cruelty_n which_o it_o occasion_v within_o the_o city_n do_v force_v great_a number_n of_o they_o to_o steal_v out_o by_o night_n into_o the_o roman_a camp_n where_o they_o meet_v with_o as_o cruel_a but_o a_o speedy_a death_n for_o titus_n in_o hope_n to_o reduce_v they_o the_o soon_o by_o terror_n order_v all_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o city_n to_o be_v crucify_v before_o the_o wall_n which_o order_n be_v so_o severe_o execute_v that_o for_o several_a day_n five_o hundred_o a_o day_n be_v crucify_v till_o there_o be_v neither_o room_n leave_v to_o place_n cross_n in_o nor_o wood_n whereof_o to_o make_v they_o so_o that_o they_o who_o once_o cry_v out_o so_o vehement_o against_o our_o saviour_n crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o have_v enough_o of_o it_o at_o last_o and_o by_o the_o just_a and_o most_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v pay_v home_o in_o their_o own_o kind_n behold_v the_o sad_a fate_n of_o a_o sinful_a people_n when_o god_n be_v depart_v from_o they_o 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and_o gentle_a to_o inflict_v a_o suffering_n upon_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o do_n none_o but_o their_o own_o barbarous_a self_n who_o be_v sink_v down_o into_o the_o very_o low_a degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o much_o cruelty_n and_o inhumanity_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o execute_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o to_o that_o degree_n which_o their_o sin_n have_v deserve_v you_o see_v my_o brethren_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n what_o be_v the_o fault_n and_o what_o the_o fate_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n now_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_o tell_v we_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n and_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v may_v be_v instruct_v by_o they_o we_o i_o say_v who_o next_o to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o people_n high_o favour_v by_o god_n above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o 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one_o towards_o another_o and_o by_o our_o senseless_a division_n and_o animosity_n one_o against_o another_o without_o cause_n and_o without_o end_n by_o our_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o profanation_n of_o his_o holy_a day_n and_o by_o our_o dreadful_a abuse_n of_o god_n great_a and_o glorious_a name_n in_o those_o horrid_a oath_n and_o curse_n and_o imprecation_n which_o be_v hear_v almost_o day_n and_o night_n in_o the_o street_n of_o this_o great_a city_n for_o these_o and_o all_o other_o our_o innumerable_a provocation_n of_o the_o patience_n and_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n towards_o we_o let_v we_o sad_o repent_v ourselves_o this_o day_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o fast_v and_o with_o weep_v and_o with_o mourning_n and_o rend_v our_o heart_n and_o not_o our_o garment_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n for_o he_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n and_o repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_n and_o who_o know_v if_o he_o will_v return_v and_o repent_v and_o leave_v a_o blessing_n behind_o he_o turn_v thou_o we_o unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o we_o shall_v beturn_v take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n and_o receive_v we_o gracious_o and_o let_v we_o earnest_o beg_v of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o prevent_v those_o terrible_a judgement_n and_o calamity_n which_o hang_v over_o we_o and_o which_o our_o sin_n have_v so_o just_o deserve_v shall_v fall_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v perfect_v that_o wonderful_a deliverance_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v for_o we_o and_o establish_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v that_o he_o will_v bless_v they_o who_o he_o have_v set_v in_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o particular_o that_o he_o will_v preserve_v the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n
passage_n we_o may_v easy_o understand_v wherein_o these_o monthly_a fast_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v defective_a and_o what_o be_v the_o fault_n that_o god_n find_v with_o they_o when_o he_o expostulate_v so_o severe_o in_o the_o text_n when_o you_o fast_v and_o mourn_v in_o the_o five_o and_o seven_o month_n even_o these_o seventy_o year_n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_o unto_o i_o even_o unto_o i_o in_o the_o general_a the_o fault_n which_o god_n find_v with_o they_o be_v this_o that_o these_o solemnity_n do_v not_o serve_v any_o real_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n but_o fail_v in_o their_o main_a design_n which_o be_v a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o acceptable_a to_o he_o nor_o esteem_v by_o he_o as_o perform_v unto_o he_o because_o they_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o true_a intention_n and_o design_n of_o they_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v first_o to_o 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confusion_n of_o face_n and_o with_o a_o hearty_a contrition_n and_o sorrow_n for_o they_o three_o in_o a_o earnest_a deprecation_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o humble_a supplication_n to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v avert_v his_o judgement_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o anger_n from_o we_o four_o in_o intercession_n with_o god_n for_o such_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o other_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o convenient_a five_o in_o alm_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a that_o our_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n may_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n i_o do_v but_o mention_v these_o particular_n that_o i_o may_v more_o large_o insist_v upon_o that_o which_o i_o main_o intend_v and_o propose_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n namely_o ii_o what_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o day_n appoint_v by_o their_o majesty_n for_o a_o solemn_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n throughout_o the_o nation_n do_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o comprise_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n first_o that_o we_o shall_v humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n every_o one_o for_o his_o own_o personal_a sin_n whereby_o he_o have_v provoke_v god_n and_o increase_v the_o public_a gild_n and_o do_v his_o part_n to_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o nation_n second_o that_o we_o shall_v likewise_o hearty_o lament_v and_o bewail_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o especial_o the_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n of_o the_o nation_n commit_v by_o all_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n among_o we_o and_o whereby_o the_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o almighty_a god_n have_v be_v so_o just_o incense_v against_o we_o three_o we_o shall_v most_o importunate_o deprecate_v those_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o which_o these_o our_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n have_v so_o just_o expose_v we_o four_o we_o shall_v pour_v out_o our_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o majesty_n sacred_a person_n and_o for_o the_o establishment_n and_o prosperity_n of_o their_o government_n and_o for_o the_o good_a success_n of_o their_o arm_n and_o force_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n five_o our_o fast_n and_o prayer_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o our_o charity_n and_o alm_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a last_o we_o shall_v prosecute_v our_o repentance_n and_o good_a resolution_n to_o the_o actual_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n of_o these_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n speak_v as_o brief_o and_o as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o as_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o god_n require_v of_o he_o upon_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n as_o this_o first_o we_o shall_v humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n every_o one_o for_o his_o own_o personal_a sin_n and_o miscarriage_n whereby_o he_o have_v provoke_v god_n and_o increase_v the_o public_a gild_n and_o do_v his_o part_n to_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o nation_n our_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n shall_v begin_v with_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o sin_n because_o repentance_n be_v always_o design_v to_o end_v in_o reformation_n but_o there_o can_v be_v a_o general_a reformation_n without_o the_o reformation_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o do_v constitute_v and_o make_v up_o the_o generality_n and_o this_o solomon_n prescribe_v as_o the_o true_a method_n of_o a_o national_a reformation_n and_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o a_o public_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n in_o that_o admirable_a prayer_n of_o he_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n 40._o if_o there_o be_v say_v he_o in_o the_o land_n famine_n if_o there_o be_v pestilence_n blast_v mildew_n locust_n or_o if_o there_o be_v caterpillar_n or_o if_o their_o enemy_n besiege_v they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o their_o city_n whatever_o plague_n whatever_o sickness_n there_o be_v what_o prayer_n or_o supplication_n soever_o be_v make_v by_o any_o man_n or_o by_o all_o thy_o people_n israel_n who_o shall_v know_v every_o man_n the_o plague_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o spread_v forth_o his_o hand_n towards_o this_o house_n then_o hear_v thou_o in_o heaven_n thy_o dwelling-place_n and_o forgive_v and_o do_v and_o give_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o way_n who_o heart_n thou_o know_v for_o thou_o even_o thou_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v thou_o all_o the_o day_n which_o they_o live_v in_o the_o land_n which_o thou_o give_v to_o their_o father_n you_o see_v here_o that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o public_a judgement_n or_o calamity_n the_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n of_o a_o nation_n must_v begin_v with_o particular_a person_n what_o prayer_n or_o supplication_n soev_a be_v make_v by_o any_o man_n or_o by_o all_o thy_o people_n israel_n who_o shall_v know_v every_o man_n the_o plague_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n then_o hear_v thou_o in_o heaven_n thy_o dwelling-place_n and_o forgive_v particular_a person_n must_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o personal_a sin_n and_o transgression_n before_o god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n and_o forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o because_o we_o can_v perform_v this_o part_n of_o confess_v and_o bewail_v our_o own_o personal_a sin_n and_o of_o testify_v our_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o join_v with_o they_o in_o a_o general_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n therefore_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o on_o the_o day_n before_o the_o public_a fast_o or_o at_o least_o the_o morning_n before_o we_o go_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n in_o our_o family_n and_o especial_o in_o our_o closet_n confess_v to_o he_o with_o great_a shame_n and_o sorrow_n all_o the_o particular_a sin_n and_o offence_n together_o with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o which_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o call_v they_o particular_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o earnest_o to_o beg_v of_o god_n the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o likewise_o after_o we_o return_v from_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v retire_v again_o into_o our_o closet_n and_o there_o renew_v our_o repentance_n with_o most_o serious_a and_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o reform_v in_o all_o those_o particular_n which_o we_o have_v confess_v and_o repent_v of_o and_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o resolution_n to_o come_v to_o any_o good_a we_o must_v make_v they_o as_o distinct_a and_o particular_a as_o we_o can_v and_o charge_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o as_o to_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n for_o which_o we_o have_v declare_v our_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n that_o we_o
of_o fortune_n by_o which_o the_o wise_a among_o they_o do_v understand_v the_o divine_a providence_n plutarch_n speak_v of_o the_o roman_n say_z that_o time_n and_o fortune_n the_o very_a same_o with_o solomon_n time_n and_o chance_n here_o in_o the_o text_n do_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o greatness_n by_o which_o he_o ascribe_v their_o success_n to_o a_o remarkable_a providence_n of_o god_n concur_v with_o several_a happy_a opportunity_n and_o livy_n their_o great_a historian_n have_v this_o remarkable_a observation_n that_o in_o all_o human_a affair_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o war_n fortune_n have_v a_o mighty_a stroke_n and_o again_o no_o where_o say_v he_o be_v the_o event_n less_o answerable_a to_o expectation_n than_o in_o war_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o be_v so_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a which_o may_v not_o turn_v the_o scale_n in_o a_o great_a matter_n and_o caesar_n himself_o who_o be_v perhaps_o the_o most_o skilful_a and_o prosperous_a warrior_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v the_o same_o acknowledgement_n as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n say_v he_o so_o particular_o in_o war_n fortune_n have_v a_o huge_a sway_n and_o plutarch_n observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o temple_n at_o rome_n dedicate_v to_o wisdom_n or_o valour_n but_o a_o most_o magnificent_a and_o stately_a one_o to_o fortune_n signify_v hereby_o that_o they_o do_v ascribe_v their_o success_n infinite_o more_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n than_o to_o their_o own_o courage_n and_o conduct_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v some_o reason_n and_o account_v of_o this_o why_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v sometime_o thus_o interpose_v to_o hinder_v and_o defeat_v the_o most_o probable_a design_n of_o man_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o subordination_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o rule_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o that_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o nothing_o to_o he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o second_o cause_n inconsiderable_a that_o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o none_o may_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o encourage_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o yet_o so_o as_o to_o keep_v man_n in_o a_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o he_o for_o the_o efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o they_o to_o encourage_v industry_n and_o prudence_n god_n general_o permit_v thing_n to_o their_o natural_a course_n and_o to_o fall_v out_o according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n but_o then_o lest_o man_n shall_v cast_v off_o religion_n and_o deny_v the_o god_n that_o be_v above_o lest_o they_o shall_v trust_v in_o their_o sword_n and_o their_o bow_n and_o say_v the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v this_o lest_o man_n shall_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o the_o creator_n and_o framer_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n and_o when_o they_o do_v but_o a_o little_a outstrip_v other_o in_o wisdom_n or_o power_n in_o the_o skill_n and_o conduct_v of_o humane_a affair_n they_o shall_v grow_v proud_a and_o presumptuous_a god_n be_v please_v sometime_o more_o remarkable_o to_o interpose_v to_o hide_v pride_n from_o man_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o job_n to_o check_v the_o haughtiness_n and_o insolence_n of_o man_n spirit_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o humility_n to_o make_v we_o to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v but_o man_n and_o that_o the_o reins_o of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o our_o hand_n but_o that_o there_o be_v one_o above_o who_o sway_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o indeed_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v in_o the_o first_o frame_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v nature_n a_o immutable_a order_n to_o be_v fix_v and_o all_o thing_n to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o second_o cause_n without_o any_o interposition_n of_o providence_n to_o stop_v or_o alter_v that_o course_n upon_o any_o occasion_n in_o this_o case_n the_o foundation_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o especial_o of_o prayer_n to_o god_n will_v be_v quite_o take_v away_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o will_v be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o good_a success_n of_o our_o undertake_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o for_o if_o god_n do_v only_o look_v on_o and_o permit_v all_o thing_n to_o proceed_v in_o a_o settle_a and_o establish_a course_n then_o instead_o of_o pray_v to_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o ply_v the_o mean_n and_o to_o make_v the_o best_a provision_n and_o preparation_n we_o can_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o what_o we_o desire_v and_o to_o rely_v upon_o that_o without_o take_v god_n at_o all_o into_o our_o counsel_n and_o consideration_n for_o all_o application_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n do_v evident_o suppose_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v frequent_o interpose_v to_o over-rule_v event_n beside_o and_o beyond_o the_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o steer_v they_o to_o a_o quite_o different_a point_n from_o that_o to_o which_o in_o human_a probability_n they_o seem_v to_o tend_v so_o that_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o necessary_a to_o religion_n to_o believe_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o do_v when_o he_o please_v interpose_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o as_o that_o he_o make_v it_o at_o first_o i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n to_o make_v some_o inference_n suitable_a to_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o first_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o account_v religion_n and_o time_n spend_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o in_o prayer_n to_o he_o for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o our_o endeavour_n do_v be_v any_o hindrance_n to_o our_o affair_n for_o after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v the_o event_n be_v still_o in_o god_n hand_n and_o rest_v upon_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o do_v man_n firm_o believe_v this_o they_o will_v not_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o behave_v themselves_o so_o careless_o and_o unconcerned_o and_o irreverent_o in_o it_o as_o we_o see_v too_o many_o do_v they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o every_o hour_n that_o be_v spend_v in_o devotion_n as_o lose_v from_o their_o business_n if_o man_n will_v but_o take_v a_o view_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v to_o they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o long_a life_n i_o believe_v most_o of_o we_o will_v see_v reason_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o prosperity_n and_o success_n in_o any_o kind_n have_v depend_v more_o upon_o happy_a opportunity_n upon_o undesign_v and_o unexpected_a occurrence_n than_o upon_o our_o own_o prudent_a forecast_n and_o conduct_v and_o if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v by_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o methinks_v be_v so_o apt_a to_o leave_v god_n out_o of_o our_o counsel_n and_o undertake_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a name_n and_o cypher_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o advice_n of_o one_o that_o be_v much_o wise_a and_o more_o experience_a than_o any_o of_o we_o will_v pretend_v to_o be_v i_o mean_v solomon_n trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n 6._o and_o lean_v not_o to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n be_v not_o wise_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n there_o be_v no_o principle_n that_o ought_v more_o firm_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o than_o this_o that_o to_o live_v under_o a_o constant_a sense_n and_o awe_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o depend_v upon_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o seek_v his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n upon_o all_o our_o design_n be_v fearful_a to_o offend_v he_o and_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o be_v a_o much_o near_o and_o sure_a way_n to_o success_n than_o our_o own_o best_a prudence_n and_o preparation_n and_o therefore_o at_o such_o a_o time_n more_o especial_o when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o war_n or_o engage_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o the_o sincere_a resolulution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n we_o shall_v earnest_o implore_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o undertake_n and_o not_o only_o take_v great_a care_n that_o our_o cause_n be_v just_a but_o likewise_o that_o
their_o gross_a and_o stupid_a infidelity_n and_o horrible_a ingratitude_n to_o god_n their_o saviour_n and_o all_o their_o rebellious_a murmur_n and_o discontent_n yet_o he_o suffer_v their_o manner_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n and_o when_o they_o be_v at_o last_o peaceable_o settle_v in_o the_o promise_a land_n notwithstanding_o their_o frequent_a relapse_n into_o idolatry_n with_o what_o patience_n do_v god_n expect_v their_o repentance_n and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o the_o merciful_a message_n and_o warning_n give_v they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o his_o prophet_n as_o one_o that_o earnest_o desire_v it_o and_o even_o long_v for_o it_o 4.14_o o_o jerusalem_n wash_v thy_o heart_n from_o wickedness_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v save_v how_o long_o shall_v vain_a thought_n lodge_v within_o thou_o that_o be_v how_o long_o will_v thou_o delude_v thyself_o with_o vain_a hope_n of_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n by_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o repentance_n and_o again_o o_o jerusalem_n 13.27_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v and_o chap._n 8._o ver_fw-la 6._o say_v god_n there_o i_o hearken_v and_o i_o hear_v but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v where_o god_n be_v represent_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n wait_v with_o great_a patience_n as_o one_o that_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v hear_v any_o penitent_a word_n drop_v from_o they_o to_o have_v see_v any_o sign_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o return_n to_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o when_o they_o make_v some_o show_n of_o repentance_n and_o have_v some_o fit_n of_o good_a resolution_n that_o do_v present_o vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o how_o passionate_o do_v god_n complain_v of_o their_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n o_o ephraim_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o judah_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o for_o your_o goodness_n be_v as_o a_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n it_o go_v away_o and_o at_o last_o when_o nothing_o will_v do_v with_o what_o difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n do_v god_n deliver_v they_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o ephraim_n how_o shall_v i_o deliver_v thou_o judah_n 9_o how_o shall_v i_o make_v thou_o as_o admah_n how_o shall_v i_o set_v thou_o as_o zeboim_n i_o heart_n be_v turn_v within_o i_o and_o my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o i_o will_v not_o execute_v the_o fierceness_n of_o my_o anger_n i_o will_v not_o destroy_v ephraim_n what_o a_o conflict_n be_v here_o what_o tenderness_n and_o yern_v of_o his_o bowel_n towards_o they_o he_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o give_v they_o up_o till_o he_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o the_o last_o necessity_n and_o when_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o their_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n have_v in_o the_o course_n of_o several_a age_n great_o corrupt_v themselves_o and_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n yet_o how_o slow_a be_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n in_o bring_v that_o fatal_a and_o final_a destruction_n upon_o they_o not_o till_o after_o the_o most_o merciful_a warning_n give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n not_o till_o after_o the_o most_o obstinate_a impenitency_n of_o forty_o year_n under_o the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n of_o repentance_n that_o any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o enjoy_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o observation_n from_o the_o text_n namely_o what_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n of_o a_o sinful_a people_n and_o that_o be_v if_o they_o will_v be_v instruct_v and_o take_v warning_n by_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n to_o become_v wise_a and_o better_a than_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o he_o will_v not_o bring_v upon_o they_o the_o desolation_n threaten_v be_v thou_o instruct_v o_o jerusalem_n lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o and_o i_o make_v thou_o desolate_a a_o land_n not_o inhabit_v intimate_v or_o rather_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v receive_v instruction_n and_o take_v warn_v the_o evil_a threaten_a shall_v not_o come_v for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v why_o god_n shall_v threaten_v so_o long_o before_o he_o strike_v and_o so_o earnest_o press_v man_n to_o repentance_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o spare_v they_o and_o to_o show_v mercy_n to_o they_o and_o indeed_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o all_o the_o denunciation_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n to_o a_o sinful_a nation_n do_v carry_v this_o tacit_n condition_n in_o they_o that_o if_o that_o nation_n turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n god_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o for_o god_n never_o pass_v so_o irrevocable_a a_o sentence_n upon_o a_o nation_n as_o to_o exclude_v the_o case_n of_o repentance_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o give_v all_o imaginable_a encouragement_n to_o it_o and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o meet_v it_o with_o a_o pardon_n in_o his_o hand_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o say_v our_o merciful_a lord_n when_o he_o weep_v over_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o therefore_o your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a god_n be_v very_o merciful_a to_o particular_a person_n upon_o their_o repentance_n when_o the_o prodigal_a son_n in_o the_o parable_n after_o all_o his_o riot_n and_o lewdness_n come_v to_o himself_o and_o resolve_v to_o return_v home_o his_o father_n see_v he_o yet_o afar_o off_o come_v towards_o he_o come_v out_o to_o meet_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n on_o he_o and_o kiss_v he_o and_o can_v any_o of_o we_o be_v so_o obstinate_a and_o hard-hearted_a as_o not_o present_o to_o resolve_v to_o repent_v and_o return_v and_o to_o meet_v the_o compassion_n of_o such_o a_o father_n who_o after_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o to_o the_o uttermost_a be_v upon_o the_o first_o discovery_n of_o our_o repentance_n ready_a to_o be_v as_o kind_a to_o we_o as_o he_o can_v possible_o have_v be_v if_o we_o have_v never_o offend_v he_o and_o much_o more_o be_v god_n ready_a to_o receive_v a_o nation_n upon_o their_o sincere_a repentance_n when_o his_o judgement_n must_v needs_o make_v great_a havoc_n and_o so_o many_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v under_o they_o this_o consideration_n god_n urge_v and_o plead_v with_o his_o froward_a prophet_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o great_a city_n of_o niniveh_n 4.11_o and_o shall_v not_o i_o spare_v that_o great_a city_n of_o niniveh_n wherein_o be_v more_o than_o sixscore_o thousand_o person_n who_o can_v discern_v their_o right_a hand_n from_o their_o left_a that_o be_v so_o many_o innocent_a child_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n for_o this_o be_v a_o great_a consideration_n with_o god_n in_o his_o send_n of_o public_a calamity_n the_o multitude_n of_o the_o sufferer_n and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o guilty_a but_o the_o innocent_a also_o without_o a_o special_a and_o miraculous_a providence_n must_v be_v involve_v in_o a_o common_a calamity_n sometime_o god_n respite_v his_o judgement_n upon_o the_o mere_a external_a humiliation_n of_o a_o people_n and_o some_o formal_a testimony_n and_o expression_n of_o their_o repentance_n 78._o when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n seek_v god_n and_o inquire_v early_o after_o he_o though_o they_o do_v but_o flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o yet_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o that_o be_v full_a of_o compassion_n he_o forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o destroy_v they_o not_o that_o be_v he_o forgive_v they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o respite_v their_o ruin_n and_o much_o more_o will_v a_o sincere_a and_o effectual_a repentance_n stay_v god_n hand_n and_o infallible_o turn_v he_o from_o the_o fierceness_n of_o his_o anger_n insomuch_o that_o after_o he_o have_v fix_v and_o determine_v the_o very_a day_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o niniveh_n and_o have_v engage_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o prophet_n in_o it_o yet_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v their_o work_n and_o that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o how_o glad_a be_v he_o to_o see_v it_o he_o present_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o in_o this_o case_n god_n do_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o prophet_n by_o who_o he_o have_v send_v so_o peremptory_a a_o message_n to_o they_o but_o his_o mercy_n
quarrel_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n and_o arm_v our_o own_o mind_n against_o ourselves_o we_o create_v a_o enemy_n to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o bosom_n and_o fall_v out_o with_o the_o best_a and_o most_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o our_o life_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o good_a conscience_n will_v be_v a_o continual_a feast_n and_o will_v give_v we_o that_o comfort_n and_o courage_n in_o a_o evil_a day_n which_o nothing_o else_o can_v and_o than_o whatever_o happen_v to_o we_o we_o may_v commit_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n as_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o faithful_a creator_n to_o who_o with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n how_o to_o keep_v a_o true_o religious_a fast_o in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n september_n the_o 16_o the_o 1691._o how_o to_o keep_v a_o true_o religious_a fast_o zech._n seven_o v._o 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probable_o observe_v with_o great_a solemnity_n than_o the_o other_o but_o for_o our_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v the_o original_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o their_o monthly_a fast_n which_o as_o appear_v from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o short_a be_v this_o when_o the_o jew_n be_v carry_v away_o captive_a into_o babylon_n in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o this_o great_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o heavy_a affliction_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o they_o appoint_v four_o annual_a fast_n which_o they_o observe_v during_o their_o seventy_o year_n captivity_n viz._n the_o fast_a of_o the_o four_o month_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o enemy_n break_v through_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o we_o find_v mention_v jer._n 52.6_o 7._o the_o fast_a of_o the_o five_o month_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n verse_n 12_o 13._o the_o fast_a of_o the_o seven_o month_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o slay_v of_o gedaliah_n upon_o which_o follow_v the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o account_n jer._n 42.1_o 2._o and_o the_o fast_a of_o the_o ten_o month_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o which_o we_o find_v mention_v 2_o king_n 25.1_o in_o this_o order_n we_o find_v these_o four_o annual_a fast_n mention_v zechar._n 8.19_o not_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o event_n but_o of_o the_o month_n of_o the_o several_a year_n in_o which_o these_o event_n happen_v and_o there_o likewise_o god_n give_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o enquiry_n concern_v the_o continuance_n of_o these_o annual_a fast_n namely_o that_o they_o shall_v for_o the_o future_a be_v turn_v into_o solemn_a day_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n 19_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n come_v unto_o i_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o fast_a of_o the_o four_o month_n and_o the_o fast_a of_o the_o five_o and_o the_o fast_a of_o the_o seven_o and_o the_o fast_a of_o the_o ten_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o cheerful_a feast_n i_o return_v now_o to_o the_o text_n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_o unto_o i_o even_o unto_o i_o that_o be_v do_v these_o fast_n true_o serve_v to_o any_o religious_a end_n and_o purpose_n do_v not_o the_o people_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o mere_a external_a show_n and_o performance_n without_o any_o inward_a affliction_n and_o humiliation_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o a_o real_a repentance_n do_v they_o not_o still_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n nay_o and_o add_v to_o they_o upon_o these_o occasion_n fast_v for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o oppression_n in_o a_o word_n be_v they_o not_o worse_o rather_o than_o better_a for_o they_o and_o therefore_o god_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o they_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o this_o chapter_n 13._o thus_o speak_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n say_v execute_v judgement_n and_o show_v mercy_n and_o compassion_n every_o man_n to_o his_o brother_n and_o oppress_v not_o the_o widow_n nor_o the_o fatherless_a the_o stranger_n nor_o the_o poor_a and_o let_v none_o of_o you_o imagine_v mischief_n against_o his_o brother_n in_o your_o heart_n but_o they_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v and_o pull_v away_o the_o shoulder_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hear_v yea_o they_o make_v their_o heart_n as_o a_o adamant-stone_n lest_o they_o shall_v bear_v the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v send_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o former_a prophet_n therefore_o come_v great_a wrath_n from_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n therefore_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o he_o cry_v and_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v so_o they_o cry_v and_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o these_o outward_a solemnity_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n here_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o religious_a fast_o do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_o unto_o i_o even_o unto_o i_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v break_v in_o upon_o they_o but_o they_o do_v not_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n but_o persist_v still_o in_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o disobedience_n and_o what_o god_n here_o by_o the_o prophet_n zechary_n call_v fast_v unto_o he_o even_o unto_o he_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n call_v the_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o a_o acceptable_a day_n to_o the_o lord_n wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o see_v not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o soul_n and_o thou_o take_v no_o knowledge_n behold_v you_o fast_o for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o to_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n you_o shall_v not_o fast_o as_o you_o do_v this_o day_n to_o make_v your_o voice_n to_o be_v hear_v on_o high_a be_v it_o such_o a_o fast_a as_o i_o have_v choose_v a_o day_n for_o a_o man_n to_o afflict_v his_o soul_n be_v it_o to_o bow_v down_o his_o head_n as_o a_o bulrush_n and_o to_o spread_v sackcloth_n and_o ash_n under_o he_o will_v thou_o call_v this_o a_o fast_a and_o a_o acceptable_a day_n to_o the_o lord_n be_v it_o not_o to_o deal_v thy_o bread_n to_o the_o hungry_a and_o that_o thou_o bring_v the_o poor_a that_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o thy_o house_n when_o thou_o see_v the_o naked_a that_o thou_o cover_v he_o and_o that_o thou_o hide_v not_o thyself_o from_o thy_o own_o flesh_n then_o shall_v thy_o light_n break_v forth_o as_o the_o morning_n and_o thy_o salvation_n shall_v spring_v forth_o speedy_o then_o shall_v thou_o call_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v answer_v etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o
find_v that_o which_o give_v more_o joy_n and_o gladness_n to_o his_o heart_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n this_o give_v perfect_a rest_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o his_o mind_n so_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o inquire_v any_o further_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n i_o will_v both_o lay_v i_o down_o in_o peace_n and_o rest_n for_o thou_o lord_n only_o make_v i_o to_o dwell_v in_o safety_n the_o hebrew_a word_n signify_v confidence_n or_o security_n here_o and_o nowhere_o else_o his_o mind_n find_v rest_n and_o be_v in_o perfect_a ease_n and_o security_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o conclude_v first_o this_o plain_o show_v we_o the_o great_a unreasonableness_n and_o folly_n of_o atheism_n which_o will_v banish_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o as_o it_o be_v most_o impious_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o most_o malicious_a to_o man_n because_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o perfect_o undermine_v it_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n man_n will_v evident_o be_v the_o most_o unhappy_a of_o all_o other_o being_n here_o below_o because_o his_o unhappiness_n will_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o that_o which_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o being_n below_o he_o i_o mean_v in_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o he_o will_v be_v so_o much_o more_o miserable_a than_o the_o beast_n by_o how_o much_o he_o have_v a_o far_a reach_n and_o a_o large_a prospect_n of_o future_a evil_n a_o quick_a apprehension_n and_o a_o deep_a and_o more_o last_a resentment_n of_o they_o so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n can_v see_v reason_n to_o stagger_v his_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o of_o his_o providence_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v infinite_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a yet_o the_o belief_n of_o 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generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o minister_v true_a consolation_n to_o they_o under_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o real_a in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v so_o remarkable_a and_o so_o regular_a a_o effect_n to_o support_v our_o mind_n in_o every_o condition_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o person_n of_o different_a degree_n of_o understanding_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n young_a and_o old_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a in_o so_o many_o distant_a place_n and_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o record_n whereof_o be_v come_v down_o to_o we_o i_o say_v so_o real_a and_o so_o frequent_a and_o so_o regular_a a_o effect_n as_o this_o be_v can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v ascribe_v either_o to_o blind_a chance_n or_o mere_a imagination_n but_o must_v have_v a_o real_a and_o regular_a and_o uniform_a cause_n proportionable_a to_o so_o great_a and_o general_a a_o effect_n i_o remember_v that_o grotius_n in_o his_o excellent_a book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v this_o observation_n that_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n shall_v have_v the_o utmost_a evidence_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v and_o bear_v down_o all_o sort_n of_o captious_a cavil_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o but_o so_o much_o as_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o sober_a and_o impartial_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n one_o that_o have_v no_o other_o interest_n but_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n and_o when_o he_o have_v find_v it_o to_o yield_v to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o glare_v and_o evident_a as_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noonday_n as_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v any_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o faith_n so_o infidelity_n will_v be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n all_o that_o i_o will_v expect_v from_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o can_v see_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v this_o that_o he_o will_v offer_v some_o other_o principle_n that_o he_o will_v advance_v any_o other_o hypothesis_n and_o scheme_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a and_o natural_a notion_n of_o man_n and_o to_o all_o appearance_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o do_v bid_v more_o fair_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n than_o these_o principle_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o his_o watchful_a providence_n over_o the_o child_n of_o man_n do_v plain_o do_v and_o till_o this_o be_v clear_o do_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v general_o be_v receive_v by_o mankind_n and_o have_v obtain_v in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n can_v fair_o be_v discard_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v disturb_v and_o put_v out_o of_o possession_n and_o this_o i_o think_v put_v this_o whole_a matter_n upon_o a_o very_a fair_a and_o reasonable_a issue_n and_o that_o nothing_o more_o need_v to_o be_v say_v concern_v it_o second_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n and_o therefore_o to_o he_o alone_o and_o to_o no_o other_o we_o ought_v to_o address_v all_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n but_o now_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o psalmist_n here_o put_v a_o very_a odd_a and_o strange_a question_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o to_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o quite_o different_a answer_n from_o what_o the_o psalmist_n plain_o intend_v namely_o that_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o his_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o that_o upon_o he_o alone_o he_o rely_v as_o his_o only_a comfort_n and_o happiness_n but_o to_o this_o assertion_n of_o the_o psalmist_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n agree_v they_o understand_v this_o matter_n much_o better_a than_o the_o psalmist_n do_v namely_o that_o beside_o god_n there_o be_v in_o heaven_n innumerable_a angel_n and_o saint_n in_o who_o we_o be_v to_o repose_v great_a trust_n and_o confidence_n and_o to_o who_o also_o we_o be_v to_o address_v solemn_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n not_o only_o for_o temporal_a good_a thing_n but_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o for_o eternal_a life_n that_o there_o be_v in_o heaven_n particular_a advocate_n and_o patron_n for_o all_o exigency_n and_o occasion_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o danger_n and_o disease_n for_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o word_n for_o all_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n to_o who_o we_o may_v apply_v ourselves_o without_o trouble_v god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o also_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o by_o presume_v upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o make_v our_o immediate_a address_n to_o he_o for_o as_o they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v though_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o david_n know_v it_o not_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o both_o angel_n and_o saint_n do_v not_o only_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o we_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o blessing_n but_o we_o may_v make_v direct_a and_o immediate_a address_n to_o they_o to_o bestow_v these_o blessing_n upon_o we_o for_o so_o they_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o denial_n from_o several_a of_o their_o prayer_n in_o their_o most_o public_a and_o authentic_a liturgy_n they_o will_v
in_o his_o present_a expedition_n and_o crown_v he_o with_o victory_n and_o good_a success_n and_o to_o our_o repentance_n and_o prayer_n let_v we_o add_v our_o liberal_a alm_n and_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n give_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o nabuchadnezzar_n let_v we_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o righteousness_n and_o our_o iniquity_n by_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a if_o so_o be_v it_o may_v be_v a_o lengthen_v of_o our_o tranquillity_n we_o be_v yet_o bless_a be_v god_n in_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o peace_n and_o quiet_a at_o home_n and_o of_o our_o religion_n and_o civil_a liberty_n god_n have_v give_v we_o two_o excellent_a prince_n sit_v on_o the_o throne_n together_o and_o both_o of_o the_o same_o religion_n with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o as_o bright_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o goodness_n as_o england_n ever_o see_v and_o who_o do_v by_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n study_v and_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v but_o know_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o how_o to_o value_v it_o we_o may_v be_v the_o happy_a people_n this_o day_n under_o heaven_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o we_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v happy_a because_o we_o be_v neither_o content_v nor_o unite_a and_o though_o we_o have_v all_o the_o material_n of_o happiness_n about_o we_o and_o within_o our_o reach_n yet_o have_v we_o not_o the_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o put_v they_o together_o miserable_a people_n that_o may_v be_v happy_a and_o will_v not_o who_o neither_o so_o fresh_a a_o deliverance_n from_o so_o great_a a_o danger_n as_o be_v just_o ready_a to_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o nor_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o fall_v again_o into_o the_o like_a confusion_n can_v be_v a_o warning_n to_o we_o from_o return_v again_o unto_o the_o same_o folly_n for_o those_o odious_a and_o unhappy_a name_n of_o difference_n which_o some_o year_n ago_o spring_v up_o among_o we_o the_o devil_n know_v how_o do_v seem_v whilst_o a_o common_a danger_n threaten_v we_o to_o be_v quite_o dead_a and_o bury_v but_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o danger_n over_o but_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o miraculous_a infatuation_n behold_v a_o sudden_a resurrection_n of_o they_o with_o great_a heat_n and_o animosity_n if_o possible_a than_o before_o just_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o roman_n have_v make_v a_o wide_a breach_n and_o the_o city_n be_v furious_o assault_v the_o faction_n than_o give_v truce_n to_o one_o another_o and_o run_v in_o to_o the_o common_a defence_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o danger_n be_v a_o little_a over_o they_o fall_v on_o afresh_o and_o prosecute_v their_o main_a design_n of_o destroy_v one_o another_o and_o now_o that_o the_o danger_n be_v a_o little_a over_o with_o we_o also_o how_o like_o a_o fate_n upon_o we_o do_v it_o look_v that_o we_o be_v so_o soon_o alter_v from_o our_o wise_a and_o better_a temper_n do_v we_o well_o and_o wise_o before_o out_o late_o happy_a revolution_n when_o we_o unite_v for_o our_o common_a defence_n against_o a_o common_a danger_n and_o do_v let_v those_o unlucky_a name_n of_o distinction_n fall_v so_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v quite_o extinguish_v and_o can_v it_o be_v now_o wise_a to_o revive_v they_o and_o to_o take_v they_o up_o again_o when_o the_o same_o danger_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o from_o the_o same_o implacable_a enemy_n still_o hover_v over_o we_o no_o sure_o it_o will_v not_o be_v wise_a if_o the_o danger_n be_v quite_o past_a and_o over_o but_o when_o it_o still_o remain_v and_o threaten_v we_o what_o great_a folly_n and_o infatuation_n can_v there_o be_v than_o still_o to_o divide_v and_o quarrel_v among_o ourselves_o will_v nothing_o but_o sad_a and_o bitter_a experience_n be_v a_o admonition_n to_o we_o will_v nothing_o but_o the_o last_o necessity_n and_o extremity_n of_o thing_n bring_v we_o to_o ourselves_o and_o teach_v we_o wisdom_n methinks_v we_o shall_v all_o now_o be_v glad_a to_o be_v at_o rest_n after_o the_o tedious_a trouble_n and_o distraction_n the_o fruitless_a quarrel_n and_o division_n of_o fifty_o year_n so_o long_o i_o remember_v and_o in_o all_o that_o space_n how_o very_a few_o year_n pass_v over_o we_o without_o some_o great_a calamity_n and_o dismal_a event_n so_o that_o by_o this_o time_n one_o will_v think_v we_o shall_v all_o be_v sick_a of_o our_o own_o folly_n and_o so_o tire_v with_o our_o unprofitable_a feud_n and_o dissension_n as_o to_o make_v both_o side_n look_v about_o they_o to_o see_v if_o any_o body_n will_v take_v pity_n on_o we_o and_o step_v in_o to_o part_v our_o quarrel_n and_o now_o i_o begin_v to_o be_v sensible_a that_o i_o have_v engage_v in_o a_o tender_a point_n indeed_o and_o do_v feel_v myself_o stand_v upon_o a_o very_a slippery_a place_n for_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o interpose_v in_o such_o hot_a and_o fierce_a difference_n who_o can_v do_v it_o without_o danger_n or_o with_o any_o hope_n of_o success_n and_o yet_o for_o zion_n sake_n i_o will_v not_o hold_v my_o peace_n for_o jerusalem_n sake_n i_o will_v not_o keep_v silence_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n be_v it_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n that_o these_o name_n and_o distinction_n of_o party_n shall_v be_v lay_v down_o and_o abolish_v for_o ever_o in_o order_n whereunto_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o lie_v it_o for_o a_o principle_n that_o he_o who_o hope_v to_o persuade_v both_o side_n must_v provoke_v neither_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o inquire_v where_o the_o fault_n lie_v it_o be_v in_o these_o civil_a difference_n as_o in_o family_n quarrel_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v on_o which_o side_n lie_v the_o fault_n one_o may_v almost_o safe_o answer_v at_o a_o venture_n on_o both_o side_n it_o must_v indeed_o begin_v on_o one_o but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o present_o heal_v and_o make_v up_o the_o other_o party_n be_v always_o so_o civil_a as_o to_o run_v in_o and_o take_v a_o share_n of_o the_o fault_n that_o all_o the_o blame_n may_v not_o lie_v whole_o on_o one_o side_n and_o now_o my_o brethren_n let_v i_o for_o once_o persuade_v and_o prevail_v with_o you_o for_o your_o good_a let_v i_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o say_v something_o that_o may_v sink_v into_o your_o heart_n and_o incline_v your_o mind_n to_o peace_n and_o good_a agreement_n with_o one_o another_o have_v salt_n in_o yourselves_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a peace_n maker_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o by_o salt_n be_v mean_v grace_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o if_o that_o do_v but_o rule_v and_o sway_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v then_o endeavour_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n if_o we_o have_v salt_n in_o ourselves_o that_o be_v if_o we_o be_v wise_a we_o will_v then_o certain_o have_v peace_n one_o with_o another_o and_o if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o come_v to_o this_o heal_a temper_n in_o this_o divide_a and_o distract_a nation_n we_o shall_v not_o then_o need_v to_o fear_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o this_o our_o enemy_n know_v full_a well_o and_o therefore_o their_o chief_a policy_n and_o wisdom_n be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v to_o divide_v we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v our_o own_o great_a folly_n and_o weakness_n if_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v divide_v for_o who_o that_o be_v wise_a will_v take_v counsel_n and_o advice_n from_o a_o enemy_n but_o if_o we_o can_v agree_v and_o hold_v together_o than_o our_o jerusalem_n will_v be_v as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v compact_v together_o strong_a and_o impregnable_a let_v we_o then_o be_v instruct_v and_o know_v in_o this_o our_o day_n thing_n which_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o let_v we_o all_o earnest_o endeavour_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n 122._o they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n she_o say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o they_o do_v not_o love_v she_o that_o do_v not_o seek_v her_o peace_n and_o endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o procure_v it_o that_o peace_n may_v be_v within_o her_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o her_o palace_n the_o one_o can_v be_v without_o the_o other_o without_o peace_n there_o can_v be_v no_o prosperity_n and_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o say_v yea_o let_v we_o all_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n say_v for_o our_o brethren_n and_o companion_n sake_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o protestant_a brethren_n all_o the_o world_n
over_o let_v we_o say_v peace_n be_v within_o thou_o for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o of_o that_o excellent_a church_n whereof_o we_o all_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o say_v i_o will_v seek_v thy_o good_a and_o what_o great_a good_n can_v we_o do_v to_o the_o best_a religion_n how_o can_v we_o better_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o by_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o ourselves_o here_o in_o england_n upon_o who_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_n abroad_o be_v fix_v as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o great_a bulwark_n and_o support_v of_o it_o that_o so_o under_o the_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o two_o such_o excellent_a prince_n as_o he_o have_v now_o bless_v we_o withal_o the_o one_o so_o brave_a and_o valiant_a and_o both_o of_o they_o so_o wise_a so_o good_a so_o religious_a we_o may_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o a_o firm_a establishment_n and_o become_v like_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v move_v the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o admiration_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 27_o the_o 1690_o 1._o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n act_n xxiv_o 16_o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o defence_n which_o st._n paul_n make_v for_o himself_o before_o faelix_fw-la the_o roman_a governor_n in_o which_o he_o first_o of_o all_o vindicate_v himself_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o sedition_n ver_fw-la 12._o they_o neither_o find_v i_o in_o the_o temple_n dispute_v with_o any_o man_n neither_o raise_n up_o the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o synagogue_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n that_o be_v they_o can_v not_o charge_v he_o with_o make_v any_o disturbance_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n after_o this_o he_o make_v a_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n ver_fw-la 14._o but_o this_o i_o confess_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n here_o he_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n more_o particular_o he_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o principal_a article_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n ver_fw-la 15._o and_o i_o have_v hope_n also_o towards_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a and_o have_v make_v this_o declaration_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n ver_fw-la 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n herein_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o this_o work_n do_v i_o employ_v myself_o or_o as_o other_o render_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n or_o as_o other_o i_o think_v most_o probable_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o reason_n because_o i_o believe_v a_o resurrection_n therefore_o have_v i_o a_o conscientious_a care_n of_o my_o life_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o the_o discourse_n i_o intend_v to_o make_v upon_o these_o word_n shall_v be_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n iii_o here_o be_v his_o earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o exercise_v myself_o iv._o here_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o immediate_a guide_n of_o his_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o conscience_n v._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n vi_o here_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n consequent_a upon_o it_o for_o this_o cause_n because_o i_o hope_v for_o a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o the_o three_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n that_o i_o may_v be_v large_a in_o the_o rest_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n it_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n and_o man._n i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n the_o decalogue_n refer_v our_o duty_n to_o these_o two_o head_n and_o according_o our_o saviour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o those_o two_o great_a commandment_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n matth._n 22.38_o upon_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v all_o the_o moral_a precept_n which_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o exercise_v himself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d continual_o at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n we_o must_v not_o only_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o way_n by_o fit_n and_o start_v but_o in_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n without_o any_o balk_n and_o intermission_n there_o be_v some_o that_o will_v refrain_v from_o grosser_n sin_n and_o be_v very_o strict_a at_o some_o season_n as_o during_o the_o time_n of_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n and_o for_o some_o day_n before_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o perhaps_o for_o a_o little_a while_n after_o it_o and_o when_o these_o devout_a season_n be_v over_o they_o let_v themselves_o loose_v again_o to_o their_o former_a lewd_a and_o vicious_a course_n but_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n discover_v itself_o in_o the_o habitual_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n iii_o here_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o render_v exercise_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a intense_a signification_n and_o do_v denote_v that_o st._n paul_n apply_v himself_o to_o this_o business_n with_o all_o his_o care_n and_o might_n and_o that_o he_o make_v it_o his_o earnest_a study_n and_o endeavour_v and_o so_o must_v we_o we_o must_v take_v great_a care_n to_o understand_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v right_o inform_v concern_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o know_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v be_v true_a and_o honest_a to_o ourselves_o and_o very_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o iv_o the_o