like_a deal_n may_v all_o other_o dread_n who_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o like_a guilt_n to_o balance_v this_o instance_n it_o be_v urge_v isaiah_n prophesy_v of_o cyrus_n a_o heathen_a monarch_n by_o name_n long_o before_o his_o nativity_n for_o according_a to_o junius_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophecy_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o be_v 170_o year_n or_o after_o grotius_n 210_o and_o therefore_o the_o prediction_n of_o josiah_n be_v not_o singular_a i_o answer_v their_o case_n be_v very_o different_a cyrus_n be_v foretell_v as_o a_o passive_a instrument_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o design_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o babylonish_n captivity_n and_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o re-edisie_a the_o temple_n josiah_n as_o a_o active_a instrument_n to_o accomplish_v god_n pleasure_n in_o the_o extirpation_n of_o idolatry_n in_o judah_n and_o israel_n cyrus_n do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v without_o any_o sincere_a affection_n to_o or_o religious_a knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o god_n say_v twice_o to_o he_o 5._o isa_n 45.4_o 5._o thou_o have_v not_o know_v i_o josiah_n perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n second_o another_o thing_n extraordinary_a in_o josiah_n be_v his_o most_o exact_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o purge_v his_o kingdom_n of_o idolatry_n 21._o 2_o chron._n 31.20_o 21._o hezekiah_n wrought_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o right_a and_o truth_n before_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o in_o every_o work_n that_o he_o begin_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o commandment_n to_o seek_v his_o god_n he_o do_v it_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n this_o be_v a_o ample_a character_n but_o josiah_n be_v somewhat_o full_a for_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n his_o conversion_n be_v universal_a for_o he_o do_v all_o according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n his_o father_n and_o his_o grandfather_n turn_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o law_n but_o he_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n his_o counsellor_n he_o seek_v to_o the_o god_n of_o david_n his_o father_n and_o decline_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o the_o left_a 2_o chron._n 34.2_o 3._o he_o consult_v not_o with_o a_o carnal_a priesthood_n and_o a_o sensual_a sanhedrim_n but_o he_o send_v to_o huldah_n the_o prophetess_n for_o direction_n many_o prince_n will_v reform_v a_o little_a as_o afa_n jehosaphat_n joash_n amaziah_n who_o be_v good_a king_n so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v reform_v but_o the_o blot_n that_o be_v upon_o their_o name_n be_v the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o take_v away_o 1_o king_n 15.14_o &_o 22.43_o 2_o king_n 12.3_o &_o 14.4_o now_o josiah_n pull_v down_o these_o high_a place_n he_o leave_v not_o one_o of_o they_o remain_v indeed_o notwithstanding_o all_o he_o do_v or_o can_v do_v idolatry_n be_v so_o rivet_v in_o many_o of_o the_o prince_n priest_n and_o people_n that_o baal_n have_v a_o remnant_n among_o they_o 1.4_o jeph_n 1.4_o for_o he_o have_v his_o chemarim_n his_o profess_a priest_n and_o he_o have_v other_o too_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v priest_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o will_v be_v now_o and_o then_o tamper_n with_o baal_n idolatrous_a rite_n they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v their_o idolatry_n public_o for_o sear_v of_o the_o king_n but_o they_o worship_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n on_o the_o house_n top_n and_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o malchom_n 5._o v._o 5._o they_o mingle_v true_a and_o false_a worship_n together_o and_o because_o there_o be_v often_o mention_v in_o scripture_n of_o these_o high_a place_n and_o the_o pull_n of_o they_o down_o be_v record_v as_o a_o high_a act_n of_o reformation_n we_o will_v inquire_v what_o they_o be_v and_o this_o will_v not_o be_v loss_n of_o time_n because_o the_o heathen_a have_v their_o high_a place_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n the_o high_a place_n than_o heb._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sept._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v altar_n erect_v upon_o hill_n upon_o which_o they_o offer_v sacrifice_n the_o heathen_a to_o their_o idol_n and_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o true_a god_n for_o after_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o ark_n be_v remove_v from_o shiloh_n which_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o eli_n when_o the_o ark_n be_v take_v and_o his_o two_o son_n hophni_n and_o phinehas_n be_v slay_v by_o the_o philistine_n 1_o sam_n 4.3_o 4_o 11._o the_o jew_n use_v the_o high_a place_n as_o most_o proper_a and_o convenient_a for_o their_o worship_n thus_o samuel_n and_o the_o people_n sacrifice_v in_o the_o high_a place_n 1_o sam._n 9.12.19_o and_o so_o it_o continue_v till_o david_n bring_v the_o ark_n to_o 1.4_o to_o 2_o chron._n 1.4_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o it_o become_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o sacrifice_v where_o the_o ark_n be_v and_o hence_o we_o read_v that_o solomon_n when_o the_o 3._o the_o v._o 3._o tabernacle_n be_v at_o gibeon_n and_o the_o ark_n at_o jerusalem_n sacrifice_v in_o the_o high_a place_n and_o especial_o at_o the_o great_a high_a place_n in_o gibeon_n where_o tho'_o the_o lord_n appear_v to_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n by_o night_n yet_o have_v this_o note_n of_o irregularity_n put_v upon_o he_o solomon_n love_v the_o lord_n walk_v in_o the_o statute_n of_o david_n his_o father_n only_o he_o sacrifice_v and_o burn_v incense_n in_o the_o high_a place_n and_o the_o king_n go_v to_o gibeon_n to_o sacrifice_v there_o for_o that_o be_v the_o great_a high_a place_n 1_o king_n 3.3_o 4._o after_o the_o temple_n be_v build_v and_o the_o ark_n place_v in_o it_o the_o people_n be_v to_o bring_v their_o sacrifice_n thither_o according_a to_o that_o in_o deut._n 12.13_o 14._o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o that_o thou_o offer_v not_o thy_o burnt-offering_n in_o every_o place_n that_o thou_o see_v but_o in_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v in_o one_o of_o thy_o tribe_n there_o thou_o shall_v offer_v thy_o burnt-offering_n and_o there_o thou_o shall_v do_v all_o that_o i_o command_v thou_o it_o be_v the_o people_n sin_n to_o sacrifice_v any_o where_o else_o but_o at_o jerusalem_n tho'_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o true_a god_n his_o positive_a command_n make_v that_o to_o be_v sin_n which_o be_v not_o sin_n before_o when_o he_o have_v place_v his_o name_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n there_o thither_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o bring_v all_o their_o offering_n but_o alas_o they_o soon_o forsake_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o return_v to_o their_o high_a place_n where_o not_o content_a to_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n tho'_o even_o that_o worship_n perform_v there_o now_o be_v sinful_a because_o uncommand_v they_o fall_v to_o worship_v of_o baal_n or_o the_o sun_n and_o other_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o worship_n notwithstanding_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v every_o where_o condemn_v for_o abominable_a idolatry_n man_n may_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o institute_v or_o alter_v according_a to_o their_o fancy_n i_o know_v they_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o innovation_n as_o aaron_n do_v his_o golden_a calf_n who_o make_v proclamation_n and_o say_v to_o morrow_n be_v a_o feast_n to_o the_o lord_n exod._n 32.5_o not_o a_o feast_n to_o the_o calf_n they_o think_v religion_n too_o plain_a of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v set_v it_o out_o in_o a_o more_o pompous_a garb_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v which_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o take_v with_o carnal_a worshipper_n but_o be_v not_o acceptable_a with_o god_n because_o he_o approve_v of_o none_o no_o not_o that_o which_o man_n call_v divine_a service_n because_o but_o of_o humane_a contrivance_n and_o neither_o in_o respect_n of_o matter_n manner_n or_o end_v such_o as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n jeroboam_n have_v invent_v a_o notable_a semblance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o make_v it_o look_v as_o like_v that_o of_o god_n own_o appoint_v at_o jerusalem_n as_o may_v be_v but_o be_v god_n to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o calfish_a worship_n sure_o no._n and_o as_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o there_o so_o may_v we_o despair_v to_o find_v he_o in_o that_o theatrical_a worship_n which_o he_o have_v not_o ordain_v and_o wherewith_o the_o ignorant_a world_n be_v cajole_v at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a inclination_n in_o man_n to_o be_v mix_v something_o of_o their_o own_o with_o
and_o vice_n because_o as_o they_o reign_v by_o he_o so_o they_o shall_v reign_v for_o he_o too_o god_n put_v the_o crown_n upon_o their_o head_n and_o sceptre_n into_o their_o hand_n for_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o suffer_v 6.16_o suffer_v 1_o king_n 12_o 28._o micah_n 6.16_o jeroboam_n calf_n omri_n statute_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o house_n of_o ahab_n he_o exalt_v they_o to_o sovereign_a dignity_n for_o more_o excellent_a end_n they_o shall_v always_o have_v his_o glory_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o postpone_v all_o other_o end_v to_o that_o herein_o we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o a_o king_n the_o most_o illustrious_a scripture_n history_n afford_v and_o who_o have_v leave_v a_o copy_n of_o extraordinary_a zeal_n for_o god_n to_o all_o succeed_a king_n to_o write_v after_o it_o be_v josiah_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o like_v unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n the_o text_n contain_v the_o character_n and_o commendation_n of_o josiah_n with_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o his_o day_n and_o in_o he_o present_v we_o with_o a_o looking-glass_n for_o christian_a prince_n or_o it_o be_v a_o complete_a idea_n and_o exact_a description_n of_o a_o true_o religious_a king_n he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n when_o josiah_n come_v to_o the_o crown_n he_o find_v the_o kingdom_n universal_o pollute_v with_o idolatry_n both_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v infect_v and_o every_o age_n and_o sex_n a_o remnant_n except_v have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n his_o great_a grandfather_n hezekiah_n be_v a_o very_a good_a king_n and_o have_v destroy_v all_o public_a idolatry_n in_o the_o land_n 5._o land_n 2_o king_n 18.4_o 5._o he_o remove_v the_o high_a place_n and_o break_v the_o image_n and_o cut_v down_o the_o grove_n and_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o brazen_a serpent_n that_o moses_n have_v make_v because_o it_o be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n for_o unto_o those_o day_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n burn_v incense_n to_o it_o he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o after_o he_o be_v none_o like_o he_o among_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n nor_o any_o that_o be_v before_o he_o but_o in_o the_o reign_v of_o his_o grandfather_n manasseh_n and_o father_n amon_n who_o history_n be_v set_v down_o 2_o king_n 21._o and_o 2_o chron._n 33._o idolatry_n increase_v like_o hydra_n head_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o baalim_fw-la or_o idol_n of_o the_o sun_n prevail_v over_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o 21.3_o for_o 2_o king_n 21.3_o manasseh_n build_v up_o again_o the_o high_a place_n which_o his_o father_n hezekiah_n have_v destroy_v and_o he_o rear_v up_o altar_n for_o baal_n and_o make_v a_o grove_n as_o do_v ahab_n and_o worship_v all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n and_o serve_v they_o and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o 2._o the_o regnavit_fw-la annis_n 2._o short_a reign_n of_o his_o son_n amon_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o be_v no_o better_a than_o his_o father_n but_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o throne_n and_o impiety_n together_o for_o 20._o for_o 2_o king_n 21_o 20._o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o father_n manasseh_n do_v it_o be_v true_a manasseh_n as_o wicked_a a_o king_n as_o he_o have_v be_v after_o his_o repentance_n 17._o repentance_n 2_o chron._n 33.12_o 16.6_o v._o 17._o do_v pretty_a considerable_o towards_o a_o reformation_n 29.3_o reformation_n 2_o chron._n 29.3_o nevertheless_o the_o people_n do_v sacrifice_v still_o in_o the_o high_a place_n but_o in_o amon_n time_n the_o reformation_n be_v utter_o quash_v till_o the_o reign_n of_o josiah_n in_o who_o time_n it_o be_v carry_v on_o with_o wonderful_a zeal_n and_o success_n for_o like_v unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o neither_o after_o he_o arise_v any_o like_o he_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v when_o the_o same_o character_n be_v give_v of_o hezekiah_n for_o it_o be_v say_v 2_o king_n 18.5_o after_o he_o be_v none_o like_o he_o among_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n nor_o any_o that_o be_v before_o he_o for_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n several_a thing_n may_v be_v offer_v in_o answer_n first_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v with_o exception_n of_o hezekiah_n because_o this_o commendation_n be_v likewise_o give_v to_o he_o second_o the_o phrase_n denote_v they_o both_o to_o have_v be_v eminent_o religious_a three_o they_o have_v their_o particular_a excellency_n wherein_o they_o both_o outstrip_v hezekiah_n show_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n at_o his_o very_a accession_n to_o the_o throne_n 3._o throne_n 2_o chron._n 29_o 3._o in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n in_o the_o first_o month_n he_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o repair_v they_o for_o his_o father_n ahaz_n be_v distress_v by_o tiglath-pilese_a king_n of_o assyria_n sacrifice_v to_o the_o god_n of_o damascus_n in_o expectation_n of_o help_n from_o they_o and_o shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o the_o temple_n 2_o chron._n 28.22_o 23_o 24._o josiah_n be_v a_o minor_a of_o eight_o year_n old_a when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n have_v no_o soon_o attain_v to_o the_o sixteenth_o year_n of_o his_o age_n most_o common_o the_o time_n of_o sport_n and_o dalliance_n to_o many_o other_o prince_n but_o while_o he_o be_v yet_o thus_o young_a he_o begin_v to_o seek_v after_o the_o god_n of_o david_n his_o father_n four_o the_o expression_n be_v hyperbolical_a and_o qualify_v thus_o etc._n vix_fw-la eye_n par_fw-fr etc._n etc._n they_o scarce_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v parallele_v five_o their_o zeal_n be_v equal_o fervent_a in_o restore_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o josiah_n reformation_n be_v more_o extensive_a than_o hezekiah_n for_o josiah_n reform_v 23.25_o reform_v non_fw-fr in_o svo_fw-la solum_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o alieno_fw-la regno_fw-la sanctius_n sup_v 2_o reg._n 23.25_o not_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n only_o but_o in_o israel_n too_o when_o therefore_o we_o read_v that_o hezekiah_n throw_v down_o the_o high_a place_n and_o the_o altar_n not_o only_o out_o of_o all_o 31.1_o all_o 2_o chr._n 31.1_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n but_o in_o ephraim_n also_o and_o manasseh_n which_o two_o tribe_n be_v part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o restriction_n to_o that_o ibid._n that_o jun._n sup_v loc_fw-la grot._fw-la ibid._n part_n of_o those_o tribe_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n either_o by_o conquest_n or_o a_o voluntary_a submission_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a trouble_n of_o that_o kingdom_n but_o josiah_n reformation_n extend_v to_o the_o altar_n at_o 23.15_o at_o 2_o reg._n 23.15_o bethel_n and_o all_o the_o 19_o the_o v._o 19_o house_n also_o of_o the_o high_a place_n that_o be_v in_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n which_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n make_v to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o anger_n six_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n peculiar_a in_o josiah_n case_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o the_o precedency_n may_v well_o be_v give_v he_o first_o he_o be_v prophesy_v of_o above_o 13.2_o above_o post_fw-la annos_fw-la circiter_fw-la trecentos_fw-la jun._n sup_v 1_o reg._n 13.2_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o mention_v express_o by_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d josiah_n and_o which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a it_o be_v present_o after_o jeroboam_n have_v devise_v his_o calf_n worship_n in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n for_o as_o he_o stand_v by_o his_o new_a altar_n in_o bethel_n to_o burn_v incense_n behold_v there_o come_v a_o man_n of_o god_n out_o of_o judah_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cry_v against_o the_o altar_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v o_o altar_n altar_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n behold_v son_n behold_v heb_fw-mi son_n a_o child_n shall_v be_v bear_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o david_n josiah_n by_o name_n and_o upon_o thou_o shall_v he_o offer_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o high_a place_n that_o burn_v incense_n upon_o thou_o and_o man_n bone_n shall_v be_v burn_v upon_o thou_o 1_o king_n 13.1_o 2._o where_o observe_v that_o god_n jealoulousie_n of_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o love_n to_o his_o own_o worship_n be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v rival_v by_o man_n but_o immediate_o protest_v against_o false_a worship_n and_o false_a worshipper_n by_o his_o servant_n and_o tho'_o he_o bear_v with_o they_o both_o for_o a_o season_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o time_n secret_a to_o we_o but_o fix_v in_o god_n eternal_a decree_n wherein_o both_o shall_v be_v destroy_v thus_o he_o deal_v with_o jeroboam_n altar_n and_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o high_a place_n and_o the_o
the_o holy_a appointment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o vice_n as_o old_a as_o the_o fall_n and_o therefore_o may_v plead_v prescription_n be_v antiquity_n in_o this_o matter_n a_o good_a argument_n neither_o be_v there_o only_o a_o natural_a inclination_n but_o some_o person_n be_v possess_v with_o such_o a_o mighty_a fondness_n for_o addition_n which_o custom_n or_o inrerest_n have_v decoy_v they_o into_o that_o they_o can_v think_v god_n well-worshipt_a without_o the_o sinful_a pageantry_n of_o their_o ceremonious_a decency_n and_o order_n two_o word_n of_o large_a extent_n which_o when_o witty_a and_o design_v man_n have_v the_o explication_n of_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o expound_v to_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o shall_v serve_v their_o end_n upon_o every_o occasion_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o the_o idolatrous_a priest_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o say_v for_o their_o idol_n and_o high_a place_n they_o have_v the_o example_n of_o several_a king_n the_o approbation_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n their_o idol_n be_v only_a symbol_n or_o medium_n through_o which_o their_o worship_n pass_v to_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o they_o can_v tell_v the_o people_n they_o use_v they_o mere_o for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o their_o high_a place_n for_o great_a splendour_n of_o devotion_n for_o they_o look_v upon_o both_o idol_n and_o high_a place_n not_o as_o have_v any_o divinity_n or_o holiness_n in_o themselves_o but_o as_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o be_v enjoin_v as_o not_o to_o be_v omit_v because_o the_o magistrate_n command_n change_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o which_o antecedent_n to_o his_o sanction_n be_v indifferent_a become_v immediate_o after_o to_o be_v necessary_a that_o be_v necessary_a because_o command_v by_o the_o magistrate_n this_o also_o be_v the_o modern_a plea_n which_o have_v be_v enforce_v with_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o power_n of_o man_n to_o defend_v his_o innovation_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o all_o his_o attempt_n will_v not_o do_v for_o weak_a sinful_a man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o omnipotent_a and_o most_o holy_a god_n who_o will_v maintain_v his_o cause_n against_o all_o opposer_n and_o make_v his_o truth_n to_o triumph_v over_o error_n tho'_o back_v with_o the_o utmost_a skill_n and_o power_n of_o men._n but_o to_o return_v to_o josiah_n that_o most_o eminent_a reformer_n in_o his_o day_n his_o zeal_n for_o god_n manifest_v itself_o in_o sundry_a particular_n first_o he_o take_v care_n about_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v much_o dilapidate_v through_o the_o neglect_v of_o his_o idolatrous_a predecessor_n 5._o 2_o king_n 22.3.4_o 5._o and_o give_v hilkiah_n order_n to_o repair_v the_o breach_n thereof_o second_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v and_o read_v before_o he_o and_o he_o hear_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n denounce_v against_o idolatry_n he_o be_v mighty_o concern_v thereat_o and_o rend_v his_o clothes_n 11._o v._o 11._o he_o consider_v himself_o as_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o threaten_v as_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o command_v priest_n and_o prince_n to_o go_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o and_o his_o people_n 13._o 12._o 13._o and_o for_o all_o judah_n about_o it_o three_o he_o send_v and_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n 30._o 2_o chron._n 34.29_o 30._o and_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n and_o all_o the_o people_n great_a and_o small_a and_o go_v up_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o read_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o grievous_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o it_o and_o may_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o renounce_v it_o four_o he_o and_o the_o people_n make_v a_o solemn_a covenant_n before_o the_o lord_n 23.3_o 2_o king_n 23.3_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o his_o testimony_n and_o his_o statute_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o all_o their_o soul_n to_o perform_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n herein_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v religious_a indeed_o for_o all_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o enter_v into_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v true_a to_o he_o and_o his_o appointment_n the_o term_n league_n covenant_n association_n have_v a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n put_v upon_o they_o by_o some_o man_n who_o ear_n be_v grate_v at_o the_o sound_n and_o their_o stomach_n raise_v at_o the_o mention_n of_o they_o they_o be_v as_o great_a pretender_n to_o knowledge_n as_o any_o man_n we_o discourse_v with_o and_o yet_o as_o blind_v and_o ignorant_a as_o the_o pharisee_n their_o forefather_n for_o as_o they_o boast_v of_o their_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 9.28_o joh._n 8.33_o 9.28_o and_o disciple_n of_o moses_n but_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o our_o modern_a pharisee_n talk_v much_o of_o their_o be_v the_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lover_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n when_o they_o be_v many_o of_o they_o as_o ignorant_a as_o the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a in_o point_n of_o real_a save_a knowledge_n and_o understand_v no_o covenant_v with_o god_n but_o that_o popish_a childish_a perfunctory_a and_o unwarrantable_a one_o of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n for_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n which_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o be_v usual_o as_o careless_a altogether_o to_o perform_v as_o their_o substitute_n do_v at_o first_o negligent_o and_o superstitious_o engage_v but_o thus_o it_o happen_v among_o all_o way_n of_o religion_n tho'_o never_o so_o high_o applaud_v by_o traditionary_a professor_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a authority_n five_o he_o and_o his_o people_n have_v take_v the_o covenant_n to_o walk_v after_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o delay_n no_o fear_n of_o precipitation_n and_o wait_v for_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n which_o be_v too_o often_o suggest_v to_o religious_a prince_n by_o carnal_a counsellor_n but_o down_o go_v the_o high_a place_n grove_n altar_n 23._o 2_o chron._n 34._o &_o 2._o king_n 23._o priest_n of_o baal_n immediate_o and_o so_o universal_a be_v the_o reformation_n that_o not_o one_o public_a monument_n of_o idolatry_n be_v spare_v throughout_o judah_n and_o israel_n six_o he_o restore_v the_o passeover_n to_o its_o right_a observation_n command_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v exact_o according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n 22._o 2_o king_n 23.21_o v._o 22._o from_o which_o he_o turn_v not_o aside_o by_o put_v to_o or_o take_v from_o touch_v the_o celebration_n of_o this_o feast_n it_o be_v record_v sure_o there_o be_v not_o hold_v such_o a_o passeover_n from_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n the_o prophet_n nor_o in_o all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n nor_o of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n seven_o he_o take_v care_n that_o no_o public_a idolatry_n shall_v be_v practise_v in_o his_o day_n whatsoever_o some_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n do_v private_o for_o it_o be_v say_v 33._o 2_o chron._n 34_o 33._o he_o make_v they_o serve_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o all_o his_o day_n they_o depart_v not_o from_o follow_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n upon_o consideration_n now_o of_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o may_v well_o be_v record_v of_o josiah_n like_a unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n neither_o after_o he_o arise_v there_o any_o like_o he_o in_o the_o word_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v present_v to_o our_o meditation_n first_o josiah_n personal_a eminency_n above_o all_o other_o king_n like_a unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o in_o the_o instance_n above_o mention_v and_o tho'_o it_o include_v his_o public_a and_o private_a deportment_n yet_o it_o seem_v most_o to_o relate_v to_o his_o extraordinary_a zeal_n for_o god_n in_o a_o public_a reformation_n second_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o his_o matchless_a glory_n namely_o his_o own_o conversion_n and_o his_o people_n reformation_n wherein_o his_o love_n to_o god_n be_v very_o conspicuous_a whether_o we_o consider_v its_o integrity_n or_o extent_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o sincere_a but_o universal_a also_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o
a_o looking-glass_n for_o religious_a prince_n or_o the_o character_n and_o work_n of_o josiah_n deliver_v in_o a_o sermon_n upon_o 2_o king_n xxiii_o xxv_o the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v preach_v april_n 5._o 1691._o at_o pershore_n in_o worcester-shire_n wherein_o they_o may_v see_v that_o those_o prince_n be_v only_o eminent_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v more_o require_v of_o such_o prince_n than_o their_o own_o private_a assent_n and_o consent_v to_o the_o true_a religion_n that_o religious_a prince_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o great_a honour_n in_o this_o world_n than_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o a_o godly_a reformation_n among_o their_o subject_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o rule_n to_o which_o both_o they_o and_o their_o people_n must_v attend_v in_o all_o matter_n relate_v to_o religion_n by_o richard_n claridge_n m._n a._n and_o then_o rector_n of_o peopleton_n in_o the_o county_n of_o worcester_n london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o william_n marshal_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate-street_n 1691._o a_o look_a glass_n for_o religious_a prince_n etc._n etc._n 2_o king_n xxiii_o 25._o and_o like_v unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o may_v according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n neither_o after_o he_o arise_v there_o any_o like_o he_o of_o all_o the_o public_a blessing_n that_o almighty_a god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o nation_n as_o nation_n or_o body_n politic_a there_o can_v be_v conceive_v a_o great_a than_o good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n agree_v upon_o and_o enact_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o emolument_fw-fr of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o godly_a and_o upright_a governor_n to_o put_v those_o law_n in_o execution_n for_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o society_n man_n not_o be_v animal_n monasticum_fw-la sed_fw-la politicum_fw-la a_o monkish_a but_o sociable_a creature_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o agree_v upon_o law_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o main_a design_n of_o all_o law_n and_o government_n shall_v be_v gloria_fw-la dei_fw-la &_o salus_fw-la populi_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o weal_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o state_n those_o law_n be_v ever_o best_o which_o have_v the_o direct_v tendency_n to_o those_o end_n but_o see_v also_o that_o the_o best_a law_n be_v useless_a and_o insufficient_a for_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o end_n unless_o execute_v according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o governor_n entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n thereof_o and_o because_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o affair_n fall_v into_o ill_a hand_n who_o offend_v either_o through_o remissness_n rigour_n or_o arbitrariness_n and_o thereby_o enervate_a or_o debauch_v the_o people_n or_o so_o oppress_v they_o by_o illegal_a exaction_n 2._o mic._n 3.1_o 2._o that_o like_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n they_o pluck_v their_o skin_n from_o off_o they_o and_o their_o flesh_n from_o off_o their_o bone_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o singular_a instance_n of_o a_o benign_a providence_n to_o a_o people_n when_o a_o skilful_a and_o religious_a pilot_n be_v place_v at_o the_o rudder_n of_o the_o government_n who_o will_v take_v care_n for_o the_o enact_v and_o execute_v of_o good_a law_n always_o observe_v a_o due_a distance_n between_o the_o two_o extreme_n softness_n and_o tyranny_n into_o one_o of_o which_o most_o prince_n both_o of_o late_a and_o former_a day_n have_v fall_v it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o england_n can_v she_o see_v her_o happiness_n that_o she_o be_v deliver_v from_o one_o who_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a dispense_v power_n do_v what_o he_o list_v and_o have_v a_o most_o excellent_a prince_n place_v at_o the_o stern_a who_o head_n the_o lord_n cover_v in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n and_o appoint_v unto_o he_o salvation_n for_o wall_n and_o bulwark_n under_o his_o conduct_n the_o ship_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v likely_a to_o sail_v secure_o even_o among_o rock_n and_o shelf_n such_o prince_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n god_n will_v take_v they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o signet_n and_o put_v they_o as_o choice_a shaft_n in_o the_o quiver_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n in_o their_o day_n the_o government_n shall_v triumph_v it_o shall_v bid_v defiance_n to_o treachery_n at_o home_n and_o opposition_n from_o abroad_o for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v with_o they_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n be_v their_o refuge_n when_o the_o government_n be_v administer_v by_o a_o pious_a prudent_a and_o upright_a prince_n who_o have_v nothing_o equal_a in_o his_o prospect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o common_a welfare_n there_o the_o people_n be_v out_o of_o danger_n of_o oppression_n and_o invasion_n and_o shall_v dwell_v safe_o every_o man_n under_o his_o vine_n and_o under_o his_o figtree_n 4.25_o 1_o king_n 4.25_o as_o judah_n and_o israel_n do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n now_o of_o those_o two_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o common_a welfare_n the_o preference_n must_v be_v always_o give_v to_o the_o first_o 6.5_o mat._n 22.37_o 38._o deut._n 6.5_o because_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n the_o precept_n reach_v prince_n as_o well_o as_o people_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o chief_a care_n of_o governor_n to_o observe_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o though_o they_o be_v sometime_o call_v god_n in_o scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o earthly_a one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o by_o way_n of_o similitude_n as_o agapetus_n tell_v justinian_n and_o therefore_o shall_v ever_o remember_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o most_o high_a there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n honour_n shall_v be_v first_o regard_v by_o prince_n in_o their_o dominion_n because_o the_o most_o high_a rule_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n 5.21.2.21_o dan._n 4.17_o &_o 5.21.2.21_o and_o appoint_v over_o it_o whosoever_o he_o will_v for_o he_o change_v the_o time_n and_o the_o season_n he_o remove_v king_n and_o set_v up_o king_n and_o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o nation_n depend_v upon_o its_o relation_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o wise_a and_o experience_a solomon_n that_o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n 34._o prov._n 14_o 34._o but_o sin_n be_v a_o reproach_n to_o any_o people_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o inquire_v whether_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v to_o moral_a justice_n or_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o more_o comprehensive_a sense_n for_o religion_n and_o virtue_n in_o general_n experience_n can_v attest_v that_o piety_n and_o morality_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o the_o prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o that_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n have_v be_v always_o fatal_a in_o their_o consequence_n to_o it_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a cement_n of_o society_n and_o bind_v man_n in_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o be_v just_o and_o true_a and_o honest_a to_o one_o another_o for_o where_o religion_n be_v true_o embrace_v it_o have_v its_o tie_n upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o that_o by_o a_o powerful_a energy_n check_n and_o command_v the_o whole_a man_n for_o conscience_n i_o mean_v the_o enlighten_v and_o sanctify_a conscience_n will_v be_v always_o do_v its_o office_n in_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v and_o he_o that_o have_v such_o a_o monitor_n must_v be_v prodigious_o inadvertent_n if_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v its_o motion_n and_o attend_v to_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n where_o vice_n be_v grow_v predominant_a and_o become_v the_o epidemical_a distemper_n of_o a_o people_n there_o the_o bond_n of_o conscience_n be_v dissolve_v because_o their_o union_n with_o god_n be_v break_v and_o when_o that_o bond_n be_v dissolve_v the_o people_n be_v under_o no_o tie_n but_o that_o of_o humane_a law_n and_o how_o weak_a humane_a law_n be_v of_o themselves_o to_o make_v a_o nation_n true_o happy_a be_v sad_o apparent_a from_o the_o many_o woeful_a distress_n the_o nation_n be_v under_o at_o this_o day_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o apostasy_n from_o god_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o all_o their_o misery_n upon_o mistake_v cause_n and_o to_o make_v those_o person_n and_o thing_n the_o author_n
remembrance_n of_o the_o one_o shall_v rot_v and_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v ever_o fresh_a and_o flourish_a the_o remembrance_n of_o josiah_n be_v like_o the_o perfume_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o art_n of_o the_o apothecary_n it_o be_v as_o sweet_a as_o honey_n in_o all_o mouth_n and_o as_o music_n at_o a_o banquet_n of_o wine_n he_o behave_v himself_o upright_o in_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o abomination_n of_o iniquity_n he_o direct_v his_o heart_n unro_fw-la the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o ungodly_a he_o establish_v religion_n jeroboam_n omri_n ahab_n and_o other_o wicked_a and_o irreligious_a king_n have_v leave_v a_o brand_n of_o ignominy_n upon_o their_o name_n that_o time_n will_v never_o wear_v out_o the_o decree_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n 2_o dan._n 3.29_o dan._n 6.26_o ezra_n 1.1_o 2_o for_o speak_v honourable_o of_o the_o god_n of_o shadrach_n meshech_v and_o abednego_n of_o darius_n for_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o daniel_n and_o of_o cyrus_n for_o build_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n more_o beautify_v their_o diadem_n than_o all_o their_o victory_n and_o empire_n over_o nation_n constantine_n the_o first_o emperor_n that_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n be_v surname_v the_o great_a more_o for_o his_o piety_n than_o his_o greatness_n it_o be_v the_o protect_a favour_a and_o encourage_v of_o religion_n that_o bring_v in_o the_o large_a revenue_n of_o glory_n to_o prince_n such_o shall_v have_v the_o divine_a protection_n to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v over_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o put_v their_o hope_n in_o his_o mercy_n psal_n 33.18_o they_o shall_v constant_o be_v remember_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o have_v a_o name_n more_o honourable_a and_o last_a than_o one_o cut_v in_o beam_n of_o cedar_n or_o pillar_n of_o brass_n obs_n 2_o four_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o rule_n to_o which_o both_o prince_n and_o people_n must_v attend_v in_o all_o matter_n relate_v to_o religion_n whoever_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o redress_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o english_a church_n will_v undertake_v a_o excellent_a work_n undoubted_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o desire_v by_o all_o good_a man_n and_o my_o earnest_a prayer_n shall_v be_v that_o he_o may_v never_o fail_v of_o success_n in_o so_o brave_a and_o christian_n a_o enterprise_n the_o measure_n that_o some_o prince_n have_v observe_v have_v be_v take_v from_o wrong_a standard_n carnal_a end_n and_o worldly_a counsel_n and_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v rather_o govern_v by_o scheme_n and_o platform_n of_o design_v man_n than_o the_o unerring_a oracle_n of_o the_o live_a god_n which_o doubtless_o have_v be_v one_o main_a remora_n to_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n it_o be_v this_o which_o stifle_v the_o english_a reformation_n in_o the_o birth_n and_o if_o not_o remove_v will_v render_v all_o attempt_n of_o this_o kind_a abortive_a for_o while_o man_n advise_v a_o reformation_n suitable_a to_o such_o model_n as_o they_o themselves_o contrive_v and_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n command_v and_o direct_v in_o his_o word_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o ever_o a_o good_a end_n shall_v be_v attain_v when_o the_o only_a adequate_a mean_n be_v omit_v when_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o carnal_o debate_v as_o temporal_a matter_n and_o the_o church_n be_v no_o otherwise_o consider_v than_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o state_n nay_o when_o thing_n be_v so_o jumble_v that_o there_o be_v no_o discern_a church_n from_o state_n but_o person_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o former_a as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v subject_n of_o the_o latter_a and_o so_o come_v to_o know_v hardly_o any_o other_o regeneration_n than_o what_o they_o be_v tell_v they_o receive_v by_o infant-sprinkling_a in_o a_o word_n when_o nothing_o will_v content_v some_o man_n but_o a_o draught_n of_o reformation_n forge_v in_o the_o shop_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n or_o when_o they_o be_v so_o stubborn_a that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o inclination_n of_o a_o excellent_a prince_n or_o so_o blind_a that_o they_o can_v see_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o amendment_n we_o may_v as_o soon_o hope_v to_o see_v turk_n and_o pope_n turn_n protestant_n as_o some_o vizard_v protestant_n set_v forward_o a_o reformation_n for_o reformation_n work_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o sensual_a lust_n and_o interest_n of_o worldly_a man_n and_o therefore_o will_v meet_v with_o constant_a opposition_n from_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o obstruct_v it_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o he_o who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o the_o work_n all_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v remove_v and_o hindrance_n immediate_o vanish_v in_o that_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v say_v unto_o his_o zerubbabel_n not_o by_o might_n nor_o by_o power_n 7._o zech._n 4.6_o 7._o but_o by_o my_o spirit_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o be_v thou_o o_o great_a mountain_n before_o zerubbabel_n thou_o shall_v become_v a_o plain_a and_o he_o shall_v bring_v forth_o the_o headstone_n thereof_o with_o shouting_n cry_v grace_n grace_n unto_o it_o wherefore_o be_v strong_a o_o zerubbabel_n ibid._n hag._n 2.4_o 1_o chron._n 12.32_o hag._n ibid._n and_o be_v strong_a all_o you_o people_n who_o have_v understanding_n of_o the_o time_n to_o know_v what_o israel_n ought_v to_o do_v for_o i_o be_o with_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n as_o for_o those_o dignitaries_n of_o the_o english_a church_n who_o pretend_v a_o willingness_n to_o reform_v error_n and_o abuse_n by_o humane_a canon_n and_o constitution_n i_o humble_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o man_n tradition_n be_v a_o good_a rule_n to_o reform_v by_o because_o they_o be_v erroneous_a and_o whether_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o itself_o without_o their_o sinful_a addition_n let_v the_o sacred_a book_n therefore_o be_v open_v and_o if_o upon_o examination_n the_o building_n be_v babel_n let_v it_o be_v pull_v down_o and_o not_o one_o stone_n leave_v upon_o another_o how_o goodly_a soever_o the_o structure_n have_v be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o long_o dazzle_a and_o delude_v spectator_n consult_v no_o long_o with_o the_o base_a inclination_n and_o corrupt_a reason_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o away_o to_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n as_o josiah_n and_o his_o people_n do_v to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o his_o testimony_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n 2_o chron._n 34.31_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v some_o other_o that_o will_v persuade_v the_o people_n that_o no_o reformation_n be_v needful_a i_o will_v entreat_v they_o serious_o to_o answer_v i_o these_o follow_a question_n 1._o be_v a_o reformation_n necessary_a in_o josiah_n time_n and_o do_v he_o well_o in_o restore_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o case_n of_o england_n much_o different_a from_o that_o of_o judah_n nay_o be_v not_o our_o apostasy_n as_o palpable_a as_o she_o and_o than_o be_v not_o we_o in_o as_o much_o need_n of_o a_o reformation_n 2._o be_v the_o cathedral_n and_o parochial_a church_n as_o they_o be_v vulgar_o call_v of_o england_n call_v and_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o be_v they_o not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o than_o they_o can_v but_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n if_o they_o be_v than_o these_o two_o thing_n among_o other_o must_v be_v make_v out_o 1._o that_o they_o have_v the_o right_a matter_n and_o 2._o the_o right_a form_n of_o a_o gospel-church_n 1._o if_o they_o have_v the_o right_a matter_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n than_o the_o person_n or_o member_n thereof_o be_v visible_a saint_n for_o by_o matter_n we_o understand_v the_o person_n whereof_o a_o church_n consist_v with_o their_o qualification_n now_o that_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o the_o member_n constitute_v the_o cathedral_n and_o parochial_a church_n of_o england_n be_v person_n fit_o qualify_v and_o so_o right_a matter_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n we_o will_v see_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o that_o point_n for_o that_o must_v be_v our_o rule_n herein_o and_o upon_o search_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o right_a matter_n of_o a_o gospel-church_n to_o be_v visible_a saint_n they_o be_v call_v new_a creature_n 6.18_o 2_o cor._n 5.17_o heb._n 3.1_o 1._o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 9_o joh._n 15_o 18_o 19_o eph._n 1.14_o 2_o cor._n 6.18_o holy_a brethren_n partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_v live_v stone_n a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n christ_n purchase_a possession_n
the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n now_o if_o we_o can_v find_v such_o a_o choice_n select_a sanctify_a and_o separate_a people_n from_o the_o world_n that_o be_v from_o the_o sinful_a doctrine_n course_n custom_n and_o society_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o cathedral_n and_o parochial_a assembly_n than_o they_o have_v the_o right_a matter_n of_o a_o gospel-church_n if_o not_o but_o their_o member_n be_v as_o mix_v as_o the_o head_n and_o the_o major_a number_n open_o to_o be_v profane_a carnal_a scandalous_a liver_n such_o as_o swearer_n adulterer_n drunkard_n liar_n backbiter_n persecutor_n reviler_n or_o at_o best_a mere_a formalist_n have_v we_o any_o ground_n to_o call_v these_o visible_a saint_n and_o to_o reckon_v they_o fit_a material_n for_o the_o spiritual_a building_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n 2._o as_o right_a matter_n visible_a saint_n be_v one_o constituent_a part_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n so_o right_a form_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n require_v to_o its_o essence_n or_o be_v by_o form_n i_o mean_v the_o manner_n how_o any_o person_n come_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o free_a consent_n and_o agreement_n to_o unite_v in_o fellowship_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n wherewith_o he_o have_v entrust_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n this_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n or_o constitutive_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n namely_o their_o 21._o their_o owen_n true_a nature_n of_o a_o gosp_n church_n p._n 21._o actual_a express_a voluntary_a consent_n to_o walk_v together_o for_o the_o end_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n aforemention_v but_o you_o will_v ask_v i_o perhaps_o what_o be_v there_o nothing_o pre-required_n unto_o this_o conjunction_n of_o visible_a saint_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v do_v than_o for_o believer_n immediate_o to_o enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v first_o to_o be_v baptise_a before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o church_n society_n in_o which_o point_n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o hesitation_n about_o it_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o first_o gospel_n church_n this_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o thence_o but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n act_v 1.4_o the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n be_v about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o v._o 15._o these_o when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n act_v 2.1_o and_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n v._o 4._o by_o the_o help_n whereof_o peter_n prove_v so_o convince_o to_o the_o murderer_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n have_v make_v the_o same_o jesus_n who_o they_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_v both_o lord_n and_o christ_n v._o 36._o that_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o say_v unto_o peter_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v verse_n 37._o peter_n present_o direct_v they_o in_o this_o their_o great_a extremity_n repent_v say_v he_o and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ver_fw-la 38._o upon_o testification_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o be_v baptise_a about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n v._o 41._o here_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o apostle_n manner_n of_o receive_v person_n into_o church_n fellowship_n they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptise_a and_o then_o add_v if_o now_o upon_o examination_n it_o prove_v that_o such_o as_o be_v visible_a saint_n and_o baptise_a into_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 6.3_o do_v make_v up_o the_o cathedral_n and_o parochial_a society_n of_o england_n than_o they_o be_v right_o constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o matter_n and_o if_o mighty_a grace_n have_v bow_v they_o to_o the_o foot_n of_o jesus_n they_o have_v free_o consent_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n in_o obedience_n to_o all_o christ_n institution_n then_o be_v they_o also_o right_o constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o form_n but_o if_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o be_v want_v as_o there_o be_v cause_n enough_o to_o believe_v so_o let_v they_o cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o and_o preach_v and_o print_v apology_n and_o vindication_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o excellent_a constitution_n as_o they_o call_v it_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n on_o purpose_n to_o obstruct_v the_o search_n of_o the_o inquisitive_a and_o to_o retain_v the_o ignorant_a in_o their_o ignorance_n this_o will_v not_o justify_v they_o before_o god_n at_o the_o great_a day_n tho'_o now_o their_o false_a plea_n pass_v undiscovered_a by_o the_o unthinking_a crowd_n of_o poor_a delude_a wretch_n i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o guide_n and_o teacher_n who_o act_n by_o public_a authority_n will_v not_o be_v lead_v more_o by_o interest_n than_o by_o truth_n that_o they_o will_v lay_v down_o their_o prejudices_fw-la which_o they_o imbibe_v in_o their_o education_n and_o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n and_o will_v beg_v of_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o to_o inquire_v into_o gospel_n verity_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o lord_n will_v either_o teach_v they_o to_o discern_v their_o mistake_v or_o to_o exercise_v more_o moderation_n and_o charity_n towards_o those_o who_o judgement_n be_v convince_v of_o former_a error_n i_o conclude_v all_o with_o a_o little_a variation_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n in_o another_o case_n 4._o case_n rom._n 14.3_o 4._o let_v not_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o error_n judge_v he_o who_o be_v convince_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o censure_a and_o condemne_v another_o to_o christ_n he_o stand_v in_o the_o truth_n yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v the_o end_n