publish_v to_o the_o world_n that_o our_o teach_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o priest-craft_n and_o our_o press_v a_o good_a life_n but_o a_o trade_n that_o by_o these_o base_a and_o sinister_a method_n they_o may_v through_o our_o side_n more_o effectual_o wound_n and_o undermine_v the_o religion_n we_o profess_v and_o defend_v and_o make_v man_n dissolute_a and_o regardless_o of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n but_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o evince_v the_o incontestable_a truth_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n that_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n be_v at_o this_o time_n very_o prevalent_a among_o we_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o prove_v 2._o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n to_o all_o good_a man_n and_o especial_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o station_n of_o eminence_n and_o authority_n such_o be_v david_n a_o great_a and_o pious_a prince_n in_o israel_n and_o therefore_o river_n of_o water_n run_v down_o his_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o god_n law_n for_o the_o great_a and_o better_a man_n be_v the_o more_o hearty_a and_o affectionate_a concern_v they_o must_v needs_o have_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o religion_n the_o welfare_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o that_o particular_a kingdom_n or_o civil_a society_n of_o which_o themselves_o be_v member_n and_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o be_v afflict_v and_o humble_v for_o the_o confederate_a insolent_a attempt_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o disturb_v or_o destroy_v the_o tranquillity_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n 1._o such_o person_n may_v consider_v that_o the_o infidelity_n and_o luxury_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o provoke_v god_n to_o unchurch_n we_o and_o to_o remove_v our_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o god_n be_v most_o angry_a and_o resolve_v to_o punish_v a_o people_n most_o severe_o he_o threaten_v they_o not_o so_o much_o with_o temporal_a loss_n as_o with_o spiritual_a judgement_n as_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n to_o send_v a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n among_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o their_o own_o way_n a_o famine_n of_o bread_n and_o want_v of_o water_n be_v great_a and_o heavy_a punishment_n upon_o any_o people_n but_o there_o be_v something_o worse_a than_o all_o this_o and_o that_o be_v a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n this_o god-himself_a set_v down_o as_o the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o the_o two_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v send_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n not_o a_o famine_n of_o bread_n nor_o a_o thirst_n for_o water_n but_o of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o shall_v wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o run_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o seek_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o amos_n 8._o 11._o this_o be_v a_o calamity_n indeed_o great_a than_o all_o other_o when_o god_n to_o punish_v a_o people_n for_o their_o wickedness_n take_v away_o the_o very_a mean_n of_o their_o become_a better_a and_o because_o they_o spurn_v at_o the_o light_n condemn_v they_o to_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o begin_v hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o to_o take_v a_o antepast_n of_o outer_a darkness_n and_o misery_n to_o come_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o dreadful_a and_o awaken_n threaten_n that_o god_n can_v use_v to_o excite_v the_o ephesus_n the_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n asiatic_a church_n to_o repent_v that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o he_o will_v come_v unto_o they_o quick_o and_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n and_o sure_o if_o the_o loud_a oath_n anâ—_n dare_v blasphemy_n of_o not_o a_o few_o if_o thâ—_n hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o many_o to_o pieâ—â—_n and_o devotion_n if_o the_o cheat_n and_o pâ—â—_n jury_n and_o oppression_n under_o whicâ—_n the_o nation_n groan_v if_o the_o filthy_a speech_n and_o lewd_a action_n if_o the_o drunkeâ—nesses_n adultery_n whoredom_n and_o immorality_n of_o all_o sort_n which_o some_o aâ—_n so_o far_o from_o be_v afraid_a to_o commit_v iâ—_n secret_a that_o for_o want_v of_o other_o witness_n they_o will_v evidence_n against_o themselves_o by_o declare_v their_o sin_n as_o sodom_n isa_n 3._o â—_o in_o short_a if_o all_o the_o profane_a raillery_n anâ—_n abuse_v which_o be_v daily_o put_v upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a particular_o the_o ridicul_v and_o expose_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o most_o holâ—_n faith_n can_v provoke_v god_n to_o abandon_v â—_o people_n to_o lay_v they_o waste_v to_o remou_v his_o church_n and_o gospel_n from_o amongst_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o scorn_n anâ—_n derision_n of_o those_o who_o be_v round_o about_o then_o have_v we_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_v anâ—_n tremble_v lest_o god_n shall_v pronounce_v thâ—_n same_o sentence_n upon_o we_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o the_o wiâ—ked_a and_o ungrateful_a jew_n jer._n â—_o 12._o go_v you_o now_o say_v he_o unto_o my_o placâ—_n which_o be_v in_o shiloh_n where_o i_o set_v my_o name_n at_o the_o first_o and_o see_v what_o i_o do_v to_o it_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o my_o people_n israel_n now_o because_o you_o have_v do_v all_o these_o work_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o hear_v not_o therefore_o will_v i_o do_v unto_o this_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o shiloh_n and_o i_o will_v cast_v you_o out_o of_o my_o sight_n as_o i_o have_v cast_v out_o all_o your_o brethren_n parallel_v to_o which_o be_v that_o commination_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o same_o stiff-necked_a and_o rebellious_a people_n therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o matth._n 21._o 43._o this_o be_v what_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v because_o we_o so_o just_o deserve_v it_o and_o indeed_o what_o counterpoise_n can_v there_o be_v to_o such_o bold_a such_o dare_a impiety_n but_o the_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o endeavour_n of_o those_o good_a soul_n who_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o that_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n which_o have_v so_o long_o spare_v we_o when_o we_o deserve_v punishment_n for_o if_o god_n have_v be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o we_o can_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o abide_v it_o but_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v yet_o mercy_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v and_o oh_o that_o our_o deep_a humiliation_n our_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n may_v still_o engage_v god_n to_o be_v propitious_a to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o pity_v his_o heritage_n that_o so_o iniquity_n may_v not_o be_v our_o ruin_n but_o 2._o as_o our_o prevail_a wickedness_n threaten_v the_o removal_n of_o our_o candlestick_n the_o misery_n and_o desolation_n of_o god_n church_n among_o we_o so_o the_o abound_a impiety_n and_o profaneness_n of_o any_o people_n do_v constant_o provoke_v god_n to_o inflict_v severe_a temporal_a evil_n and_o punishment_n upon_o they_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o demerit_n and_o provocation_n and_o for_o this_o all_o of_o we_o and_o especial_o those_o that_o be_v good_a have_v just_a cause_n to_o be_v humble_v under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o to_o tremble_v at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o judgement_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o god_n law_n god_n deal_n with_o particular_a person_n in_o this_o life_n arâ—_n so_o chequer_a and_o intermix_v with_o variety_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a event_n that_o though_o they_o point_v out_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v because_o they_o give_v no_o clear_a indication_n of_o a_o impartial_a justice_n distribute_v here_o whiâ—â—_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n who_o can_v but_o do_v right_a will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o execute_v yet_o no_o man_n know_v love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o here_o god_n frequent_o afflict_v particular_a person_n for_o the_o probation_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o the_o example_n of_o other_o and_o notorious_a sinner_n oft_o escape_v their_o deserve_a recompense_n in_o this_o life_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v punish_v but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o as_o to_o nation_n and_o public_a society_n of_o man_n who_o as_o such_o can_v be_v account_v with_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v where_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o his_o own_o work_n and_o be_v therefore_o reward_v
a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n trinity_n in_o kingston_n upon_o hull_n to_o a_o society_n there_o for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n september_n 20._o 1699._o by_o robert_n banks_n a._n m._n vicar_n of_o st._n trinity_n in_o hull_n and_o prebendary_a of_o york_z london_n print_v for_o a._n and_o i._n churchill_n and_o thomas_n ryles_n bookseller_n in_o hull_n 1700._o to_o the_o illustrious_a his_o grace_n thomas_n duke_n of_o leeds_n knight_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a order_n of_o the_o garter_n etc._n etc._n may_v it_o please_v your_o grace_n be_v prevail_v with_o by_o the_o importunity_n of_o that_o society_n at_o who_o request_n this_o plain_a discourse_n be_v preach_v to_o make_v it_o public_a out_o of_o a_o charitable_a belief_n that_o it_o may_v do_v some_o good_a i_o presume_v to_o lay_v it_o at_o your_o grace_n foot_n not_o for_o any_o worth_n in_o the_o composure_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o its_o useful_a argument_n the_o reformation_n of_o man_n manner_n the_o obtain_n of_o which_o be_v a_o work_n so_o necessary_a so_o desirable_a and_o true_o excellent_a that_o it_o deserve_v encouragement_n from_o all_o great_a and_o good_a men._n and_o your_o grace_n have_v so_o zealous_o and_o early_o appear_v at_o the_o head_n of_o a_o number_n of_o our_o worthy_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n who_o have_v countenance_v and_o promote_v this_o pious_a and_o generous_a design_n to_o make_v the_o nation_n better_o i_o hope_v your_o grace_n will_v not_o disdain_v this_o mean_a but_o well-intended_n endeavour_n to_o advance_v the_o same_o good_a end_n and_o this_o my_o lord_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o this_o opportunity_n of_o acknowledge_v public_o how_o much_o i_o be_o my_o lord_n your_o grace_n most_o dutiful_a most_o oblige_v and_o most_o humble_o devote_v servant_n and_o chaplain_n robert_n banks_n psalm_n cxix_o cxxxvi_o river_n of_o water_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o they_o keep_v not_o thy_o law_n or_o as_o the_o old_a translation_n use_v in_o our_o liturgy_n read_v the_o word_n my_o eye_n gush_v out_o with_o water_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n that_o be_v the_o great_a universal_a impiety_n of_o man_n be_v a_o most_o locum_fw-la dr._n hammond_n in_o locum_fw-la sad_a spectacle_n fit_a to_o be_v wash_v in_o whole_a flood_n of_o tear_n and_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o the_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o lamentation_n to_o all_o pious_a beholder_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o reflection_n which_o afford_v matter_n of_o great_a grief_n and_o humiliation_n to_o all_o good_a and_o considerate_a person_n than_o serious_o to_o ponder_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o great_a number_n of_o man_n who_o keep_v not_o god_n law_n for_o such_o man_n bring_v infinite_a dishonour_n to_o god_n scandal_n and_o mischief_n to_o other_o and_o oft_o involve_v a_o whole_a nation_n and_o people_n in_o the_o same_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n with_o themselves_o for_o when_o society_n or_o great_a number_n of_o man_n combine_v to_o do_v wicked_o 21._o prov._n 11._o 21._o when_o hand_n thus_o join_v in_o hand_n the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o go_v unpunished_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v suitable_o affect_v to_o such_o a_o face_n of_o affair_n to_o such_o a_o ill-bodeing_a posture_n of_o thing_n concern_v every_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v king_n david_n especial_o magistrate_n and_o those_o who_o be_v vest_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil-worker_n their_o sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o god_n law_n may_v be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o impartial_o to_o restrain_v or_o punish_v all_o vice_n and_o immorality_n all_o atheism_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o to_o maintain_v god_n true_a religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o more_o zealous_a any_o one_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n the_o great_a deference_n he_o pay_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n the_o deeply_o will_v he_o be_v affect_v with_o this_o most_o deplorable_a case_n the_o fast_a will_v his_o eye_n gush_v out_o with_o water_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o god_n law_n river_n of_o water_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o they_o keep_v not_o thy_o law_n the_o full_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n may_v i_o think_v be_v fair_o comprehend_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o short_a proposition_n or_o doctrine_n that_o the_o prevail_a impiety_n and_o irreligion_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v a_o spectacle_n fit_a to_o be_v wash_v in_o whole_a flood_n of_o tear_n be_v matter_n of_o the_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o lamentation_n to_o all_o good_a man_n and_o especial_o to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o station_n of_o eminence_n and_o authority_n in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o proposition_n i_o will_v endeavour_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v to_o do_v these_o four_o thing_n i._o i_o will_v show_v that_o this_o be_v our_o case_n that_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n be_v at_o this_o time_n very_o prevalent_a among_o we_o ii_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v matter_n of_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o trouble_v of_o mind_n to_o all_o good_a man_n especial_o to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o station_n of_o eminence_n and_o authority_n iii_o i_o will_v hint_n what_o effect_n our_o sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n for_o the_o prevail_a wickedness_n of_o the_o land_n aught_o to_o have_v upon_o all_o good_a man_n especial_o upon_o those_o in_o authority_n iv_o by_o way_n of_o reflection_n upon_o the_o whole_a i_o will_v show_v you_o that_o to_o engage_v our_o most_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o obtain_v those_o happy_a effect_n we_o have_v the_o noble_a encouragement_n the_o great_a obligation_n imaginable_a and_o 1._o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v our_o present_a case_n that_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n be_v at_o this_o time_n very_o prevalent_a among_o we_o this_o god_n know_v be_v too_o obvious_a a_o truth_n to_o need_v a_o elaborate_v proof_n and_o our_o own_o daily_a experience_n unless_o we_o be_v whole_o stranger_n to_o the_o world_n may_v give_v we_o a_o sad_a and_o convince_a evidence_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n declare_v by_o our_o representative_n in_o parliament_n that_o profaneness_n 1697._o house_n of_o commons_o address_v to_o the_o king_n january_n 1697._o and_o immorality_n like_o a_o general_a contagion_n have_v diffuse_v and_o spread_v themselves_o throughout_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o dishonour_v and_o prejudice_n of_o the_o government_n and_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o very_a wise_a and_o considerate_a person_n that_o never_o any_o age_n heretofore_o that_o have_v be_v surround_v with_o so_o much_o light_n can_v equal_v the_o impiety_n of_o the_o present_a in_o their_o bold_a commission_n of_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n for_o the_o modern_a debauchee_n have_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a bare_o to_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n with_o god_n by_o their_o wicked_a work_n but_o they_o have_v also_o combine_v to_o add_v insolence_n to_o their_o diligence_n in_o sin_v not_o only_o neglect_v and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o heaven_n but_o heap_v up_o horrid_a contumely_n and_o affront_n upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o he_o who_o dwell_v there_o as_o if_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o confederacy_n at_o once_o to_o abrogate_v god_n law_n and_o dethrone_v their_o maker_n and_o like_o the_o old_a builder_n of_o babel_n think_v that_o nothing_o 6._o gen._n 11._o 6._o now_o will_v be_v restrain_v from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v imagine_v to_o do_v this_o be_v the_o present_a case_n of_o those_o riotous_a sinner_n who_o because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v restrain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n do_v therefore_o resolve_v to_o cast_v all_o the_o scorn_n and_o disgrace_n they_o possible_o can_v upon_o they_o for_o shall_v those_o law_n maintain_v their_o reputation_n they_o will_v contrary_o upbraid_v their_o contrary_a practice_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o have_v learn_v to_o dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o their_o creed_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v think_v fool_n or_o knave_n for_o live_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o though_o there_o have_v be_v abominable_a immorality_n in_o every_o age_n yet_o sure_o we_o in_o this_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o time_n when_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o all_o religion_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v be_v encounter_v by_o the_o combine_a force_n of_o socinian_o deist_n and_o atheist_n who_o all_o join_v however_o they_o otherwise_o differ_v in_o a_o very_a scurrilous_a treatment_n of_o the_o person_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o office_n of_o our_o most_o pious_a orthodox_n clergy_n daily_o
transgressor_n to_o break_v through_o to_o prevent_v which_o our_o magistrate_n have_v power_n enough_o from_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o a_o encouragement_n sufficient_a from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o obligation_n from_o both_o for_o both_o reason_n and_o revelation_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v constitute_v by_o god_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil-doer_n and_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o and_o assure_v we_o that_o wicked_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o magistrate_n because_o they_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a but_o be_v minister_n of_o god_n revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a these_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a expeâ—â—ents_n to_o reform_v or_o punish_v those_o 〈…〉_o neither_o advice_n nor_o argument_n neither_o admonition_n nor_o fraternal_a correption_n much_o less_o the_o despise_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o of_o gentle_a method_n can_v reclaim_v for_o when_o sinner_n grow_v hard_a and_o impudent_a when_o they_o have_v put_v on_o the_o whore_n forehead_n and_o the_o brow_n of_o brass_n and_o scorn_v the_o weighty_a reproof_n and_o consequent_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v either_o the_o ill_a influence_n of_o their_o example_n or_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o current_n of_o those_o judgement_n which_o their_o outrageous_a impiety_n will_v otherwise_o pull_v down_o upon_o we_o but_o the_o strict_a execution_n of_o our_o law_n in_o this_o case_n not_o only_o those_o in_o authority_n be_v concern_v but_o also_o every_o man_n who_o have_v any_o regard_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o welfare_n of_o his_o brother_n or_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o nation_n aught_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o to_o inform_v the_o magistrate_n of_o those_o enormous_a offender_n and_o offence_n which_o come_v to_o his_o knowledge_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o condign_a punishment_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o those_o society_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n which_o be_v already_o form_v in_o divers_a part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o crave_v your_o patience_n whilst_o i_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o this_o subject_a either_o for_o the_o prevention_n or_o cure_n of_o mistake_n or_o prejudice_n and_o that_o i_o may_v be_v more_o succint_n and_o methodical_a i_o will_v digest_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o it_o under_o the_o follow_a head_n of_o consideration_n very_o brief_o i._o i_o will_v suppose_v the_o legality_n of_o these_o society_n i._n e._n their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o english_a government_n as_o establish_v in_o church_n and_o state_n ii_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o advantage_n that_o such_o society_n have_v above_o the_o power_n of_o single_a person_n to_o give_v a_o cheque_fw-fr to_o the_o combine_a force_n of_o prevail_a wickedness_n iii_o i_o will_v consider_v how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v qualify_v who_o enter_v into_o or_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o such_o society_n and_o iv_o i_o will_v observe_v that_o to_o render_v their_o design_n the_o suppression_n of_o immorality_n and_o wickedness_n according_a to_o the_o law_n successful_a they_o ought_v to_o act_v with_o great_a piety_n and_o prudence_n i._o i_o shall_v suppose_v the_o legality_n of_o these_o society_n i._n e._n their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o english_a government_n as_o establish_v in_o church_n and_o state_n this_o i_o do_v not_o undertake_v from_o any_o extraordinary_a skill_n i_o pretend_v to_o have_v in_o our_o english_a law_n and_o government_n which_o be_v none_o of_o my_o province_n but_o from_o that_o countenance_n and_o encouragement_n which_o be_v give_v to_o a_o late_a excellent_a account_n of_o these_o society_n 1699._o society_n a_o account_n of_o the_o society_n for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n 1699._o by_o the_o concurrent_a suffrage_n of_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o a_o majority_n of_o our_o reverend_a sage_n of_o the_o law_n who_o unanimous_o declare_v that_o the_o design_n of_o that_o good_a book_n the_o principal_a scope_n of_o which_o be_v to_o recommend_v and_o promote_v these_o society_n be_v true_o great_a and_o noble_a so_o much_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o public_a good_a both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n that_o in_o their_o opinion_n it_o can_v fail_v of_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o all_o good_a man_n and_o since_o by_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n of_o unquestionable_a skill_n and_o ability_n in_o our_o law_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o public_a good_a both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o government_n in_o both_o and_o beside_o their_o declaration_n of_o the_o legality_n of_o this_o design_n they_o most_o humble_o and_o hearty_o pray_v that_o pious_a man_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o quality_n may_v be_v excite_v by_o that_o good_a book_n to_o contribute_v in_o their_o respective_a place_n and_o station_n their_o best_a endeavour_n towards_o a_o national_a reformation_n of_o manner_n but_o so_o much_o i_o hope_v will_v suffice_v for_o a_o foundation_n of_o my_o supposition_n that_o these_o society_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o establish_v constitution_n of_o our_o english_a government_n ii_o i_o be_o next_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o advantage_n these_o society_n have_v above_o the_o power_n of_o single_a person_n to_o give_v a_o cheque_fw-fr to_o the_o combine_a force_n of_o prevail_a wickedness_n it_o be_v true_a the_o reformation_n of_o man_n manner_n or_o but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n better_o be_v a_o work_n so_o necessary_a and_o true_o excellent_a that_o one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a that_o such_o a_o design_n shall_v meet_v with_o any_o other_o enemy_n than_o such_o as_o be_v likewise_o enemy_n to_o all_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o then_o it_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o numerous_a and_o it_o be_v their_o daily_a work_n to_o unite_v for_o the_o strengthen_n 6._o psalm_n 64._o 5_o 6._o of_o their_o party_n they_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a matter_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o search_v out_o iniquity_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o grand_a abettor_n and_o promoter_n of_o all_o wickedness_n act_n in_o combination_n they_o be_v unanimous_a in_o their_o counsel_n and_o endeavour_n for_o the_o ruin_n of_o mankind_n for_o if_o satan_n 18._o st._n luke_n 11._o 18._o be_v divide_v against_o satan_n as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v how_o can_v his_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n stand_v in_o like_a manner_n vice_n promote_v its_o empire_n and_o make_v its_o advances_n by_o the_o unite_a force_n and_o confederacy_n of_o wicked_a men._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o good_a man_n shall_v combine_v together_o to_o countermine_v the_o design_n and_o to_o discover_v and_o defeat_v the_o wicked_a policy_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n kingdom_n and_o humane_o speak_v there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o take_v the_o field_n against_o they_o than_o by_o set_v army_n in_o array_n against_o army_n wicked_a man_n keep_v then_o 〈…〉_o credit_n by_o their_o number_n aâ—_n 〈…〉_o likely_a they_o shall_v be_v dash_v 〈…〉_o out_o of_o countenance_n till_o they_o see_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o that_o be_v against_o they_o be_v more_o than_o they_o that_o be_v with_o they_o and_o if_o ever_o we_o hope_v with_o any_o success_n to_o encounter_v the_o combine_a strength_n of_o the_o man_n that_o work_v wickedness_n we_o must_v animate_v and_o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o the_o work_n and_o it_o will_v become_v every_o good_a man_n especial_o those_o in_o authority_n to_o ask_v david_n question_n who_o will_v rise_v up_o witâ—_n i_o against_o the_o wicked_a 16._o psal_n 94._o 16._o or_o who_o will_v take_v my_o part_n against_o the_o evil-doer_n and_o if_o we_o thus_o unite_v our_o force_n to_o the_o combat_n we_o need_v not_o despair_v of_o victory_n and_o success_n for_o they_o come_v against_o we_o as_o goliath_n do_v 45._o 1_o sam._n 17._o 45._o against_o david_n with_o a_o sword_n and_o with_o a_o spear_n and_o with_o a_o shield_n with_o carnal_a weapon_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o policy_n that_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o their_o chieftain_n be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n but_o we_o come_v against_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o they_o defy_v and_o we_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o by_o strength_n shall_v no_o man_n prevail_v against_o god_n and_o that_o no_o weapon_n form_v against_o omnipoience_n shall_v
glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n welfare_n will_v secure_v charity_n so_o 2._o prudence_n will_v temper_v and_o guide_v man_n zeal_n in_o their_o charitable_a endeavour_n to_o reform_v other_o zeal_n be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a in_o itself_o but_o may_v be_v either_o according_a to_o the_o end_n or_o object_n to_o which_o it_o be_v direct_v and_o as_o that_o zeal_n which_o be_v fix_v upon_o proper_a object_n preserve_v within_o its_o due_a limit_n and_o level_v at_o good_a end_n be_v high_o serviceable_a to_o the_o noble_a purpose_n of_o religion_n so_o a_o mistake_n in_o these_o qualification_n or_o a_o pretence_n to_o they_o when_o nothing_o less_o be_v intend_v have_v be_v and_o may_v prove_v of_o the_o most_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o church_n and_o state_n as_o this_o nation_n have_v former_o find_v by_o woeful_a experience_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o ought_v ever_o to_o suffer_v prudence_n to_o conduct_v our_o zeal_n to_o render_v it_o useful_a to_o the_o best_a purpose_n god_n glory_n our_o neighbour_n good_a and_o our_o own_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o if_o these_o excellent_a end_n be_v our_o ultimate_a design_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o zealous_a to_o amend_v our_o own_o fault_n than_o either_o to_o pry_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o other_o or_o to_o make_v our_o self_n over-busei_a in_o reform_v they_o beyond_o our_o proper_a sphere_n and_o station_n however_o this_o will_v make_v we_o infinite_o careful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o that_o by_o the_o strictness_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o the_o exemplarity_n of_o our_o life_n we_o may_v be_v instrumental_a to_o reform_v other_o and_o if_o the_o unalterable_a obstinacy_n of_o sinner_n render_v this_o ineffectual_a we_o may_v then_o after_o our_o private_a endeavour_n warrantable_o inform_v the_o magistrate_n of_o those_o scandalous_a criminal_n that_o come_v to_o our_o cognizance_n that_o their_o deed_n may_v receive_v a_o deserve_a retribution_n and_o to_o do_v this_o hearty_o and_o impartial_o as_o we_o have_v the_o noble_a encouragement_n so_o we_o have_v the_o most_o indispensible_a obligation_n imaginable_a which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o have_v to_o offer_v and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v and_o indeed_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o all_o other_o consideration_n yet_o the_o argument_n of_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o the_o many_o signal_n mercy_n and_o deliverance_n he_o have_v of_o late_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n he_o have_v of_o late_o wrought_v for_o we_o will_v engage_v we_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a care_n that_o we_o provoke_v he_o not_o again_o to_o inflict_v heavy_a judgement_n upon_o we_o will_v warn_v we_o to_o sin_n no_o more_o presumptuous_o lest_o a_o worse_a thing_n come_v unto_o we_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o do_v not_o always_o follow_v that_o a_o people_n be_v therefore_o reform_v and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n because_o he_o restore_v peace_n within_o their_o walk_n and_o plenteousness_n within_o their_o palace_n because_o he_o give_v they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n because_o he_o turn_v their_o captivity_n as_o the_o river_n in_o the_o south_n remove_v his_o judgement_n and_o pour_v his_o temporal_a blessing_n upon_o they_o no_o he_o often_o do_v this_o to_o try_v whether_o those_o who_o his_o judgement_n will_v not_o awaken_v and_o amend_v who_o grow_v hard_o under_o the_o stroke_n of_o his_o displeasure_n may_v not_o be_v soften_v and_o melt_v into_o repentance_n by_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o restore_a mercy_n and_o lovingkindness_n and_o if_o this_o fail_v they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o last_o overture_n which_o god_n intend_v to_o maâ—â—_n they_o for_o their_o reformation_n god_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o â—â—_o already_o whereof_o we_o rejoice_v anâ—_n since_o his_o judgement_n can_v not_o his_o goodness_n be_v more_o merciful_o design_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n but_o if_o neither_o the_o sharp_a nor_o the_o gentle_a method_n can_v reclaim_v we_o if_o we_o will_v yet_o sin_v presumptuous_o and_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o repress_v and_o punish_v will_v yet_o suffer_v sin_n to_o swagger_v and_o be_v insolent_a or_o those_o who_o can_v and_o aught_o will_v not_o inform_v the_o magistrate_n that_o the_o impious_a may_v receive_v their_o deserve_a punishment_n in_o this_o case_n we_o may_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v assert_v his_o own_o injure_a authority_n by_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o be_v a_o people_n as_o he_o once_o do_v that_o ungovernable_a nation_n the_o jew_n and_o make_v we_o a_o proverb_n of_o reproach_n and_o a_o hiss_a to_o all_o the_o country_n that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o in_o fine_a which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o infelicity_n on_o this_o side_n hell_n that_o he_o shall_v for_o ever_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o bless_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n that_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o much_o better_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o avoid_v that_o dismal_a catastrophe_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o blessing_n of_o peace_n we_o now_o enjoy_v with_o all_o its_o happy_a effect_n to_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n which_o be_v to_o become_v a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a people_n and_o to_o effect_v this_o let_v we_o all_o pray_v and_o endeavour_v in_o our_o several_a station_n and_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n and_o capacity_n that_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n may_v daily_o gain_v ground_n and_o flourish_v and_o all_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n may_v sneak_v and_o look_v out_o of_o countenance_n till_o like_o a_o guilty_a shade_n it_o dwindle_v and_o vanish_v away_o and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v all_o steadfast_o resolve_v this_o day_n to_o follow_v aster_n those_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o peace_n and_o which_o so_o visible_o conduce_v to_o promote_v our_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o show_v ourselves_o good_a christian_n good_a subject_n and_o such_o as_o be_v real_o concern_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o native_a country_n and_o most_o holy_a religion_n this_o if_o we_o do_v god_n will_v then_o go_v on_o to_o strengthen_v and_o establish_v what_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o and_o will_v make_v our_o late_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n pledge_n of_o our_o great_a future_a happiness_n the_o good_a god_n make_v we_o all_o so_o wise_a as_o to_o mind_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o every_o one_o of_o our_o soul_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n which_o he_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o jesus_n christ_n sake_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n be_v give_v of_o we_o all_o angel_n all_o man_n and_o all_o creature_n all_o possible_a honour_n and_o glory_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n fear_v adoration_n and_o obedience_n now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la