godliness_n no_o friend_n to_o rebellion_n or_o enemy_n to_o civil_a government_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o a_o sermon_n occasional_o preach_v at_o great_a yarmouth_n octob._n 25._o 1673._o by_o a_o lover_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n london_n print_v for_o george_n palmer_n at_o the_o royal_a oak_n without_o temple-bar_n 1674._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n how_o these_o weak_a and_o indigested_a note_n come_v to_o be_v make_v public_a be_v best_a know_v to_o some_o that_o hear_v they_o preach_v wherein_o their_o importunity_n prevail_v against_o the_o author_n inclination_n and_o judgement_n who_o think_v the_o world_n sufficient_o stock_v with_o print_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v overburthen_v in_o that_o matter_n lest_o through_o the_o excess_n of_o insignificant_a paper_n thing_n more_o weighty_a and_o important_a come_v to_o be_v nauseated_a or_o disregard_v yet_o soe_v though_o unworthy_a they_o must_v come_v to_o view_v that_o i_o may_v not_o wrong_v the_o reader_n privilege_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o as_o it_o promote_v a_o great_a know_a duty_n incumbent_a especial_o upon_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n so_o it_o fair_o wipe_v off_o all_o those_o blot_n and_o stain_n which_o either_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o former_a time_n have_v occasion_v or_o the_o bitterness_n &_o malice_n of_o some_o in_o these_o day_n cast_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n who_o that_o they_o may_v discourage_v the_o mind_n of_o people_n from_o embrace_v those_o thing_n and_o principle_n which_o agree_v not_o with_o their_o own_o sentiment_n or_o humour_n before_o they_o well_o consider_v or_o understand_v the_o nature_n or_o tendency_n of_o they_o with_o great_a clamour_n condemn_v they_o as_o intolerable_a in_o a_o land_n and_o only_o take_v up_o to_o promote_v rebellion_n and_o faction_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v with_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o there_o never_o have_v occasion_n be_v give_v to_o any_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o that_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o full_a conviction_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o error_n and_o a_o ample_a justification_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o far_o lead_v away_o by_o the_o insincerity_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n as_o to_o abuse_v the_o profession_n of_o holy_a and_o godly_a principle_n and_o persuasion_n by_o any_o inconsistent_a action_n or_o course_n that_o shall_v speak_v they_o traitorous_a heady_a high-minded_a or_o the_o like_a let_v such_o alone_o bear_v it_o but_o let_v all_o that_o understand_v christian_a religion_n aright_o under_o what_o form_n or_o name_n soever_o fear_v god_n and_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o say_v with_o old_a jacob_n concern_v simeon_n and_o levi_n oh_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o thou_o into_o their_o secret_n unto_o their_o assembly_n my_o honour_n be_v not_o thou_o unite_v reader_n this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n and_o design_n of_o the_o author_n choice_n of_o this_o subject_a that_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o may_v stir_v up_o or_o reduce_v the_o mind_n of_o dissent_v professor_n in_o this_o day_n to_o be_v more_o sincere_a and_o more_o fervent_a in_o pray_v for_o the_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n found_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o also_o upon_o the_o positive_a will_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o also_o to_o bear_v his_o testimony_n though_o in_o weakness_n against_o the_o absurd_a and_o endless_a cavil_n and_o accusation_n which_o disaffect_v person_n heap_v upon_o the_o most_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o godliness_n and_o scriptural_a holiness_n in_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o high_a part_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v a_o harmless_a innocent_a thing_n no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o civil_a government_n but_o high_o advantageous_a to_o the_o good_a and_o comfort_n of_o man_n life_n so_o that_o man_n need_v not_o look_v upon_o or_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o most_o strict_a method_n of_o holiness_n as_o injurious_a or_o as_o a_o pest_n to_o the_o nation_n because_o they_o give_v no_o disturbance_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o man_n lust_n and_o sin_n to_o the_o pride_n and_o excess_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o also_o civil_a government_n according_a to_o its_o native_a institution_n be_v and_o by_o a_o regular_a management_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o terror_n and_o what_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o cavil_v and_o bandy_n against_o each_o other_o about_o circumstantial_a thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v but_o difunion_n weakness_n and_o a_o lay_v ourselves_o open_a to_o the_o impression_n and_o design_n of_o the_o common_a enemy_n who_o doubtless_o in_o all_o the_o furrow_n of_o our_o mutual_a animosity_n do_v by_o their_o secret_a agent_n some_o the_o seed_n of_o great_a division_n and_o the_o tare_n of_o their_o detestable_a romish_a doctrine_n and_o superstition_n certain_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o every_o public_a talon_n to_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o more_o abundant_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o people_n may_v be_v well_o furnish_v with_o knowledge_n and_o scripture-light_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o judge_v betwixt_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n which_o when_o all_o be_v do_v will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o exclude_v popery_n and_o secure_a england_n against_o it_o for_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v by_o power_n to_o exclude_v and_o cast_v out_o the_o trumpery_n and_o exercise_n of_o that_o worship_n from_o among_o we_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o people_n through_o their_o own_o ignorance_n or_o cunning_a guile_n of_o deceiver_n shall_v be_v taint_v with_o and_o receive_v their_o principle_n reader_n i_o shall_v detain_v thou_o no_o long_o do_v thyself_o and_o i_o that_o right_n to_o read_v what_o follow_v with_o that_o candour_n and_o charity_n which_o a_o hasty_a discourse_n compose_v under_o many_o disturbance_n call_v for_o it_o be_v not_o what_o the_o subject_n deserve_v but_o what_o can_v be_v offer_v within_o the_o usual_a limit_n of_o a_o sermon_n it_o little_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o public_a save_v in_o what_o be_v want_v through_o defect_n of_o memory_n or_o want_v of_o time_n if_o what_o be_v offer_v shall_v conduce_v to_o the_o heal_n of_o thy_o spirit_n or_o the_o help_a on_o of_o thy_o duty_n the_o author_n have_v his_o design_a recompense_n and_o reward_n in_o thy_o good_a and_o shall_v bless_v god_n for_o it_o ezra_n 6.10_o that_o they_o may_v offer_v sacrifice_n of_o sweet_a savour_n unto_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o king_n and_o for_o the_o life_n of_o his_o son_n in_o all_o the_o revolution_n and_o change_n that_o have_v pass_v upon_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n god_n providence_n have_v in_o nothing_o more_o eminent_o appear_v than_o in_o matter_n relate_v to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n in_o their_o pilgrimage_n of_o this_o life_n a_o eminent_a instance_n whereof_o be_v this_o of_o the_o jew_n go_v into_o babylon_n preservation_n there_o and_o wonderful_a return_n from_o their_o captive_a condition_n to_o their_o own_o country_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o peculiar_a worship_n of_o their_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o deliverance_n and_o liberty_n though_o it_o be_v much_o complete_v the_o reign_n of_o darius_n yet_o it_o be_v begin_v long_o before_o by_o the_o persian_a cyrus_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o look_v back_o to_o his_o time_n that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o full_o see_v the_o rise_n of_o this_o decree_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o with_o a_o narration_n of_o cyrus_n his_o decree_n ezra_n begin_v his_o book_n jew_n joseph_n lib._n 11._o of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o jew_n cyrus_n have_v obtain_v great_a conquest_n he_o lead_v his_o army_n against_o babylon_n and_o have_v overcome_v great_a difficulty_n he_o sit_v down_o before_o that_o great_a city_n which_o beside_o the_o many_o wonderful_a fortification_n of_o it_o have_v the_o river_n euphrates_n run_v through_o it_o belshazzar_n then_o king_n thereof_o with_o his_o babylonian_n scorn_v their_o enemy_n suppose_v their_o city_n impregnable_a keep_v a_o great_a and_o solemn_a feast_n in_o contempt_n of_o they_o as_o also_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o prophet_n who_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o their_o return_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o think_v the_o time_n be_v past_a in_o contempt_n of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o king_n carouse_v and_o drink_v wine_n in_o the_o golden_a vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o nabuchadnezzar_n carry_v away_o but_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o god_n have_v not_o
he_o 2._o second_o let_v it_o invite_v you_o all_o this_o day_n that_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n to_o come_v in_o and_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o his_o way_n this_o privilege_n and_o honour_n will_v one_o day_n be_v considerable_a to_o you_o to_o which_o you_o can_v never_o attain_v but_o by_o espouse_v christ_n his_o interest_n &_o way_n by_o faith_n 3._o three_o than_o you_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o acceptance_n through_o christ_n improve_v it_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n who_o know_v what_o judgement_n you_o may_v divert_v what_o blessing_n you_o may_v draw_v down_o upon_o the_o nation_n luther_n be_v so_o great_a a_o admirer_n of_o prayer_n that_o he_o almost_o call_v it_o omnipotent_a prayer_n be_v not_o for_o a_o private_a use_n only_o but_o for_o a_o public_a good_a as_o trading_n man_n use_v their_o treasure_n for_o advantage_n and_o gain_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o so_o do_v you_o improve_v your_o grace_n and_o heavenly_a interest_n so_o as_o the_o nation_n may_v fare_v the_o better_a for_o you_o by_o the_o fervency_n and_o powerfulness_n of_o your_o prayer_n for_o the_o king_n parliament_z and_o those_o that_o have_v lawful_a authority_n in_o their_o hand_n let_v it_o appear_v who_o be_v your_o father_n of_o what_o family_n and_o of_o what_o spirit_n you_o be_v that_o you_o may_v give_v a_o proof_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o those_o principle_n and_o persuasion_n you_o adhere_v to_o so_o strict_o thus_o god_n people_n in_o all_o former_a time_n have_v do_v so_o jechonias_n in_o his_o captive_a state_n cause_v a_o collection_n of_o money_n to_o be_v make_v and_o send_v it_o to_o jerusalem_n with_o a_o letter_n say_v we_o have_v send_v you_o money_n to_o buy_v sacrifice_n of_o meat-offering_n and_o drink-offering_n and_o sweet_a odour_n that_o you_o may_v offer_v they_o upon_o the_o altar_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o life_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o for_o the_o life_n of_o belteshazzar_n his_o son_n that_o their_o day_n on_o earth_n may_v be_v as_o the_o day_n of_o heaven_n thus_o he_o seem_v to_o approve_v the_o divinity_n and_o innocence_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o profess_v which_o however_o it_o differ_v from_o or_o contradict_v the_o babylonish_n idolatry_n yet_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o but_o useful_a to_o their_o civil_a state_n and_o government_n and_o cyprian_a be_v accuse_v of_o rebellion_n make_v this_o the_o proof_n his_o innocence_n say_v how_o can_v that_o be_v for_o the_o world_n know_v that_o we_o pray_v for_o the_o king_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o government_n so_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n in_o his_o time_n give_v this_o as_o a_o proof_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o holy_a and_o peaceable_a religion_n for_o say_v he_o in_o our_o prayer_n we_o seek_v god_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o emperor_n for_o his_o prosperous_a state_n and_o reign_n that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o a_o quiet_a house_n wise_a councillor_n and_o valiant_a soldier_n and_o how_o agreeable_a be_v this_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n mention_v before_o a_o duty_n not_o only_o acceptable_a to_o governor_n but_o also_o to_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n oh_o then_o pray_v and_o cry_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o that_o in_o their_o peace_n you_o may_v have_v peace_n and_o that_o under_o they_o you_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 4._o use_v four_o then_o be_v not_o offend_v at_o reproach_n and_o scorn_v you_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n if_o god_n will_v thus_o and_o otherwise_o honour_v his_o people_n do_v you_o think_v that_o man_n can_v dishonour_v you_o indeed_o if_o thing_n and_o person_n be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o the_o world_n judge_v of_o they_o than_o the_o most_o holy_a one_o and_o way_n be_v the_o most_o vile_a and_o abominable_a yea_o the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n but_o god_n speak_v otherwise_o of_o you_o and_o of_o his_o way_n to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o attend_v and_o bear_v ourselves_o upon_o and_o happy_a be_v they_o who_o be_v not_o offend_v at_o the_o way_n of_o god_n whatever_o they_o meet_v with_o from_o man_n yea_o when_o they_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o christ_n sake_n for_o so_o have_v the_o most_o eminent_a servant_n of_o god_n fare_v in_o the_o world_n who_o yet_o be_v of_o more_o value_n with_o god_n than_o thousand_o of_o other_o for_o of_o such_o only_a in_o all_o time_n of_o difficulty_n god_n have_v be_v entreat_v yea_o god_n have_v and_o oft_o do_v bring_v it_o about_o in_o his_o providence_n that_o the_o world_n do_v own_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o worth_n of_o a_o godly_a state_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o holy_a man_n and_o much_o desire_v that_o happiness_n namely_o when_o he_o inflict_v terror_n upon_o a_o wicked_a man_n either_o of_o death_n or_o hell_n how_o do_v he_o then_o bless_v the_o state_n of_o the_o righteous_a what_o will_v he_o not_o give_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o godly_a and_o holy_a man_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n of_o the_o everlasting_a love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n how_o do_v he_o condemn_v and_o curse_v his_o evil_a life_n and_o wicked_a way_n and_o call_v for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a or_o of_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n that_o they_o may_v prevail_v with_o god_n for_o he_o as_o we_o have_v in_o job_n 33._o verse_n 21_o 22._o his_o flesh_n be_v consume_v his_o bone_n that_o be_v not_o see_v stick_v out_o his_o soul_n draw_v near_o to_o the_o grave_n and_o his_o life_n to_o the_o destroyer_n if_o there_o be_v a_o messenger_n with_o he_o a_o interpreter_n one_o among_o a_o thousand_o to_o show_v unto_o man_n his_o uprightness_n than_o he_o be_v gracious_a unto_o he_o and_o say_v deliver_v he_o from_o go_v down_o to_o the_o pit_n then_o oh_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v show_v mercy_n to_o pardon_v his_o sin_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n to_o deliver_v he_o from_o eternal_a torment_n thus_o many_o time_n when_o god_n beset_v even_o a_o wicked_a man_n with_o terror_n and_o have_v he_o as_o balaam_n betwixt_o two_o wall_n than_o his_o language_n be_v let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o let_v my_o late_a end_n be_v like_o he_o this_o god_n do_v that_o he_o may_v raise_v the_o price_n and_o value_n of_o his_o child_n in_o the_o world_n and_o honour_v they_o even_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n who_o be_v careless_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n 5._o last_o by_o way_n of_o use_n than_o i_o beseech_v you_o that_o fear_n god_n that_o profess_v strictness_n of_o principle_n and_o persuasion_n differ_v in_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o way_n of_o other_o that_o you_o will_v so_o walk_v and_o behave_v yourselves_o in_o all_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n that_o you_o may_v evidence_n to_o the_o world_n the_o holiness_n and_o harmlesness_n of_o your_o differ_a imagination_n and_o way_n consider_v what_o be_v that_o which_o have_v make_v every_o age_n so_o backward_o to_o allow_v any_o reformation_n or_o change_n relate_v to_o religious_a worship_n but_o a_o secret_a jealousy_n that_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o innovate_v or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n &_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o nation_n certain_o christianity_n in_o the_o high_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o do_v never_o true_o prejudice_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o any_o in_o any_o age_n have_v under_o that_o badge_n &_o profession_n do_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n injurious_a to_o government_n or_o governor_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o tendency_n and_o conduct_n of_o christian_a principle_n but_o from_o the_o fury_n and_o mislead_v of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o carnal_a interest_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o so_o to_o walk_v as_o to_o null_n and_o make_v void_a the_o common_a accusation_n against_o holiness_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unreasonable_a enemy_n and_o accuser_n to_o be_v so_o gracious_a in_o word_n and_o action_n so_o righteous_a just_a humble_a patient_a self-denying_a give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o truth_n not_o mind_v this_o world_n so_o much_o as_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o eternity_n that_o you_o may_v be_v account_v a_o people_n worthy_a of_o your_o christian_a profession_n and_o of_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n that_o be_v upon_o you_o worthy_a of_o your_o gospel_n liberty_n the_o most_o desirable_a blessing_n of_o your_o life_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v on_o for_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o the_o afflict_a for_o the_o nation_n yea_o for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o king_n and_o for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o people_n finis_fw-la
which_o as_o the_o sinner_n declare_v his_o subjection_n and_o service_n to_o god_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n declare_v his_o acceptance_n of_o and_o reconciliation_n towards_o the_o sinner_n and_o that_o he_o take_v he_o into_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o protection_n according_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o sacrifice_n be_v use_v as_o a_o divine_a rite_n of_o invocation_n or_o prayer_n to_o god_n so_o 1_o samuel_n chapt._n 13._o for_o 12._o say_v saul_n therefore_o i_o say_v the_o philistine_n will_v come_v down_o now_o upon_o i_o to_o gilgal_n and_o i_o have_v not_o make_v supplication_n to_o the_o lord_n i_o force_v myself_o therefore_o and_o offer_v a_o burnt-offering_a so_o psalm_n 116._o i_o will_v take_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n be_v that_o drink-offering_a which_o be_v pour_v upon_o the_o sacrifice_n while_o they_o be_v call_v on_o or_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o sacrifice_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o pray_v typical_o include_v the_o ground_n of_o prayer_n and_o hope_n for_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v for_o prayer_n but_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n or_o of_o hope_n to_o receive_v from_o god_n but_o by_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v bless_v he_o according_a to_o his_o prayer_n while_o he_o be_v under_o guilt_n and_o irremission_n of_o sin_n and_o god_n irreconcile_a unto_o he_o so_o that_o sacrifice_n here_o be_v a_o rite_n of_o invocation_n and_o prayer_n and_o with_o we_o prayer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n with_o what_o sacrifice_n of_o sweet_a odour_n be_v to_o they_o the_o life_n of_o the_o king_n that_o be_v the_o preservation_n of_o his_o natural_a life_n the_o welfare_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o government_n and_o of_o his_o son_n viz._n the_o welfare_n of_o his_o family_n the_o preservation_n of_o his_o successor_n this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o the_o open_n of_o the_o phrase_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o observation_n consider_v the_o favour_n of_o darius_n as_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o vow_n and_o the_o observation_n will_v be_v obs_n that_o where_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n or_o any_o religious_a regard_n towards_o god_n his_o vow_n and_o promise_v of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v due_o and_o faithful_o keep_v and_o perform_v though_o they_o be_v not_o immediate_o fulfil_v yet_o they_o shall_v not_o always_o be_v lay_v by_o and_o forget_v this_o great_a darius_n have_v make_v a_o vow_n to_o restore_v god_n people_n the_o jew_n to_o their_o liberty_n civil_a and_o religious_a though_o for_o some_o reason_n of_o state_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o present_a affair_n so_o require_v it_o or_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o memory_n he_o for_o a_o short_a time_n fulfil_v not_o this_o generous_a vow_n yet_o he_o own_v it_o and_o take_v thankful_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o and_o god_n so_o order_v it_o make_v his_o prince_n and_o captain_n see_v how_o much_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o point_n of_o honour_n to_o god_n and_o himself_o to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n 2._o obs_n second_o observe_v that_o where_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o religious_a call_n upon_o god_n in_o entrance_n of_o any_o solemn_a work_n civil_a or_o divine_a so_o jacob_n when_o he_o go_v to_o his_o uncle_n laban_n seek_v to_o god_n for_o supply_v as_o his_o vow_n import_v and_o when_o he_o return_v for_o fear_v of_o his_o brother_n esau_n how_o he_o wrestle_v with_o god_n and_o darius_n here_o enter_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o great_a work_n of_o government_n seek_v to_o god_n by_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n for_o a_o blessing_n 3._o obs_n three_o observe_v that_o the_o clemency_n and_o beneficence_n of_o the_o king_n and_o governor_n under_o he_o be_v a_o great_a obligation_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o people_n to_o duty_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v a_o old_a maxim_n that_o protectio_fw-la trahit_fw-la allegiantiam_fw-la that_o protection_n do_v draw_v allegiance_n the_o more_o generous_o any_o prince_n preserve_v the_o due_a liberty_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o subject_n the_o more_o full_o will_v their_o mind_n embrace_v his_o government_n and_o they_o become_v due_o observant_a of_o he_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o heathen_a tiberius_n to_o say_v when_o i_o be_o dead_a let_v the_o world_n be_v mingle_v with_o sire_n or_o of_o a_o impious_a caligula_n let_v man_n hate_v i_o so_o they_o fear_v i_o it_o be_v true_a severity_n and_o roughness_n seem_v to_o become_v sovereignty_n and_o greatness_n but_o the_o common_a product_n &_o effect_v of_o it_o be_v secret_o to_o cast_v the_o mind_n into_o extreme_a despair_n and_o consequent_o to_o give_v disturbance_n and_o unsettlement_n to_o government_n this_o rehoboam_n know_v to_o his_o cost_n when_o for_o his_o severity_n ten_o tribe_n revolt_v with_o jeroboam_n from_o the_o house_n of_o david_n clemency_n be_v the_o most_o orient_a pearl_n in_o the_o crown_n there_o be_v no_o cord_n draw_v and_o bind_v more_o sirm_o and_o sure_o than_o that_o of_o love_n for_o as_o solomon_n have_v it_o prov._n chapt._n 20._o for_o 28._o mercy_n and_o truth_n preserve_v the_o king_n and_o his_o throne_n be_v establish_v by_o mercy_n but_o i_o shall_v pass_v these_o thing_n and_o speak_v to_o four_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o king_n mind_n seem_v to_o be_v convince_v 1._o first_o that_o king_n and_o governor_n that_o have_v great_a thing_n upon_o their_o hand_n stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o prayer_n if_o mean_a man_n in_o their_o private_a affair_n and_o difficulty_n of_o life_n which_o be_v but_o of_o a_o narrow_a compass_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o prayer_n how_o much_o more_o king_n parliament_n and_o inferior_a governor_n that_o have_v the_o burden_n and_o weight_n of_o government_n upon_o their_o shoulder_n therefore_o darius_n with_o a_o humble_a greatness_n declare_v his_o own_o insufficiency_n either_o for_o protection_n or_o right_a management_n of_o the_o power_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n by_o his_o call_n for_o prayer_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v let_v the_o world_n know_v and_o do_v you_o all_o my_o people_n see_v that_o i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o prayer_n that_o i_o may_v obtain_v the_o divine_a help_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n upon_o my_o throne_n but_o take_v it_o particular_o reas_n 1._o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o prayer_n because_o it_o be_v hard_a work_n to_o govern_v well_o very_o hard_a work_n where_o the_o mind_n be_v faithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o the_o disquiet_v thought_n and_o macerate_v care_n that_o attend_v the_o mind_n of_o governor_n how_o much_o do_v they_o hinder_v those_o common_a content_n and_o ease_n of_o this_o life_n that_o other_o enjoy_v we_o be_v all_o take_v with_o the_o glister_a show_n of_o royalty_n but_o do_v not_o see_v the_o thorn_n that_o crown_n be_v line_v with_o how_o the_o king_n as_o a_o civil_a father_n shall_v answer_v the_o variety_n of_o persuasion_n interest_n disposition_n and_o desire_n of_o his_o people_n and_o keep_v all_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o peace_n subjection_n and_o loyalty_n be_v no_o easy_a thing_n without_o god_n assistance_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o a_o halcyon_n and_o prosperous_a time_n government_n seem_v easy_a and_o desirable_a to_o every_o one_o but_o to_o stand_v at_o the_o helm_n in_o a_o stormy_a day_n when_o the_o bluster_a contradiction_n of_o affair_n make_v all_o tremble_v when_o the_o very_a foundation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o course_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n then_o to_o secure_v the_o welfare_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o reduce_v its_o affair_n to_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n this_o show_v how_o much_o the_o king_n and_o those_o in_o government_n want_v prayer_n reas_n 2._o second_o they_o want_v prayer_n for_o protection_n for_o great_a eminency_n have_v always_o their_o great_a danger_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n more_o expose_v to_o danger_n than_o they_o on_o who_o the_o weight_n of_o government_n most_o lie_v the_o christian_a governor_n who_o set_v their_o face_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n against_o popery_n and_o profaneness_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o manage_v rule_n and_o power_n without_o prejudice_v some_o interest_n and_o distaste_v some_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o the_o raise_n disaffection_n and_o discontent_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o by_o romish_a principle_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v improve_v to_o one_o mischief_n or_o other_o to_o the_o king_n or_o nation_n you_o have_v hear_v and_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v remember_v with_o detestation_n to_o the_o impious_a principle_n of_o the_o jesuit_n who_o plot_v and_o by_o their_o agent_n endeavour_v to_o
our_o earth_n that_o they_o also_o may_v sanctify_v his_o great_a name_n aright_o 3._o a_o three_o observation_n or_o truth_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o darius_n here_o be_v that_o as_o god_n only_o can_v bless_v we_o so_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v of_o we_o and_o seek_v to_o by_o prayer_n for_o those_o blessing_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o be_v true_a god_n can_v bless_v we_o without_o our_o ask_n but_o he_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o dispensation_n there_o be_v no_o rational_a expectance_n to_o be_v have_v of_o god_n blessing_n but_o in_o the_o way_n which_o himself_o have_v set_v and_o appoint_v viz._n the_o way_n of_o prayer_n the_o heathen_n be_v much_o convince_v of_o this_o that_o no_o good_a thing_n can_v be_v obtain_v of_o their_o god_n but_o by_o sacrifice_n which_o as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v a_o rite_n of_o invocation_n or_o prayer_n therefore_o in_o all_o their_o solemn_a attempt_n and_o motion_n still_o they_o begin_v with_o sacrifice_n implore_v their_o god_n to_o be_v propitious_a to_o their_o design_n and_o give_v success_n to_o their_o noble_a and_o high_a enterprise_n and_o if_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n evidence_n so_o much_o religion_n and_o regard_n to_o god_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o to_o seek_v god_n in_o all_o our_o undertake_n and_o concernment_n relate_v to_o our_o private_a or_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o though_o god_n mind_n be_v always_o incline_v through_o free_a grace_n to_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n yet_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o sanctify_v his_o ordinance_n and_o appointment_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v to_o god_n not_o as_o if_o god_n need_v our_o relation_n or_o discovery_n of_o our_o want_n to_o he_o no_o he_o know_v our_o want_n before_o we_o ask_v but_o by_o our_o ask_n of_o god_n we_o declare_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o recognize_v or_o acknowledge_v his_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o nor_o do_v our_o prayer_n make_v a_o change_n in_o the_o counsel_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n but_o they_o many_o time_n make_v a_o change_n in_o our_o mind_n when_o thereby_o our_o heart_n be_v wrought_v to_o be_v more_o humble_a in_o patience_n and_o submission_n more_o believe_v in_o quiet_v our_o mind_n in_o rest_v upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n grace_n for_o god_n have_v annex_v great_a promise_n of_o good_a to_o those_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o call_v upon_o i_o say_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v hear_v you_o for_o your_o nation_n for_o your_o family_n or_o as_o we_o have_v it_o in_o 1_o chronicle_n 17.14_o if_o my_o people_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n shall_v humble_v themselves_o and_o pray_v and_o seek_v my_o face_n and_o return_v from_o their_o wicked_a way_n then_o will_v i_o hear_v from_o heaven_n and_o will_v forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o will_v heal_v their_o land_n so_o that_o the_o great_a and_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v be_v still_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o jeremiah_n 29._o verse_n 11._o say_v the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n for_o i_o know_v the_o thought_n that_o i_o think_v towards_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n thought_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o of_o evil_a to_o give_v you_o a_o expect_a end_n then_o shall_v you_o call_v upon_o i_o and_o you_o shall_v go_v and_o pray_v to_o i_o and_o i_o will_v hearken_v to_o you_o when_o you_o will_v have_v a_o end_n of_o war_n the_o way_n be_v to_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o god_n will_v be_v seek_v to_o whatever_o his_o thought_n be_v that_o in_o every_o thing_n his_o name_n may_v be_v honour_v use_v now_o for_o use_v this_o show_v the_o holiness_n of_o prayer_n how_o much_o it_o tend_v to_o god_n honour_n that_o his_o creature_n do_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o life_n commit_v and_o commend_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n as_o also_o it_o show_v the_o usefulness_n of_o prayer_n to_o we_o how_o great_a a_o help_n it_o be_v either_o to_o our_o affair_n or_o our_o mind_n in_o all_o our_o strait_n this_o be_v the_o golden_a key_n that_o unlock_v the_o treasury_n of_o god_n alsufficiencie_n and_o give_v we_o to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v more_o with_o we_o than_o against_o we_o this_o be_v the_o bucket_n that_o fetch_v up_o water_n of_o life_n in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o our_o extremity_n and_o necessity_n and_o bring_v relief_n and_o refreshment_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o nothing_o else_o will_v quiet_v his_o spirit_n this_o will_n oh_o then_o roll_n all_o your_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n the_o burden_n of_o national_a affair_n of_o family_n affair_n or_o of_o your_o particular_a concernment_n which_o will_v answer_v one_o end_n of_o affliction_n for_o when_o god_n send_v a_o famine_n or_o plague_n or_o war_n or_o any_o other_o disturbance_n upon_o a_o nation_n or_o people_n it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v seek_v unto_o god_n who_o stand_v ready_a to_o be_v entreat_v by_o a_o reform_a people_n he_o wait_v that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_a to_o such_o a_o people_n who_o observe_v every_o call_n of_o god_n to_o duty_n and_o right_o interpret_v every_o voice_n to_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o intendment_n of_o judgement_n to_o a_o servant_n pray_v and_o strive_v with_o god_n to_o remove_v they_o of_o sin_n to_o humiliation_n and_o beseech_v god_n to_o divert_v his_o impend_a wrath_n and_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o want_n of_o this_o god_n complain_v ezek._n 22._o ver_fw-la 29_o 30._o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n have_v use_v oppression_n and_o exercise_v robbery_n and_o have_v vex_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a yea_o they_o have_v oppress_v the_o stranger_n wrongful_o and_o i_o seek_v for_o a_o man_n among_o they_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n before_o i_o for_o the_o land_n but_o i_o find_v none_o see_v what_o follow_v therefore_o have_v i_o pour_v out_o my_o indignation_n upon_o they_o i_o have_v consume_v they_o with_o the_o fire_n of_o my_o wrath_n their_o own_o way_n have_v i_o recompense_v upon_o their_o head_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o when_o the_o voice_n of_o injustice_n and_o wickedness_n cry_v against_o israel_n because_o none_o be_v find_v to_o plead_v with_o god_n oh_o how_o ill_o it_o go_v with_o they_o sin_n open_v a_o gap_n for_o a_o flood_n of_o wrath_n to_o break_v in_o upon_o a_o people_n and_o when_o a_o voice_n of_o atheism_n profaneness_n and_o unparalleled_a impiety_n be_v hear_v in_o our_o land_n what_o but_o a_o way_n of_o prayer_n and_o humiliation_n can_v produce_v any_o security_n for_o the_o nation_n oh_o then_o seek_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v purge_v the_o land_n in_o mercy_n not_o in_o judgement_n let_v not_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o seek_v for_o a_o man_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o turn_v away_o my_o wrath_n from_o england_n and_o find_v none_o think_v of_o this_o you_o that_o live_v without_o prayer_n in_o who_o family_n the_o voice_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o hear_v how_o little_o do_v you_o serve_v the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o nation_n who_o do_v god_n threaten_v with_o his_o fury_n but_o the_o family_n that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n how_o will_v the_o man_n of_o nineveh_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o such_o a_o generation_n who_o when_o they_o hear_v but_o the_o threaten_n of_o wrath_n fall_v to_o pray_v and_o fast_v jonah_n 3._o verse_n 5._o so_o the_o people_n of_o nineveh_n believe_v god_n and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n from_o the_o great_a of_o they_o to_o the_o least_o and_o in_o ver_fw-la 8._o let_v man_n and_o beast_n be_v cover_v with_o sackcloth_n and_o cry_v mighty_o to_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 iniquity_n that_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o verse_n 9_o for_o who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v and_o repent_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o fierce_a anger_n and_o we_o perish_v not_o observe_v what_o eminent_a success_n they_o find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n as_o verse_n 10._o and_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v do_v to_o they_o and_o do_v it_o not_o this_o and_o what_o else_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o what_o cause_n shall_v we_o have_v to_o be_v silent_a for_o ever_o before_o the_o lord_n if_o after_o all_o smiting_n and_o admonition_n past_a or_o present_a trouble_n we_o turn_v not_o to_o