_n and_o reformation_n shall_v turn_v away_o impendent_a judgement_n and_o procure_v unto_o a_o people_n a_o bless_a deliverance_n and_o nothing_o else_o shall_v do_v it_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v perish_v that_o upon_o repentance_n they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o deliver_v be_v intend_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n this_o be_v the_o unalterable_a law_n of_o divine_a providence_n this_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o nothing_o else_o shall_v so_o do_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o do_v it_o fast_v and_o prayer_n whilst_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n shall_v not_o do_v it_o repentance_n alone_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o deliverance_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n upon_o this_o rule_n do_v god_n vindicate_v the_o equity_n of_o his_o way_n against_o repine_v israel_n ezek._n 18._o 29_o 30_o 31._o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o just_a and_o equal_a ruin_n and_o utter_a desolation_n be_v ready_a to_o fall_v upon_o the_o whole_a people_n this_o you_o have_v deserve_v by_o your_o iniquity_n and_o multiply_v provocation_n in_o strict_a justice_n they_o ought_v immediate_o to_o come_v upon_o you_o but_o my_o way_n be_v equal_a i_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o you_o in_o a_o way_n of_o strict_a justice_n i_o will_v do_v it_o in_o equity_n which_o be_v a_o meet_a temperature_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o this_o i_o make_v evident_a unto_o you_o herein_o in_o that_o whilst_o the_o execution_n of_o judgement_n be_v only_o threaten_v and_o suspend_v if_o you_o make_v unto_o yourselves_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n in_o sincere_a repentance_n if_o you_o cast_v away_o all_o your_o transgression_n by_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n of_o your_o life_n iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n what_o can_v be_v more_o just_a righteous_a and_o equal_a who_o can_v complain_v if_o after_o all_o this_o evil_a do_v overtake_v you_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o escape_v the_o same_o he_o plead_v again_o chap._n 33._o 10_o 11._o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n that_o this_o divine_a constitution_n namely_o that_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n shall_v save_v a_o church_n people_n or_o nation_n in_o the_o state_n before_o describe_v and_o that_o nothing_o else_o shall_v do_v so_o however_o man_n may_v please_v and_o pride_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o imagination_n be_v equal_a just_a and_o good_a
which_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n both_o by_o nature_n and_o by_o incurable_a prejudices_fw-la be_v incline_v unto_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o fatal_a negligence_n when_o they_o see_v all_o thing_n amiss_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o reformation_n necessary_a but_o that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o other_o and_o not_o for_o they_o those_o that_o be_v worse_o than_o they_o as_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o do_v not_o think_v on_o one_o pretence_n or_o other_o that_o there_o be_v many_o worse_a than_o themselves_o they_o suppose_v this_o duty_n be_v necessary_a unto_o but_o not_o unto_o they_o and_o if_o there_o be_v none_o visible_o so_o yet_o they_o will_v make_v they_o and_o judge_v they_o so_o to_o be_v but_o whilst_o man_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o they_o will_v justify_v themselves_o from_o all_o need_n of_o reformation_n church_n will_v do_v so_o and_o all_o sort_n of_o professor_n of_o religion_n will_v do_v so_o especial_o if_o they_o have_v any_o peculiar_a notion_n or_o practice_n which_o they_o value_v themselves_o upon_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a jer._n 7._o 6_o 7._o and_o with_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 9_o 40._o it_o be_v so_o at_o this_o day_n and_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o meet_v with_o any_o who_o will_v own_v themselves_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o real_a laborious_a reformation_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o no_o church_n will_v ever_o reform_v themselves_o which_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o division_n and_o separation_n whereby_o some_o have_v be_v save_v from_o a_o general_a apostasy_n they_o all_o approve_v themselves_o in_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n which_o be_v come_v to_o that_o height_n in_o the_o papal_a church_n that_o they_o boast_v themselves_o infallible_a and_o not_o capable_a of_o reformation_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o pray_v god_n secure_v other_o from_o the_o like_a presumption_n it_o will_v be_v their_o ruin_n by_o who_o they_o be_v entertain_v yet_o so_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n most_o church_n think_v they_o need_v more_o revenue_n more_o honour_n more_o freedom_n from_o opposition_n more_o submission_n of_o all_o man_n unto_o they_o but_o they_o almost_o abhor_v the_o thought_n that_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o reformation_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o render_v it_o difficult_a for_o it_o require_v a_o general_a change_n of_o the_o course_n wherein_o man_n have_v be_v engage_v a_o thing_n as_o difficult_a as_o to_o cause_v the_o stream_n of_o a_o mighty_a river_n to_o change_v their_o course_n and_o run_v backward_o vicious_a habit_n must_v be_v subdue_v inclination_n revete_v in_o the_o mind_n by_o long_a practice_n and_o custom_n be_v cast_v out_o way_n of_o conversation_n promote_v and_o strengthen_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n change_v which_o render_v the_o work_n unto_o some_o man_n impossible_a so_o the_o prophet_n declare_v it_o jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v to_o evil._n man_n can_v easy_o unlearn_v what_o they_o have_v be_v so_o teach_v or_o accustom_v unto_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n both_z as_o unto_o individual_a person_n and_o whole_a society_n be_v require_v unto_o this_o change_n so_o it_o may_v be_v wrought_v and_o not_o otherwise_o isa._n 11._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 3._o the_o advantage_n which_o many_o make_v unto_o themselves_o by_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o thing_n and_o fear_v of_o alteration_n by_o reformation_n be_v a_o mountain_n in_o the_o way_n a_o mighty_a obstacle_n against_o entertain_v serious_a thought_n about_o it_o 4._o the_o scripture_n most_o frequent_o cast_v the_o cause_n hereof_o on_o man_n security_n in_o their_o earthly_a enjoyment_n this_o keep_v they_o safe_a from_o hear_v god_n call_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o warn_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o constant_a forerunner_n of_o all_o desolate_v judgement_n it_o be_v at_o large_a insist_v upon_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o matth._n 24._o 3●_n ●8_o 〈◊〉_d 17._o 26._o now_o this_o security_n be_v like_o the_o disease_n in_o the_o body_n which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o scurvy_a it_o be_v not_o any_o single_a distemper_n or_o disease_n but_o a_o complication_n or_o concurrence_n of_o many_o prevalent_a distemper_n security_n be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o any_o one_o vicious_a habit_n or_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o it_o be_v a_o concurrent_a complication_n of_o many_o spiritual_a stupidity_n and_o sloth_n call_v a_o spi●●t_n of_o slumber_v love_n of_o the_o world_n carnal_a wisdom_n groundless_a hope_n of_o life_n all_o proceed_v from_o unbelief_n do_v concur_v in_o its_o constitution_n and_o if_o a_o practice_n in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n have_v for_o some_o season_n ensue_v on_o these_o principle_n whereby_o conscience_n come_v to_o be_v sear_v or_o be_v make_v senseless_a the_o case_n of_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n remediless_a and_o not_o a_o few_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v among_o we_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n there_o be_v render_v this_o work_n full_a of_o difficulty_n though_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a so_o just_a and_o equal_a as_o for_o those_o by_o who_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v despise_v and_o even_o scoff_v at_o something_o shall_v be_v speak_v afterward_o unto_o they_o or_o concern_v they_o but_o yet_o this_o consideration_n ought_v not_o to_o deter_v any_o from_o endeavour_v the_o discharge_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n herein_o for_o as_o we_o have_v see_v it_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a that_o we_o and_o the_o nation_n may_v be_v save_v from_o desolate_v judgement_n so_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o difficulty_n may_v be_v surmount_v and_o those_o obstacle_n remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n however_o happy_a will_v they_o be_v be_v they_o ever_o so_o few_o never_o so_o poor_a never_o so_o unknown_a to_o the_o world_n who_o god_n shall_v find_v so_o do_v when_o he_o arise_v out_o of_o his_o place_n to_o shake_v the_o earth_n terrible_o vi_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o bring_v all_o thing_n near_a home_n inquire_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n which_o at_o this_o time_n god_n require_v of_o we_o all_o that_o we_o may_v not_o perish_v in_o his_o sore_a displeasure_n after_o a_o devastation_n make_v of_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n by_o sundry_a tyrant_n successive_o vespasian_n come_v to_o the_o government_n acquaint_v the_o senate_n that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o so_o many_o million_o of_o money_n that_o the_o empire_n may_v stand_v not_o that_o it_o may_v flourish_v and_o grow_v vigorous_a whereunto_o much_o more_o be_v require_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o dissolution_n and_o ruin_n and_o i_o shall_v propose_v not_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o render_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o nation_n orderly_o beautiful_a and_o vigorous_a but_o only_o what_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o may_v stand_v and_o live_v by_o a_o deliverance_n from_o desolate_v judgement_n and_o 1._o the_o repentance_n which_o in_o any_o case_n god_n require_v absolute_o be_v that_o which_o be_v internal_a and_o real_a in_o sincere_a conversion_n unto_o himself_o accompany_v with_o fruit_n meet_v for_o such_o repentance_n so_o be_v it_o declare_v ezek._n 18._o 30_o 31_o therefore_o i_o will_v judge_v you_o o_o house_n of_o israel_n every_o one_o according_a unto_o his_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n cast_v away_o from_o you_o all_o your_o transgression_n whereby_o you_o have_v transgress_v and_o make_v you_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n or_o real_a internal_a conversion_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v require_v in_o this_o repentance_n as_o the_o renunciation_n and_o relinquishment_n of_o all_o iniquity_n must_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o so_o also_o be_v it_o express_v isai._n 1._o 16_o 17._o internal_a purification_n of_o the_o heart_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o universal_a obedience_n and_o abstinence_n of_o all_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o god_n require_v this_o be_v that_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n on_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o he_o threaten_v the_o people_n with_o final_a excision_n which_o according_o not_o long_o after_o befall_v they_o mat._n 3._o 8_o 9_o 10._o
repentance_n be_v require_v of_o all_o if_o we_o will_v not_o perish_v it_o be_v so_o of_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n of_o noble_n and_o common_a people_n in_o city_n and_o country_n and_o that_o to_o be_v evidence_v by_o its_o fruit_n so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o we_o see_v you_o not_o how_o they_o humble_v themselves_o but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o some_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v it_o seem_v if_o all_o do_v not_o set_v their_o heart_n and_o hand_n unto_o this_o work_n if_o all_o sort_n do_v not_o engage_v in_o it_o there_o be_v no_o good_a effect_n to_o be_v hope_v or_o look_v for_o but_o when_o shall_v we_o see_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o shall_v we_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o this_o nation_n cordial_o to_o go_v about_o this_o work_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n as_o good_a therefore_o let_v it_o alone_o as_o go_v about_o to_o attempt_v it_o i_o answer_v 1._o if_o you_o can_v be_v content_a to_o perish_v with_o the_o impenitent_a and_o unreformed_a you_o may_v choose_v to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v if_o you_o will_v avoid_v their_o punishment_n you_o must_v avoid_v their_o sin_n especial_o their_o refusal_n to_o turn_v on_o the_o call_v of_o god_n 2._o some_o must_v begin_v this_o work_n and_o be_v exemplary_a unto_o other_o and_o bless_v be_v they_o of_o the_o lord_n who_o shall_v receive_v the_o grace_n and_o honour_n so_o to_o do_v let_v we_o not_o then_o sit_v look_v on_o other_o to_o see_v what_o they_o will_v do_v but_o immediate_o engage_v unto_o our_o own_o duty_n 3._o the_o duty_n herein_o of_o no_o one_o private_a person_n much_o less_o of_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v lose_v though_o the_o nation_n shall_v not_o be_v reform_v in_o general_n for_o 1_o they_o shall_v deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o save_v as_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n from_o somewhat_o of_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o a_o public_a calamity_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v from_o all_o the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n in_o it_o 2._o a_o few_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v one_o man_n may_v sometime_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o the_o suspending_a at_o least_o of_o judgement_n threaten_v unto_o a_o whole_a nation_n and_o hereby_o 3._o they_o shall_v give_v unto_o other_o a_o far_a season_n of_o repentance_n which_o god_n can_v bless_v and_o make_v effectual_a unto_o they_o there_o be_v therefore_o bless_a encouragement_n unto_o all_o church_n unto_o all_o individual_a person_n to_o endeavour_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o present_a call_n of_o god_n though_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o be_v gather_v vii_o our_o next_o enquiry_n be_v whence_o or_o from_o what_o cause_n such_o a_o reformation_n may_v be_v expect_v as_o may_v be_v useful_a unto_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o impendent_a judgement_n and_o these_o cause_n be_v either_o supreme_a or_o subordinate_a the_o supreme_a cause_n hereof_o must_v be_v the_o sovereign_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o fresh_a effusion_n of_o his_o spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o turn_v they_o unto_o himself_o without_o this_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a this_o be_v every_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n attest_v unto_o as_o the_o only_a supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o unto_o that_o state_n be_v thing_n come_v to_o among_o we_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o in_o a_o somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n our_o breach_n can_v be_v heal_v whether_o we_o have_v ground_n or_o no_o to_o expect_v any_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v afterward_o consider_v at_o present_v there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o other_o hope_n of_o it_o but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v a_o sovereign_a act_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o have_v be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a there_o seem_v indeed_o rather_o as_o yet_o to_o be_v a_o withdraw_a draw_v of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o effectual_o prevalent_a grace_n on_o the_o part_n of_o god_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o they_o on_o the_o part_n of_o man_n but_o sovereignty_n can_v conquer_v all_o obstacle_n this_o way_n do_v god_n heal_v and_o recover_v his_o church_n of_o old_a when_o all_o other_o mean_n all_o mercy_n affliction_n and_o judgement_n fail_v ezek._n 36._o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o and_o it_o may_v at_o present_a be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n that_o this_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v so_o disregard_v by_o the_o most_o so_o despise_v by_o many_o and_o so_o little_o cry_v for_o by_o the_o residue_n but_o without_o it_o in_o vain_a shall_v we_o use_v any_o other_o remedy_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v heal_v it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a projection_n of_o man_n for_o reformation_n by_o this_o or_o that_o order_n or_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o church_n or_o state_n that_o without_o this_o will_v be_v of_o advantage_n unto_o we_o the_o subordinate_a cause_n hereof_o must_v be_v the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n i_o shall_v but_o name_v these_o thing_n that_o i_o give_v no_o place_n to_o complaint_n or_o indignation_n though_o just_a and_o almost_o necessary_a and_o first_o as_o unto_o the_o furtherance_n of_o it_o by_o magistrate_n it_o must_v consist_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o by_o evidence_v that_o the_o promotion_n of_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n unless_o it_o be_v understand_v so_o to_o be_v whatever_o else_o they_o do_v in_o the_o countenance_n of_o it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n nor_o advantage_n for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o generality_n will_v conform_v unto_o or_o comply_v with_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o understand_v that_o reformation_n be_v what_o they_o desire_v what_o they_o design_v what_o they_o place_v their_o chief_n interest_n in_o as_o it_o be_v with_o david_n hezekiah_n josiah_n and_o other_o it_o will_v have_v a_o influence_n on_o the_o people_n not_o inferior_a unto_o what_o the_o design_n of_o jeroboam_n in_o pursuit_n of_o his_o corrupt_a interest_n have_v on_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o sin_n all_o other_o mean_n be_v dead_a unless_o they_o be_v enliven_v by_o a_o evidence_n of_o reality_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o magistrate_n and_o a_o high_a concernment_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o their_o work_n let_v they_o make_v what_o law_n and_o order_n they_o please_v appoint_v what_o outward_a mean_n they_o can_v devise_v unless_o it_o be_v make_v uncontrollable_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v their_o cordial_a design_n and_o what_o they_o place_v their_o chief_a interest_n in_o they_o will_v not_o be_v available_a add_v hereunto_o 2._o the_o due_a execution_n of_o law_n against_o flagitious_a immorality_n and_o 3._o a_o encourage_v example_n in_o their_o own_o person_n without_o which_o all_o thing_n will_v grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o whatever_o else_o be_v do_v man_n seem_v to_o be_v weary_a in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o dismal_a effect_n of_o sin_n but_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o sin_n unto_o this_o weariness_n they_o yet_o want_v motive_n encouragement_n and_o example_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a unto_o i_o that_o in_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o danger_n in_o the_o division_n of_o our_o counsel_n and_o confusion_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n under_o a_o high_a profession_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o that_o this_o only_a expedient_a for_o our_o relief_n and_o safety_n lie_v whole_o neglect_v as_o unto_o minister_n the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o preach_v prayer_n and_o example_n be_v require_v hereunto_o shall_v i_o stay_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n hereof_o at_o this_o season_n as_o also_o what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o what_o care_n what_o diligence_n what_o watchfulness_n what_o compassion_n what_o zeal_n what_o exercise_n of_o all_o gospel-grace_n with_o the_o over-neglect_a of_o these_o thing_n among_o many_o it_o will_v take_v up_o a_o volume_n rather_o than_o become_v a_o place_n in_o this_o present_a enquiry_n but_o i_o proceed_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v more_o our_o immediate_a concernment_n wherefore_o viii_o what_o if_o all_o these_o mean_n do_v fail_v what_o if_o all_o expectation_n from_o they_o be_v in_o vain_a what_o be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o in_o particular_a who_o be_v real_o sensible_a of_o these_o thing_n namely_o of_o the_o abound_a of_o provoke_a sin_n and_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o deserve_a judgement_n that_o which_o i_o design_v herein_o be_v to_o give_v some_o direction_n as_o unto_o what_o frame_n of_o heart_n ought_v to_o be_v find_v in_o we_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o duty_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v find_v in_o at_o such_o
be_v a_o plot_n and_o some_o say_v there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o occasion_n and_o will_v not_o be_v divert_v from_o they_o unto_o any_o serious_a regard_n of_o god_n in_o his_o present_a dispensation_n like_o the_o wild_a ass_n in_o her_o occasion_n who_o can_v turn_v she_o away_o jer._n 1._o 24._o of_o this_o frame_n the_o prophet_n complain_v as_o that_o which_o god_n will_v sure_o avenge_v isa._n 26._o 11._o lord_n when_o thy_o hand_n be_v lift_v up_o they_o will_v not_o see_v but_o they_o shall_v see_v and_o be_v ashamed_a for_o their_o envy_n at_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o fire_n of_o thy_o enemy_n shall_v devour_v they_o other_o look_v on_o all_o thing_n in_o another_o light_n and_o under_o another_o notion_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v part_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o punishment_n in_o this_o nation_n a_o evident_a fruit_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n that_o we_o be_v divide_v into_o design_v party_n the_o one_o seek_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o other_o they_o consider_v all_o providence_n as_o relate_v unto_o such_o difference_n this_o give_v they_o a_o zealous_a concernment_n in_o they_o and_o continue_a talk_n about_o they_o but_o the_o will_n work_v and_o design_n of_o god_n in_o they_o be_v not_o lay_v to_o heart_n some_o be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o their_o present_a advantage_n in_o promotion_n dignity_n and_o wealth_n as_o their_o interest_n that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n whatever_o warning_n be_v portend_v of_o approach_a judgement_n they_o look_v on_o they_o as_o the_o threaten_n of_o such_o as_o have_v ill_o will_v against_o they_o and_o will_v have_v these_o thing_n to_o portend_v their_o trouble_n gild_n make_v they_o fearful_a and_o sensible_a and_o they_o think_v it_o best_o to_o hide_v those_o thing_n from_o themselves_o which_o if_o they_o be_v so_o they_o can_v remedy_v to_o free_v we_o from_o this_o miscarriage_n also_o this_o unanswerableness_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o present_a dispensation_n we_o may_v consider_v 1._o that_o a_o deep_a consideration_n of_o and_o enquiry_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o season_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v our_o sin_n to_o neglect_v it_o and_o that_o attend_v with_o many_o aggravation_n it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v attend_v unto_o or_o omit_v as_o it_o seem_v convenient_a but_o it_o be_v require_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o we_o without_o which_o we_o can_v glorify_v god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n he_o that_o be_v not_o daily_o exercise_v with_o prevalent_a thought_n about_o the_o present_a way_n of_o god_n in_o the_o approach_n of_o his_o judgement_n life_n in_o such_o a_o neglect_n of_o duty_n as_o will_v bring_v in_o a_o negligence_n and_o coldness_n in_o all_o other_o duty_n whatsoever_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o when_o god_n call_v unto_o any_o especial_a duty_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n or_o manner_n in_o any_o season_n those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v neglect_v be_v real_o cold_a formal_a and_o negligent_a in_o all_o other_o ordinary_a duty_n whatever_o that_o grace_n which_o will_v not_o be_v excite_v unto_o especial_a duty_n on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n be_v very_o lifeless_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o best_a note_n to_o try_v if_o not_o the_o truth_n yet_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v in_o its_o vigour_n and_o due_a exercise_n it_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v ready_a inclinable_a and_o dispose_v unto_o all_o intimation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n as_o speak_v the_o psalmist_n thou_o shall_v guide_v i_o by_o thy_o eye_n and_o lead_v i_o with_o thy_o counsel_n he_o attend_v to_o each_o look_v and_o guidance_n of_o divine_a providence_n to_o company_n with_o it_o when_o other_o must_v be_v force_v with_o strong_a curb_v and_o bridle_n like_o the_o horse_n and_o mule_n 2._o it_o be_v such_o a_o duty_n as_o whereunto_o real_a wisdom_n and_o diligence_n be_v require_v we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o use_v our_o wisdom_n about_o other_o thing_n our_o own_o affair_n but_o in_o this_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n shall_v see_v thy_o name_n micah_n 6._o 9_o ordinary_a slight_a and_o transient_a thought_n will_v not_o answer_v this_o duty_n such_o all_o man_n that_o be_v sober_a can_v but_o have_v and_o their_o discourse_n be_v answerable_a thereunto_o but_o consideration_n with_o diligence_n and_o prudence_n be_v require_v of_o we_o let_v these_o testimony_n be_v consult_v to_o this_o purpose_n psal._n 65._o 9_o deut._n 12._o 10._o hos._n 4._o last_o psal._n 107._o 43._o prayer_n study_n and_o meditation_n be_v all_o diligent_o to_o be_v engage_v herein_o 2._o take_v heed_n of_o vain_a confidence_n man_n be_v apt_a in_o such_o season_n to_o fix_v on_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o wherewith_o they_o relieve_v and_o support_v themselves_o and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o this_o duty_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v require_v in_o they_o if_o you_o speak_v with_o any_o man_n almost_o you_o may_v with_o a_o little_a heed_n discover_v wherein_o his_o confidence_n do_v lie_v and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o trust_v unto_o but_o say_v the_o prophet_n unto_o such_o person_n the_o lord_n have_v reject_v thy_o confidence_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o prosper_v in_o they_o jer._n 2._o 37._o there_o be_v sundry_a sort_n of_o vain_a confidence_n wherewith_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o relieve_v their_o mind_n in_o such_o a_o season_n so_o as_o to_o countenance_v themselves_o in_o their_o security_n and_o a_o neglect_v of_o this_o especial_a duty_n two_o in_o particular_a i_o shall_v only_o mention_v as_o i_o do_v only_o name_v the_o head_n of_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v much_o enlarge_v i._o the_o first_o be_v some_o certain_a privilege_n whereon_o they_o trust_v for_o a_o exemption_n from_o common_a calamity_n they_o be_v the_o church_n they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o persecute_v by_o it_o and_o hence_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a reserve_n in_o their_o mind_n that_o indeed_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o trouble_n as_o other_o man_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a when_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o call_v thereon_o to_o repentance_n they_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o way_n and_o despise_v all_o divine_a warning_n on_o a_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o their_o church-priviledge_n they_o cry_v against_o the_o prophet_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o and_o no_o evil_a shall_v come_v nigh_o we_o jer._n 7._o 4._o and_o in_o confidence_n hereof_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n belong_v thereunto_o and_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n therein_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o all_o abominable_a immorality_n under_o a_o assurance_n of_o impunity_n by_o their_o privilege_n as_o the_o prophet_n upbraid_v they_o v_o 8._o 9_o behold_v you_o trust_v in_o lie_v word_n that_o can_v profit_v will_v you_o steal_v murder_n and_o commit_v adultery_n and_o swear_v false_o and_o burn_v incense_n unto_o baal_n and_o walk_v after_o other_o god_n who_o you_o know_v not_o and_o say_v you_o shall_v be_v deliver_v at_o this_o day_n all_o sort_n of_o man_n claim_v a_o refuge_n in_o their_o privilege_n those_o who_o design_n the_o ruin_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o of_o all_o true_a religion_n therein_o do_v it_o with_o confidence_n of_o success_n from_o hence_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n that_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v with_o they_o that_o all_o the_o privilege_n belong_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v they_o and_o so_o be_v the_o promise_v make_v unto_o it_o and_o such_o be_v the_o infatuate_a efficacy_n of_o their_o prejudicate_a peswasion_n herein_o that_o it_o have_v have_v two_o marvellous_a effect_n the_o one_o against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o other_o against_o the_o fundamental_a principal_n of_o religion_n for_o first_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o confidence_n they_o have_v engage_v into_o as_o vile_a immorality_n as_o ever_o be_v perpetrate_v under_o the_o sun_n murder_n persecution_n assassination_n die_v in_o falsehood_n with_o a_o general_a design_n to_o pursue_v the_o same_o way_n unto_o the_o utmost_a in_o the_o destruction_n of_o multitude_n of_o innocent_a person_n as_o they_o do_v former_o in_o ireland_n but_o what_o if_o they_o do_v all_o those_o abomination_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o church_n the_o
promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o be_v they_o and_o all_o they_o do_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n a_o principal_a tend_v direct_o to_o the_o vile_a atheism_n again_o although_o god_n in_o a_o marvellous_a yea_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n have_v discover_v and_o frustrate_v their_o hellish_a designs-and_a bring_v many_o of_o they_o into_o the_o pit_n they_o dig_v for_o other_o yet_o they_o will_v accept_v of_o no_o rebuke_n from_o god_n but_o go_v on_o in_o a_o obstinate_a presumption_n that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o shall_v prevail_v at_o last_o and_o that_o church_n which_o shall_v prevail_v by_o these_o mean_n no_o doubt_n they_o be_v some_o indeed_o pretend_v high_o to_o be_v the_o church_n but_o they_o lie_v claim_v so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v to_o no_o other_o advantage_n thereby_o but_o dignity_n and_o promotion_n and_o other_o also_o be_v apt_a to_o relieve_v themselves_o with_o this_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v have_v a_o especial_a interest_n in_o deliverance_n on_o that_o account_n and_o i_o say_v far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o weaken_v any_o persuasion_n of_o god_n especial_a regard_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o he_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n in_o the_o world_n let_v the_o world_n scoss_n at_o it_o whilst_o they_o please_v unto_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v these_o promise_v they_o ought_v to_o mix_v with_o faith_n and_o plead_v before_o god_n continual_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o accomplish_a towards_o they_o in_o the_o way_n and_o time_n of_o god_n appointment_n nor_o do_v any_o sort_n of_o dissent_v profession_n as_o they_o be_v call_v that_o i_o know_v of_o appropriate_v this_o right_a and_o privilege_n unto_o themselves_o unto_o the_o exclusion_n of_o other_o but_o extend_v it_o to_o all_o who_o be_v sincere_a believer_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v concern_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o if_o a_o apprehension_n or_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n or_o people_n of_o god_n do_v keep_v they_o off_o from_o that_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n which_o god_n call_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o confidence_n which_o god_n reject_v and_o in_o which_o they_o will_v not_o prosper_v i_o desire_v to_o ask_v of_o any_o have_v not_o the_o church_n sin_v have_v not_o prosessor_n sin_v be_v there_o not_o sin_n among_o we_o against_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n proper_a unto_o our_o state_n and_o according_a to_o our_o measure_n if_o it_o be_v so_o our_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n any_o of_o we_o if_o we_o be_v so_o unless_o we_o repent_v do_v only_o as_o unto_o these_o providential_a dispensation_n expose_v we_o unto_o his_o just_a severity_n for_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n it_o must_v begin_v at_o we_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o fail_a reserve_n i_o have_v observe_v much_o security_n to_o arise_v from_o hence_o and_o great_a negligence_n of_o know_a duty_n if_o you_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n you_o have_v the_o more_o need_n to_o tremble_v at_o his_o judgement_n and_o at_o the_o token_n of_o his_o displeasure_n especial_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v so_o with_o you_o at_o this_o day_n when_o god_n seem_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o river_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v hab._n 3._o 8._o those_o who_o shall_v send_v forth_o stream_n of_o refeshment_n unto_o the_o nation_n to_o i_o at_o present_a all_o thing_n appear_v in_o that_o condition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o reserve_v leave_v as_o unto_o public_a judgement_n but_o only_o in_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o be_v wait_v for_o in_o a_o way_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n as_o unto_o our_o privilege_n god_n speak_v unto_o we_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o people_n of_o old_a concern_v their_o ornament_n exod._n 33._o 5._o put_v they_o off_o that_o i_o may_v know_v to_o do_v unto_o you_o we_o be_v to_o lay_v aside_o our_o plea_n and_o pretence_n betake_v ourselves_o to_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o mercy_n alone_o 2._o another_o ground_n of_o vain_a confidence_n may_v be_v a_o unjust_a expectation_n of_o such_o a_o accomplishment_n of_o scripture-promises_a prophecy_n and_o prediction_n as_o be_v not_o applicable_a unto_o our_o present_a condition_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v such_o promise_n prophecy_n and_o prediction_n concern_v the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o church_n the_o ruin_n of_o its_o adversary_n the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o intend_a for_o although_o the_o most_o of_o that_o kind_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a interpretation_n and_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o all_o the_o elect_a in_o every_o age_n whatever_o be_v their_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v such_o also_o as_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o all_o its_o antichristian_a enemy_n with_o peace_n and_o glory_n ensue_v thereon_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o concern_v they_o we_o may_v observe_v sundry_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v not_o abuse_v they_o into_o vain_a groundless_a confidence_n in_o such_o a_o season_n this_o as_o be_v 1._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o firm_a faith_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n in_o their_o proper_a season_n the_o rule_n of_o they_o all_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n i_o the_o lord_n will_v hasten_v it_o in_o his_o time_n isai._n 60._o 22._o as_o it_o be_v also_o hab._n 2._o 2_o 3._o though_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v prolong_v and_o tarry_v beyond_o their_o proper_a season_n yet_o they_o have_v their_o fix_a and_o determinate_a time_n beyond_o which_o they_o shall_v not_o tarry_v and_o two_o thing_n i_o will_v offer_v on_o this_o occasion_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v their_o accomplishment_n but_o to_o be_v in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n about_o it_o for_o without_o this_o we_o shall_v want_v a_o great_a supportment_n of_o patient_a long-suffering_a in_o every_o time_n of_o trial._n and_o by_o this_o faith_n do_v we_o take_v in_o the_o power_n and_o comfort_n of_o thing_n promise_v thing_n not_o actual_o enjoy_v for_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o heb._n 11_o 1._o that_o which_o give_v a_o previous_a subsistence_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n as_o unto_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v exercise_v unto_o these_o thing_n do_v know_v what_o benefit_n they_o have_v by_o such_o a_o preception_n of_o they_o they_o be_v carry_v sometime_o by_o a_o way_n of_o believe_v into_o communion_n with_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o old_a world_n as_o they_o have_v with_o we_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o what_o we_o enjoy_v and_o into_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o hereafter_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o promise_n which_o may_v be_v yet_o afar_o off_o 2._o this_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v most_o firm_a when_o all_o thing_n seem_v to_o conspire_v in_o render_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o such_o promise_v not_o only_o improbable_a but_o also_o impossible_a as_o unto_o present_a outward_a cause_n as_o in_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a or_o appear_a mean_n of_o the_o fulfil_n any_o of_o they_o yet_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v join_v in_o a_o conspiracy_n to_o defeat_v they_o but_o true_a faith_n rise_v against_o those_o opposition_n and_o be_v prevalent_a against_o they_o all_o for_o have_v god_n alone_o his_o power_n faithfulness_n and_o truth_n for_o its_o object_n it_o value_v not_o the_o opposition_n that_o man_n can_v make_v against_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n which_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v let_v man_n do_v what_o they_o please_v god_n laugh_v all_o their_o proud_a attempt_n to_o scorn_v and_o so_o may_v the_o virgin_n daughter_n of_o zion_n also_o 2_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o prediction_n that_o be_v on_o record_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o this_o world_n god_n will_v do_v these_o thing_n yet_o for_o all_o of_o they_o he_o will_v be_v seek_v unto_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o age_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a prayer_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o promise_n have_v be_v the_o life-breath_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o faith_n hereby_o bring_v in_o great_a refreshment_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o great_a
evidence_n of_o its_o approach_n will_v be_v a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n be_v they_o few_o or_o more_o at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o world_n stir_v they_o up_o and_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v effectual_o and_o fervent_o for_o their_o accomplishment_n as_o in_o the_o example_n of_o daniel_n chap._n 9_o 1_o 2_o 3._o wherefore_o 3._o there_o be_v three_o thing_n considerable_a in_o such_o promise_n and_o prediction_n 1._o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o be_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o suitableness_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o the_o state_n of_o believer_n at_o any_o time_n 3._o the_o litteral_n accomplishment_n of_o they_o in_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n the_o two_o former_a belong_v unto_o we_o at_o all_o time_n and_o we_o may_v plead_v with_o god_n in_o faith_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o in_o all_o our_o trial_n and_o distress_n with_o respect_n hereunto_o it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v faith_n in_o he_o against_o the_o world_n with_o all_o their_o enemy_n and_o oppressor_n which_o they_o have_v be_v so_o reproach_v withal_o as_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v with_o his_o faith_n unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n psal._n 22._o 8._o when_o thing_n seem_v to_o go_v evil_a with_o they_o when_o they_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o oppressor_n as_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v upon_o the_o cross_n the_o world_n be_v ready_a to_o approach_v they_o with_o their_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o there_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o people_n but_o they_o faint_v not_o herein_o however_o thing_n may_v go_v for_o a_o season_n they_o be_v secure_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o be_v suit_v unto_o all_o their_o want_n all_o that_o they_o can_v desire_v absolute_o yea_o their_o full_a deliverance_n when_o it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o but_o 4._o remember_v that_o as_o unto_o the_o application_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o such_o promise_n and_o prediction_n in_o their_o outward_a effect_n unto_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n many_o have_v be_v woeful_o mistake_v which_o have_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o very_o scandalous_a miscarriage_n the_o world_n have_v scarce_o see_v great_a outrage_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n that_o have_v be_v countenance_v by_o this_o pretence_n that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o time_n be_v now_o come_v and_o that_o therein_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o make_v such_o interpretation_n and_o application_n for_o when_o such_o a_o conceit_n befall_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o set_v they_o loose_v from_o all_o rule_n but_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o many_o have_v from_o such_o apprehension_n fall_v under_o sad_a and_o scandalous_a disappointment_n wherefore_o such_o a_o expectation_n or_o confidence_n of_o the_o event_n of_o promise_n prophecy_n and_o prediction_n as_o hinder_v man_n from_o apply_v their_o mind_n thorough_o unto_o the_o present_a duty_n that_o god_n call_v for_o be_v heedful_o to_o be_v watch_v against_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o argue_v and_o plead_v for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o such_o confidence_n but_o i_o never_o see_v good_a effect_n of_o they_o they_o please_v for_o the_o present_a they_o profit_v not_o the_o story_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n and_o hananiah_n be_v applicable_a in_o this_o case_n jer._n 28._o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o before_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o which_o principal_o harden_v the_o people_n unto_o their_o utter_a ruin_n so_o as_o they_o will_v hearken_v neither_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n for_o their_o safety_n be_v a_o presumption_n they_o have_v that_o at_o that_o time_n their_o messiah_n will_v come_v and_o save_v they_o 6._o few_o know_v of_o what_o sort_n day_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v which_o they_o desire_v long_o for_o a_o expect_v we_o know_v how_o it_o prove_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n mal._n 3._o 1._o 2_o a_o day_n may_v be_v come_v which_o although_o it_o may_v be_v a_o glorious_a issue_n yet_o it_o may_v consume_v all_o the_o hope_n that_o man_n have_v treasure_v up_o in_o their_o expectation_n of_o it_o but_o i_o will_v not_o touch_v far_o on_o these_o thing_n my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o take_v we_o all_o off_o from_o such_o vain_a confidence_n as_o may_v obstruct_v we_o in_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n at_o this_o season_n call_v we_o unto_o which_o shall_v be_v declare_v immediate_o 3._o some_o place_n their_o confidence_n in_o secret_n reserve_v which_o they_o have_v in_o themselves_o that_o however_o it_o go_v with_o other_o yet_o they_o shall_v escape_v well_o enough_o they_o be_v rich_a and_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v wise_a they_o intend_v not_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o any_o thing_n civil_a or_o religious_a that_o shall_v prejudice_v they_o in_o their_o possession_n whilst_o thing_n pass_v at_o the_o cheap_a rate_n of_o talk_v they_o will_v be_v like_a unto_o other_o but_o when_o trial_n come_v they_o will_v make_v a_o safe_a retreat_n we_o have_v their_o character_n and_o their_o doom_n jer._n 28._o 15_o 17_o 18._o 4._o a_o four_o direction_n for_o our_o deportment_n in_o such_o a_o season_n be_v that_o we_o diligent_o consider_v and_o search_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n to_o find_v out_o and_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v between_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n this_o direction_n be_v give_v we_o lam._n 3._o 39_o 40._o wherefore_o do_v a_o live_a man_n complain_v a_o man_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n let_v we_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n when_o trial_n and_o punishment_n draw_v nigh_o or_o be_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v not_o our_o business_n nor_o duty_n to_o lie_v complain_v under_o they_o but_o so_o to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n as_o to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o first_o word_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o approach_a judgement_n search_v yourselves_o try_v your_o heart_n and_o your_o way_n try_v how_o it_o be_v with_o you_o at_o such_o a_o season_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o ourselves_o of_o our_o state_n of_o our_o walk_n of_o our_o action_n in_o a_o ordinary_a manner_n or_o with_o slight_a or_o common_a thought_n be_v to_o despise_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n god_n speak_v aloud_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n he_o do_v so_o by_o the_o way_n beforementioned_a he_o speak_v articulate_o distinct_o so_o as_o that_o a_o man_n of_o wisdom_n may_v see_v his_o name_n and_o know_v his_o mind_n he_o speak_v unto_o we_o and_o say_v search_v now_o yourselves_o and_o in_o this_o search_n respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o the_o thing_n ensue_v 1._o in_o general_n search_v into_o your_o state_n and_o condition_n try_v whether_o it_o be_v build_v on_o a_o good_a foundation_n on_o the_o rock_n by_o faith_n or_o on_o the_o 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render_v the_o way_n and_o walking_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n a_o great_a provocation_n unto_o christ_n jesus_n 4._o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n with_o a_o respect_n unto_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o conformity_n thereunto_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v not_o always_o bear_v withal_o in_o his_o church_n for_o it_o lie_v in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o against_o this_o or_o that_o command_n only_o but_o it_o be_v against_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n administer_v therein_o now_o at_o present_a concern_v our_o outward_a conformity_n unto_o the_o world_n there_o need_v no_o great_a search_n to_o be_v make_v it_o be_v open_a and_o evident_a unto_o all_o so_o that_o as_o unto_o attire_n fashion_n manner_n of_o ordinary_a converse_n mispence_v of_o time_n feast_n of_o rich_a one_o and_o jollity_n there_o be_v little_a difference_n leave_v between_o professor_n and_o the_o world_n which_o god_n will_v not_o long_o bear_v with_o they_o in_o especial_o not_o in_o those_o who_o have_v increase_v their_o wealth_n in_o and_o grow_v into_o conformity_n with_o the_o world_n whilst_o other_o under_o the_o same_o profession_n have_v be_v harrass_v imprison_v impoverish_v and_o ruin_v by_o the_o world_n and_o as_o for_o inordinate_a love_n unto_o the_o world_n i_o have_v speak_v so_o often_o to_o it_o treat_v so_o much_o of_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o again_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o when_o man_n grow_v proud_a high-minded_a and_o value_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o earthly_a enjoyment_n and_o think_v themselves_o wrong_v if_o other_o do_v not_o also_o so_o value_v they_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o pretend_v that_o their_o heart_n do_v not_o inordinate_o cleave_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o the_o self-searching_a be_v the_o first_o duty_n we_o be_v at_o this_o season_n call_v unto_o and_o if_o we_o be_v negligent_a or_o overly_o herein_o we_o shall_v not_o answer_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o any_o one_o duty_n or_o instance_n of_o any_o other_o kind_n we_o be_v therefore_o herein_o to_o call_v in_o god_n and_o man_n unto_o our_o aid_n and_o assistance_n as_o also_o to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o it_o with_o diligence_n and_o perseverance_n so_o the_o psalmist_n lest_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o diligent_a effectual_a examination_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n cry_v unto_o god_n to_o search_v and_o try_v he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v know_v unto_o himself_o especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o any_o evil_a way_n of_o sin_n or_o wickedness_n psal._n 139._o 23_o 24._o so_o we_o ought_v to_o cry_v for_o fresh_a communication_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o convince_a efficacy_n to_o acquaint_v we_o thorough_o with_o 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spiritual_a strength_n to_o cast_v down_o all_o the_o srong_a hold_n and_o fortification_n of_o sin_n which_o will_v be_v all_o set_v up_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o will_v not_o be_v demolish_v or_o scatter_v without_o powerful_a act_n of_o grace_n this_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o unto_o if_o we_o intend_v any_o success_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n so_o also_o be_v we_o to_o pray_v that_o the_o word_n in_o the_o preach_a and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o may_v be_v effectual_a unto_o the_o same_o end_n that_o we_o may_v find_v it_o quick_a and_o powerful_a heb._n 4._o 12._o that_o it_o may_v so_o judge_v the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n 1._o cor._n 14._o 25._o that_o we_o may_v fall_v down_o and_o judge_v ourselves_o also_o to_o hide_v ourselves_o at_o such_o a_o season_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o open_a evidence_n of_o a_o ruine_v security_n this_o work_n in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v call_v over_o and_o persist_v in_o if_o we_o design_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o present_a call_n of_o god_n or_o a_o endeavour_n to_o be_v find_v of_o he_o in_o peace_n when_o he_o come_v 5._o to_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o our_o own_o sin_n with_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o they_o all_o thereon_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o season_n this_o the_o whole_a scripture_n testify_v unto_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n without_o this_o all_o that_o we_o do_v or_o can_v do_v signify_v nothing_o as_o unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o call_v of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o search_v before_o insist_v on_o we_o be_v to_o find_v out_o to_o know_v every_o one_o the_o plague_n the_o stroke_n the_o disease_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o it_o