the_o dust_n let_v then_o hence_o the_o sentence_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n be_v all_o the_o friend_n of_o zion_n shall_v be_v much_o and_o active_a in_o pious_a and_o precious_a endeavour_n when_o her_o cause_n be_v in_o agitation_n the_o scripture_n do_v learn_v we_o this_o truth_n by_o a_o memorable_a passage_n exod._n 17._o when_o the_o brood_n of_o profane_a esau_n strive_v with_o jacob_n seed_n joshua_n be_v a_o man_n of_o war_n must_v choose_v out_o fit_a man_n for_o battle_n moses_n aaron_n and_o hâ—â—_z be_v no_o swordman_n they_o must_v to_o the_o mount_n where_o moses_n hand_n must_v be_v hold_v up_o all_o the_o while_n and_o when_o they_o be_v let_v down_o amalek_n prevail_v but_o when_o they_o be_v hold_v up_o israel_n prevail_v this_o my_o brethren_n signify_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v act_v even_o to_o intention_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o his_o activity_n when_o zion_n business_n be_v in_o hand_n or_o otherwise_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o be_v zebulun_n and_o napthali_n commend_v for_o jeopard_v their_o life_n in_o such_o a_o case_n iudg._n 5.18_o mordecai_n can_v tell_v est_fw-la 〈◊〉_d if_o thou_o hold_v thy_o peace_n at_o this_o time_n thou_o and_o thy_o father_n house_n shall_v be_v destroy_v est_fw-la 4.14_o i_o may_v now_o produce_v the_o vow_n of_o david_n psal_n 132._o the_o zeal_n of_o uriah_n 2_o sam._n 11.11_o daniel_n devotion_n dan._n 9.18_o speak_v of_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n incessant_a endeavour_n and_o the_o people_n building_n the_o wall_n with_o sword_n in_o their_o hand_n all_o witness_v this_o truth_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n but_o see_v we_o two_o special_a injunction_n require_v this_o when_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v carry_v well_o on_o towards_o the_o point_n of_o establishment_n in_o the_o day_n of_o david_n then_o be_v all_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o church_n call_v upon_o to_o be_v active_a psal._n 122.6_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n likewise_o foresee_v by_o faith_n the_o deliverande_n of_o the_o church_n and_o flourish_a condition_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n ready_a to_o ensue_v do_v not_o only_o testify_v for_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hold_v his_o peace_n for_o zion_n sake_n but_o also_o call_v upon_o other_o yea_o all_o that_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o lord_n let_v he_o have_v no_o rest_n until_o he_o have_v make_v jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n esa._n 62.6_o 7._o the_o first_o argument_n to_o illustrate_v this_o doctrine_n be_v from_o the_o high_a and_o precious_a nature_n of_o zion_n cause_n it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v that_o as_o all_o intelligent_a agent_n act_v for_o some_o end_n so_o they_o act_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v employ_v about_o this_o call_v for_o more_o or_o less_o carefulness_n and_o regard_n more_o or_o less_o activity_n and_o intention_n as_o the_o matter_n under_o hand_n be_v more_o or_o less_o of_o value_n will_v not_o the_o refiner_n be_v ten_o time_n so_o circumspect_a and_o industrious_a when_o his_o gold_n be_v in_o the_o furnace_n as_o when_o lead_n be_v on_o the_o fire_n how_o curious_a and_o wary_a be_v he_o that_o be_v to_o cut_v rich_a jewel_n and_o pearl_n now_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n more_o precious_a or_o of_o such_o importance_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v for_o pure_a religion_n and_o unstained_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n i_o think_v in_o these_o be_v the_o very_a quintessence_n of_o all_o excellency_n and_o substantial_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o church_n her_o good_a that_o man_n may_v know_v and_o serve_v god_n aright_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o creation_n yea_o more_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n christ_n die_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o church_n note_v then_o how_o transcendent_a and_o incomparable_a excellent_a and_o precious_a be_v that_o to_o which_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o creation_n and_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n be_v subordinate_a great_a reason_n then_o be_v it_o that_o all_o who_o will_v be_v think_v the_o friend_n of_o zion_n shall_v be_v very_o active_a when_o her_o cause_n be_v in_o agitation_n thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o multitude_n which_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o business_n when_o there_o be_v but_o one_o peter_n in_o prison_n how_o incessant_a be_v the_o church_n on_o his_o behalf_n if_o a_o number_n of_o god_n dear_a one_o have_v their_o cause_n transact_v it_o behoove_v all_o well_o willer_n which_o know_v it_o to_o be_v help_v in_o it_o if_o they_o can_v how_o desirable_a be_v it_o to_o do_v good_a to_o a_o city_n or_o a_o nation_n what_o have_v not_o mere_a moral_a man_n do_v and_o undertake_v for_o their_o country_n upon_o this_o only_a ground_n that_o the_o business_n concern_v the_o whole_a nation_n now_o the_o church_n cause_n concern_v not_o a_o nation_n only_o but_o nation_n her_o cause_n be_v like_o herself_o catholic_a have_v not_o the_o whole_a body_n benefit_n by_o the_o free_a doom_n and_o happiness_n which_o come_v to_o any_o part_n yea_o posterity_n and_o age_n to_o come_v be_v sharer_n in_o zion_n deliverance_n have_v not_o we_o be_v much_o the_o better_a for_o deliverance_n and_o reformation_n vouchsafe_v in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n edward_n and_o queen_n elizabeth_n thus_o many_o and_o many_o be_v party_n concern_v yea_o more_o god_n himself_o his_o bless_a son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v interest_v in_o it_o or_o much_o honour_v or_o dishonour_v by_o it_o if_o any_o will_v object_v that_o if_o it_o be_v god_n business_n he_o will_v look_v to_o it_o himself_o and_o we_o need_v not_o then_o be_v so_o careful_a not_o active_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v commit_v his_o cause_n in_o part_n to_o his_o people_n to_o manage_v for_o he_o be_v that_o lord_n that_o put_v forth_o his_o vineyard_n to_o husband_n man_n and_o so_o he_o put_v his_o cause_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o zion_n friend_n to_o solicit_v and_o prosecute_v it_o and_o therefore_o in_o shall_v not_o take_v off_o but_o quicken_v their_o activity_n since_o god_n and_o man_n nation_n and_o people_n present_a and_o after_o age_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o in_o such_o a_o time_n there_o be_v much_o work_n to_o be_v do_v many_o grievous_a sin_n to_o be_v raze_v out_o of_o the_o register_n against_o we_o there_o be_v many_o personal_a iniquity_n many_o national_a offence_n the_o sin_n of_o our_o father_n to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o remembrance_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o casie_a thing_n to_o blow_v our_o transgression_n and_o cancel_v the_o hand-writing_n which_o be_v against_o ourselves_o and_o the_o land_n love_v indeed_o be_v say_v to_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o must_v be_v much_o expression_n of_o great_a zeal_n and_o love_n which_o will_v do_v this_o work_n second_o to_o this_o the_o just_o provoke_v ire_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v to_o be_v pacify_v that_o be_v full_a displeasure_n fall_v not_o upon_o we_o his_o countenance_n his_o joyful_a countenance_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v many_o mercy_n many_o kind_n of_o great_a mercy_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v man_n be_v in_o such_o time_n to_o make_v the_o lord_n amends_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o holy_a reverence_n for_o former_a fail_n and_o neglect_n and_o to_o all_o this_o consider_v that_o zion_n friend_n expect_v that_o god_n in_o such_o time_n shall_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o they_o make_v bare_a his_o arm_n appear_v in_o the_o mount_n avenge_v his_o elect_a make_v jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n shall_v not_o they_o then_o be_v active_a when_o so_o much_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o expect_v the_o last_o reason_n of_o this_o because_o zion_n adversary_n be_v much_o and_o active_a in_o pestilent_a attempt_n to_o hinder_v her_o good_a and_o work_v her_o ruin_n remember_v how_o stir_a balaam_n be_v to_o curse_v israel_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n consider_v likewise_o how_o gebal_n ammon_n and_o amalek_n with_o the_o rest_n do_v conspire_v combine_v complot_n and_o consult_v to_o cut_v off_o god_n people_n from_o be_v any_o more_o a_o nation_n and_o to_o put_v the_o name_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o remembrance_n as_o thus_o it_o ever_o be_v so_o it_o ever_o will_v be_v with_o the_o profane_a of_o the_o world_n the_o serpent_n seed_n be_v it_o not_o reason_n then_o that_o the_o woman_n seed_n shall_v be_v active_a in_o their_o zeal_n otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o permit_v the_o instrument_n of_o his_o cause_n to_o fail_v in_o regard_n they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v outdo_v and_o out_o act_v by_o the_o devil_n instrument_n this_o doctrine_n thus_o clear_v do_v in_o the_o reflex_n of_o
carry_v away_o the_o honour_n of_o bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o canaan_n have_v not_o the_o news_n of_o the_o spy_n render_v the_o work_n difficult_a and_o dangerous_a improbable_a and_o impossible_a the_o lord_n in_o his_o secret_a wisdom_n see_v only_a caleb_n and_o joshua_n fit_a to_o carry_v away_o that_o same_o and_o therefore_o suffer_v the_o business_n to_o appear_v so_o unlikely_a and_o hazardous_a for_o the_o discovery_n of_o unsincere_a israelite_n and_o prevent_v they_o of_o undue_a honour_n now_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o providence_n continue_v still_o the_o lord_n therefore_o do_v usual_o observe_v the_o same_o way_n of_o proceed_n the_o turn_n of_o zion_n captivity_n must_v then_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o unlikely_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o unsound_a man_n may_v be_v discover_v to_o their_o shame_n the_o reflex_n of_o this_o truth_n upon_o ourselves_o do_v blame_v the_o harbour_n of_o evil_a surmise_n the_o entertainment_n of_o hard_a thought_n the_o despise_n of_o the_o proceed_n and_o despair_v of_o success_n in_o the_o business_n of_o reformation_n and_o establishment_n of_o our_o church_n now_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o agitation_n the_o enormity_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v secret_a but_o sore_a evil_n under_o the_o sun_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v do_v we_o good_a he_o have_v raise_v instrument_n and_o be_v act_v his_o great_a work_n why_o shall_v man_n think_v evil_a in_o their_o heart_n or_o entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o his_o instrument_n give_v out_o evil_a omen_n or_o vent_n despair_v speech_n suppose_v the_o proceed_n go_v not_o on_o smooth_o or_o so_o prosperous_o as_o man_n expect_v out_o meet_v with_o many_o rub_n be_v often_o at_o a_o loss_n admit_v there_o be_v crookedness_n and_o stumble_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o affair_n shall_v we_o present_o surmise_v that_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n intend_v we_o peace_n and_o deliverance_n shall_v we_o say_v with_o the_o grumble_a israelite_n it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o to_o serve_v the_o egyptian_n and_o will_v we_o have_v die_v in_o egypt_n when_o we_o do_v eat_v to_o the_o full_a think_v my_o brethren_n what_o a_o heinous_a sin_n that_o be_v in_o they_o how_o extreme_o do_v it_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o anger_n search_v the_o scripture_n through_o if_o ever_o you_o can_v find_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n speak_v with_o more_o indignation_n against_o any_o offence_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v by_o his_o people_n yet_o this_o sin_n i_o suppose_v be_v commit_v abundant_o by_o many_o in_o these_o time_n and_o that_o without_o fear_n and_o without_o feeling_n because_o man_n want_v that_o peace_n and_o security_n that_o ease_n and_o plenty_n because_o they_o meet_v with_o charge_n and_o trouble_v more_o than_o former_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o think_v evil_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o oh_o the_o hard_a thought_n which_o they_o surmise_v of_o the_o work_n and_o instrument_n of_o reformation_n many_o whet_v their_o tongue_n make_v ready_a their_o bow_n and_o shoot_v out_o their_o arrow_n even_o bitter_a word_n see_v the_o war_n continue_v the_o work_n be_v slow_v little_o do_v as_o they_o say_v man_n expectation_n frustrate_v thing_n fall_v out_o cross_a no_o likelihood_n of_o a_o speedy_a end_n nor_o any_o certainty_n what_o will_v come_v of_o it_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n take_v liberty_n to_o despise_v all_o that_o bither_o to_o have_v be_v act_v as_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o psalm_n who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a what_o have_v the_o parliament_n what_o have_v the_o army_n what_o have_v the_o assembly_n do_v vild_a and_o ungrateful_a queres_fw-la be_v these_o i_o may_v say_v of_o such_o person_n as_o once_o moses_n in_o like_o case_n they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o their_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o god_n child_n they_o be_v a_o perverse_a and_o crooked_a generation_n do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n oh_o you_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a have_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n more_o visible_o appear_v for_o his_o little_a flock_n than_o ever_o heretofore_o fore_n in_o this_o land_n have_v he_o stop_v the_o overflow_n and_o break_n in_o of_o popery_n and_o tyranny_n have_v he_o with_o his_o own_o bless_a hand_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o glorious_a reformation_n have_v he_o find_v out_o fit_a instrument_n when_o we_o the_o poor_a silence_a minister_n as_o elijah_n of_o old_a think_v there_o be_v none_o leave_v which_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n have_v these_o instrument_n with_o singular_a freeness_n of_o mind_n set_v upon_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o kingdom_n have_v they_o now_o for_o divers_a year_n spend_v their_o own_o mean_n their_o time_n more_o precious_a than_o their_o mean_n their_o health_n their_o strength_n their_o life_n they_o have_v waste_v tie_v themselves_o to_o tedious_a attendance_n day_n and_o night_n they_o have_v labour_v and_o strive_v continual_o with_o almost_o insuperable_a difficulty_n and_o heavy_a load_n of_o insupportable_a inconvenience_n deprive_v they_o have_v be_v of_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o proper_a habitation_n and_o cloister_v as_o it_o be_v in_o hire_a chamber_n or_o borrow_a room_n wife_n child_n friend_n and_o gainful_a employment_n have_v many_o of_o they_o leave_v and_o surrender_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o public_a by_o god_n blessing_n also_o they_o have_v wrought_v happy_a beginning_n and_o make_v a_o hopeful_a progress_n much_o conduce_v to_o the_o common_a benefit_n and_o public_a good_a who_o can_v tell_v the_o glean_n or_o number_v the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o have_v redound_v to_o god_n in_o his_o church_n and_o the_o good_a which_o have_v and_o be_v like_o to_o accrue_v to_o this_o kingdom_n by_o their_o endeavour_n it_o be_v too_o long_o but_o to_o recapitulate_v the_o happy_a freedom_n and_o the_o positive_a advantage_n which_o they_o have_v wrought_v for_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n as_o for_o the_o army_n i_o may_v just_o say_v they_o have_v be_v general_o faithful_a and_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o as_o that_o few_o story_n yield_v like_o precedent_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n in_o so_o plentiful_a a_o country_n for_o the_o assembly_n their_o labour_n travel_n watch_n their_o zeal_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o consider_v man_n but_o alas_o nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a then_o to_o detract_v from_o public_a performance_n no_o doctrine_n be_v soon_o believe_v then_o that_o which_o acquaint_v the_o people_n public_a affair_n be_v not_o so_o well_o order_v as_o they_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v who_o be_v ignorant_a how_o much_o a_o few_o fair_a speech_n of_o oil-mouthed_a absalon_n to_o that_o effect_n prevail_v against_o david_n and_o his_o worthy_n but_o shall_v the_o people_n of_o england_n thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o instrument_n of_o reformation_n or_o be_v it_o a_o small_a matter_n thus_o to_o cast_v soul_n of_o unthankfulness_n as_o it_o be_v into_o the_o face_n of_o god_n whilst_o he_o be_v turn_v to_o we_o in_o love_n consider_v my_o brethren_n have_v the_o fair_a morning_n of_o our_o hope_n be_v cloud_v have_v our_o enemy_n prevail_v to_o put_v a_o long_a day_n to_o our_o trouble_n do_v the_o business_n yet_o go_v on_o slow_o and_o untoward_o sure_o we_o may_v thank_v our_o own_o grumble_n our_o think_v evil_a in_o our_o heart_n our_o rash_a ungrateful_a censure_v our_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n our_o despair_a thought_n word_n action_n all_o just_o meet_v with_o and_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o hand_n from_o hence_o be_v minister_v shame_n and_o rebuke_v to_o all_o such_o as_o obstruct_v the_o work_n hinder_v and_o make_v more_o difficult_a the_o progress_n of_o zion_n delivery_n it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n to_o add_v to_o the_o heavy_a burden_n or_o a_o hard_a task_n in_o such_o case_n how_o bitter_o and_o just_o will_v the_o oppress_a coplain_n much_o more_o heinous_a be_v it_o to_o add_v to_o the_o affliction_n of_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o church_n to_o make_v zion_n sow_v in_o tear_n one_o year_n one_o month_n one_o day_n long_o for_o we_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o no_o christian_n will_v have_v his_o soul_n guilty_a of_o who_o right_o ponder_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o heavy_a consequence_n of_o this_o sin_n yet_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v many_o sanballat_n and_o tobiah_n among_o we_o very_o guilty_a of_o this_o horrible_a crime_n as_o first_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o bias_n their_o endeavour_n with_o self-design_n and_o prosecute_v god_n and_o the_o kingdom_n cause_v earnest_o so_o far_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o their_o
the_o difficulty_n of_o zion_n deliverance_n and_o reformation_n togeâ—â—er_fw-la with_o the_o activity_n which_o her_o friend_n 〈…〉_z during_o the_o time_n that_o 〈…〉_z deliver_v in_o a_o sermon_n at_o margaret_n westminster_n before_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o 〈◊〉_d wednesday_n morning_n the_o twenty_o six_o day_n of_o june_n 1644._o by_o humphrey_n hardwick_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o county_n of_o heâ—â—ford_n and_o one_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n london_n print_v by_o i._n l._n for_o christopher_n meredith_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o crane_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1644._o die_fw-la mercurii_fw-la 26_o iunii_fw-la 1644._o it_o be_v this_o day_n order_v by_o the_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n that_o master_n rout_n master_n 〈…〉_z master_n nicols_n do_v from_o this_o house_n give_v thanks_o unto_o master_n hardwick_n and_o master_n hicks_n for_o the_o great_a pain_n they_o take_v 〈◊〉_d the_o sermâ—â—â—_n the_o 〈…〉_z ched_fw-mi this_o day_n at_o the_o 〈…〉_z this_o 〈…〉_z at_o st._n margaret_n westminster_n it_o be_v the_o day_n of_o public_a 〈…〉_z and_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—sire_v they_o to_o print_v 〈◊〉_d sermon_n and_o it_o be_v order_v that_o none_o shall_v presume_v to_o print_v their_o sermon_n but_o who_o they_o shall_v licence_v under_o their_o hand_n write_v h._n elsyng_n cler._n parl._n â—_z câ—â—_n i_o appoint_v christopher_n meridith_n to_o print_v my_o sermon_n humphrhy_a hardwick_n to_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o assemble_v in_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n i_o can_v not_o have_v such_o high_a thought_n of_o my_o shallow_a â—â—cogitations_n as_o to_o deem_v they_o worthy_a to_o be_v produce_v before_o such_o a_o auditory_a or_o present_v to_o the_o public_a view_n have_v not_o therefore_o consciousness_n of_o duty_n constrain_v i_o have_v become_v a_o earnest_a suitor_n to_o have_v be_v excuse_v but_o of_o actual_a obedience_n i_o have_v many_o of_o excuse-pleading_a i_o find_v no_o precedent_n your_o injunction_n then_o make_v i_o to_o aspire_v to_o the_o work_n which_o now_o humble_a crave_v your_o patronage_n and_o whither_o shall_v the_o labour_n of_o this_o kind_n run_v but_o to_o that_o honourable_a society_n which_o under_o heaven_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o these_o gracious_a opportunity_n if_o willing_a no_o man_n i_o suppose_v have_v more_o cause_n to_o be_v large_a in_o apology_n than_o i_o have_v long_o since_o have_v my_o poor_a library_n total_o plunder_v and_o myself_o not_o able_a usque_fw-la hunc_fw-la diem_fw-la to_o buy_v one_o book_n of_o considerable_a value_n beside_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o war_n until_o the_o last_o month_n inter_fw-la armaubi_fw-la silent_fw-la literae_fw-la versatus_fw-la but_o these_o thing_n i_o account_v part_n of_o my_o chief_a happiness_n on_o earth_n to_o have_v suffer_v much_o and_o do_v a_o little_a good_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o service_n of_o the_o state_n only_o i_o desire_v that_o â—â—nce_n it_o may_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o i_o tender_v a_o plain_a unpolished_a sermon_n quite_o naked_a in_o its_o margin_n and_o in_o which_o nothing_o be_v cite_v but_o the_o holy_a text_n nor_o any_o author_n ecclesiastical_a or_o moral_a hear_v speak_v seldom_o if_o ever_o have_v there_o be_v offer_v to_o your_o hand_n such_o a_o rude_a piece_n of_o all_o homespun_a thought_n nevertheless_o they_o breathe_v the_o force_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n i_o trust_v shall_v find_v acceptance_n with_o your_o 〈…〉_z and_o be_v stamp_v on_o with_o your_o approbation_n they_o 〈◊〉_d abroad_o in_o the_o world_n currant_n with_o all_o not_o malignant_a or_o censorious_a to_o encourage_v the_o progress_n of_o your_o abundant_a virtue_n i_o need_v say_v nothing_o in_o my_o epistle_n since_o i_o speak_v much_o 〈◊〉_d that_o purpose_n in_o the_o pulpit_n the_o small_a hint_n be_v sufficient_a to_o provoke_v such_o zeal_n and_o willingness_n as_o ever_o reside_v in_o your_o breast_n go_v on_o therefore_o in_o pious_a and_o honourable_a undertaking_n the_o heart_n the_o tongue_n the_o peâ—â—â—_z of_o all_o good_a meâ—_n bless_v you_o how_o can_v it_o then_o be_v but_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n who_o have_v set_v you_o apart_o as_o choose_v instrument_n also_o 〈◊〉_d so_o universal_a good_a to_o his_o church_n shall_v in_o due_a time_n crown_v our_o endeavour_n with_o success_n and_o infinite_o recompente_v your_o labour_n in_o a_o better_a world_n so_o pray_v you_o to_o be_v command_v in_o all_o true_a observance_n and_o duty_n hum_n hardwick_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o late_a fast_n before_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o june_n 26._o 1644._o psal._n 126.5_o 6._o they_o that_o sow_v in_o tear_n shall_v reap_v in_o joy_n he_o that_o go_v forth_o and_o weep_v bear_v precious_a seed_n shall_v come_v again_o with_o rejoice_v bring_v his_o sheaf_n with_o he_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o psalm_n we_o may_v deem_v these_o word_n a_o strange_a conclusion_n joy_n and_o sorrow_n seldom_o make_v one_o tune_n how_o be_v it_o then_o that_o such_o high_a expression_n of_o joyfulness_n lofty_a strain_n of_o exultation_n shall_v end_v with_o item_n of_o tear_n and_o weep_a be_v zion_n captivity_n turn_v be_v their_o mouth_n fill_v with_o laughter_n and_o their_o tongue_n with_o sing_v do_v the_o heathensay_n among_o themselves_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o they_o and_o they_o reply_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o we_o whereof_o we_o be_v glad_a can_v the_o same_o matter_n be_v the_o object_n of_o former_a praise_n and_o future_a supplication_n may_v they_o bless_v god_n for_o turn_v their_o captivity_n and_o seek_v again_o the_o same_o mercy_n can_v their_o heart_n break_v into_o joy_n and_o burst_v into_o tear_n whilst_o they_o meditate_v the_o same_o thing_n this_o ambiguity_n be_v quick_o clear_v for_o we_o know_v that_o ever_o since_o adam_n unhappy_a fall_n all_o human_a occurrence_n be_v subject_a to_o mixture_n and_o composition_n there_o be_v no_o pure_a joy_n to_o be_v find_v under_o heaven_n the_o great_a rejoice_n have_v sorrow_n blend_v with_o they_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n then_o to_o meet_v with_o a_o vicissitude_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o one_o psalm_n and_o true_a it_o be_v that_o zion_n joy_n be_v interweave_v with_o fear_n and_o grief_n their_o captivity_n be_v indeed_o turn_v in_o the_o grant_n of_o liberty_n or_o licence_n to_o depart_v by_o cyrus_n there_o be_v also_o some_o fair_a beginning_n in_o the_o departure_n of_o many_o and_o the_o forwardliness_n and_o activity_n of_o some_o already_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n yea_o they_o behold_v a_o full_a deliverance_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n now_o all_o this_o happen_v sudden_o and_o unexpected_o whilst_o the_o hebrew_n be_v by_o the_o water_n of_o babylon_n cause_v they_o in_o a_o holy_a ravishment_n to_o break_v forth_o and_o say_v when_o the_o lord_n turn_v again_o the_o captivity_n of_o zion_n we_o be_v like_o unto_o they_o that_o dream_n but_o alas_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o with_o all_o many_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o zion_n be_v willing_a to_o continue_v in_o bondage_n quite_o senseless_a of_o their_o own_o evil_a condition_n now_o to_o see_v this_o stupidness_n of_o their_o father_n child_n and_o behold_v they_o freeze_v in_o a_o uncharitable_a carelessness_n of_o their_o own_o or_o zion_n welfare_n be_v no_o small_a sorrow_n to_o the_o depart_a israelite_n those_o also_o that_o be_v loose_v from_o babylon_n be_v not_o free_a from_o trouble_n their_o way_n be_v hedge_v with_o thorn_n beset_v with_o difficulty_n few_o friend_n they_o have_v but_o many_o enemy_n very_o malicious_a very_o mad_a against_o they_o and_o they_o not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o equal_v their_o number_n match_v their_o power_n or_o vie_v their_o policy_n beside_o all_o this_o the_o work_n they_o be_v to_o undertake_v seem_v insuperable_a beyond_o their_o strength_n above_o their_o hope_n the_o very_a journey_n consider_v with_o the_o probable_a encumbrance_n and_o opposition_n may_v sufficient_o dishearten_v but_o the_o business_n to_o be_v perform_v appear_v infinite_a to_o build_v again_o the_o city_n to_o re-edify_v the_o temple_n to_o repair_v the_o wall_n to_o settle_v the_o nation_n to_o distinguish_v the_o tribe_n to_o establish_v the_o throne_n to_o reform_v the_o priesthood_n to_o restore_v discipline_n and_o law_n to_o constitute_v right_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v mention_v be_v employment_n of_o unspeakable_a hardship_n the_o poor_a remnant_n daughter_n of_o zion_n but_o new_o free_v from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o proud_a insult_a chaldee_n be_v to_o undertake_v this_o task_n contra_fw-la gentes_fw-la have_v need_n to_o repair_v to_o their_o god_n say_v turn_v our_o captivity_n oh_o lord_n nor_o be_v it_o marvel_v that_o the_o holy_a prophet_n see_v all_o these_o
grow_v to_o the_o height_n and_o make_v the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n a_o reproach_n anger_n kindle_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o he_o will_v avenge_v himself_o on_o they_o and_o on_o the_o nation_n the_o rather_o for_o their_o fake_n this_o you_o know_v he_o do_v in_o so_o sharp_a so_o terrible_a a_o manner_n as_o may_v cause_v the_o ear_n of_o he_o that_o hear_v to_o tingle_v israel_n be_v discomfire_v before_o the_o philistine_n the_o ark_n of_o god_n be_v take_v the_o news_n strike_v old_a eli_n dead_a bring_v his_o poor_a daughter_n in_o law_n good_a woman_n to_o untimely_a travail_n and_o her_o apprehension_n of_o the_o glory_n depart_v from_o israel_n break_v her_o heart_n lo_o now_o be_v those_o people_n fall_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o misery_n as_o they_o be_v sink_v into_o degree_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o a_o work_n be_v it_o to_o restore_v and_o reform_v their_o lapse_a condition_n albeit_o the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v pious_a in_o stead_n of_o profane_a priest_n sacrifice_n to_o be_v right_o order_v and_o justice_n to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o land_n yet_o for_o a_o â—â—ng_n while_o both_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n continue_v in_o the_o land_n trouble_n and_o calamity_n in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v well_o step_v into_o david_n reign_n before_o the_o ark_n be_v or_o can_v be_v settle_v in_o its_o own_o place_n another_o instance_n we_o have_v in_o the_o second_o of_o chronicle_n after_o solomon_n in_o and_o before_o asa_n time_n the_o people_n be_v fall_v to_o many_o superstition_n and_o much_o corruption_n do_v abound_v in_o church_n and_o state_n they_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n without_o a_o teach_a priest_n and_o without_o the_o law_n and_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o he_o that_o go_v out_o or_o to_o he_o that_o come_v in_o but_o the_o lord_n do_v vex_v they_o with_o all_o adversity_n 2_o chron._n 15.3_o now_o when_o we_o read_v and_o ponder_v the_o story_n we_o find_v what_o a_o work_n it_o be_v to_o reform_v that_o state_n a_o prophet_n be_v extraordinary_o raise_v and_o wonderful_o endow_v to_o call_v the_o people_n to_o reformation_n further_o they_o make_v a_o covenant_n and_o oblige_v all_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n to_o take_v the_o covenant_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o the_o work_n stick_v and_o go_v not_o on_o till_o maacah_n the_o king_n mother_n be_v put_v down_o from_o be_v queen_n because_o she_o have_v make_v a_o idol_n in_o a_o grove_n vers._n 16._o i_o may_v show_v you_o likewise_o how_o much_o ado_n jehoshaphat_n have_v to_o amend_v the_o error_n which_o creep_v into_o judah_n by_o his_o neglect_n and_o connivance_n while_o he_o associate_v himself_o with_o ahab_n but_o you_o may_v read_v it_o at_o leisure_n 2_o chron._n 19_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n do_v also_o hold_v forth_o lively_o clear_a example_n set_v out_o more_o full_o the_o hardship_n of_o this_o work_n and_o as_o testimony_n and_o example_n so_o metaphor_n in_o holy_a writ_n may_v illustrate_v this_o truth_n the_o lord_n in_o isaiah_n call_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o people_n captivity_n the_o reformation_n of_o their_o lapse_a state_n the_o make_n of_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v possible_o or_o conceivable_o be_v think_v more_o difficult_a and_o impossible_a esa._n 62._o ezekiel_n be_v point_v to_o this_o in_o a_o metaphor_n of_o dry_a bone_n and_o demand_v whether_o those_o bone_n can_v live_v hereby_o do_v the_o spirit_n signify_v it_o as_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o restore_v israel_n and_o judah_n as_o to_o make_v those_o dry_a bone_n to_o live_v ezek._n 37.3_o in_o the_o apocalypse_n we_o find_v the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o curse_a power_n and_o pollution_n of_o antichrist_n to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o the_o rescue_n of_o a_o woman_n new_o deliver_v of_o a_o man-child_n from_o the_o cruel_a red_a dragon_n by_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o read_v a_o extremity_n of_o difficulty_n and_o apparent_a danger_n in_o such_o a_o undertake_n more_o evident_a yet_o will_v this_o appear_v by_o argument_n first_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o work_n the_o way_n to_o restore_v and_o reform_v a_o lapse_a nation_n be_v all_o â—phil_n virtue_n purity_n piety_n lodge_v in_o the_o height_n of_o the_o crag_n of_o the_o rock_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o climb_v when_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o descend_v beside_o a_o nation_n be_v a_o vast_a body_n and_o it_o be_v most_o difficult_a to_o move_v such_o thing_n that_o way_n the_o main_a bent_n and_o stream_n of_o nation_n run_v downward_o to_o vice_n and_o profaneness_n the_o general_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n of_o man_n be_v tend_v to_o looseness_n nor_o unstained_a worship_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o impartial_a justice_n in_o commonwealth_n will_v they_o have_v those_o therefore_o that_o attempt_n reformation_n do_v work_n against_o the_o grain_n row_n against_o the_o stream_n and_o shall_v find_v the_o work_n tedious_a and_o difficult_a such_o intendâ—â—nes_o and_o endeavour_n find_v many_o enemy_n and_o great_a opposition_n if_o israel_n talk_v of_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n to_o serve_v god_n better_o pharaoh_n will_v be_v stir_n himself_o and_o his_o instrument_n to_o sink_v they_o into_o a_o deep_a degree_n of_o bondage_n that_o pharaoh_n live_v still_o in_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o when_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o speech_n of_o weaken_v his_o kingdom_n by_o reduce_v a_o people_n from_o superstition_n vanity_n corrupt_a and_o pollute_a course_n he_o play_v the_o devil_n indeed_o summon_v all_o the_o fury_n muster_v his_o black_a force_n set_v on_o his_o instrument_n quicken_v their_o activity_n sharpen_v their_o wiâ—_z whet_v their_o invention_n â—edgeth_v their_o malice_n heighthen_v their_o anger_n blow_v up_o their_o rage_n brow_n the_o impudence_n make_v infinite_a their_o cruelty_n hence_o all_o the_o bloody_a cain_n the_o scoff_a stomach_n the_o profane_a esau_n the_o politic_a achitophel_n the_o rail_a rabshakeb_n the_o world_n of_o ungodly_a person_n become_v enemy_n and_o opposer_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n stand_v and_o up_o and_o the_o ruler_n take_v 〈…〉_z together_o 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o amalek_n etc._n etc._n conplot_n and_o conspire_v to_o root_v out_o israel_n add_v to_o these_o all_o false_a religion_n all_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a worship_n ancient_a ceremony_n belove_a custom_n and_o tradition_n of_o our_o father_n stand_v up_o and_o make_v much_o adoeâ—_n yea_o more_o many_o false_a friend_n be_v always_o interweave_v with_o the_o true_a seeker_n of_o zion_n good_a which_o cry_v we_o will_v build_v with_o you_o and_o these_o ofttimes_o unbuild_v and_o destroy_v more_o than_o the_o open_a adversary_n yet_o more_o opposition_n and_o hindrance_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n make_v advantage_n of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o inconsideration_n of_o well-intending_a man_n hereby_o raise_v he_o jealousy_v make_v division_n put_v strange_a remora_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o church_n cause_n now_o from_o all_o these_o we_o may_v note_v a_o second_o reason_n of_o difficulty_n and_o sadness_n a_o three_o be_v the_o great_a reign_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o time_n of_o this_o nature_n how_o few_o of_o the_o israelite_n which_o dwell_v in_o egypt_n do_v true_o believe_v that_o ever_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o canaan_n a_o land_n flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n witness_v their_o continual_a expression_n of_o mistrust_n this_o moses_n have_v bring_v we_o out_o to_o slay_v we_o in_o the_o wilderness_n they_o shall_v die_v for_o want_v of_o bread_n perish_v for_o thiâ—st_a and_o the_o like_a after_o all_o how_o fear_v be_v they_o to_o be_v eat_v up_o of_o the_o giant_n you_o remember_v also_o a_o man_n that_o when_o deliverance_n and_o promise_n of_o plenty_n be_v make_v will_v not_o believe_v though_o window_n shall_v be_v open_v in_o heaven_n doubtless_o many_o be_v then_o as_o unfaithful_a in_o heart_n although_o they_o speak_v not_o so_o plain_a in_o word_n there_o be_v always_o a_o prejudice_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n against_o any_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n the_o world_n see_v they_o to_o 〈◊〉_d but_o few_o cordial_a active_a friend_n especial_o among_o the_o great_a one_o and_o therefore_o disbelief_n do_v useâ—â—ly_o possess_v their_o heart_n now_o this_o do_v drag_v the_o business_n trash_n down_o proceed_n more_o than_o one_o will_v imagine_v christ_n himself_o can_v not_o doeâ—â—â—_z at_o wok_n because_o of_o man_n unbelief_n much_o more_o 〈…〉_z man_n do_v their_o endeavour_n yet_o bring_v on_o the_o work_n but_o slow_o if_o at_o all_o because_o of_o unbelief_n a_o general_a unwillingness_n of_o change_n and_o 〈◊〉_d tion_o do_v usual_o abound_v in_o such_o
own_o end_n but_o where_o it_o run_v not_o parallel_v with_o they_o they_o slack_v with_o jehu_n and_o strive_v to_o bend_v the_o public_a cause_n to_o their_o bow_n what_o strange_a allegation_n gloss_n and_o pretence_n do_v they_o frame_v to_o make_v show_n of_o serve_v the_o state_n when_o indeed_o they_o serve_v themselves_o think_v what_o a_o nefarious_a crime_n it_o be_v in_o man_n that_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a affair_n to_o carry_v private_a spirit_n in_o their_o bosom_n seek_v to_o serve_v themselves_o not_o the_o state_n how_o ill_o do_v it_o beseem_v a_o christian_n to_o follow_v national_a employment_n with_o ambitious_a longing_n after_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o advancement_n or_o with_o a_o unconscionable_a unquenchable_a thirst_n after_o gain_n these_o man_n make_v heavy_a the_o common_a yoke_n add_v to_o the_o pressure_n of_o the_o time_n and_o shall_v suffer_v a_o word_n of_o rebuke_n for_o not_o with_o stand_v what_o themselves_o and_o other_o may_v think_v god_n know_v they_o deserve_v ill_a the_o same_o also_o may_v i_o judge_v of_o those_o man_n among_o we_o who_o be_v ever_o mitigate_a the_o evil_a of_o our_o adversary_n proceed_n willing_a to_o speak_v well_o or_o at_o least_o not_o ill_o of_o what_o they_o do_v when_o as_o they_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o construe_v in_o the_o worst_a sense_n all_o that_o be_v say_v or_o do_v with_o zeal_n against_o they_o these_o man_n prescribe_v bound_n and_o limit_n of_o suppose_a moderation_n to_o their_o proceed_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n and_o what_o soever_o exceed_v those_o they_o censure_v as_o indiscreet_a for_o wardliness_n write_v down_o as_o error_n on_o our_o side_n in_o great_a letter_n this_o my_o brethren_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o unhappy_a moderation_n a_o strange_a kind_n of_o charity_n which_o do_v detract_v from_o the_o good_a to_o favour_v the_o bad_a shall_v thou_o help_v the_o ungodly_a and_o love_v they_o that_o hate_v the_o lord_n be_v once_o the_o speech_n of_o a_o holy_a prophet_n to_o a_o eminent_a person_n 2_o chron._n 19.2_o and_o he_o press_v his_o repro_fw-la of_o home_n say_v therefore_o be_v wrath_n upon_o thou_o from_o the_o lord_n a_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o i_o shall_v rebuke_v hence_o person_n willing_a to_o thwart_v and_o cross_a proceed_n so_o when_o any_o business_n general_o adjudge_v hopeful_a be_v propound_v they_o have_v still_o doubt_n to_o 〈◊〉_d delay_n to_o make_v inconvenience_n to_o allege_v and_o deem_v it_o a_o great_a commendation_n to_o their_o wit_n if_o they_o can_v by_o argue_v puzzle_v the_o matter_n and_o divert_v the_o business_n saint_n paul_n tell_v the_o corinth_n that_o he_o do_v hear_v there_o be_v division_n among_o they_o and_o do_v partly_o believe_v it_o shall_v praise_v you_o in_o this_o say_v he_o i_o praise_v you_o not_o and_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o press_v you_o with_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n necessory_a 〈◊〉_d that_o assence_n shall_v come_v but_o woe_n be_v to_o he_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v the_o three_o inference_n with_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o point_n be_v matter_n of_o admonition_n since_o it_o do_v so_o clear_o appear_v that_o throughout_o reformation_n and_o the_o well_o establishment_n of_o zion_n be_v a_o work_n so_o extreme_o hard_a and_o bring_v about_o with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v be_v all_o persuade_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o with_o patience_n and_o cheerfulness_n put_v we_o all_o our_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v do_v good_a and_o he_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v our_o extreme_a long_n to_o have_v a_o end_n this_o month_n this_o year_n that_o summer_n i_o believe_v have_v neither_o please_a god_n nor_o do_v we_o go_v the_o disciple_n out_o of_o such_o a_o mood_n do_v ask_v the_o lord_n christ_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n but_o note_v our_o saviour_n answer_n it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v shut_v up_o in_o his_o own_o 〈◊〉_d such_o inquisitive_a desire_n and_o forecast_a 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n time_n do_v much_o trench_n on_o the_o privilege_n of_o heaven_n the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o which_o believe_v will_v not_o make_v haste_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o symptom_n of_o much_o weakness_n in_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v thus_o incessant_a in_o desire_n of_o a_o forthwith_o dispatch_v of_o god_n work_n nothing_o become_v christian_n better_a than_o a_o patient_a wait_n on_o christ_n their_o king_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v down_o the_o proud_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o due_a time_n to_o trample_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n we_o will_v allow_v a_o servant_n much_o time_n to_o effect_v a_o tedious_a business_n we_o will_v give_v a_o friend_n more_o time_n to_o work_v our_o preferment_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o allow_v our_o god_n time_n to_o work_v the_o deliverance_n and_o advancement_n of_o his_o church_n oh_a my_o brethren_n let_v our_o soul_n say_v with_o job_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o appoint_a time_n will_v i_o wait_v till_o my_o change_n come_v and_o in_o such_o our_o patient_a wait_n of_o the_o lord_n leisure_n take_v we_o heed_n of_o prescribe_v to_o god_n time_n or_o mean_n or_o what_o instrument_n he_o shall_v use_v it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o israel_n to_o limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n for_o christ_n sake_n let_v not_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o say_v we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o the_o work_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o such_o aâ—_n time_n or_o by_o such_o man_n or_o such_o mean_n for_o this_o will_v be_v presumptuous_a prescribe_n to_o god_n let_v i_o also_o in_o our_o wait_a entreat_v you_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o ascribe_v to_o man_n note_v well_o what_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1_o cor._n 3.20_o 21._o the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o wise_a that_o they_o be_v but_o vain_a therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n we_o shall_v not_o expect_v our_o deliverance_n from_o such_o instrument_n and_o nought_o from_o other_o but_o we_o shall_v trust_v god_n with_o all_o the_o instrument_n which_o his_o good_a providence_n have_v employ_v in_o his_o work_n and_o wait_v on_o he_o alone_o for_o success_n in_o due_a time_n this_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o can_v we_o want_v inducement_n to_o such_o a_o well-pleasing_a sweet_a christian-like_a wait_n upon_o god_n only_o two_o consideration_n will_v i_o propound_v the_o former_a be_v that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n the_o patient_a abide_n of_o the_o meek_a shall_v not_o always_o be_v forget_v our_o father_n hope_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a you_o can_v produce_v a_o man_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n story_n who_o be_v not_o answer_v in_o what_o he_o faithful_o depend_v on_o god_n for_o we_o may_v therefore_o well_o be_v encourage_v in_o our_o present_a dependence_n the_o other_o consideration_n be_v that_o of_o all_o the_o blessing_n which_o ever_o god_n bestow_v on_o man_n those_o be_v the_o best_a blessing_n which_o have_v be_v long_a pray_v and_o wait_v for_o abraham_n have_v divers_a son_n but_o none_o so_o good_a as_o that_o he_o wait_v so_o long_o for_o and_o what_o a_o happy_a child_n do_v hannah_n obtain_v by_o prayer_n and_o long_o wait_v how_o fruitful_a be_v the_o promise_a land_n which_o come_v after_o so_o many_o age_n expectance_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o more_o we_o pray_v and_o the_o long_o we_o wait_v for_o our_o deliverance_n and_o establishment_n the_o more_o joyous_a and_o excellent_a will_v it_o be_v when_o it_o come_v so_o it_o ever_o have_v so_o it_o ever_o will_v be_v with_o god_n people_n for_o they_o that_o sow_v in_o tear_n shall_v reap_v in_o joy_n etc._n etc._n a_o second_o virtue_n which_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n hold_v out_o be_v a_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v what_o the_o people_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o do_v in_o time_n of_o reformation_n when_o the_o church_n travel_v with_o deliverance_n in_o this_o case_n they_o must_v not_o be_v idle_a spectator_n sit_v still_o and_o only_o wish_v well_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n but_o as_o the_o husbandman_n in_o time_n of_o dearth_n and_o scarcity_n be_v much_o more_o diligent_a and_o plentiful_a in_o manure_v his_o land_n careful_a to_o provide_v precious_a seed_n and_o incessant_a for_o the_o repel_n of_o famine_n and_o procure_v of_o plenty_n so_o must_v god_n people_n they_o must_v be_v up_o and_o do_v put_v their_o shoulder_n to_o the_o work_n their_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v they_o must_v labour_v plough_n sow_v part_n with_o all_o as_o precious_a feed_n lay_v it_o down_o in_o
and_o much_o more_o than_o i_o can_v possible_o conceive_v do_v in_o this_o psalm_n point_v they_o as_o well_o to_o grief_n as_o to_o mirth_n show_v they_o joyful_a thing_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v glad_a as_o intimate_v heavy_a pressure_n and_o opposition_n which_o they_o must_v strive_v and_o struggle_v with_o even_o do_v tear_n tear_n i_o say_v not_o like_o those_o of_o the_o thessalonian_n for_o their_o dead_a without_o hope_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o god_n bottle_n and_o wipe_v away_o in_o the_o end_n with_o comfort_n and_o rejoice_v so_o say_v my_o text_n they_o that_o sow_v in_o tear_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n you_o see_v be_v metaphorical_a allude_v to_o the_o business_n of_o the_o field_n we_o must_v a_o little_a dive_v into_o the_o metaphor_n to_o find_v out_o their_o meaning_n now_o this_o present_v the_o husbandman_n case_n in_o time_n of_o great_a scarcity_n and_o dearth_n when_o he_o have_v not_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v his_o want_n and_o sow_v his_o land_n his_o hungry_a family_n crave_v for_o bread_n to_o the_o full_a which_o if_o he_o give_v his_o land_n will_v be_v unsowed_a to_o their_o further_a prejudice_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v thought_n of_o denial_n but_o then_o the_o present_a want_n speak_v much_o sad_a countenance_n lean_a cheek_n lank_a belly_n become_v powerful_a orator_n to_o the_o relent_a heart_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o family_n full_o fain_o will_v he_o supply_v their_o present_a need_n but_o the_o apprehension_n of_o probable_a approach_a famine_n do_v deter_v it_o will_v be_v but_o small_a comfort_n to_o eat_v now_o to_o the_o full_a and_o the_o very_o next_o year_n to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n to_o hunger_n after_o the_o revolution_n of_o many_o thought_n on_o both_o side_n the_o wary_a seedsman_n resolve_v to_o deny_v himself_o and_o family_n for_o the_o present_a to_o commit_v his_o precious_a seed_n to_o the_o breed_a womb_n of_o the_o thankful_a earth_n but_o be_v now_o on_o his_o way_n to_o the_o field_n the_o echo_n of_o child_n necessity_n sound_v in_o his_o ear_n the_o sense_n of_o their_o great_a want_n afflict_v his_o soul_n beside_o it_o be_v a_o long_a time_n to_o harvest_n and_o many_o casualty_n these_o thought_n renew_v sorrow_n in_o his_o breast_n which_o break_v forth_o into_o weep_v by_o the_o way_n and_o whilst_o he_o sow_v his_o seed_n he_o drop_v his_o tear_n but_o observe_v what_o follow_v he_o reap_v in_o joy_n he_o come_v again_o rejoice_v bring_v his_o sheaf_n with_o he_o in_o my_o little_a read_n and_o small_a experience_n i_o have_v find_v that_o corn_n sow_v in_o dear_a year_n and_o time_n of_o scarcity_n have_v yield_v much_o more_o increase_v then_o at_o other_o time_n so_o that_o present_o after_o much_o want_n there_o have_v fallowed_a great_a plenty_n of_o grain_n even_o beyond_o expectation_n now_o since_o i_o have_v consider_v this_o psalm_n methinks_v i_o apprehend_v one_o special_a reason_n more_o then_o former_o beside_o the_o improvement_n of_o man_n pain_n and_o circumspection_n usual_a in_o such_o time_n i_o note_v that_o they_o then_o sow_v in_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o this_o do_v sure_o increase_v their_o store_n thus_o for_o certain_a be_v the_o case_n in_o my_o text_n now_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n apply_v this_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o work_n of_o turn_v zion_n captivity_n they_o that_o sweat_v in_o this_o business_n must_v take_v notice_n that_o their_o condition_n be_v like_o the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o husbandman_n first_o in_o the_o act_n then_o in_o the_o issue_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v intimate_v a_o fourfold_a counterchange_n in_o my_o text_n first_o sow_v and_o reap_v second_o tear_n and_o joy_n three_o mourn_v on_o and_o return_v back_o four_o bear_v precious_a seed_n weep_v and_o bring_v sheaf_n with_o gladness_n see_v here_o my_o brethren_n manifold_a labour_n indeed_o yet_o none_o in_o vain_a each_o have_v a_o answerable_a recompense_n of_o reward_n attend_v it_o sow_v with_o reap_v tear_n with_o joy_n sad_a travel_n with_o sweet_a return_v bear_v away_o precious_a seed_n with_o bring_v of_o sheaf_n be_v second_v and_o reward_v who_o can_v choose_v to_o note_v a_o much_o ravish_a elegancy_n in_o this_o language_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o comparison_n whereof_o the_o high_a strain_n of_o profane_a rhetorician_n be_v pure_a barbarism_n i_o have_v read_v a_o learned_a writer_n admire_v why_o the_o world_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v so_o much_o take_v with_o the_o fabulous_a history_n and_o allusion_n of_o heathen_a poet_n whilst_o their_o mind_n be_v no_o whit_n affect_v with_o these_o sacred_a song_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v apparent_a man_n mind_n most_o be_v carnal_a and_o these_o psalm_n be_v spiritual_a no_o wonder_n then_o that_o they_o can_v see_v the_o worth_n nor_o set_v the_o true_a value_n on_o the_o sense_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n true_o christian_n may_v grieve_v and_o shame_n at_o this_o but_o no_o more_o of_o such_o observation_n i_o only_o hint_n it_o by_o the_o way_n and_o proceed_v the_o spirit_n in_o pen_v down_o this_o part_n of_o the_o psalm_n do_v call_v the_o israelite_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o state_n in_o the_o time_n of_o turn_v their_o captivity_n it_o will_v not_o for_o the_o present_a be_v better_a than_o before_o yea_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v much_o worse_o jacob_n seed_n in_o egypt_n undergo_v more_o heavy_a endurance_n after_o the_o deliverer_n be_v come_v then_o before_o in_o the_o act_n and_o time_n of_o restauration_n it_o shall_v be_v like_o to_o the_o man_n that_o plough_v sow_n sweat_n trudge_v travel_n part_n with_o his_o dear_a grain_n and_o patient_o wait_v for_o what_o will_v follow_v god_n people_n in_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n shall_v not_o present_o or_o easy_o be_v restore_v and_o reform_v but_o with_o much_o difficulty_n and_o hazard_n many_o hard_a enterprise_n must_v be_v attempt_v through_o much_o trouble_n danger_n and_o opposition_n must_v they_o run_v part_n they_o must_v with_o their_o ease_n and_o safety_n with_o their_o comfort_n and_o worldly_a contentment_n these_o all_o as_o precious_a seed_n must_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o die_v in_o hope_n of_o future_a spring_n in_o the_o issue_n also_o zion_n deliverance_n and_o restauration_n be_v suitable_a with_o the_o metaphor_n for_o when_o the_o week_n of_o harvest_n the_o due_a and_o appoint_a time_n be_v come_v the_o labourer_n in_o zion_n husbandry_n shall_v reap_v according_a as_o they_o have_v sow_v or_o spare_o or_o plentiful_o yea_o they_o shall_v all_o reap_v with_o joy_n and_o their_o joy_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o joy_n of_o harvest_n when_o other_o shall_v perish_v and_o come_v to_o a_o fearful_a end_n when_o their_o name_n shall_v vanish_v and_o go_v out_o in_o nastiness_n when_o their_o place_n shall_v know_v they_o no_o more_o then_o shall_v the_o just_a return_n with_o credit_n and_o comfort_n shall_v they_o return_v to_o their_o own_o land_n for_o the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n say_v christ_n yet_o more_o their_o cup_n shall_v overflow_v for_o they_o shall_v come_v again_o with_o joy_n and_o bring_v their_o sheaf_n with_o they_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n thus_o manifest_v we_o may_v observe_v a_o treble_a virtue_n in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o force_n of_o instruction_n give_v the_o israelite_n and_o all_o god_n people_n to_o understand_v how_o painful_a and_o sorrowful_a the_o work_n and_o time_n will_v be_v when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o travail_n of_o deliverance_n 2._o the_o word_n have_v the_o force_n of_o exhortation_n call_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n all_o the_o friend_n of_o zion_n to_o be_v up_o and_o do_v to_o be_v active_a to_o their_o uttermost_a in_o her_o behalf_n 3_o they_o have_v the_o force_n of_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o 〈◊〉_d still_o active_a and_o wait_a until_o zion_n deliverance_n be_v effect_v the_o first_o sentence_n than_o of_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o i_o propound_v be_v from_o the_o word_n as_o they_o declare_v the_o condition_n of_o god_n people_n in_o the_o time_n of_o restauration_n and_o deliverance_n and_o so_o they_o clear_o intimate_v this_o very_o hard_a and_o extreme_o difficult_a be_v the_o work_n doct._n and_o sad_a will_v the_o time_n be_v when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o travail_n of_o deliverance_n husbandry_n be_v the_o hard_a restless_a kind_n of_o labour_n and_o that_o i_o speak_v of_o be_v like_o plough_v and_o sow_v in_o tear_n do_v not_o scripture_n in_o express_a term_n call_v the_o restore_n of_o israel_n god_n great_a god_n strange_a work_n now_o that_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v difficult_a in_o a_o high_a degree_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o the_o sin_n of_o corrupt_a and_o luxurious_a priest_n be_v
touch_n when_o the_o israelite_n have_v licence_n grant_v by_o cyrâ—â—_z to_o return_n 〈◊〉_d babylon_n there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o so_o 〈…〉_z go_v and_o change_v their_o station_n as_o the_o church_n after_o praise_n for_o deliverance_n be_v force_v to_o solicit_v the_o lord_n of_o mercy_n afresh_o to_o turn_v their_o captivity_n man_n be_v natural_o wed_v to_o what_o they_o have_v have_v and_o albeit_o they_o know_v thing_n be_v not_o so_o well_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o may_v be_v yet_o issachar-like_a they_o have_v rather_o stoop_v to_o the_o burden_n then_o to_o be_v at_o pain_n to_o put_v it_o off_o slavish_o they_o think_v it_o be_v well_o enough_o it_o may_v serve_v turn_n and_o what_o will_v come_v of_o change_n be_v uncertain_a so_o in_o egypt_n at_o the_o brick_n kilnes_n they_o have_v flesh_n pot_n and_o garden_n commodity_n they_o eat_v to_o the_o full_a they_o sleep_v well_o and_o have_v straw_n enough_o till_o moses_n come_v and_o if_o therefore_o they_o can_v make_v any_o accommodation_n with_o pharaoh_n they_o will_v trouble_v themselves_o no_o further_o this_o unwillingness_n make_v they_o stick_v so_o long_o in_o egypt_n and_o most_o certain_o this_o retard_v their_o journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n yea_o more_o make_v the_o lord_n to_o swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n the_o lord_n be_v just_o slow_a to_o help_v a_o unwilling_a people_n and_o hence_o see_v another_o reason_n why_o the_o work_n be_v so_o extreme_o difficult_a a_o nation_n or_o people_n be_v with_o much_o ado_n bring_v to_o a_o capacity_n or_o render_v fit_a to_o be_v deliver_v and_o establish_v throughout_o reformation_n be_v like_o a_o new_a piece_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v sow_v in_o a_o old_a garment_n and_o there_o needs_o be_v a_o new_a frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o land_n before_o god_n great_a work_n can_v be_v settle_v and_o place_v in_o it_o further_o to_o illustrate_v this_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o point_v out_o four_o thing_n which_o by_o consult_v the_o sacred_a volume_n i_o find_v requisite_a to_o be_v in_o a_o people_n before_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o deliverance_n and_o reformation_n first_o they_o must_v be_v true_o and_o throughout_o sensible_a of_o their_o bondage_n and_o misery_n and_o clear_o bring_v off_o confidence_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n when_o the_o deliverer_n come_v at_o first_o to_o visit_v his_o brethren_n they_o put_v he_o away_o say_v who_o make_v thou_o a_o judge_n and_o why_o be_v this_o because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o want_n find_v not_o themselves_o to_o need_v a_o deliverer_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o sit_v nor_o as_o yet_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o mercy_n but_o after_o some_o more_o year_n when_o another_o king_n arise_v which_o know_v not_o joseph_n and_o begin_v to_o make_v heavy_a their_o bondage_n than_o the_o hebrew_n grow_v full_o sensible_a and_o god_n say_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v come_v up_o to_o i_o come_v now_o therefore_o and_o i_o will_v send_v thou_o that_o thou_o may_v bring_v they_o out_o exod._n 3.9_o 10._o and_o we_o may_v see_v by_o this_o when_o a_o people_n be_v fit_a for_o deliverance_n the_o prophet_n hosea_n likewise_o acquiant_n we_o that_o when_o ephraim_n first_o see_v his_o wound_n he_o go_v to_o the_o assyrian_n and_o send_v to_o king_n jareb_n hos._n 5.13_o and_o while_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o they_o they_o be_v unfit_a uncapable_a of_o god_n cure_n and_o so_o continue_v until_o they_o see_v their_o error_n return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o take_v with_o they_o word_n say_v we_o will_v not_o ride_v upon_o horse_n ashur_n shall_v not_o save_v we_o hos._n 14.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o another_o property_n be_v for_o a_o people_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o help_v themselves_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n to_o the_o uttermost_a if_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n begin_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o giant_n and_o declare_v themselves_o unwilling_a and_o loath_a to_o fight_v with_o the_o suppose_a terrible_a masty_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n they_o do_v thereby_o clear_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v unfit_a or_o uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o mercy_n as_o seem_v in_o probability_n to_o be_v near_o unto_o they_o god_n hereupon_o continue_v their_o pilgrimage_n in_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n until_o all_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v thus_o loath_a to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o help_v themselves_o after_o this_o the_o people_n grow_v to_o a_o fit_a temper_n and_o become_v capable_a of_o enter_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o see_v what_o their_o disposition_n be_v iosh._n 1.16_o all_o that_o thou_o command_v we_o we_o will_v do_v and_o whithersoever_o thou_o send_v we_o we_o will_v 〈◊〉_d the_o people_n be_v thus_o ready_a to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v be_v now_o capable_a of_o mercy_n a_o three_o property_n requisite_a be_v a_o willingness_n to_o remove_v and_o part_n with_o all_o thing_n which_o may_v hinder_v perfect_a reformation_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o laâ—â—ges_n we_o find_v that_o the_o philistine_n and_o the_o amorite_n do_v grievous_o oppress_v israel_n who_o in_o their_o misery_n repair_v unto_o god_n for_o succour_n acknowledge_v their_o sin_n implore_v his_o help_n but_o the_o lord_n return_v answer_v i_o will_v deliver_v you_o no_o more_o a_o strange_a repulse_n by_o a_o merciful_a father_n give_v and_o if_o you_o skan_v the_o business_n you_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v for_o that_o israel_n keep_v still_o among_o they_o the_o thing_n which_o do_v and_o may_v hinder_v god_n help_v and_o deliver_v of_o they_o to_o wit_n their_o strange_a god_n but_o when_o they_o have_v consider_v and_o find_v out_o that_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n they_o put_v they_o away_o and_o present_o they_o be_v holpen_v yea_o more_o the_o text_n faith_n god_n 〈◊〉_d be_v grieve_v for_o the_o misery_n of_o israel_n lo_o how_o remove_v the_o thing_n which_o may_v hinder_v do_v alter_v the_o case_n vers._n 13_o and_o 16._o last_o a_o people_n be_v not_o sit_v for_o help_v and_o deliverance_n till_o they_o be_v free_o content_a to_o be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o in_o when_o ephraim_n be_v a_o empty_a vine_n to_o god_n spare_v niggardly_a in_o his_o service_n ruin_n not_o reformation_n be_v like_a to_o succeed_v hosea_n 10._o and_o consult_v the_o story_n of_o the_o king_n of_o ludah_fw-mi you_o shall_v find_v but_o one_o throughout_o reformation_n and_o this_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o lâ—siah_a and_o how_o liberal_a be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n in_o those_o day_n they_o bring_v in_o money_n to_o the_o work_n sans_o weight_n and_o measure_n the_o value_n of_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n of_o the_o melt_a image_n be_v not_o regard_v nor_o save_v out_o of_o a_o husbandly_a thriftiness_n but_o they_o stamp_v it_o and_o all_o other_o costly_a utensil_n which_o be_v superstitious_o employ_v into_o piece_n and_o make_v dust_n of_o they_o and_o give_v in_o of_o their_o own_o more_o than_o sufficient_a this_o bounty_n and_o freeness_n of_o spirit_n argue_v they_o to_o be_v true_o fit_a and_o capable_a of_o great_a reformation_n than_o any_o be_v wrought_v before_o they_o now_o consider_v my_o brethren_n by_o these_o note_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n how_o much_o ado_n it_o will_v be_v before_o a_o nation_n or_o people_n will_v be_v bring_v to_o such_o qualification_n there_o must_v be_v plough_v sow_v plant_v and_o supplant_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n ere_o a_o work_n of_o full_a reformation_n will_v be_v borough_n about_o my_o fix_a reason_n of_o this_o point_n be_v from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v the_o business_n i_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v thus_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o unfound_a and_o unsincere_a instrument_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o church_n deliverance_n from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o great_a honour_n that_o ever_o can_v come_v to_o mortal_a man_n on_o earth_n to_o be_v instrument_n of_o public_a good_a to_o a_o nation_n especial_o to_o god_n church_n and_o people_n most_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o restauration_n and_o reformation_n now_o this_o be_v so_o specious_a and_o desirable_a a_o thing_n all_o fort_n good_a and_o bad_a pious_a and_o profane_a be_v ambition_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o it_o if_o therefore_o the_o business_n shall_v go_v on_o with_o a_o fair_a gale_n and_o a_o flow_a tide_n accompany_v still_o with_o likelihood_n of_o success_n and_o evidence_n of_o credibility_n how_o many_o jehu-like_a will_v say_v come_v see_v my_o zeal_n how_o many_o of_o the_o old_a israelite_n which_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n approve_v the_o golden_a calf_n and_o hankered_a after_o superstition_n vanity_n have_v