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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
B06642	A sermon, preached at Edinburgh in the Parliament-House, November 17th, 1700, before his Grace, James, Duke of Queensberry, his Majesties High Commissioner; and many of the nobility, barrons, burrows, members of the High Court of Parliament, / by David Williamson minister of the Gospel, at West-Kirk.	Williamson, David, d. 1706.	1700 (1700)	Wing W2797B; ESTC R186602	30,727	24

A Sermon Preached at Edinburgh in the Parliament-House November 17th 1700 Before His GRACE JAMES Duke of Queensberry HIS MAJESTIES HIGH COMMISSIONER AND Many of the Nobility Barrons Burrows Members of the High Court of PARLIAMENT BY David Williamson Minister of the Gospel at West-Kirk EDINBVRGH Printed by George Mosman and are to be Sold at his Shop in the Parliament-Closs in the Year 1700. Good Reader THE Author being urged by several Persons of Honour and others To Print his Sermon found it necessar to add a few things He intended to have delivered but was prevented by a mistake of the Time PREFACE before Prayer I would speak that word to this honourable Assembly which Paul hath Rom. 10 1 My hearts desire and prayer to God for you all is that you may be saved could I obtain onething of these present to believe that there is a God and that the Scriptures are the Truth and Word of God I would hope this should not be a lost but blessed occasion I have charity towards the most part but fears of some For there is no age wherein Atheism and Prophanity have been more rife than in this of our time Many saying in their hearts with the Fool there is no God Psal 14 verse 1. their corrupt and abominable Practices say the fear of God is not before their eyes Their folly will be reproved when they feel what they fear not We must not shun to tell you Gods mind from his Word which you would notice with Reverence for by this word you must be all judged at the last Day John 12 48. The Prophet sayeth Psal 119 46. I will speak of thy Testimonies also before Kings and not be ashamed Right Honourable I will tell yow what Binds us God sends Jerimiah to Great Men. and sayeth Jer. 1.8 17. be not afraid of their faces for I will be with thee to deliver thee sayeth the Lord. Be not dismaid at their faces least I confound thee before them I knowe not what the design of all may be in coming here but I have heard I have read I have known in experience some come to hear a Preaching who might have been supposed Preaching proof and to have no good design curiositie the best of it and God fastned a nail of conviction in their Consciences and they could never loose the Grip what the Lord will do this day I know not but if the Lord would lay his word in about all your hearts it might give a lift to the interests both of Church and state and God even our God might dwell amongst us and bless us and our Land yeild her increase Be ware of drowsines lightness and wandering and let us call on God for his Countenance blessing and assistance A SERMON on Luke 19.41 And when he was come near he beheld the City and wept over it 42. Saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy Peace but now they are hid from thine eyes Isa 1.3 The Ox knoweth his owner and the Ass his Masters Crib But Israel doth not know my people doeth not consider I intend not to be tedious in Introduction Explication or Division of the Words nor curious in Method but to offer a few plain Truths Both the Prophet and our Saviour speaks to the Rulers and the people ruled Isatah 9 16. The Leaders of this people cause them to err and they that are led of them are destroyed and our Saviour says Matth. 15 14. The blind are Leaders of the blind and both shall fall into the Ditch The Prophet Iasiah in verse 2d directs his Speech to the senselcis Creatures hear O Heavens and give car O Earth The more to awaken and affect the Isrelites his covenanted and professed people he challenges them as below the dullness of Bruites that acknowledge and obey their Owners who provides them and in their Way shews respect to their masters but my people Israel are more stupid than bruites they do not own nor acknowledge me There is a sort of people in this Generation called Deists but I call them Aitheists who arrogat the name of Witt 's they cry down revealed Religion despise their Souls refuse Instruction reject a Saviour and deny future Rewards and Punishments They live like Beasts and are worse than Beasts they do not own and reverence their Master And I may say are worse then Devils Jam 2 19. They believe and tremble It may be many here never beleived never trembled In that Text of Luke our Lord foreseeing the woful day of Desolation coming upen Jerusalem was affectionatly concerned with their deplorable condition and wept over them And breaks out in this abrupt and emphatick Speech If thou even thou hadest known or O that thou hadst known or happy had thou been if thou hadest known in this thy day Id est that is the time of his preaching to them which they slighted they shut their eyes and God Judicially plagued them with blindness To know fignifies here to acknowledge bend the Mind lay to heart and improve for practice By things belonging to their peace is understood things that belong both to their hapiness inward and outward Their peace with God peace in their Consciences and peace with the Creatures There be five things in thir words 1 That there are some things that belong to a peoples peace in all these respects 2dly That we are bound to study a heart affecting knowledge of these things 3dly That the present time and day would be thus improven 4tly The advantage that redounds to these that thus improve time It would prevent Misery It is implyed that people smart for neglect of time 5tly Slighting time lossing the season may never be recovered again Doctrine The point I offer is this That it is the Interest of all who would be approven of God and their own Consciences and escape a challenge and Ruine to know and take to heart the things that belong to their peace to their Souls peace the peace of the Church and Land I will not insist to prove so evident a point I shall first speake a Word of Gods Peace which is the Spring of all other true Peace 2dly Of these thing to be known that belongs to the Souls peace to the peace of a Church and Land For the Peace of God I give these 6 Things 1 it is not common to all It s Christs Gift and Legacy to His peculiar people John 14 27. Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you 2dly It is the purchase of Christs Blood Ephes 2d 13 14. Ye are made near by the Blood of Christ for He is our peace 3dly It is a sure peace Isiah 54 10 The Covenant of my peace shall never be removed sayeth the Lord. 4tly It guards the Believers heart and Mind in all cases Phil. 4.7 5tly It s the great end and errand of the Ministry 2 Corinth 5 20 We are Embassaaors for

these precious promises we should cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord 2 Cor. 6.16 and 7.1 as you tender your Peace get this bargain made This is the first and best way to peace some spend their time tampering about duties not puting a close to this on every new emergency of trouble They are in hazard to raze the Foundation It would be a strong Pillar of peace to have that to say I know my Covenanted God is faithfull and hates putting away That is a brave word Isai 44.5 One shall say I am the Lords another shall call himself by the name of Jacob and another shall Subscrib with his Hand unto the Lord and surname himself by the name of Israel I know not if ye have taken time and lasure to consider and put this great matter to a point upon reflection on your own sinfull self destroyed case and the offer of Christ in Gospel terms to say it from your heart and subscrib it with your hand that you are and will be the Lords and his Christs a back look of this I know has been a Cordial in a dying hour when they have thought upon the time place and manner of their Covenanting with God I wish you would all without delay lay this matter to Heart 5. Head We should know the rule of the Commands Gal 6.16 As many as walk according to this rule peace be on them and mercy and upon the Israel of God first we should know the Commands and extent of them first as to the object his Commands are exceeding broad Psalm 119.96 they reach to all stations relations and conditions Secondly as to the subject they reach the whole Man Soul and Body we must obey from the Heart Rom. 6.17 Thirdly we must know we daily breake the Commandments Jam. 3.2 in many things we offend all and every breach deserves death Deut. 27.26 Rom 6.23 this tends to peace chassing the Sinner into a Mediator the Prince of Peace who is the end of the Law for Rightousness Rom. 10.4 Fourtly as you regaird your peace allow not your self in the breach of any Command say not it is but this it is but that if it be a Sin it 's that which may cost your Life and and may go betwixt you and your part of Heaven Psalms 66.18 if I regaird iniquity in my heart sayes he the Lord will not hear my Prayer and sayeth Christ Math. 5.19 whosoever breaks one of these least Commandments and shall teach Men so he shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven we showld have equal respect to all the Commands Psalm 119 6 6. 128 Fifthly we should know the Command is in the promise there are many severe Commands and as many sweet promises O how much tends this to peace sayeth the poor Sinner he hath Commanded us to love him and he has promised to Circumcise my Heart to love him Deut. 30.6 he has Commanded me to fear him and he has promised to put his fear in my heart That I may not depart from him Jer. 32.40 he has Commanded me to repent mourn and obey and Pray and he has promised his Spirit to all these effects Ezek. 26.27 Zechariah 12.10 he has Commanded me to beleive and he is the auther and finisher of that Grace So we must look from the Command to the promise and turn the promise to a Prayer God will turn it to a performance who works in hit People both to will and to do of his good pleasure Philip 2 13. let us say Lord give what thou Commands and Command what thou wilt 6. Head We must know Graces and duties Graces I call them as they come from God duties as exercised by us and in the exercise of them first we would be fervent cordial and affectionate the heart is the fat of the Sacrifice without which the Lord abhorrs it Rom 12.11 Be fervent in Spirit serving the Lord And David sayeth Psalm 25.1 Unto thee O Lord do I lift up my Soul and Hanna 1 Samuel 1 15. Was a Woman of a sorrowful Spirit pouering out her Soul unto the Lord. 2dly We should be frequent in performance of Duties Psalms 62 8. Trust in him at all times Proverbs 28 14. Happy is the Man that feareth always 1 Thess 1.15 Pray without ceasing which imports 1st We should have set Meals for prayer David had three times a day for ordiuar Psal 55 17. Evening and Morning and at noon time of Day will I pray and call aloud Danul 7.10 Thrice a day was his use and Wont David had his extraordinaries seven times a day Psal 119.164 2dly It imports we should have our hearts ay in frame ready to pray on all occasions 3dly That we should by frequent in Ejaculations which would hinder no Bussiness 3dly We should be denyed to Duties when done when we have done all things which are commanded We should say we are unprofitable Servants and have done but our Duty Luke 1710 a spice of conceit spoils the Best Dutys as the dead flee doth the precious ointment Eccles 10 1 Paul who abounded more in labours than others laid no strels on them Philip. 3 7 8. 1 Cor 1510 There is no peace to be expected otherways 4tly We must know that it is not Conscience but the Word of God that is the Rule of Duty Isiah 8.10 To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because they have nothing of light in them 't is not what you think must order you that you have an Impulse of mind James and John mistook themselves in this when they would have called for Fire from Heaven to consume the miscourtious Sammaritants it was not a good Spirit that did bear in that motion upon them Luke 9 52 c Therefore Christ rebuked them There are these particular duties you would exercise as you would have peace First you must be mourners and penitent as sure as I speak none will get peace but who lay the foundation in sorrow Isai 61.2 he Comforts all that mourn Math. 5.4 Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted Secondly you would be in the exercise of Faith which workes by love Rom. 15.13 peace and Joy comes by beleiving Habbac 2.4 The Just shall live by Faith Isai 26.3 The Lord will keep his mind in perfect peace whose heart is stayed on him because he trusts in him Thirdly we should be in the excrcise of Love to God and Love to our Neighbour which is the Sum of both Tables He that loveth not knoweth not God For God is love 1 John 4.8 We should love all persons and things that belong to God We should love all men with the Love of Benevolence the Saints with the Love of Delight Psal 16.2 Had we this love to God and for His Sake love to one another It would clear our Claim to two great Promises Rom 8.28 All

things work together for Good to all that love God even the Cross payes a Custom of Advantage to them and Christs says John 14.21.23 He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father and I will love him and will manifest my self to him and we will come and make our abode with him 4tly We should exetcise our selves to Godliness 1 Tim 4.7.8 This would clear our Title to the Promises of this Life and of that which is to come Which would yeild much peace 5tly We should be in the Exercise of Heavenly Mindedness and have our Conversation in Heaven Philip 3 20. And our Affections above Col. 3.2 The greatest Serenity is in the highest Regions Clouds and Storms are below 6tly We should be in the Exercise of a well grounded hope which would make us rejoyce in Tribulation Rom 2 3. This is the Anchor of the Soul that keeps the Vessel calm in a Storm Heb 6 19. The Helmet or Head-piece that wairds off the Stroaks of Satans smarting Temptations Ephes 6 17. 7tly It conduces much to our peace to have the sense of our Spiritual Poverty Psal 9 18. The needy shall not always be forgotten nor the Expectation of the Poor perish for ever And David sayeth Psal 40 17. I am poor and needy but the Lord thinks on me Math 5 3. Blcssed are the poor in Spirit Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven The word is Beggars in Spirit who are put oft to the throne of Grace for an Alms Proverbs 1823 The poor use Intreaties Heb 4 16. Through Christ we have Access with boldness to the throne of Grace that we may sind Mercy and obtain Grace Philip 4 6.7 Who make their Request known to God get the peace of God which passeth natural Understanding to guard their Heart and Mind and Hanna 1 Samuel 1 15 18 Who pouered out her Soul to the Lord went away and her Countenance was no more sad 8tly We would study Sincerity in the performance of all Dutys which makes much for peace both in the greatest Extremity of our Life 2 Cor 1 9 12. When they had the Sentence of Death against them this was their rejoyceing the Testimony of their Conscience That in Simplicity and Godly Sincerity not with fleshly Wisdom they had their Conversation in the World and it yeilds peace in the laft Extremity of Death Ezekiah sayeth Isiah 38 3. Lord Remember how I have walked before thee in Truth and with a perfect heart 7 Head We should know and consider some things in Reference to Crosses and Afflictions as we would consult our Peace 1st That they are covenanted Mercies and no token of Fead but consistent with God's Loving Kindness Psal 89 30 to the 34. Psalm 119 75. I know O Lord that in Faithfulness thou hast afflicted me that quiets the heart The Saints bear not the Cross alone Christ takes the heavy lift that makes the Yoke easie Isiah 63 9. In all our Afflictions He is afflicted and is still a Simpathser 2dly The Saints have had their best days under the Cross as John when banished to the Isle of Patmoss Revel 1.10 Paul and Silas were made to sing in the Stocks Acts 16 24. The Lord cohses some in the Furnace of Affliction Isiiah 48 10. There was a Godly Minister in this Nation I heard him say upon Death-Bed his Suffering times were sweeter to him than his most solemn Communion Days 4tly A well improven Cross is a piece of a Saints happiness Psal 94.12 Blessed is the Man whom the Lord chaftiseth and teacheth out of his Law 5tly The Cross is needful to prevent Sin Hosea 2 6. To purge out and take away Sin Isia 27 9. To make us more like God in holyness Heb 12 10. To give us Errands to the Throne of Grace Psal 50 15. And to make us walk in fear and be watchful to discover the Truth and Strength of Grace to stir up Grace to Exercise in order to the produceing of the peaceable fruits of Righteousness Heb 12 11. The Lords design is to distinguish betwixt the Wilderness and Canaan and that we may Glorify His rich and free Grace upholding and delivering us and to make us Instrumental to Comfort others 2. Cor. 1 4. And to draw our heart Heavenwards to know these things tend to peace Head 8. We should know the way how the Lord brings in poor Sinners to Christ first he kills and then makes alive wounds and then heals Deuter 32 39 1 Sam 2 6. Hosea 6 1. He convinces of the lost undone Self-destroyed Case by nature and course a law work in some degrees passes on the Soul Gal 3 24. The Law is a School-Master to lead to Christ thus the Sinner is made to enquire after a Deliverer Rom 7 24 Who shall deliver me says Paul 2dly A new light is broken up that discovers Sin in its black Colours smelling rank of Hell and a Beautie in Holyness and discovers the Necessity Excellency Willingness and Ability of Christ to save to the uttermost all that come to God in him Heb 7 25. He is seen to be the Chief of ten Thousands and altogether lovely Cantic 5 10 16 Him hath God the Father sealed John 6 27. Paul tells us he was sent upon this Errand to open peoples eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they might receive the forgiveness of Sins and Inheritance among them which are sanctified by Faith that is in Christ Acts 26 18. Thus Sinners are called from darkness to his marvelous light 1 Peter 29. 3dly Then the heart is prepared by the Arm of Jebovah to receive the Impressions of Mercy in a through Renovation the stony heart is removed a plyable melting frame is given Hezek 26 26. 4tly The Soul is brought over to give Consent to the Bargain and to take Christ on Gospel Terms and say Cantic 2 16. My beloved is mine and I am his In all which the exceeding greatness of his power cyths workinging in them that beleive Ephes 1 19. Head 9. If you would have peace you must have a practical knowledge of the wayes these ought to walk in that come home to Christ I fear many mistake it first in the difioulty of it some think nothing but they may go easily to Heaven and yet plump in to the Pit lying down with a lie in their right Hand Isas 44.20 The Apostle sayes the Righteous are scarcely faved 1. Pet. 4.18 and Christ sayes the way is strait Mathew 7.14 therefore we should suive to enter in at the sttrait Gate for many will seek to enter in that shall not be able Luke 13.24 Secondly this way is mistaken in the Singularity of of it It 's not the common Road and Broad-Way the whole World lyeth in Wickedness 1 John 5 19. Be not conform to the World says the Apostle Rom 12 2. Follow not the multitude to do evil says Moses Exod 23 2. And Christ sayeth except your

against them for evill I do here in the name and and authority of my Great Master Jesus whose Ambassador I am Warn and Charge all that hear me this Day to compear before the Tribunal and answer to their charge for unrepented of Drukenness Uncleanness Fornication Adultery Swearing Lieing Perjury Covenant-Breaking Testing or being Gallios unconcerned in Gods Matters and your Souls Sabbath-Breakers Prayerless and you who have had any hand in the Late Persecution of Gods Servants and People make you ready make hast and strive to get accompts cleared by Christ's Cautionry I cannot set a Day but it may be a few Hours sist some of you before the Judge Think on it be not abused when you come to Die by Carnal Freinds or your own deceitful Hearts I have known some when they have come to die call for the Ministers they hated and persecuted before and cryed out of their Sins with tears I have known others that neither they nor their carnal Friends would suffer the Faithful to come near them but the Montibank who sent them over the Border with the fig Leaf of a smooth absolution O betray not your own Souls nor let others do it thuart not your own Consciences to please Men as Pilate who found no fault in Christ yet over the Belly of Warning ordered to scourge and crucifie him to please Caesar and the people Right Honourable There has not been a Session of Pariament but before a next some members have gone off the Stage and some of the most Honourable for quality and best for piety are gone within these few Years 't is hard to know who goes next make you ready I must tesl you a wrong Step in Death can never be mended Eccles. 11.13 In the Place where the Tree falls there it lies What ever changes may be in a Mans life after Death there is none but eternal well or eternal wo. Now there be several things we should know and consider in reference to the peace of the Church and Land and herein both Rulers and People should Act their part First we should have our hearts affected with reflection on the crying Sins of the Land our iniquity like the Wind has taken us away Jsai 64.6 That of Hosea may be applyed 4. Chap. 1.2 The Lord hath a controversie with the Inhabitants of the Land because there is no Truth nor Mercy nor Knowledge of God in the Land by Swearing and Lying and Killing and Stealing and commiting Adultry they break out and Blood toucheth Blood And People become impudent As if they would give God a defiyance they commit Abominations and are not ashamed neither do they blush Jerem 8.12 They dispise a saviour in Gospel ordinances Secondly we should consider that there is a dark and thick Cloud of wrath and judgement hanging over us the Lord threatning as Liviticus 26.24 to heat the Furnace yet Seven times more have we not had sad Stroaks decay of Trade Dearth Famine Mortality of Man and Beast and something of Fire and Sword I look upon all these as the begining of sorrows if matters mend not amongst us Let us hearken to that word Zephamach 2 1. 2. Gather your selves together yea Gather together a Nation not desired before the decree bring forth before the day pass as chaff before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you c. 1 Therefore I would press 1. That ye wrestle with God by Prayer at the Throne of Grace Psalm 46.7 It 's said the Lord of Hosts is with us the God of Jacob is our refuge whence got Jacob the new name Israel he prevailed as a Prince by supplication let us cry mightily to God that he would rent the Heavens and come down Andthe Mountains flow down at his presence Isai 64.1.7 That the Lord would come with healing to Souls and awaken the Consciences of small and great that are fast a sleep in damnable security For there are few that call on God or stir up themselves to take hold of him 2ly Know it is our part to study mourning and amendment Lament 3.40 41. Let us search and try our ways and turn again unto the Lord Let us lift up our heart with our hands to God in the Heavens Zechariah 12.13 Persons a part and Families a part mourning that would be a Door of hope in the Valley of Achor Reformation and mourning must begin at Persons come to Families and spread through the Nation then might we say as Ezra 10.2 Now is there hope in Israel concerning this thing 3ly Study Zeal and courage for the way and work of God never be ashamed of it Be Zealous and repent says Christ Revel 3.19 Be of good courage lay out your selves as you are called in your sphere to contend forthe faith inde 4ly Study unity and love and beware of undue contendings unite in what is true and good if ye bite and devoure one another ye may be consumed one of another Gal. 5.5 The beginning of strife is like the opening of Waters to overflow Proverbs 17.14 Therefor leave off contention before it be medled with I confess there is a lawfull contending not only for truth and the Faith of the Gospel but even for inferiour things Job 31.13 c. having the Dread of God on his Heart admits his hirelings to offer their Grievances and reason their cause but the rise of debates would be examined if from Pride and envy then confusion and every evil work would be the consequence Jam. 3.16 there be due seasonable and right methods and measures that would be followed a mistake in these may mar a very cleanly design and in stead of bringing Water to quench the Fire may prove oyl to encreass the Flame Abraham his commendation will never die Genes 13. who though he was Superior and Elder than Lot yet to avoid unseasonable contendings when the Canaanites were in the Land yeilded to Lot whose choise proved his punishment and if it be no disparagement to the highest to condescend to these below them even supposeing a transgression it is their Glory to pass it over Proverbs 19.11 far more is it the bound duty of inferiors to yeild and not unmannerly to prig with those above them where yeilding may be without manifest prejudice to Truth and Peace There be two things supposed to have influence on devision and Faction which is a work of the Devil a work of the Flesh Galat. 5.20 There is a Defect and an Excess First a defect of singleness and sincerity If Men were al single-Hearted sincere self-denyed and soundly publick-Spirited they would meet unite and close without clashing or noise Secondly there is excess the excressence and knottisness of humor and interest that makes Men uneasie and to dash upon and grate one another but these who lay the fundation and sow the Seeds of division or are abatters of it either in Church or State do the abominable thing which the Lord hates Prov 6 16 19 And cannot

be long hid Nemo potest diu sustinere Personam fictam Prov. 26.26 He that covereth his hatred with deceits his wickedness shall be made known before the whole Congregation such marrs Suites and Proposals to them and by them being jealoused of mixt interests and and designs which the simpler sort cannot understand and discern 2. Samuel 15.11 Application We may take up a Lamentation and regrate there be few that know the way of peace Isai 59.8 They neither desire nor apply themselves to know these things Hesea 8.12 I have Written to them sayeth the Lord the great things of my Law and they counted them as a strange thing how many live without God and without Christ in the World and have lost the sense of God and pulss of Conscience it were easie to prove the greatest part to be Fools and ignorant of these things that belong to peace I shall give you sour notes of a Fool First he that prefers Husks to wholsom Food as the Prodigal Luke 15. Secondly he that wants senses to discern and makes choise of a broken Cistern forsakeing the Fountain Jerem. 2.12.13 3ly he that wants foresight to provide for time to come Math. 25. The foolish Virgins had emptie Lamps 4ly he that puts a Knife to his own Throat Prov. 8.36 he that Sins against me sayes Christ wrongs his own Soul all they that hate me love Death there be Four sorts of Persons that the Scripture proves to be arrant Sots and Fools 1st the Persecuter God calls him a Feol who eats up his People as they eat Bread Psalm 14.1.4 they know not God has discharged Persecution and is concerned in the wrongs done to his People Psalm 105.14.15 2ly The Lord resents what wrongs are done to his People as done to himself Acts 9.4 Saul Saul why Persecutest thou me They peirce Christ through the sides of his Freinds 4ly they are Fools because they are Prayerless and Scriptureless they call not upon the Lord Psalm 14.4 they cast the Law behind their back and therefore they Persecute Nehem. 9.26 5ly they come Foul off with it as the instances of Pharorh Herod Haman Darius Courtiers They proved all Fools in the end Exad 14. Esther 8. Acts. 12. Dantel 6. Secondly the Proud Man he is a Fool he gets the same name with the Fool 1. Tim. 6.4 the word in the Original fignifies Smoak which sayes the Proud Man is puffed up with Stinking Air First he considers not that God has prohibite Pride and that Pride hinders many a good turn Jerem. 13.15 and prompts to many an ill turn the Cursed Proud are from Gods Commandments Psal 119.21 and the wicked through the Pride of his countenance persecutes the Poor and will not Seek God Psalm 102 4. Pride is the dead Flee in the A pothecarys Ointment it spilt all the Pharasies duties Luke 18. such Perclaim War against the God of Heaven and makes him an Enemy 1. Pet. 5.5 it has brought many low and proved them Fools in the end Proverbs 16.18 Thirdly the Scripture makes the covetous Man a Fool he knows not that covetousness is a hainous transgression in Gods account no less than Idolatrie Col. 3.5 such Persons are abhorred of the Lord. Psalm 10.3 Their temper hinders profiting under means their care choacks the Seed of the Word Math. 13. They are in hazard of a sad surprise Luke 21.34 they hinder their own thriveing There is that withholdeth more than is meet and it tendeth to poverty Proverbs 11.24 He makes a Fools bargain and losses-more than he gains when he losses his Soul Math. 26.26 Luke 12.18 The Voluptuous and Luxurious they are Fools they are plagued and prove a Prognostick of the evil of the last times 2 Tim 3 4. They are dead while they live 1 Tim 5 6. There pleasures are short lived like the crackling of Thorns under the Pot. Eccles 7 6. Heb 11 25. There is a song to follow that will eat out all the Rememberance of their former Joy Isiah 47 8. c. Revel 18 7 8 c. Their way brings both poverty and pain which they dream not of Proverbs 21 17 23 29. Aud they shall mourn at the last Proverbs 5 11. When they feel what they feared not is it not for a Lamentation that the greatest part befool themselves 1st how many grosly ignorant have their hopes to be saved Yet Isiah 27 11. The Lord says he has no favour for them 2 Thess 1 8. Christ at the Last Day will take Vengance on them 2dly How many live in black Atheism and Prophanity Drunkards Swearers Lyars Unclean and think to be saved and yet the Lord says because of these things his Wrath comes on the Children of Disobedience and such shall be cast in the Lake Revel 21 8. 3dly Many never had a night Sense of Sin and Lostness and yet hoped to be saved whereas the right hope of Heaven never lodged in him who never saw he was in hazard of Hell John 16 9. Conviction is the first Step of turning to God 4tly Many are altogether taken up with the World unconcerned in Gods Glory or their own Salvation and yet hope to be saved Whereas the Lord says Philip 3 19 Their end is Destruction 5ly There are some have got many Warnings and heard many Preachings and never were touched with any of them like these Deuter 29 19 20. When they hear the Words of the Curse they bless themselves in their Hearts saving they shall have Peace although they walk after the Imagination of their own heart and add Drukenness to thirst But the Lord says He will not spare His Anger and Jealousie shall smoak against that Man and all the Curses that are written in this Book shall be upon him and the Lord shall blot out his name under Heaven should not this his Alarm secure Souls I will give you one Mark of them they love the flattering cheat who claps their head in their Sins and hates the Faithful searching Preacher who is their best Friend But how comes it that people befool themselves and sets not their Minds to know things that belong to Peace 1st They are in the Visible Church and enjoy the common Benefites of the People of God such may have Heavens door closed on them Math 7 22 23. Some that heard Christ prophesre in their Streets he boasts them to depart 2ly they paint A God all mercy and consider not that he is just and tender of his honour they Shape A God to their own mind that is as well pleased with their way as they themselves the Lord sayeth Psalm 50.21 2 these things hast thou done and I kept silence thou thought that I was altogether such an one as thy self but I will reprove thee and set them in order before thine Eyes Now consider this ye that forget God least I tear you in peices while there is none to deliver He will draw up in Battle array the Sins of such and every Sin as it were

dipt in the Vinegar of his Wrath that shall peirce like a Dart through the Heart and the Liver 3ly some dream all will be well with them for they thrive in the World they have health and wealth and credit yet God may give thee thy Hearts desire in these things and send Leanness to thy Soul Psalm 106. 15. 4ly some think if they Perish they will have many marrows It will be no ease to you to go to Hell in a throng every one there will kindle anothers Fire and make it the hoter Math. 13 30. says Christ bind them in bundles and Burn them pack them to together the Unclean the Drunkard's the Drunkard will curse his Companions that ever he saw their Faces so will the Whore-Munger and Harlot Would you have the tokens of these that know the things that belong to their peace and are made wise by Christ unto Salvation First such are overawed with apprehensions of God he is their Fear and he is their dread Isai 8.13 Psaim 111.10 Genes 39.9 Joseph was truely wise 2ly they who prize things according to their worth and and make right choise as Paul Philip 3.72 8 who counted all things lofs and dung for the excellencie of the knowledge of Jesus Christ his Lord and David Psalm 4.6.7 who preferred the lifting up of the Lord's countenance on him to any other good 3ly such will not prig with Christ but will Sell all for the Field where the Pearle is Mat. 13 44. 4ly such will mannage time well that is a note of a sound understanding to consider the Latter end Deut. 22.29 so teach us to number our Dayes says Moses Psalm 90.12 that we may apply our Hearts to wisdom Job was wise 14.14 all the Dayes of my appointed time will I wait till my change come I know not when I rise at Morn if ever I see another Day it is wisdom to redeem time Ephes. 5.15.16 we have no more time we can call our own but the present time this Day yesterday is not ours it is gone and will not return and we are not sure of to Morrow Proverbs 27.1 we should the rather consider time because much work lyes undone and slighting of time puts many to the Fools repentance out of time they who know what belongs to their peace will study sound obedience and reduce knowledge to practice Psalm 111.10 A good understanding have all they that do his Commands John 13.17 If ye know these things sayes Christ happy are ye if ye do them this is the best proof a fruitful and shineing conversation Now I would speak to all Especially to Rulers and Judges as you would evidence your Knowledge and Consideration of what belongs either to your Souls Peace or the Peace of the Church and Land there are some things you would beware of and some things you would have and do 1. Beware of Rigour Tyranny and Oppression or Inyeighing with bitterness against People where there is no cause by inflicting punishment either unjustly where there is no Fault or immoderatly unseasonably and basely where there is a Fault There is an obligation on Rulers thus to make Conscience of Dutys to inferiors he Rules with most Comfort and Confidence who keeps most room in Peoples Affections and weakens them not and they are most likly to be the Men of the Promise to Build the Old waste places to raise up the Foundation of many Generations to be called the Repairers of Breaches the Restorers of Paths to dwell in who loose the Bonds of Wickedness undo heavy burdens and let the Oppressed go free and break every Yoke and ease People of just grievances and impose not nor continue what is forbidden or condemnemned Isa 58.6.12 2ly Be not too Credulous Try before ye Trust a near Relation may whisper what is dang rous and proves a snare 2 Chron. 22.3 Achasiach his Mother councilled him to do wickedly Saul hearkened to false deceitful Sclandarous Doeg Psalm 52. a great Persecutor of David who had taken great Ventures for him 3ly Beware of Self-seeking Baruch Jer. 3.45 a Good Man is reproved for seeking great things to himself when the Lord threatned Desolation Pauls Complains Philip. 2.21 All seek their own things and not the things of Jesus Christ this made Judas betray Christ and that with a Kiss and Pilate to Crucify Him It is a mark of dishonour and Brand of Infamy Especially in Great Men to be Self-Seekers to live wholly to themselves like the Grave wherein all that is gotten is buried and nothing brought forth to publick benefite It may be written on the Tombs of these such a Man sought himself while he lived and lossed himself when he dyed For this Self dis spirits Men making them cold and cowardly in Gods Cause and becomes a Master for the Lords Cause shake off its Government resist its Reasonings disobey its Commands follow not its inclinations to satisfy its Lustings 4ly Prefer not secular Affairs to the Lords such were reproved Hagai 1. when the Lords House lay waste 5ly Beware of Pride and upliftedness of Spirit The Lord laid the Pride of Pharoch Hamon Herod and the King of Assiria True Wisdom humbles and advances to Honour Proverbs 15.33 6ly Overlook not persons of a dangerous complexion by cruel Indulgence one Achan indangered the wholeCamp of Israel such would be put out of Capacity to hazard Church or State I am not of the cruel temper of that Man who exhortd the Lords of Justiciary at Jedburgh To dye their Scarlet Robs in the Phanaticks Scarlet Blood We hear of some intending to address this Honourable Court as if Men should be exempted from Church Censure who are Supinely negligent Coutumacious Erroneous or guilty of Immoralities We hope they will not find a shelter in this Honourable Assembly They plead that because they have qualified themselves and has a Protection of His Majesty that will exeem them 'T is true some of them have qualified themselves in process of time at the end of Days as Cain brought his offering Gen. 4.3 After several Years out-standing One more ingenuous than others Confessed he never intended it till he lost hope of the return of a New Patron How dissaffected they are and how much they foster the disaffected who are their most Bon-Companions and continue the Schism is well known and I fear they and some others are not that length in Loyalty that Ephraim was in Religion to be a Cake not turned warm in the one side Hosea 7 8. And that in this respect many are a step out of the Road to Heaven If they have sworn deceitfully and not spoken truth in their hearts Psalm 15.2 Psalm 24.4 If their heart and hand and heart and tongue have not corresponded they have taken Gods Name in vain and such are reckoned Gods Enemies Psalm 139.22 It is a grievnace that the Intrusions of such should be tolerate and then setting up Meeting-Houses to marr Legal Establishments and especially where there are Legal

hardly knew of one anothers setting about the work to Answer that great Champion for Prelacy Dr. Monro who appeared as if he would give a Defiance to the Armies of Israel but they have turned the Enemy in the Gate and made him return ashamed and it is observable that Mr. Jamieson a blind Man who in the Worlds account might be thought a stripling in comparison of the great Dr. Yet hath he felled him in the Head and gone near to cut off the Golia's Head with Golia's Sword 8 Beware of their Example who are compared to bruit beasts haunting Harlots Houses Jerem. 5.7.8.9 shall not my Soul be avenged on such a Nation as this saith the Lord shall I not visite for these things I dread a vengeance from Heaven for the shameless abounding uncleaness of Scotland A Whore is a deep pit who are abhorred of the Lord fall into it and few or none return to the path of life Prov. 1.2.19 Prov. 22.14.9 Beware of their Example who has a flying Roll of Curses broad and long following them to their Houses Zechariach 5.2.3 c. They are called Theives and false Swearers Oppressours are greatest Theives and Perjury is a great Sin in Scotland there 's an out-cry for frequent imposing Oaths in Civil Accounts it proves a suare to many and occasions perjury it s expected and desired it be Remeided we look here and there for causes of Disasters and Thuarting and Crossing of honest Designes but let every one look in to their own bosome who is free to cast a Ston at another but I will tell you my Mind anent Gods great Controversie with Scotland by three Scriptures which will Answer three Objections Deut 29.24.25 All Nations shall say wherefore hath he Lord done thus unto this Land what meaneth the heat of this great Anger Then men shall say they have forsaken the Covenant of the Lord God of their Faithers the Children were bound as Moses tells from the 10 verse down ward Wives and little Ones and these absent were under the Oath what meant the three years famine in the days of David 2 Samuel 21. It was breach of Covenant with the Gibeonites which they obtained by a Cheat yet was the Lord avanged for the breach of it three hundred years after upon Sauls Sons what meant the Lord to stigmatize Zedekiach as a 〈◊〉 that should never thrive nor have a day to do well It was the breach of Covenant he swear to Nebuchadnezar The Lord calls it his Covenant his Oath that he had broken and he would recompense it upon his Head he did not willingly engage in this Oath Nebuchadnezar made him swear by God 2. Chron. 36.13 10ly Beware of their Example against whom the Lord denounces a wo Habbac 2.15.16 who press others to drink to Excess a cursed Custom for the Lords sake forbear it henceforth Take warning all of you and warn your Freinds to flee out of the way of Gods Curse out of the way of wrath to come which is the Hell of Hell If you plump into the pit when you have lien among the flames Millions of Years It is ay wrath to come wrath to come I Charge you all to think on it and if not I take Heaven and Earth the Timber and Stones of this House and every one witness against another and your own Consciences which are as a Thousand witnessess I am free of your Blood It is like when your eye strings are a breaking you will clear me and condemn your selves Consider what I say and the Lord give you understanding in all things Jerusalem was as dear to God as Scotland is had the Rulers and People known what belonged to their Peace and managed Gospel Oportunities the City had not been Ransacted nor the Streets run with Blood nor the Temple overthrown and all come to wrack O that Scotland would take warning we have our lesson by their dear bought Experience If there be any that fret and have Heart riseing at what is said I am not anxious for I fear God and have my Conscience to bear witness I neither designed to Irritate nor Flatter I have a due deference to Men in their Respective sphears in Subordination to God but to no Man the greatest in Competition with God who is the alone Judge and Law giver to the Conscience who alone can Save and Destroy the Soul That this God who is now your witness and mine and will at last be your Judge and mine may by his good Spirit Guid you in the Paths of Righteousness for his Names sake and be your exceeding great and Eternal reward Is my Hearty Prayer And to his Name Father Son and Spirit be Eternal Praise FINIS