like_a deal_n may_v all_o other_o dread_n who_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o like_a guilt_n to_o balance_v this_o instance_n it_o be_v urge_v isaiah_n prophesy_v of_o cyrus_n a_o heathen_a monarch_n by_o name_n long_o before_o his_o nativity_n for_o according_a to_o junius_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophecy_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o be_v 170_o year_n or_o after_o grotius_n 210_o and_o therefore_o the_o prediction_n of_o josiah_n be_v not_o singular_a i_o answer_v their_o case_n be_v very_o different_a cyrus_n be_v foretell_v as_o a_o passive_a instrument_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o design_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o babylonish_n captivity_n and_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o re-edisie_a the_o temple_n josiah_n as_o a_o active_a instrument_n to_o accomplish_v god_n pleasure_n in_o the_o extirpation_n of_o idolatry_n in_o judah_n and_o israel_n cyrus_n do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v without_o any_o sincere_a affection_n to_o or_o religious_a knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o god_n say_v twice_o to_o he_o 5._o isa_n 45.4_o 5._o thou_o have_v not_o know_v i_o josiah_n perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n second_o another_o thing_n extraordinary_a in_o josiah_n be_v his_o most_o exact_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o purge_v his_o kingdom_n of_o idolatry_n 21._o 2_o chron._n 31.20_o 21._o hezekiah_n wrought_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o right_a and_o truth_n before_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o in_o every_o work_n that_o he_o begin_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o commandment_n to_o seek_v his_o god_n he_o do_v it_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n this_o be_v a_o ample_a character_n but_o josiah_n be_v somewhat_o full_a for_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n his_o conversion_n be_v universal_a for_o he_o do_v all_o according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n his_o father_n and_o his_o grandfather_n turn_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o law_n but_o he_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n his_o counsellor_n he_o seek_v to_o the_o god_n of_o david_n his_o father_n and_o decline_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o the_o left_a 2_o chron._n 34.2_o 3._o he_o consult_v not_o with_o a_o carnal_a priesthood_n and_o a_o sensual_a sanhedrim_n but_o he_o send_v to_o huldah_n the_o prophetess_n for_o direction_n many_o prince_n will_v reform_v a_o little_a as_o afa_n jehosaphat_n joash_n amaziah_n who_o be_v good_a king_n so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v reform_v but_o the_o blot_n that_o be_v upon_o their_o name_n be_v the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o take_v away_o 1_o king_n 15.14_o &_o 22.43_o 2_o king_n 12.3_o &_o 14.4_o now_o josiah_n pull_v down_o these_o high_a place_n he_o leave_v not_o one_o of_o they_o remain_v indeed_o notwithstanding_o all_o he_o do_v or_o can_v do_v idolatry_n be_v so_o rivet_v in_o many_o of_o the_o prince_n priest_n and_o people_n that_o baal_n have_v a_o remnant_n among_o they_o 1.4_o jeph_n 1.4_o for_o he_o have_v his_o chemarim_n his_o profess_a priest_n and_o he_o have_v other_o too_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v priest_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o will_v be_v now_o and_o then_o tamper_n with_o baal_n idolatrous_a rite_n they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v their_o idolatry_n public_o for_o sear_v of_o the_o king_n but_o they_o worship_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n on_o the_o house_n top_n and_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o malchom_n 5._o v._o 5._o they_o mingle_v true_a and_o false_a worship_n together_o and_o because_o there_o be_v often_o mention_v in_o scripture_n of_o these_o high_a place_n and_o the_o pull_n of_o they_o down_o be_v record_v as_o a_o high_a act_n of_o reformation_n we_o will_v inquire_v what_o they_o be_v and_o this_o will_v not_o be_v loss_n of_o time_n because_o the_o heathen_a have_v their_o high_a place_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n the_o high_a place_n than_o heb._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sept._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v altar_n erect_v upon_o hill_n upon_o which_o they_o offer_v sacrifice_n the_o heathen_a to_o their_o idol_n and_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o true_a god_n for_o after_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o ark_n be_v remove_v from_o shiloh_n which_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o eli_n when_o the_o ark_n be_v take_v and_o his_o two_o son_n hophni_n and_o phinehas_n be_v slay_v by_o the_o philistine_n 1_o sam_n 4.3_o 4_o 11._o the_o jew_n use_v the_o high_a place_n as_o most_o proper_a and_o convenient_a for_o their_o worship_n thus_o samuel_n and_o the_o people_n sacrifice_v in_o the_o high_a place_n 1_o sam._n 9.12.19_o and_o so_o it_o continue_v till_o david_n bring_v the_o ark_n to_o 1.4_o to_o 2_o chron._n 1.4_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o it_o become_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o sacrifice_v where_o the_o ark_n be_v and_o hence_o we_o read_v that_o solomon_n when_o the_o 3._o the_o v._o 3._o tabernacle_n be_v at_o gibeon_n and_o the_o ark_n at_o jerusalem_n sacrifice_v in_o the_o high_a place_n and_o especial_o at_o the_o great_a high_a place_n in_o gibeon_n where_o tho'_o the_o lord_n appear_v to_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n by_o night_n yet_o have_v this_o note_n of_o irregularity_n put_v upon_o he_o solomon_n love_v the_o lord_n walk_v in_o the_o statute_n of_o david_n his_o father_n only_o he_o sacrifice_v and_o burn_v incense_n in_o the_o high_a place_n and_o the_o king_n go_v to_o gibeon_n to_o sacrifice_v there_o for_o that_o be_v the_o great_a high_a place_n 1_o king_n 3.3_o 4._o after_o the_o temple_n be_v build_v and_o the_o ark_n place_v in_o it_o the_o people_n be_v to_o bring_v their_o sacrifice_n thither_o according_a to_o that_o in_o deut._n 12.13_o 14._o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o that_o thou_o offer_v not_o thy_o burnt-offering_n in_o every_o place_n that_o thou_o see_v but_o in_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v in_o one_o of_o thy_o tribe_n there_o thou_o shall_v offer_v thy_o burnt-offering_n and_o there_o thou_o shall_v do_v all_o that_o i_o command_v thou_o it_o be_v the_o people_n sin_n to_o sacrifice_v any_o where_o else_o but_o at_o jerusalem_n tho'_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o true_a god_n his_o positive_a command_n make_v that_o to_o be_v sin_n which_o be_v not_o sin_n before_o when_o he_o have_v place_v his_o name_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n there_o thither_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o bring_v all_o their_o offering_n but_o alas_o they_o soon_o forsake_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o return_v to_o their_o high_a place_n where_o not_o content_a to_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n tho'_o even_o that_o worship_n perform_v there_o now_o be_v sinful_a because_o uncommand_v they_o fall_v to_o worship_v of_o baal_n or_o the_o sun_n and_o other_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o worship_n notwithstanding_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v every_o where_o condemn_v for_o abominable_a idolatry_n man_n may_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o institute_v or_o alter_v according_a to_o their_o fancy_n i_o know_v they_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o innovation_n as_o aaron_n do_v his_o golden_a calf_n who_o make_v proclamation_n and_o say_v to_o morrow_n be_v a_o feast_n to_o the_o lord_n exod._n 32.5_o not_o a_o feast_n to_o the_o calf_n they_o think_v religion_n too_o plain_a of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v set_v it_o out_o in_o a_o more_o pompous_a garb_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v which_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o take_v with_o carnal_a worshipper_n but_o be_v not_o acceptable_a with_o god_n because_o he_o approve_v of_o none_o no_o not_o that_o which_o man_n call_v divine_a service_n because_o but_o of_o humane_a contrivance_n and_o neither_o in_o respect_n of_o matter_n manner_n or_o end_v such_o as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n jeroboam_n have_v invent_v a_o notable_a semblance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o make_v it_o look_v as_o like_v that_o of_o god_n own_o appoint_v at_o jerusalem_n as_o may_v be_v but_o be_v god_n to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o calfish_a worship_n sure_o no._n and_o as_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o there_o so_o may_v we_o despair_v to_o find_v he_o in_o that_o theatrical_a worship_n which_o he_o have_v not_o ordain_v and_o wherewith_o the_o ignorant_a world_n be_v cajole_v at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a inclination_n in_o man_n to_o be_v mix_v something_o of_o their_o own_o with_o
a_o looking-glass_n for_o religious_a prince_n or_o the_o character_n and_o work_n of_o josiah_n deliver_v in_o a_o sermon_n upon_o 2_o king_n xxiii_o xxv_o the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v preach_v april_n 5._o 1691._o at_o pershore_n in_o worcester-shire_n wherein_o they_o may_v see_v that_o those_o prince_n be_v only_o eminent_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v more_o require_v of_o such_o prince_n than_o their_o own_o private_a assent_n and_o consent_v to_o the_o true_a religion_n that_o religious_a prince_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o great_a honour_n in_o this_o world_n than_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o a_o godly_a reformation_n among_o their_o subject_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o rule_n to_o which_o both_o they_o and_o their_o people_n must_v attend_v in_o all_o matter_n relate_v to_o religion_n by_o richard_n claridge_n m._n a._n and_o then_o rector_n of_o peopleton_n in_o the_o county_n of_o worcester_n london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o william_n marshal_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate-street_n 1691._o a_o look_a glass_n for_o religious_a prince_n etc._n etc._n 2_o king_n xxiii_o 25._o and_o like_v unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o may_v according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n neither_o after_o he_o arise_v there_o any_o like_o he_o of_o all_o the_o public_a blessing_n that_o almighty_a god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o nation_n as_o nation_n or_o body_n politic_a there_o can_v be_v conceive_v a_o great_a than_o good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n agree_v upon_o and_o enact_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o emolument_fw-fr of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o godly_a and_o upright_a governor_n to_o put_v those_o law_n in_o execution_n for_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o society_n man_n not_o be_v animal_n monasticum_fw-la sed_fw-la politicum_fw-la a_o monkish_a but_o sociable_a creature_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o agree_v upon_o law_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o main_a design_n of_o all_o law_n and_o government_n shall_v be_v gloria_fw-la dei_fw-la &_o salus_fw-la populi_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o weal_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o state_n those_o law_n be_v ever_o best_o which_o have_v the_o direct_v tendency_n to_o those_o end_n but_o see_v also_o that_o the_o best_a law_n be_v useless_a and_o insufficient_a for_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o end_n unless_o execute_v according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o governor_n entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n thereof_o and_o because_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o affair_n fall_v into_o ill_a hand_n who_o offend_v either_o through_o remissness_n rigour_n or_o arbitrariness_n and_o thereby_o enervate_a or_o debauch_v the_o people_n or_o so_o oppress_v they_o by_o illegal_a exaction_n 2._o mic._n 3.1_o 2._o that_o like_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n they_o pluck_v their_o skin_n from_o off_o they_o and_o their_o flesh_n from_o off_o their_o bone_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o singular_a instance_n of_o a_o benign_a providence_n to_o a_o people_n when_o a_o skilful_a and_o religious_a pilot_n be_v place_v at_o the_o rudder_n of_o the_o government_n who_o will_v take_v care_n for_o the_o enact_v and_o execute_v of_o good_a law_n always_o observe_v a_o due_a distance_n between_o the_o two_o extreme_n softness_n and_o tyranny_n into_o one_o of_o which_o most_o prince_n both_o of_o late_a and_o former_a day_n have_v fall_v it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o england_n can_v she_o see_v her_o happiness_n that_o she_o be_v deliver_v from_o one_o who_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a dispense_v power_n do_v what_o he_o list_v and_o have_v a_o most_o excellent_a prince_n place_v at_o the_o stern_a who_o head_n the_o lord_n cover_v in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n and_o appoint_v unto_o he_o salvation_n for_o wall_n and_o bulwark_n under_o his_o conduct_n the_o ship_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v likely_a to_o sail_v secure_o even_o among_o rock_n and_o shelf_n such_o prince_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n god_n will_v take_v they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o signet_n and_o put_v they_o as_o choice_a shaft_n in_o the_o quiver_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n in_o their_o day_n the_o government_n shall_v triumph_v it_o shall_v bid_v defiance_n to_o treachery_n at_o home_n and_o opposition_n from_o abroad_o for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v with_o they_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n be_v their_o refuge_n when_o the_o government_n be_v administer_v by_o a_o pious_a prudent_a and_o upright_a prince_n who_o have_v nothing_o equal_a in_o his_o prospect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o common_a welfare_n there_o the_o people_n be_v out_o of_o danger_n of_o oppression_n and_o invasion_n and_o shall_v dwell_v safe_o every_o man_n under_o his_o vine_n and_o under_o his_o figtree_n 4.25_o 1_o king_n 4.25_o as_o judah_n and_o israel_n do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n now_o of_o those_o two_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o common_a welfare_n the_o preference_n must_v be_v always_o give_v to_o the_o first_o 6.5_o mat._n 22.37_o 38._o deut._n 6.5_o because_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n the_o precept_n reach_v prince_n as_o well_o as_o people_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o chief_a care_n of_o governor_n to_o observe_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o though_o they_o be_v sometime_o call_v god_n in_o scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o earthly_a one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o by_o way_n of_o similitude_n as_o agapetus_n tell_v justinian_n and_o therefore_o shall_v ever_o remember_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o most_o high_a there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n honour_n shall_v be_v first_o regard_v by_o prince_n in_o their_o dominion_n because_o the_o most_o high_a rule_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n 5.21.2.21_o dan._n 4.17_o &_o 5.21.2.21_o and_o appoint_v over_o it_o whosoever_o he_o will_v for_o he_o change_v the_o time_n and_o the_o season_n he_o remove_v king_n and_o set_v up_o king_n and_o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o nation_n depend_v upon_o its_o relation_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o wise_a and_o experience_a solomon_n that_o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n 34._o prov._n 14_o 34._o but_o sin_n be_v a_o reproach_n to_o any_o people_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o inquire_v whether_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v to_o moral_a justice_n or_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o more_o comprehensive_a sense_n for_o religion_n and_o virtue_n in_o general_n experience_n can_v attest_v that_o piety_n and_o morality_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o the_o prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o that_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n have_v be_v always_o fatal_a in_o their_o consequence_n to_o it_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a cement_n of_o society_n and_o bind_v man_n in_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o be_v just_o and_o true_a and_o honest_a to_o one_o another_o for_o where_o religion_n be_v true_o embrace_v it_o have_v its_o tie_n upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o that_o by_o a_o powerful_a energy_n check_n and_o command_v the_o whole_a man_n for_o conscience_n i_o mean_v the_o enlighten_v and_o sanctify_a conscience_n will_v be_v always_o do_v its_o office_n in_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v and_o he_o that_o have_v such_o a_o monitor_n must_v be_v prodigious_o inadvertent_n if_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v its_o motion_n and_o attend_v to_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n where_o vice_n be_v grow_v predominant_a and_o become_v the_o epidemical_a distemper_n of_o a_o people_n there_o the_o bond_n of_o conscience_n be_v dissolve_v because_o their_o union_n with_o god_n be_v break_v and_o when_o that_o bond_n be_v dissolve_v the_o people_n be_v under_o no_o tie_n but_o that_o of_o humane_a law_n and_o how_o weak_a humane_a law_n be_v of_o themselves_o to_o make_v a_o nation_n true_o happy_a be_v sad_o apparent_a from_o the_o many_o woeful_a distress_n the_o nation_n be_v under_o at_o this_o day_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o apostasy_n from_o god_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o all_o their_o misery_n upon_o mistake_v cause_n and_o to_o make_v those_o person_n and_o thing_n the_o author_n
the_o holy_a appointment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o vice_n as_o old_a as_o the_o fall_n and_o therefore_o may_v plead_v prescription_n be_v antiquity_n in_o this_o matter_n a_o good_a argument_n neither_o be_v there_o only_o a_o natural_a inclination_n but_o some_o person_n be_v possess_v with_o such_o a_o mighty_a fondness_n for_o addition_n which_o custom_n or_o inrerest_n have_v decoy_v they_o into_o that_o they_o can_v think_v god_n well-worshipt_a without_o the_o sinful_a pageantry_n of_o their_o ceremonious_a decency_n and_o order_n two_o word_n of_o large_a extent_n which_o when_o witty_a and_o design_v man_n have_v the_o explication_n of_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o expound_v to_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o shall_v serve_v their_o end_n upon_o every_o occasion_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o the_o idolatrous_a priest_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o say_v for_o their_o idol_n and_o high_a place_n they_o have_v the_o example_n of_o several_a king_n the_o approbation_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n their_o idol_n be_v only_a symbol_n or_o medium_n through_o which_o their_o worship_n pass_v to_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o they_o can_v tell_v the_o people_n they_o use_v they_o mere_o for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o their_o high_a place_n for_o great_a splendour_n of_o devotion_n for_o they_o look_v upon_o both_o idol_n and_o high_a place_n not_o as_o have_v any_o divinity_n or_o holiness_n in_o themselves_o but_o as_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o be_v enjoin_v as_o not_o to_o be_v omit_v because_o the_o magistrate_n command_n change_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o which_o antecedent_n to_o his_o sanction_n be_v indifferent_a become_v immediate_o after_o to_o be_v necessary_a that_o be_v necessary_a because_o command_v by_o the_o magistrate_n this_o also_o be_v the_o modern_a plea_n which_o have_v be_v enforce_v with_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o power_n of_o man_n to_o defend_v his_o innovation_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o all_o his_o attempt_n will_v not_o do_v for_o weak_a sinful_a man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o omnipotent_a and_o most_o holy_a god_n who_o will_v maintain_v his_o cause_n against_o all_o opposer_n and_o make_v his_o truth_n to_o triumph_v over_o error_n tho'_o back_v with_o the_o utmost_a skill_n and_o power_n of_o men._n but_o to_o return_v to_o josiah_n that_o most_o eminent_a reformer_n in_o his_o day_n his_o zeal_n for_o god_n manifest_v itself_o in_o sundry_a particular_n first_o he_o take_v care_n about_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v much_o dilapidate_v through_o the_o neglect_v of_o his_o idolatrous_a predecessor_n 5._o 2_o king_n 22.3.4_o 5._o and_o give_v hilkiah_n order_n to_o repair_v the_o breach_n thereof_o second_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v and_o read_v before_o he_o and_o he_o hear_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n denounce_v against_o idolatry_n he_o be_v mighty_o concern_v thereat_o and_o rend_v his_o clothes_n 11._o v._o 11._o he_o consider_v himself_o as_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o threaten_v as_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o command_v priest_n and_o prince_n to_o go_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o and_o his_o people_n 13._o 12._o 13._o and_o for_o all_o judah_n about_o it_o three_o he_o send_v and_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n 30._o 2_o chron._n 34.29_o 30._o and_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n and_o all_o the_o people_n great_a and_o small_a and_o go_v up_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o read_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o grievous_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o it_o and_o may_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o renounce_v it_o four_o he_o and_o the_o people_n make_v a_o solemn_a covenant_n before_o the_o lord_n 23.3_o 2_o king_n 23.3_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o his_o testimony_n and_o his_o statute_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o all_o their_o soul_n to_o perform_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n herein_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v religious_a indeed_o for_o all_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o enter_v into_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v true_a to_o he_o and_o his_o appointment_n the_o term_n league_n covenant_n association_n have_v a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n put_v upon_o they_o by_o some_o man_n who_o ear_n be_v grate_v at_o the_o sound_n and_o their_o stomach_n raise_v at_o the_o mention_n of_o they_o they_o be_v as_o great_a pretender_n to_o knowledge_n as_o any_o man_n we_o discourse_v with_o and_o yet_o as_o blind_v and_o ignorant_a as_o the_o pharisee_n their_o forefather_n for_o as_o they_o boast_v of_o their_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 9.28_o joh._n 8.33_o 9.28_o and_o disciple_n of_o moses_n but_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o our_o modern_a pharisee_n talk_v much_o of_o their_o be_v the_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lover_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n when_o they_o be_v many_o of_o they_o as_o ignorant_a as_o the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a in_o point_n of_o real_a save_a knowledge_n and_o understand_v no_o covenant_v with_o god_n but_o that_o popish_a childish_a perfunctory_a and_o unwarrantable_a one_o of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n for_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n which_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o be_v usual_o as_o careless_a altogether_o to_o perform_v as_o their_o substitute_n do_v at_o first_o negligent_o and_o superstitious_o engage_v but_o thus_o it_o happen_v among_o all_o way_n of_o religion_n tho'_o never_o so_o high_o applaud_v by_o traditionary_a professor_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a authority_n five_o he_o and_o his_o people_n have_v take_v the_o covenant_n to_o walk_v after_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o delay_n no_o fear_n of_o precipitation_n and_o wait_v for_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n which_o be_v too_o often_o suggest_v to_o religious_a prince_n by_o carnal_a counsellor_n but_o down_o go_v the_o high_a place_n grove_n altar_n 23._o 2_o chron._n 34._o &_o 2._o king_n 23._o priest_n of_o baal_n immediate_o and_o so_o universal_a be_v the_o reformation_n that_o not_o one_o public_a monument_n of_o idolatry_n be_v spare_v throughout_o judah_n and_o israel_n six_o he_o restore_v the_o passeover_n to_o its_o right_a observation_n command_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v exact_o according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n 22._o 2_o king_n 23.21_o v._o 22._o from_o which_o he_o turn_v not_o aside_o by_o put_v to_o or_o take_v from_o touch_v the_o celebration_n of_o this_o feast_n it_o be_v record_v sure_o there_o be_v not_o hold_v such_o a_o passeover_n from_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n the_o prophet_n nor_o in_o all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n nor_o of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n seven_o he_o take_v care_n that_o no_o public_a idolatry_n shall_v be_v practise_v in_o his_o day_n whatsoever_o some_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n do_v private_o for_o it_o be_v say_v 33._o 2_o chron._n 34_o 33._o he_o make_v they_o serve_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o all_o his_o day_n they_o depart_v not_o from_o follow_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n upon_o consideration_n now_o of_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o may_v well_o be_v record_v of_o josiah_n like_a unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n neither_o after_o he_o arise_v there_o any_o like_o he_o in_o the_o word_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v present_v to_o our_o meditation_n first_o josiah_n personal_a eminency_n above_o all_o other_o king_n like_a unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o in_o the_o instance_n above_o mention_v and_o tho'_o it_o include_v his_o public_a and_o private_a deportment_n yet_o it_o seem_v most_o to_o relate_v to_o his_o extraordinary_a zeal_n for_o god_n in_o a_o public_a reformation_n second_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o his_o matchless_a glory_n namely_o his_o own_o conversion_n and_o his_o people_n reformation_n wherein_o his_o love_n to_o god_n be_v very_o conspicuous_a whether_o we_o consider_v its_o integrity_n or_o extent_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o sincere_a but_o universal_a also_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o
of_o convert_a soul_n towards_o god_n be_v like_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o needle_n touch_v with_o a_o loadstone_n to_o the_o north_n for_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o magnet_n of_o his_o love_n they_o draw_v incessant_o towards_o he_o in_o such_o soul_n the_o attraction_n of_o freegrace_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o nothing_o can_v possible_o prevent_v it_o the_o saint_n be_v sensible_a of_o great_a slackness_n and_o backwardness_n in_o their_o spiritual_a progress_n of_o many_o stop_n and_o hindrance_n in_o their_o christian_a race_n but_o they_o be_v secure_v against_o total_a and_o final_a apostasy_n by_o god_n everlasting_a covenant_n of_o freegrace_n seal_v and_o ratify_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o many_o sweet_a and_o precious_a promise_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o fall_v away_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o mystical_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o they_o meet_v with_o many_o assault_n from_o sin_n satan_n and_o the_o world_n but_o sin_n can_v separate_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n because_o that_o be_v pardon_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n satan_n can_v vanquish_v they_o because_o christ_n have_v subdue_v he_o and_o the_o world_n can_v overcome_v they_o because_o christ_n have_v overcome_v the_o world_n but_o tho'_o the_o saint_n be_v secure_v from_o all_o danger_n of_o final_a and_o total_a apostasy_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o carelessness_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n to_o they_o the_o way_n of_o their_o salvation_n be_v of_o god_n own_o order_n and_o appoint_v and_o it_o be_v this_o 1.2_o pet._n 1.2_o they_o be_v elect_v according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mark_v this_o passage_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n they_o be_v not_o elect_v to_o salvation_n without_o the_o spirit_n sanctification_n unto_o obedience_n but_o they_o be_v elect_v to_o attain_v salvation_n by_o sanctification_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n god_n do_v not_o elect_a they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v careless_a 1.4_o â—…ph_n 1.4_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_a for_o they_o be_v choose_v of_o he_o in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o in_o love_n they_o be_v choose_v to_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o diligent_a use_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o end_n 2.10_o h._n 2.10_o for_o they_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o this_o denote_v their_o course_n it_o be_v a_o walk_n in_o good_a work_n they_o be_v elect_v to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n infuse_v into_o they_o and_o of_o all_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o they_o then_o most_o horrid_o abuse_v the_o precious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o saint_n perseverance_n who_o call_v it_o a_o doctrine_n of_o looseness_n and_o libertinism_n and_o pretend_v it_o take_v away_o all_o watchfulness_n and_o diligence_n in_o duty_n whereas_o it_o require_v all_o possible_a strictness_n and_o exactness_n from_o the_o saint_n and_o certain_o no_o person_n in_o the_o world_n can_v consider_v themselves_o under_o strong_a tie_n to_o obedience_n than_o they_o who_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n method_n in_o their_o salvation_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o of_o free_a grace_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v god_n way_n of_o salvation_n they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o and_o know_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v they_o to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n 17._o thes_n 2.13_o 15_o 17._o and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o will_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v stand_v fast_o and_o have_v their_o heart_n comfort_v and_o establish_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n upon_o this_o score_n it_o be_v namely_o election_n in_o christ_n and_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o prince_n become_v true_o religious_a and_o so_o high_o eminent_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o their_o dominion_n be_v found_v in_o grace_n and_o have_v a_o spiritual_a superad_v to_o their_o political_a right_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o godly_a or_o gracious_a only_o have_v a_o political_a right_o to_o govern_v but_o that_o gracious_a prince_n have_v a_o double_a one_o first_o as_o prince_n and_o second_o much_o more_o i_o be_o sure_a much_o better_a as_o be_v gracious_a prince_n by_o how_o much_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n excel_v that_o of_o the_o body_n by_o so_o much_o the_o sceptre_n polish_v with_o grace_n outshine_v its_o native_a lustre_n impious_a ruler_n be_v compare_v by_o solomon_n to_o roar_a lion_n and_o range_a bear_n the_o most_o savage_a beast_n of_o prey_n 28.15_o prov._n 28.15_o to_o set_v forth_o their_o violence_n cruelty_n and_o oppression_n lion_n and_o bear_n the_o naturalist_n tell_v we_o be_v natural_o cruel_a than_o other_o wild_a creature_n but_o when_o pinch_v with_o hunger_n superant_fw-la sed_fw-la cum_fw-la fame_n premuntur_fw-la seipsos_fw-la crudelitate_fw-la superant_fw-la they_o exceed_v the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o nature_n in_o those_o creature_n we_o have_v a_o lively_a portraiture_n of_o arbitrary_a and_o tyrannical_a governor_n who_o as_o cruel_o prey_n upon_o the_o poor_a oppress_a people_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tenui_fw-la populo_fw-la ar._n mont._n rom._n 13.3_o 4._o with_o a_o little_a variation_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o they_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n and_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o they_o that_o do_v well_o they_o be_v perverter_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o order_n and_o man_n have_v no_o security_n notwithstanding_o law_n of_o life_n or_o property_n under_o they_o for_o they_o care_v not_o what_o ravage_v and_o spoil_v they_o make_v of_o their_o counrrey_n vain_o fancy_v the_o people_n be_v make_v for_o they_o not_o they_o make_v for_o the_o people_n contrary_a to_o what_o seneca_n write_v to_o nero_n that_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v not_o they_o to_o use_v as_o they_o listen_v 19_o non_fw-la republicam_fw-la svam_fw-la esse_fw-la sed_fw-la se_fw-la republicae_fw-la de_fw-fr clem._n l._n 1._o c._n 19_o but_o they_o be_v the_o commonwealth_n which_o make_v i_o stand_v amaze_v when_o i_o read_v or_o hear_v what_o unsuitable_a title_n some_o parasite_n give_v they_o and_o how_o jeroboam_n herod_n maximine_n dioclesian_n and_o julian_n idolater_n adulterer_n bloody_a persecutor_n and_o infamous_a apostate_n be_v complemented_a with_o the_o glorious_a appellation_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v â—_o sen._n epist_n 5â—_n q._n curt._n l._n â—_o and_o minister_n of_o god_n as_o the_o heathen_a priest_n flatter_v alexander_n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o be_v jupiter_n son_n tho'_o king_n philip_n be_v his_o father_n but_o as_o wicked_a ruler_n be_v like_o roar_a lion_n and_o range_a bear_n 49.23_o isai_n 49.23_o so_o religious_a king_n and_o queen_n be_v compare_v to_o nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o people_n sway_v more_o with_o such_o than_o their_o own_o self-interest_n or_o personal_a greatness_n they_o always_o postpone_v their_o private_a advantage_n to_o the_o public_a good_a and_o make_v less_o reckon_n of_o their_o own_o than_o their_o subject_n safety_n and_o this_o be_v notorious_a from_o those_o many_o danger_n they_o voluntary_o expose_v themselves_o to_o which_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a they_o will_v ever_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o more_o regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o subject_n weal_n than_o to_o their_o own_o applause_n and_o interest_n the_o greek_a and_o roman_a history_n inform_v we_o of_o some_o that_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n upon_o their_o country_n score_n as_o codrus_n decius_n and_o several_a other_o but_o whence_o spring_v this_o adventurous_a love_n from_o natural_a courage_n ambition_n vain_a glory_n affectation_n of_o a_o statue_n superstitious_a observation_n of_o oracle_n or_o the_o like_a but_o true_o religious_a prince_n act_v from_o noble_a principle_n and_o be_v move_v by_o the_o mighty_a impulse_n of_o he_o who_o sit_v upon_o the_o circle_n of_o the_o earth_n 23._o isa_n 40.22_o 23._o and_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o be_v as_o grasshopper_n that_o bring_v wicked_a prince_n to_o nothing_o and_o make_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o vanity_n now_o who_o