the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_z in_o new-england_a as_o it_o be_v state_v and_o discuss_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o honourable_a general_z court_n of_o the_o massachusets_n colony_n on_o the_o 27_o day_n of_o may_n 1663._o be_v the_o day_n of_o election_n at_o boston_n by_o john_n higginson_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o salem_n mat._n 22.21_o and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o render_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n 1_o pet._n 2.17_o honour_n all_o man_n love_v the_o brotherhood_n fear_v god_n honour_v the_o king_n 1_o chron._n 12.32_o and_o of_o the_o child_n of_o issachar_n which_o be_v man_n that_o have_v understand_v in_o the_o time_n to_o know_v what_o israel_n ought_v to_o do_v cambridg_n print_v by_o samuel_n green_n 1663._o christian_n reader_n the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o follow_a pious_a and_o elabourate_a discourse_n never_o 〈◊〉_d more_o â—â—lp_n from_o heaven_n nor_o more_o servant_n prayer_n from_o earth_n to_o be_v put_v up_o to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n for_o then_o aâ—â—aming_v of_o it_o tâ—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d this_o time_n for_o some_o there_o be_v and_o not_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v so_o engage_v to_o their_o own_o interest_n that_o leâ—_n the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n sink_v or_o swim_v they_o care_v not_o so_o their_o own_o â—nds_n be_v compass_v and_o their_o own_o design_n &_o project_n may_v find_v sure_a fooâ—â—ng_n and_o these_o be_v your_o self-loving_a worldly_a politician_n that_o be_v of_o this_o world_n as_o christ_n speak_v and_o savour_v nothing_o but_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o seek_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o seek_v their_o own_o and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n other_o there_o be_v so_o dissolute_a and_o profane_a &_o be_v rise_v up_o to_o such_o as_o height_n of_o impiety_n that_o they_o do_v no_o more_o regard_v this_o cause_n than_o the_o airâ—_n under_o then_o â—â—et_v they_o be_v so_o around_o in_o drink_n &_o other_o sensual_a delight_n his_o and_o be_v so_o heighten_v in_o their_o oath_n &_o blaspheâ—â—â—_n and_o other_o abomination_n thaâ—_n god_n and_o his_o people_n câ—â—se_n be_v not_o in_o their_o thought_n 〈◊〉_d if_o at_o any_o time_n this_o câ—â—se_n come_v into_o they_o 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v only_o to_o cast_v the_o foul_a persâ—â—â—â—_n they_o can_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o be_v spat_a 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o baâ—â—st_a obliquy_n and_o 〈◊〉_d speech_n that_o the_o devil_n &_o their_o own_o curse_a heart_n can_v invent_v and_o to_o persecute_v it_o wiâ—â—_n tongue_n &_o 〈◊〉_d and_o heart_n &_o hand_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o persecution_n even_o unto_o blood_n and_o slaughter_n though_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o ever_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o cause_n nor_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n that_o â—â—â—ck_a 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o the_o primitive_a believer_n say_v of_o persecute_v nero_n nero_n may_v kill_v we_o but_o he_o can_v hurt_v we_o so_o may_v we_o say_v now_o other_o there_o be_v that_o seem_v to_o own_o this_o cause_n and_o adventure_v much_o this_o way_n and_o may_v not_o only_o be_v willing_a to_o lose_v their_o liberty_n &_o estate_n &_o the_o favour_n of_o great_a friend_n but_o go_v further_o also_o yet_o afterward_o turn_v away_o &_o draw_v back_o and_o these_o be_v hypocrite_n which_o be_v either_o take_v with_o the_o eyelid_n of_o the_o allure_a harlot_n the_o world_n in_o the_o profit_n pleasure_n &_o honour_n of_o it_o or_o else_o be_v afraid_a of_o her_o frown_n &_o discouragement_n after_o all_o their_o former_a suffering_n they_o have_v venture_v so_o far_o but_o dare_v go_v no_o further_o and_o so_o lise_fw-fr all_o they_o have_v wrought_v and_o suffer_v in_o vain_a these_o be_v not_o true_a to_o the_o caâ—se_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n and_o by_o their_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o wanâ—_n of_o self-denial_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o cause_n we_o speak_v of_o only_o there_o be_v a_o very_a few_o sincere_a one_o that_o hold_v their_o own_o and_o in_o the_o worst_a time_n deal_v pâ—â—â—ently_o and_o discern_v both_o time_n and_o judgement_n and_o be_v valiant_a for_o this_o câ—â—se_n all_o which_o duty_n weigh_v and_o serious_o consider_v no_o wonder_n that_o this_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n make_v choice_n of_o this_o subject_n to_o preach_v upon_o in_o that_o great_a assembly_n at_o the_o court_n of_o election_n now_o in_o these_o day_n wherein_o so_o many_o turn_n their_o back_n of_o god_n and_o set_v themselves_o so_o desparate_o against_o hâ—â—_n &_o his_o people_n cause_n i_o be_v to_o starâ—_n we_o all_o up_o to_o besiege_v &_o beleaguer_v the_o â—â—râ—e_n of_o grace_n now_o in_o thâ—se_a last_n and_o peâ—ilâ—us_a day_n and_o time_n to_o awake_v &_o stand_v to_o maintain_v this_o cause_n &_o to_o show_v forth_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o crush_a all_o the_o design_n and_o out-plotting_a all_o the_o plot_n of_o satan_n &_o his_o instrument_n that_o undermine_v this_o cause_n and_o the_o lord_n help_v we_o all_o to_o attend_v what_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o now_o if_o ever_o to_o pray_v &_o give_v god_n no_o rest_n â—ll_z this_o cause_n be_v maintain_v against_o the_o face_n &_o force_n of_o all_o its_o enemy_n the_o sermon_n when_o preach_v be_v acceptable_a to_o all_o and_o find_v general_a approbation_n among_o all_o the_o wise-hearted_n and_o godly_a so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v reader_n thou_o have_v iâ—_n to_o peruse_v read_v it_o understand_v thy_o time_n according_a to_o it_o let_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n lie_v near_o to_o thy_o heart_n then_o ever_o and_o let_v thy_o soâ—l_n awake_v more_o to_o be_v a_o prince_n with_o god_n to_o prevail_v that_o this_o cause_n may_v be_v main_a aâ—ed_a &_o uphold_v against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o all_o the_o conspiracy_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o devil_n in_o hell_n that_o it_o may_v be_v victorious_a &_o ride_v in_o triumph_n till_o christ_n come_v who_o will_v own_o be_v before_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o they_o that_o have_v stand_v for_o it_o though_o it_o have_v cost_v they_o dear_a from_o those_o that_o have_v be_v the_o despiser_n of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v but_o to_o desire_v from_o our_o heart_n that_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n may_v go_v along_o with_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o this_o work_n and_o that_o be_v &_o we_o and_o whosoever_o read_v it_o may_v find_v this_o fruit_n that_o we_o may_v tread_v in_o this_o wise_a king_n step_n who_o pray_v so_o fervent_o that_o god_n will_v maintain_v his_o cause_n &_o his_o people_n always_o as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v prayer_n of_o faith_n open_v all_o door_n prevail_v for_o all_o blessing_n have_v such_o power_n with_o god_n that_o it_o never_o come_v away_o empty_a but_o as_o that_o renown_a emperor_n say_v that_o he_o never_o send_v any_o suâ—er_n use_v wâ—â—_n from_o his_o presence_n so_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v to_o they_o that_o sue_v to_o he_o give_v they_o all_o that_o they_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o especial_o in_o maintain_v his_o own_o and_o his_o people_n cause_n which_o he_o can_v sâ—e_v forsake_v and_o will_v not_o send_v his_o suitor_n and_o suppliant_n sad_a away_o from_o he_o they_o be_v bid_v to_o come_v with_o boldness_n to_o â—he_n throne_n of_o grace_n one_o word_n more_o &_o we_o have_v do_v jesus_n christ_n that_o great_a favourite_n by_o who_o both_o our_o person_n and_o prayer_n be_v accept_v and_o this_o cause_n come_v to_o be_v maintain_v for_o the_o much_o incense_n that_o he_o offer_v up_o with_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o saint_n prevail_v ever_o for_o we_o &_o this_o cause_n when_o it_o and_o we_o the_o honour_n of_o both_o be_v lay_v most_o in_o the_o dust_n to_o this_o lord_n jesus_n with_o the_o bless_a father_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n be_v glory_n and_o power_n everlasting_a amen_n thou_o in_o he_o who_o isâ—oâ—_n â—oâ—_z love_n and_o life_n john_n wilson_n senior_n samuel_n whitâ—ng_n the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_z in_o new-england_a state_v and_o discuss_v 1_o king_n 8.57_o 58_o 59_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v with_o we_o as_o he_o be_v with_o our_o father_n let_v he_o not_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o that_o be_v may_v incline_v our_o heart_n unto_o he_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n which_o he_o command_v our_o father_n and_o
original_a and_o native_a beauty_n it_o will_v dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o angel_n daunt_v the_o heart_n of_o devil_n ravish_v and_o chain_v fast_o the_o affection_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n i_o crave_v leave_n to_o propound_v it_o thus_o affirmative_o it_o be_v 1._o reformation_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o god_n word_n 2._o a_o progress_n in_o that_o reformation_n 3._o the_o union_n of_o reformer_n 1._o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o we_o it_o be_v and_o be_v reformation_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o god_n word_n there_o be_v religion_n in_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o we_o come_v but_o new-englands_n design_n in_o this_o vast_a undertake_n it_o be_v reformation_n i._o e._n the_o avoid_n of_o some_o special_a corruption_n and_o the_o vigorous_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n according_a to_o scripture_n pattern_n as_o in_o heb._n 8.5_o when_o moses_n be_v about_o to_o make_v the_o tabernacle_n he_o be_v admonish_v of_o god_n say_v see_v that_o thou_o make_v it_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v thou_o in_o the_o mount_n and_o our_o saviour_n say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n mat._n 28.20_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v this_o be_v and_o be_v our_o cause_n that_o christ_n alone_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o as_o the_o only_a head_n lord_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o his_o church_n that_o his_o write_a word_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o only_a rule_n that_o only_o and_o all_o his_o institution_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o enjoy_v by_o we_o and_o that_o with_o purity_n and_o liberty_n with_o peace_n and_o power_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o come_n hither_o this_o be_v our_o cause_n hence_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o synod_n here_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o assembly_n of_o westminster_n and_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n publish_v in_o the_o year_n 49_o these_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o have_v carry_v with_o they_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o these_o church_n and_o be_v so_o look_v upon_o by_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o unto_o which_o may_v be_v add_v many_o other_o book_n of_o our_o divine_n of_o the_o same_o import_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v 2._o a_o progress_n in_o reformation_n i_o conceive_v our_o cause_n be_v not_o bare_o a_o reformation_n but_o a_o progress_n in_o reformation_n it_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n hold_v fast_o what_o thou_o have_v rev._n 3.11_o it_o be_v also_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n heb._n 6.1_o a_o conceit_n of_o have_v already_o attain_v a_o perfect_a reformation_n shall_v be_v far_o from_o we_o a_o true_a endeavour_n after_o a_o full_a reformation_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o many_o defect_n be_v the_o duty_n and_o spirit_n of_o sincere_a christian_n that_o advance_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o only_a perfect_a rule_n not_o that_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o himself_o phiâ—_n 3.12_o but_o we_o be_v to_o press_v forward_o still_o unto_o this_o mark_n that_o we_o may_v in_o all_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hence_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n &_o discipline_n according_a to_o god_n word_n we_o must_v hold_v fast_o and_o then_o go_v forward_o unto_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v defective_a in_o we_o must_v go_v forward_o still_o but_o not_o backward_o i_o say_v not_o backward_o at_o for_o instance_n our_o father_n flee_v into_o this_o wilderness_n from_o the_o face_n of_o a_o lording_n episcopacy_n and_o humane_a injunction_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n now_o if_o any_o of_o we_o their_o child_n shall_v yield_v unto_o or_o be_v instrumental_a to_o set_v up_o in_o this_o country_n any_o of_o the_o way_n of_o man_n invention_n such_o as_o prelacy_n impose_v leiturgy_n humane_a ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o to_o admit_v ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n this_o will_v be_v a_o backslide_v indeed_o it_o will_v be_v a_o backslide_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o and_o our_o father_n have_v depart_v from_o and_o have_v open_o testify_v against_o to_o be_v not_o of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n and_o many_o other_o way_n instance_n again_o if_o after_o such_o a_o public_a witness_n as_o have_v be_v give_v among_o we_o against_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o gradual_a yield_n to_o a_o toleration_n of_o any_o false_a religion_n either_o by_o law_n or_o against_o law_n for_o want_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n this_o also_o will_v be_v a_o heinous_a backslide_v which_o the_o lord_n jealousy_n will_v not_o bear_v and_o for_o our_o civil_a government_n to_o put_v forth_o any_o act_n of_o consent_n unto_o either_o of_o the_o former_a will_v be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v tremble_v at_o and_o pray_v against_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v keep_v they_o from_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o press_v forward_o still_o to_o the_o mark_n and_o to_o make_v a_o progress_n in_o reform_v what_o ever_o be_v amiss_o or_o defective_a among_o we_o as_o in_o those_o the_o late_a synod_n have_v point_v unto_o about_o the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n that_o baptism_n be_v administer_v to_o the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n who_o have_v right_a thereunto_o and_o that_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v better_a improve_v among_o we_o these_o be_v thing_n we_o have_v be_v defective_a in_o and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v reform_v in_o a_o practical_a way_n and_o that_o we_o be_v very_o careful_a there_o be_v no_o superstition_n among_o we_o nothing_o supra_fw-la statutum_fw-la in_o discipline_n no_o more_o then_o in_o worship_n that_o nothing_o be_v impose_v as_o necessary_a unto_o church-membership_n which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v necessary_a in_o his_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o arbitrary_a way_n of_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o private_a satisfaction_n or_o dis-satisfaction_n of_o man_n spiritâ—_n and_o that_o no_o breach_n be_v make_v upon_o that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n between_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o rule_v that_o while_o we_o witness_v against_o superstition_n in_o some_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o superstition_n in_o other_o thing_n but_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n sincere_o endeavour_v reformation_n yet_o through_o inadvertencie_n be_v subject_a to_o err_v either_o in_o defect_n or_o excess_n and_o while_o they_o will_v avoid_v one_o extreme_a to_o fall_v into_o another_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v a_o narrow_a way_n there_o be_v extreme_n on_o either_o side_n the_o lord_n require_v it_o of_o we_o that_o we_o neither_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a that_o we_o neither_o add_v unto_o nor_o take_v from_o what_o he_o have_v command_v concern_v the_o order_n of_o his_o house_n prov._n 4.26_o 27._o deut._n 12.32_o heb._n 8.5_o mat._n 28.20_o hence_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o use_v all_o circumspection_n that_o there_o be_v no_o addition_n to_o nor_o detraction_n from_o the_o lord_n institution_n but_o that_o all_o may_v be_v according_a to_o scripture_n pattern_n that_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a in_o this_o our_o state_n of_o imperfection_n we_o may_v be_v complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n col._n 4.12_o 3._o unto_o reformantium_fw-la the_o union_n of_o reformer_n i_o say_v the_o union_n of_o reformer_n belong_v unto_o this_o cause_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o duty_n more_o press_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o this_o of_o a_o holy_a and_o close_a union_n among_o those_o that_o profess_v his_o name_n our_o bless_a saviour_n solemn_o pray_v for_o this_o in_o the_o seventeen_o of_o john_n that_o his_o disciple_n may_v be_v one_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v unto_o this_o in_o eph._n 4.3_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o he_o urge_v his_o exhortation_n by_o a_o argument_n take_v from_o a_o sevenfold_a unity_n wherein_o all_o sincere_a christian_n agree_v verse_n 4_o 5._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o hope_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o we_o all_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o he_o beseech_v
the_o corinthian_n to_o mind_n union_n 1_o cor._n 1.11_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o that_o you_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o have_v a_o most_o passionate_a exhortation_n to_o the_o philippian_n in_o chap_n 2_o 1_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o minâ—_n and_o sometime_o when_o he_o see_v little_a hope_n of_o it_o upon_o earth_n he_o look_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o heaven_n &_o beseech_v he_o to_o grant_v this_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n as_o in_o rom._n 15.5_o nâ—w_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v you_o to_o be_v like_o mind_a one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n you_o may_v glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n all_o which_o may_v leave_v a_o strong_a conviction_n upon_o we_o that_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n that_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n among_o we_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o some_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v fulfil_v those_o prophecy_n in_o a_o eminent_a way_n that_o his_o people_n shall_v serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v one_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n especial_o at_o this_o time_n &_o in_o this_o place_n to_o endeavour_v union_n that_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a we_o may_v be_v of_o one_o judgement_n of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n hence_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o affect_v of_o divide_v name_n and_o party_n among_o we_o but_o all_o shall_v be_v for_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n but_o one_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o one_o catechism_n one_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o one_o covenant_n be_v agree_v upon_o and_o use_v in_o the_o several_a church_n as_o a_o mean_n of_o consent_n and_o hence_o again_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n give_v liberty_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o frequent_a use_n of_o council_n among_o we_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o acts._n 15._o and_o other_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o time_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v great_a abuse_n of_o council_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o in_o divers_a of_o the_o first_o century_n there_o be_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o mean_n of_o council_n and_o in_o somewhat_o above_o the_o last_o hundred_o year_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v much_o promote_v by_o the_o godly_a council_n and_o conference_n of_o reformer_n it_o be_v a_o know_a passage_n of_o melancton_n vâ—ximus_n in_o synodis_fw-la et_fw-la jam_fw-la mortemur_fw-la in_o illis_fw-la they_o be_v constant_o search_v the_o scripture_n that_o they_o may_v reform_v all_o according_a to_o that_o and_o before_o they_o the_o church_n of_o the_o waldenses_n for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n walk_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v then_o frequent_a council_n and_o their_o general_a council_n every_o year_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o point_n more_o frequent_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o write_n of_o our_o divine_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n then_o this_o of_o the_o right_a use_n of_o council_n not_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o synod_n bind_v any_o further_a the_o 〈◊〉_d have_v conformity_n with_o the_o scripture_n but_o counsel_n be_v a_o mean_a which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v and_o promise_v to_o bless_v for_o clear_v up_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o unite_n his_o people_n therein_o it_o be_v true_a the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v err_v and_o there_o be_v divers_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o grace_n there_o can_v but_o be_v different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v not_o so_o full_a a_o agreement_n as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n mind_v the_o same_o thing_n leave_v other_o thing_n to_o god_n &_o time_n phil._n 3.15.16_o that_o be_v now_o when_o all_o god_n mean_n have_v be_v use_v and_o yet_o some_o lesser_a thing_n remain_v controversall_a among_o pious_a and_o sober_a man_n who_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a there_o be_v the_o place_n for_o christian_a forbearance_n not_o in_o order_n to_o separation_n but_o in_o order_n to_o union_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n join_v they_o together_o ephe._n 4.2_o 3._o in_o lowlyness_n and_o meekness_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n in_o one_o word_n union_n be_v to_o be_v endeavour_v because_o the_o truth_n be_v but_o one_o and_o forbearance_n be_v to_o be_v use_v because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n which_o yet_o be_v as_o far_o from_o a_o toleration_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o as_o my_o weakness_n be_v able_a what_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n among_o we_o be_v affirmative_o it_o be_v reformation_n a_o progress_n in_o reformation_n and_o the_o union_n of_o reformer_n now_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o this_o cause_n have_v a_o divine_a right_n and_o a_o divine_a liberty_n adjoin_v unto_o it_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o liberty_n the_o royal_a law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v call_v james_n 2.8_o 12._o i_o e._n right_o from_o god_n and_o liberty_n from_o god_n for_o his_o people_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o god_n word_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n that_o can_v lawful_o hinder_v this_o and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_n interest_n of_o new_a england_n i._n e._n it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o great_a concernment_n unto_o we_o the_o one_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o the_o high_a end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o our_o interest_n in_o other_o respect_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o this_o that_o here_o lie_v our_o predominat_fw-la interest_n &_o cause_n and_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o we_o come_v into_o this_o wilderness_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o use_v of_o information_n use_v 2._o it_o be_v for_o direction_n if_o the_o time_n be_v such_o and_o the_o case_n be_v such_o as_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n do_v need_n and_o require_v more_o than_o ordinary_a help_n from_o the_o lord_n himself_o than_o it_o serve_v to_o teach_v all_o that_o be_v sincere_o affect_v unto_o this_o cause_n what_o course_n we_o shall_v take_v for_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v this_o to_o commend_v this_o cause_n unto_o jehovah_n himself_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v maintain_v his_o own_o and_o his_o people_n cause_v both_o now_o at_o this_o time_n even_o as_o the_o matter_n do_v require_v and_o hereafter_o at_o all_o time_n as_o the_o matter_n may_v require_v i_o think_v i_o look_v upon_o this_o present_a assembly_n as_o in_o its_o proportion_n resemble_v that_o great_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n mention_v in_o the_o text_n here_o be_v the_o head_n of_o our_o tribe_n the_o honour_a magistrate_n and_o deputy_n of_o this_o colony_n the_o reverend_a elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o godly_a people_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o be_v affect_v to_o this_o cause_n as_o that_o assembly_n be_v your_o desire_n be_v to_o see_v religion_n flourish_v and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n be_v maintain_v among_o we_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o what_o the_o time_n be_v shake_v time_n and_o try_v time_n wherein_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n be_v endanger_v on_o every_o side_n i_o desire_v only_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o poor_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o by_o put_v you_o in_o
remembrance_n of_o that_o which_o the_o text_n here_o point_v we_o unto_o namely_o to_o commit_v this_o cause_n to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o name_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o to_o interest_n he_o and_o engage_v he_o in_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o this_o be_v holy_a counsel_n give_v to_o job_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o plunge_n and_o distress_n job_n 5_o 8_o 9_o i_o will_v seek_v unto_o god_n and_o unto_o god_n will_v i_o commit_v my_o cause_n which_o do_v great_a thing_n and_o unsearchable_a and_o mervellous_a thing_n without_o number_n who_o disappoint_v the_o device_n of_o the_o crafty_a to_o set_v up_o on_o high_a those_o that_o be_v low_a that_o such_o as_o mourn_v may_v be_v exalt_v unto_o safety_n say_v brethren_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v not_o this_o that_o you_o will_v have_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o that_o love_v it_o may_v be_v in_o safety_n then_o here_o be_v the_o way_n for_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o commit_v this_o cause_n unto_o he_o which_o do_v great_a thing_n and_o unsearchable_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n without_o number_n unto_o he_o who_o have_v maintain_v who_o do_v maintain_v and_o will_v maintain_v his_o own_o and_o his_o people_n cause_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n for_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glorious_a grace_n quest_n now_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v but_o now_o shall_v we_o commit_v this_o cause_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v engage_v in_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v answ_n i_o answer_v brief_o in_o this_o one_o direction_n which_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o honour_a worthy_n of_o the_o general_n court_n and_o yet_o will_v also_o reach_v the_o mean_a in_o the_o congregation_n that_o you_o commit_v the_o safety_n of_o this_o cause_n to_o the_o lord_n himself_o in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o you_o do_v commit_v unto_o he_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n i_o say_v that_o we_o do_v all_o commit_v this_o cause_n unto_o the_o lord_n even_o in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o we_o do_v every_o one_o commit_v unto_o he_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n you_o may_v see_v the_o bottom_n of_o this_o direction_n in_o 1_o pet._n 4.19_o where_o the_o apostle_n advise_v christian_n in_o evil_a time_n to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o god_n in_o wâ—lâ—ing_v as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v abundance_n here_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o when_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o spiritual_a distress_n you_o commit_v your_o soul_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n you_o do_v also_o remember_v the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n the_o narrow_a way_n to_o life_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o of_o and_o in_o that_o way_n you_o do_v commit_v your_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o jesus_n christ_n sanctify_v he_o as_o your_o only_a and_o alsufficient_a saviour_n as_o david_n in_o psal_n 31.3_o 5_o 6._o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n for_o thou_o be_v my_o rock_n and_o my_o fortress_n for_o thy_o name_n sake_n lead_v i_o and_o guide_v i_o in_o thy_o way_n for_o i_o hate_v lie_v vanity_n but_o i_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n now_o in_o the_o very_a same_o way_n we_o shall_v all_o commit_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o lord_n himself_o that_o be_v 1._o in_o the_o way_n of_o welldoing_a 2._o in_o the_o way_n of_o humble_a prayer_n 3._o sanctify_v the_o lord_n himself_o as_o the_o maintainer_n of_o this_o cause_n i_o entreat_v that_o i_o may_v borrow_v but_o a_o little_a of_o your_o time_n and_o patience_n to_o explain_v these_o three_o particular_n and_o then_o i_o have_v do_v 1._o in_o the_o way_n of_o well_o do_v commit_v this_o cause_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o way_n of_o well_o do_v thus_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o well_o do_v 1_o pet._n 2.15_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n he_o exhort_v in_o the_o same_o place_n verse_n 13_o 14._o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n civil_a government_n in_o genere_fw-la be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o high_a power_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n râ—m_o 13.1_o but_o in_o speâ—â—â—_n it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o man_n though_o every_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o religion_n as_o its_o ultimate_a end_n yet_o hic_fw-la aut_fw-la iste_fw-la singularis_fw-la modus_fw-la as_o divine_v use_v to_o speak_v this_o oâ—_n that_o particular_a form_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o man_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o humane_a creature_n now_o mark_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n send_v by_o he_o this_o be_v our_o case_n his_o majesty_n the_o king_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v upon_o the_o throne_n be_v the_o supreme_a civil_a governor_n under_o god_n and_o over_o we_o and_o the_o government_n settle_v here_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o this_o colony_n be_v a_o subordinate_a government_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v our_o duty_n to_o both_o and_o that_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well_o do_v you_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v verse_n 15._o this_o way_n of_o well_o do_v be_v a_o narrow_a way_n as_o every_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v there_o be_v bypath_n and_o down-falls_a on_o either_o side_n it_o be_v not_o good_a intention_n nor_o pâ—aefrauâ—es_n that_o will_v excuse_v from_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n but_o here_o lie_v the_o exercise_n of_o godly_a wisdom_n to_o keep_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o well-doing_n show_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o honour_n the_o king_n to_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n the_o counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o be_v remember_v be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o innocent_a as_o dove_n the_o serpent_n eye_n in_o the_o dove_n head_n become_v a_o christian_a well_o it_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n when_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n carry_v it_o so_o as_o paul_n do_v so_o as_o to_o give_v no_o occasion_n so_o as_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o seek_v occasion_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v neither_o against_o the_o temple_n nor_o against_o the_o law_n nor_o â—gainst_a cesar_n have_v i_o offend_v any_o thing_n act._n 25.8_o and_o so_o as_o daniel_n do_v in_o who_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a spirit_n dan._n 6.3_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o spirit_n do_v appear_v in_o this_o that_o he_o behave_v himself_o so_o as_o those_o that_o seek_v to_o find_v occasion_n against_o he_o can_v find_v none_o for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o error_n or_o fault_n in_o he_o than_o say_v these_o man_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v any_o occasion_n against_o this_o daniel_n except_o we_o find_v it_o against_o he_o concern_v the_o law_n of_o his_o god_n my_o father_n &_o brethren_n this_o be_v for_o our_o admonition_n and_o this_o will_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n when_o such_o as_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o public_a affair_n be_v understanding_n in_o the_o time_n to_o know_v what_o israel_n ought_v to_o doâ—_n 2_o chron._n 12.32_o not_o what_o they_o can_v do_v or_o what_o they_o will_v do_v but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v not_o what_o their_o liberty_n be_v but_o what_o their_o duty_n be_v and_o what_o their_o liberty_n be_v according_a to_o their_o duty_n to_o serve_v the_o time_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n if_o it_o come_v to_o a_o stress_n but_o in_o manage_v public_a affair_n in_o such_o time_n as_o daniel_n live_v in_o the_o matter_n do_v so_o require_v for_o he_o to_o be_v so_o careful_a as_o that_o no_o error_n nor_o fault_n may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o this_o be_v for_o our_o imitation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n inform_v we_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a to_o understand_v his_o way_n prov._n 14.8_o and_o a_o wise_a man_n heart_n discern_v of_o time_n and_o