visit_v the_o offence_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n therefore_o for_o the_o more_o exact_a performance_n of_o this_o so_o important_a duty_n we_o must_v observe_v these_o follow_a rule_n 1._o we_o must_v follow_v the_o lord_n open_o with_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n as_o be_v neither_o afraid_a nor_o ashamed_a to_o own_o that_o truth_n from_o whence_o we_o expect_v salvation_n we_o must_v not_o hide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o make_v profession_n thereof_o with_o our_o mouth_n lest_o the_o scornful_a and_o profane_a shall_v take_v our_o silence_n for_o a_o perfect_a submission_n to_o their_o cause_n and_o the_o daughter_n of_o the_o uncircumcised_a triumph_n lest_o the_o unreproved_a transgressor_n shall_v die_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o blood_n be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o add_v the_o guilt_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n to_o the_o number_n of_o our_o own_o why_o shall_v their_o iniquity_n be_v our_o ruin_n therefore_o through_o god_n our_o righteousness_n let_v we_o be_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n and_o dare_v to_o be_v religious_a even_o in_o a_o sinful_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n and_o let_v the_o prophet_n in_o my_o text_n be_v our_o great_a example_n who_o alone_o do_v withstand_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n and_o bring_v the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o israel_n into_o subjection_n he_o cast_v not_o in_o his_o lot_n among_o the_o prevail_a idolater_n nor_o go_v forth_o with_o the_o multitude_n to_o their_o fashionable_a devotion_n but_o withstand_v they_o to_o the_o face_n and_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o church_n when_o he_o be_v the_o only_a prophet_n leave_v therein_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v the_o cowardice_n and_o falsehood_n of_o he_o who_o deny_v or_o dissemble_v that_o faith_n which_o he_o believe_v and_o if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n before_o man_n of_o we_o also_o will_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n 2._o we_o must_v follow_v the_o lord_n steadfast_o with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n not_o waver_v in_o our_o belief_n nor_o wax_a faint_a in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n but_o still_o press_v forward_o in_o our_o course_n and_o with_o our_o faith_n overcome_v all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o our_o way_n o_o elijah_n how_o be_v thou_o honour_v in_o thy_o wondrous_a work_n and_o who_o may_v glory_v like_a unto_o thou_o such_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o our_o great_a prophet_n so_o strong_a and_o active_a be_v his_o faith_n that_o he_o make_v the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n give_v place_n unto_o it_o and_o bring_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o convince_v the_o people_n through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v our_o faith_n and_o the_o danger_n that_o threaten_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o must_v still_o look_v unto_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o we_o must_v not_o at_o any_o time_n nor_o upon_o any_o pretence_n bow_v down_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n nor_o show_v any_o compliance_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o strange_a god_n lest_o our_o heart_n at_o length_n shall_v be_v incline_v to_o their_o folly_n and_o god_n in_o his_o anger_n give_v we_o over_o to_o follow_v their_o abomination_n and_o as_o we_o must_v abhor_v the_o house_n of_o baal_n so_o we_o must_v with_o equal_a care_n avoid_v all_o false_a way_n of_o serve_v the_o live_a lord_n for_o it_o matter_n very_o much_o whether_o we_o worship_v at_o the_o mount_n in_o samaria_n or_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o man_n may_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n with_o our_o renounce_v his_o god_n but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o he_o who_o never_o strain_v at_o heresy_n and_o schism_n will_v swallow_v down_o infidelity_n too_o shall_v his_o interest_n command_v he_o and_o from_o pay_v god_n a_o false_a worship_n will_v soon_o be_v bring_v to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n for_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o come_v unto_o he_o with_o a_o lie_n in_o our_o mouth_n how_o can_v we_o sing_v the_o lord_n song_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n or_o testify_v our_o penitence_n to_o god_n in_o a_o service_n which_o be_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o whole_a faith_n we_o must_v deny_v the_o honour_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o those_o who_o have_v dye_v for_o it_o we_o must_v reform_v our_o calendar_n and_o raze_v out_o the_o name_n of_o many_o who_o have_v hitherto_o enjoy_v that_o glorious_a title_n upon_o earth_n and_o doubtless_o the_o crown_n thereof_o in_o heaven_n but_o 3._o we_o must_v follow_v the_o lord_n with_o zeal_n and_o affection_n if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o our_o own_o duty_n we_o must_v also_o be_v desirous_a to_o see_v god_n name_v glorify_v by_o other_o and_o that_o not_o only_o with_o idle_a hope_n and_o insignificant_a desire_n but_o with_o active_a endeavour_n and_o a_o real_a concern_v it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o spread_v her_o arm_n abroad_o like_o our_o saviour_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o receive_v all_o mankind_n within_o its_o embrace_n his_o blood_n be_v a_o sufficient_a atonement_n for_o all_o the_o world_n and_o whosoever_o neglect_v the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o advance_v this_o faith_n betray_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n his_o head_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o fellow-member_n he_o base_o suffer_v that_o soul_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n die_v to_o perish_v through_o unbelief_n and_o make_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n to_o be_v ineffectual_a if_o the_o late_a martyr_n and_o uninspired_a confessor_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o plant_v a_o church_n among_o we_o with_o their_o sweat_n and_o water_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n have_v give_v way_n to_o principle_n of_o compliance_n and_o self-preservation_n our_o land_n have_v either_o continue_v barren_a to_o this_o day_n in_o its_o primitive_a paganism_n or_o be_v soon_o overrun_v with_o heresy_n and_o superstition_n have_v the_o prophet_n in_o my_o text_n content_v himself_o with_o a_o dormant_a religion_n and_o confine_v his_o faith_n to_o his_o own_o bosom_n he_o may_v have_v enjoy_v his_o ease_n and_o the_o jew_n their_o idolatry_n without_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o fiery_a trial_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o zeal_n of_o elijah_n for_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n because_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v forsake_v his_o covenant_n throw_v down_o his_o altar_n and_o slay_v his_o prophet_n with_o the_o sword_n that_o he_o restore_v his_o religion_n with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o return_v that_o severity_n upon_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n which_o they_o have_v exercise_v against_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o i_o can_v never_o be_v persuade_v but_o that_o a_o comply_a christian_n be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o term_n till_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v blot_v out_o of_o our_o creed_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o private_a breast_n of_o each_o particular_a saint_n nevertheless_o though_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o duty_n and_o heroical_a virtue_n be_v most_o acceptable_a in_o the_o eye_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o it_o always_o happen_v that_o where_o the_o great_a honour_n be_v to_o be_v win_v there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v cautious_a 1._o that_o our_o zeal_n be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n before_o we_o engage_v in_o the_o zealous_a defence_n of_o any_o cause_n we_o must_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o cause_n itself_o be_v good_a lest_o instead_o of_o thanks_o for_o our_o diligence_n we_o receive_v a_o check_n for_o our_o forwardness_n and_o it_o be_v just_o say_v unto_o we_o who_o have_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o warrant_v the_o action_n it_o be_v not_o virtue_n but_o rashness_n to_o proceed_v if_o we_o take_v a_o groundless_a opinion_n for_o our_o foundation_n and_o make_v not_o reason_v our_o judge_n in_o the_o consult_v what_o assistance_n can_v we_o receive_v from_o it_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o action_n we_o have_v then_o lose_v all_o command_n of_o ourselves_o and_o shall_v be_v deaf_a to_o all_o advice_n our_o ignorance_n shall_v continue_v but_o our_o vehemence_n and_o consequent_o our_o danger_n shall_v increase_v we_o shall_v still_o follow_v the_o same_o blind_a guide_n that_o first_o mislead_v our_o devotion_n not_o know_v either_o how_o to_o stop_v our_o career_n or_o direct_v our_o course_n like_o one_o that_o put_v out_o to_o sea_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o either_o sail_n or_o
a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n june_n 27._o 1680._o by_o charles_n hickman_n student_n of_o christ-church_n in_o oxford_n and_o chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n the_o duke_n of_o southampton_n london_n print_v for_o henry_n brome_n at_o the_o gun_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1680._o clayton_n mayor_n curia_fw-la special_a tent_n die_v dominico_n quarto_fw-la die_fw-la julij_fw-la 1680._o regni_fw-la annoque_fw-la regis_fw-la caroli_n secundi_fw-la angliae_fw-la etc._n etc._n xxxii_o this_o court_n do_v desire_n mr._n hickman_n to_o print_v his_o sermon_n preach_v on_o this_o day_n seven-night_n at_o the_o guild-hall_n chappel_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n of_o this_o city_n wagstaff_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a srs._n robert_n clayton_n lord_z mayor_z since_o your_o lordship_n have_v sentence_v this_o discourse_n to_o the_o press_n i_o shall_v no_o long_o dispute_v your_o command_n but_o according_a to_o the_o true_a character_n of_o a_o english_a subject_n have_v already_o assert_v my_o liberty_n in_o the_o freedom_n of_o a_o defence_n i_o must_v leave_v the_o final_a determination_n to_o the_o high_a power_n thus_o manifest_v my_o obedience_n without_o betray_v my_o birthright_n i_o know_v the_o many_o censure_n which_o a_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v liable_a unto_o and_o therefore_o in_o publish_v of_o it_o i_o have_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o that_o sincerity_n and_o boldness_n to_o which_o i_o exhort_v other_o but_o have_v justice_n on_o my_o side_n and_o your_o lordship_n for_o my_o advocate_n i_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o apology_n to_o recommend_v i_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o good_a man_n or_o protect_v i_o from_o the_o detraction_n of_o the_o malicious_a my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o obedient_a and_o most_o humble_a servant_n charles_n hickman_n a_o sermon_n on_o 1_o king_n xviii_o 21._o and_o elijah_n come_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n and_o say_v how_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n lay_v under_o the_o severe_a pressure_n of_o sin_n and_o judgement_n and_o seem_v to_o all_o man_n but_o themselves_o not_o only_o miserable_a but_o desperate_a too_o judah_n and_o israel_n be_v now_o become_v term_n of_o defiance_n to_o each_o other_o and_o though_o they_o be_v alike_o hate_v by_o the_o heathen_n and_o their_o neighbour_a nation_n seek_v occasion_n for_o their_o ruin_n yet_o neither_o their_o public_a calamity_n nor_o the_o private_a tie_n of_o consanguinity_n and_o friendship_n can_v refrain_v they_o from_o draw_v their_o sword_n upon_o themselves_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v not_o long_o since_o the_o admiration_n and_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n be_v now_o become_v a_o reproach_n unto_o itself_o a_o scandal_n to_o its_o religion_n and_o a_o joy_n only_o to_o its_o enemy_n whilst_o their_o homebred_a division_n prepare_v they_o for_o a_o foreign_a captivity_n and_o they_o revenge_v upon_o themselves_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o they_o have_v drive_v out_o their_o king_n for_o many_o succession_n be_v such_o as_o show_v that_o god_n give_v they_o in_o his_o anger_n and_o their_o chronicle_n be_v only_o the_o enumeration_n of_o the_o folly_n impiety_n and_o idolatry_n both_o of_o king_n and_o people_n therefore_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n kindle_v against_o they_o and_o the_o several_a judgement_n which_o he_o punish_v they_o withal_o distinguish_v their_o year_n and_o make_v up_o all_o the_o signal_n period_n in_o their_o late_a chronology_n and_o as_o a_o fall_a weight_n gather_v strength_n from_o it_o motion_n and_o the_o near_a it_o come_v to_o the_o ground_n so_o much_o the_o swift_a it_o move_v even_o thus_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o transgression_n seem_v to_o approach_v their_o final_a ruin_n and_o that_o the_o iniquity_n of_o israel_n be_v now_o full_a time_n and_o succession_n have_v give_v strength_n and_o security_n to_o their_o sin_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n but_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o transgression_n the_o heaven_n over_o their_o head_n be_v now_o become_v as_o brass_n and_o the_o earth_n under_o they_o be_v iron_n the_o land_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n now_o withhold_v her_o increase_n god_n do_v not_o give_v his_o blessing_n nevertheless_o though_o their_o soul_n faint_v within_o they_o yet_o have_v they_o courage_n enough_o to_o rebel_v against_o their_o maker_n they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n their_o strength_n and_o they_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o friend_n now_o in_o their_o divide_a tent_n set_v up_o the_o abomination_n of_o baal_n and_o consent_v only_o in_o worship_v the_o foolishness_n of_o the_o heathen_a thus_o have_v we_o a_o miserable_a prospect_n of_o a_o ruinous_a church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o forefather_n their_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v and_o their_o own_o transgression_n have_v multiply_v god_n judgement_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o flight_v their_o danger_n and_o in_o their_o folly_n they_o reject_v the_o lord_n from_o who_o alone_o they_o can_v expect_v redress_n then_o stand_v up_o elijah_n like_o fire_n and_o his_o word_n burn_v like_o a_o lamp_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o almighty_a he_o bring_v their_o king_n to_o destruction_n and_o the_o people_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o live_a god_n he_o be_v ordain_v for_o reproof_n in_o those_o time_n to_o pacify_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n judgement_n before_o it_o break_v forth_o into_o fury_n and_o to_o restore_v the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n then_o come_v elijah_n unto_o all_o the_o people_n and_o say_v if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o in_o which_o word_n i_o may_v observe_v 1._o a_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n whither_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n or_o baal_n 2._o a_o exhortation_n ground_v upon_o this_o supposition_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a 1._o if_o the_o lord_n he_o god_n follow_v he_o 2._o but_o if_o baal_n be_v god_n then_o follow_v he_o 1._o the_o text_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n or_o baal_n and_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o manifest_a that_o the_o very_a heathen_n who_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o his_o name_n have_v confess_v there_o be_v no_o nation_n so_o barbarous_a but_o have_v constant_o believe_v his_o power_n the_o very_a jew_n though_o the_o most_o blind_a and_o and_o stiff-necked_a generation_n yet_o never_o come_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o obstinacy_n but_o that_o they_o still_o acknowledge_v some_o power_n which_o they_o believe_v divine_a for_o no_o soon_o do_v they_o forsake_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n but_o they_o set_v up_o altar_n and_o grove_n to_o baal_n as_o for_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o atheist_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n beside_o himself_o and_o no_o other_o life_n but_o this_o they_o be_v groundless_a and_o uncertain_a all_o their_o proof_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o bare_a possibility_n and_o the_o belief_n thereof_o can_v never_o reach_v high_o than_o opinion_n such_o thought_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o deep_a ignorance_n and_o want_n of_o sense_n and_o be_v only_o the_o faint_a die_a hope_n of_o a_o languish_a sinner_n for_o there_o be_v none_o will_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o through_o his_o vice_n despair_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o that_o can_v affirm_v divinity_n to_o be_v a_o fancy_n and_o religion_n the_o contrivance_n of_o a_o politician_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n affirm_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v but_o a_o apparition_n that_o we_o do_v but_o dream_v of_o city_n and_o palace_n and_o these_o wall_n which_o we_o behold_v be_v but_o the_o fantastical_a delusion_n of_o a_o sickly_a brain_n he_o that_o can_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n may_v also_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o man._n again_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o atheist_n be_v not_o only_o very_o unreasonable_a but_o also_o very_o dangerous_a for_o suppose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o life_n determine_v his_o be_v which_o yet_o can_v be_v know_v till_o after_o death_n yet_o when_o death_n have_v swallow_v he_o up_o in_o forgetfulness_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o nothing_o where_o then_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o dangerous_a experiment_n or_o who_o shall_v inherit_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o notable_a discovery_n but_o if_o his_o opinion_n shall_v prove_v false_a as_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v from_o the_o uncertain_a ground_n of_o his_o belief_n if_o death_n the_o minister_n of_o god_n shall_v preach_v his_o gospel_n of_o terror_n unto_o he_o and_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n convince_v he_o
of_o his_o mistake_n what_o profit_n have_v he_o then_o of_o all_o his_o travail_n the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n can_v beat_v back_o the_o everlasting_a flame_n nor_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o his_o unbelief_n persuade_v he_o out_o of_o his_o sense_n though_o now_o it_o persuade_v he_o out_o of_o his_o reason_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o therefore_o in_o a_o christian_a congregation_n from_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v so_o gross_a and_o absurd_a a_o belief_n to_o confute_v the_o error_n here_o be_v to_o profane_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n that_o proceed_v not_o from_o thoughtfulness_n and_o study_n but_o intemperance_n and_o vice_n man_n debauch_v themselves_o out_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o atheism_n be_v not_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o man_n no_o nor_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o beast_n it_o be_v that_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o reprobate_a sense_n to_o which_o god_n deliver_v up_o a_o obstinate_a sinner_n it_o be_v the_o last_o of_o judgement_n inflict_v by_o god_n upon_o he_o that_o have_v refuse_v all_o the_o method_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o to_o argue_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o infidelity_n be_v to_o dispute_v a_o lunatic_n into_o his_o sense_n or_o persuade_v a_o leper_n to_o be_v clean_o they_o be_v proof_n against_o all_o reason_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o my_o text_n will_v not_o throw_v away_o a_o miracle_n to_o reduce_v they_o since_o therefore_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o and_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o evil_n that_o be_v to_o himself_o let_v we_o also_o leave_v he_o to_o pursue_v his_o own_o ruin_n since_o he_o have_v refuse_v instruction_n and_o will_v have_v none_o to_o advise_v god_n at_o length_n will_v awaken_v he_o by_o his_o thunder_n and_o stretch_v forth_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o he_o when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v suppose_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o text_n the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o prophet_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o lord_n 2._o in_o what_o manner_n we_o must_v follow_v he_o and_o 3._o how_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o follow_v the_o lord_n or_o not_o and_o 1._o to_o follow_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o father_n then_o to_o follow_v he_o be_v to_o pay_v he_o that_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o a_o father_n as_o he_o be_v our_o king_n we_o must_v follow_v he_o in_o a_o submissive_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o as_o he_o be_v our_o god_n we_o must_v follow_v he_o in_o that_o worship_n of_o his_o name_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v but_o because_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v chief_o intend_v by_o the_o prophet_n in_o my_o text_n therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o ensue_a discourse_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v infuse_v into_o we_o by_o nature_n do_v include_v in_o it_o such_o transcendent_a mark_n of_o excellency_n and_o power_n such_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n but_o also_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n yet_o since_o through_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o be_v encompass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o difficulty_n that_o our_o devotion_n may_v either_o be_v too_o little_a or_o too_o much_o lest_o our_o ignorance_n shall_v betray_v we_o either_o to_o disrespect_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o superstition_n on_o the_o other_o god_n have_v make_v himself_o our_o guide_n unto_o his_o sanctuary_n by_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n he_o have_v continual_o instruct_v his_o church_n in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o send_v his_o only_a son_n to_o give_v light_n unto_o we_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n therefore_o to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o make_v his_o will_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n since_o by_o many_o and_o mighty_a instance_n of_o his_o mercy_n &_o power_n he_o have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o very_a god_n let_v we_o in_o all_o humble_a obedience_n fall_v down_o &_o worship_n since_o by_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n he_o have_v make_v himself_o the_o guide_n to_o our_o devotion_n let_v we_o not_o with_o the_o giddy_a multitude_n admire_v the_o novelty_n and_o device_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o follow_v his_o direction_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o submission_n for_o he_o be_v all_o goodness_n and_o can_v deceive_v we_o he_o also_o be_v all_o wisdom_n and_o can_v be_v himself_o deceive_v what_o folly_n be_v it_o therefore_o to_o seek_v after_o new_a invention_n and_o in_o the_o blindness_n of_o our_o heart_n beat_v in_o untrodden_a path_n when_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o light_n and_o the_o truth_n have_v make_v our_o way_n plain_a before_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o choose_v to_o perplex_v our_o thought_n and_o wander_v by_o ourselves_o rather_o than_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o footstep_n of_o our_o father_n that_o go_v before_o we_o the_o difficulty_n and_o intricacy_n of_o our_o way_n be_v sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o exercise_v both_o our_o patience_n and_o our_o faith_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o create_v unto_o ourselves_o trouble_n more_o and_o more_o and_o add_v unto_o our_o sorrow_n since_o we_o must_v necessary_o pass_v through_o a_o wilderness_n before_o we_o come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n let_v we_o commit_v our_o way_n unto_o god_n who_o bring_v we_o hither_o and_o he_o will_v order_v our_o go_n and_o bring_v we_o forth_o into_o his_o pleasant_a land_n but_o if_o we_o cast_v behind_o we_o the_o counsel_n and_o command_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o trust_v to_o our_o own_o invention_n if_o through_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o boasting_n of_o our_o discretion_n or_o the_o presumption_n of_o our_o virtue_n we_o choose_v our_o own_o way_n and_o our_o soul_n delight_v in_o our_o abomination_n god_n also_o will_v choose_v our_o delusion_n and_o bring_v our_o fear_n upon_o we_o for_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v dreadful_a his_o glory_n be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v rude_o invade_v by_o mortal_a eye_n and_o his_o ark_n too_o holy_a to_o be_v touch_v by_o unskilful_a hand_n therefore_o he_o have_v set_v bound_n to_o our_o devotion_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o mount_n lest_o they_o shall_v press_v forward_o to_o gaze_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o break_v forth_o upon_o they_o that_o they_o perish_v he_o have_v appoint_v our_o distance_n that_o we_o shall_v observe_v in_o his_o worship_n and_o teach_v we_o what_o a_o awful_a reverence_n we_o shall_v bear_v towards_o he_o when_o we_o approach_v unto_o his_o majesty_n we_o must_v use_v such_o decent_a ceremony_n in_o our_o devotion_n as_o may_v show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o converse_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n nor_o put_v up_o our_o petition_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n but_o to_o a_o almighty_a sovereign_n and_o the_o invisible_a power_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n a_o rude_a familiarity_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o and_o though_o he_o humble_v himself_o to_o receive_v our_o prayer_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o debase_v he_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o when_o we_o approach_v unto_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n we_o be_v cautious_a that_o we_o offend_v he_o not_o through_o any_o undecent_a behaviour_n but_o observe_v all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o address_n we_o study_v such_o posture_n as_o may_v express_v his_o greatness_n and_o our_o humility_n and_o such_o term_n as_o may_v best_o set_v forth_o our_o desire_n and_o reconcile_v his_o favour_n how_o be_v it_o then_o that_o we_o can_v rush_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o almighty_a as_o a_o horse_n rush_n into_o the_o battle_n without_o either_o fear_n or_o consideration_n and_o rely_v only_o upon_o a_o groundless_a confidence_n and_o presumption_n that_o we_o shall_v dare_v to_o proffer_v our_o unstudy_v prayer_n and_o unsanctified_a person_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o all_o wisdom_n unto_o who_o the_o most_o correct_v of_o our_o thought_n be_v folly_n &_o the_o best_a of_o our_o action_n be_v impure_a in_o his_o sight_n so_o jealous_a be_v god_n of_o his_o honour_n for_o the_o punctual_a observance_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o offender_n can_v sufficient_o expiate_v his_o crime_n but_o he_o
that_o make_v virtue_n utter_o unnecessary_a to_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o confine_v all_o religion_n to_o a_o bare_a rely_v upon_o the_o merit_n and_o mercy_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o because_o god_n have_v predestinate_v some_o to_o be_v save_v they_o resolve_v to_o put_v themselves_o in_o the_o number_n and_o register_v themselves_o saint_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n they_o work_v not_o out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a but_o with_o impudence_n and_o presumption_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o give_v he_o the_o whole_a trouble_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o there_o be_v many_o such_o that_o make_v great_a profession_n of_o zeal_n and_o a_o noise_n about_o religion_n yet_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o duty_n that_o religion_n lay_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v this_o that_o profane_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v his_o gospel_n into_o contempt_n not_o all_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o heathen_n not_o all_o the_o usurpation_n of_o antichrist_n no_o nor_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v so_o far_o offend_v god_n or_o prejudice_v his_o church_n as_o the_o scandalous_a practice_n of_o his_o false_a pretend_a servant_n the_o backslide_n of_o israel_n be_v notorious_a and_o she_o play_v the_o harlot_n upon_o every_o high_a mountain_n and_o under_o every_o green_a tree_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o backslide_n israel_n have_v justify_v herself_o more_o than_o her_o treacherous_a sister_n judah_n who_o turn_v not_o unto_o i_o with_o her_o whole_a heart_n but_o feign_o we_o must_v therefore_o first_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o seek_v his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o all_o these_o outward_a thing_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o ii_o if_o we_o be_v true_o zealous_a for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v also_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n we_o shall_v not_o with_o a_o sordid_a compliance_n bear_v the_o reproach_n which_o be_v daily_o cast_v upon_o he_o nor_o see_v his_o honour_n lay_v in_o the_o dust_n by_o the_o profaneness_n of_o every_o hypocritical_a pretend_a saint_n and_o every_o lewd_a atheistical_a unbeliever_n we_o shall_v not_o with_o patience_n hear_v his_o name_n traduce_v to_o authorise_v the_o sacrilegious_a rebellion_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o impious_a exsecration_n of_o the_o other_o but_o if_o our_o presence_n can_v suppress_v nor_o our_o exhortation_n reclaim_v their_o vice_n we_o shall_v fly_v from_o the_o tent_n of_o wickedness_n and_o avoid_v their_o company_n like_o a_o infect_a place_n iii_o we_o must_v be_v zealous_a also_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n holy_a temple_n when_o we_o come_v into_o his_o house_n we_o must_v so_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o shall_v befit_v the_o majesty_n before_o who_o we_o appear_v and_o the_o place_n where_o his_o honour_n dwell_v we_o must_v here_o put_v off_o all_o pharisaical_a greatness_n and_o all_o dissemble_a humiliation_n all_o sinful_a desire_n and_o all_o wander_a idle_a thought_n otherwise_o we_o profane_v that_o place_n which_o god_n have_v sanctify_v and_o make_v his_o service_n a_o unhallowed_a thing_n the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n enforce_v a_o reverence_n from_o we_o to_o the_o place_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o angel_n which_o here_o attend_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o just_a will_v certain_o avenge_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o profane_a there_o be_v a_o reverence_n due_a even_o to_o misguide_a piety_n and_o history_n relate_v unto_o we_o the_o judgement_n which_o the_o just_a and_o true_a god_n have_v inflict_v upon_o those_o that_o defile_v the_o temple_n of_o their_o own_o invent_a deity_n whatsoever_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v let_v we_o adorn_v it_o by_o a_o ingenuous_a profession_n thereof_o let_v our_o practice_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o faith_n yea_o and_o if_o baal_n be_v god_n let_v we_o follow_v he_o which_o be_v the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o text_n and_o afford_v we_o these_o three_o consideration_n 1._o how_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o doubt_v whether_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v baal_n 2._o since_o they_o do_v doubt_v how_o shall_v we_o be_v assure_v hereof_o and_o 3._o suppose_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v god_n yet_o what_o use_n may_v we_o make_v of_o the_o prophet_n word_n that_o if_o baal_n be_v god_n then_o follow_v he_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o jew_n shall_v so_o soon_o forget_v the_o lord_n after_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o wilderness_n with_o a_o stretched-out_a arm_n that_o they_o can_v blot_v out_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o love_a kindness_n who_o clothe_v they_o by_o a_o miracle_n and_o feed_v they_o with_o food_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o this_o people_n unto_o who_o god_n have_v so_o often_o manifest_v both_o his_o goodness_n and_o his_o power_n shall_v yet_o fall_v away_o from_o his_o worship_n to_o follow_v a_o senseless_a idol_n yet_o this_o they_o do_v not_o out_o of_o any_o real_a belief_n of_o its_o divinity_n but_o only_o to_o gratify_v their_o lust_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o baal_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v whoredom_n and_o fornication_n be_v always_o the_o attendant_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worship_n proper_a to_o the_o idol_n for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n bow_v down_o unto_o they_o and_o threreout_o they_o suck_v no_o small_a advantage_n whilst_o man_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o impotent_a reason_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o their_o sensual_a lust_n there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v those_o that_o shall_v bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n how_o far_o the_o roman_a catholic_n have_v make_v use_n of_o this_o policy_n to_o establish_v their_o church_n be_v notorious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n how_o they_o comply_v with_o every_o one_o inclination_n and_o allow_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n for_o their_o interest_n they_o can_v indulge_v and_o encourage_v too_o the_o high_a enormity_n and_o live_v upon_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n it_o be_v this_o that_o bring_v such_o crowd_n of_o nation_n to_o their_o temple_n and_o make_v their_o altar_n smoke_n it_o be_v not_o the_o probability_n of_o their_o faith_n nor_o the_o antientness_n of_o their_o tradition_n that_o have_v advance_v their_o cause_n but_o the_o looseness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o practice_n the_o easy_a penance_n enjoin_v to_o sinner_n in_o their_o life_n and_o the_o ample_a indulgence_n allow_v they_o at_o their_o death_n thus_o they_o egregious_o promote_v a_o christian_a church_n by_o destroy_v christianity_n itself_o and_o set_v up_o a_o faith_n of_o their_o own_o that_o make_v void_a both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o now_o they_o may_v take_v to_o themselves_o their_o boast_a universality_n and_o glory_n that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o only_o preach_v but_o practise_v too_o throughout_o the_o world_n for_o whilst_o sin_n be_v the_o universal_a distemper_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o rome_n will_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n 2._o how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v baal_n we_o do_v not_o now_o expect_v the_o spirit_n of_o elijah_n to_o reprove_v we_o nor_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o convince_v our_o unbelief_n and_o yet_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o testimony_n even_o in_o these_o our_o day_n sufficient_a to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n i_o shall_v mention_v only_o two_o which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o my_o text._n 1._o we_o have_v our_o reason_n for_o our_o judge_n examine_v and_o try_v whether_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o god_n indeed_o and_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o deceitfulness_n in_o he_o search_v the_o record_n of_o time_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o can_v perform_v those_o wondrous_a work_n which_o he_o have_v do_v his_o truth_n will_v endure_v the_o severe_a trial_n and_o he_o need_v not_o the_o ignorance_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o advance_v their_o devotion_n but_o delight_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o require_v a_o reasonable_a service_n if_o baal_n be_v god_n then_o in_o god_n name_n follow_v baal_n the_o prophet_n do_v not_o impose_v his_o own_o sense_n upon_o they_o nor_o magisterial_o dictate_v his_o own_o opinion_n but_o give_v they_o commission_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o
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shall_v be_v take_v from_o its_o success_n it_o be_v this_o issue_n upon_o which_o elijah_n put_v the_o grand_a debate_n between_o he_o and_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n he_o pray_v and_o god_n hear_v his_o voice_n he_o believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o happen_v unto_o he_o according_a to_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v his_o sacrifice_n god_n have_v in_o all_o age_n show_v a_o especial_a regard_n to_o his_o church_n and_o with_o the_o watchful_a eye_n of_o providence_n have_v direct_v all_o its_o motion_n how_o miraculous_a be_v the_o advance_v of_o christianity_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n set_v themselves_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n to_o oppose_v its_o progress_n how_o wonderful_o have_v those_o uncorrupted_a stream_n of_o truth_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o through_o all_o the_o sea_n of_o violence_n and_o falsehood_n with_o which_o it_o have_v continual_o encounter_v and_o it_o be_v no_o 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the_o number_n of_o their_o adherent_n and_o think_v a_o victory_n do_v sufficient_o justify_v a_o rebellion_n they_o have_v no_o plea_n for_o break_v down_o all_o the_o fence_n of_o human_a society_n and_o violate_v the_o ordinance_n of_o both_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o private_a spirit_n and_o secret_a correspondence_n with_o god_n and_o they_o have_v no_o proof_n of_o this_o their_o almighty_a commission_n and_o correspondence_n but_o from_o the_o success_n of_o their_o arm_n then_o they_o boast_v themselves_o of_o their_o victory_n and_o be_v exalt_v in_o their_o strength_n and_o as_o they_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o in_o frequent_a thanksgiving_n they_o give_v he_o the_o praise_n of_o its_o success_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n our_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o no_o blood_n but_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n so_o it_o be_v restore_v to_o we_o from_o the_o usurpation_n of_o these_o man_n in_o peace_n have_v hitherto_o 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out_o upon_o they_o how_o do_v other_o also_o make_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o rise_v up_o at_o midnight_n to_o their_o prayer_n and_o awaken_v their_o devotion_n with_o cord_n and_o thong_n how_o do_v those_o idolater_n make_v their_o child_n pass_v through_o the_o fire_n to_o moloch_n how_o do_v these_o also_o sacrifice_v not_o only_o their_o child_n but_o their_o parent_n also_o their_o king_n and_o prince_n to_o their_o devotion_n if_o their_o zeal_n can_v force_v they_o voluntary_o to_o do_v violence_n to_o their_o nature_n can_v we_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n himself_o use_v such_o necessary_a self-denial_n such_o moderate_a abstinence_n and_o fast_v as_o may_v fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o his_o reasonable_a service_n if_o they_o to_o serve_v their_o idol_n can_v force_v their_o way_n through_o all_o the_o bound_n of_o humanity_n and_o follow_v their_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n follow_v our_o saviour_n with_o sword_n and_o staff_n can_v we_o submit_v to_o the_o just_a and_o easy_a command_n of_o the_o almighty_a for_o what_o do_v he_o require_v of_o thou_o o_o man_n but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o let_v we_o no_o long_o halt_v between_o two_o opinion_n but_o if_o god_n have_v set_v up_o his_o standard_n in_o rome_n for_o a_o ensign_n of_o the_o people_n to_o which_o all_o the_o gentile_n shall_v seek_v let_v we_o no_o long_o conceal_v our_o duty_n nor_o delay_v our_o holy_a pilgrimage_n but_o make_v our_o way_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n let_v we_o give_v the_o reins_o to_o our_o lust_n and_o commit_v all_o iniquity_n with_o greediness_n that_o the_o vehemence_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o sin_n may_v add_v strength_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o sincerity_n to_o our_o repentance_n as_o if_o they_o love_v most_o who_o have_v most_o need_n to_o be_v forgive_v or_o if_o god_n have_v withdraw_v his_o presence_n from_o our_o solemn_a congregation_n and_o shroud_v his_o glory_n in_o the_o private_a retire_a assembly_n if_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n consist_v in_o a_o unseemly_a disrespectful_a service_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n leave_v we_o to_o our_o own_o device_n if_o dissimulation_n and_o familiarity_n with_o our_o god_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o rebellion_n against_o our_o prince_n be_v the_o great_a commandment_n then_o let_v we_o be_v zealous_a in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o drive_v on_o furious_o towards_o confusion_n let_v we_o once_o more_o bind_v our_o king_n in_o chain_n and_o our_o noble_n in_o fetter_n of_o iron_n but_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o abomination_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n than_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v tha_z your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o his_o name_n with_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n follow_v he_o in_o your_o life_n with_o zeal_n and_o affection_n and_o be_v you_o constant_a unto_o death_n let_v neither_o tribulation_n nor_o anguish_n principality_n nor_o power_n thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o shake_v our_o resolution_n let_v neither_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o the_o evil_a custom_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n induce_v we_o to_o take_v part_n with_o the_o destroyer_n but_o let_v our_o good_a work_n shine_v like_o light_n before_o man_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o church_n let_v our_o way_n be_v upright_o as_o among_o the_o gentile_n and_o our_o conversation_n unblamable_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o of_o gainsayers_a and_o let_v our_o faith_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o tread_v down_o satan_n under_o our_o foot_n for_o this_o be_v a_o christian_n triumph_n these_o be_v the_o badge_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o must_v be_v our_o crown_n and_o diadem_n when_o dignity_n and_o distinction_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o without_o these_o it_o be_v but_o vanity_n to_o expect_v and_o injustice_n to_o demand_v the_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o our_o vice_n shall_v level_v we_o with_o the_o worshipper_n of_o baal_n finis_fw-la