reformation_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a or_o a_o seasonable_a sermon_n for_o the_o present_a time_n show_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o reformation_n prov._n 15._o 23._o a_o word_n speak_v in_o due_a season_n how_o good_a it_o be_v preach_v june_n 15._o 1641._o publish_a by_o order_n from_o a_o committee_n of_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o london_n print_v by_o j._n d._n for_o henry_n overton_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o entrance_n into_o popes-head_n alley_n out_o of_o lombard_n street_n 1641._o to_o the_o reader_n god_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n among_o we_o long_o ago_o and_o god_n be_v thank_v we_o have_v hold_v it_o hitherto_o though_o with_o much_o ado_n and_o some_o hazard_n for_o pioneer_n both_o within_o we_o and_o without_o we_o have_v be_v dig_v at_o it_o but_o can_v never_o undermine_v it_o to_o blow_v it_o up_o for_o thereby_o we_o have_v be_v comely_a though_o black_a and_o therefore_o they_o have_v go_v another_o way_n to_o work_v and_o build_v upon_o it_o to_o wit_n wood_n hay_n stubble_n so_o that_o though_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n have_v preserve_v we_o yet_o this_o combustible_a matter_n have_v kindle_v such_o fire_n among_o we_o as_o have_v almost_o ruin_v we_o for_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o separate_v what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o though_o power_n may_v give_v as_o a_o subsistence_n yet_o never_o a_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la without_o purity_n to_o which_o we_o now_o hope_v we_o draw_v near_o by_o the_o marriage_n of_o these_o two_o together_o among_o we_o but_o than_o they_o must_v have_v these_o property_n of_o marriage_n they_o must_v not_o only_o join_v hand_n but_o heart_n and_o that_o for_o ever_o for_o cordial_a unanimity_n and_o constant_a perpetuity_n make_v up_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o only_o will_v make_v we_o but_o i_o will_v not_o prevent_v the_o sermon_n by_o preach_v it_o in_o the_o epistle_n only_o borrow_v so_o much_o as_o may_v show_v how_o needful_a it_o be_v for_o minister_n to_o join_v with_o magistrate_n and_o to_o employ_v the_o word_n as_o they_o the_o sword_n this_o way_n that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v do_v by_o half_n but_o thorough_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o action_n but_o affection_n for_o god_n say_v give_v i_o thy_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o this_o sermon_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o we_o all_o so_o pray_v thou_o in_o the_o lord_n t._n f._n reformation_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a or_o a_o seasonable_a sermon_n for_o the_o present_a time_n etc._n etc._n zephaniah_n 1._o 1._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o come_v unto_o zephaniah_n the_o son_n of_o cushi_n the_o son_n of_o gedaliah_n the_o son_n of_o amariah_n the_o son_n of_o hizkiah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o josiah_n the_o son_n of_o amon_n king_n of_o judah_n three_o thing_n there_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n and_o a_o four_o employ_v first_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n second_o the_o prophet_n quality_n three_o the_o time_n of_o his_o prophecy_n and_o fourthly_a the_o argument_n or_o substance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o prophet_n text_n and_o full_o open_v in_o his_o sermon_n 1._o the_o authority_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o you_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n i_o be_o not_o now_o open_v to_o you_o man_n opinion_n or_o read_v a_o lecture_n to_o you_o out_o of_o a_o philosopher_n or_o a_o historian_n which_o you_o may_v like_v where_o you_o will_v and_o leave_v where_o you_o list_v hear_v or_o believe_v ab_fw-la libitum_fw-la but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o must_v be_v believe_v when_o he_o speak_v most_o above_o our_o apprehension_n or_o cross_v to_o our_o present_a will_n and_o affection_n 2._o the_o quality_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o come_v unto_o zephaniah_n the_o son_n of_o cushie_a etc._n etc._n his_o father_n and_o grandfather_n and_o great_a grandfather_n and_o great_a great_a grandfather_n be_v name_v whence_o it_o appear_v that_o zephaniah_n be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o honourable_a house_n because_o his_o ancestor_n be_v mention_v to_o the_o four_o generation_n *_o honourable_a and_o hence_o we_o see_v that_o almighty_a god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o man_n of_o all_o degree_n to_o be_v minister_n of_o his_o word_n isaiah_n come_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a jeremiah_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o aaron_n daniel_n and_o zephaniah_n of_o honourable_a family_n amos_n a_o herdsman_n elisha_n a_o husbandman_n and_o other_o prophet_n as_o malachi_n obadiah_n haggai_n and_o habakkuk_n who_o naked_a name_n we_o have_v without_o their_o pedigree_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v send_v his_o word_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n so_o he_o send_v it_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o hereby_o the_o most_o true_a god_n do_v the_o more_o clear_a his_o word_n from_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n here_o also_o we_o see_v it_o be_v call_v honourable_a enough_o for_o man_n that_o be_v most_o honourable_a by_o birth_n to_o be_v minister_n of_o god_n word_n as_o zephaniah_n a_o noble_a man_n by_o birth_n be_v not_o undervalue_v but_o advance_v by_o his_o calling_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n minister_n a_o minister_n call_v be_v honour_n enough_o to_o he_o without_o other_o accumulation_n 3._o the_o time_n of_o his_o prophesy_v in_o the_o day_n of_o josiah_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o the_o last_o prophet_n before_o the_o captivity_n and_o a_o contemporary_a with_o jeremiah_n 4._o for_o the_o substance_n and_o subject_a of_o his_o prophecy_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v compose_v of_o very_o reprove_v and_o very_o threaten_a sermon_n partly_o indeed_o against_o some_o other_o but_o principal_o against_o judah_n ay_o but_o what_o shall_v such_o a_o prophet_n quest_n a_o reprove_a prophet_n a_o threaten_a prophet_n do_v in_o josiah_n time_n a_o time_n of_o great_a reformation_n and_o a_o very_a reform_v prince_n i_o answer_v answ._n that_o though_o josiah_n himself_o have_v a_o right_a spirit_n in_o way_n of_o reformation_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o noble_n of_o judah_n and_o also_o of_o the_o commons_o incline_v to_o their_o old_a superstition_n in_o worship_n and_o corruption_n in_o government_n the_o idolatrous_a way_n of_o their_o former_a corrupt_a prince_n be_v still_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o however_o the_o king_n be_v sound_a yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n both_o ruler_n and_o people_n be_v rotten-hearted_a towards_o josiah_n reformation_n which_o appear_v both_o by_o some_o express_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o good_a consequence_n from_o other_o in_o the_o 2_o king_n 22._o 17._o and_o chro._n 34._o 25._o it_o be_v absolute_o charge_v upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o judah_n that_o they_o burn_v incense_n to_o other_o god_n which_o charge_n be_v in_o josiah_n time_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o religious_a reformation_n he_o have_v endeavour_v among_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v their_o old_a haunt_n of_o superstition_n and_o therefore_o then_o censure_v as_o well_o as_o charge_v if_o it_o be_v put_v to_o case_n and_o object_v that_o this_o charge_n may_v have_v relation_n to_o judah_n idolatry_n in_o manasse_n time_n as_o may_v seem_v from_o that_o passage_n in_o 2_o king_n 23._o 26._o let_v this_o question_n be_v put_v upon_o this_o objection_n why_o shall_v such_o a_o difference_n be_v make_v in_o that_o charge_n and_o censure_n betwixt_o josiah_n and_o his_o people_n save_v that_o he_o be_v sound_a and_o they_o still_o corrupt_a i_o confess_v it_o have_v reference_n to_o manasse_n time_n yet_o not_o only_o thither_o for_o its_o plain_a to_o josiah_n also_o and_o this_o will_v be_v without_o scruple_n upon_o the_o view_n of_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 3._o 6._o and_o 10._o the_o lord_n also_o say_v unto_o i_o say_v jeremiah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o josiah_n the_o king_n judah_n have_v not_o turn_v unto_o i_o with_o her_o whole_a heart_n but_o feign_o or_o in_o falsehood_n say_v the_o lord_n though_o the_o king_n and_o happy_o some_o few_o of_o his_o noble_n and_o people_n be_v very_o cordial_a in_o reformation_n yet_o the_o major_a part_n both_o of_o noble_n and_o commons_o have_v reform_v face_n but_o not_o reform_v heart_n again_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v clear_a for_o whereas_o josiah_n though_o young_a be_v upright-hearted_a himself_o and_o likewise_o towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n why_o yet_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v the_o twelve_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n before_o he_o can_v get_v the_o kingdom_n in_o any_o readiness_n to_o a_o reformation_n so_o it_o be_v record_v in_o 2_o chro._n 34._o 3._o that_o in_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n he_o begin_v to_o purge_v judah_n and_o jerusalem_n from_o
though_o it_o be_v no_o error_n to_o take_v away_o some_o corruption_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o error_n not_o to_o take_v away_o all_o what_o have_v be_v the_o spring_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o some_o of_o christ_n church_n as_o in_o germany_n since_o they_o be_v reform_v but_o their_o partial_a reformation_n gualther_n and_o other_o judicious_a german_a divine_n be_v in_o this_o note_n whilst_o they_o live_v there_o be_v no_o perfect_a peace_n in_o a_o state_n without_o full_a purity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o time_n of_o lay_v down_o weapon_n of_o beat_v sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o spear_n into_o prune_v hook_n and_o of_o learning_n war_n no_o more_o and_o of_o every_o man_n sit_v under_o his_o vine_n and_o under_o his_o fig-tree_n without_o fear_n micah_n 4._o 3._o 4._o be_v the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o time_n when_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v earnest_o call_v upon_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v together_o in_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n compare_v that_o of_o micah_n with_o 2_o isa._n 4._o and_o again_o church_n be_v very_o subject_a to_o relapse_n when_o not_o thorough_o heal_v and_o relapse_n be_v dangerous_a the_o last_o error_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o first_o new_a idolater_n after_o a_o reformation_n be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o former_a consider_v the_o idolatrous_a time_n of_o judah_n after_o reformation_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a idolater_n be_v more_o dangerous_a after_o hezekiah_n reformation_n then_o before_o witness_n manasses_n time_n and_o still_o more_o dangerous_a after_o josiah_n reformation_n then_o before_o witness_v the_o captivity_n and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o next_o idolater_n after_o king_n edw._n reformation_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o blind_a we_o may_v see_v in_o our_o own_o day_n that_o popish_a spirit_n be_v more_o deep_a and_o desperate_a then_o ever_o yet_o but_o i_o be_o not_o preach_v to_o reformer_n therefore_o to_o you_o my_o auditor_n i_o commend_v and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v command_v these_o three_o thing_n careful_o to_o be_v look_v unto_o by_o you_o even_o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v dispose_v the_o spirit_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n to_o a_o reformation_n first_o to_o your_o utmost_a ability_n the_o preparation_n of_o the_o people_n heart_n for_o jehoshaphat_n take_v not_o away_o the_o high_a place_n because_o the_o people_n as_o yet_o have_v not_o prepare_v their_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n 2_o chro._n 20._o 33._o and_o your_o prime_a way_n for_o this_o be_v powerful_a prayer_n second_o the_o strengthen_n of_o your_o own_o and_o their_o hand_n who_o heart_n be_v prepare_v the_o hold_n up_o and_o out_o of_o your_o and_o their_o courage_n and_o zeal_n for_o reformation_n for_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n of_o judah_n be_v a_o lonâ—_z stop_n to_o the_o perfect_n of_o the_o temple_n ezr._n 4._o 4._o and_o last_o and_o the_o sure_a way_n for_o this_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o sure_a covenant_n the_o way_n be_v lead_v for_o we_o three_o it_o must_v be_v your_o special_a care_n that_o you_o neither_o idolise_v the_o instrument_n of_o reformation_n nor_o undervalue_v they_o or_o bring_v up_o a_o ill_a report_n of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o branch_n we_o ourselves_o know_v the_o church_n of_o germany_n have_v have_v a_o sore_a check_n from_o god_n for_o too_o much_o confidence_n in_o man_n *_o death_n when_o whilst_o we_o lay_v our_o pipe_n direct_o upon_o the_o fountain_n for_o derivation_n we_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v our_o pipe_n full_a if_o once_o we_o set_v the_o cistern_n in_o the_o spring_n place_n we_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v empty_a vessel_n this_o may_v be_v a_o error_n but_o that_o which_o certain_o be_v the_o error_n be_v a_o undervalue_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o reformation_n it_o be_v likely_a there_o be_v many_o belial_n that_o mutter_v against_o reformer_n now_o as_o sheba_n do_v of_o david_n a_o reformer_n of_o israel_n 2_o sam._n 20._o we_o have_v no_o part_n in_o david_n neither_o have_v we_o inheritance_n in_o the_o son_n of_o jesse_n every_o man_n to_o his_o tent_n o_o israel_n some_o such_o base_a spirit_n no_o question_n we_o have_v among_o we_o who_o heart_n rise_v against_o reformer_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o have_v rather_o every_o man_n shall_v walk_v by_o will_n in_o both_o then_o by_o rule_n in_o either_o we_o shall_v observe_v it_o usual_o in_o reformation_n in_o scripture_n the_o devil_n have_v stir_v up_o anti-reformer_n who_o design_n have_v be_v to_o contrive_v the_o disgrace_n and_o base_a esteem_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o reformation_n thus_o korah_n and_o his_o company_n plot_v among_o the_o people_n to_o cast_v a_o aspersion_n upon_o moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o they_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o num._n 16._o in_o zerubbabel_n reformation_n rehum_n the_o chancellor_n and_o shimshai_n the_o scribe_n insinuate_v to_o the_o people_n that_o zerubbabel_n and_o jeshua_n in_o their_o reformation_n and_o restore_v the_o temple_n wrong_v the_o king_n and_o country_n and_o signify_v as_o much_o to_o the_o king_n also_o by_o politic_a but_o lie_v letter_n ezra_n 4._o and_o in_o nehemiah_n reformation_n sanballet_n and_o tobia_n enemy_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o reform_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n and_o preach_v against_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o church_n than_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o scribe_n et_fw-la ceterus_fw-la insinuate_v to_o the_o people_n that_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o wine-bibbet_n a_o companion_n of_o publican_n and_o though_o he_o do_v strange_a thing_n yet_o the_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n prince_n of_o devil_n belove_a as_o the_o case_n be_v with_o we_o your_o cure_n must_v be_v great_a against_o carnal_a reason_n for_o carnal_a reason_n may_v have_v dispute_v against_o josiah_n reformation_n he_o be_v but_o a_o child_n and_o meddle_v also_o with_o the_o very_a root_n out_o of_o thing_n that_o his_o godly_a ancestor_n leave_v stand_v both_o in_o state_n and_o church_n so_o carnal_a reason_n may_v have_v object_v more_o in_o hezekiah_n reformation_n that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o pull_v down_o the_o high_a place_n set_v up_o by_o man_n but_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n former_o appont_v by_o god_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v some_o man_n if_o they_o confer_v with_o carnal_a reason_n may_v cavil_n at_o our_o present_a reformer_n as_o that_o they_o make_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o father_n and_o remove_v thing_n out_o of_o church_n and_o state_n which_o their_o predecessor_n find_v no_o fault_n with_o and_o have_v they_o be_v man_n of_o such_o spirit_n as_o these_o so_o may_v the_o people_n have_v stumble_v at_o asa_n take_v away_o some_o thing_n in_o his_o latter_a reformation_n which_o he_o leave_v in_o be_v in_o his_o former_a fifteen_o year_n before_o 2_o chro._n 15._o my_o brethren_n i_o conclude_v with_o this_o parallel_n in_o this_o point_n and_o i_o beseech_v you_o take_v it_o to_o heart_n as_o those_o israelite_n that_o bring_v up_o a_o ill_a report_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whither_o israel_n be_v go_v be_v not_o only_o bar_v from_o come_v thither_o but_o die_v of_o the_o plague_n in_o the_o wilderness_n numb._n 14._o so_o let_v those_o cavellor_n against_o the_o canaan_n whither_o this_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v go_v expect_v assure_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o enjoy_v the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o and_o for_o a_o farewell_n word_n if_o any_o fear_n lest_o the_o enemy_n shall_v hope_v to_o strengthen_v themselves_o by_o see_v here_o where_o our_o strength_n lie_v i_o must_v tell_v they_o they_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v for_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n make_v know_v to_o we_o be_v make_v parable_n to_o they_o and_o be_v confident_a in_o it_o that_o god_n do_v never_o discover_v duty_n to_o we_o to_o ensnare_v we_o but_o to_o keep_v we_o out_o of_o snare_n that_o be_v lay_v for_o we_o finis_fw-la *_o beside_o the_o name_n of_o his_o ancestor_n tell_v he_o to_o be_v honourable_a quest_n answ._n doct._n 1._o reas._n use_v note_n doct._n 2._o *_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o read_v that_o the_o renown_a king_n of_o sweden_n item_v so_o much_o unto_o they_o before_o his_o death_n
the_o high_a place_n and_o the_o grove_n etc._n etc._n again_o after_o he_o set_v upon_o reformation_n we_o find_v it_o be_v six_o year_n before_o he_o have_v purge_v the_o land_n and_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o his_o reformation_n intend_v for_o the_o repair_v of_o the_o temple_n be_v still_o behind_o vers._n 8._o and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v twelve_o year_n before_o he_o begin_v to_o reform_v be_v so_o pure_a a_o prince_n and_o six_o year_n in_o one_o part_n of_o reformation_n the_o cast_v out_o of_o corruption_n but_o because_o he_o find_v it_o a_o mighty_a difficult_a matter_n to_o new_a mould_n the_o people_n from_o old_a way_n and_o to_o take_v the_o generality_n of_o they_o off_o from_o their_o wont_a superstitious_a custom_n it_o be_v observable_a again_o that_o when_o the_o people_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o outward_a conformity_n to_o the_o reformation_n yet_o their_o heart_n still_o hankered_a another_o way_n and_o so_o much_o as_o they_o dare_v for_o the_o law_n the_o reformation_n have_v establish_v they_o declare_v their_o idolatrous_a spirit_n as_o in_o that_o 3._o jer._n 10._o judah_n have_v not_o turn_v to_o i_o with_o her_o whole_a heart_n but_o feign_o and_o we_o be_v moreover_o to_o mark_v that_o after_o their_o outward_a conformity_n to_o reformation_n come_v the_o threaten_n of_o their_o captivity_n compare_v the_o 8._o and_o 25._o verse_n of_o the_o 34._o chap._n 2_o chro._n there_o be_v still_o another_o thing_n more_o notable_a for_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v this_o when_o upon_o the_o lord_n threaten_v judah_n for_o the_o superstitious_a bent_n and_o bias_n of_o their_o spirit_n still_o josiah_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v make_v they_o as_o sure_a as_o he_o can_v for_o god_n gather_v they_o together_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o sure_a covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o to_o worship_v he_o true_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o king_n be_v force_v to_o force_v they_o to_o stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v enter_v into_o verse_n 32._o 33._o they_o do_v not_o willing_o and_o free_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o king_n but_o it_o be_v say_v josiah_n cause_v and_o make_v all_o that_o be_v present_a or_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o it_o again_o neither_o do_v they_o keep_v this_o covenant_n any_o long_a than_o josiah_n life_n as_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o the_o people_n practice_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o next_o king_n do_v manifest_a now_o if_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o josiah_n life_n and_o the_o great_a lamentation_n of_o the_o people_n at_o josiah_n death_n shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o any_o for_o the_o integrity_n of_o judah_n in_o josiah_n time_n they_o must_v needs_o in_o serious_a and_o second_v thought_n apprehend_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o generality_n but_o a_o ceremony_n and_o no_o substantial_a point_n of_o their_o soundness_n therefore_o upon_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o sharp_a and_o threaten_a prophecy_n even_o in_o josiah_n time_n though_o a_o time_n of_o reformation_n howbeit_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o prince_n yet_o of_o people_n for_o the_o major_a part_n and_o then_o this_o be_v the_o first_o doctrine_n that_o though_o the_o prince_n 1._o and_o some_o ruler_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v strict_a reformer_n in_o religion_n yet_o if_o the_o people_n general_o continue_v corrupt_a the_o nation_n be_v still_o in_o much_o danger_n as_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o god_n angry_a word_n against_o judah_n in_o josiah_n time_n the_o pure_a of_o reformer_n before_o the_o captivity_n so_o also_o as_o clear_o in_o the_o pure_a reformation_n after_o the_o captivity_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o reformer_n themselves_o witness_v ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n their_o solemn_a fast_n to_o prevent_v sad_a thing_n which_o they_o fear_v may_v befall_v their_o nation_n through_o the_o people_n corruption_n ezra_n 9_o and_o nehem._n 9_o now_o when_o i_o say_v when_o the_o people_n be_v corrupt_a in_o religion_n i_o mean_v not_o their_o open_a profession_n or_o confess_v practice_n of_o superstition_n and_o cross-way_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n but_o even_o then_o when_o the_o people_n have_v outside_n to_o reformation_n yet_o still_o heart_n and_o inside_n to_o corruption_n for_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o josiah_n time_n as_o the_o pure_a element_n now_o be_v so_o impure_a as_o subject_a to_o change_v in_o part_n into_o contrary_a element_n such_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o these_o jew_n that_o as_o they_o go_v to_o zoar_n their_o face_n be_v towards_o sodom_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n reas._n that_o have_v such_o a_o people_n appear_v in_o this_o because_o such_o a_o people_n though_o they_o may_v be_v conformer_n to_o godly_a reformation_n for_o the_o present_a yet_o for_o present_a it_o be_v against_o their_o will_n to_o be_v for_o god_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o have_v opportunity_n they_o will_v be_v for_o baal_n just_o as_o your_o man_n that_o stay_v at_o shore_n till_o wind_n serve_v they_o keep_v upon_o the_o land_n because_o they_o can_v get_v upon_o the_o sea_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o wind_n turn_v to_o their_o opportunity_n fare_v well_o land_n thus_o we_o may_v conceive_v it_o be_v in_o that_o happy_a reformation_n of_o king_n edw._n 6._o though_o unhappy_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o survive_a subject_n who_o in_o reason_n will_v have_v think_v that_o that_o reformation_n shall_v have_v have_v such_o a_o metamorphosis_n and_o that_o so_o sudden_o yet_o the_o issue_n give_v in_o evidence_n that_o the_o generality_n be_v but_o mere_a formalist_n in_o that_o reformation_n and_o do_v but_o wait_v for_o a_o wind_n to_o carry_v they_o to_o rome_n again_o and_o as_o this_o have_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o people_n so_o vice_n versa_fw-la sometime_o with_o the_o prince_n as_o in_o joash_n king_n of_o judah_n a_o good_a king_n not_o from_o inward_a principle_n but_o from_o outward_a motive_n he_o make_v true_a religion_n the_o fashion_n whilst_o jehojada_n live_v for_o all_o the_o day_n of_o jehojada_n it_o be_v say_v he_o walk_v in_o the_o godly_a path_n of_o his_o godly_a predecessor_n and_o maintain_v the_o reformation_n make_v after_o athalia_n depose_v and_o he_o crown_v 2_o king_n 11._o but_o so_o soon_o as_o jehojada_n be_v in_o his_o grave_n the_o prince_n of_o judah_n come_v and_o make_v obeisance_n to_o the_o king_n and_o with_o flatter_a speech_n motion_v to_o the_o king_n the_o renew_n of_o baalitish_a worship_n and_o he_o hearken_v unto_o they_o 2_o chro._n 24._o 17._o to_o make_v application_n of_o the_o point_n for_o our_o own_o particular_a use_n use_v and_o hence_o we_o gather_v that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a necessity_n to_o pray_v and_o endeavour_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n may_v be_v prepare_v for_o reformation_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v prepare_v reformer_n that_o prince_n and_o people_n spirit_n may_v move_v in_o the_o same_o orb_n in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o reformation_n as_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n be_v by_o the_o primum_fw-la mobile_a have_v a_o violent_a motion_n from_o it_o and_o another_o natural_a motion_n of_o their_o own_o quite_o contrary_a for_o certain_o though_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n move_v after_o the_o motion_n of_o superior_a orb_n king_n and_o ruler_n that_o do_v reform_v yet_o keep_v another_o cross_a inclination_n and_o motion_n of_o their_o own_o sure_o i_o say_v our_o hope_n at_o most_o can_v be_v but_o for_o a_o age_n even_o the_o life_n of_o reformer_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o josiah_n be_v go_v so_o will_v his_o reformation_n too_o it_o be_v true_a for_o the_o age_n of_o reformer_n the_o scripture_n warrant_v we_o truth_n and_o peace_n in_o their_o day_n nay_o and_o according_a to_o scripture_n evidence_n a_o external_a comply_n of_o the_o people_n with_o reformation_n be_v a_o supersedeas_fw-la to_o the_o land_n from_o national_a judgement_n we_o find_v in_o josiah_n a_o reformer_n he_o must_v go_v to_o his_o grave_n in_o peace_n and_o his_o people_n must_v be_v secure_a till_o then_o too_o and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v peace_n and_o truth_n all_o hezekiah_n reign_n be_v a_o reformer_n of_o religion_n though_o we_o find_v many_o heavy_a prophecy_n against_o judah_n even_o in_o hezekiah_n time_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n hosea_n and_o micah_n and_o so_o jehoshaphat_n a_o maintainer_n of_o his_o father_n reformation_n
and_o something_o a_o mender_n of_o it_o though_o indeed_o once_o he_o be_v affright_v with_o a_o great_a army_n yet_o say_v the_o scripture_n the_o realm_n of_o jehoshaphat_n be_v quiet_a and_o god_n give_v he_o and_o his_o people_n rest_n in_o his_o reign_n 2_o chro._n 20._o but_o then_o here_o be_v usual_o the_o non_fw-la ultra_fw-la of_o hope_n of_o happiness_n when_o the_o people_n heart_n move_v not_o in_o the_o same_o orb_n after_o the_o prince_n in_o reform_v the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o precedent_n for_o it_o that_o when_o in_o time_n of_o reformation_n the_o people_n spirit_n be_v not_o prepare_v for_o purity_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o the_o governor_n be_v thus_o the_o case_n be_v with_o jehoshaphats_n people_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o prepare_v to_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o high-place_n 2_o chro._n 20._o 33._o then_o the_o land_n have_v be_v secure_v and_o happy_a but_o that_o age_n for_o we_o find_v that_o when_o jehoshaphat_n sleep_v with_o his_o father_n even_o that_o good_a prince_n who_o people_n heart_n be_v not_o prepare_v as_o his_o for_o perfect_a reformation_n the_o next_o king_n be_v a_o king_n after_o the_o corrupt_a people_n own_o heart_n a_o man_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o house_n of_o ahab_n 2_o chro._n 21._o 6._o and_o what_o become_v of_o the_o kingdom_n then_o that_o be_v so_o secure_a and_o quiet_a whilst_o jehoshaphat_n live_v why_o we_o find_v there_o that_o first_o the_o edomite_n they_o revolt_v from_o the_o dominion_n of_o judah_n and_o set_v up_o a_o king_n of_o their_o own_o and_o libna_n also_o revolt_v from_o the_o government_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o change_n in_o the_o state_n be_v give_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n because_o jehoram_n have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o his_o father_n jehoshaphat_n and_o asa_n both_o reformer_n of_o church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o asa_n reformation_n continue_v not_o only_o he_o but_o his_o successor_n time_n but_o than_o we_o find_v with_o all_o in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n lay_v to_o the_o people_n charge_n as_o not_o be_v prepare_v for_o his_o reformation_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n reformation_n through_o king_n james_n his_o reign_n and_o our_o gracious_a king_n charles_n namely_o beside_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o royal_a spirit_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n be_v prepare_v for_o that_o reformation_n of_o religion_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o in_o this_o that_o no_o baalam_n though_o there_o have_v be_v many_o can_v yet_o curse_v england_n so_o far_o as_o to_o adulterate_v a_o considerable_a part_n either_o of_o noble_n or_o commons_o from_o the_o former_a reformation_n though_o from_o perfection_n in_o reformation_n we_o have_v be_v often_o stop_v moreover_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o this_o observable_a concerning_o hezekiah_n reformation_n that_o though_o he_o be_v very_o pure_a in_o it_o and_o his_o people_n heart_n prepare_v for_o it_o 2_o chro._n 29._o 36._o the_o people_n be_v much_o take_v with_o hezekiah_n reformation_n at_o first_o and_o forward_v it_o with_o all_o expedition_n for_o the_o work_n be_v do_v sudden_o say_v the_o scripture_n why_o yet_o this_o last_v but_o hezekiah_n life_n truth_n and_o peace_n only_o in_o his_o day_n for_o after_o he_o be_v gather_v to_o his_o father_n religion_n be_v more_o corrupt_v than_o ever_o by_o manasses_n his_o son_n and_o the_o kingdom_n never_o in_o great_a strait_n and_o exigent_n now_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o that_o he_o so_o pure_a a_o reformer_n and_o his_o people_n heart_n so_o prepare_v for_o reformation_n yet_o the_o kingdom_n happy_a herein_o but_o for_o his_o time_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o search_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n that_o for_o all_o this_o forwardness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o hezekiah_n reformation_n yet_o alas_o they_o be_v but_o for_o a_o spurt_n their_o best_a stat_fw-la first_o their_o courage_n soon_o cool_v this_o way_n and_o they_o quick_o weary_a of_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o complaint_n the_o lord_n make_v of_o judah_n in_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n who_o prophesy_v in_o hezekiah_n time_n against_o judah_n hos._n 6._o 4._o o_o judah_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o for_o your_o goodness_n be_v as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n it_o go_v away_o and_o if_o haply_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o judah_n in_o another_o king_n time_n and_o not_o hezekiah_n for_o hosea_n prophesy_v in_o four_o king_n reign_v of_o judah_n uzziah_n jothan_n ahaz_n and_o hezekiah_n yet_o the_o very_a last_o thing_n in_o the_o prophecy_n against_o judah_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v in_o hezekiah_n time_n chap._n 12._o 2._o i_o have_v a_o controversy_n also_o with_o judah_n and_o will_v punish_v jacob_n according_a to_o his_o way_n nay_o and_o that_o which_o god_n speak_v in_o judah_n commendation_n compare_v with_o ephraim_n chap._n 11._o 12._o intimate_v as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v jealous_a of_o judah_n decline_v and_o return_v to_o idol_n ephraim_n compass_v i_o about_o with_o lie_n but_o judah_n yet_o rule_v with_o god_n yet_o as_o if_o he_o do_v expect_v that_o they_o will_v fall_v off_o at_o last_o it_o be_v manifest_a again_o by_o the_o prophet_n micah_n who_o prophesy_v in_o hezekiah_n day_n that_o even_o then_o there_o be_v a_o defection_n in_o the_o people_n the_o magistrate_n become_v corrupt_a and_o the_o ministry_n too_o chap._n 3._o 9_o and_o chap._n last_n and_o beginning_n of_o it_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o corruption_n creep_v into_o judah_n even_o in_o hezekiah_n day_n because_o we_o find_v there_o be_v such_o a_o corrupt_a minister_n of_o state_n nigh_o to_o the_o king_n and_o in_o the_o king_n house_n shebna_n by_o name_n both_o treasurer_n and_o also_o over_o the_o king_n house_n isa._n 22._o 15._o a_o man_n of_o a_o mighty_a proud_a spirit_n for_o himself_o as_o be_v see_v in_o the_o 16._o verse_n and_o a_o mighty_a dangerous_a man_n to_o the_o state_n of_o judah_n as_o appear_v in_o his_o notable_a end_n in_o the_o 17._o 18._o verse_n etc._n etc._n to_o put_v on_o the_o use_n again_o in_o conclusion_n of_o these_o premise_n we_o see_v and_o can_v see_v that_o beside_o the_o stir_n up_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jehoshaphat_n or_o hezekiah_n or_o josiah_n or_o zerubbabel_n or_o nehemiah_n or_o cirus_n i_o say_v beside_o the_o stir_n up_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o ruler_n to_o reform_v there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o be_v look_v unto_o if_o any_o continue_a comfort_n be_v expect_v in_o reformation_n first_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n be_v prepare_v for_o reformation_n second_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n be_v settle_v when_o they_o be_v prepare_v first_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n be_v prepare_v for_o reformation_n that_o be_v that_o their_o opinion_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v quite_o take_v off_o of_o all_o wry_a way_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o bias_v with_o right_a rule_n and_o principle_n in_o religion_n and_o hence_o we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o minister_n industry_n as_o well_o as_o the_o magistrate_n in_o reform_v time_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o must_v conform_v the_o outside_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n which_o must_v reform_v the_o inside_n of_o the_o people_n though_o the_o magistrate_n must_v cast_v all_o external_a performance_n yet_o the_o ministry_n proper_o cast_v the_o heart_n and_o inclination_n into_o a_o reform_a temper_n and_o therefore_o brethren_n now_o king_n note_n and_o minister_n of_o state_n be_v discharge_v their_o part_n in_o command_v if_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o discharge_v they_o in_o inform_v and_o exhort_v sure_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o priest_n to_o their_o disparagement_n in_o hezekiah_n reformation_n 2_o chro._n 29._o the_o levite_n be_v more_o upright_o in_o heart_n to_o sanctify_v themselves_o than_o the_o priest_n so_o will_v it_o doubtless_o be_v charge_v on_o the_o ministry_n in_o we_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v more_o upright_o in_o heart_n to_o perform_v their_o part_n in_o reformation_n than_o the_o minister_n they_o we_o see_v also_o what_o here_o be_v for_o private_a man_n to_o work_v upon_o in_o their_o prayer_n viz._n the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n as_o well_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o land_n in_o the_o day_n of_o refine_v though_o the_o head_n be_v never_o so_o well_o and_o in_o temper_n yet_o if_o there_o