which_o they_o be_v so_o extreme_o prone_a and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o many_o express_a law_n to_o that_o purpose_n among_o which_o this_o be_v one_o deut._n 7.3_o neither_o shall_v thou_o make_v marriage_n with_o they_o thy_o daughter_n thou_o shall_v not_o give_v unto_o his_o son_n nor_o his_o daughter_n shall_v thou_o take_v unto_o thy_o son_n this_o be_v judge_v so_o necessary_a for_o that_o people_n that_o such_o marriage_n be_v not_o only_o utter_o unlawful_a to_o be_v make_v by_o they_o but_o be_v null_n if_o they_o be_v make_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o this_o matter_n both_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n and_o if_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o give_v a_o such_o a_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n concern_v their_o duty_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o however_o this_o be_v only_o a_o pofitive_a not_o a_o moral_a law_n it_o be_v obligatory_a to_o no_o other_o people_n but_o to_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v although_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o misbecome_v any_o nation_n whatsoever_o profess_v true_a religion_n to_o forbid_v marriage_n with_o idolater_n by_o a_o law_n of_o their_o own_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o as_o in_o one_o instance_n namely_o that_o of_o our_o prince_n our_o law_n maker_n have_v now_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v after_o a_o long_a and_o dangerous_a experience_n we_o have_v have_v of_o the_o evil_n that_o attend_v such_o alliance_n but_o that_o by_o the_o way_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o notorious_a transgression_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n give_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v oblige_v to_o reform_v themselves_o in_o that_o particular_a but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o word_n themselves_o as_o they_o may_v concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n now_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n you_o may_v observe_v in_o they_o these_o six_o particular_n 1._o that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o public_a and_o prevail_a transgression_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o israelite_n to_o associate_v and_o combine_v together_o to_o engage_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o to_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o country_n now_o therefore_o let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o god_n that_o be_v let_v we_o solemn_o oblige_v ourselves_o and_o one_o another_o as_o one_o body_n thus_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o they_o be_v influence_v to_o do_v thus_o and_o direct_v in_o their_o do_v it_o by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n law_n a_o reverence_n for_o his_o authority_n and_o a_o fear_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o my_o lord_n that_o be_v of_o ezra_n who_o be_v a_o scribe_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o perfect_o instruct_v in_o it_o and_o of_o those_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v let_v we_o do_v thus_o according_a to_o the_o advice_n thou_o have_v already_o intimate_v to_o we_o by_o thy_o humiliation_n confession_n and_o prayer_n with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v join_v with_o thou_o in_o humble_v themselves_o and_o beg_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o fear_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o country_n be_v propose_v as_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o their_o whole_a proceed_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v be_v guide_v let_v it_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n that_o be_v let_v the_o law_n of_o god_n give_v by_o moses_n be_v our_o rule_n 4._o that_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a charge_n and_o business_n of_o those_o who_o preside_v and_o govern_v both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n arise_v for_o this_o matter_n belong_v unto_o thou_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thou_o be_v both_o qualify_v and_o commission_v to_o direct_v and_o command_v we_o in_o this_o business_n as_o have_v the_o skill_n and_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o a_o priest_n and_o magistrate_n 5._o that_o the_o people_n also_o in_o their_o respective_a station_n and_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n be_v resolve_v to_o assist_v and_o encourage_v their_o governor_n in_o whatsoever_o attempt_v they_o shall_v make_v to_o this_o purpose_n we_o also_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n he_o may_v well_o promise_v this_o for_o himself_o and_o see_v the_o behaviour_n of_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n he_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v the_o same_o for_o they_o that_o each_o of_o they_o will_v afford_v his_o assistance_n to_o ezra_n in_o so_o good_a so_o laudable_a and_o so_o necessary_a a_o undertake_n 6._o that_o open_a confess_v public_a iniquity_n and_o supplicate_v for_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o for_o grace_n to_o amend_v what_o be_v amiss_o be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a to_o excuse_v either_o the_o priest_n or_o the_o magistrate_n or_o the_o people_n from_o do_v their_o part_n towards_o the_o obtain_n what_o they_o desire_v arise_v be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o do_v it_o that_o be_v have_v now_o kneel_v before_o god_n and_o offer_v up_o thy_o supplication_n arise_v stand_v up_o and_o do_v what_o far_o become_v thou_o and_o let_v neither_o the_o number_n nor_o the_o considerableness_n of_o any_o transgressor_n among_o we_o discourage_v thou_o thou_o will_v not_o want_v the_o assistance_n either_o of_o god_n or_o man._n the_o time_n allot_v for_o such_o a_o discourse_n as_o this_o will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o observation_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o think_v they_o all_o apposite_a to_o our_o present_a design_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o illustrate_v each_o of_o they_o and_o as_o i_o go_v along_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o assembly_n 1._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o public_a and_o prevail_a transgression_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o israelite_n to_o associate_v and_o combine_v together_o to_o engage_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o to_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o country_n now_o therefore_o let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o god_n there_o have_v be_v a_o open_a violation_n of_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n of_o which_o several_a of_o all_o rank_n among_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a now_o in_o opposition_n to_o these_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o very_a great_a congregation_n assemble_v unto_o ezra_n out_o of_o israel_n and_o shechaniah_n speak_v both_o for_o himself_o and_o they_o persuade_v to_o the_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a obligation_n to_o amend_v what_o have_v be_v amiss_o among_o they_o and_o the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o other_o instance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n thus_o when_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a defection_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n immediate_o after_o it_o be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o the_o people_n make_v and_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n moses_n after_o he_o have_v severe_o rebuke_v aaron_n for_o comply_v with_o the_o people_n folly_n stand_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o camp_n and_o say_v who_o be_v on_o the_o lord_n side_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o upon_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n gather_v themselves_o unto_o he_o exod._n 32.26_o it_o be_v true_a the_o way_n in_o which_o they_o proceed_v against_o the_o transgressor_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o such_o method_n be_v proper_a for_o that_o people_n as_o be_v not_o for_o all_o other_o but_o the_o levite_n join_v together_o as_o one_o body_n to_o do_v what_o god_n and_o moses_n shall_v direct_v they_o towards_o the_o suppress_n the_o idolatry_n which_o have_v so_o sudden_o and_o so_o general_o prevail_v be_v what_o very_o well_o become_v they_o and_o deserve_v our_o imitation_n i_o may_v again_o instance_n in_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n josiah_n 2_o king_n 22.8_o upon_o the_o high_a priest_n find_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o king_n he_o find_v by_o peruse_v it_o that_o the_o nation_n have_v notorious_o transgress_v the_o precept_n give_v therein_o and_o be_v thereby_o expose_v to_o the_o just_a displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n upon_o which_o chap._n 23.1_o 2_o 3._o he_o immediate_o send_v and_o gather_v unto_o he_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o judah_n and_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o he_o go_v up_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n with_o he_o and_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o people_n both_o small_a and_o great_a and_o he_o read_v in_o their_o
ear_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o king_n make_v a_o covenant_n before_o the_o lord_n 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 with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n in_o virtue_n of_o which_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o that_o chapter_n such_o a_o reformation_n be_v make_v as_o have_v not_o be_v from_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n to_o that_o time_n and_o such_o a_o practice_n be_v very_o reasonable_a there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n likely_a to_o suppress_v wickedness_n when_o it_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o head_n but_o for_o a_o considerable_a body_n of_o such_o especial_o as_o be_v untainted_a with_o it_o to_o set_v themselves_o in_o open_a opposition_n and_o defiance_n to_o it_o single_n attempt_n will_v prove_v too_o weak_a in_o such_o a_o case_n whereas_o the_o joint_n and_o unanimous_a endeavour_n of_o many_o who_o will_v encourage_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o will_v make_v iniquity_n both_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a to_o show_v itself_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o can_v but_o justify_v and_o commend_v your_o have_v form_v yourselves_o into_o orderly_a and_o regular_a society_n for_o the_o more_o effectual_a carry_v on_o that_o good_a work_n which_o you_o have_v undertake_v it_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o be_v constant_o do_v without_o offence_n in_o case_n of_o secular_a concernment_n prudence_n teach_v and_o experience_n confirm_v as_o man_n of_o business_n in_o the_o world_n do_v well_o know_v that_o no_o useful_a design_n be_v so_o advantageous_o and_o thorough_o carry_v on_o by_o single_a person_n as_o by_o company_n how_o many_o corporation_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n embody_v throughout_o this_o kingdom_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o particular_a trade_n and_o profession_n nay_o how_o many_o mere_a voluntary_a society_n be_v form_v yearly_o in_o this_o city_n and_o assemble_v in_o this_o church_n as_o you_o now_o do_v for_o the_o promote_a good_a correspondence_n and_o friendship_n among_o neighbour_n or_o countryman_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v as_o wise_a and_o as_o zealous_a in_o promote_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o interest_n of_o religion_n the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n nay_o and_o the_o best_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n we_o belong_v to_o as_o we_o be_v in_o promote_a any_o of_o our_o secular_a interest_n or_o design_n no_o other_o reason_n that_o i_o know_v of_o can_v be_v assign_v why_o we_o be_v not_o so_o but_o because_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n nor_o can_v i_o see_v any_o just_a exception_n to_o be_v make_v against_o your_o society_n in_o particular_a rather_o than_o against_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n since_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o encouragement_n and_o direction_n of_o person_n who_o prudence_n as_o well_o as_o piety_n be_v unquestionable_a and_o since_o your_o proceed_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o law_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man._n but_o of_o that_o more_o under_o the_o follow_a observation_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n therefore_o i_o observe_v from_o the_o text_n that_o the_o israelite_n be_v influence_v to_o take_v this_o course_n and_o direct_v in_o their_o do_v it_o by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n law_n a_o reverence_n for_o his_o authority_n and_o a_o fear_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n for_o so_o the_o text_n say_v let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o god_n according_o to_o the_o counsel_n of_o my_o lord_n namely_o of_o ezra_n and_o of_o those_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o god_n it_o be_v by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o ezra_n and_o those_o who_o join_v with_o he_o in_o his_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n that_o shechaniah_n make_v this_o motion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thorough_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o move_v ezra_n as_o it_o be_v a_o just_a fear_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o a_o awful_a reverence_n towards_o his_o majesty_n express_v by_o tremble_v at_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n which_o excite_v the_o congregation_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o all_o who_o be_v concern_v for_o this_o reformation_n and_o thus_o excite_v to_o attempt_v it_o be_v ready_a to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o ezra_n and_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o prudent_a counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n among_o they_o in_o the_o prosecute_a their_o design_n they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o principle_n which_o stir_v up_o josiah_n in_o that_o other_o case_n i_o mention_v it_o be_v his_o read_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o have_v it_o seem_v be_v utter_o neglect_v and_o almost_o lose_v from_o among_o they_o that_o put_v the_o king_n upon_o send_v to_o inquire_v of_o god_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v 2_o king_n 22.11_o 12_o 13._o who_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o he_o commend_v he_o for_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v tender_a and_o he_o humble_v himself_o before_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o hear_v what_o he_o have_v say_v in_o that_o book_n ver_fw-la 19_o a_o awful_a regard_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o tender-hearted_a humble_a and_o affectionate_a concern_v for_o its_o be_v obey_v both_o by_o ourselves_o and_o other_o be_v disposition_n high_o commend_v in_o the_o sacred_a writer_n to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v say_v god_n by_o his_o prophet_n isaiah_n isa_n 66.2_o even_o to_o he_o who_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n that_o can_v make_v man_n either_o go_v on_o careless_o in_o violate_v god_n law_n themselves_o or_o behold_v other_o do_v so_o without_o use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o reclaim_v they_o for_o god_n be_v infinite_o above_o we_o and_o we_o be_v entire_o at_o his_o disposal_n as_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o under_o the_o constant_a care_n of_o his_o providence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v give_v we_o law_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v reckon_v ourselves_o under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o how_o can_v the_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n think_v to_o escape_v unpunished_a whilst_o he_o violate_v those_o law_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o indisputable_a authority_n back_v with_o uncontrollable_a power_n but_o that_o which_o shall_v yet_o far_o engage_v our_o reverence_n towards_o they_o be_v that_o they_o be_v found_v also_o upon_o the_o eternal_a and_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v several_a positive_a law_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v usual_o say_v to_o be_v therefore_o good_a because_o command_v though_o to_o that_o people_n and_o in_o those_o circumstance_n god_n no_o doubt_n know_v that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o give_v they_o and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o it_o be_v even_o one_o of_o those_o positive_a law_n which_o ezra_n and_o the_o people_n that_o join_v with_o he_o show_v such_o a_o regard_n to_o at_o that_o time_n how_o inexcusable_a then_o be_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o reverence_n those_o law_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o the_o very_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o we_o can_v never_o transgress_v without_o contradict_v the_o reason_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o violate_v our_o conscience_n and_o such_o in_o truth_n be_v the_o law_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o which_o you_o now_o contend_v viz._n those_o whereby_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o reverence_n the_o name_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o observe_v some_o certain_a fix_a time_n for_o his_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o preserve_v ourselves_o sober_a and_o chaste_a free_a from_o those_o defilement_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o will_v be_v to_o our_o own_o great_a prejudice_n and_o the_o scandal_n of_o our_o neighbour_n who_o can_v doubt_v whether_o such_o law_n as_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v sacred_a or_o not_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o those_o among_o we_o who_o daily_a converse_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o with_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o precept_n write_v both_o in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o have_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o regard_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n shall_v unite_v their_o endeavour_n against_o the_o open_a and_o gross_a violation_n of_o they_o 3._o but_o it_o be_v far_a observable_a in_o the_o text_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o
of_o their_o country_n be_v propose_v as_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o their_o whole_a proceed_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v be_v guide_v and_o let_v it_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o municipal_a law_n of_o their_o country_n too_o god_n be_v their_o king_n and_o give_v they_o their_o law_n immediate_o from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o these_o whenever_o they_o set_v upon_o a_o public_a reformation_n as_o to_o other_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o so_o immediate_o under_o a_o divine_a legissation_n there_o be_v first_o the_o law_n of_o god_n give_v to_o mankind_n in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o result_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n which_o oblige_v all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n as_o be_v publish_v to_o all_o and_o wherever_o god_n have_v give_v any_o positive_a law_n over_o and_o above_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v publish_v be_v equal_o oblige_v by_o they_o also_o and_o in_o all_o other_o case_n the_o municipal_a law_n of_o each_o country_n so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o divine_a be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o all_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n therein_o especial_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o their_o action_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o importance_n for_o they_o be_v make_v by_o a_o authority_n derive_v from_o god_n as_o all_o lawful_a humane_a power_n be_v and_o they_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n and_o ligament_n of_o society_n which_o at_o first_o unite_v and_o afterward_o hold_v man_n in_o one_o body_n they_o be_v plain_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o any_o country_n or_o kingdom_n agree_v and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o act_v and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o imprudent_a or_o dangerous_a to_o a_o community_n than_o either_o to_o make_v law_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v execute_v or_o not_o to_o see_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o that_o be_v make_v as_o to_o our_o own_o country_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o live_v under_o the_o direction_n of_o wife_n and_o wholesome_a law_n and_o particular_o those_o law_n of_o our_o country_n which_o you_o endeavour_v to_o have_v execute_v be_v such_o as_o be_v undoubted_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n do_v the_o law_n of_o our_o realm_n strict_o forbid_v and_o punish_v all_o profane_a swear_v and_o curse_v do_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n nay_o of_o nature_n itself_o do_v the_o same_o do_v the_o law_n of_o our_o country_n appoint_v a_o certain_a day_n for_o the_o public_a solemn_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n god_n by_o moses_n do_v the_o same_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v by_o their_o example_n oblige_v we_o christian_n to_o the_o like_a practice_n and_o this_o also_o very_o agreeable_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n do_v the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n restrain_v the_o exorbitance_n of_o a_o intemperate_a and_o unclean_a life_n inflict_v penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o either_o abuse_v themselves_o or_o corrupt_v other_o in_o these_o matter_n no_o man_n who_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n or_o consult_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n discover_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o revelation_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v why_o we_o who_o be_v so_o jealous_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o law_n in_o all_o other_o case_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o least_o equal_o so_o in_o the_o case_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v be_v those_o law_n only_o fit_a to_o lie_v dormant_a which_o be_v design_v direct_o for_o the_o maintain_n and_o promote_a piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o we_o be_v it_o fit_a to_o exact_v those_o penalty_n which_o our_o law_n inflict_v where_o one_o man_n injure_v another_o in_o his_o estate_n or_o his_o reputation_n but_o not_o where_o our_o maker_n be_v open_o affront_v and_o injure_v by_o his_o creature_n be_v it_o fit_a to_o put_v those_o law_n in_o execution_n which_o be_v make_v for_o the_o safety_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o prince_n and_o not_o those_o also_o which_o be_v make_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o he_o who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n look_v on_o and_o see_v no_o regard_n have_v to_o those_o law_n of_o our_o country_n which_o if_o due_o observe_v will_v have_v a_o special_a tendency_n to_o promote_v the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o our_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o their_o temporal_a and_o to_o preserve_v the_o good_a order_n the_o peace_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n there_o can_v i_o be_o well_o assure_v be_v no_o reply_n make_v in_o this_o case_n all_o therefore_o that_o i_o shall_v add_v upon_o this_o head_n be_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o i_o know_v you_o have_v already_o among_o your_o direction_n and_o rule_n viz._n that_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o this_o whole_a matter_n be_v as_o our_o text_n express_v it_o do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n that_o you_o never_o in_o the_o least_o exceed_v its_o bound_n and_o measure_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o you_o allow_v for_o every_o reasonable_a and_o equitable_a consideration_n ever_o incline_v rather_o to_o the_o side_n of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n than_o of_o rigid_a justice_n but_o to_o proceed_v 4._o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a charge_n and_o business_n of_o those_o who_o preside_v and_o govern_v both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n arise_v for_o this_o matter_n belong_v unto_o thou_o speak_v to_o ezra_n who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n of_o god_n and_o a_o scribe_n of_o his_o law_n so_o he_o come_v also_o with_o a_o special_a commission_n from_o the_o persian_a monarch_n as_o to_o the_o priest_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scribe_n of_o his_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n make_v the_o law_n be_v give_v to_o they_o in_o especial_a charge_n and_o they_o be_v to_o make_v it_o their_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o it_o and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o persuade_v and_o excite_v to_o a_o faithful_a obedience_n to_o it_o and_o as_o to_o governor_n or_o magistrate_n in_o the_o state_n both_o reason_n and_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o ruler_n be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o we_o for_o good_a that_o if_o we_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a we_o may_v be_v afraid_a of_o they_o because_o they_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a but_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a rom._n 13.3_o 4._o and_o again_o that_o our_o governor_n whether_o supreme_a or_o subordinate_a be_v send_v by_o god_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil-doer_n and_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14._o for_o which_o reason_n they_o be_v sometime_o call_v god_n because_o they_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n have_v a_o authority_n derive_v from_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o their_o great_a business_n therefore_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o he_o who_o authority_n they_o be_v invest_v with_o and_o who_o image_n they_o bear_v together_o with_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o people_n who_o they_o govern_v keep_v all_o in_o good_a order_n so_o that_o under_o they_o their_o subject_n may_v lead_v not_o only_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n but_o in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n also_o which_o end_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o make_v and_o execute_v such_o law_n as_o may_v preserve_v and_o promote_v piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n together_o with_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n among_o men._n and_o as_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o their_o office_n require_v all_o this_o of_o they_o so_o they_o be_v under_o a_o special_a obligation_n to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n with_o which_o they_o have_v bind_v themselves_o which_o can_v sure_o be_v intend_v to_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o observance_n and_o execution_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n with_o a_o exception_n only_o of_o those_o in_o which_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o country_n be_v most_o near_o and_o deep_o interest_v thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v many_o magistrate_n among_o we_o particular_o in_o this_o city_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o good_a sense_n
receive_v such_o a_o special_a commission_n be_v apparent_a by_o the_o character_n give_v of_o he_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 6._o that_o he_o be_v a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n have_v give_v and_o ver_fw-la 10._o that_o he_o have_v prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o do_v it_o and_o to_o teach_v in_o israel_n statute_n and_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o the_o king_n himself_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o he_o salute_v he_o by_o the_o title_n of_o priest_n and_o scribe_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n ver_fw-la 12._o the_o office_n and_o business_n of_o a_o priest_n and_o scribe_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n law_n and_o to_o teach_v it_o to_o the_o people_n and_z according_o the_o very_a copy_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v preserve_v and_o transmit_v to_o we_o by_o this_o ezra_n together_o with_o the_o history_n of_o his_o own_o time_n write_v by_o himself_o such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o be_v qualify_v to_o execute_v the_o king_n commission_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o it_o and_o be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v consider_v both_o as_o a_o priest_n and_o a_o magistrate_n in_o one_o person_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o history_n we_o find_v he_o be_v faithful_a and_o punctual_a to_o the_o order_n he_o have_v receive_v he_o first_o choose_v out_o proper_a companion_n deliver_v the_o offering_n into_o their_o hand_n keep_v a_o solemn_a fast_o with_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o implore_v the_o protection_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n they_o be_v go_v arrive_v safe_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o after_o three_o day_n rest_v deliver_v up_o his_o charge_n and_o produce_v his_o commission_n as_o we_o read_v chap._n 8._o but_o when_o this_o be_v do_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o he_o and_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o great_a transgression_n which_o divers_a of_o their_o nation_n have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o guilty_a of_o thus_o we_o read_v chap._n 9.1_o 2._o the_o prince_n come_v to_o i_o say_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n have_v not_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n do_v according_a to_o their_o abomination_n for_o they_o have_v take_v of_o their_o daughter_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o son_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a seed_n have_v mingle_v themselves_o with_o the_o people_n of_o those_o land_n yea_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n have_v be_v chief_a in_o this_o trespass_n where_o we_o see_v that_o some_o of_o the_o prince_n themselves_o those_o who_o be_v man_n of_o chief_a note_n and_o place_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o think_v it_o below_o they_o to_o turn_v informer_n in_o a_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n however_o scandalous_a that_o term_n may_v appear_v to_o some_o in_o our_o day_n nay_o observe_v their_o impartiality_n and_o their_o courage_n at_o once_o they_o do_v this_o when_o some_o of_o their_o own_o rank_n and_o quality_n when_o the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n be_v chief_a among_o the_o transgressor_n upon_o this_o information_n ezra_n like_o a_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o first_o place_n express_v his_o sense_n of_o this_o evil_a practice_n by_o all_o the_o sign_n which_o be_v customary_a among_o that_o people_n for_o ver_fw-la 3._o he_o rend_v his_o garment_n and_o his_o mantle_n and_o pluck_v off_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n and_o of_o his_o beard_n and_o sit_v down_o astonish_v which_o when_o the_o people_n see_v it_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 4._o that_o every_o one_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n assemble_v unto_o he_o both_o he_o and_o all_o who_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n law_n be_v it_o seem_v deep_o affect_v with_o the_o transgression_n of_o their_o countryman_n they_o do_v not_o account_v it_o a_o slight_a matter_n to_o observe_v the_o iniquity_n of_o other_o though_o themselves_o be_v innocent_a but_o lay_v it_o very_o serious_o to_o heart_n thus_o he_o sit_v till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n and_o then_o as_o it_o become_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 5._o he_o fall_v upon_o his_o knee_n spread_v out_o his_o hand_n unto_o god_n and_o make_v supplication_n for_o the_o people_n you_o may_v read_v his_o prayer_n at_o your_o leisure_n in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o that_o chapter_n in_o which_o he_o represent_v in_o very_o pathetical_a expression_n the_o goodness_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n with_o the_o ingratitude_n and_o disingenuity_n of_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o follow_v upon_o this_o prayer_n of_o ezra_n we_o have_v in_o this_o chapter_n chap._n 10._o out_o of_o which_o my_o text_n be_v take_v where_o we_o read_v ver._n 1._o that_o when_o ezra_n have_v pray_v and_o when_o he_o have_v confess_v weep_v and_o cast_v himself_o down_o before_o the_o house_n of_o god_n observe_v all_o along_o what_o a_o sense_n this_o good_a man_n have_v of_o public_a trespass_n there_o assemble_v unto_o he_o out_o of_o israel_n a_o very_a great_a congregation_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o the_o people_n weep_v very_o sore_o if_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o priest_n set_v themselves_o hearty_o to_o reform_v impiety_n and_o wickedness_n the_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v influence_v more_o than_o will_v easy_o be_v imagine_v without_o a_o trial_n it_o be_v so_o in_o this_o instance_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v so_o where_o ever_o the_o experiment_n be_v fair_o make_v well!_o out_o of_o this_o multitude_n one_o stand_v up_o ver._n 2._o shechaniah_n by_o name_n the_o son_n of_o jehiel_n one_o of_o the_o son_n of_o elam_n and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v unto_o ezra_n we_o have_v trespass_v against_o our_o god_n and_o have_v take_v strange_a wife_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n yet_o now_o there_o be_v hope_n in_o israel_n concern_v this_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o truth_n always_o hope_v where_o people_n be_v dispose_v towards_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o hope_n whensoever_o we_o render_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o mercy_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n we_o have_v trespass_v do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o people_n though_o he_o be_v not_o himself_o guilty_a as_o appear_v high_o probable_a from_o the_o 26_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o among_o the_o guilty_a who_o be_v reckon_v by_o name_n this_o shechaniah_n be_v not_o mention_v though_o both_o his_o father_n jehiel_n and_o five_o of_o his_o father_n brethren_n be_v name_v among_o thâ—â—â—_n that_o have_v take_v strange_a wife_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o bare_o innocent_a in_o this_o matter_n but_o remarkable_o so_o as_o not_o have_v be_v tempt_v and_o draw_v in_o by_o the_o authority_n or_o example_n of_o his_o â—â—arest_a reiation_n and_o indeed_o such_o a_o one_o it_o well_o become_v to_o appear_v forward_o its_o a_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n who_o be_v himself_o perfect_o clear_a of_o those_o vice_n he_o will_v reform_v in_o other_o he_o will_v with_o the_o better_a grace_n and_o the_o just_a assurance_n act_v in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o what_o be_v it_o which_o he_o advise_v why_o that_o we_o have_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n now_o therefore_o let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o god_n etc._n etc._n thus_o i_o have_v lead_v you_o to_o the_o text_n by_o give_v a_o very_a particular_a account_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o because_o throughout_o this_o whole_a history_n there_o be_v as_o you_o may_v have_v observe_v many_o fair_a hint_n give_v we_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n in_o the_o read_n of_o it_o i_o purposely_o omit_v one_o passage_n in_o the_o three_o verse_n which_o express_v the_o particular_a reformation_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v at_o that_o time_n viz._n to_o put_v away_o all_o the_o wife_n that_o be_v their_o strange_a outlandish_a wife_n and_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v of_o they_o because_o we_o be_v not_o direct_o concern_v in_o the_o law_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o matter_n when_o god_n choose_v out_o the_o israelite_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o see_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o separation_n between_o they_o and_o the_o heathen_a especial_o the_o old_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v draw_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n to_o
a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o church_n of_o st._n marry_o le_fw-fr bow_o to_o the_o society_n for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n octob._n 4._o 1697._o by_o samvel_n bradford_n rector_n of_o the_o say_a church_n london_n print_v for_o b._n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n mdcxcvii_o to_o the_o society_n for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o westminster_n as_o i_o first_o preach_v so_o i_o now_o print_v the_o follow_a sermon_n at_o your_o request_n though_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o can_v add_v nothing_o new_a to_o what_o have_v be_v already_o publish_a by_o my_o brethren_n who_o go_v before_o i_o on_o this_o occasion_n from_o who_o you_o have_v have_v that_o just_a encouragement_n which_o your_o cause_n deserve_v and_o those_o prudent_a direction_n which_o if_o 〈◊〉_d follow_v you_o can_v err_v in_o the_o management_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o which_v i_o have_v be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o consider_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o the_o concur_v judgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o many_o who_o think_v and_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n may_v the_o more_o effectual_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a your_o design_n of_o which_o i_o free_o own_v myself_o a_o encourager_n and_o shall_v think_v i_o have_v do_v a_o good_a work_n if_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v offer_v in_o this_o discourse_n may_v contribute_v thereunto_o i_o have_v take_v care_n in_o this_o case_n to_o do_v nothing_o rash_o or_o inconsiderate_o but_o after_o have_v weigh_v as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v the_o argument_n for_o and_o the_o objection_n against_o your_o undertake_n the_o former_a of_o which_o do_v in_o my_o judgement_n very_o much_o outweigh_v the_o latter_a that_o vicious_a man_n shall_v declare_v open_o against_o your_o attempt_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o it_o be_v wat_fw-mi they_o reckon_v their_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o their_o inclination_n to_o do_v and_o if_o some_o who_o be_v true_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a have_v entertain_v any_o prejudices_fw-la likewise_o it_o be_v not_o very_o strange_a since_o i_o believe_v hardly_o any_o extraordinary_a and_o true_o generous_a design_n be_v ever_o yet_o set_v on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v at_o the_o first_o suspect_v either_o as_o imprudent_a or_o impracticable_a by_o man_n of_o otherwise_o good_a judgement_n and_o mean_v however_o there_o be_v this_o observable_a difference_n between_o the_o censure_n which_o bad_a and_o which_o good_a man_n pass_v upon_o you._n the_o former_a do_v it_o from_o a_o aversion_n to_o the_o end_n which_o you_o propose_v the_o latter_a only_a doubt_n concern_v the_o mean_n which_o you_o use_v doubt_v i_o say_v for_o after_o all_o it_o be_v general_o no_o more_o they_o be_v rather_o shy_a of_o engage_v themselves_o than_o forward_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o do_v nay_o they_o can_v but_o inward_o wish_v you_o good_a success_n whilst_o they_o forbear_v to_o assist_v you_o all_o which_o make_v i_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_o inform_v of_o the_o method_n you_o take_v or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o thorough_o consider_v they_o and_o that_o when_o they_o have_v they_o will_v alter_v their_o judgement_n that_o open_a profaneness_n and_o lewdness_n ought_v to_o be_v suppress_v they_o agree_v with_o you_o for_o what_o serious_a and_o good_a man_n do_v not_o from_o his_o heart_n detest_v those_o scandalous_a practice_n which_o you_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v the_o only_a question_n than_o be_v how_o this_o may_v be_v effect_v now_o all_o that_o i_o will_v desire_v of_o such_o person_n at_o present_a be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o object_v against_o the_o course_n you_o take_v till_o they_o can_v themselves_o propose_v a_o better_a but_o after_o all_o what_o can_v be_v plausible_o object_v against_o this_o when_o as_o the_o end_n be_v high_o fit_a nay_o necessary_a to_o be_v pursue_v so_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o encouragement_n and_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n both_o of_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n so_o that_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v in_o another_o case_n may_v be_v repeat_v in_o this_o we_o know_v that_o the_o law_n be_v good_a if_o a_o man_n use_v it_o lawful_o but_o of_o this_o i_o will_v add_v no_o more_o to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o sermon_n itself_o only_o upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o can_v forbear_v express_v my_o satisfaction_n in_o observe_v two_o hopeful_a prognostic_n of_o a_o better_a generation_n to_o succeed_v the_o present_a one_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o genuine_a and_o primitive_a christianity_n which_o have_v of_o late_a so_o evident_o exert_v itself_o in_o considerable_a number_n of_o the_o establish_v communion_n especial_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n of_o both_o sex_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o their_o attend_v the_o public_a devotion_n particular_o the_o holy_a communion_n with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n and_o reverence_n but_o also_o by_o a_o true_a christian_a simplicity_n modesty_n humility_n charity_n zeal_n and_o courage_n which_o those_o who_o have_v occasion_n more_o intimate_o to_o converse_v with_o they_o have_v frequent_o observe_v among_o they_o the_o other_o be_v that_o zeal_n mix_v with_o prudence_n which_o so_o many_o both_o of_o the_o establish_v communion_n and_o of_o those_o who_o in_o some_o few_o thing_n differ_v from_o they_o have_v joint_o express_v towards_o the_o suppress_n of_o vice_n and_o i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o of_o our_o function_n to_o lay_v hold_n of_o every_o opportunity_n of_o encourage_v and_o direct_v person_n who_o be_v of_o themselves_o so_o well_o dispose_v that_o it_o may_v please_v almighty_a god_n to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v these_o good_a beginning_n and_o to_o give_v success_n to_o your_o honest_a and_o worthy_a endeavour_n be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o your_o faithful_a friend_n and_o servant_n samuel_n bradford_n ezra_n x._o part_n of_o the_o 3d._n and_o the_o four_o verse_n now_o therefore_o let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o god_n according_o to_o the_o counsel_n of_o my_o lord_n and_o of_o those_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o god_n and_o let_v it_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n arise_v for_o this_o matter_n belong_v unto_o thou_o we_o also_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o do_v it_o such_o be_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o direction_n and_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o instance_n and_o example_n that_o in_o whatever_o case_n we_o serious_o consult_v they_o we_o can_v want_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o our_o 〈…〉_o and_o encouragement_n and_o 〈…〉_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v 〈…〉_o which_o i_o have_v now_o read_v be_v very_o well_o adapt_v to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o present_a meeting_n the_o occasion_n of_o they_o be_v this_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v detain_v in_o captivity_n during_o the_o space_n of_o seventy_o year_n it_o please_v god_n at_o last_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v foretell_v by_o his_o prophet_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n to_o dismiss_v they_o to_o their_o own_o country_n the_o first_o thing_n they_o do_v after_o their_o return_n be_v what_o very_o well_o become_v they_o to_o prepare_v a_o altar_n whereon_o to_o offer_v up_o their_o daily_a sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n proceed_v next_o to_o rebuild_v their_o temple_n which_o according_o notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n they_o meet_v with_o from_o their_o enemy_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n they_o finish_v and_o dedicate_v after_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o read_v chap._n 7._o ezra_n the_o writer_n of_o this_o book_n obtain_v a_o commission_n from_o the_o persian_a king_n to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o set_v in_o order_n and_o supply_v what_o be_v amiss_o or_o want_v there_o particular_o to_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o carry_v thither_o a_o very_a noble_a present_n from_o the_o king_n and_o his_o counsellor_n and_o the_o province_n of_o babylon_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o of_o the_o god_n who_o dwell_v therein_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o likewise_o to_o set_v magistrate_n and_o judge_n over_o the_o people_n even_o such_o as_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n order_v also_o that_o those_o who_o do_v not_o know_v they_o shall_v be_v teach_v by_o ezra_n and_o his_o brethren_n to_o which_o large_a commission_n this_o sanction_n be_v annex_v by_o the_o king_n chap._n 7.26_o whosoever_o will_v not_o do_v the_o law_n of_o thy_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n let_v judgement_n be_v execute_v speedy_o upon_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v unto_o death_n or_o to_o banishment_n or_o to_o confiscation_n of_o good_n or_o to_o imprisonment_n that_o ezra_n be_v a_o person_n well_o qualify_v for_o
of_o this_o upon_o their_o mind_n and_o to_o their_o honour_n have_v show_v themselves_o forward_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o act_v according_o may_v god_n almighty_n bless_v and_o reward_v their_o endeavour_n and_o increase_v their_o number_n and_o may_v he_o excite_v all_o order_n of_o man_n among_o we_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a to_o engage_v hearty_o and_o zealous_o in_o so_o good_a a_o work_n but_o the_o next_o particular_a i_o observe_v in_o the_o text_n be_v that_o 5._o the_o people_n also_o in_o their_o respective_a station_n and_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n be_v resolve_v to_o encourage_v and_o assist_v their_o governor_n in_o whatsoever_o attempt_v they_o shall_v make_v to_o that_o purpose_n we_o also_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n he_o who_o say_v this_o in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o the_o people_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v neither_o priest_n nor_o magistrate_n but_o one_o of_o the_o common_a people_n his_o family_n be_v reckon_v a_o little_a after_o in_o this_o chapter_n ver._n 25_o 26._o among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n only_o so_o that_o as_o i_o observe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o the_o prince_n do_v not_o think_v it_o below_o they_o to_o be_v informer_n in_o a_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n so_o it_o be_v not_o it_o seem_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o impertinent_a or_o officious_a act_n a_o meddle_v out_o of_o his_o sphere_n or_o station_n for_o a_o private_a man_n to_o encourage_v and_o assist_v ezra_n nay_o to_o move_v and_o excite_v he_o to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o one_o who_o thorough_o consider_v this_o matter_n easy_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o mistake_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o magistrate_n very_o often_o want_v the_o encouragement_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o he_o to_o excite_v his_o vigour_n and_o to_o strengthen_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n upon_o numerous_a bold_a wealthy_a or_o great_a offender_n it_o be_v moreover_o impossible_a in_o very_a many_o instance_n that_o he_o shall_v execute_v they_o at_o all_o unless_o according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intimation_n of_o the_o law_n themselves_o due_a information_n be_v first_o give_v he_o against_o those_o that_o violate_v they_o which_o must_v general_o be_v the_o part_n of_o such_o among_o the_o common_a people_n as_o be_v themselves_o innocent_a yet_o be_v frequent_o conversant_a with_o transgressor_n in_o so_o much_o that_o if_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a magistrate_n shall_v have_v never_o so_o great_a a_o share_n of_o zeal_n and_o courage_n it_o will_v avail_v nothing_o unless_o other_o do_v their_o part_n also_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v be_v there_o not_o better_o and_o easy_a method_n for_o carry_v on_o a_o public_a reformation_n than_o for_o one_o neighbour_n to_o inform_v the_o magistrate_n against_o another_o and_o such_o as_o a_o good-natured_a modest_a man_n and_o a_o humble_a christian_a will_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o several_a other_o thing_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o a_o nation_n as_o particular_o that_o every_o good_a man_n shall_v take_v especial_a care_n to_o give_v a_o example_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n to_o other_o that_o according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n matth._n 5.16_o his_o light_n shall_v so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v his_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v his_o heavenly_a father_n by_o a_o imitation_n of_o he_o moreover_o that_o every_o parent_n of_o child_n and_o master_n of_o servant_n shall_v careful_o instruct_v and_o govern_v his_o family_n set_v up_o the_o constant_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o house_n instruct_v all_o that_o belong_v to_o he_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o behave_v themselves_o regular_o whilst_o they_o be_v under_o his_o care_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o who_o god_n himself_o give_v testimony_n gen._n 18.19_o that_o he_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o care_n in_o the_o head_n of_o family_n especial_o in_o this_o last_o generation_n have_v be_v a_o very_a great_a occasion_n of_o the_o looseness_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o that_o this_o will_v be_v one_o very_o effectual_a mean_n of_o mend_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n among_o we_o if_o all_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v will_v conscientious_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o respect_n it_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v the_o care_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o render_v the_o execution_n of_o law_n against_o impiety_n and_o immorality_n in_o a_o good_a degree_n needless_a a_o further_a mean_n of_o reformation_n will_v be_v for_o every_o serious_a christian_n to_o take_v the_o courage_n in_o all_o company_n where_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o fair_a occasion_n or_o opportunity_n give_v he_o to_o recommend_v piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o run_v down_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o reprove_v and_o rebuke_v in_o modest_a and_o friendly_a manner_n those_o who_o he_o observe_v open_o to_o transgress_v and_o offend_v and_o if_o several_a in_o the_o same_o company_n who_o be_v themselves_o well_o dispose_v will_v conspire_v to_o back_n and_o assist_v one_o another_o in_o so_o do_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o much_o good_a may_v be_v do_v this_o way_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o every_o modest_a and_o good_a man_n hearty_o wish_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o method_n than_o these_o but_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o case_n in_o which_o these_o course_n will_v not_o do_v the_o business_n and_o where_o they_o will_v not_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a nay_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o proceed_v further_o and_o if_o the_o good_a nature_n and_o modesty_n of_o any_o good_a man_n shall_v tempt_v he_o to_o neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o case_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v a_o hearty_a concern_v and_o right_a christian_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o his_o brother_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o country_n these_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o overcome_v his_o reluctancy_n what_o those_o case_n be_v prudence_n and_o experience_n will_v easy_o discover_v as_o particular_o when_o profane_a and_o lewd_a sinner_n be_v grow_v bold_a and_o impudent_a so_o as_o to_o despise_v all_o reproof_n and_o spurn_v at_o admonition_n be_v by_o use_n and_o practice_n so_o harden_v that_o nothing_o be_v like_a to_o interrupt_v they_o in_o their_o evil_a course_n but_o the_o downright_a execution_n of_o wholesome_a law_n by_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o know_v well_o how_o to_o rebuke_v either_o mild_o or_o sharp_o as_o the_o case_n require_v have_v plain_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v some_o sinner_n get_v beyond_o reproof_n and_o not_o to_o be_v artempt_v that_o way_n matth._n 7.6_o give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n neither_o cast_v you_o your_o pearl_n before_o swine_n lest_o they_o trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o turn_v again_o and_o rend_v you_o and_o in_o truth_n the_o practice_n which_o you_o have_v set_v yourselves_o to_o reform_v be_v such_o as_o nothing_o but_o a_o intolerable_a contempt_n of_o all_o thing_n sacred_a and_o a_o abhorrence_n to_o virtue_n and_o sobriety_n can_v bring_v man_n to_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v for_o instance_n that_o those_o who_o keep_v lewd_a or_o otherwise_o disorderly_a house_n wherein_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o youth_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v corrupt_v 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le_fw-fr bow_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n etc._n etc._n upon_o a_o general_n fast_o on_o nehem._n ix_o part_n of_o the_o 26_o and_o 27_o verse_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n laurence_n jury_n at_o the_o election_n of_o the_o lord_n mayor_n 1696._o on_o prov._n xxix_o 2._o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o mr._n james_n lordell_n march_v 27._o 1694._o on_o rev._n fourteen_o 13._o the_o four_o last_o by_o lily_n butler_n minister_n of_o st._n mary_n aldermanburic_n six_o sermon_n viz._n of_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n of_o family_n religion_n of_o education_n of_o child_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a piety_n by_o his_o grace_n john_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n price_n 1_o s._n 6_o d._n a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_v communion_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n also_o by_o his_o grace_n price_n bind_v 6_o d._n and_o stitch_v 3_o d._n a_o brief_a exposition_n on_o the_o creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o ten_o 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declare_v by_o theophilus_n dorrington_n price_n 12_o d._n a_o conference_n with_o a_o anabaptist_n in_o 8o._o price_n 12_o d._n a_o theological_a discourse_n of_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n price_n 12_o d._n a_o seasonable_a vindication_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n collect_v from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o right_n reverend_a dr._n edward_n stilling-fleet_n now_o lord_n bishop_n of_o worcester_n in_o 8o._o price_n 12_o d._n these_o three_o last_o by_o dr._n asheton_n of_o beckenham_n in_o kent_n several_a small_a book_n against_o debauchery_n profaneness_n blasphemy_n curse_v and_o swear_v etc._n etc._n also_o by_o dr._n asheton_n price_n 2_o d._n each_o but_o something_o cheap_a to_o they_o that_o give_v away_o number_n