in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o fast_a you_o find_v pleasure_n or_o desire_n i._n e._n your_o sinful_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n be_v still_o indulge_v by_o you_o notwithstanding_o all_o your_o fast_n and_o how_o just_o may_v this_o too_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o have_v we_o abate_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o wickedness_n since_o we_o begin_v our_o fast_n be_v we_o not_o the_o same_o sinful_a people_n that_o we_o be_v before_o what_o lust_n have_v we_o mortify_v what_o wicked_a custom_n have_v we_o abolish_v what_o sinful_a practice_n have_v we_o reform_v notwithstanding_o all_o our_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o pretend_a humiliation_n for_o it_o notwithstanding_o so_o many_o solemn_a profession_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n how_o high_o provoke_v be_v such_o mockery_n and_o hypocrisy_n what_o a_o mean_a opinion_n do_v it_o argue_v we_o have_v of_o god_n as_o if_o we_o think_v he_o capable_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a pretence_n and_o hypocritical_a show_n and_o mere_a 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do_v often_o deliver_v the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n 2_o king_n 13._o 23._o and_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a unto_o they_o and_o have_v compassion_n on_o they_o and_o have_v respect_n unto_o they_o he_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n because_o of_o his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o will_v not_o destroy_v they_o neither_o cast_v he_o they_o from_o his_o presence_n as_o yet_o but_o we_o have_v no_o such_o promise_n make_v to_o any_o of_o our_o father_n and_o therefore_o have_v much_o less_o reason_n to_o hope_v for_o that_o defence_n and_o protection_n from_o god_n which_o the_o provoke_a israelite_n do_v sometime_o find_v against_o their_o enemy_n the_o example_n of_o the_o text_n than_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n against_o we_o if_o god_n punish_v their_o great_a provocation_n with_o the_o sword_n of_o their_o enemy_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v much_o rather_o punish_v we_o in_o like_a manner_n second_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o defend_v and_o preserve_v the_o jewish_a nation_n than_o it_o be_v in_o defend_v and_o preserve_v we_o for_o they_o be_v the_o only_a worshipper_n of_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v so_o it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n necessary_a for_o the_o assert_v of_o his_o divinity_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o he_o sometime_o to_o appear_v on_o their_o behalf_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v their_o enemy_n utter_o to_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o provocation_n of_o israel_n be_v great_a he_o be_v often_o say_v to_o have_v wrought_v for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v pollute_v among_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o may_v not_o triumph_v and_o insult_v over_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n as_o rabshakeh_n do_v over_o the_o god_n of_o those_o nation_n his_o master_n have_v conquer_v isa_n 36._o 18_o 19_o where_o be_v the_o god_n of_o hamath_n and_o arphad_n where_o be_v the_o god_n of_o sepharvaim_n who_o be_v they_o among_o all_o the_o god_n of_o these_o nation_n that_o have_v deliver_v their_o land_n out_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o god_n do_v not_o give_v they_o up_o to_o be_v destroy_v utter_o by_o their_o enemy_n till_o he_o have_v plant_v a_o church_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o have_v make_v they_o his_o people_n who_o be_v not_o his_o people_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o reason_n give_v for_o god_n defend_v and_o preserve_v we_o notwithstanding_o our_o great_a provocation_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n can_v be_v so_o much_o interest_v in_o our_o safety_n who_o be_v only_o a_o part_n of_o his_o church_n the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n will_v still_o be_v maintain_v and_o preserve_v though_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o give_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o people_n and_o the_o name_n of_o our_o english_a church_n no_o more_o in_o remembrance_n how_o just_o then_o may_v we_o fear_v this_o punishment_n if_o we_o still_o continue_v our_o great_a provocation_n three_o we_o have_v still_o great_a reason_n to_o fear_v this_o particular_a judgement_n for_o our_o great_a provocation_n because_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v near_o at_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o rod_n which_o god_n have_v be_v for_o some_o year_n shake_v over_o we_o and_o threaten_v to_o punish_v we_o with_o the_o sword_n be_v already_o draw_v we_o be_v actual_o engage_v in_o war_n with_o a_o subtle_a and_o potent_a enemy_n and_o if_o god_n but_o withdraw_v himself_o and_o resolve_v to_o go_v out_o no_o more_o with_o our_o host_n there_o need_v nothing_o more_o to_o bring_v this_o heavy_a judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o can_v we_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v always_o be_v active_a on_o behalf_n of_o so_o provoke_v a_o people_n that_o he_o will_v not_o at_o length_n be_v weary_a of_o interpose_v and_o fight_v for_o we_o this_o be_v a_o judgement_n then_o so_o ready_a and_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o we_o that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v that_o god_n may_v thus_o punish_v our_o great_a provocation_n four_o this_o be_v a_o judgement_n that_o many_o among_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v fond_a of_o some_o be_v wish_v and_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o other_o have_v engage_v in_o the_o most_o horrid_a villainy_n that_o they_o may_v let_v it_o in_o upon_o themselves_o and_o we_o and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v very_o just_a with_o god_n and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o his_o method_n of_o punish_v to_o cause_v they_o to_o inherit_v their_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o misery_n they_o so_o eager_o pursue_v especial_o when_o we_o have_v all_o so_o high_o deserve_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o by_o our_o great_a provocation_n when_o so_o many_o of_o we_o be_v weary_a of_o god_n mercy_n and_o impatient_a under_o the_o deliverance_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o and_o complain_v of_o the_o oppression_n of_o his_o blessing_n may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v take_v up_o a_o resolution_n of_o deliver_v we_o no_o more_o and_o save_v we_o no_o long_o against_o our_o will_n that_o he_o will_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o value_n of_o those_o blessing_n we_o despise_v and_o murmur_v at_o by_o forbear_v to_o prolong_v our_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o if_o this_o be_v our_o case_n then_o if_o we_o have_v so_o much_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o for_o our_o great_a provocation_n god_n may_v deliver_v we_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o we_o may_v be_v awaken_v to_o use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o prevent_v this_o punishment_n
sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n mary-le-bow_n before_o the_o lord_z mayor_z court_n of_o alderman_n and_z citizens_z of_o london_n on_o friday_n the_o 26_o of_o june_n a_o day_n appoint_v by_o proclamation_n for_o a_o general_n and_o public_a fast_o by_o lilly_n butler_n minister_n of_o st._n mary_n aldermanbry_n london_n print_v for_o b._n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n 1696._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n john_n houblon_n lord_n mayor_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o the_o court_n of_o alderman_n my_o lord_n in_o obedience_n to_o your_o command_n i_o have_v publish_v this_o sermon_n preach_v before_o you_o on_o our_o late_a general_n and_o public_a fast_a day_n i_o endeavour_v to_o speak_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o occasion_n of_o that_o our_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o proper_a to_o excite_v only_o those_o affection_n which_o become_v a_o people_n humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o supplicate_v for_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n and_o assistance_n and_o if_o the_o print_n of_o this_o plain_a discourse_n may_v in_o any_o measure_n help_v to_o forward_o that_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v design_v to_o convince_v the_o hearer_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o i_o shall_v bless_v god_n for_o this_o opportunity_n of_o do_v something_o how_o little_a soever_o it_o be_v towards_o the_o promote_a the_o public_a good_a which_o that_o we_o may_v all_o in_o our_o several_a place_n zealous_o endeavour_v to_o advance_v be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o most_o oblige_a and_o humble_a servant_n lily_n butler_n mr._n butler_n fast-sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n june_n 26._o 1696._o houblon_n mayor_n martis_n 30_o die_v junii_fw-la 1690._o annoque_fw-la regni_fw-la regis_fw-la willielmi_n tertii_fw-la angliae_fw-la etc._n etc._n octavo_fw-la this_o court_n do_v desire_n mr._n butler_n to_o print_v his_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o st._n mary-le-bow_n on_o friday_n last_o be_v a_o general_a fastday_n before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o citizen_n of_o this_o city_n goodfellow_n nehem._n 9_o part_n of_o the_o 26_o and_o 27_o verse_n they_o wrought_v great_a provocation_n therefore_o thou_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v assemble_v together_o with_o 1._o verse_n 1._o fast_v upon_o a_o day_n of_o public_a and_o solemn_a humiliation_n as_o this_o be_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o people_n make_v a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n to_o god_n of_o their_o ungrateful_a and_o rebellious_a behaviour_n towards_o he_o how_o they_o have_v all_o along_o defeat_v the_o gracious_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o oblige_v and_o turn_v they_o to_o he_o and_o how_o just_o at_o length_n they_o be_v punish_v by_o he_o he_o spare_v they_o long_o and_o deliver_v they_o often_o and_o do_v many_o great_a thing_n for_o they_o but_o they_o deal_v proud_o 17._o verse_n 16._o 17._o and_o harden_v their_o neck_n and_o refuse_v to_o obey_v and_o though_o god_n be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o for_o a_o great_a while_n suffer_v their_o 19_o verse_n 19_o manner_n and_o in_o his_o manifold_a mercy_n forsake_v they_o not_o yet_o at_o length_n when_o he_o see_v they_o obstinate_o persist_v to_o abuse_v his_o patience_n and_o mercy_n and_o have_v aggravate_v their_o sin_n to_o a_o most_o intolerable_a degree_n he_o become_v weary_a of_o forbear_v he_o give_v his_o people_n to_o the_o sword_n and_o be_v wroth_a with_o his_o inheritance_n they_o wrought_v great_a provocation_n therefore_o he_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n in_o which_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o character_n of_o the_o israelite_n practice_n they_o wrought_v great_a provocation_n second_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o god_n for_o it_o he_o therefore_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n in_o this_o manner_n he_o do_v often_o punish_v their_o great_a provocation_n he_o have_v tell_v they_o by_o moses_n leu._n 26._o that_n if_o they_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o will_v give_v peace_n in_o their_o land_n and_o none_o shall_v make_v they_o afraid_a verse_n 6._o they_o shall_v chase_v their_o enemy_n and_o make_v they_o fall_v before_o they_o by_o the_o sword_n verse_n 7._o but_o if_o they_o shall_v despise_v his_o statute_n and_o abhor_v his_o judgement_n and_o break_v his_o covenant_n verse_n 15._o then_o he_o will_v set_v his_o face_n against_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v slay_v before_o their_o enemy_n and_o they_o that_o hate_v they_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o verse_n 17._o and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n long_v after_o speak_v to_o they_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n isa_n 1._o 19_o 20._o if_o you_o be_v willing_a and_o obedient_a you_o shall_v eat_v the_o good_a of_o the_o land_n but_o if_o you_o refuse_v and_o rebel_n you_o shall_v be_v devour_v by_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a method_n of_o god_n proceed_v with_o they_o and_o according_o we_o find_v it_o observe_v in_o abundance_n of_o instance_n i_o shall_v therefore_o make_v it_o my_o business_n at_o this_o time_n to_o apply_v this_o account_n be_v give_v of_o god_n method_n in_o deal_v with_o his_o people_n israel_n as_o may_v be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o present_a meeting_n to_o our_o own_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n by_o show_v first_o how_o just_o we_o may_v be_v charge_v as_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o text_n with_o have_v wrought_v great_a provocation_n second_o that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v that_o our_o great_a provocation_n may_v be_v punish_v by_o god_n as_o they_o be_v that_o he_o may_v therefore_o give_v we_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n three_o what_o a_o dreadful_a judgement_n this_o will_v be_v which_o our_o sin_n threaten_v we_o with_o four_o what_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v this_o punishment_n of_o our_o great_a provocation_n five_o what_o particular_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o discharge_v of_o that_o general_a duty_n which_o be_v so_o effectual_a a_o mean_n to_o prevent_v this_o punishment_n these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o very_o proper_a matter_n for_o our_o present_a meditation_n first_o i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o just_o we_o may_v be_v charge_v as_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o text_n with_o have_v wrought_v great_a provocation_n this_o will_v manifest_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a thing_n first_o to_o what_o a_o prodigious_a height_n all_o kind_n of_o iniquity_n be_v raise_v among_o we_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n have_v strange_o improve_v their_o interest_n in_o this_o age_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o the_o number_n and_o impudence_n of_o their_o proselyte_n and_o what_o david_n charge_v with_o folly_n but_o to_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n man_n be_v bold_a to_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o more_o discern_a wit_n and_o reason_n how_o insolent_o do_v many_o set_v their_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n dispute_v the_o be_v and_o expose_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o deride_v all_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o profane_a attempt_n daily_o make_v to_o propagate_v the_o most_o unchristian_a notion_n with_o that_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n with_o which_o we_o be_v require_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n with_o what_o loudness_n and_o affectation_n do_v man_n profane_v the_o awful_a name_n of_o god_n as_o if_o blasphemy_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o eloqence_n and_o oath_n and_o curse_n wit_n and_o rhetoric_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o great_a bravery_n than_o for_o man_n to_o defy_v god_n and_o contemn_v his_o judgement_n and_o to_o curse_v themselves_o into_o damnation_n how_o be_v the_o land_n overspread_v with_o luxury_n and_o intemperance_n and_o what_o number_n be_v there_o that_o regard_v nothing_o else_o even_o now_o that_o god_n so_o loud_o call_v for_o fast_v and_o mourn_v but_o to_o sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v chamber_v and_o wantonness_n be_v become_v a_o trade_n and_o call_v and_o all_o the_o art_n of_o solomon_n harlot_n prov._n 7._o have_v be_v daily_o practise_v in_o our_o street_n with_o the_o great_a cunning_a and_o impudence_n how_o many_o example_n do_v almost_o every_o day_n produce_v of_o such_o prodigious_a fraud_n as_o former_a age_n be_v stranger_n to_o how_o little_a of_o that_o sense_n of_o honour_n be_v leave_v in_o manage_v trade_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o give_v such_o great_a advantage_n to_o it_o man_n be_v now_o in_o so_o much_o haste_n to_o
be_v rich_a that_o the_o old_a and_o honest_a way_n of_o traffic_n be_v too_o slow_a for_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o covetous_a desire_n and_o they_o greedy_o run_v after_o the_o new_a invention_n of_o a_o corrupt_a and_o fraudulent_a age._n notwithstanding_o the_o public_a danger_n have_v threaten_v we_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o unite_v a_o people_n among_o themselves_o we_o have_v retain_v our_o old_a and_o engage_v in_o new_a quarrel_n and_o be_v still_o assault_v one_o another_o with_o unchristian_a censure_n and_o revile_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o hearty_o concern_v for_o victory_n in_o our_o little_a difference_n at_o home_n than_o in_o our_o war_n abroad_o for_o our_o common_a safety_n liberties_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v not_o all_o these_o very_a great_a provocation_n second_o these_o will_v appear_v still_o great_a provocation_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o engagement_n we_o be_v under_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o 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those_o his_o work_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v so_o common_o and_o so_o impudent_o practise_v by_o we_o and_o be_v therefore_o false_a and_o perjure_a wretch_n in_o every_o wilful_a sin_n we_o commit_v how_o great_a then_o be_v our_o provocation_n three_o our_o sin_n be_v very_o great_a provocation_n as_o they_o have_v be_v commit_v against_o the_o most_o prevail_a attempt_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o restrain_v and_o reclaim_v we_o from_o they_o this_o be_v particular_o mention_v as_o one_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o israel_n verse_n 20._o that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o his_o spirit_n to_o instruct_v they_o and_o verse_n 30._o that_o he_o testify_v against_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o prophet_n but_o we_o that_o be_v christian_n have_v clear_a revelation_n make_v both_o of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o than_o the_o jew_n have_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v teach_v and_o urge_v upon_o we_o with_o great_a plainness_n and_o affection_n by_o those_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n who_o have_v not_o spare_v to_o tell_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n to_o warn_v we_o of_o our_o danger_n and_o to_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n mention_n this_o as_o a_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o despise_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o compare_v it_o with_o despise_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o sin_n of_o christian_n 29._o heb._n â—0_n 29._o be_v commit_v against_o more_o prevail_a method_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o these_o method_n have_v be_v no_o where_o use_v with_o great_a strength_n and_o advantage_n than_o among_o we_o we_o have_v have_v more_o of_o his_o light_n more_o of_o his_o call_n and_o invitation_n more_o of_o his_o warning_n and_o reproof_n more_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a application_n than_o most_o if_o not_o than_o any_o other_o of_o the_o christian_a nation_n our_o sin_n therefore_o which_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o have_v multiply_v against_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o great_a provocation_n four_o our_o sin_n be_v great_a provocation_n as_o they_o have_v be_v commit_v against_o many_o and_o great_a mercy_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v particular_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o levite_n in_o this_o chapter_n in_o confess_v and_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o israel_n his_o choose_v they_o for_o his_o people_n his_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n his_o feed_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n his_o long_a forbearance_n and_o his_o many_o gracious_a deliverance_n of_o they_o and_o how_o like_a to_o these_o be_v the_o mercy_n we_o have_v sin_v against_o how_o early_o do_v god_n choose_v we_o to_o plant_v his_o gospel_n among_o we_o and_o take_v we_o into_o covenant_n with_o he_o how_o gracious_o do_v he_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o rome_n from_o a_o far_o worse_a bondage_n than_o that_o of_o egypt_n what_o a_o rich_a and_o plentiful_a land_n have_v he_o plant_v we_o in_o what_o a_o excellent_a form_n of_o government_n have_v he_o establish_v for_o we_o how_o constant_o have_v he_o be_v watch_v over_o we_o interpose_v for_o we_o and_o make_v bare_a his_o arm_n in_o our_o defence_n how_o many_o signal_n mercy_n and_o deliverance_n have_v be_v crowd_v into_o a_o few_o year_n past_a when_o our_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o fail_v for_o fear_n and_o for_o look_v for_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o how_o seasonable_o do_v god_n send_v we_o a_o deliverer_n and_o surprise_v we_o with_o the_o safety_n of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o and_o when_o our_o danger_n be_v great_a because_o our_o fear_n be_v less_o by_o what_o wonderful_a method_n of_o providence_n be_v the_o dark_a &_o bloody_a design_n of_o our_o enemy_n discover_v and_o disappoint_v and_o their_o expect_a triumph_n turn_v into_o everlasting_a infamy_n and_o reproach_n if_o we_o look_v abroad_o what_o nation_n be_v there_o that_o have_v have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o for_o all_o that_o we_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o yea_o for_o what_o we_o have_v neither_o ask_v nor_o think_v of_o and_o though_o we_o complain_v still_o as_o we_o have_v always_o do_v yet_o we_o shall_v hardly_o be_v willing_a to_o change_v condition_n with_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o we_o how_o great_a then_o be_v our_o provocation_n the_o abominable_a transgression_n which_o we_o have_v commit_v against_o our_o good_a and_o gracious_a god_n who_o have_v strive_v by_o all_o the_o method_n of_o love_n by_o the_o most_o valuable_a expression_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o return_v to_o he_o five_o our_o sin_n be_v great_a provocation_n as_o they_o have_v be_v commit_v against_o the_o discipline_n of_o god_n rod_n and_o those_o many_o judgement_n he_o have_v send_v to_o teach_v we_o righteousness_n this_o also_o be_v one_o of_o the_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n and_o they_o be_v often_o in_o other_o place_n upbraid_v with_o it_o for_o be_v smite_v in_o vain_a and_o receive_v no_o correction_n but_o still_o revolt_a more_o and_o more_o and_o how_o just_o be_v this_o charge_n against_o we_o also_o how_o impregnable_a have_v our_o lust_n be_v against_o all_o the_o battery_n of_o the_o divine_a displeasure_n how_o many_o fiery_a trial_n have_v we_o pass_v through_o without_o leave_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o dross_n behind_o we_o god_n have_v send_v the_o pestilence_n among_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o egypt_n he_o overthrow_v some_o of_o we_o as_o he_o overthrow_v sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n our_o young_a man_n he_o have_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n he_o have_v visit_v we_o with_o intestine_a and_o foreign_a war_n the_o person_n of_o our_o sovereign_n our_o great_a security_n upon_o earth_n and_o many_o thousand_o of_o our_o countryman_n be_v still_o expose_v to_o all_o the_o sharp_a and_o fiery_a instrument_n of_o death_n yet_o have_v we_o not_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n but_o in_o this_o our_o distress_n we_o rather_o sin_v yet_o more_o against_o he_o our_o lust_n have_v increase_v and_o multiply_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n the_o severe_a judgement_n he_o have_v punish_v they_o with_o thus_o also_o have_v we_o wrought_v great_a provocation_n six_o our_o sin_n be_v yet_o great_a provocation_n as_o they_o have_v be_v commit_v even_o whilst_o we_o have_v be_v make_v public_a profession_n of_o repentance_n for_o this_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o appoint_v and_o observe_v our_o monthly_a and_o yearly_a fast_n that_o we_o may_v confess_v and_o bewail_v our_o sin_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o with_o purpose_n of_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 58._o 3._o do_v thus_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n
it_o will_v be_v very_o seasonable_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v three_o what_o a_o dreadful_a judgement_n this_o will_v be_v which_o our_o sin_n threaten_v we_o with_o what_o a_o wretched_a condition_n shall_v we_o be_v in_o if_o god_n shall_v give_v we_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o enemy_n we_o be_v contend_v with_o who_o can_v express_v the_o violence_n and_o cruelty_n the_o rape_n and_o outrage_n the_o waste_v and_o barbarity_n the_o burn_n and_o bloodshed_n that_o have_v attend_v all_o his_o success_n how_o much_o do_v these_o thing_n transcend_v the_o most_o tragical_a description_n with_o what_o barbarous_a cruelty_n have_v he_o persecute_v his_o own_o most_o faithful_a subject_n only_o for_o profess_v the_o same_o religion_n with_o we_o what_o slavery_n and_o tyranny_n be_v those_o very_a person_n subject_v to_o that_o support_v his_o greatness_n and_o sight_n for_o he_o what_o a_o dreadful_a protector_n then_o of_o life_n and_o liberty_n of_o property_n and_o religion_n must_v he_o be_v especial_o for_o we_o who_o have_v so_o high_o provoke_v he_o and_o be_v the_o chief_a bar_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o success_n and_o victory_n methinks_v the_o thought_n of_o this_o terrible_a judgement_n our_o sin_n so_o loud_o threaten_v we_o with_o shall_v make_v our_o heart_n tremble_v and_o our_o knee_n smite_v one_o against_o another_o but_o be_v there_o no_o hope_n in_o israel_n concern_v this_o thing_n be_v there_o no_o remedy_n or_o escape_v god_n forbid_v that_o our_o case_n shall_v be_v thus_o desperate_a we_o can_v tell_v but_o god_n may_v yet_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o turn_v and_o repent_v and_o to_o leave_v a_o blessing_n behind_o he_o i_o shall_v therefore_o show_v four_o what_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v that_o dreadful_a punishment_n our_o great_a provocation_n threaten_v we_o with_o it_o be_v in_o one_o word_n repentance_n a_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n for_o all_o our_o great_a provocation_n and_o a_o sincere_a amendment_n of_o our_o life_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v this_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n may_v yet_o turn_v away_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o prevail_v for_o we_o against_o our_o enemy_n for_o first_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n god_n have_v always_o prescribe_v for_o the_o rescue_v his_o people_n out_o of_o their_o enemy_n hand_n when_o at_o any_o time_n he_o threaten_v his_o people_n for_o their_o great_a provocation_n to_o give_v they_o over_o to_o the_o sword_n he_o still_o invite_v they_o to_o repent_v as_o a_o certain_a mean_n to_o escape_v it_o the_o prophet_n joel_n describe_v the_o enemy_n of_o judah_n in_o a_o very_a lofty_a and_o terrible_a manner_n chap._n 2._o a_o great_a people_n and_o a_o strong_a there_o have_v not_o be_v ever_o the_o like_a neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o more_o after_o it_o a_o fire_n devour_v before_o they_o and_o behind_o they_o a_o fire_n burn_v nevertheless_o he_o tell_v they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o turn_v and_o repent_v god_n will_v remove_v this_o great_a army_n from_o they_o verse_n 20._o and_o drive_v they_o into_o a_o land_n barren_a and_o desolate_a and_o for_o our_o far_a encouragement_n let_v we_o consider_v second_o the_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o his_o people_n be_v general_o follow_v with_o most_o remarkable_a victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n the_o reformation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o asa_n be_v follow_v with_o a_o victory_n over_o a_o thousand_o thousand_o ethiopian_n and_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jehosaphat_n with_o so_o signal_n a_o victory_n over_o the_o child_n of_o moab_n and_o ammon_n that_o we_o read_v 2_o chron._n 20._o 29._o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v on_o all_o those_o country_n when_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o lord_n fight_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n with_o a_o wonderful_a defeat_n of_o the_o victorious_a and_o insult_a army_n of_o sennacherib_n these_o thing_n happen_v unto_o they_o for_o example_n and_o be_v write_v for_o our_o encouragement_n and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o be_v persuade_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o may_v yet_o reap_v the_o like_a happy_a fruit_n of_o a_o great_a reformation_n for_o three_o when_o those_o that_o be_v god_n people_n by_o profession_n and_o covenant_n repent_v and_o turn_v to_o he_o than_o those_o end_n and_o reason_n cease_v for_o which_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o give_v they_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n then_o god_n may_v defend_v and_o fight_v for_o they_o without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o providence_n nay_o than_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o be_v more_o full_o manifest_v when_o he_o show_v himself_o strong_a on_o the_o behalf_n of_o they_o that_o be_v upright_o towards_o he_o when_o the_o righteous_a wash_v their_o foot_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o enemy_n then_o say_v david_n psal_n 58._o 10_o 11._o man_n will_v say_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o land_n have_v learned_a righteousness_n the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n judgement_n be_v accomplish_v then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o give_v they_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n that_o they_o may_v return_v and_o seek_v god_n or_o be_v a_o warn_v and_o example_n to_o other_o that_o afterward_o shall_v live_v ungodly_a and_o four_o as_o it_o do_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o and_o answer_v the_o end_v of_o his_o wisdom_n so_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o his_o inclination_n to_o defend_v and_o protect_v a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n purify_v to_o himself_o and_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n he_o delight_v in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o good_a man_n and_o rejoice_v over_o they_o to_o do_v they_o good_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o please_v or_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n than_o to_o exercise_v love_v kindness_n and_o mercy_n how_o forward_o then_o must_v he_o be_v to_o exercise_v these_o upon_o a_o church_n and_o nation_n reform_v in_o faith_n and_o practice_n if_o but_o a_o single_a righteous_a man_n cry_v the_o lord_n be_v ready_a to_o hear_v and_o deliver_v he_o how_o ready_a then_o will_v he_o be_v to_o hear_v succour_n and_o defend_v a_o righteous_a society_n of_o man_n such_o a_o opportunity_n of_o subdue_a the_o enemy_n of_o a_o reform_a people_n he_o seem_v to_o lament_v the_o loss_n of_o psal_n 81._o 13_o 14._o o_o that_o my_o people_n have_v hearken_v unto_o i_o and_o israel_n have_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n i_o shall_v soon_o have_v subdue_v their_o enemy_n and_o turn_v my_o hand_n against_o their_o adversary_n five_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o god_n be_v thus_o gracious_o incline_v to_o our_o nation_n in_o particular_a to_o give_v we_o yet_o most_o happy_a success_n against_o our_o enemy_n if_o we_o will_v but_o yet_o repent_v from_o his_o favourable_a deal_v with_o we_o notwithstanding_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o great_a provocation_n he_o have_v often_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o we_o but_o present_o take_v it_o in_o again_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o give_v the_o fatal_a blow_n he_o have_v suffer_v we_o to_o be_v encompass_v with_o almost_o unavoidable_a danger_n but_o still_o at_o length_n his_o arm_n have_v wrought_v salvation_n for_o we_o he_o have_v save_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n when_o they_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o triumph_v in_o their_o almost_o accomplish_a design_n against_o we_o as_o if_o he_o be_v thus_o affectionate_o contest_v with_o himself_o concern_v we_o as_o we_o read_v he_o once_o be_v concern_v ephraim_n hos_n 11._o 8._o how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o england_n how_o shall_v i_o deliver_v thou_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o thy_o enemy_n my_o heart_n be_v turn_v within_o i_o my_o repenting_n within_o i_o be_v kindle_v what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o we_o but_o his_o great_a desire_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o rather_o come_v to_o repentance_n if_o now_o we_o serious_o consider_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o imminent_a danger_n we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o into_o by_o our_o great_a provocation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o comfortable_a hope_n we_o may_v yet_o entertain_v of_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n of_o success_n and_o victory_n if_o we_o do_v but_o repent_v and_o amend_v our_o do_n methinks_v we_o shall_v be_v all_o ready_a to_o do_v the_o utmost_a we_o can_v for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o that_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a and_o prevail_a a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o great_a calamity_n and_o