the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n speak_v as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o fast_v be_v immediate_o design_v fourteen_o 12._o when_o they_o fast_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o cry_n he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o will_v not_o regard_v their_o fast_n but_o give_v no_o audience_n to_o their_o prayer_n which_o it_o appear_v by_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o employment_n of_o such_o a_o day_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o prophet_n joel_n have_v call_v upon_o they_o to_o blow_v the_o trumpet_n proclaim_v a_o fast_a gather_v all_o together_o elder_n and_o people_n great_a and_o small_a in_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v he_o subjoin_v these_o word_n v._o 17_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v for_o let_v the_o priest_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n weep_v between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o let_v they_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n that_o the_o heathen_a shall_v rule_v over_o they_o wherefore_o shall_v they_o say_v among_o the_o people_n where_o be_v their_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n we_o be_v now_o assemble_v on_o this_o fast_a day_n to_o put_v up_o our_o humble_a and_o fervent_a petition_n unto_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o cry_v earnest_o to_o he_o for_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n for_o good_a success_n of_o our_o force_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o upon_o this_o whole_a kingdom_n a_o very_a great_a work_n a_o most_o weighty_a employment_n for_o which_o we_o have_v need_v serious_o 〈◊〉_d whether_o we_o be_v well_o prepare_v be_v we_o fit_a to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o be_v intercessor_n for_o a_o whole_a nation_n to_o bespeak_v his_o favour_n in_o those_o great_a action_n that_o be_v on_o foot_n among_o we_o and_o in_o the_o neighbour_a world_n can_v such_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o prevail_v for_o a_o gracious_a audience_n of_o such_o important_a suit_n may_v we_o not_o rather_o fear_v that_o he_o shall_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o such_o obstinate_a sinner_n that_o he_o shall_v cover_v himself_o with_o a_o cloud_n as_o jeremy_n speak_v in_o his_o lamentation_n iii_o 44._o that_o our_o prayer_n shall_v not_o pass_v through_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v away_o from_o we_o when_o we_o spread_v before_o he_o our_o necessity_n or_o danger_n and_o implore_v his_o pity_n on_o we_o let_v we_o inquire_v and_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n into_o our_o heart_n whether_o we_o have_v not_o bring_v something_o along_o with_o we_o into_o his_o presence_n which_o may_v obstruct_v the_o passage_n of_o our_o prayer_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n iii_o on_o their_o fast_a day_n every_o man_n who_o hope_v for_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o search_v and_o try_v his_o way_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o very_a secret_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o see_v what_o he_o can_v find_v there_o displease_v unto_o god_n which_o may_v cry_v loud_o for_o vengeance_n than_o his_o prayer_n can_v do_v for_o mercy_n for_o which_o end_n their_o iniquity_n be_v declare_v and_o set_v in_o order_n before_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n if_o there_o be_v any_o and_o those_o that_o instruct_v they_o so_o i_o we_o read_v that_o jeremiah_n send_v baruch_n in_o the_o place_n before_o name_v to_o read_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o people_n ear_n on_o the_o fast_a day_n and_o this_o charge_n be_v give_v to_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n as_o you_o will_v hear_v in_o the_o first_o lesson_n appoint_v at_o even_o prayer_n lviii_o isa_n i._o cry_v aloud_o and_o spare_v not_o lift_v up_o thy_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n and_o show_v my_o people_n their_o transgression_n and_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n their_o sin_n when_o you_o have_v consider_v the_o chapter_n you_o will_v find_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o great_a fast_a which_o be_v a_o sabbath_n of_o rest_n to_o they_o on_o which_o they_o be_v to_o afflict_v their_o soul_n xvi_o levit._fw-la 30_o 31._o upon_o which_o he_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o trumpet_n which_o have_v call_v they_o together_o to_o sound_v a_o new_a alarm_n in_o their_o ear_n to_o rouse_v they_o from_o their_o security_n to_o awaken_v they_o to_o a_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o move_v their_o heart_n to_o set_v themselves_o against_o they_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o of_o what_o sin_n do_v he_o admonish_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o vain_a pretence_n to_o religion_n for_o though_o they_o seek_v god_n daily_o and_o hear_v the_o law_n and_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n yea_o take_v delight_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n as_o you_o read_v v._o â—_o yet_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o open_a disobedience_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o command_n for_o they_o be_v notorious_o unjust_a nay_o many_o miserable_a soul_n proclaim_v their_o unmerciful_a deal_v and_o cruelty_n thy_o be_v full_a of_o strife_n and_o debate_n hatred_n and_z contention_n and_o so_o give_v over_o to_o voluptuousness_n that_o on_o the_o very_a day_n of_o their_o fast_a they_o sound_v pleasure_n as_o well_o as_o exact_v all_o their_o labour_n v._n 3_o 4._o and_o can_v not_o forbear_v to_o speak_v evil_a one_o of_o another_o when_o they_o be_v all_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o god_n their_o hand_n be_v defile_v with_o blood_n and_o their_o finger_n with_o iniquity_n their_o lip_n speak_v lie_n and_o their_o tongue_n utter_v perverseness_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o in_o that_o which_o follow_v these_o sin_n therefore_o the_o prophet_n proclaim_v in_o their_o ear_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n and_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d to_o fast_a and_o pray_v while_o these_o iniquity_n continue_v and_o separate_v between_o they_o and_o their_o god_n so_o that_o he_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o and_o will_v not_o hear_v lix_n â—_o and_o do_v not_o our_o iniquity_n in_o like_a manner_n testify_v to_o our_o face_n as_o another_o prophet_n speak_v v._o hos_fw-la 5._o that_o be_v be_v they_o not_o notorious_a though_o we_o shall_v seal_v up_o our_o lip_n and_o say_v nothing_o of_o they_o nay_o search_n and_o examine_v i_o beseech_v you_o whether_o we_o be_v not_o worse_o than_o they_o do_v we_o seek_v the_o lord_n daily_a dare_v we_o affirm_v this_o of_o ourselves_o which_o the_o prophet_n acknowledge_v they_o do_v do_v we_o delight_v to_o know_v his_o way_n as_o a_o nation_n that_o do_v righteousness_n and_o forsake_v not_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o god_n can_v we_o say_v as_o he_o confess_v of_o they_o that_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o the_o ordinance_n of_o justice_n and_o take_v delight_n in_o approach_v unto_o god_n alas_o alas_o these_o i_o fear_v be_v not_o become_v national_a virtue_n but_o too_o many_o of_o we_o be_v like_o that_o people_n in_o malachi_n time_n who_o say_v of_o the_o divine_a service_n what_o a_o weariness_n be_v it_o what_o a_o burden_n be_v such_o a_o day_n as_o this_o to_o we_o and_o what_o great_a number_n may_v we_o just_o fear_v be_v now_o wallow_v in_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v rather_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n in_o dust_n and_o ash_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v better_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v a_o people_n who_o do_v not_o forsake_v the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o god_n yet_o can_v we_o say_v that_o our_o religion_n have_v make_v a_o general_a reformation_n of_o our_o life_n how_o often_o have_v we_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o become_v no_o likeâ—_n to_o he_o how_o many_o fast_n have_v we_o observe_v and_o forsake_v not_o one_o sin_n be_v we_o not_o still_o as_o unjust_a and_o uncharitable_a as_o those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n or_o be_v we_o not_o lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n oh_o this_o love_n of_o pleasure_n how_o easy_o do_v it_o bewitch_v man_n heart_n and_o draw_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n idleness_n and_o sport_n be_v apt_a to_o swallow_v up_o the_o most_o of_o their_o time_n beside_o the_o gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n the_o filthiness_n and_o uncleanness_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o attend_v upon_o a_o negligent_a and_o careless_a life_n the_o quarrel_n also_o and_o contention_n nay_o the_o bloodshed_n and_o murder_n which_o they_o many_o time_n commit_v when_o they_o be_v cross_v in_o their_o sinful_a pleasure_n or_o contradict_v in_o their_o drunken_a humour_n and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o the_o oath_n and_o blasphemy_n where_o with_o such_o man_n mouth_n be_v too_o often_o fill_v and_o there_o be_v still_o a_o worse_a thing_n behind_o which_o be_v put_v forth_o of_o the_o finger_n
to_o excite_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o his_o praise_n and_o give_v he_o thanks_o of_o their_o sound_v for_o a_o fast_a you_o read_v ii_o joel_n 15._o blow_v the_o trumpet_n in_o zion_n sanctific_a a_o fast_n call_v a_o solemn_a assembly_n gather_v the_o people_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o like_a term_n the_o psalmist_n proclaim_v a_o festival_n lxxxi_o ps_n 3._o blow_v up_o the_o trumpet_n in_o the_o new_a moon_n in_o the_o time_n appoint_v on_o our_o solemn_a feast_n day_n for_o this_o be_v a_o statute_n for_o israel_n etc._n etc._n the_o like_v you_o read_v xcviii_o ps_n 6._o and_o thus_o my_o text_n and_o the_o follow_a word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v if_o we_o will_v follow_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o vouch_v it_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o elder_a time_n for_o if_o blow_v the_o trumpet_n here_o be_v not_o for_o a_o religion_n purpose_n how_o can_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v god_n remember_v they_o so_o as_o to_o save_v they_o from_o their_o eemy_n can_v the_o bare_a sound_v with_o they_o procure_v such_o a_o blessing_n without_o doubt_n there_o be_v something_o more_o in_o it_o to_o which_o god_n make_v such_o a_o gracious_a promise_n and_o therefore_o though_o moses_n speak_v here_o of_o blow_v a_o alarm_n because_o it_o concern_v the_o soldiery_n yet_o the_o hebrew_n understand_v thereby_o the_o call_v all_o together_o unto_o a_o fast_a that_o they_o may_v humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o seek_v his_o face_n i._n e._n his_o favour_n when_o they_o be_v force_v to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o arm_n and_o appeal_v to_o heaven_n for_o the_o decide_n by_o this_o mean_n the_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o their_o enemy_n and_o then_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o verse_n when_o he_o add_v in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o gladness_n you_o shall_v blow_v with_o the_o trumpet_n some_o of_o they_o understand_v that_o clause_n of_o their_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n which_o be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o their_o sound_v upon_o their_o other_o solemn_a day_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o month_n and_o over_o their_o burn_a offering_n and_o over_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o peace-offering_n which_o be_v there_o likewise_o mention_v as_o they_o be_v to_o blow_v with_o the_o trumpet_n proclaim_v a_o fast_a that_o be_v when_o they_o go_v to_o war_n so_o they_o be_v to_o blow_v with_o they_o again_o when_o the_o war_n be_v happy_o end_v that_o be_v proclaim_v their_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o give_v they_o such_o success_n as_o they_o desire_v this_o exposition_n i_o shall_v follow_v which_o make_v these_o word_n you_o see_v a_o injunction_n to_o the_o israelite_n for_o solemn_a fast_n before_o they_o take_v in_o hand_n so_o weighty_a a_o affair_n as_o make_v war_n upon_o their_o enemy_n for_o which_o end_n we_o be_v now_o here_o assemble_v and_o i_o pray_v god_n we_o may_v perform_v this_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o full_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o injunction_n for_o than_o we_o may_v hope_v god_n will_v remember_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n and_o crown_v our_o arm_n with_o such_o success_n against_o our_o injurious_a neighbour_n as_o he_o promise_v to_o the_o israelite_n against_o their_o enemy_n now_o by_o solemn_a fast_n you_o all_o know_v be_v mean_v the_o set_n some_o day_n a_o part_n for_o this_o purpose_n which_o be_v always_o of_o two_o sort_n one_o private_a which_o pious_a people_n enjoin_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n with_o respect_n either_o 3._o 2_o â—am_n 12._o 16._o ix_o dan._n 3._o to_o their_o own_o particular_a or_o to_o the_o common_a concern_v of_o both_o which_o we_o have_v example_n in_o scripture_n the_o other_o be_v public_a enjoin_v by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o those_o either_o state_v and_o ordinary_a at_o certain_a time_n of_o the_o year_n of_o which_o we_o find_v only_o one_o enjoin_v by_o god_n in_o xvi_o leu._n but_o four_o more_o enjoin_v by_o the_o elder_n during_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n viii_o zech._n 19_o or_o extraordinary_a and_o unfixed_a in_o time_n of_o some_o imminent_a danger_n or_o great_a distress_n of_o which_o we_o have_v many_o example_n jesuiâ—_n tertul._n de_fw-fr jesuiâ—_n not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o also_o in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n xx._n judg._n 26._o 2_o chron._n xx._n 3._o viii_o ezra_n of_o such_o a_o public_a fast_o and_o of_o this_o latter_a sort_n my_o text_n speak_v for_o the_o blow_n with_o the_o trumpet_n signify_v the_o call_v all_o the_o people_n together_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o place_n before_o name_v in_o the_o prophet_n joel_n v._o 16._o gather_v the_o people_n sanctify_v the_o congregation_n assemble_v the_o elder_n gather_v the_o child_n and_o those_o that_o suck_v the_o breast_n etc._n etc._n all_o be_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n to_o implore_v his_o compassion_n by_o their_o cry_n and_o tear_n i_o say_v before_o god_n because_o they_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v together_o at_o the_o tabernacle_n while_o it_o be_v stand_v and_o afterward_o at_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o expression_n xxxvi_o jerem._n 9_o proclaim_v a_o fast_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v at_o the_o temple_n where_o his_o majesty_n dwell_v and_o where_o they_o come_v together_o for_o religious_a worship_n and_o according_o he_o bid_v baruch_n v._o 6._o to_o go_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n upon_o the_o fast_a day_n after_o which_o example_n we_o be_v all_o here_o now_o assemble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o our_o business_n be_v i_o shall_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v show_v you_o first_o what_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o fast_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o consequent_o what_o will_v obtain_v his_o blessing_n upon_o our_o force_n second_o how_o fit_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o this_o holy_a duty_n i._o now_o the_o word_n fast_v in_o its_o ordinary_a signification_n import_v no_o more_o than_o abstinence_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o food_n for_o such_o a_o time_n as_o be_v appoint_v to_o that_o purpose_n but_o be_v design_v for_o a_o religious_a end_n they_o use_v it_o no_o doubt_n as_o a_o token_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o confession_n that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o common_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n not_o so_o much_o as_o of_o a_o bit_n of_o bread_n and_o consequent_o not_o worthy_a to_o live_v they_o intend_v also_o thereby_o to_o afflict_v their_o soul_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o put_v themselves_o if_o not_o to_o trouble_v and_o pain_n yet_o into_o a_o state_n of_o sadness_n and_o mourn_a as_o a_o just_a chastisement_n for_o their_o sinful_a pleasure_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o jew_n understand_v by_o solemn_a fast_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o it_o literal_o express_v viz._n not_o only_a abstinence_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o refreshment_n by_o so_o much_o as_o wash_v their_o face_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n next_o their_o skin_n on_o some_o great_a occasion_n especial_o lie_v in_o ash_n rend_v their_o garment_n and_o such_o like_a act_n of_o humiliation_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o much_o mistake_v if_o we_o think_v this_o be_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o a_o fast_a day_n to_o deny_v themselves_o the_o comfort_n and_o refreshment_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v something_o more_o and_o more_o excellent_a in_o it_o and_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v abstinence_n from_o food_n be_v not_o and_o therefore_o ii_o the_o intention_n of_o such_o a_o day_n be_v to_o make_v solemn_a address_n to_o the_o almighty_a by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n which_o be_v frequent_o join_v with_o fast_v and_o when_o any_o blessing_n be_v obtain_v never_o separate_v from_o it_o i_o can_v direct_v you_o to_o a_o multitude_n of_o place_n both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a and_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n 21._o book_n xii_o tobit_n 4._o iv_o judith_n 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n vi_o judith_n 21._o also_o to_o this_o purpose_n but_o a_o few_o may_v suffice_v in_o the_o chapter_n now_o read_v for_o the_o first_o lesson_n 2_o chron._n xx._n 3._o you_o find_v that_o when_o news_n be_v bring_v to_o jehosephat_n of_o a_o invasion_n by_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o several_a nation_n he_o fear_v and_o set_v himself_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a throughout_o all_o judah_n this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o business_n of_o such_o a_o day_n that_o
and_o speak_a of_o vanity_n mention_v by_o the_o prophet_n v._o 9_o which_o seem_v to_o denote_v that_o there_o be_v scoffer_n and_o open_a mocker_n among_o they_o who_o insolent_a boldness_n when_o it_o proceed_v to_o derision_n of_o religion_n jeer_v at_o holy_a thing_n and_o play_v even_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o impiety_n the_o fill_v up_o of_o a_o people_n iniquity_n there_o be_v no_o prophet_n now_o among_o we_o who_o can_v confident_o charge_v these_o crime_n upon_o this_o nation_n or_o tell_v we_o how_o far_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o but_o if_o they_o abound_v every_o where_o they_o will_v certain_o render_v our_o sacrifice_n unacceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o let_v every_o one_o descend_v into_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o make_v a_o strict_a inquisition_n there_o into_o the_o state_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o when_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o iu._n the_o next_o thing_n in_o a_o fast_a to_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o genuous_o to_o confess_v and_o sorrowful_o bewail_v in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o our_o soul_n those_o sin_n of_o which_o we_o find_v ourselves_o guilty_a a_o example_n of_o which_o you_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n who_o in_o a_o great_a destress_n gather_v all_o israel_n to_o mizpeh_n where_o they_o draw_v water_n and_o pour_v it_o out_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o fast_v on_o that_o day_n and_o say_v there_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o lord_n but_o i_o can_v stand_v to_o open_v that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n nehemiah_n and_o daniel_n which_o relate_v to_o this_o matter_n because_o there_o be_v something_o further_o and_o more_o considerable_a which_o require_v my_o care_n to_o explain_v and_o press_v upon_o your_o heart_n v._o and_o that_o be_v a_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n according_a to_o god_n holy_a word_n which_o must_v accompany_v all_o the_o forego_n act_n of_o religion_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a for_o to_o what_o end_n do_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o correct_v and_o amend_v whatsoever_o we_o find_v to_o be_v amiss_o it_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a labour_n to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v what_o be_v past_a unless_o it_o move_v we_o to_o do_v better_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v nay_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o mercy_n while_o we_o continue_v to_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n by_o our_o transgression_n be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n and_o account_v by_o he_o no_o better_o than_o a_o piece_n of_o gross_a hypocrisy_n which_o the_o psalmist_n call_v flatter_v he_o with_o our_o mouth_n pretend_v that_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o he_o which_o be_v not_o true_o settle_v in_o our_o heart_n therefore_o see_v what_o he_o reply_v to_o this_o people_n when_o they_o cry_v to_o he_o say_v thou_o o_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o and_o we_o be_v call_v by_o thy_o name_n leave_v we_o not_o fourteen_o jerem_n 9_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n unto_o this_o people_n thus_o have_v they_o love_v to_o wander_v they_o have_v not_o refrain_v their_o foot_n therefore_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o accept_v they_o he_o will_v now_o remember_v their_o iniquity_n and_o visit_v their_o sin_n then_o say_v the_o lord_n unto_o i_o pray_v not_o for_o this_o people_n for_o their_o good_a when_o they_o fast_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o cry_n and_o when_o they_o offer_v burn_v offering_n and_o a_o oblation_n i_o will_v not_o accept_v they_o etc._n etc._n v._n 10._o 11_o 12._o when_o there_o be_v no_o true_a repentance_n and_o resolution_n to_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n you_o see_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o prophet_n himself_o be_v of_o as_o little_a avail_n for_o their_o safety_n as_o their_o own_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o he_o and_o more_o than_o this_o he_o expect_v their_o holy_a purpose_n shall_v be_v perform_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o good_a resolution_n which_o many_o time_n be_v as_o soon_o break_v as_o they_o be_v make_v when_o the_o people_n therefore_o in_o their_o distress_n lament_v after_o the_o lord_n the_o good_a man_n tell_v they_o 1_o sam._n vii_o 2_o 3._o if_o you_o do_v return_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n then_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n and_o prepare_v your_o heart_n unto_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o he_o will_v deliver_v you_o that_o be_v let_v we_o see_v the_o proof_n of_o your_o unseigned_a sorrow_n for_o what_o you_o have_v do_v amiss_o let_v your_o fair_a promise_n and_o good_a purpose_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o according_o you_o read_v v._o 4._o then_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n put_v away_o baalim_fw-la and_o ashtaroth_n and_o serve_v the_o lord_n only_o i._n e._n they_o do_v according_a to_o their_o resolution_n but_o one_o place_n may_v serve_v instead_o of_o a_o great_a many_o xxxiii_o ezek._n 3._o 6._o where_o the_o watchman_n be_v command_v to_o blow_v the_o trumpet_n and_o warn_v the_o people_n when_o he_o see_v the_o sword_n come_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o call_v they_o to_o fast_v and_o humiliation_n to_o repentace_n and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n so_o you_o find_v it_o explain_v v._o 7._o 8._o as_o you_o may_v read_v at_o your_o leisure_n and_o observe_v how_o the_o prophet_n be_v direct_v to_o treat_v with_o they_o in_o these_o term_n v._o 11._o say_v unto_o they_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n this_o conversion_n from_o their_o evil_a way_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o save_v they_o to_o which_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n most_o earnest_o importune_v they_o and_o thus_o maimonides_n a_o most_o learned_a writer_n among_o the_o jew_n describe_v one_o of_o their_o fasting-day_n in_o his_o treatise_n upon_o this_o subject_a 4._o subject_a in_o taaniâ—oth_n cap._n 4._o a_o elder_a say_v he_o be_v appoint_v who_o stand_v and_o call_v upon_o the_o people_n to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n o_o my_o brethren_n it_o be_v neither_o your_o fast_n nor_o your_o sackcloth_n nor_o your_o ash_n which_o will_v be_v able_a to_o turn_v away_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n from_o you_o but_o your_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n must_v ensue_v to_o do_v the_o business_n do_v you_o not_o find_v it_o so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o nineveh_n how_o do_v you_o read_v in_o their_o story_n look_v into_o the_o book_n of_o jonah_n and_o observe_v how_o they_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o iii_o 5._o and_o the_o king_n cause_v it_o to_o be_v proclaim_v throughout_o the_o city_n say_v let_v neither_o man_n nor_o beast_n taste_v any_o food_n let_v they_o be_v cover_v with_o sackcloth_n and_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n yea_o let_v they_o turn_v every_o one_o from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o the_o violence_n that_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n v._o 7_o 8._o and_o what_o the_o effect_n be_v you_o may_v find_v v._o 10._o god_n see_v their_o work_n and_o that_o they_o return_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a etc._n etc._n observe_v brethren_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o see_v their_o sackcloth_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o fast_n but_o that_o he_o see_v their_o work_n and_o that_o they_o return_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o so_o god_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n turn_v you_o unto_o i_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o fast_v weep_a and_o mourning_n rend_v your_o heart_n and_o not_o your_o garment_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_z your_o god_n for_o he_o be_v gracious_a who_o know_v if_o he_o will_v return_v and_o leave_v a_o blessing_n behind_o he_o this_o say_v maimonides_n the_o elder_a be_v require_v to_o speak_v with_o all_o his_o might_n that_o he_o may_v humble_v their_o heart_n and_o turn_v they_o with_o a_o perfect_a repentance_n and_o after_o they_o have_v thus_o spend_v the_o day_n in_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o other_o duty_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v in_o the_o next_o particular_a all_o the_o people_n he_o say_v be_v wont_a to_o go_v into_o the_o burying_n place_n and_o there_o they_o weep_v and_o pray_v again_o and_o one_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o this_o manner_n behold_v you_o shall_v all_o die_v and_o perish_v like_o those_o who_o grave_n here_o lie_v before_o you_o unless_o you_o be_v convert_v from_o your_o evil_a way_n which_o be_v
much_o what_o such_o a_o say_n as_o that_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o day_n xiii_o luk._n 3._o 5._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v you_o see_v then_o what_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o this_o day_n wherein_o no_o exhortation_n be_v more_o proper_a than_o that_o of_o jeremiah_n to_o this_o people_n in_o his_o lamentation_n iii_o 40._o let_v we_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_v again_o unto_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o presume_v of_o mercy_n without_o this_o though_o you_o shall_v perform_v all_o the_o other_o but_o fear_v rather_o lest_o that_o shall_v be_v verify_v in_o we_o which_o be_v say_v to_o the_o jew_n i._o isa_n 15._o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v you_o a_o very_a lamentable_a case_n to_o lose_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o all_o this_o labour_n likewise_o to_o obtain_v it_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v then_o what_o course_n will_v god_n have_v they_o take_v he_o inform_v they_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_z now_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o be_v reconcile_v though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n etc._n etc._n from_o which_o word_n i_o be_o direct_v to_o another_o necessary_a part_n of_o a_o solemn_a fast_o which_o be_v the_o last_o i_o shall_v mention_v vi_o and_o that_o be_v do_v public_a justice_n upon_o notorious_a offender_n by_o inflict_v those_o punishment_n upon_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n which_o the_o law_n require_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a the_o prophet_n speak_v to_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v see_v right_o do_v and_o abuse_v correct_v and_o according_o you_o find_v that_o upon_o their_o day_n of_o humiliation_n this_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o care_n for_o when_o samuel_n gather_v all_o the_o people_n to_o mizpeh_n where_o they_o keep_v a_o fast_a as_o i_o show_v before_o and_o confess_v their_o sin_n etc._n etc._n the_o day_n conclude_v with_o this_o 1_o sam._n vii_o 6._o and_o samuel_n judge_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o mizpeh_n when_o ezra_n in_o like_a manner_n mourn_v and_o do_v neither_o eat_v bread_n nor_o drink_v water_n he_o summon_v all_o the_o people_n to_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n upon_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v all_o their_o good_n if_o they_o do_v not_o and_o when_o they_o appear_v he_o examine_v who_o have_v take_v strange_a wife_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o he_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v put_v away_o as_o you_o read_v x._o ezra_n 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o in_o aftertime_n their_o â—_o ib._n cap._n â—_o manner_n be_v upon_o their_o fast_a day_n occasion_v by_o any_o public_a trouble_v for_o the_o house_n of_o judgement_n as_o their_o phrase_n be_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o every_o city_n and_o there_o examine_v the_o life_n of_o the_o citizen_n after_o morning_n prayer_n until_o noon_n and_o so_o they_o remove_v say_v he_o the_o stumbling-block_n of_o transgression_n they_o inquire_v for_o instance_n after_o the_o man_n of_o violence_n those_o who_o have_v be_v extortioner_n and_o oppressor_n of_o other_o who_o they_o excommunicate_v they_o seek_v after_o the_o scorner_n and_o those_o that_o despise_v the_o law_n who_o they_o humble_v with_o all_o the_o like_a offender_n and_o then_o from_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o day_n till_o three_o a_o clock_n they_o recite_v the_o blessing_n and_o curse_n that_o be_v in_o the_o law_n according_a to_o what_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v my_o son_n despise_v thou_o not_o the_o chasten_n of_o the_o lord_n iii_o prov._n 11._o and_o then_o have_v read_v such_o reproof_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o present_a strait_n wherein_o they_o be_v evening_n prayer_n begin_v in_o which_o they_o spend_v the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o day_n cry_v unto_o god_n with_o all_o their_o might_n this_o certain_o very_o much_o concern_v all_o the_o magistrate_n and_o officer_n of_o justice_n among_o we_o in_o this_o kingdom_n who_o shall_v blush_v to_o be_v find_v more_o remiss_a than_o those_o who_o live_v under_o a_o low_a discipline_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v lift_v up_o my_o voice_n and_o speak_v so_o loud_o as_o to_o awaken_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o chastise_v all_o public_a offender_n to_o do_v justice_n strict_o upon_o those_o who_o dishonour_n god_n and_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n stir_v up_o yourselves_o and_o be_v zealous_a for_o your_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v let_v not_o the_o drunkard_n the_o blasphemer_n the_o prophaner_n of_o the_o lord's-day_n who_o despise_v his_o worship_n and_o service_n go_v unpunished_a see_v good_a order_n keep_v in_o all_o house_n of_o public_a entertainment_n find_v out_o and_o suppress_v all_o place_n of_o note_a uncleanness_n make_v a_o strict_a inquisition_n after_o false_a weight_n and_o deceitful_a measure_n discountenance_v makebate_n and_o sower_n of_o discord_n among_o brethren_n and_o execute_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n against_o all_o open_a wickedness_n this_o will_v be_v indeed_o to_o keep_v a_o fast_a unto_o the_o lord_n this_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v we_o a_o happy_a people_n for_o though_o there_o may_v still_o be_v a_o great_a many_o sin_n commit_v among_o we_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o be_v national_a sin_n nor_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o as_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o iniquity_n whereas_o without_o such_o reformation_n as_o this_o or_o a_o hearty_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n after_o it_o our_o fast_n and_o prayer_n and_o lamentation_n will_v serve_v only_o for_o mark_n of_o our_o insincerity_n and_o of_o the_o mean_a opinion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o can_v be_v move_v with_o such_o service_n wherein_o we_o have_v respect_n only_o to_o ourselves_o and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o he_o who_o be_v not_o honour_v while_o profane_a wickedness_n open_o appear_v to_o the_o high_a affront_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n without_o check_n or_o controlment_n this_o bold_a commission_n of_o sin_n without_o correction_n he_o will_v account_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o it_o will_v lie_v more_o especial_o at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o officer_n of_o justice_n if_o they_o can_v and_o yet_o will_v not_o redress_v such_o impiety_n for_o it_o be_v always_o a_o acknowledge_a rule_n that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o forbid_v sin_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n do_v in_o effect_n command_v it_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o punish_v it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n incourage_v and_o uphold_v it_o as_o we_o expect_v then_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n upon_o we_o as_o we_o wish_v the_o happiness_n of_o these_o kingdom_n and_o desire_v that_o the_o great_a design_n which_o be_v now_o on_o foot_n may_v thrive_v and_o prosper_v let_v we_o every_o one_o in_o our_o several_a condition_n relation_n and_o place_n set_v ourselves_o serious_o against_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n and_o labour_n to_o root_v it_o out_o for_o not_o only_o our_o eternal_a but_o our_o temporal_a interest_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o as_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v brief_o to_o demonstrate_v by_o show_v how_o rational_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v treat_v in_o the_o full_a extent_n thereof_o that_o you_o may_v remember_v be_v the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o undertake_v to_o do_v when_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o part_n of_o my_o text._n and_o i_o shall_v not_o press_v you_o by_o general_a reason_n but_o such_o only_a as_o particular_o relate_v to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o war._n who_o ought_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n i._o that_o as_o fast_v and_o prayer_n be_v a_o open_a acknowledgement_n that_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o all_o event_n so_o it_o be_v never_o more_o necessary_a to_o make_v this_o acknowledgement_n than_o in_o a_o time_n of_o war_n when_o his_o overrule_v power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v most_o eminent_o apparent_a for_o it_o have_v be_v frequent_o see_v that_o a_o little_a chance_n as_o we_o call_v it_o have_v disorder_v mighty_a army_n a_o small_a accident_n have_v turn_v the_o fortune_n of_o the_o day_n the_o mistake_n of_o a_o word_n in_o fight_v at_o land_n the_o shift_a of_o the_o
wind_n in_o fights_z at_o sea_n or_o some_o such_o like_a single_a event_n have_v sometime_o ravish_v victory_n from_o those_o who_o have_v it_o just_a in_o their_o hand_n there_o be_v innumerable_a instance_n in_o story_n of_o such_o sudden_a contingency_n as_o have_v utter_o defeat_v the_o fair_a hope_n we_o have_v one_o in_o the_o first_o lesson_n for_o this_o day_n morning_n prayer_n where_o we_o read_v how_o three_o nation_n that_o be_v combine_v against_o jehosaphat_n by_o a_o mistake_n of_o a_o party_n of_o they_o who_o be_v lay_v in_o ambush_n fall_v upon_o one_o another_o and_o be_v utter_o destroy_v by_o their_o own_o hand_n 2_o chron._n xx._n 22_o 23._o which_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o secret_a interposition_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o govern_v all_o thing_n both_o great_a and_o small_a and_o by_o very_o little_a thing_n produce_v very_o great_a alteration_n the_o skill_n and_o prudence_n of_o those_o that_o command_v in_o battle_n may_v do_v much_o the_o courage_n of_o the_o soldier_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n the_o strength_n and_o number_n of_o ship_n be_v very_o considerable_a but_o as_o one_o of_o the_o heathen_n speak_v one_o single_a chance_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a language_n one_o turn_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v do_v more_o than_o they_o all_o thus_o far_o then_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o be_v in_o the_o right_a the_o very_a appointment_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n as_o this_o be_v a_o public_a acknowledgement_n which_o their_o majesty_n make_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mind_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plato_n a_o eternal_a mind_n which_o be_v the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n govern_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n every_o where_o and_o our_o meeting_n together_o at_o this_o time_n be_v a_o solemn_a recognition_n of_o that_o supreme_a authority_n and_o providence_n of_o he_o whereby_o we_o declare_v our_o sense_n of_o humane_a weakness_n though_o never_o so_o well_o arm_v and_o brave_o appoint_v and_o disclaim_v all_o confidence_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n testify_v to_o the_o world_n that_o we_o hope_v not_o for_o salvation_n from_o thence_o but_o from_o the_o live_a god_n who_o favour_n be_v at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v most_o humble_o implore_v but_o then_o especial_o when_o not_o only_a man_n but_o the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n storm_n and_o tempest_n nay_o all_o other_o thing_n may_v rise_v up_o against_o we_o and_o we_o ought_v further_o to_o consider_v that_o ii_o our_o fast_a and_o prayer_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n likewise_o of_o the_o obedience_n we_o owe_v to_o almighty_a god_n in_o all_o thing_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o of_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n than_o to_o persist_v in_o our_o rebellion_n against_o he_o after_o we_o have_v make_v such_o open_a confession_n of_o his_o supremacy_n and_o of_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o the_o need_n in_o which_o we_o stand_v of_o his_o favour_n and_o help_v upon_o which_o account_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o these_o religious_a address_n to_o he_o be_v attend_v with_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v before_o we_o venture_v to_o engage_v with_o our_o enemy_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v no_o more_o enemy_n than_o they_o to_o oppose_v we_o but_o we_o may_v be_v in_o peace_n with_o heaven_n when_o man_n make_v war_n upon_o we_o for_o he_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a condition_n who_o have_v a_o great_a many_o enemy_n to_o deal_v with_o all_o at_o one_o time_n and_o he_o in_o a_o worse_o who_o carry_v a_o secret_a enemy_n along_o with_o he_o in_o his_o army_n as_o all_o those_o do_v who_o go_v in_o their_o sin_n to_o sight_n with_o their_o opposer_n and_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o none_o be_v in_o so_o dangerous_a a_o condition_n as_o those_o who_o have_v god_n for_o their_o enemy_n who_o threaten_v to_o wound_v the_o head_n of_o his_o enemy_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o go_v on_o still_o in_o his_o trespass_n lxviii_o psal_n 21._o but_o never_o be_v they_o in_o more_o danger_n than_o when_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o fast_v the_o devil_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o but_o they_o still_o resolute_o persist_v in_o their_o disobedience_n before_o we_o blow_v the_o trumpet_n then_o of_o war_n against_o our_o enemy_n we_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o proclaim_v war_n against_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v our_o high_a interest_n to_o call_v up_o all_o the_o force_n of_o our_o soul_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v to_o encounter_v these_o and_o tread_v they_o down_o under_o our_o foot_n before_o we_o take_v the_o confidence_n to_o look_v our_o other_o foe_n who_o be_v not_o so_o deadly_a in_o the_o face_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a precept_n of_o god_n by_o moses_n belong_v to_o this_o matter_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v often_o ponder_v xxiii_o deut._n 9_o when_o the_o host_n go_v forth_o against_o thy_o enemy_n then_o keep_v thou_o from_o every_o wicked_a thing_n iii_o by_o which_o mean_n we_o shall_v be_v dispose_v to_o manage_v all_o other_o war_n after_o a_o christian_a manner_n we_o shall_v not_o commit_v any_o injustice_n or_o violence_n when_o we_o go_v to_o redress_v it_o nor_o exercise_v cruelty_n when_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n to_o punish_v it_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o of_o which_o we_o complain_v but_o fight_v like_o those_o that_o hate_v fight_v we_o shall_v love_v even_o our_o bitter_a enemy_n and_o wish_v we_o can_v conquer_v they_o by_o that_o weapon_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o but_o if_o that_o can_v be_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a however_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n considerable_a iv_o to_o place_v a_o good_a hope_n in_o god_n that_o he_o will_v take_v our_o part_n and_o send_v we_o auxiliary_n from_o heaven_n when_o man_n rise_v up_o against_o we_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a etc._n etc._n as_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v ix_o eccles_n ii_o but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o it_o be_v god_n only_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o can_v make_v opportunity_n favourable_a to_o we_o and_o cause_n thing_n to_o fall_v out_o advantageous_o on_o our_o side_n yea_o make_v little_a mean_n bring_v mighty_a thing_n to_o pass_v and_o we_o may_v hope_v he_o will_v do_v so_o when_o in_o all_o our_o way_n we_o acknowledge_v he_o and_o live_v as_o become_v those_o who_o believe_v that_o let_v we_o devise_v what_o we_o please_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o direct_v and_o order_v the_o success_n xvi_o prov._n 9_o xx._n 24._o v._o and_o then_o to_o he_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o give_v all_o the_o praise_n and_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o as_o that_o admirable_a prince_n david_n do_v who_o after_o all_o his_o wonderful_a achievement_n make_v the_o most_o humble_a acknowledgement_n to_o god_n in_o the_o last_o of_o those_o psalm_n now_o read_v xliv_o 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n my_o strength_n which_o teach_v my_o hand_n to_o war_n and_o my_o singer_n to_o sight_n my_o goodness_n and_o my_o fortress_n my_o high_a tower_n and_o my_o deliverer_n my_o shield_n observe_v how_o many_o word_n he_o use_v to_o express_v his_o sense_n that_o he_o owe_v all_o to_o god_n and_o he_o in_o who_o i_o trust_v who_o subdue_v my_o people_n under_o i_o lord_z what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o take_v knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o make_v account_v of_o he_o man_n be_v like_a to_o vanity_n his_o day_n be_v as_o a_o shadow_n that_o pass_v away_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_z what_o be_o i_o what_o be_v the_o best_a or_o great_a of_o man_n that_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v effect_v by_o they_o as_o the_o subdue_a so_o many_o people_n as_o have_v submit_v unto_o i_o alas_o we_o be_v but_o vanity_n a_o mere_a shadow_n and_o what_o can_v a_o whole_a army_n of_o shadow_n do_v without_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o i_o must_v and_o do_v ascribe_v entire_o all_o the_o victory_n which_o have_v be_v win_v over_o great_a and_o strong_a nation_n by_o such_o a_o feeble_a creature_n as_o i_o be_o and_o thus_o jonathan_n a_o friend_n of_o david_n speak_v to_o his_o armour-bearer_n 1_o sam._n fourteen_o 6._o let_v we_o go_v over_o unto_o the_o garrison_n of_o these_o uncircumcised_a it_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n will_v work_v by_o we_o for_o there_o be_v no_o restraint_n to_o the_o lord_n to_o save_v by_o many_o or_o by_o few_o vi_o with_o he_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v make_v friendship_n by_o abandon_v all_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o this_o good_a hope_n in_o god_n will_v inspire_v we_o with_o true_a valour_n and_o make_v we_o fear_v nothing_o inordinate_o no_o
not_o death_n itself_o the_o righteous_a say_v solomon_n be_v as_o bold_a as_o a_o lion_n xxviii_o prov._n 1._o they_o can_v look_v danger_n undaunted_o in_o the_o face_n whereas_o all_o the_o natural_a courage_n and_o boldness_n which_o abundance_n of_o natural_a spirit_n in_o a_o vigorous_a constitution_n of_o body_n and_o health_n may_v endue_v some_o man_n withal_o will_v grow_v faint_a and_o languish_v whensoever_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n seize_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o guilt_n start_v up_o and_o stare_v they_o in_o the_o face_n if_o a_o wicked_a man_n chance_n to_o reflect_v upon_o this_o one_o thing_n alone_o that_o he_o be_v issue_v forth_o into_o the_o field_n of_o danger_n without_o god_n more_o confident_a in_o his_o own_o strength_n than_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o he_o do_v not_o serious_o acknowledge_v nor_o study_v to_o engage_v it_o will_v amaze_v his_o spirit_n and_o quench_v his_o courage_n this_o will_v daunt_v he_o more_o than_o all_o the_o enemy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o strike_v a_o great_a terror_n into_o he_o than_o the_o noise_n of_o cannon_n and_o the_o shriek_n and_o groan_n of_o die_a man_n and_o what_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v there_o so_o resolute_a and_o confident_a so_o high_a spirit_v and_o a_o despiser_n of_o danger_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o secure_v himself_o from_o these_o invisible_a stroke_n of_o heaven_n which_o will_v trouble_v and_o confound_v he_o and_o baffle_v he_o in_o all_o his_o erterprise_n it_o be_v necessary_a then_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o thorough_o good_a soldier_n that_o he_o have_v first_o conquer_v himself_o he_o that_o will_v fear_v nothing_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n fear_v god_n unto_o which_o if_o we_o will_v all_o apply_v ourselves_o with_o due_a seriousness_n we_o shall_v have_v reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v remember_v we_o as_o my_o text_n speak_v that_o be_v own_o we_o for_o his_o friend_n and_o save_v we_o from_o our_o enemy_n which_o he_o can_v do_v either_o by_o overcome_v they_o or_o by_o overcome_v their_o enmity_n and_o make_v they_o friend_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o all_o for_o when_o a_o man_n way_n please_v the_o lord_n he_o make_v even_o his_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o xvi_o prov._n 7._o iii_o this_o be_v the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o text_n of_o which_o let_v i_o beg_v your_o patience_n while_o i_o give_v a_o short_a account_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o that_o success_n may_v wait_v upon_o the_o wicked_a but_o as_o they_o can_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o it_o so_o they_o will_v be_v in_o fear_n and_o dread_n whensoever_o they_o reflect_v upon_o their_o wickedness_n that_o at_o last_o they_o shall_v miscarry_v whereas_o true_o good_a man_n can_v never_o fail_v to_o have_v a_o good_a hope_n in_o god_n that_o whatsoever_o success_n they_o meet_v withal_o at_o present_a he_o will_v not_o abandon_v they_o utter_o but_o turn_v even_o cross_n to_o their_o future_a advantage_n and_o who_o so_o happy_a as_o he_o that_o live_v not_o in_o suspense_n and_o doubt_n about_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o thing_n but_o can_v commit_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o wise_a providence_n with_o a_o assure_a confidence_n that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o he_o at_o the_o last_o though_o his_o faith_n and_o patience_n be_v exercise_v a_o while_n with_o dubious_a or_o with_o adverse_a event_n it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o isocrates_n 〈◊〉_d isocrates_n in_o aâ—chidaâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o oration_n and_o he_o live_v almost_o to_o a_o hundred_o year_n of_o age_n and_o so_o can_v the_o better_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o country_n that_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o the_o war_n in_o greece_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o force_n but_o also_o according_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o their_o cause_n for_o though_o there_o be_v different_a success_n in_o the_o intermediate_v act_n which_o make_v some_o man_n doubt_v which_o side_n be_v in_o the_o right_n yet_o the_o catastrophe_n as_o they_o speak_v the_o conclusion_n of_o those_o tragical_a commotion_n declare_v the_o righteous_a cause_n victorious_a and_o they_o who_o be_v unjust_o oppress_v be_v vindicate_v into_o their_o ancient_a liberty_n but_o however_o that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o great_a truth_n than_o what_o be_v say_v by_o cassius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nothing_o give_v a_o man_n such_o aâ—ppian_n apud_fw-la aâ—ppian_n hope_n in_o war_n as_o to_o have_v right_a on_o his_o side_n god_n and_o my_o right_n be_v the_o best_a inscription_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o any_o escutcheon_n and_o the_o great_a support_n of_o a_o christian_a prince_n but_o of_o all_o the_o story_n you_o ever_o read_v or_o hear_v of_o there_o be_v none_o like_o that_o which_o report_v the_o confidence_n and_o assure_a hope_n of_o jehoshaphat_n king_n of_o judah_n in_o the_o first_o lesson_n this_o day_n which_o i_o have_v often_o mention_v where_o after_o he_o have_v proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o make_v a_o most_o admirable_a prayer_n to_o god_n in_o which_o he_o brief_o set_v forth_o these_o two_o thing_n his_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o cause_n he_o be_v so_o mighty_o encourage_v that_o he_o ordain_v the_o people_n to_o go_v sing_v when_o they_o go_v to_o fight_v with_o their_o numerous_a enemy_n a_o marvellous_a confidence_n in_o god_n power_n and_o goodness_n which_o inspire_v they_o with_o such_o hope_n of_o success_n that_o they_o sing_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o song_n of_o triumph_n beforehand_o as_o you_o read_v 2_o chron._n xx._n 21._o when_o he_o have_v consult_v the_o people_n he_o appoint_v singer_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v praise_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n as_o they_o go_v out_o before_o the_o army_n say_v praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o they_o have_v a_o prophet_n indeed_o who_o come_v and_o assure_v they_o of_o victory_n but_o they_o who_o have_v none_o have_v do_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a from_o this_o example_n for_o cedrenus_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n use_v to_o sing_v in_o their_o battle_n as_o if_o they_o will_v praise_v god_n for_o assure_a success_n before_o the_o victory_n be_v obtain_v this_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o pious_a fast_o in_o those_o old_a time_n and_o we_o may_v see_v the_o same_o again_o do_v we_o not_o mere_o forsake_v our_o food_n on_o this_o day_n but_o likewise_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o will_v not_o only_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n to_o day_n but_o always_o walk_v humble_o with_o he_o i_o may_v with_o some_o confidence_n use_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o that_o place_n v._o 17._o and_o say_v stand_v you_o still_o and_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n fear_v not_o nor_o be_v dismay_v for_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v with_o you_o he_o will_v certain_o remember_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o that_o hate_v we_o not_o so_o speedy_o perhaps_o as_o we_o may_v desire_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o mercy_n he_o intend_v to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o with_o such_o speed_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o wont_a method_n of_o his_o most_o wise_a proceed_n we_o expect_v i_o remember_v to_o have_v see_v ireland_n reduce_v that_o year_n his_o majesty_n go_v over_o thither_o and_o think_v it_o very_o hard_o that_o after_o so_o much_o expense_n we_o do_v not_o see_v our_o enemy_n elsewhere_o humble_v the_o last_o year_n but_o be_v we_o a_o much_o better_a people_n than_o i_o can_v suppose_v we_o be_v god_n may_v just_o defer_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o such_o hope_n and_o yet_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n here_o in_o my_o text_n and_o in_o other_o place_n first_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v we_o in_o a_o continue_a dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o quicken_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o all_o prayer_n watch_v thereunto_o with_o perseverance_n and_o patient_o wait_v till_o he_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o second_o that_o he_o may_v work_v in_o we_o a_o through_o repentance_n which_o alas_o be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o so_o be_v our_o deliverance_n let_v we_o complete_a the_o one_o and_o god_n will_v finish_v the_o other_o but_o while_o our_o repentance_n remain_v so_o defective_a it_o be_v rather_o a_o wonder_n that_o god_n have_v do_v so_o much_o than_o that_o he_o he_o have_v do_v no_o more_o for_o we_o particular_o three_o god_n may_v just_o defer_v to_o do_v all_o that_o i_o hope_v he_o intend_v till_o we_o become_v more_o sensible_a of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v already_o he_o wrought_v a_o mighty_a deliverance_n for_o we_o not_o long_o