all_o his_o promise_n yea_o and_o amen_o why_o be_v thou_o perplex_v why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n will_v thou_o be_v read_v thy_o destiny_n in_o the_o hide_a book_n of_o fate_n will_v thou_o fain_o know_v what_o these_o secret_a decree_n say_v of_o thou_o o_o foolish_a soul_n why_o so_o curious_a to_o know_v thing_n too_o high_a for_o thou_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o thou_o and_o therefore_o hide_v because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o thou_o nor_o will_v it_o give_v thou_o any_o satisfaction_n whatever_o be_v the_o secret_a decree_n they_o do_v not_o they_o can_v contradict_v those_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a purpose_n which_o be_v reveal_v viz._n that_o they_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v save_v this_o sentence_n can_v be_v reverse_v believe_v thou_o this_o if_o you_o believe_v do_v according_o and_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o fear_n whatever_o come_v of_o other_o you_o be_v sure_o predestinate_v to_o eternal_a life_n if_o thou_o can_v believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a bless_a be_v they_o who_o believe_v for_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v tell_v they_o of_o the_o lord_n some_o be_v not_o content_v with_o this_o assurance_n that_o god_n have_v certain_o declare_v his_o infallible_a purpose_n of_o accept_v return_v sinner_n but_o they_o will_v be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v actual_o accept_v and_o justify_v which_o i_o confess_v will_v be_v a_o great_a comfort_n neither_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o some_o man_n have_v this_o infallible_a assurance_n but_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a and_o preposterous_a thing_n for_o any_o to_o expect_v it_o at_o their_o first_o approach_n to_o god_n or_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o their_o conversion_n this_o be_v to_o ask_v fruit_n before_o the_o due_a time_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v seek_v fruit_n on_o the_o tree_n he_o have_v but_o new_o plant_v this_o assurance_n never_o go_v before_o our_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n though_o sometime_o of_o his_o extraordinary_a mercy_n it_o may_v follow_v after_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v expect_v it_o let_v we_o desire_v it_o never_o so_o much_o until_o we_o have_v real_o perform_v the_o condition_n here_o require_v if_o thy_o assurance_n be_v build_v on_o another_o foundation_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o and_o if_o thou_o know_v that_o this_o foundation_n be_v lay_v if_o thou_o can_v say_v that_o in_o all_o sincerity_n thou_o have_v do_v what_o be_v seek_v of_o thou_o what_o make_v thou_o not_o to_o have_v a_o rational_a and_o comfortable_a assurance_n all_o doubt_n of_o our_o salvation_n shall_v only_o arise_v from_o our_o doubt_n of_o perform_v our_o part_n and_o if_o upon_o a_o strict_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v perform_v our_o part_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v such_o a_o comfortable_a degree_n of_o assurance_n as_o may_v quiet_v our_o conscience_n and_o support_v we_o against_o our_o natural_a fear_n because_o god_n can_v but_o perform_v his_o most_o gracious_a promise_n but_o that_o particular_a infallible_a sort_n of_o assurance_n which_o some_o man_n can_v be_v satisfy_v unless_o they_o have_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o give_v though_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v it_o he_o have_v sometime_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n with_o it_o to_o support_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n but_o it_o be_v not_o of_o ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v expect_v because_o it_o be_v a_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v ask_v but_o with_o great_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o know_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o support_n and_o consolation_n of_o a_o pious_a soul_n but_o to_o proceed_v conscience_n the_o three_o qualification_n here_o be_v that_o we_o have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n which_o with_o what_o follow_v be_v the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o the_o two_o former_a they_o can_v be_v first_o and_o the_o other_o can_v be_v without_o they_o we_o must_v have_v true_a and_o believe_a heart_n before_o we_o can_v be_v sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n or_o have_v our_o body_n washen_n but_o once_o have_v this_o the_o other_o will_v follow_v for_o light_n and_o heat_n may_v be_v as_o well_o disjoin_v from_o the_o sun_n as_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n from_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o sincere_a mind_n to_o god_n many_o pretend_v faith_n but_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n hereby_o may_v it_o be_v know_v whether_o thy_o faith_n be_v good_a if_o so_o be_v thy_o heart_n be_v sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n in_o this_o speech_n the_o apostle_n allude_v to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n then_o to_o sprinkle_v both_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o people_n in_o their_o solemn_a approach_n to_o the_o lord_n sometime_o with_o blood_n sometime_o with_o water_n oil_n or_o ash_n but_o now_o these_o legal_a ceremony_n be_v lay_v aside_o yet_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o be_v still_o require_v viz._n what_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_n of_o here_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n by_o the_o heart_n be_v mean_v the_o soul_n or_o inner_a man_n by_o the_o evil_a conscience_n those_o thing_n which_o pollute_v the_o soul_n which_o keep_v one_o from_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n such_o as_o brutish_a lust_n inordinate_a desire_n unworthy_a passion_n evil_a thought_n and_o sinful_a inclination_n whether_o bear_v with_o we_o or_o contract_v afterward_o all_o these_o must_v be_v mortify_v and_o purge_v out_o before_o we_o can_v be_v thorough_o reconcile_v to_o god_n for_o as_o jehu_n say_v to_o joram_n when_o he_o ask_v be_v there_o peace_n what_o peace_n so_o long_o as_o the_o whoredom_n of_o thy_o mother_n jezabel_n and_o her_o witchcraft_n be_v so_o many_o so_o i_o say_v to_o those_o who_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n how_o can_v they_o look_v for_o peace_n from_o he_o while_o their_o pride_n vainglory_n malice_n wrath_n covetousness_n and_o other_o filthy_a and_o ungodly_a lust_n live_v and_o reign_v in_o they_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o our_o person_n but_o not_o to_o our_o sin_n we_o must_v part_v with_o they_o or_o if_o our_o sin_n and_o we_o can_v be_v separate_v we_o must_v give_v up_o fellowship_n with_o god_n true_o god_n be_v good_a to_o israel_n but_o it_o be_v to_o such_o only_a as_o be_v clean_a in_o heart_n he_o can_v love_v foul_a pollute_a soul_n he_o can_v choose_v but_o loath_a and_o hate_v they_o for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o he_o as_o therefore_o when_o we_o entertain_v great_a person_n we_o use_v to_o remove_v all_o thing_n nasty_a and_o unhandsome_a and_o whatsoever_o may_v ready_o offend_v they_o or_o shame_v ourselves_o and_o be_v careful_a to_o have_v all_o thing_n about_o we_o decent_a and_o fashionable_a so_o be_v to_o approach_v the_o holy_a presence_n of_o god_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o thing_n offensive_a and_o unsuitable_a viz._n the_o love_n and_o inclination_n to_o every_o sin_n for_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o that_o he_o can_v behold_v iniquity_n he_o natural_o abhor_v it_o and_o let_v we_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o holy_a thought_n and_o heavenly_a disposition_n for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a but_o if_o this_o be_v want_v we_o can_v have_v no_o acceptance_n if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v i_o say_v david_n psal._n lxvi_o 18._o even_o david_n shall_v be_v reject_v if_o he_o regard_v iniquity_n some_o will_v say_v if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o none_o can_v have_v hope_n or_o who_o can_v say_v their_o heart_n be_v clean_a it_o be_v true_a in_o our_o present_a state_n our_o heart_n can_v be_v so_o clean_a as_o to_o have_v no_o blemish_n there_o will_v be_v ever_o some_o remainder_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o and_o now_o and_o then_o perhaps_o some_o sinful_a motion_n will_v arise_v in_o the_o best_a but_o this_o will_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o neither_o hinder_v our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n unless_o we_o regard_v they_o with_o love_n and_o delight_n cherish_v and_o follow_v they_o if_o we_o look_v on_o these_o eruption_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n with_o sorrow_n and_o regret_n if_o we_o take_v care_n to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v they_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o grief_n when_o they_o
good_a will_n and_o only_o hold_v off_o because_o he_o want_v sufficient_a instruction_n or_o that_o the_o truth_n appear_v not_o to_o he_o with_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n there_o be_v place_n for_o charity_n for_o in_o that_o case_n the_o defect_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o not_o in_o the_o will_n the_o head_n and_o not_o the_o heart_n be_v to_o blame_v but_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o charity_n itself_o when_o one_o will_v not_o lay_v aside_o his_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o truth_n when_o he_o employ_v his_o wit_n to_o raise_v objection_n and_o to_o find_v shift_n when_o the_o plain_a assertion_n will_v not_o prevail_v but_o rather_o than_o yield_v will_v do_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o other_o man_n such_o be_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o old_a they_o will_v not_o receive_v jesus_n as_o the_o messiah_n though_o he_o come_v at_o the_o time_n appoint_v and_o with_o all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v the_o socinian_o now_o be_v rather_o more_o guilty_a they_o also_o wilful_o resist_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o deserve_v to_o be_v abhor_v they_o be_v among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o false_a teacher_n who_o privy_o bring_v 1._o in_o damnable_a heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o therefore_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o swift_a destruction_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v i_o wish_v what_o he_o subjoin_v there_o may_v not_o hold_v true_a of_o these_o time_n we_o live_v in_o especial_o among_o ourselves_o viz._n that_o many_o shall_v follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o every_o man_n do_v whatsoever_o be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o there_o be_v a_o time_n not_o much_o unlike_o the_o other_o in_o which_o man_n take_v liberty_n to_o speak_v what_o they_o please_v to_o teach_v and_o vent_v whatever_o fancy_n come_v in_o their_o head_n when_o the_o order_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v break_v when_o its_o pastor_n and_o governor_n can_v exert_v their_o authority_n then_o the_o enemy_n step_v in_o and_o sow_n his_o tare_n then_o false_a teacher_n arise_v and_o diffuse_v their_o poisonous_a doctrine_n we_o have_v not_o only_a reason_n to_o fear_v this_o but_o cause_n enough_o already_o to_o bewail_v and_o lament_v it_o for_o it_o be_v actual_o do_v this_o and_o other_o damnable_a error_n come_v in_o with_o the_o late_a trouble_n and_o they_o spread_v and_o grow_v up_o mighty_o under_o cromwell_n his_o usurpation_n which_o make_v maresius_n utter_v these_o remarkable_a word_n o_o deplorandam_fw-la conditionem_fw-la anglioe_fw-la quoe_v post_n reges_fw-la exactos_fw-la ipsi_fw-la christo_fw-la regi_fw-la regum_fw-la mandat_fw-la exilium_fw-la nec_fw-la videtur_fw-la majorem_fw-la libertatem_fw-la magno_fw-la cruore_fw-la redemptam_fw-la anhelasse_n quam_fw-la ut_fw-la licentiam_fw-la consequeretur_fw-la &_o faceret_fw-la quidlibet_fw-la audendi_fw-la praef._n quidlibet_fw-la scribendi_fw-la quidlibet_fw-la credendi_fw-la o_o the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o england_n which_o have_v drive_v out_o their_o king_n now_o constrain_v the_o king_n of_o king_n to_o be_v banish_v and_o it_o seem_v that_o they_o have_v pant_v after_o a_o liberty_n even_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o much_o blood_n only_o to_o obtain_v a_o licence_n of_o hear_v write_v and_o believe_v what_o they_o please_v i_o will_v not_o make_v this_o remark_n if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a if_o these_o error_n be_v not_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o do_v not_o overturn_v all_o the_o hope_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v building_n for_o near_a these_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n the_o deity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o a_o idle_a speculation_n which_o one_o may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a of_o and_o which_o no_o body_n be_v oblige_v to_o know_v believe_v or_o profess_v as_o a_o insolent_a unworthy_a author_n in_o a_o late_a gospel_n blasphemous_a pamphlet_n be_v please_v to_o talk_v no_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o all_o clearness_n and_o evident_a splendour_n and_o where_o every_o one_o that_o read_v may_v see_v the_o express_a belief_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o require_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n wherefore_o let_v we_o take_v care_n to_o build_v ourselves_o up_o in_o this_o faith_n and_o to_o do_v it_o this_o day_n be_v not_o improper_a nay_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o we_o can_v commemorate_v his_o birth_n with_o sufficient_a admiration_n and_o thankfulness_n if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n our_o joy_n and_o gladness_n will_v fall_v low_a and_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o if_o we_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o the_o child_n which_o be_v this_o day_n bear_v and_o give_v unto_o we_o be_v true_o immanuel_n or_o god_n with_o we_o and_o what_o small_a hope_n can_v we_o raise_v to_o ourselves_o from_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v if_o we_o be_v not_o assure_v that_o by_o it_o be_v communicate_v and_o apply_v unto_o we_o the_o merit_n of_o one_o who_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o so_o both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a such_o as_o come_v unto_o he_o for_o evince_v of_o this_o important_a useful_a deity_n and_o comfortable_a truth_n i_o need_v not_o go_v beyond_o the_o text_n for_o there_o it_o be_v plain_o and_o full_o assert_v for_o 1._o you_o see_v that_o here_o the_o apostle_n declare_v jesus_n christ_n to_o have_v pre-existed_n or_o to_o have_v have_v a_o be_v before_o he_o be_v man_n for_o unless_o he_o have_v subsist_v before_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v say_v that_o he_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o that_o in_o so_o do_v he_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n for_o what_o be_v not_o in_o be_v can_v assume_v to_o itself_o a_o existence_n nor_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o condition_n of_o its_o existence_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a by_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o state_n in_o which_o he_o pre-existed_n be_v preferable_a to_o and_o more_o glorious_a than_o that_o in_o which_o he_o be_v make_v or_o find_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v true_a that_o he_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n when_o he_o become_v man._n by_o which_o expression_n also_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n evident_o refer_v to_o some_o pre-existent_a state_n for_o unless_o he_o debase_v himself_o by_o submit_v to_o be_v bear_v he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o debase_v himself_o by_o any_o after_o act_n for_o neither_o his_o birth_n nor_o first_o year_n be_v so_o glorious_a as_o his_o last_o in_o which_o he_o appear_v as_o a_o prophet_n at_o least_o and_o a_o very_a eminent_a one_o too_o full_a of_o power_n and_o authority_n 3._o we_o see_v clear_o here_o his_o divinity_n and_o godhead_n in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v express_o he_o be_v or_o subsist_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o state_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n by_o subsist_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n there_o must_v be_v understand_v 1._o a_o real_a participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o all_o its_o essential_a attribute_n as_o wisdom_n power_n goodness_n eternity_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o form_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v its_o essence_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o form_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o have_v the_o essence_n of_o that_o thing_n 2._o this_o comprehend_v the_o majesty_n glory_n authority_n splendour_n and_o dignity_n which_o agree_v to_o the_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o act_n sign_n and_o token_n by_o which_o the_o great_a god_n manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o heavenly_a inhabitant_n for_o the_o form_n of_o a_o king_n be_v not_o the_o name_n or_o simple_a right_n to_o hold_v that_o name_n but_o it_o comprehend_v the_o mark_n badge_n and_o emblem_n of_o royal_a dignity_n as_o the_o purple_a the_o sceptre_n and_o diadem_n the_o throne_n and_o guard_n and_o what_o else_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n or_o the_o particular_a custom_n of_o kingdom_n make_v declarative_a of_o majesty_n and_o kingly_a power_n this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o king_n and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o possess_v this_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o king_n so_o the_o form_n of_o god_n be_v the_o glory_n dignity_n majesty_n and_o greatness_n which_o be_v due_a to_o so_o high_a a_o name_n and_o by_o ascribe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o form_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v that_o he_o not_o only_o in_o himself_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o also_o that_o
it_o be_v your_o father_n will_n to_o give_v you_o a_o kingdom_n a_o kingdom_n of_o more_o glory_n than_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v a_o kingdom_n which_o shall_v never_o end_v this_o be_v the_o reward_n which_o god_n will_v certain_o bestow_v on_o his_o righteous_a servant_n and_o child_n of_o which_o reward_v some_o make_v the_o rain_v righteousness_n in_o the_o text_n a_o promise_n for_o they_o take_v righteousness_n to_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n iniquity_n be_v take_v for_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o but_o whether_o that_o be_v the_o main_a intent_n of_o the_o word_n certain_o it_o may_v be_v comprehend_v in_o they_o for_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n be_v always_o give_v where_o itself_o be_v give_v holiness_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o can_v be_v disjoin_v so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o one_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o other_o the_o wicked_a can_v inherit_v glory_n nor_o can_v the_o righteous_a be_v exclude_v instead_o therefore_o of_o perplex_v ourselves_o what_o shall_v come_v of_o we_o whether_o we_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n let_v we_o cheerful_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o eternal_a life_n the_o one_o be_v the_o earnest_a and_o pledge_n of_o the_o other_o hitherto_o i_o have_v handle_v and_o apply_v public_a the_o text_n with_o a_o respect_n to_o man_n private_a and_o personal_a state_n but_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o beginning_n the_o prophet_n deliver_v this_o advice_n with_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a state_n of_o his_o people_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a and_o so_o it_o propose_v the_o true_a way_n and_o method_n of_o prevent_v and_o remove_v public_a calamity_n and_o disaster_n from_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v to_o put_v away_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v piety_n and_o godliness_n as_o the_o prophet_n forewarn_v they_o of_o very_o sad_a and_o heavy_a judgement_n so_o all_o along_o he_o plain_o inculcate_n the_o cause_n thereof_o viz._n their_o pride_n and_o wantonness_n the_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o a_o gross_a contempt_n of_o and_o disobedience_n to_o his_o righteous_a law_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v so_o exemplary_o punish_v and_o that_o nothing_o can_v save_v they_o from_o utter_a ruin_n or_o procure_v the_o lengthen_v of_o their_o tranquillity_n but_o the_o cease_n from_o sin_n and_o the_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n both_o the_o preservation_n and_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n and_o public_a state_n be_v of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v move_v to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o according_a as_o they_o be_v righteous_a or_o wicked_a for_o as_o solomon_n say_v righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v 34._o a_o reproach_n to_o any_o people_n which_o maxim_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v clear_o exemplify_v in_o sacred_a history_n and_o be_v wise_o observe_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o person_n of_o achior_n the_o captain_n of_o the_o son_n of_o ammon_n for_o in_o the_o speech_n which_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v make_v to_o olofernes_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o while_o they_o sin_v not_o before_o their_o god_n they_o prosper_v because_o the_o god_n that_o hate_v iniquity_n be_v with_o they_o but_o when_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o way_n which_o he_o appoint_v they_o they_o be_v destroy_v in_o many_o sore_a battle_n and_o be_v lead_v captive_n into_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o and_o the_o temple_n of_o their_o god_n be_v cast_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o their_o city_n be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n from_o which_o wise_a observation_n he_o conclude_v as_o wise_o his_o advice_n to_o the_o same_o olofernes_n now_o therefore_o my_o lord_n and_o governor_n if_o there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o this_o people_n and_o they_o sin_n against_o their_o god_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v their_o ruin_n and_o let_v we_o go_v up_o and_o we_o shall_v overcome_v they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n in_o their_o nation_n let_v my_o lord_n pass_v by_o lest_o their_o lord_n defend_v they_o and_o their_o god_n be_v for_o they_o and_o we_o become_v a_o reproach_n before_o all_o the_o world_n righteousness_n 17._o be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o a_o people_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o union_n among_o themselves_o and_o will_v defend_v the_o frontier_n better_o than_o garrison_n or_o army_n can_v do_v for_o it_o secure_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o can_v defeat_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o numerous_a force_n and_o who_o when_o a_o man_n way_n please_v the_o lord_n make_v his_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o if_o therefore_o we_o have_v any_o concernment_n for_o the_o church_n and_o state_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n if_o we_o will_v have_v god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o our_o zion_n and_o to_o build_v up_o the_o wall_n of_o our_o jerusalem_n if_o we_o will_v have_v he_o to_o settle_v peace_n within_o their_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o their_o palace_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o return_v from_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n let_v we_o seek_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n retrieve_v true_a piety_n and_o true_a religion_n and_o by_o the_o work_n of_o real_a righteousness_n study_v to_o please_v god_n if_o we_o do_v this_o than_o his_o heart_n will_v be_v towards_o we_o and_o his_o delight_n will_v be_v in_o we_o then_o we_o shall_v become_v his_o pleasant_a vineyard_n which_o he_o will_v fence_v and_o plant_v out_o of_o which_o he_o will_v gather_v the_o stone_n and_o in_o which_o he_o will_v build_v a_o tower_n for_o himself_o he_o will_v cherish_v our_o church_n and_o state_n and_o do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v desire_v for_o their_o beauty_n order_n and_o peace_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o the_o pleasant_a grape_n of_o righteousness_n we_o yield_v the_o sour_a grape_n of_o iniquity_n if_o instead_o of_o judgement_n god_n see_v oppression_n if_o instead_o of_o righteousness_n he_o hear_v a_o cry_n if_o instead_o of_o the_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n of_o a_o christian_a conversation_n we_o send_v forth_o the_o noisome_a and_o stink_a scent_n of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n than_o he_o will_v utter_o abandon_v we_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o will_v then_o do_v to_o his_o vineyard_n i_o will_v say_v the_o lord_n take_v away_o the_o hedge_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v eat_v up_o and_o break_v the_o wall_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v tread_v down_o and_o i_o will_v lay_v it_o waste_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v prune_v nor_o dig_v but_o there_o shall_v come_v up_o brier_n and_o thorn_n i_o will_v also_o command_v the_o cloud_n that_o they_o rain_v no_o rain_n upon_o it_o isa._n v._n 5._o our_o land_n will_v always_o be_v make_v to_o mourn_v so_o long_o as_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n abound_v in_o it_o public_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n can_v be_v expect_v till_o there_o be_v a_o return_n of_o righteousness_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a piety_n till_o that_o appear_v we_o need_v not_o look_v for_o good_a let_v we_o therefore_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o by_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n beseech_v he_o to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o all_o people_n and_o to_o rain_v down_o true_a righteousness_n upon_o all_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o with_o the_o land_n we_o live_v in_o for_o than_o our_o case_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o then_o both_o zion_n and_o jerusalem_n will_v have_v reason_n to_o rejoice_v for_o the_o lord_n then_o will_v strengthen_v the_o bar_n of_o their_o gate_n he_o will_v bless_v the_o people_n within_o they_o make_v peace_n in_o their_o border_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o the_o fine_a of_o the_o wheat_n now_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o for_o we_o unto_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xiii_o preach_v at_o st._n giles_n church_n in_o edinburgh_n on_o october_n 16._o 1687._o hosea_n v._n 13_o 14_o 15._o when_o ephraim_n see_v his_o sickness_n and_o judah_n see_v his_o wound_n then_o go_v ephraim_n to_o the_o assyrian_a and_o send_v to_o king_n jareb_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o heal_v you_o nor_o cure_v you_o of_o your_o wound_n for_o i_o will_v be_v unto_o ephraim_n as_o a_o lion_n and_o as_o a_o young_a lion_n to_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n ay_o even_o i_o will_v tear_v and_o go_v away_o i_o will_v take_v away_o and_o none_o shall_v
hide_v from_o we_o till_o the_o event_n declare_v they_o and_o then_o we_o be_v force_v to_o approve_v and_o applaud_v what_o before_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o condemn_v as_o fines_n imprisonment_n and_o other_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o commonwealth_n so_o calamity_n trouble_n and_o affliction_n be_v now_o necessary_a to_o the_o world_n by_o they_o god_n keep_v up_o his_o authority_n defend_v his_o law_n curb_v sin_n prevent_v some_o from_o go_v astray_o and_o reclaim_v other_o who_o have_v already_o err_v from_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n hereby_o he_o exercise_v his_o people_n virtue_n integrity_n faith_n patience_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o make_v they_o to_o acquire_v the_o growth_n stature_n vigour_n and_o understanding_n of_o perfect_a man_n which_o they_o will_v not_o do_v if_o softness_n and_o ease_n and_o plenty_n be_v always_o indulge_v they_o as_o wind_n serve_v to_o purify_v the_o air_n and_o frost_n and_o snow_n and_o rain_n to_o moisten_v and_o fatten_v the_o earth_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a so_o god_n send_v calamity_n and_o affliction_n that_o they_o who_o be_v barren_a may_v be_v make_v to_o bear_v fruit_n and_o that_o other_o may_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n if_o a_o ignorant_a and_o unskilful_a person_n see_v a_o gardener_n prune_v his_o tree_n and_o lop_n off_o the_o branch_n with_o axe_n and_o knife_n he_o will_v perhaps_o suspect_v he_o of_o madness_n or_o think_v he_o intend_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o garden_n whereas_o he_o thereby_o prevent_v their_o overgrow_a and_o undo_v one_o another_o and_o render_v his_o garden_n both_o more_o comely_a and_o more_o profitable_a so_o god_n by_o affliction_n prune_v his_o people_n he_o keep_v down_o those_o corruption_n and_o disorder_n which_o otherwise_o will_v break_v out_o among_o they_o and_o dispose_v they_o to_o bear_v proper_a fruit_n in_o their_o season_n it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o be_v afflict_v say_v david_n the_o psalmist_n be_v once_o tempt_v to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v unkind_a to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n because_o he_o afflict_v they_o but_o on_o second_o thought_n he_o check_v himself_o and_o conclude_v that_o true_o god_n be_v good_a to_o israel_n even_o to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o clean_a heart_n that_o be_v such_o deal_n with_o his_o people_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o they_o for_o he_o be_v still_o good_a to_o they_o and_o their_o affliction_n testify_v it_o and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o clean_a heart_n shall_v certain_o find_v it_o so_o now_o see_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o let_v we_o application_n not_o complain_v of_o the_o present_a providence_n of_o god_n let_v we_o not_o murmur_v against_o nor_o bear_v impatient_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v upon_o we_o for_o we_o have_v true_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o he_o do_v just_o punish_v we_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o many_o of_o the_o instrument_n of_o our_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n i_o must_v not_o flatter_v you_o certain_o our_o prince_n our_o noble_n and_o great_a one_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n and_o all_o rank_n among_o we_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o and_o do_v wicked_o and_o therefore_o god_n have_v just_o bring_v evil_a upon_o our_o land_n and_o they_o who_o have_v smart_v by_o this_o revolution_n have_v suffer_v just_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o humble_a ourselves_o before_o he_o acknowledge_v our_o offence_n and_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o then_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o plead_v our_o cause_n i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o hosea_n o_o israel_n return_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n for_o thou_o have_v fall_v by_o thy_o iniquity_n take_v with_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n and_o receive_v we_o gracious_o so_o will_v we_o render_v the_o calf_n of_o our_o lip_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v hear_v he_o say_v i_o will_v heal_v your_o backslide_n i_o will_v love_v they_o free_o for_o my_o anger_n be_v turn_v away_o from_o he_o and_o as_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n come_v and_o let_v we_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o have_v tear_v and_o he_o will_v heal_v we_o he_o have_v smite_v and_o he_o will_v bind_v we_o up_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a advice_n for_o ourselves_o so_o i_o will_v advise_v those_o to_o who_o the_o present_a time_n seem_v a_o little_a more_o favourable_a i_o mean_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n who_o i_o call_v brethren_n though_o their_o usage_n and_o treatment_n of_o we_o have_v show_v they_o enemy_n see_v they_o have_v overthrow_v the_o church_n and_o treat_v her_o bishop_n and_o priest_n with_o contumely_n and_o reproach_n i_o say_v i_o will_v advise_v they_o not_o to_o be_v over_o vain_a and_o confident_a for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o to_o rejoice_v at_o our_o affliction_n and_o to_o insult_v over_o our_o misery_n do_v not_o favour_n much_o of_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o make_v so_o high_a pretence_n and_o unless_o they_o can_v chain_v their_o present_a state_n by_o irreversible_a decree_n there_o be_v as_o little_a prudence_n as_o religion_n in_o despise_v we_o thus_o and_o trample_v so_o much_o upon_o we_o for_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o may_v yet_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v shelter_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o our_o vine_n they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o another_o party_n i_o mean_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n boast_v and_o brag_v and_o aim_v too_o at_o more_o than_o be_v fit_a or_o meet_v or_o what_o discretion_n will_v have_v require_v which_o bring_v on_o their_o ruin_n and_o which_o have_v occasion_v their_o loss_n of_o that_o peace_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v and_o will_v have_v enjoy_v wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v i_o believe_v that_o thou_o shall_v arise_v o_o lord_n and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n when_o the_o time_n to_o favour_v she_o when_o the_o set_a time_n be_v come_v though_o our_o case_n be_v more_o desperate_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o despair_v though_o we_o be_v at_o a_o low_a pass_n and_o have_v few_o friend_n i_o yet_o will_v not_o let_v go_v my_o hope_n for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o above_o what_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n and_o though_o he_o leave_v we_o we_o can_v complain_v but_o we_o know_v also_o that_o our_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o with_o he_o be_v plenteous_a redemption_n he_o will_v not_o cast_v off_o for_o ever_o therefore_o they_o who_o be_v his_o people_n shall_v still_o hope_v in_o he_o and_o we_o be_v his_o people_n as_o much_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v as_o any_o other_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a age_n do_v and_o have_v the_o same_o ministry_n and_o government_n even_o that_o very_a ministry_n and_o government_n which_o in_o those_o time_n be_v think_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o in_o and_o under_o that_o ministry_n we_o also_o have_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n pure_o administer_v by_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o god_n by_o a_o covenant_n which_o be_v more_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a than_o any_o of_o man_n invent_v can_v be_v if_o therefore_o we_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o acknowledge_v our_o offence_n he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o sure_o visit_v we_o with_o his_o salvation_n for_o we_o be_v his_o zion_n a_o part_n of_o his_o catholic_n church_n or_o peculiar_a people_n and_o he_o will_v not_o always_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o we_o may_v take_v up_o this_o hope_n both_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o other_o have_v we_o not_o fall_v heretofore_o and_o have_v we_o not_o rise_v again_o have_v we_o not_o see_v the_o church_n invade_v her_o essential_a order_n and_o subordination_n demolish_v her_o pastor_n exile_v her_o temple_n profane_v her_o beauty_n deface_v and_o have_v we_o not_o see_v all_o these_o repair_v and_o restore_v again_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n impossible_a unto_o god_n can_v he_o not_o sudden_o alter_v the_o secure_a state_n and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o most_o violent_a career_n anno_fw-la 58_o and_o 59_o neither_o king_n nor_o royal_a family_n dare_v be_v own_a and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o capital_a crime_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o yet_o you_o all_o know_v that_o within_o a_o year_n or_o