the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o that_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o such_o a_o covenant_n as_o shall_v never_o be_v forget_v but_o daily_o remember_v and_o careful_o perform_v you_o now_o see_v the_o context_n shall_v i_o now_o divide_v the_o text_n i_o may_v show_v you_o here_o first_o actus_fw-la a_o act_n express_v by_o their_o industry_n in_o set_v upon_o a_o long_a and_o tedious_a journey_n to_o zion_n they_o shall_v ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n modus_fw-la second_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o manage_v this_o journey_n it_o be_v 1._o with_o all_o intention_n of_o spirit_n they_o ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o 2._o with_o fervent_a charity_n towards_o and_o mutual_a zeal_n for_o each_o other_o to_o quicken_v and_o inflame_v one_o another_o to_o the_o same_o work_n say_v come_v three_o finis_fw-la the_o end_n of_o their_o journey_n which_o with_o so_o much_o intention_n of_o spirit_n and_o inflame_a charity_n call_v and_o cry_v to_o one_o another_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n they_o set_v upon_o all_o be_v for_o this_o let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v i_o may_v easy_o also_o cast_v out_o these_o general_n of_o the_o text_n into_o many_o lesser_a branch_n but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o a_o time_n to_o trifle_n or_o to_o play_v with_o a_o text_n yea_o i_o shall_v not_o distinct_o prosecute_v all_o the_o part_n already_o lay_v out_o but_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o day_n require_v insist_v rather_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o bring_v in_o the_o other_o as_o subordinate_a thereunto_o by_o occasion_n afterwards_o in_o explication_n of_o the_o principal_a point_n for_o we_o see_v troop_n in_o the_o text_n bind_v for_o zion_n and_o so_o hasty_a thitherward_o that_o they_o salute_v not_o any_o man_n by_o the_o way_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o look_v aside_o any_o way_n they_o go_v with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o all_o the_o stay_v they_o make_v be_v but_o to_o call_v other_o along_o with_o they_o and_o among_o these_o we_o say_v come_v and_o what_o be_v the_o business_n the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o haste_n nothing_o but_o this_o let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n etc._n etc._n this_o however_o it_o be_v last_o in_o execution_n yet_o be_v it_o first_o in_o their_o intention_n in_o the_o undertake_n of_o this_o journey_n and_o therefore_o now_o must_v be_v principal_o insist_v upon_o you_o see_v here_o a_o people_n loose_v from_o the_o babylonish_a captivity_n and_o return_v to_o zion_n and_o in_o their_o return_n to_o have_v this_o in_o their_o heart_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o in_o their_o endeavour_n namely_o upon_o the_o receipt_n of_o this_o mercy_n to_o make_v speed_n to_o their_o god_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a contract_n and_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o he_o so_o that_o now_o the_o chief_a and_o only_a point_n of_o instruction_n which_o i_o shall_v recommend_v to_o and_o press_v upon_o you_o and_o my_o own_o heart_n with_o you_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o when_o god_n vouchsafe_v any_o deliverance_n to_o his_o church_n doctrine_n especial_o from_o babylon_n then_o be_v it_o most_o seasonable_a and_o most_o necessary_a to_o close_v with_o god_n by_o a_o more_o solemn_a strict_a and_o inviolable_a covenant_n to_o be_v his_o and_o only_o his_o for_o ever_o in_o prosecute_v this_o point_n wherein_o i_o resolve_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o in_o earnest_n i_o shall_v first_o show_v you_o the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o next_o the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o if_o you_o will_v how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o must_v be_v do_v three_o the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o application_n for_o the_o first_o fit_fw-la the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o that_o it_o be_v so_o this_o will_v appear_v 1._o more_o general_o so_o upon_o receipt_n of_o any_o deliverance_n 2._o more_o special_o upon_o any_o deliverance_n from_o babylon_n above_o all_o other_o 1._o in_o general_a prove_v that_o this_o use_n must_v be_v make_v of_o any_o deliverance_n appear_v both_o by_o precept_n general_o and_o example_n in_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v carry_v they_o along_o together_o in_o deut._n 29._o you_o shall_v find_v moses_n require_v the_o people_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o special_a covenant_n with_o god_n etc._n beside_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o they_o and_o they_o with_o he_o in_o horeb._n general_a to_o induce_v they_o thereunto_o moses_n refresh_v their_o memory_n with_o the_o repetition_n or_o representation_n of_o the_o many_o deliverance_n god_n have_v give_v unto_o they_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n by_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n egypt_n together_o with_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n which_o he_o daily_o wrought_v for_o they_o and_o in_o the_o seven_o ver._n he_o tell_v they_o that_o when_o you_o come_v into_o this_o place_n that_o be_v into_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n sihon_n the_o king_n of_o heshbon_n and_o og_n the_o king_n of_o bashan_n come_v out_o against_o we_o unto_o battle_n and_o we_o smite_v they_o etc._n etc._n what_o then_o here_o be_v deliverance_n upon_o deliverance_n 1._o and_o the_o inference_n be_v keep_v therefore_o the_o word_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o do_v they_o vers._n 9_o but_o that_o be_v the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n you_o will_v say_v true_o but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o he_o therefore_o press_v they_o to_o a_o actual_a personal_a covenant_n on_o their_o part_n and_o that_o upon_o consideration_n of_o so_o many_o deliverance_n this_o be_v his_o main_a business_n with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n own_o command_n therefore_o in_o verse_n 10._o he_o thus_o bespeak_v they_o it_o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o of_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o captain_n of_o your_o tribe_n your_o elder_n and_o your_o officer_n with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n your_o little_a one_o your_o wife_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o camp_n from_o the_o hewer_n of_o thy_o wood_n to_o the_o drawer_n of_o thy_o water_n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o into_o his_o oath_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n make_v with_o thou_o this_o day_n and_o in_o vers._n 14._o he_o add_v neither_o with_o you_o only_o do_v i_o make_v this_o covenant_n and_o this_o oath_n but_o with_o he_o that_o stand_v here_o with_o we_o this_o day_n before_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o also_o with_o he_o that_o be_v not_o here_o with_o we_o this_o day_n thus_o you_o see_v a_o covenant_n require_v strike_v and_o ratify_v by_o solemn_a oath_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n mutual_o to_o one_o another_o they_o bind_v themselves_o by_o solemn_a oath_n to_o he_o as_o he_o by_o oath_n have_v bind_v himself_o to_o they_o thus_o than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n no_o eminent_a deliverance_n go_v before_o but_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n follow_v after_o *_o 17._o and_o to_o swear_v a_o covenant_n be_v no_o new_a device_n no_o human_a invention_n nor_o arbitrary_a action_n i_o will_v give_v you_o but_o one_o instance_n more_o among_o many_o of_o this_o kind_n and_o it_o be_v that_o of_o asa_n that_o good_a and_o religious_a king_n of_o judah_n when_o zerah_n the_o ethiopian_a infest_v his_o kingdom_n with_o a_o huge_a army_n even_o 1000000_o and_o 300_o chariot_n 2_o chron._n 14._o asa_n fall_v to_o pray_v god_n hear_v he_o they_o join_v battle_n asa_n obtain_v the_o victory_n and_o carry_v away_o very_a much_o spoil_n what_o be_v the_o issue_n another_o covenant_n for_o in_o chap._n 15._o you_o shall_v find_v that_o present_o upon_o this_o god_n address_v a_o prophet_n to_o asa_n azariah_n the_o son_n of_o oded_n to_o tell_v he_o and_o the_o people_n the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o while_o you_o be_v with_o he_o and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o close_v with_o god_n he_o add_v in_fw-la vers._n 7._o be_v you_o strong_a therefore_o and_o let_v not_o your_o hand_n be_v weak_a for_o your_o work_n shall_v be_v reward_v they_o must_v not_o only_o work_v for_o god_n but_o be_v strong_a to_o his_o work_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o there_o be_v no_o way_n like_o to_o that_o of_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o he_o for_o so_o asa_n understand_v it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o next_o word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v asa_n when_o he_o hear_v these_o word_n take_v courage_n and_o although_o he_o have_v before_o do_v much_o in_o purge_v the_o city_n
often_o pronounce_v and_o write_v amiss_o which_o may_v cause_v ambiguity_n touch_v the_o place_n you_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o sihon_n or_o zion_n and_o zion_n for_o these_o be_v two_o different_a place_n and_o be_v write_v in_o the_o original_n with_o two_o different_a letter_n the_o former_a with_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o other_o with_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o you_o must_v not_o here_o understand_v this_o {non-roman}_o of_o the_o former_a namely_o of_o mount_n sihon_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o hermon_n situate_v in_o the_o utmost_a confine_n of_o israel_n north-east-ward_o near_o unto_o jordan_n deut._n 4._o 48._o but_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o or_o zion_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v once_o the_o strong_a hold_n of_o the_o jebusite_n and_o hold_v out_o long_a unsubdued_a than_o any_o piece_n belong_v to_o that_o people_n for_o when_o israel_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o joshua_n have_v conquer_v jebus_n after_o call_v jerusalem_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o win_v zion_n in_o it_o zion_n be_v a_o strong_a castle_n or_o fort_n erect_v upon_o a_o rocky_a mount_n towards_o the_o south-west_n part_n of_o the_o city_n overlook_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o the_o jebusite_n have_v abundant_o fortify_v and_o victual_v it_o still_o hold_v all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o long_o after_o albeit_o the_o israelite_n possess_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o city_n iosh._n 15._o 63._o but_o afterwards_o when_o david_n come_v against_o it_o even_o that_o strong_a hold_v which_o the_o jebusite_n think_v to_o be_v so_o invincible_a that_o in_o scorn_n of_o he_o and_o his_o siege_n they_o set_v up_o only_o a_o few_o blind_a and_o lame_a people_n on_o the_o wall_n to_o defend_v it_o he_o conquer_v and_o call_v it_o the_o city_n of_o david_n because_o after_o he_o have_v win_v it_o himself_o dwell_v in_o it_o 2_o sam._n 5._o 7._o this_o for_o the_o topography_n then_o you_o must_v know_v further_o that_o by_o zion_n be_v sometime_o mean_v the_o whole_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o synecdoche_n sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o holy_a city_n or_o rather_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o worship_n and_o presence_n there_o for_o that_o city_n be_v the_o capital_a city_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o throne_n be_v set_v for_o judgement_n be_v also_o the_o special_a place_n which_o god_n choose_v to_o place_v his_o name_n in_o there_o be_v the_o altar_n place_v for_o god_n worship_n and_o thither_o the_o tribe_n go_v up_o to_o worship_n because_o there_o god_n please_v to_o manifest_v his_o more_o special_a presence_n and_o to_o command_v the_o blessing_n for_o evermore_o thither_o therefore_o these_o return_v captive_n repair_v even_o unto_o zion_n the_o watch_n tower_n as_o st_n hierome_n interpret_v it_o whence_o god_n in_o special_a manner_n watch_v over_o his_o people_n for_o good_a there_o they_o seek_v his_o face_n and_o inquire_v of_o he_o before_o they_o presume_v to_o enter_v covenant_n with_o he_o now_o their_o address_n to_o this_o place_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o this_o text_n by_o ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o *_o pray_v though_o it_o sometime_o import_v the_o demand_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o point_n of_o justice_n or_o equity_n to_o give_v as_o gen._n 34._o 14._o yet_o be_v it_o usual_o apply_v to_o note_v the_o seek_n of_o some_o thing_n by_o humble_a prayer_n and_o entreaty_n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o seldom_o put_v for_o prayer_n itself_o 2_o chro_n 20._o 4._o and_o sometime_o for_o a_o earnest_n and_o humble_a enquiry_n after_o some_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o num_fw-la 27._o 21._o deut_n 13._o 14._o that_o we_o may_v be_v direct_v aright_o and_o pursue_v the_o direction_n with_o effect_n so_o here_o they_o ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n and_o that_o of_o god_n not_o only_o to_o seek_v of_o he_o a_o right_a way_n for_o they_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n ezra_n 8._o 21._o but_o as_o resolve_v that_o somewhat_o shall_v be_v do_v that_o they_o will_v walk_v in_o it_o and_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o zion_n for_o so_o much_o be_v intend_v here_o as_o be_v express_v more_o full_o elsewhere_o viz._n in_o isay_n 2._o verse_n 2_o 3._o mic._n 4._o 1_o 2._o where_o they_o not_o only_o call_v on_o each_o other_o to_o undertake_v but_o they_o also_o perform_v the_o journey_n go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o one_o city_n shall_v go_v to_o another_o say_v let_v we_o go_v speedy_o to_o pray_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n i_o will_v go_v also_o yea_o many_o people_n and_o strange_a nation_n shall_v come_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o pray_v before_o the_o lord_n zach._n 8._o 21._o 22._o and_o how_o go_v they_o not_o slight_o careless_o proud_o but_o in_o all_o humility_n yea_o as_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o my_o text_n even_o with_o weep_v they_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n with_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o all_o those_o sin_n whereby_o they_o have_v former_o break_v his_o covenant_n and_o for_o which_o he_o have_v enter_v upon_o the_o forfeiture_n and_o lay_v those_o heavy_a affliction_n upon_o their_o loin_n go_v and_o weep_v they_o shall_v go_v to_o seek_v their_o god_n in_o zion_n the_o very_a same_o thing_n be_v foretell_v before_o to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o duty_n touch_v israel_n ier._n 31._o 9_o they_o shall_v come_v with_o weep_v and_o with_o supplication_n will_v i_o lead_v they_o so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o this_o work_n to_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v man_n for_o the_o covenant_n namely_o to_o ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n by_o a_o serious_a humble_a affectionate_a inquire_a and_o seek_v after_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n even_o with_o many_o prayer_n and_o tear_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o accept_v they_o second_o manner_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o address_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o former_a it_o be_v not_o every_o manner_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n it_o must_v be_v do_v with_o all_o intention_n of_o spirit_n in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o and_o with_o fervent_a charity_n towards_o other_o for_o they_o must_v ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o say_v come_v their_o intention_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n wherewith_o they_o set_v upon_o this_o work_n spirit_n be_v set_v forth_o under_o that_o hebraism_n of_o ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o this_o phrase_n be_v usual_o a_o expression_n of_o the_o great_a intention_n fervency_n and_o contention_n of_o mind_n that_o can_v be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o any_o business_n on_o foot_n or_o of_o any_o way_n wherein_o a_o man_n be_v go_v such_o a_o phrase_n you_o have_v in_o luke_n 9_o 51._o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o steadfast_o set_v his_o face_n to_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n or_o as_o if_o he_o will_v go_v to_o jerusalem_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o samaritan_n will_v not_o receive_v he_o ver._n 53._o that_o be_v they_o will_v not_o entertain_v he_o with_o any_o respect_n because_o that_o steadfast_a set_n of_o his_o face_n towards_o jerusalem_n *_o {non-roman}_o manifest_v by_o his_o very_a countenance_n and_o aspect_n that_o where_o ever_o his_o body_n be_v his_o heart_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n which_o the_o samaritan_n can_v not_o brook_v and_o that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n can_v take_v he_o off_o from_o that_o journey_n or_o so_o far_o prevail_v with_o he_o as_o to_o make_v he_o linger_v 9_o or_o loiter_v upon_o the_o way_n no_o entreaty_n fear_n shame_n nor_o anything_o can_v stay_v he_o but_o obstinata_fw-la et_fw-la imperterritament_fw-la locum_fw-la petiit_fw-la as_o it_o be_v express_v by_o bede_n he_o be_v no_o way_n afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o be_v see_v and_o know_v whither_o he_o be_v bind_v and_o what_o he_o be_v go_v about_o when_o therefore_o it_o be_v here_o say_a they_o shall_v ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o the_o thing_n mean_v thereby_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v set_v upon_o this_o work_n with_o their_o whole_a heart_n with_o their_o whole_a man_n without_o any_o fear_n or_o be_v ashamed_a or_o unwilling_a to_o own_o the_o business_n but_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o thorough_o and_o affectionate_o without_o waver_v linger_a halt_v they_o shall_v do_v it_o bold_o present_o open_o indefatigable_o and_o continual_o in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v say_v or_o think_v upon_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o utmost_a
name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a provoke_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o glory_n more_o against_o they_o cause_v he_o infinite_o to_o loath_a and_o abominate_a both_o their_o person_n and_o service_n nor_o shall_v they_o ever_o by_o all_o their_o cry_n and_o sigh_v no_o not_o by_o whole_a river_n of_o tear_n be_v able_a to_o draw_v down_o a_o arm_n of_o mercy_n from_o heaven_n to_o come_v and_o save_v they_o the_o more_o effectual_o therefore_o to_o provoke_v both_o myself_o and_o you_o at_o this_o time_n to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o most_o neglect_a but_o most_o necessary_a duty_n i_o have_v think_v fit_a in_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o exercise_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o serious_a as_o solemn_a to_o work_v and_o chafe_v into_o all_o our_o heart_n the_o strength_n and_o spirit_n of_o that_o good_a word_n of_o god_n which_o you_o shall_v find_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n in_o jer._n 50._o 5._o they_o shall_v ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o say_v come_v and_o let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v which_o word_n be_v part_n of_o a_o prophecy_n terrible_a to_o babylon_n discourse_n but_o comfortable_a to_o the_o church_n utter_v and_o pen_v by_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n about_o the_o four_o year_n both_o of_o the_o babylonish_a captivity_n and_o of_o the_o tributary_n reign_n of_o zedekiah_n the_o occasion_n this_o the_o prophet_n have_v labour_v about_o thirty_o year_n to_o humble_a judah_n by_o continual_o ring_v in_o her_o ear_n the_o doleful_a tiding_n of_o a_o sore_a captivity_n approach_v can_v not_o be_v believe_v but_o when_o once_o the_o quick_a and_o sad_a sense_n of_o their_o bondage_n under_o the_o chaldean_a yoke_n have_v force_v from_o they_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o prophecy_n he_o find_v it_o as_o hard_o a_o task_n to_o work_v their_o heart_n to_o any_o hope_n of_o deliverance_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n even_o insuperable_a to_o possess_v a_o people_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n that_o any_o evil_n be_v near_o they_o till_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n break_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o overwhelm_v they_o so_o be_v it_o a_o business_n of_o little_a less_o difficulty_n to_o hold_v up_o the_o spirit_n even_o of_o god_n own_o people_n introduction_n once_o cast_v under_o any_o great_a extremity_n with_o any_o hope_n of_o rescue_n this_o be_v judah_n case_n before_o the_o babylonian_a have_v lay_v this_o yoke_n on_o their_o neck_n god_n have_v plain_o reveal_v and_o often_o inculcate_v that_o it_o shall_v lie_v upon_o they_o just_a 70._o year_n and_o no_o long_o 10._o after_o which_o they_o shall_v have_v liberty_n of_o return_n to_o their_o own_o land_n again_o howbeit_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o misery_n the_o absence_n of_o god_n who_o have_v cast_v they_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n together_o with_o the_o insolence_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o proud_a oppressor_n have_v throw_v they_o down_o so_o low_a in_o a_o disconsolate_a condition_n that_o nothing_o which_o god_n can_v either_o now_o say_v or_o do_v be_v sufficient_a to_o raise_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o any_o assurance_n of_o return_n the_o same_o strength_n which_o lust_n have_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o obedience_n it_o will_v sure_o have_v afterwards_o to_o drive_v man_n from_o believe_v in_o their_o great_a necessity_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n the_o main_a beam_n which_o stick_v in_o their_o eye_n to_o hinder_v their_o sight_n of_o deliverance_n promise_v be_v the_o greatness_n and_o invincible_a potency_n of_o the_o chaldean_a monarchy_n then_o in_o her_o pride_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o strength_n of_o babylon_n the_o queen_n and_o mistress_n of_o that_o puissant_a empire_n how_o can_v they_o hope_v to_o be_v deliver_v when_o she_o that_o command_v the_o world_n detain_v they_o shall_v the_o prey_n be_v take_v from_o the_o mighty_a 24._o or_o the_o lawful_a captive_n deliver_v to_o cure_v they_o therefore_o of_o this_o desperate_a desponsion_n of_o mind_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o this_o prophet_n to_o foretell_v the_o total_a and_o final_a subversion_n and_o ruin_n of_o babylon_n and_o of_o that_o whole_a monarchy_n and_o further_o to_o declare_v from_o god_n that_o the_o desolation_n thereof_o shall_v be_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o captivity_n of_o judah_n in_o it_o the_o better_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o all_o this_o jeremiah_n write_v the_o whole_a prophecy_n against_o babylon_n contain_v in_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o next_o follow_v in_o a_o book_n by_o itself_o which_o he_o send_v to_o babylon_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o seraiah_n lord_n chamberlain_n to_o zedekiah_n 59_o and_o now_o go_v in_o a_o embassy_n from_o his_o master_n to_o great_a nabuchadnezzar_n with_o command_n from_o the_o prophet_n that_o after_o the_o read_n thereof_o to_o the_o captive_n he_o shall_v bind_v a_o stone_n unto_o it_o and_o cast_v it_o into_o the_o midst_n of_o euphrates_n with_o this_o say_v pronounce_v over_o it_o thus_o shall_v babylon_n siake_a and_o shall_v not_o rise_v etc._n etc._n but_o to_o hasten_v to_o my_o text_n in_o the_o five_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o prophet_n summary_o comprise_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o whole_a prophecy_n against_o babylon_n declare_v 1._o her_o destruction_n 2._o the_o mean_n 3._o the_o consequent_a thereof_o to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o first_o he_o make_v proclamation_n and_o a_o oiyes_n as_o it_o be_v to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o behold_v the_o great_a work_n he_o be_v to_o do_v against_o babylon_n the_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n against_o bell_n the_o chief_a idol_n of_o that_o city_n and_o against_o merodach_n the_o glory_n both_o of_o that_o city_n and_o empire_n yea_o though_o the_o king_n then_o reign_v when_o god_n mean_v to_o destroy_v it_o shall_v prove_v as_o potent_a as_o that_o great_a king_n the_o first_o of_o that_o name_n who_o for_o restore_v the_o decline_a empire_n to_o her_o ancient_a splendour_n and_o for_o translate_n the_o imperial_a seat_n from_o nineve_n to_o babylon_n be_v by_o posterity_n worship_v as_o a_o god_n and_o transfer_v his_o name_n to_o all_o his_o successor_n as_o the_o name_n of_o pharaoh_n to_o the_o egyptian_a king_n of_o benhadad_n to_o the_o syrian_a monarch_n and_o of_o augustus_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n although_o all_o these_o shall_v be_v join_v together_o to_o withstand_v the_o downfall_n of_o that_o monarchy_n yet_o desolation_n shall_v be_v bring_v over_o they_o all_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v confound_v and_o remove_v for_o ever_o vers._n 1_o 2._o and_o all_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o such_o a_o unexpected_a destruction_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o army_n from_o the_o north_n that_o be_v by_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n both_o of_o which_o but_o more_o especial_o the_o mede_n be_v situate_v towards_o the_o north_n from_o babylon_n aquilone_fw-la and_o therefore_o ominous_a that_o these_o be_v the_o man_n appear_v more_o full_o by_o their_o description_n in_o the_o residue_n of_o this_o and_o of_o the_o 51._o chapter_n this_o northern_a army_n shall_v be_v the_o confusion_n of_o babylon_n the_o confusion_n of_o babylon_n shall_v prove_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o church_n vers._n 3._o and_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v produce_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o behold_v the_o issue_n and_o consequent_a of_o the_o ruin_n of_o babylon_n be_v the_o return_n of_o the_o captive_a jew_n from_o thence_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o renew_a covenant_n with_o he_o that_o have_v show_v such_o mercy_n on_o they_o vers._n 4_o 5._o for_o in_o those_o day_n and_o in_o that_o time_n say_v the_o lord_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v come_v they_o and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o go_v and_o weep_v they_o shall_v go_v and_o seek_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n they_o shall_v ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o say_v come_v and_o let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v this_o begin_v to_o be_v fulfil_v at_o the_o end_n of_o 70._o year_n determine_v when_o the_o empire_n be_v first_o overrun_v and_o subdue_v by_o cyrus_n the_o persian_a 22._o for_o he_o make_v proclamation_n of_o liberty_n to_o return_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o when_o they_o return_v this_o be_v their_o deportment_n they_o go_v weep_v and_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n they_o go_v not_o so_o much_o to_o repossess_v their_o ancient_a patrimony_n and_o inheritance_n and_o to_o grow_v rich_a in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o seek_v and_o find_v
intention_n of_o a_o man_n spirit_n in_o any_o work_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v most_o set_v upon_o and_o that_o he_o will_v lay_v out_o his_o life_n and_o all_o he_o have_v upon_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o resolution_n and_o care_n of_o these_o people_n and_o must_v be_v we_o this_o be_v to_o ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o our_o face_n thitherward_o and_o without_o this_o no_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n this_o be_v for_o substance_n no_o other_o though_o otherwise_o express_v than_o that_o of_o the_o people_n in_o asa_n his_o time_n when_o they_o swear_v the_o covenant_n before_o mention_v 2_o chron._n 15._o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o do_v it_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o express_v it_o by_o the_o loudness_n of_o their_o voice_n and_o with_o shout_n etc._o etc._o rejoice_v at_o the_o oath_n because_o they_o have_v swear_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a desire_n vers._n 15._o man_n that_o will_v stand_v dispute_v consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o cast_v about_o how_o the_o enter_n into_o such_o a_o covenant_n may_v consist_v with_o their_o profit_n honour_n lust_n design_n relation_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o fit_a covenanter_n for_o god_n his_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a psal._n 110_o 3._o their_o heart_n mind_n spirit_n body_n countenance_n all_o shall_v profess_v and_o proclaim_v this_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o be_v for_o god_n for_o a_o covenant_n for_o put_v themselves_o into_o the_o strong_a bond_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v think_v on_o to_o bind_v they_o hand_n and_o foot_n soul_n and_o body_n to_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o 2._o nor_o be_v this_o all_o other_o for_o the_o man_n in_o my_o text_n content_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o earnest_o addict_v to_o the_o work_n in_o their_o own_o particular_n but_o as_o one_o stick_n kindle_v another_o they_o desire_v to_o kindle_v the_o same_o flame_n of_o affection_n in_o other_o also_o and_o mutual_o to_o blow_v up_o the_o coal_n in_o one_o another_o say_v come_v this_o note_v the_o fervency_n of_o their_o charity_n towards_o other_o also_o for_o it_o be_v not_o here_o bring_v in_o as_o a_o formality_n or_o compliment_n but_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o strong_a desire_n to_o draw_v as_o many_o other_o as_o they_o can_v to_o the_o same_o journey_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o keep_v the_o same_o pace_n with_o they_o as_o be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o leave_v any_o behind_o they_o this_o indeed_o be_v true_a love_n unfeigned_a charity_n to_o draw_v all_o we_o can_v along_o with_o we_o unto_o god_n true_o convert_v when_o once_o they_o return_v themselves_o they_o cause_v other_o to_o return_v also_o and_o this_o be_v often_o prophesy_v as_o a_o thing_n which_o shall_v certain_o be_v witness_v all_o those_o place_n in_o isay_n 2._o mic._n 4._o and_o zach._n 8._o before_o quote_v so_o than_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v requisite_a and_o previous_a to_o the_o act_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o seek_n to_o god_n with_o true_a humiliation_n a_o seek_n of_o he_o with_o all_o intention_n of_o spirit_n and_o with_o all_o manifestation_n of_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v terrify_v from_o daunt_v at_o or_o ashamed_a of_o the_o work_n yea_o with_o fervent_a charity_n to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o same_o covenant_n also_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o disposition_n previous_a to_o the_o covenant_n 2._o the_o next_o thing_n considerable_a in_o the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v covenant_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o covenant_n two_o thing_n here_o must_v be_v open_v respect_n the_o matter_n and_o the_o form_n of_o this_o solemn_a action_n 1._o the_o matter_n of_o this_o act_n be_v set_v forth_o under_o this_o expression_n matter_n let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n the_o original_a word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o from_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v very_o emphatical_a so_o as_o that_o word_n be_v explain_v will_v sufficient_o set_v out_o before_o you_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n here_o intend_v some_o translator_n render_v it_o let_v we_o glue_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n which_o import_v a_o conjunction_n so_o near_o as_o nothing_o can_v come_v between_o and_o so_o firm_a as_o nothing_o can_v dissolve_v but_o more_o particular_o the_o verb_n here_o use_v be_v in_o scripture_n apply_v to_o a_o double_a sense_n or_o to_o denote_v two_o thing_n both_o of_o which_o be_v set_v together_o will_v full_o discover_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o covenant_n first_o it_o signify_v the_o bind_n of_o a_o man_n self_n to_o the_o usurer_n of_o who_o he_o have_v borrow_v money_n to_o pay_v back_o both_o principal_a and_o interest_n so_o it_o be_v use_v in_o nehem._n 5._o 4._o where_o the_o people_n complain_v we_o have_v borrow_v money_n *_o {non-roman}_o for_o the_o king_n tribute_n and_o that_o upon_o our_o land_n and_o vineyard_n that_o be_v they_o have_v engage_v both_o land_n and_o vineyard_n for_o security_n of_o the_o money_n borrow_v that_o the_o usurer_n shall_v enter_v upon_o all_o in_o case_n they_o fail_v of_o payment_n at_o the_o day_n so_o that_o as_o man_n to_o make_v sure_a will_v have_v a_o statute_n staple_n or_o recognizance_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o statute_n staple_n acknowledge_v whereby_o a_o man_n person_n good_n land_n and_o all_o be_v bind_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o creditor_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v both_o principal_a and_o interest_n at_o the_o day_n agree_v upon_o and_o here_o that_o of_o solomon_n prove_v too_o true_a the_o borrower_n be_v servant_n to_o the_o lender_n for_o he_o have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o his_o own_o dispose_n if_o he_o will_v sell_v any_o land_n settle_v any_o jointure_n there_o be_v a_o statute_n upon_o it_o he_o can_v dispose_v of_o nothing_o till_o that_o be_v take_v off_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o any_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n by_o covenant_n he_o must_v even_o bind_v himself_o to_o god_n as_o firm_o as_o full_o as_o the_o poor_a borrower_n who_o for_o his_o necessity_n take_v up_o money_n bind_v himself_o to_o the_o usurer_n if_o god_n lend_v he_o any_o mercy_n any_o blessing_n he_o bind_v himself_o to_o restore_v not_o only_o the_o principal_a the_o blessing_n itself_o when_o god_n shall_v call_v for_o it_o but_o even_o the_o interest_n too_o i_o mean_v all_o possible_a homage_n service_n and_o honour_n which_o become_v those_o who_o have_v receive_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n this_o be_v more_o than_o employ_v in_o that_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n touch_v the_o talent_n dispense_v matth._n 25._o 27._o for_o even_o to_o he_o who_o have_v receive_v but_o one_o talon_n be_v it_o say_v thou_o ought_v to_o have_v put_v my_o money_n to_o the_o exchanger_n that_o at_o my_o come_n i_o may_v have_v receive_v i_o own_o with_o usury_n god_n will_v have_v his_o return_n some_o interest_n for_o every_o mercy_n and_o expect_v a_o statute_n staple_n that_o be_v a_o covenant_n for_o his_o better_a security_n god_n will_v have_v he_o bind_v soul_n body_n estate_n life_n and_o all_o so_o as_o all_o he_o be_v and_o have_v shall_v be_v forfeit_v if_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v touch_n and_o make_v payment_n according_a to_o agreement_n and_o covenant_n make_v between_o they_o this_o be_v the_o first_o use_n of_o the_o word_n nilvu_o second_o there_o be_v yet_o more_o in_o it_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o borrower_n to_o the_o usurer_n be_v as_o strong_a as_o bond_n and_o statute_n can_v make_v it_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o entire_a near_o firm_a and_o last_a tie_n of_o the_o borrower_n to_o the_o lender_n nor_o such_o a_o thorough_a interest_n in_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o usurer_n as_o there_o be_v of_o he_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o usurer_n though_o he_o bind_v the_o poor_a borrower_n fast_o to_o he_o yet_o he_o keep_v he_o at_o distance_n not_o give_v he_o interest_n in_o or_o use_v of_o any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o estate_n but_o only_o of_o the_o sum_n borrow_v but_o now_o this_o join_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n be_v such_o as_o be_v make_v by_o marriage_n and_o give_v interest_n in_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v and_o have_v and_o admit_v we_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o intimate_a near_a choice_a expression_n of_o the_o dear_a love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v or_o can_v be_v find_v between_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o wife_n