of_o judah_n of_o idolatry_n 14._o and_o idol_n of_o high_a place_n image_n and_o grove_n yet_o now_o he_o go_v on_o to_o a_o more_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o put_v away_o the_o remainder_n of_o abominable_a idol_n out_o of_o all_o the_o land_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n and_o out_o of_o the_o city_n which_o he_o have_v take_v from_o mount_n ephraim_n and_o renew_v the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o where_o idol_n go_v up_o god_n altar_n go_v down_o therefore_o he_o pull_v down_o the_o one_o and_o set_v up_o the_o other_o and_o not_o this_o alone_a but_o he_o offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o great_a sacrifice_n and_o both_o himself_o and_o his_o people_n enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v not_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n whether_o small_a or_o great_a whether_o man_n or_o woman_n and_o they_o swear_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n and_o with_o shout_v and_o with_o trumpet_n and_o with_o cornet_n and_o all_o this_o immediate_o upon_o the_o deliverance_n and_o victory_n which_o he_o have_v obtain_v for_o in_fw-la vers._n 11._o it_o be_v say_v express_o that_o they_o offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o same_o time_n or_o in_o that_o very_a day_n of_o the_o spoil_n which_o they_o have_v bring_v 700._o ox_n and_o 7000._o sheep_n mean_v of_o those_o which_o they_o have_v carry_v away_o from_o the_o ethiopian_n that_o come_v out_o to_o battle_n against_o they_o so_o that_o now_o you_o see_v another_o solemn_a covenant_n enter_v into_o not_o by_o asa_n alone_o but_o by_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o covenant_n solemnize_v in_o public_a by_o sacrifice_n by_o oath_n and_o under_o the_o high_a penalty_n of_o death_n itself_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v not_o observe_v it_o in_o pursuit_n of_o which_o covenant_n see_v what_o he_o present_o do_v he_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o mother_n that_o regard_v it_o not_o for_o when_o he_o perceive_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o covenant_n the_o queen_n his_o mother_n maacha_n will_v needs_o retain_v her_o puppet_n god_n still_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n one_o abominable_a idol_n in_o a_o grove_n so_o obscene_a as_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v name_v abulensis_n a_o priâ—pi_fw-la observe_v that_o it_o be_v priapus_n and_o conjecture_v thence_o that_o she_o be_v not_o only_o a_o gross_a idolatress_n but_o a_o abominable_a strumpet_n b_o ibid._n for_o ordinary_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n spiritual_a and_o bodily_a fornication_n go_v together_o c_o complures_fw-la it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o remove_v she_o from_o be_v queen_n because_o she_o have_v make_v a_o idol_n in_o a_o grove_n and_o asa_n cut_v down_o her_o idol_n and_o stamp_v it_o and_o burn_v it_o at_o the_o brook_n kidron_n vers._n 16._o which_o passage_n be_v express_v with_o a_o emphasis_n in_o 1_o king_n 15._o 11._o also_o maacha_n his_o mother_n even_o her_o he_o remove_v from_o be_v queen_n although_o a_o queen_n so_o although_o a_o mother_n *_o so_o yet_o even_o her_o he_o depose_v from_o her_o dignity_n this_o he_o do_v and_o this_o he_o must_v do_v not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o voluntary_a covenant_n into_o which_o he_o have_v enter_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o special_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o what_o ever_o relation_n she_o have_v stand_v unto_o he_o yea_o in_o deut._n 13._o 6._o the_o law_n be_v more_o strict_a for_o though_o she_o have_v be_v near_a than_o a_o mother_n even_o the_o wife_n of_o his_o bosom_n yet_o if_o she_o be_v a_o idolater_n and_o shall_v entice_v he_o secret_o say_v let_v we_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n she_o must_v have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o his_o own_o hand_n must_v have_v be_v first_o upon_o she_o vers._n 9_o you_o now_o see_v the_o point_n prove_v in_o the_o general_a that_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o god_n people_n upon_o any_o notable_a deliverance_n *_o fear_v they_o enter_v anew_o into_o solemn_a and_o strict_a covenant_n with_o god_n 2._o but_o more_o especial_o ought_v this_o to_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n when_o god_n give_v her_o deliverance_n out_o of_o babylon_n out_o of_o that_o servitude_n and_o bondage_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o heavy_a 10._o and_o lay_v long_a on_o she_o see_v this_o in_o some_o instance_n 32._o both_o on_o god_n part_n aim_v at_o this_o in_o give_v deliverance_n special_a and_o on_o his_o people_n part_n perform_v this_o after_o deliverance_n from_o babylon_n on_o god_n part_n first_o this_o be_v foreshow_v under_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o basket_n of_o good_a fig_n jer._n 24._o 5._o there_o it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n like_o these_o good_a fig_n so_o will_v i_o acknowledge_v they_o that_o be_v carry_v away_o captive_a of_o judah_n who_o i_o have_v send_v out_o of_o this_o place_n into_o the_o land_n of_o the_o chaldean_n for_o their_o good_a for_o i_o will_v set_v my_o eye_n upon_o they_o for_o good_a and_o i_o will_v bring_v they_o again_o to_o this_o land_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n it_o follow_v i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n for_o they_o shall_v return_v unto_o i_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n he_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v he_o special_a to_o return_v and_o become_v his_o people_n which_o can_v be_v without_o a_o covenant_n again_o that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n heart_n be_v exceed_o set_v upon_o and_o full_a of_o namely_o that_o he_o never_o mean_v to_o bring_v his_o people_n back_o from_o babylon_n but_o upon_o this_o very_a condition_n albeit_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n ere_o it_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o they_o thrive_v according_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v anon_o will_v yet_o further_o appear_v by_o many_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n to_o pass_v by_o sundry_a other_o prophecy_n utter_v by_o isaiah_n micah_n and_o other_o in_o ier._n 30._o 18._o we_o shall_v find_v a_o prophecy_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o that_o it_o be_v afterwards_o perform_v behold_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v bring_v again_o the_o captivity_n of_o jacob_n tent_n and_o have_v mercy_n on_o his_o dwell_a place_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o verse_n 21._o i_o will_v cause_v he_o to_o draw_v near_o and_o he_o shall_v approach_v unto_o i_o and_o then_o as_o one_o assure_v of_o it_o and_o admire_v at_o it_o he_o present_o add_v for_o who_o be_v this_o that_o engage_v his_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v both_o governor_n and_o people_n all_o of_o they_o shall_v bind_v and_o engage_v themselves_o not_o their_o outward_a man_n alone_o but_o even_o their_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n also_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n be_v clear_a by_o the_o next_o verse_n you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n for_o it_o be_v such_o a_o engage_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o that_o one_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o another_o shall_v call_v himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jacob_n and_o another_o shall_v subscribe_v with_o his_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o surname_n himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n etc._n isa._n 44._o 5._o so_o again_o in_o ier._n 31._o the_o lord_n have_v first_o promise_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o captivity_n he_o subjoin_v behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o â—ord_n that_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o take_v he_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n which_o my_o covenant_n they_o break_v although_o i_o be_v a_o husband_n unto_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n here_o be_v a_o covenant_n god_n begin_v the_o work_n but_o his_o people_n follow_v they_o embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o join_v themselves_o by_o mutual_a covenant_n to_o he_o he_o put_v his_o law_n into_o their_o heart_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n once_o more_o in_o ier._n 32._o 37._o there_o be_v a_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v gather_v his_o
intention_n of_o a_o man_n spirit_n in_o any_o work_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v most_o set_v upon_o and_o that_o he_o will_v lay_v out_o his_o life_n and_o all_o he_o have_v upon_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o resolution_n and_o care_n of_o these_o people_n and_o must_v be_v we_o this_o be_v to_o ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o our_o face_n thitherward_o and_o without_o this_o no_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n this_o be_v for_o substance_n no_o other_o though_o otherwise_o express_v than_o that_o of_o the_o people_n in_o asa_n his_o time_n when_o they_o swear_v the_o covenant_n before_o mention_v 2_o chron._n 15._o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o do_v it_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o express_v it_o by_o the_o loudness_n of_o their_o voice_n and_o with_o shout_n etc._o etc._o rejoice_v at_o the_o oath_n because_o they_o have_v swear_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a desire_n vers._n 15._o man_n that_o will_v stand_v dispute_v consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o cast_v about_o how_o the_o enter_n into_o such_o a_o covenant_n may_v consist_v with_o their_o profit_n honour_n lust_n design_n relation_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o fit_a covenanter_n for_o god_n his_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a psal._n 110_o 3._o their_o heart_n mind_n spirit_n body_n countenance_n all_o shall_v profess_v and_o proclaim_v this_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o be_v for_o god_n for_o a_o covenant_n for_o put_v themselves_o into_o the_o strong_a bond_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v think_v on_o to_o bind_v they_o hand_n and_o foot_n soul_n and_o body_n to_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o 2._o nor_o be_v this_o all_o other_o for_o the_o man_n in_o my_o text_n content_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o earnest_o addict_v to_o the_o work_n in_o their_o own_o particular_n but_o as_o one_o stick_n kindle_v another_o they_o desire_v to_o kindle_v the_o same_o flame_n of_o affection_n in_o other_o also_o and_o mutual_o to_o blow_v up_o the_o coal_n in_o one_o another_o say_v come_v this_o note_v the_o fervency_n of_o their_o charity_n towards_o other_o also_o for_o it_o be_v not_o here_o bring_v in_o as_o a_o formality_n or_o compliment_n but_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o strong_a desire_n to_o draw_v as_o many_o other_o as_o they_o can_v to_o the_o same_o journey_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o keep_v the_o same_o pace_n with_o they_o as_o be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o leave_v any_o behind_o they_o this_o indeed_o be_v true_a love_n unfeigned_a charity_n to_o draw_v all_o we_o can_v along_o with_o we_o unto_o god_n true_o convert_v when_o once_o they_o return_v themselves_o they_o cause_v other_o to_o return_v also_o and_o this_o be_v often_o prophesy_v as_o a_o thing_n which_o shall_v certain_o be_v witness_v all_o those_o place_n in_o isay_n 2._o mic._n 4._o and_o zach._n 8._o before_o quote_v so_o than_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v requisite_a and_o previous_a to_o the_o act_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o seek_n to_o god_n with_o true_a humiliation_n a_o seek_n of_o he_o with_o all_o intention_n of_o spirit_n and_o with_o all_o manifestation_n of_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v terrify_v from_o daunt_v at_o or_o ashamed_a of_o the_o work_n yea_o with_o fervent_a charity_n to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o same_o covenant_n also_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o disposition_n previous_a to_o the_o covenant_n 2._o the_o next_o thing_n considerable_a in_o the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v covenant_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o covenant_n two_o thing_n here_o must_v be_v open_v respect_n the_o matter_n and_o the_o form_n of_o this_o solemn_a action_n 1._o the_o matter_n of_o this_o act_n be_v set_v forth_o under_o this_o expression_n matter_n let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n the_o original_a word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o from_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v very_o emphatical_a so_o as_o that_o word_n be_v explain_v will_v sufficient_o set_v out_o before_o you_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n here_o intend_v some_o translator_n render_v it_o let_v we_o glue_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n which_o import_v a_o conjunction_n so_o near_o as_o nothing_o can_v come_v between_o and_o so_o firm_a as_o nothing_o can_v dissolve_v but_o more_o particular_o the_o verb_n here_o use_v be_v in_o scripture_n apply_v to_o a_o double_a sense_n or_o to_o denote_v two_o thing_n both_o of_o which_o be_v set_v together_o will_v full_o discover_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o covenant_n first_o it_o signify_v the_o bind_n of_o a_o man_n self_n to_o the_o usurer_n of_o who_o he_o have_v borrow_v money_n to_o pay_v back_o both_o principal_a and_o interest_n so_o it_o be_v use_v in_o nehem._n 5._o 4._o where_o the_o people_n complain_v we_o have_v borrow_v money_n *_o {non-roman}_o for_o the_o king_n tribute_n and_o that_o upon_o our_o land_n and_o vineyard_n that_o be_v they_o have_v engage_v both_o land_n and_o vineyard_n for_o security_n of_o the_o money_n borrow_v that_o the_o usurer_n shall_v enter_v upon_o all_o in_o case_n they_o fail_v of_o payment_n at_o the_o day_n so_o that_o as_o man_n to_o make_v sure_a will_v have_v a_o statute_n staple_n or_o recognizance_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o statute_n staple_n acknowledge_v whereby_o a_o man_n person_n good_n land_n and_o all_o be_v bind_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o creditor_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v both_o principal_a and_o interest_n at_o the_o day_n agree_v upon_o and_o here_o that_o of_o solomon_n prove_v too_o true_a the_o borrower_n be_v servant_n to_o the_o lender_n for_o he_o have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o his_o own_o dispose_n if_o he_o will_v sell_v any_o land_n settle_v any_o jointure_n there_o be_v a_o statute_n upon_o it_o he_o can_v dispose_v of_o nothing_o till_o that_o be_v take_v off_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o any_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n by_o covenant_n he_o must_v even_o bind_v himself_o to_o god_n as_o firm_o as_o full_o as_o the_o poor_a borrower_n who_o for_o his_o necessity_n take_v up_o money_n bind_v himself_o to_o the_o usurer_n if_o god_n lend_v he_o any_o mercy_n any_o blessing_n he_o bind_v himself_o to_o restore_v not_o only_o the_o principal_a the_o blessing_n itself_o when_o god_n shall_v call_v for_o it_o but_o even_o the_o interest_n too_o i_o mean_v all_o possible_a homage_n service_n and_o honour_n which_o become_v those_o who_o have_v receive_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n this_o be_v more_o than_o employ_v in_o that_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n touch_v the_o talent_n dispense_v matth._n 25._o 27._o for_o even_o to_o he_o who_o have_v receive_v but_o one_o talon_n be_v it_o say_v thou_o ought_v to_o have_v put_v my_o money_n to_o the_o exchanger_n that_o at_o my_o come_n i_o may_v have_v receive_v i_o own_o with_o usury_n god_n will_v have_v his_o return_n some_o interest_n for_o every_o mercy_n and_o expect_v a_o statute_n staple_n that_o be_v a_o covenant_n for_o his_o better_a security_n god_n will_v have_v he_o bind_v soul_n body_n estate_n life_n and_o all_o so_o as_o all_o he_o be_v and_o have_v shall_v be_v forfeit_v if_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v touch_n and_o make_v payment_n according_a to_o agreement_n and_o covenant_n make_v between_o they_o this_o be_v the_o first_o use_n of_o the_o word_n nilvu_o second_o there_o be_v yet_o more_o in_o it_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o borrower_n to_o the_o usurer_n be_v as_o strong_a as_o bond_n and_o statute_n can_v make_v it_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o entire_a near_o firm_a and_o last_a tie_n of_o the_o borrower_n to_o the_o lender_n nor_o such_o a_o thorough_a interest_n in_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o usurer_n as_o there_o be_v of_o he_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o usurer_n though_o he_o bind_v the_o poor_a borrower_n fast_o to_o he_o yet_o he_o keep_v he_o at_o distance_n not_o give_v he_o interest_n in_o or_o use_v of_o any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o estate_n but_o only_o of_o the_o sum_n borrow_v but_o now_o this_o join_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n be_v such_o as_o be_v make_v by_o marriage_n and_o give_v interest_n in_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v and_o have_v and_o admit_v we_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o intimate_a near_a choice_a expression_n of_o the_o dear_a love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v or_o can_v be_v find_v between_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o wife_n
people_n out_o of_o all_o country_n whither_o he_o have_v cast_v they_o in_o his_o wrath_n and_o that_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o back_o to_o their_o own_o place_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o dwell_v safe_o he_o present_o add_v this_o as_o the_o product_n of_o that_o mercy_n they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v i_o for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o they_o that_o i_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o to_o do_v they_o good_a but_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o which_o word_n go_v no_o less_o than_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n mutual_o make_v and_o strike_v between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n thus_o than_o you_o see_v many_o plain_a and_o pregnant_a place_n of_o scripture_n show_v that_o the_o main_a thing_n god_n on_o his_o part_n aim_v at_o and_o expect_v from_o his_o people_n in_o deliver_v they_o from_o babylon_n be_v the_o firm_a and_o solemn_a tie_n and_o engage_v of_o themselves_o by_o a_o formal_a and_o effectual_a covenant_n to_o he_o and_o the_o remember_v and_o keep_v of_o it_o better_a than_o former_o they_o have_v do_v but_o second_o all_o these_o be_v but_o prophecy_n show_v what_o god_n foreshow_v shall_v be_v will_v you_o therefore_o see_v the_o thing_n act_v and_o all_o these_o promise_n fulfil_v true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o the_o people_n do_v not_o on_o their_o part_n perform_v this_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o such_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n so_o soon_o as_o deliverance_n be_v by_o cyrus_n proclaim_v and_o they_o speed_v according_o zorobbabel_n go_v indeed_o before_o in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o cyrus_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o covenant_n then_o make_v therefore_o the_o work_n be_v stay_v and_o the_o building_n not_o finish_v in_o a_o 100_o year_n after_o say_v the_o best_a chronologer_n then_o come_v ezra_n and_o make_v some_o reformation_n of_o manner_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o some_o covenant_n he_o and_o the_o people_n enter_v into_o ezra_n 10._o but_o that_o be_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a case_n and_o it_o will_v be_v think_v a_o strange_a one_o to_o this_o age_n especial_o shall_v it_o now_o be_v press_v there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v trespass_v against_o their_o god_n by_o take_v strange_a wife_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n that_o worship_v not_o the_o same_o god_n such_o therefore_o as_o now_o be_v due_o touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o sin_n desire_v ezra_n that_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n may_v now_o be_v make_v with_o god_n to_o put_v away_o all_o such_o wife_n and_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v of_o they_o vers._n 3._o now_o in_o the_o five_o verse_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o execute_v for_o ezra_n arise_v and_o make_v the_o chief_a priest_n the_o levite_n and_o all_o israel_n to_o swear_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v according_a to_o this_o word_n and_o they_o swear_v this_o be_v somewhat_o but_o not_o enough_o a_o partial_a covenant_n and_o such_o as_o come_v short_a of_o that_o intend_a in_o my_o text_n you_o shall_v see_v it_o more_o thorough_o perform_v afterwards_o in_o nehemiah_n time_n for_o after_o ezra_n come_v nehemiah_n and_o he_o make_v a_o more_o thorough_a reformation_n not_o of_o man_n manner_n only_o but_o even_o of_o religion_n also_o he_o set_v up_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o their_o purity_n and_o take_v care_n in_o particular_a for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n after_o all_o this_o he_o and_o all_o the_o people_n enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o a_o public_a fast_n and_o this_o bring_v it_o home_o to_o the_o business_n we_o be_v now_o about_o for_o as_o they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n upon_o receipt_n of_o such_o a_o deliverance_n so_o they_o do_v it_o at_o the_o time_n of_o a_o solemn_a fast_n this_o will_v appear_v throughout_o the_o whole_a nine_o chapter_n of_o nehemiah_n where_o it_o be_v first_o say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v assemble_v with_o fast_v and_o with_o sackcloth_n and_o with_o earth_n upon_o they_o they_o separate_v themselves_o from_o stranger_n they_o stand_v and_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n they_o justify_v god_n in_o all_o his_o proceed_n against_o they_o and_o in_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v bring_v upon_o they_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o neither_o they_o their_o prince_n people_n or_o father_n have_v keep_v the_o law_n they_o have_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o that_o kingdom_n he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o behold_v say_v they_o vers._n 36._o we_o be_v servant_n this_o day_n and_o for_o the_o land_n that_o thou_o give_v unto_o our_o father_n to_o eat_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o the_o good_a thereof_o behold_v we_o be_v servant_n in_o it_o and_o it_o yield_v much_o increase_n unto_o the_o king_n who_o thou_o have_v set_v over_o we_o because_o of_o our_o sin_n also_o they_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o body_n and_o over_o our_o cattle_n at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o we_o be_v in_o great_a distress_n and_o because_o of_o all_o this_o we_o make_v a_o sure_a covenant_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n and_o write_v it_o and_o our_o prince_n levite_n and_o priest_n seal_v unto_o it_o now_o here_o be_v the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o that_o you_o have_v in_o my_o text_n what_o in_o the_o text_n be_v set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o prophecy_n you_o here_o see_v act_v in_o the_o history_n in_o nehemiah_n time_n they_o come_v home_o unto_o it_o and_o if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o ten_o chapter_n you_o shall_v see_v who_o seal_v this_o covenant_n first_o the_o prince_n the_o officer_n the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o parliament_n man_n if_o you_o will_v so_o call_v they_o and_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o their_o covenant_n they_o enter_v into_o a_o curse_n and_o into_o a_o oath_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o god_n law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o his_o judgement_n and_o statute_n vers._n 29._o here_o then_o be_v their_o covenant_n you_o see_v also_o with_o what_o solemnity_n it_o be_v make_v and_o ratify_v by_o subscribe_v of_o hand_n and_o set_v to_o of_o their_o seal_n by_o a_o oath_n and_o by_o a_o curse_n bind_v themselves_o by_o all_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o strong_a bond_n that_o possible_o they_o can_v and_o all_o this_o in_o public_a and_o at_o a_o public_a fast_n so_o that_o now_o the_o point_n be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n people_n have_v ever_o be_v upon_o any_o great_a deliverance_n especial_o from_o babylon_n to_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n come_v we_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n propound_v do_v which_o be_v the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o show_v in_o what_o manner_n this_o covenant_n must_v be_v make_v and_o how_o man_n be_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o action_n this_o i_o shall_v demonstrate_v out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o for_o therein_o may_v you_o see_v somewhat_o require_v respect_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n to_o it_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o 3._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o property_n belong_v to_o it_o these_o be_v open_v i_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o full_a view_n of_o this_o text_n and_o perform_v my_o promise_n before_o make_v unto_o you_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v unfold_v be_v require_v the_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o this_o appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o seek_v serious_o the_o face_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n 2._o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o address_n unto_o he_o with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o say_v come_v 1._o the_o first_o thing_n requisite_a to_o dispose_v zion_n qualify_v and_o prepare_v man_n to_o strike_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o serious_a and_o humble_a seek_n of_o the_o face_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n do_v and_o there_o first_o a_o word_n of_o the_o place_n towards_o which_o they_o be_v bind_v second_o of_o their_o contend_v and_o repair_n to_o it_o under_o that_o expression_n of_o ask_v the_o way_n thither_o the_o place_n be_v zion_n where_o first_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o criticism_n it_o be_v yet_o not_o unnecessary_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o because_o the_o word_n be_v
doctrine_n in_o worship_n and_o in_o manner_n whereupon_o he_o now_o resolve_v and_o set_v upon_o a_o more_o thorough_a reformation_n of_o all_o these_o but_o can_v never_o effect_v it_o till_o beside_o the_o proclaim_n and_o hold_v of_o a_o public_a fast_n he_o and_o all_o the_o people_n light_v upon_o this_o course_n namely_o of_o enter_v into_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n subscribe_v seal_v and_o swear_v unto_o as_o before_o you_o have_v hear_v 29._o and_o so_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o the_o work_n prosper_v and_o the_o church_n be_v purge_v of_o many_o abomination_n wherewith_o till_o that_o time_n she_o be_v defile_v behold_v here_o quantae_fw-la molis_fw-la erat_fw-la dilectam_fw-la condere_fw-la gentem_fw-la how_o great_a a_o work_n how_o long_o a_o business_n to_o perfect_v a_o reformation_n even_o of_o god_n dear_a people_n their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n last_v not_o half_o so_o long_a time_n as_o be_v spend_v after_o their_o return_n thence_o ere_o their_o reformation_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o tolerable_a perfection_n and_o why_o so_o do_v they_o omit_v prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o seek_v early_o after_o god_n sure_o no_o for_o in_o zach._n 8._o 19_o we_o read_v of_o four_o several_a public_a fast_n *_o intervallis_fw-la the_o fast_n of_o the_o four_o month_n the_o fast_n of_o the_o five_o month_n the_o fast_n of_o the_o seven_o and_o the_o fast_n of_o the_o ten_o month_n which_o they_o hold_v not_o only_o by_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o 70_o year_n captivity_n in_o babylon_n but_o many_o year_n after_o their_o return_n thence_o zach._n 7._o 3._o and_o vers._n 5._o but_o all_o this_o labour_n be_v in_o great_a part_n lose_v for_o want_v of_o this_o addition_n to_o all_o their_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n namely_o the_o join_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n not_o to_o be_v forget_v and_o when_o god_n once_o direct_v nehemiah_n to_o this_o course_n see_v how_o all_o thing_n begin_v to_o thrive_v and_o come_v on_o a_o main_a now_o not_o only_o the_o temple_n but_o even_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v build_v up_o and_o that_o within_o one_o twelve_o year_n after_o this_o covenant_n be_v smite_v which_o before_o lay_v waste_v many_o score_n of_o year_n let_v we_o now_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o progress_n of_o reformation_n in_o our_o own_o church_n that_o we_o may_v make_v up_o the_o parallel_n some_o beginning_n of_o our_o deliverance_n from_o babylon_n we_o receive_v by_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o for_o he_o throw_v out_o the_o pope_n his_o son_n king_n edward_n the_o six_o come_v after_o and_o cast_v out_o popery_n in_o the_o body_n and_o bulk_n of_o it_o a_o great_a work_n and_o a_o large_a step_n for_o the_o short_a time_n of_o his_o infant_n reign_v and_o indeed_o he_o have_v many_o excellent_a help_n that_o way_n beside_o the_o zeal_n of_o his_o own_o pious_a heart_n a_o excellent_a archbishop_n a_o prudent_a and_o vigilant_a protector_n beside_o other_o else_o he_o can_v never_o have_v do_v so_o much_o notwithstanding_o the_o potency_n and_o secret_a undermine_n of_o those_o mighty_a faction_n then_o prevail_v hinder_v the_o work_n not_o a_o little_a so_o that_o it_o exceed_v not_o a_o infant-reformation_n yea_o through_o the_o immature_a death_n of_o that_o josiah_n it_o soon_o prove_v abortive_a the_o princess_n that_o come_v after_o quick_o turn_v the_o tide_n before_o it_o be_v half_o high_a water_n and_o she_o set_v all_o the_o gate_n wide_o open_a again_o both_o for_o pope_n and_o popery_n to_o re-enter_v with_o triumph_n and_o to_o drink_v drink_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o ancestor_n till_o god_n discharge_v she_o and_o release_v his_o people_n from_o her_o cruelty_n so_o that_o when_o queen_n elizabeth_n that_o glorious_a deborah_n mount_v the_o throne_n although_o her_o heart_n be_v upright_o and_o loathe_a the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o former_a reign_n yet_o find_v she_o work_v enough_o to_o restore_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o and_o to_o make_v any_o beginning_n of_o a_o reformation_n she_o soon_o feel_v when_o she_o will_v have_v thorough_o pluck_v up_o popery_n both_o root_n and_o branch_n superfluous_a ceremony_n and_o all_o remain_a rag_n of_o superstition_n as_o well_o as_o gross_a idolatry_n that_o she_o have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o hydra_n have_v such_o a_o strong_a party_n of_o stout_a popeling_n to_o grapple_v with_o at_o home_n and_o such_o potent_a and_o dangerous_a abetter_n of_o they_o to_o cope_v withal_o abroad_o i_o need_v not_o name_v they_o i_o may_v add_v hereunto_o some_o difficulty_n arise_v from_o the_o interest_n and_o engagement_n of_o not_o a_o few_o of_o those_o though_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n that_o undergo_v voluntary_a exile_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o marian_n persecution_n who_o while_o they_o be_v abroad_o have_v a_o large_a share_n in_o the_o trouble_n at_o frankford_n too_o eager_o perhaps_o pursue_v the_o english_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o so_o when_o upon_o their_o return_n they_o be_v advance_v to_o place_n of_o dignity_n and_o government_n in_o this_o church_n they_o be_v the_o more_o apt_a and_o forward_a to_o maintain_v and_o hold_v up_o that_o cause_n wherein_o they_o have_v so_o far_o appear_v and_o for_o which_o some_o of_o they_o with_o more_o heat_n than_o charity_n have_v so_o open_o declare_v themselves_o in_o foreign_a part_n and_o so_o what_o by_o one_o impediment_n and_o what_o by_o another_o we_o see_v it_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n ere_o our_o reformation_n can_v be_v thorough_o polish_v and_o perfect_v as_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o desire_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o perfect_a here_o but_o be_v capable_a of_o more_o perfection_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v we_o become_v now_o from_o go_v forward_o with_o the_o work_n notwithstanding_o the_o piety_n and_o care_n of_o our_o prince_n since_o the_o last_o restitution_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n that_o as_o it_o be_v in_o josiah_n time_n though_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v for_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o pack_n of_o rot_a man_n both_o priest_n and_o people_n very_o great_a pretender_n to_o devotion_n but_o indeed_o mad_a upon_o image_n and_o idol_n we_o begin_v to_o fall_v quite_o back_o again_o and_o not_o only_o to_o coast_n anew_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o babylon_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v happy_o deliver_v but_o even_o to_o launch_v out_o into_o her_o deep_a lake_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n under_o pretence_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a piety_n of_o the_o time_n and_o of_o some_o good_a work_n in_o hand_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o but_o that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o since_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o island_n we_o never_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v enter_v into_o such_o a_o solemn_a public_a universal_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n as_o he_o require_v for_o those_o beginning_n already_o give_v we_o but_o have_v sit_v loose_a from_o god_n and_o so_o have_v not_o join_v together_o as_o one_o man_n zealous_o to_o propugn_v his_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o stand_v by_o he_o and_o his_o cause_n as_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o just_a and_o warrantable_a way_n against_o all_o opposer_n and_o gainsayer_n so_o long_o as_o we_o please_v ourselves_o in_o this_o liberty_n of_o our_o hold_n off_o from_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n we_o may_v feed_v ourselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n of_o redress_n of_o thing_n amiss_o but_o shall_v speed_v no_o better_o than_o those_o libertine_n and_o backslider_n in_o ier._n 14._o who_o look_v for_o great_a matter_n from_o god_n but_o come_v short_a of_o all_o and_o then_o seem_v to_o wonder_v at_o the_o reason_n for_o thus_o they_o bespeak_v he_o ver._n 8._o o_o the_o hope_n of_o israel_n the_o saviour_n thereof_o in_o time_n of_o trouble_n why_o shall_v thou_o be_v as_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o land_n and_o as_o a_o wayfare_a man_n that_o turn_v aside_o to_o tarry_v only_o for_o a_o night_n why_o shall_v thou_o be_v as_o a_o man_n astonish_v as_o a_o mighty_a man_n that_o can_v save_v yet_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o and_o we_o be_v call_v by_o thy_o name_n see_v here_o how_o they_o be_v put_v to_o it_o they_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n goodness_n presence_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o save_v he_o seem_v to_o be_v like_o samson_n with_o his_o lock_n cut_v off_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o save_v or_o will_v not_o do_v it_o and_o this_o they_o wonder_v and_o stand_v amaze_v at_o as_o a_o thing_n incredible_a and_o impossible_a but_o god_n make_v they_o a_o short_a and_o sharp_a answer_n which_o may_v also_o serve_v we_o vers._n 10._o thus_o