A sermon preached to the honourable House of Commons at their late solemne fast, Wednesday, December 27, 1643 by Alexander Henderson ...
         Henderson, Alexander, 1583?-1646.
      
       
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         (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A43318)
         Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 54059)
         Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 242:E81, no 24)
      
       
         
           
             A sermon preached to the honourable House of Commons at their late solemne fast, Wednesday, December 27, 1643 by Alexander Henderson ...
             Henderson, Alexander, 1583?-1646.
          
           [4], 36 p.
           
             Printed for Robert Bostock ...,
             London :
             1644.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in Thomason Collection, British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Fast-day sermons.
        
      
    
       A43318  R15067  (Wing H1439).  civilwar no A sermon preached to the honourable House of Commons, at their late solemne fast, Wednesday, December 27. 1643. By Alexander Henderson, mini Henderson, Alexander 1644    13020 37 10 0 0 0 0 36 D  The  rate of 36 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           A
           SERMON
           PREACHED
           To
           the
           Honourable
           HOVSE
           OF
           COMMONS
           ,
           At
           their
           late
           solemne
           Fast
           ,
           Wednesday
           ,
           December
           27.
           1643.
           
        
         
           BY
           ALEXANDER
           HENDERSON
           ,
           Minister
           at
           Edenbrugh
           .
        
         
           
             NUM
             .
             21.14
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             it
             is
             said
             in
             the
             booke
             of
             the
             warres
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             what
             he
             did
             in
             the
             red
             Sea
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             brookes
             of
             Arnon
             .
          
        
         
           Published
           by
           Order
           of
           the
           House
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           :
           Printed
           for
           
             Robert
             Bostock
             ,
          
           dwelling
           at
           the
           signe
           of
           the
           Kings-head
           in
           
             Pauls
          
           Churchyard
           .
           1644.
           
        
      
       
       
         
           Die
           Mercurij
           27.
           Decemb.
           1643.
           
        
         
           IT
           is
           this
           day
           Ordered
           by
           the
           Commons
           assembled
           in
           Parliament
           ,
           that
           Master
           
             Solicitor
          
           doe
           from
           this
           House
           give
           thankes
           unto
           Master
           
             Henderson
          
           for
           the
           great
           paines
           he
           tooke
           in
           the
           Sermon
           he
           preached
           this
           day
           ,
           at
           the
           intreaty
           of
           this
           House
           ,
           at
           Saint
           
             Margarets
          
           Westminster
           ;
           being
           the
           day
           of
           publike
           Humiliation
           ;
           and
           to
           desire
           him
           to
           Print
           his
           Sermon
           .
           It
           is
           also
           Ordered
           that
           none
           shall
           presume
           to
           Print
           his
           Sermon
           without
           being
           authorised
           under
           his
           hand
           writing
           .
        
         
           
             Hen.
             Elsynge
             Cler.
             Parl.
             D.
             Com.
             
          
        
         
           
             I
             appoint
             
               Robert
               Bostocke
            
             to
             Print
             this
             Sermon
             ,
          
           
             
               Alexander
               Henderson
               .
            
          
        
      
       
       
         
           To
           the
           READER
           .
        
         
           THIS
           Sermon
           ,
           such
           as
           it
           is
           ,
           was
           preached
           to
           the
           honourable
           house
           of
           Commons
           at
           their
           desire
           ,
           and
           is
           now
           by
           their
           Order
           printed
           for
           thy
           use
           ,
           and
           ,
           by
           the
           blessing
           of
           God
           ,
           for
           thy
           benefit
           .
           The
           desire
           &
           endevor
           of
           the
           Preacher
           was
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           scope
           and
           nature
           of
           the
           Text
           ,
           to
           shew
           ,
           that
           after
           so
           often
           renued
           and
           long
           continued
           humiliation
           ;
           and
           after
           solemne
           entring
           into
           Covenant
           with
           the
           most
           high
           God
           ,
           The
           true
           reformation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           is
           the
           readiest
           meane
           to
           turne
           away
           the
           still
           pressing
           wrath
           of
           God
           from
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           And
           to
           bring
           the
           desired
           blessings
           of
           all
           sorts
           upon
           Church
           and
           State
           ;
           which
           yet
           will
           prove
           but
           uneffectuall
           ,
           unlesse
           the
           Reformation
           intended
           by
           the
           Honourable
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           and
           the
           reverend
           Assembly
           of
           Divines
           be
           attended
           &
           faithfully
           followed
           with
           Renovation
           and
           Repentance
           in
           the
           people
           :
           Repentance
           for
           every
           knowne
           Sin
           (
           and
           how
           can
           Sin
           be
           unknowne
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           so
           many
           burning
           and
           shining
           
           lights
           ?
           )
           But
           repentance
           especially
           for
           sinnes
           〈◊〉
           the
           matter
           of
           Religion
           ,
           the
           present
           Epidenticall
           disease
           of
           this
           Land
           ,
           which
           threatneth
           changes
           &
           Armies
           of
           sorrowes
           ;
           so
           it
           pleaseth
           the
           Lord
           to
           give
           more
           then
           a
           taste
           of
           the
           bitter
           fruits
           of
           bad
           Church-government
           and
           a
           sad
           representation
           of
           the
           face
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           ,
           if
           every
           man
           should
           be
           left
           to
           preach
           ,
           professe
           and
           print
           what
           he
           will
           .
           
             O
             that
             my
             people
             had
             harkned
             unto
             me
             ,
             &
          
           Israel
           
             had
             walked
             in
             my
             ways
             !
             I
             should
             soon
             have
             subdued
             their
             Enemies
             ,
             and
             turned
             my
             hand
             against
             their
             adversaries
             .
             The
             haters
             of
             God
             ,
             should
             have
             submitted
             themselves
             unto
             him
             ;
             but
             their
             time
             should
             have
             endured
             for
             ever
             .
          
           Hearken
           therefore
           unto
           the
           voyce
           of
           God
           in
           the
           spirituall
           ,
           plaine
           and
           powerfull
           preaching
           of
           his
           servants
           (
           one
           of
           the
           greatest
           evidences
           that
           the
           Lord
           hath
           a
           purpose
           of
           mercy
           toward
           you
           )
           and
           walke
           in
           his
           wayes
           .
           
             Marke
             them
             which
             cause
             devisions
             and
             offences
             amongst
             you
             ;
             be
             wise
             unto
             that
             which
             is
             good
             ,
             &
             simple
             concerning
             evill
             ;
             &
             the
             God
             of
             peace
             shall
             bruise
             Satan
             under
             your
             feet
             shortly
             .
             The
             Grace
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             be
             with
             you
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           A
           SERMON
           Preached
           at
           the
           late
           Fast
           ,
           before
           the
           Honourable
           House
           of
           Commons
           .
        
         
           
             
               EZRA
               7.23
               .
            
             
               Whatsoever
               is
               commanded
               by
               the
               God
               of
               heaven
               ,
               let
               it
               be
               diligently
               done
               ,
               for
               the
               house
               of
               the
               God
               of
               heaven
               ;
               for
               why
               should
               there
               be
               wrath
               against
               the
               Realme
               of
               the
               King
               and
               his
               Sonnes
               ?
            
          
        
         
           THE
           Lord
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           Father
           of
           Spirits
           ,
           hath
           a
           great
           diversity
           of
           influence
           and
           operation
           ,
           upon
           the
           minds
           and
           hearts
           of
           the
           children
           of
           men
           ;
           
           he
           can
           send
           a
           dream
           upon
           
             Nebuchadnezar
             ,
          
           while
           he
           is
           at
           rest
           in
           his
           house
           and
           florishing
           in
           his
           palace
           ,
           which
           maketh
           him
           afraid
           and
           the
           thoughts
           upon
           his
           bed
           ,
           and
           the
           visions
           of
           his
           head
           
           to
           trouble
           him
           
             a
          
           .
           While
           
             Belshazzar
          
           the
           King
           maketh
           a
           great
           feast
           to
           a
           thousand
           of
           his
           Lords
           ,
           he
           can
           make
           a
           hand
           to
           write
           over
           against
           the
           Candlesticke
           upon
           the
           plaister
           of
           the
           Wall
           ,
           which
           maketh
           the
           Kings
           countenance
           to
           be
           changed
           ,
           and
           his
           thoughts
           to
           trouble
           him
           ;
           so
           that
           the
           joynts
           of
           his
           loynes
           were
           loosed
           ,
           his
           knees
           smote
           one
           against
           another
           ,
           and
           his
           wise
           men
           and
           Lords
           were
           astonied
           with
           him
           
             b
          
           :
           he
           can
           make
           
             Balaam
             ,
          
           when
           he
           is
           called
           to
           curse
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           contrary
           to
           his
           owne
           intention
           &
           the
           desire
           of
           
             Balaak
             ,
          
           to
           blesse
           them
           three
           times
           
             c
          
           :
           He
           can
           make
           
             Cajephas
          
           to
           prophesie
           what
           he
           understandeth
           not
           ,
           that
           one
           man
           should
           die
           for
           the
           people
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           whole
           Nation
           perish
           not
           
             d
          
           :
           And
           the
           Lord
           can
           reveale
           his
           will
           to
           
             Joseph
             ,
             Daniel
             ,
          
           and
           his
           Prophets
           ,
           concerning
           things
           to
           come
           for
           the
           comfort
           of
           his
           Church
           
             e
          
           .
           Againe
           ,
           the
           Lord
           can
           renue
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           Enemies
           ,
           and
           make
           such
           a
           Persecutor
           ,
           as
           
             Paul
          
           sometime
           was
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           beleever
           and
           Zealous
           Preacher
           
             f
          
           :
           He
           can
           restraine
           the
           impetuous
           violence
           of
           the
           heart
           of
           man
           ;
           thus
           dealt
           he
           with
           
             Laban
             ,
          
           that
           he
           durst
           not
           speake
           to
           
             Jacob
          
           either
           good
           or
           bad
           
             g
          
           ;
           he
           can
           also
           and
           doth
           indeed
           overrule
           the
           hearts
           and
           wayes
           of
           his
           most
           Malignant
           and
           desperate
           Enemies
           ,
           whom
           he
           neither
           renueth
           nor
           restraineth
           ,
           and
           contrary
           to
           their
           Counsels
           and
           intentions
           ,
           bring
           them
           mervelously
           about
           to
           his
           owne
           ends
           ,
           as
           he
           dealt
           with
           
             Judas
             ,
             Herod
             ,
             Pilate
             ,
          
           and
           the
           people
           of
           the
           Jewes
           ,
           who
           devised
           and
           did
           mischiefe
           against
           Christ
           ,
           but
           God
           meant
           it
           for
           good
           ,
           to
           save
           his
           people
           from
           their
           sinnes
           
             h
          
           .
           There
           is
           yet
           another
           way
           of
           divine
           providence
           and
           Soveraignty
           ,
           
           when
           the
           Lord
           is
           pleased
           neither
           to
           proceed
           to
           farre
           as
           to
           renue
           ,
           nor
           doe
           so
           little
           as
           to
           restraine
           ,
           but
           thinketh
           meet
           to
           change
           the
           affections
           of
           the
           heart
           of
           man
           ;
           whether
           from
           particular
           hatred
           and
           opposition
           ,
           as
           he
           dealt
           with
           
             Esau
          
           comming
           against
           
             Jacob
          
           
             i
          
           ,
           and
           
             Alexander
          
           the
           great
           ,
           marching
           against
           
             Jerusalem
          
           
             k
          
           ,
           or
           from
           that
           common
           and
           innate
           hatred
           that
           all
           men
           naturally
           beare
           against
           the
           true
           Religion
           and
           Church
           of
           God
           :
           Of
           which
           we
           have
           the
           example
           of
           
             Ahashuerus
          
           in
           the
           booke
           of
           
             Ester
             ,
          
           of
           
             Artaxerxes
          
           in
           the
           booke
           of
           
             Nehemiah
             ,
          
           of
           
             Cyrus
          
           and
           
             Darius
          
           in
           this
           booke
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           same
           
             Artaxerxes
          
           in
           this
           Text
           :
           In
           whose
           eyes
           
             Ezra
          
           did
           find
           such
           favour
           ,
           and
           of
           whom
           he
           had
           as
           ample
           testimonie
           of
           royall
           benevolence
           and
           bounty
           toward
           
             Jerusalem
          
           and
           the
           house
           of
           God
           there
           ,
           as
           his
           heart
           could
           have
           wished
           ,
           and
           as
           made
           him
           humbly
           to
           acknowledge
           ,
           that
           the
           good
           hand
           of
           the
           Lord
           his
           God
           was
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           to
           blesse
           the
           Lord
           God
           of
           his
           fathers
           ,
           which
           had
           put
           such
           a
           thing
           in
           the
           Kings
           heart
           ,
           as
           to
           beautifie
           the
           house
           of
           the
           Lord
           God
           which
           was
           at
           
             Jerusalem
             .
          
           In
           the
           letter
           of
           
             Artaxerxes
          
           expressing
           his
           munificence
           ,
           and
           containing
           the
           Commission
           and
           instructions
           given
           unto
           
             Ezra
          
           for
           this
           purpose
           ;
           the
           clause
           which
           I
           have
           read
           is
           worthy
           of
           a
           starre
           or
           finger
           in
           the
           margent
           ,
           wherein
           we
           may
           perceive
           ,
           that
           the
           King
           as
           he
           had
           heard
           and
           learned
           not
           from
           a
           flattering
           Court-Chaplaine
           ,
           but
           from
           faithfull
           
             Ezra
             ,
          
           beleeveth
           ,
           that
           the
           great
           wrath
           of
           God
           ,
           shall
           come
           not
           onely
           upon
           himselfe
           ,
           but
           which
           was
           more
           ,
           upon
           his
           Kingdome
           and
           Posterity
           ;
           if
           Religion
           should
           not
           be
           setled
           ,
           
           and
           the
           house
           of
           God
           ordered
           with
           all
           speed
           and
           diligence
           in
           every
           thing
           ,
           as
           God
           himselfe
           had
           commanded
           .
        
         
           
           If
           we
           will
           looke
           more
           distinctly
           upon
           the
           Order
           not
           of
           the
           words
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           matter
           ,
           we
           shall
           meet
           with
           three
           particulars
           fitting
           the
           present
           condition
           of
           affaires
           ,
           and
           very
           worthy
           our
           gravest
           consideration
           :
           The
           first
           is
           the
           great
           evill
           to
           be
           avoyded
           ,
           even
           the
           greatest
           of
           all
           evils
           ,
           
             The
             wrath
             of
             God
             against
             the
             Realme
             of
             the
             King
             and
             his
             Sonnes
             .
          
        
         
           The
           second
           is
           ,
           the
           meane
           which
           is
           the
           chiefest
           of
           all
           meanes
           ,
           and
           without
           which
           no
           other
           meane
           can
           be
           effectuall
           for
           averting
           or
           preventing
           of
           wrath
           ,
           
             Whatsoever
             is
             commanded
             by
             the
             God
             of
             heaven
             ,
             let
             it
             be
             diligently
             done
             ,
             for
             the
             house
             of
             the
             God
             of
             heaven
             .
          
        
         
           The
           third
           is
           ,
           the
           connexion
           of
           the
           one
           and
           the
           other
           ,
           or
           the
           inference
           of
           the
           effect
           from
           the
           cause
           :
           
             For
             why
             should
             there
             be
             wrath
             ?
             &c.
          
           When
           that
           is
           not
           diligently
           done
           for
           the
           house
           of
           the
           God
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           which
           the
           God
           of
           Heaven
           commandeth
           ,
           then
           is
           there
           wrath
           against
           the
           Realme
           of
           the
           King
           and
           his
           Sonnes
           .
        
         
           Would
           the
           Lord
           ,
           who
           is
           so
           rich
           in
           wisdome
           and
           can
           use
           so
           many
           powerfull
           wayes
           of
           dealing
           with
           the
           heart
           of
           man
           ,
           be
           pleased
           to
           put
           it
           in
           the
           Kings
           heart
           ,
           to
           write
           such
           a
           letter
           and
           send
           forth
           such
           an
           Edict
           as
           this
           is
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           the
           opening
           of
           a
           doore
           of
           hope
           ;
           or
           as
           good
           
             Schechaniah
          
           saith
           
             l
          
           ,
           
             there
             would
             be
             now
             hope
             in
             Israel
             concerning
             this
             thing
          
           :
           That
           the
           horrible
           deluge
           of
           wrath
           which
           now
           overrunneth
           this
           Land
           ,
           should
           be
           aswaged
           ,
           the
           Fountains
           also
           of
           the
           depth
           ,
           and
           the
           windowes
           of
           Heaven
           would
           
           be
           stopped
           ,
           the
           
             Arke
          
           would
           rest
           ,
           the
           Dove
           would
           come
           with
           an
           Olive-leafe
           in
           her
           mouth
           ,
           we
           would
           all
           joyn
           in
           offering
           a
           Sacrifice
           of
           thanksgiving
           ,
           the
           Lord
           would
           smell
           a
           savour
           of
           rest
           ,
           and
           we
           should
           see
           a
           new
           world
           wherin
           should
           dwel
           righteousnesse
           and
           peace
           .
           Amongst
           all
           the
           great
           things
           which
           the
           honourable
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           have
           done
           ,
           there
           is
           none
           more
           acceptable
           to
           God
           ,
           or
           more
           promiseth
           peace
           and
           happinesse
           to
           this
           Land
           ,
           then
           that
           a
           Church-assembly
           is
           called
           ,
           for
           searching
           into
           the
           will
           of
           the
           God
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           
             that
             whatsoever
             is
             commanded
             by
             him
             may
             be
             diligently
             done
             .
          
           The
           wrath
           of
           the
           Lord
           hath
           raged
           for
           many
           yeeres
           in
           
             Germany
          
           and
           is
           not
           yet
           abated
           ,
           because
           nothing
           is
           done
           there
           for
           Reformation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           building
           of
           the
           house
           of
           God
           .
           But
           there
           be
           three
           things
           in
           
             England
          
           which
           give
           us
           hope
           and
           promise
           deliverance
           .
           First
           ,
           Your
           frequent
           and
           continued
           fasting
           and
           humiliation
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           Your
           entring
           into
           a
           solemne
           Covenant
           with
           God
           for
           obtaining
           mercy
           .
           Thirdly
           ,
           Your
           begun
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           the
           course
           You
           have
           taken
           for
           perfecting
           the
           same
           ,
           
             That
             whatsoever
             is
             commanded
             by
             the
             God
             of
             Heaven
             may
             be
             diligently
             done
             for
             the
             house
             of
             the
             God
             of
             Heaven
             .
          
           If
           these
           three
           be
           performed
           in
           truth
           ,
           You
           may
           expect
           a
           blessing
           :
           True
           humiliation
           ,
           Covenanting
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           are
           the
           Harbingers
           of
           peace
           and
           happinesse
           :
           But
           when
           they
           are
           not
           in
           truth
           ,
           the
           hypocrisie
           threatneth
           more
           then
           the
           performance
           promiseth
           .
        
         
           Concerning
           the
           great
           evill
           to
           be
           avoyded
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           wrath
           of
           the
           God
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           
           although
           it
           be
           
           infinit
           and
           above
           all
           dimen●ion
           unmeasurable
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           in
           the
           infinit
           and
           incomprehensible
           God
           ,
           yet
           according
           to
           our
           capacity
           and
           the
           matter
           in
           hand
           ,
           it
           is
           expressed
           and
           set
           before
           our
           eyes
           in
           the
           dimensions
           thereof
           .
           In
           the
           
             m
          
           
             Psalme
          
           103.
           we
           have
           the
           dimensions
           of
           the
           infinite
           mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           height
           and
           the
           depth
           thereof
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           height
           of
           heaven
           ;
           or
           as
           the
           heaven
           is
           high
           above
           the
           earth
           ,
           so
           great
           is
           his
           mercy
           toward
           them
           that
           feare
           him
           :
           and
           like
           as
           a
           father
           pitieth
           his
           children
           ,
           so
           the
           Lord
           pitieth
           them
           that
           feare
           him
           :
           the
           breadth
           as
           farre
           as
           the
           East
           is
           from
           the
           West
           ,
           so
           farre
           hath
           he
           removed
           our
           transgressions
           from
           us
           :
           and
           the
           length
           ,
           The
           mercy
           of
           the
           Lord
           is
           from
           everlasting
           to
           everlasting
           to
           them
           that
           feare
           him
           ,
           and
           his
           righteousnesse
           unto
           his
           Childrens
           Children
           .
           In
           this
           place
           We
           have
           the
           like
           dimensions
           of
           his
           anger
           against
           them
           that
           use
           no●
           the
           power
           which
           God
           hath
           given
           them
           ,
           for
           setling
           his
           feare
           and
           worship
           according
           to
           his
           owne
           will
           :
           The
           height
           and
           depth
           thereof
           is
           in
           the
           word
           
             Wrath
             ,
          
           
           
           which
           is
           a
           boyling
           and
           burning
           anger
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           revealed
           from
           heaven
           ,
           
           and
           burning
           to
           the
           lowest
           hell
           ;
           The
           bredth
           is
           ,
           where
           it
           is
           not
           said
           against
           the
           King
           ,
           but
           the
           kingdom
           of
           the
           King
           ;
           and
           the
           length
           of
           it
           is
           ,
           the
           Sons
           &
           Posterity
           of
           the
           King
           to
           al
           generations
           .
        
         
           To
           speake
           a
           word
           of
           these
           three
           severally
           :
           First
           ,
           we
           know
           that
           the
           words
           used
           in
           Scripture
           to
           denote
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           against
           his
           Enemies
           ,
           doe
           expresse
           humane
           affections
           and
           bodily
           passions
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           in
           him
           who
           is
           not
           like
           unto
           man
           ;
           But
           the
           thing
           intended
           is
           the
           Lord
           his
           most
           holy
           dislike
           and
           serious
           
           detestation
           of
           sinne
           ,
           with
           his
           most
           just
           and
           constant
           will
           and
           decree
           to
           punish
           the
           same
           :
           His
           Comminations
           and
           threats
           declaring
           his
           dislike
           and
           decree
           ,
           and
           his
           judgements
           and
           vengeance
           which
           are
           the
           executing
           of
           his
           threatnings
           .
           This
           execution
           of
           wrath
           is
           principally
           meant
           in
           this
           place
           ,
           and
           yet
           it
           is
           not
           called
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           simply
           (
           
             Wrath
          
           )
           thereby
           shewing
           the
           greatnesse
           and
           immensity
           of
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           ;
           that
           there
           is
           no
           wrath
           comparable
           with
           his
           wrath
           ,
           and
           therefore
           no
           wrath
           so
           formidable
           as
           his
           wrath
           .
           For
           first
           ,
           all
           other
           wrath
           of
           Man
           or
           Angell
           is
           but
           the
           limited
           wrath
           of
           the
           creature
           ,
           but
           his
           wrath
           is
           infinite
           like
           himself
           ;
           as
           the
           man
           is
           ,
           so
           is
           his
           wrath
           ,
           and
           as
           God
           is
           ,
           so
           is
           his
           wrath
           ▪
           The
           wrath
           of
           a
           King
           is
           like
           the
           roaring
           of
           a
           young
           Lyon
           ,
           but
           the
           roaring
           of
           the
           Lyon
           of
           the
           Tribe
           of
           
             Judah
          
           is
           more
           terrible
           ;
           look
           how
           much
           the
           Wisdome
           ,
           the
           Power
           ,
           the
           Justice
           ,
           the
           Mercy
           of
           God
           are
           greater
           then
           the
           Wisdome
           ,
           the
           Power
           ,
           the
           Justice
           ,
           the
           mercy
           of
           man
           ,
           so
           much
           is
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           greater
           then
           the
           wrath
           of
           man
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           reacheth
           to
           the
           soule
           as
           well
           as
           to
           the
           body
           ;
           to
           Kingdomes
           as
           well
           as
           to
           particular
           persons
           or
           Families
           ;
           to
           the
           posterity
           as
           well
           as
           to
           the
           present
           generation
           ;
           it
           being
           accompanied
           with
           omnipotency
           to
           which
           all
           things
           are
           alike
           ,
           easie
           and
           faisible
           .
           Thirdly
           ,
           the
           greatnesse
           of
           his
           anger
           appeareth
           in
           this
           ;
           that
           he
           is
           the
           Lord
           of
           Hosts
           ,
           when
           the
           Heavens
           and
           the
           earth
           were
           finished
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           host
           of
           them
           
             n
          
           
             Gen.
          
           2.1
           .
           then
           and
           not
           before
           did
           God
           the
           maker
           of
           all
           things
           take
           upon
           him
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Lord
           
             o
          
           ,
           
             verse
          
           4.
           
           
           After
           he
           had
           made
           all
           things
           by
           his
           word
           ,
           and
           set
           them
           in
           order
           ,
           he
           commandeth
           and
           ruleth
           all
           by
           his
           authority
           ,
           he
           hath
           them
           all
           ready
           to
           execute
           his
           will
           ;
           they
           are
           all
           his
           Host
           and
           Souldiers
           ,
           from
           the
           Angels
           ,
           Sunne
           ,
           Moone
           and
           Starres
           ,
           unto
           the
           smallest
           Flies
           and
           Wormes
           ;
           and
           when
           he
           giveth
           the
           alarme
           to
           the
           least
           of
           them
           ,
           the
           greatest
           on
           earth
           are
           not
           able
           to
           resist
           .
        
         
           The
           Use
           of
           this
           may
           be
           two-fold
           :
           
           One
           is
           against
           the
           wicked
           ;
           since
           in
           these
           three
           respects
           there
           is
           no
           wrath
           comparable
           to
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           ,
           no
           wrath
           is
           so
           much
           to
           be
           feared
           as
           his
           wrath
           .
           Vengeance
           belongeth
           to
           me
           ,
           I
           will
           recompence
           saith
           the
           Lord
           ;
           and
           againe
           ,
           the
           Lord
           shall
           judge
           his
           people
           ;
           It
           is
           a
           fearfull
           thing
           to
           fall
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           the
           living
           God
           
             p
          
           ;
           although
           it
           be
           much
           better
           for
           the
           Godly
           to
           fill
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           God
           ,
           whose
           mercies
           are
           great
           and
           who
           in
           judgement
           remembreth
           mercy
           ,
           then
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           men
           whose
           mercies
           are
           cruell
           ;
           and
           it
           were
           more
           tolerable
           for
           them
           to
           have
           the
           pestilence
           then
           the
           sword
           raging
           in
           the
           Land
           
             q
          
           yet
           the
           wicked
           shall
           find
           that
           it
           had
           beene
           more
           easie
           for
           them
           to
           fall
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           men
           then
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           both
           killeth
           the
           body
           and
           destroyeth
           their
           temporall
           being
           ,
           &
           casteth
           both
           soul
           and
           body
           into
           the
           fire
           of
           hel
           ;
           
             For
             the
             Lord
             whose
             name
             is
             jealous
             is
             a
             jalous
             God
          
           
             r
          
           ;
           and
           which
           is
           very
           proper
           for
           such
           as
           at
           this
           time
           flatter
           themselves
           in
           their
           owne
           wickednesse
           ;
           
             The
             Lord
             will
             not
             spare
             him
             ,
             but
             the
             anger
             of
             the
             Lord
             and
             his
             jealousie
             shall
             smoake
             against
             that
             man
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             curses
             that
             are
             written
             in
             this
             booke
             shall
             lye
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             Lord
             
             shall
             blot
             out
             his
             name
             from
             under
             Heaven
          
           
             s
          
           .
           To
           which
           that
           of
           the
           Prophet
           is
           very
           agreeable
           ;
           
             Then
             shall
             mine
             anger
             be
             accomplished
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             cause
             my
             fury
             to
             rest
             upon
             them
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             be
             comforted
          
           
             t
          
           .
           The
           wicked
           amongst
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           blesse
           themselves
           in
           their
           owne
           hearts
           ,
           saying
           ;
           We
           shall
           have
           peace
           ,
           though
           we
           walk
           in
           the
           imaginations
           of
           our
           owne
           hearts
           ;
           are
           the
           naturall
           element
           for
           the
           curses
           and
           judgements
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           are
           moving
           to
           and
           fro
           ,
           to
           lye
           and
           rest
           in
           ,
           and
           when
           the
           curses
           and
           judgements
           of
           the
           Lord
           come
           upon
           them
           ,
           the
           Lord
           is
           at
           rest
           and
           is
           comforted
           ,
           and
           his
           people
           that
           feare
           his
           name
           and
           tremble
           at
           his
           judgements
           ,
           are
           also
           at
           rest
           and
           are
           comforted
           .
        
         
           Another
           use
           is
           for
           the
           Godly
           ,
           
           who
           in
           some
           similitude
           and
           conformity
           with
           the
           wrath
           of
           the
           jealous
           God
           ,
           should
           stirre
           up
           in
           themselves
           their
           zeal
           and
           just
           indignation
           against
           false
           worship
           ,
           and
           the
           contempt
           of
           the
           true
           worship
           of
           his
           name
           .
           When
           
             Moses
          
           did
           behold
           the
           Idolatry
           of
           the
           people
           in
           the
           golden
           Calfe
           ,
           his
           Zeale
           was
           so
           strong
           and
           he
           so
           impatient
           ,
           that
           he
           brake
           the
           Tables
           written
           with
           Gods
           owne
           hand
           
             u
          
           .
           
             I
             have
             beene
             very
             jealous
             for
             the
             Lord
             God
             of
             Hosts
             ,
          
           saith
           
             Elias
          
           
             x
          
           ;
           
             For
             the
             Children
             of
          
           Israel
           
             have
             forsaken
             thy
             Covenant
             ,
             thrown
             down
             thine
             Altars
             ,
             and
             slaine
             thy
             Prophets
             with
             the
             sword
             .
             When
          
           Paul
           
             came
             to
          
           Athens
           
             and
             saw
             the
             City
             wholly
             given
             to
             Idolatry
             ,
             his
             spirit
             was
             stirred
             in
             him
             ,
          
           and
           a
           Paroxisme
           like
           a
           fit
           of
           a
           feaver
           did
           take
           him
           
             y
          
           .
           And
           when
           
             Lot
          
           was
           at
           
             Sodome
             ,
             he
             vexed
             his
             righteous
             soul
             from
             day
             to
             day
             with
             their
             unlawfull
             deeds
             ,
          
           his
           soule
           was
           tormented
           within
           him
           
             z
          
           .
           You
           must
           not
           any
           
           longer
           be
           
             lukewarme
             like
          
           Laodicea
           ,
           
             neither
             hot
             nor
             cold
          
           
             a
          
           ,
           but
           (
           according
           to
           the
           fervent
           anger
           ascribed
           here
           to
           God
           )
           
             fervent
             in
             spirit
             serving
             the
             Lord
          
           
             b
          
           .
           When
           we
           are
           lukewarme
           in
           the
           matters
           of
           God
           ,
           then
           doth
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           wax
           hot
           ,
           and
           when
           we
           are
           fervent
           and
           zealous
           ,
           then
           doth
           his
           anger
           cease
           and
           the
           fire
           of
           his
           wrath
           is
           extinguished
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           is
           ,
           the
           object
           of
           his
           wrath
           ,
           or
           the
           bredth
           unto
           which
           it
           is
           extended
           :
           
           
             The
             Realme
             of
             the
             King
          
           :
           he
           saith
           not
           upon
           the
           King
           ,
           or
           upon
           the
           King
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           but
           upon
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           the
           King
           ;
           and
           thus
           he
           expresseth
           himselfe
           upon
           two
           grounds
           ,
           or
           for
           two
           reasons
           :
           The
           one
           is
           ;
           because
           he
           knew
           that
           for
           his
           fault
           the
           people
           might
           suffer
           :
           The
           other
           is
           ;
           that
           he
           looked
           more
           to
           the
           suffering
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           then
           to
           any
           thing
           that
           could
           befall
           himselfe
           .
           No
           question
           he
           had
           learned
           from
           
             Ezra
          
           and
           others
           of
           his
           spirit
           (
           so
           good
           and
           necessary
           a
           thing
           is
           it
           ,
           that
           
             Ezraes
          
           and
           
             Nehemiahs
          
           be
           about
           Kings
           ,
           such
           prove
           indeed
           as
           their
           names
           imply
           ,
           helpers
           and
           comforters
           both
           to
           King
           and
           people
           )
           that
           Kingdomes
           suffers
           sometimes
           for
           the
           sins
           of
           their
           Kings
           and
           Rulers
           
             c
          
           ;
           a
           truth
           not
           unknowne
           unto
           naturall
           men
           .
           It
           is
           also
           true
           that
           Kings
           sometimes
           suffer
           for
           the
           sinnes
           of
           the
           people
           :
           
             For
             the
             transgression
             of
             a
             Land
             many
             are
             the
             Princes
             therof
          
           
             d
          
           .
           
             If
             you
             shall
             still
             doe
             wickedly
             ,
          
           saith
           
             Samuel
          
           to
           the
           people
           
             e
          
           ;
           
             yee
             shall
             be
             consumed
             ,
             both
             you
             and
             your
             King
             .
          
           But
           all
           the
           debate
           is
           in
           the
           application
           ;
           for
           Kings
           many
           times
           justifie
           themselves
           ,
           that
           the
           people
           suffer
           not
           for
           their
           sinnes
           ,
           but
           for
           their
           owne
           ;
           and
           the
           people
           are
           as
           ready
           to
           justifie
           themselves
           ,
           
           that
           Kings
           suffer
           not
           for
           their
           sinnes
           but
           for
           their
           owne
           ;
           and
           when
           wrath
           is
           upon
           both
           ,
           both
           are
           ready
           to
           stand
           to
           their
           owne
           defence
           ,
           and
           to
           plead
           their
           innocency
           :
           But
           the
           true
           determination
           is
           ,
           that
           no
           man
           or
           multitude
           suffereth
           but
           for
           that
           sinne
           ,
           which
           some
           way
           is
           their
           owne
           sinne
           ,
           and
           whereof
           they
           themselves
           are
           guilty
           .
           When
           
             David
          
           numbred
           the
           people
           ,
           &
           the
           people
           were
           punished
           ,
           the
           people
           were
           punished
           for
           their
           owne
           sinnes
           ;
           both
           their
           former
           sinnes
           which
           the
           Lord
           at
           this
           time
           did
           take
           occasion
           to
           call
           to
           remembrance
           ;
           and
           their
           present
           sinne
           in
           consenting
           to
           the
           numbering
           of
           the
           people
           ;
           for
           had
           they
           beene
           all
           unwilling
           as
           
             Joab
          
           was
           ,
           and
           had
           not
           consented
           ,
           they
           had
           not
           sinned
           .
           Kings
           should
           not
           be
           permitted
           to
           commit
           such
           publike
           sinnes
           ,
           but
           Councell
           ,
           Parliament
           ,
           People
           ,
           and
           every
           one
           according
           to
           his
           place
           and
           power
           should
           hinder
           them
           .
           It
           may
           displease
           them
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           but
           afterward
           it
           shall
           be
           no
           griefe
           nor
           offence
           of
           heart
           unto
           them
           ,
           either
           that
           they
           have
           shed
           blood
           causlesse
           ,
           or
           have
           avenged
           themselves
           ,
           as
           
             Abigail
          
           said
           to
           
             David
          
           
             f
          
           ;
           yet
           
             David
          
           said
           truely
           ,
           it
           was
           his
           sinne
           ,
           both
           because
           it
           did
           beginne
           at
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           was
           the
           principall
           Agent
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           because
           he
           gave
           the
           provocation
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           and
           his
           sinne
           was
           the
           match
           that
           set
           on
           fire
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           was
           ready
           before
           to
           be
           kindled
           against
           the
           people
           for
           their
           sinnes
           .
           It
           is
           a
           miserable
           debate
           betwixt
           a
           King
           and
           a
           people
           ,
           when
           in
           the
           time
           of
           a
           publike
           judgement
           ,
           both
           of
           them
           stand
           to
           their
           owne
           innocency
           ,
           and
           the
           one
           accuseth
           the
           other
           of
           guiltinesse
           :
           But
           it
           is
           a
           sweet
           contest
           
           and
           promiseth
           much
           mercy
           and
           comfort
           :
           when
           the
           Prince
           saith
           ;
           I
           have
           sinned
           and
           done
           wickedly
           ,
           but
           what
           hath
           the
           people
           done
           ?
           and
           when
           the
           people
           say
           ,
           we
           have
           sinned
           and
           done
           wickedly
           ,
           and
           thereby
           have
           drawne
           wrath
           upon
           out
           selves
           .
           Although
           at
           this
           time
           the
           Kings
           Majesty
           ,
           when
           he
           sees
           so
           many
           of
           the
           poore
           people
           fall
           to
           the
           ground
           ,
           so
           much
           blood
           spilt
           ,
           should
           be
           moved
           in
           his
           heart
           to
           say
           as
           
             David
          
           said
           ,
           I
           have
           sinned
           :
           Yet
           yee
           that
           are
           his
           Subjects
           ,
           each
           one
           in
           his
           owne
           place
           ,
           should
           confesse
           your
           owne
           sinnes
           ,
           and
           justifie
           the
           Lords
           doing
           ,
           for
           yee
           are
           guilty
           ;
           first
           ,
           of
           many
           sinnes
           before
           this
           time
           ,
           especially
           that
           you
           have
           not
           called
           and
           endeavoured
           so
           earnestly
           as
           yee
           ought
           for
           Reformation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           that
           every
           thing
           might
           have
           beene
           done
           in
           the
           house
           of
           God
           according
           to
           his
           own
           wil
           ;
           but
           have
           pleased
           your selves
           with
           ,
           and
           have
           rested
           in
           the
           beginnings
           of
           a
           Reformation
           ;
           yee
           have
           been
           for
           the
           greater
           part
           more
           pleased
           with
           things
           which
           were
           not
           reformed
           ,
           then
           the
           things
           which
           were
           reformed
           in
           the
           worship
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           this
           sinne
           hath
           beene
           the
           cause
           of
           many
           other
           sinnes
           ,
           for
           where
           God
           is
           not
           served
           aright
           ,
           all
           other
           duties
           are
           but
           neglected
           or
           performed
           without
           sincerity
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           sinne
           of
           the
           Land
           ,
           that
           the
           people
           have
           not
           according
           to
           their
           power
           stayed
           the
           King
           from
           shedding
           of
           blood
           ,
           but
           many
           have
           joyned
           their
           Counsels
           and
           endeavours
           to
           begin
           and
           encrease
           the
           common
           misery
           ,
           and
           others
           have
           not
           resisted
           the
           evill
           ,
           but
           suffered
           the
           sword
           to
           rage
           ,
           which
           may
           make
           the
           people
           justly
           to
           say
           ,
           
             We
             have
             sinned
             and
             done
             wickedly
             .
          
        
         
         
           The
           third
           is
           ,
           the
           length
           of
           this
           wrath
           ;
           
           for
           it
           reaches
           to
           the
           Kings
           Sonnes
           and
           so
           to
           the
           Posterity
           .
           The
           wrath
           of
           God
           endeth
           not
           at
           the
           persons
           that
           have
           sinned
           ,
           but
           is
           extended
           to
           others
           that
           descend
           of
           them
           ,
           without
           respect
           of
           persons
           ,
           and
           especially
           for
           sinnes
           about
           the
           house
           and
           worship
           of
           God
           .
           For
           the
           horrid
           and
           blasphemous
           murmuring
           of
           
             Israel
             ,
          
           when
           they
           repented
           themselves
           ▪
           of
           their
           comming
           out
           of
           
             Egypt
             ,
          
           and
           said
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           let
           us
           make
           a
           Captaine
           and
           let
           us
           returne
           into
           
             Egypt
             ;
          
           not
           onely
           their
           own
           carkasses
           fel
           in
           the
           Wildernes
           ,
           but
           their
           Children
           which
           had
           not
           murmered
           ,
           yea
           which
           were
           not
           yet
           born
           must
           wander
           in
           the
           Wildernesse
           forty
           yeers
           ,
           and
           beare
           their
           whoredomes
           
             g
          
           In
           like
           manner
           in
           the
           seventy
           yeeres
           of
           the
           captivity
           of
           
             Babylon
             ,
          
           the
           Children
           that
           were
           borne
           in
           
             Babylon
             ,
          
           or
           were
           carried
           from
           their
           owne
           Land
           ,
           suffered
           in
           that
           captivity
           a
           world
           of
           miseries
           for
           the
           sinnes
           of
           their
           Parents
           .
           The
           examples
           of
           the
           Children
           of
           
             Dathan
          
           and
           
             Abiram
             ,
          
           of
           the
           first
           borne
           of
           
             Egypt
          
           ;
           of
           the
           young
           ones
           in
           
             Sodome
             ,
          
           that
           had
           not
           sinned
           after
           the
           similitude
           of
           the
           transgression
           of
           
             Adam
          
           ;
           and
           many
           other
           judgements
           of
           God
           ,
           plucking
           up
           root
           and
           branch
           ,
           prove
           this
           to
           be
           the
           manner
           of
           the
           Lords
           proceeding
           against
           sinners
           ,
           and
           that
           without
           respect
           of
           persons
           :
           The
           greater
           the
           persons
           be
           ,
           the
           more
           grievous
           in
           the
           justice
           of
           God
           is
           the
           punishment
           ;
           because
           the
           sinnes
           of
           great
           ones
           are
           not
           onely
           sinnes
           ,
           but
           examples
           of
           sinning
           ,
           and
           proclamations
           of
           liberty
           to
           inferiours
           ,
           and
           therefore
           
             I
             will
             be
             glorified
             in
          
           Pharoah
           
             and
             in
             his
             servants
          
           
             h
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Lord
           .
           For
           the
           sinne
           of
           
             Saul
             .
          
           
           in
           slaying
           the
           Gibeonites
           ,
           there
           was
           not
           onely
           a
           famine
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           
             David
             ,
          
           three
           yeers
           yeere
           after
           yeere
           ,
           but
           seven
           of
           his
           sonnes
           also
           were
           hanged
           up
           in
           
             Gibea
             .
             David
          
           himselfe
           was
           not
           sp●red
           ,
           but
           because
           he
           had
           slaine
           
             Vriah
          
           the
           Hittite
           with
           the
           sword
           of
           the
           Children
           of
           
             Ammon
             ;
             Nathan
          
           said
           ,
           the
           sword
           shall
           not
           depart
           from
           thine
           house
           because
           thou
           hast
           despised
           me
           
             i
          
           :
           And
           afterward
           when
           his
           sinne
           was
           pardoned
           ,
           because
           he
           had
           given
           great
           occasion
           to
           the
           Enemies
           of
           God
           to
           blaspheme
           ,
           the
           Child
           also
           that
           is
           borne
           unto
           him
           shall
           surely
           dye
           .
           This
           course
           the
           Lord
           doth
           after
           a
           speciall
           manner
           follow
           in
           sinnes
           about
           his
           house
           and
           worship
           ;
           and
           therefore
           in
           the
           second
           command
           and
           no
           other
           doth
           the
           Lord
           threaten
           to
           visit
           the
           sinnes
           of
           the
           Fathers
           upon
           the
           Children
           .
           The
           reasons
           why
           the
           Lord
           doth
           so
           ;
           are
           first
           ,
           that
           all
           the
           world
           may
           know
           ,
           how
           much
           the
           Lord
           abhorreth
           sinne
           ,
           especially
           in
           matters
           of
           his
           worship
           .
           To
           this
           purpose
           it
           is
           observable
           what
           he
           saith
           ,
           
             Exod.
          
           32.34
           .
           
             In
             the
             day
             when
             I
             visit
             I
             will
             visit
             their
             sinne
             upon
             them
             :
          
           So
           often
           as
           he
           punished
           the
           people
           and
           their
           posterity
           for
           other
           sinnes
           he
           remembred
           ,
           their
           sinne
           of
           Idolatry
           ,
           which
           gave
           occasion
           to
           the
           saying
           ,
           That
           in
           every
           plague
           of
           
             Israel
          
           there
           was
           one
           ounce
           of
           the
           golden
           Calfe
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           that
           men
           may
           abstaine
           from
           sinnes
           of
           this
           sort
           ,
           not
           onely
           for
           respect
           to
           themselves
           ,
           but
           to
           their
           posterity
           ,
           whom
           they
           love
           so
           ●enderly
           ,
           and
           of
           whom
           they
           are
           often
           more
           carefull
           then
           of
           themselves
           .
           And
           this
           he
           doth
           to
           the
           
             third
             and
             fourth
             generation
             ,
          
           that
           both
           the
           Parents
           themselves
           and
           others
           who
           are
           witnesses
           to
           the
           
           sinnes
           of
           the
           Parents
           ,
           may
           be
           sensible
           of
           Gods
           dealing
           ,
           and
           know
           that
           the
           Lord
           is
           just
           ,
           and
           the
           avenger
           of
           sinne
           .
           I
           leave
           the
           theologicall
           discourse
           in
           vindicating
           the
           justice
           of
           God
           ,
           onely
           I
           say
           ;
           first
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           punisheth
           no
           man
           with
           eternall
           wrath
           for
           his
           fathers
           sinnes
           ,
           but
           the
           soule
           that
           sinneth
           suffereth
           in
           that
           kind
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           that
           the
           ungodly
           and
           wicked
           posterity
           cannot
           open
           their
           mouth
           against
           the
           justice
           of
           God
           ,
           since
           they
           continue
           in
           the
           iniquity
           of
           their
           fathers
           .
           Thirdly
           ,
           that
           the
           Godly
           when
           they
           are
           visited
           in
           their
           bodies
           ,
           goods
           ,
           or
           estates
           which
           they
           have
           from
           their
           Fathers
           ,
           will
           find
           these
           visitations
           to
           be
           indeed
           
             indicia
             peccati
             non
             judicia
             propter
             peccatum
             ,
          
           and
           rather
           medicines
           and
           preservatives
           for
           their
           eternall
           happinesse
           then
           wrath
           for
           their
           destruction
           .
        
         
           And
           I
           come
           to
           the
           use
           ;
           that
           in
           this
           nicke
           of
           time
           and
           joynture
           of
           affaires
           ,
           
           the
           great
           wisdome
           which
           God
           hath
           given
           you
           in
           your
           publike
           places
           ,
           be
           stirred
           up
           and
           exercised
           ,
           in
           taking
           heed
           that
           all
           the
           former
           sinnes
           of
           this
           Land
           committed
           by
           so
           many
           Progenitors
           ,
           be
           not
           brought
           upon
           this
           Generation
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           sore
           and
           sad
           sentence
           pronounced
           by
           the
           Sonne
           of
           God
           against
           
             Jerusalem
             ,
             Matth.
          
           23.35
           .
           
           
             That
             upon
             you
             may
             come
             all
             the
             righteous
             blood
             shed
             upon
             the
             earth
             ,
             from
             the
             blood
             of
             righteous
          
           Abel
           ,
           
             unto
             the
             blood
             of
          
           Zacharias
           ,
           
             Sonne
             of
          
           Barachias
           
             whom
             yee
             slew
             between
             the
             Temple
             &
             the
             Altar
          
           ;
           and
           verse
           36.
           
           
             Verily
             I
             say
             unto
             you
             ,
             all
             these
             things
             shall
             come
             upon
             this
             Generation
             .
          
           Yee
           cannot
           preserve
           all
           particular
           persons
           from
           the
           judgements
           due
           unto
           them
           for
           their
           own
           ,
           and
           for
           their
           fathers
           
           sinnes
           ;
           nor
           can
           yee
           preserve
           every
           Family
           from
           the
           wrath
           which
           the
           present
           and
           preceding
           generations
           have
           been
           treasuring
           up
           .
           It
           appeareth
           that
           the
           Lord
           hath
           decreed
           the
           destruction
           of
           some
           persons
           ,
           and
           the
           e●tirpation
           of
           some
           Families
           :
           But
           it
           is
           in
           your
           hands
           to
           prevent
           the
           desolation
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           .
           The
           Jewes
           filled
           up
           the
           measure
           of
           their
           Fathers
           ,
           by
           crucifying
           the
           Sonne
           ,
           of
           God
           when
           he
           came
           amongst
           them
           and
           would
           have
           wrought
           a
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           therefore
           their
           habitation
           was
           left
           desolate
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           no
           more
           a
           Nation
           nor
           a
           Kingdome
           unto
           this
           day
           :
           It
           is
           true
           the
           people
           were
           executioners
           ,
           but
           the
           Rulers
           were
           the
           prime
           Agents
           .
           Doe
           therefore
           the
           worke
           unto
           which
           the
           Lord
           hath
           called
           You
           ,
           and
           Yee
           shall
           save
           the
           Kingdome
           from
           this
           wrath
           :
           It
           is
           in
           Your
           hands
           as
           Instruments
           to
           make
           the
           posterity
           blessed
           ,
           and
           to
           blesse
           You
           for
           your
           faithfulnesse
           .
           Woe
           to
           them
           that
           leave
           their
           Station
           in
           such
           an
           exigence
           ;
           they
           doe
           what
           they
           can
           to
           bring
           all
           the
           blood
           and
           all
           the
           sinnes
           of
           former
           times
           upon
           this
           Generation
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           the
           Posterity
           miserable
           .
           Let
           others
           professe
           or
           pretend
           what
           they
           will
           ,
           I
           am
           assured
           ,
           that
           such
           as
           are
           faithfull
           in
           their
           places
           ,
           are
           upon
           the
           right
           way
           to
           save
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           the
           King
           ,
           and
           the
           Kings
           Sonnes
           from
           wrath
           .
        
         
           Now
           there
           is
           nothing
           more
           necessary
           ,
           nothing
           we
           should
           desire
           more
           earnestly
           to
           know
           ,
           then
           by
           what
           means
           this
           great
           wrath
           of
           the
           great
           God
           may
           be
           prevented
           where
           it
           is
           iminent
           &
           feared
           ,
           
           or
           averted
           wher
           it
           is
           incumbent
           &
           felt
           ;
           &
           to
           what
           end
           doth
           the
           Lord
           
           threaten
           his
           wrath
           ,
           to
           what
           purpose
           doth
           he
           make
           it
           smoke
           ,
           and
           in
           part
           to
           break
           forth
           in
           a
           flame
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           means
           may
           be
           used
           to
           turn
           it
           away
           ,
           that
           the
           fulnesse
           thereof
           come
           not
           upon
           us
           .
           We
           will
           find
           three
           sorts
           of
           means
           practised
           in
           the
           books
           of
           
             Ezra
          
           and
           
             Nehemiah
             ,
          
           and
           of
           the
           Prophets
           their
           contemporaries
           .
           The
           first
           was
           publick
           fasting
           and
           solemne
           humiliation
           joyned
           with
           Confession
           of
           sin
           ,
           
           justifying
           of
           God
           in
           all
           the
           evils
           he
           had
           brought
           upon
           them
           ,
           earnest
           deprecation
           of
           wrath
           ,
           and
           supplications
           for
           a
           blessing
           that
           God
           would
           accept
           of
           their
           endeavours
           ,
           and
           prosper
           his
           work
           against
           so
           many
           professed
           and
           secret
           Enemies
           .
           The
           second
           was
           ,
           
           a
           solemne
           Covenant
           :
           For
           the
           Princes
           and
           Rulers
           first
           ,
           and
           then
           the
           people
           entred
           into
           a
           curse
           and
           an
           oath
           ,
           to
           walk
           in
           Gods
           Law
           ,
           and
           to
           observe
           and
           do
           all
           his
           commandments
           ,
           judgements
           ,
           and
           statutes
           .
           Here
           there
           was
           swearing
           ,
           subscribing
           ,
           sealing
           ;
           and
           all
           means
           used
           which
           could
           bind
           their
           inconstant
           and
           fugitive
           hearts
           unto
           God
           .
           The
           third
           was
           ,
           
           the
           doing
           of
           the
           work
           of
           God
           ;
           the
           building
           of
           the
           Temple
           ,
           the
           reformation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           the
           ordring
           of
           the
           worship
           &
           service
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           reedising
           of
           the
           wals
           which
           were
           ruined
           &
           lying
           in
           heaps
           .
           Their
           fasting
           and
           praying
           was
           not
           sufficient
           ,
           they
           behoved
           to
           enter
           into
           Covenant
           .
           Their
           praying
           and
           Covenanting
           was
           not
           enough
           ,
           nor
           were
           they
           to
           rest
           there
           ,
           They
           behoved
           to
           build
           and
           reforme
           .
           It
           hath
           pleased
           God
           to
           putt
           in
           your
           hearts
           ,
           to
           give
           your selves
           to
           frequent
           fasting
           and
           humiliation
           ,
           onely
           consider
           ,
           whether
           with
           the
           acknowledgment
           of
           your
           particular
           Sins
           and
           personall
           transgressions
           ,
           yee
           have
           beene
           humbled
           for
           publike
           and
           Nationall
           Sinnes
           ,
           and
           especially
           such
           as
           have
           beene
           committed
           about
           the
           worship
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           
           the
           Government
           of
           the
           house
           of
           God
           .
           The
           Lord
           hath
           been
           much
           dishonoured
           this
           way
           ,
           for
           this
           hath
           he
           entred
           in
           a
           controversie
           with
           the
           Land
           ;
           this
           therefore
           would
           be
           confessed
           that
           God
           may
           be
           resto●●d
           to
           his
           honour
           by
           your
           confession
           .
           It
           feareth
           me
           that
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           people
           of
           the
           Land
           are
           not
           yet
           brought
           to
           this
           Confession
           ,
           but
           are
           still
           fond
           of
           a
           formall
           Service
           ,
           and
           a
           proud
           Prelacie
           ;
           and
           therefore
           as
           ye
           are
           your selves
           in
           humilitie
           to
           acknowledge
           this
           sin
           as
           a
           high
           provocation
           ,
           so
           would
           all
           good
           meanes
           be
           used
           for
           bringing
           the
           people
           to
           the
           sight
           and
           sense
           of
           it
           .
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           secret
           and
           reall
           acknowledgement
           in
           the
           Covenant
           ;
           but
           the
           Lord
           requireth
           a
           more
           direct
           ,
           open
           ,
           and
           plain
           confession
           ;
           nor
           can
           he
           be
           pleased
           ,
           or
           his
           wrath
           turned
           away
           ,
           till
           that
           which
           hath
           been
           called
           and
           esteemed
           ,
           for
           so
           many
           yeers
           ,
           the
           glory
           and
           the
           beautie
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           ,
           be
           thus
           brought
           low
           and
           cast
           into
           the
           dust
           .
           It
           hath
           pleased
           the
           Lord
           also
           ,
           to
           bring
           you
           a
           degree
           farder
           :
           That
           both
           the
           honourable
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           and
           many
           others
           ,
           whose
           hearts
           the
           Lord
           hath
           toucht
           ,
           have
           entred
           into
           a
           solemne
           League
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           for
           performing
           such
           duties
           ,
           as
           are
           judged
           necessarie
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           for
           the
           honour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           deliverance
           and
           preservation
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           ,
           which
           no
           doubt
           will
           prove
           a
           pretious
           and
           powerfull
           mean
           of
           good
           ,
           if
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           most
           high
           God
           ,
           be
           not
           by
           it
           taken
           in
           vain
           :
           But
           take
           heed
           ,
           that
           it
           be
           not
           forgotten
           by
           them
           that
           have
           taken
           it
           ,
           before
           it
           be
           taken
           by
           others
           ;
           And
           therefore
           two
           things
           would
           be
           looked
           unto
           .
           1.
           
           That
           although
           it
           should
           never
           be
           taken
           by
           others
           ,
           yet
           it
           obleigeth
           such
           as
           have
           entred
           in
           Covenant
           ;
           and
           although
           the
           whole
           Nation
           ,
           be
           bound
           to
           the
           
           same
           duties
           ,
           which
           ye
           are
           bound
           unto
           ,
           ye
           have
           entred
           into
           a
           new
           Obligation
           ,
           which
           ,
           if
           you
           shall
           forget
           or
           violate
           ;
           will
           certainly
           be
           laid
           to
           your
           charge
           .
           
             Jeremiah
          
           reproveth
           Israel
           not
           for
           the
           transgression
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           
           which
           yet
           commanded
           the
           same
           duties
           ,
           but
           for
           violation
           of
           the
           Covenant
           .
           2.
           
           That
           others
           be
           instructed
           and
           moved
           to
           enter
           into
           the
           same
           Covenant
           :
           for
           if
           they
           who
           have
           entred
           in
           Covenant
           shall
           not
           consider
           that
           it
           is
           a
           perpetuall
           Covenant
           never
           to
           be
           forgotten
           ,
           or
           (
           which
           God
           forbid
           )
           shall
           forget
           their
           supervenient
           obligation
           ,
           and
           others
           shall
           refuse
           to
           enter
           in
           Covenant
           ,
           it
           will
           not
           onely
           make
           a
           division
           in
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           ,
           but
           shall
           be
           a
           ready
           way
           to
           bring
           on
           a
           greater
           wrath
           ,
           then
           yet
           hath
           been
           seen
           or
           felt
           :
           Upon
           one
           sort
           for
           their
           perfidy
           ;
           and
           upon
           the
           other
           ,
           for
           their
           neglect
           or
           obstinacy
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           yet
           a
           third
           mean
           ,
           without
           which
           the
           former
           two
           are
           not
           sufficient
           :
           And
           this
           is
           ,
           
             Whatsoever
             is
             commanded
             by
             the
             God
             of
             heaven
             ,
             be
             diligently
             done
             for
             the
             house
             of
             the
             God
             of
             heaven
             :
          
           A
           dutie
           which
           in
           it self
           is
           necessary
           ,
           and
           which
           to
           us
           who
           live
           under
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           is
           no
           other
           thing
           ,
           but
           the
           reformation
           and
           setling
           of
           Religion
           .
           Wherein
           we
           are
           to
           consider
           .
           
           1.
           the
           Rule
           of
           reformation
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           
             Commandment
             ,
             Decree
             ,
             or
             revealed
             will
             of
             God
             .
          
           2.
           
           The
           extent
           of
           this
           reformation
           ,
           
             whatsoever
             .
          
           3.
           
           How
           or
           after
           what
           manner
           we
           should
           go
           about
           the
           work
           ,
           
             diligently
             .
          
           4.
           
           The
           reasons
           ,
           which
           should
           induce
           us
           to
           this
           duty
           :
           one
           is
           ,
           from
           the
           greatnesse
           and
           soveraignty
           of
           God
           :
           
             He
             is
             the
             God
             of
             heaven
             .
          
           The
           other
           from
           common
           equity
           :
           
             It
             is
             the
             house
             of
             the
             God
             of
             heaven
          
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           equitable
           that
           every
           man
           bear
           rule
           in
           his
           own
           house
           .
        
         
         
           The
           rule
           of
           building
           the
           house
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           reformation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           
           is
           the
           same
           and
           perpetuall
           :
           the
           commandment
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           not
           the
           commandment
           of
           man
           one
           or
           moe
           ,
           whether
           they
           be
           Civill
           or
           Ecclesiasticall
           persons
           .
           It
           is
           their
           part
           to
           provide
           according
           to
           their
           places
           and
           callings
           ,
           to
           command
           and
           direct
           that
           the
           Commandment
           of
           God
           be
           obeyed
           .
           This
           King
           commandeth
           not
           that
           his
           will
           be
           done
           ,
           but
           what
           God
           hath
           commanded
           .
           Neither
           King
           nor
           Parliament
           can
           command
           otherwise
           .
           Civill
           powers
           have
           great
           authoritie
           ,
           not
           onely
           in
           things
           civill
           ,
           but
           in
           matters
           of
           Religion
           ;
           and
           they
           sin
           against
           God
           ,
           if
           they
           use
           not
           the
           authority
           which
           God
           hath
           put
           in
           their
           hands
           ,
           for
           the
           good
           of
           Religion
           .
           To
           them
           belongeth
           Inspection
           and
           watching
           over
           ,
           not
           onely
           
             Ecclesiastic●s
             ,
          
           but
           
             Ecclesiastica
             .
          
           Ecclesiasticall
           persons
           are
           subject
           to
           Civill
           authoritie
           no
           lesse
           then
           others
           ;
           and
           in
           respect
           of
           things
           Ecclesiasticall
           or
           matters
           of
           Religion
           ,
           
             Eusebius
          
           brings
           in
           
             Constantine
          
           the
           great
           ,
           saying
           :
           
             Vos
             Episcopi
             in
             Ecclesia
             ,
             ego
             extra
             Ecclesiam
             seu
             templum
             Episcopus
             a
             Deo
             constitutus
             sum
             :
          
           Not
           that
           any
           mortall
           man
           whether
           Pope
           or
           Prince
           ,
           can
           be
           properly
           Head
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           or
           Vice-gerent
           unto
           Christ
           the
           Mediator
           in
           his
           speciall
           and
           oeconomicall
           Kingdom
           of
           Grace
           :
           for
           Princes
           are
           Vice-gerents
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           his
           Son
           Jesus
           Christ
           as
           he
           is
           God
           ,
           in
           his
           universall
           Kingdom
           of
           Providence
           ;
           and
           this
           watching
           and
           inspection
           of
           Princes
           and
           Magistrates
           ,
           is
           
             objective
             Ecclesiastica
             ,
          
           but
           
             formaliter
             civili●
             ,
          
           it
           is
           about
           matters
           of
           Religion
           in
           a
           civill
           manner
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           way
           sutable
           to
           the
           nature
           and
           qualitie
           of
           their
           place
           and
           power
           .
           The
           faithfull
           custody
           and
           preservation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           is
           a
           part
           of
           their
           
           office
           :
           for
           they
           are
           not
           onely
           keepers
           of
           the
           second
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           first
           Table
           of
           the
           Law
           .
           To
           them
           appertaineth
           the
           vindication
           and
           defence
           of
           Religion
           ,
           against
           contempt
           ,
           corruption
           ,
           and
           abuses
           .
           Religion
           also
           expecteth
           from
           them
           the
           Civill
           sanction
           ,
           that
           the
           worship
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           wholsome
           constitutions
           of
           the
           Church
           about
           Religion
           ,
           be
           confirmed
           and
           setled
           by
           their
           Laws
           .
           Coaction
           also
           is
           theirs
           ,
           for
           they
           by
           their
           power
           are
           to
           constrain
           their
           Subjects
           to
           the
           duties
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           to
           coerce
           and
           stop
           them
           that
           they
           do
           nothing
           to
           the
           contrary
           .
           They
           also
           may
           and
           ought
           to
           call
           Assemblies
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           when
           the
           case
           of
           Religion
           doth
           require
           ,
           praeside
           as
           Civill
           Presidents
           ,
           and
           examine
           Church-Constitutions
           ,
           not
           onely
           as
           they
           are
           Christians
           for
           satisfying
           their
           own
           souls
           ,
           but
           as
           Magistrates
           for
           the
           good
           of
           the
           people
           .
           And
           when
           there
           is
           a
           necessity
           of
           reformation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           the
           Ministery
           and
           Church-men
           ,
           like
           the
           sands
           of
           the
           Sea-shore
           are
           covered
           with
           a
           deluge
           of
           defection
           and
           corruptions
           ,
           they
           are
           by
           their
           Authority
           to
           endeavour
           a
           Reformation
           .
           And
           yet
           in
           all
           this
           exercise
           of
           their
           power
           ,
           they
           are
           to
           do
           nothing
           but
           according
           to
           the
           Commandment
           of
           God
           :
           so
           
             David
             ,
             Jehoshaphet
             ,
             Hezekiah
             ,
             Josiah
             ,
          
           and
           other
           good
           and
           religious
           Princes
           have
           done
           .
           But
           when
           
             Jeroboam
          
           putteth
           his
           own
           commandment
           in
           place
           of
           the
           commandment
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           
             Ahaz
          
           setteth
           up
           the
           Altar
           of
           Damascus
           beside
           or
           in
           place
           of
           Gods
           Altar
           ,
           when
           the
           Kings
           of
           Judah
           and
           Israel
           ,
           did
           worship
           God
           ,
           or
           did
           command
           the
           people
           to
           worship
           God
           ,
           otherwise
           then
           God
           had
           commanded
           ,
           wrath
           was
           upon
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           the
           King
           and
           his
           Sons
           .
        
         
           When
           we
           consider
           of
           this
           ,
           
           we
           have
           cause
           both
           to
           lament
           
           and
           rejoyce
           :
           to
           lament
           ,
           that
           through
           the
           working
           of
           corrupt
           Church-men
           so
           many
           things
           concerning
           the
           worship
           and
           house
           of
           God
           ,
           should
           have
           been
           pressed
           upon
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           without
           or
           against
           his
           commandment
           ,
           if
           Arminianisme
           for
           the
           soul
           and
           life
           ,
           and
           Popish
           Service
           and
           Ceremonies
           for
           the
           body
           of
           Religion
           ,
           had
           been
           received
           and
           admitted
           ,
           as
           they
           were
           offered
           and
           obtruded
           ,
           our
           condition
           had
           been
           more
           lamentable
           ,
           then
           it
           is
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           our
           calamities
           and
           miseries
           .
           We
           have
           also
           cause
           to
           rejoyce
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           one
           Kingdom
           a
           course
           hath
           been
           taken
           for
           doing
           every
           thing
           in
           the
           house
           of
           God
           ,
           according
           to
           his
           Commandment
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           this
           Kingdom
           it
           is
           ordered
           ,
           that
           a
           wise
           and
           holy
           Assembly
           of
           Divines
           shall
           search
           diligently
           into
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           
             That
             whatsoever
             is
             commanded
             by
             the
             God
             of
             heaven
             ,
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           The
           extent
           of
           this
           Reformation
           is
           ,
           
           
             Whatsoever
             God
             hath
             commanded
             :
          
           for
           what
           God
           hath
           commanded
           must
           be
           done
           ;
           what
           he
           hath
           forbidden
           must
           not
           be
           done
           ,
           but
           abolished
           ;
           and
           what
           is
           in
           the
           nature
           thereof
           indifferent
           must
           be
           regulated
           according
           to
           the
           Commandment
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           is
           ,
           no
           lesse
           plain
           and
           peremptory
           in
           our
           practise
           of
           things
           indifferent
           ,
           then
           in
           other
           matters
           .
           Reformation
           therefore
           of
           Religion
           must
           be
           a
           through
           and
           perfect
           reformation
           .
           The
           particular
           reformations
           which
           were
           wrought
           by
           the
           Kings
           of
           Judah
           ,
           are
           noted
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           this
           rule
           ,
           do
           they
           receive
           a
           testimony
           from
           God
           .
           Some
           onely
           destroyed
           the
           Temples
           of
           Baal
           ,
           some
           the
           golden
           Calves
           of
           Dan
           and
           Bethel
           ,
           and
           some
           also
           the
           groves
           and
           high
           places
           ,
           and
           we
           know
           what
           approbation
           is
           given
           to
           
             Hezekiah
          
           and
           
             Josiah
             .
          
           There
           is
           a
           promise
           made
           to
           such
           a
           through
           Reformation
           .
           
           
             Azariah
          
           saith
           to
           
             Asa
             ,
             Be
             ye
             strong
             therefore
             ,
             and
             let
             not
             your
             hands
             be
             weak
             :
             for
             your
             work
             shall
             be
             rewarded
             :
          
           
             *
          
           
             By
             this
             shall
             the
             iniquitie
             of
             Jacob
             be
             purged
             ,
             and
             this
             is
             all
             the
             fruit
             to
             take
             his
             sin
             :
             when
             he
             maketh
             all
             the
             stones
             of
             the
             Altar
             as
             chalk-stones
             that
             are
             beaten
             asunder
             .
          
           
             *
          
           The
           Lord
           hath
           promised
           a
           more
           speciall
           blessing
           ,
           
             Isa.
          
           1.26
           .
           
           
             I
             will
             restore
             thy
             Judges
             as
             at
             the
             first
             ,
             and
             thy
             Counsellors
             as
             at
             the
             beginning
             :
             afterward
             thou
             shalt
             be
             called
             the
             City
             of
             righteousnesse
             ,
             the
             faithfull
             City
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           The
           reason
           is
           ,
           1.
           
           Because
           God
           is
           not
           honoured
           by
           a
           begun
           ,
           imperfect
           ,
           and
           half-reformation
           .
           He
           is
           readie
           to
           spew
           out
           the
           luke-warme
           person
           ,
           family
           ,
           or
           people
           .
           If
           we
           love
           the
           Lord
           with
           all
           our
           heart
           and
           strength
           ,
           we
           will
           do
           every
           thing
           that
           he
           commandeth
           :
           for
           what
           is
           it
           that
           hindreth
           ,
           but
           that
           our
           heart
           is
           parted
           or
           divided
           betwixt
           two
           ;
           and
           that
           we
           resolve
           ,
           to
           be
           almost
           ,
           but
           not
           altogether
           godly
           .
           2.
           
           Because
           
             a
             little
             leaven
             leaveneth
             the
             whole
             lump
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           to
           the
           Galathians
           ,
           
           
             reproving
             them
             that
             having
             run
             well
             they
             did
             halt
             and
             not
             throughly
             obey
             the
             truth
             ,
             and
             telling
             them
             ,
             that
             this
             perswasion
             did
             not
             come
             of
             him
             that
             called
             them
             .
          
           When
           any
           known
           corruption
           is
           kept
           ,
           it
           becomes
           a
           snare
           ,
           and
           like
           a
           nest-egge
           ,
           that
           bringeth
           us
           back
           again
           .
           I
           know
           this
           is
           censured
           for
           precisenesse
           by
           the
           world
           :
           but
           we
           see
           the
           best
           servants
           of
           God
           have
           been
           such
           Precisians
           .
           Remember
           the
           hoof
           of
           
             Moses
             ,
             Mordecai
          
           his
           bowing
           of
           his
           knee
           ,
           
             Daniel
          
           his
           abstaining
           from
           idolatrous
           meat
           ,
           and
           the
           opening
           of
           his
           window
           ;
           
             Paul
          
           his
           houre
           and
           appearance
           of
           evill
           ,
           with
           many
           more
           examples
           of
           this
           kind
           .
           They
           are
           Precisians
           indeed
           ,
           who
           are
           liberall
           in
           the
           matters
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           can
           find
           in
           their
           hearts
           to
           dispence
           with
           his
           commands
           ,
           his
           truth
           and
           worship
           :
           but
           
           will
           not
           be
           content
           to
           want
           the
           least
           complement
           of
           their
           own
           worldly
           honour
           and
           dignitie
           ,
           nor
           the
           smallest
           penny
           of
           their
           gaine
           and
           worldly
           commodity
           .
           Although
           it
           be
           true
           ,
           that
           some
           things
           in
           Religion
           be
           fundamentall
           ,
           and
           absolutely
           necessary
           unto
           salvation
           ,
           and
           other
           things
           not
           so
           ,
           yet
           to
           be
           obstinate
           against
           revealed
           truth
           ,
           or
           to
           mis-regard
           or
           despise
           smallest
           matters
           of
           Religion
           ,
           which
           are
           necessarie
           to
           be
           received
           ,
           if
           not
           for
           themselves
           ,
           yet
           for
           the
           authoritie
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           (
           as
           some
           make
           the
           distinction
           )
           bringeth
           as
           certain
           a
           curse
           and
           condemnation
           ,
           as
           ignorance
           and
           errour
           doth
           in
           matters
           more
           substantiall
           .
        
         
           
           No
           Nation
           under
           the
           Sun
           hath
           more
           need
           to
           take
           heed
           to
           this
           then
           England
           :
           No
           persons
           have
           reason
           more
           to
           consider
           this
           ,
           then
           the
           Honourable
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           who
           have
           in
           their
           hands
           the
           work
           of
           Reformation
           at
           this
           time
           .
           It
           is
           better
           known
           to
           this
           Honourable
           Audience
           ,
           then
           to
           me
           ;
           and
           yet
           who
           is
           so
           great
           a
           stranger
           that
           knoweth
           it
           not
           :
           that
           Reformation
           was
           begun
           in
           the
           time
           of
           two
           Princes
           ?
           But
           because
           it
           was
           not
           a
           through
           Reformation
           according
           to
           the
           Commandment
           of
           God
           ,
           Superstition
           and
           Idolatry
           returned
           again
           like
           an
           inundation
           .
           It
           was
           again
           begun
           and
           continued
           in
           the
           time
           of
           other
           two
           Princes
           ;
           but
           because
           ,
           they
           set
           up
           their
           rest
           in
           the
           Rudiments
           and
           beginnings
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           Idolatry
           ,
           Superstition
           ,
           and
           Heresie
           have
           assayed
           to
           enter
           again
           with
           ●ew
           strength
           and
           policie
           .
           Now
           the
           third
           time
           the
           work
           is
           begun
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           a
           greater
           stir
           and
           shaking
           for
           it
           then
           before
           ,
           either
           now
           endeavour
           to
           carry
           it
           through
           to
           every
           point
           of
           known
           perfection
           ,
           doing
           whatsoever
           the
           God
           of
           heaven
           hath
           commanded
           ,
           or
           look
           for
           nothing
           ,
           but
           that
           Superstition
           
           and
           Idolatry
           ,
           and
           with
           it
           ruine
           and
           desolation
           ,
           shall
           come
           upon
           you
           as
           a
           flood
           .
        
         
           And
           therefore
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           third
           ,
           go
           about
           the
           work
           after
           the
           manner
           here
           prescribed
           ,
           
           that
           is
           
             diligently
             ,
          
           which
           implyeth
           very
           much
           .
           1
           Sincerely
           ,
           ayming
           at
           the
           right
           end
           without
           simulation
           .
           This
           is
           to
           do
           the
           work
           of
           God
           ,
           for
           the
           honour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           good
           of
           Religion
           .
           And
           not
           for
           our
           glory
           or
           benefit
           ,
           or
           for
           civill
           ends
           were
           they
           never
           so
           publick
           ;
           And
           therefore
           it
           calleth
           not
           onely
           for
           publick
           ,
           but
           for
           pious
           Spirits
           .
           Where
           this
           sinceritie
           is
           wanting
           ,
           there
           may
           be
           a
           businesse
           and
           counterfeiting
           of
           diligence
           ,
           but
           no
           true
           diligence
           or
           faithfulnesse
           .
           2
           Zealously
           :
           for
           true
           zeal
           is
           active
           ,
           like
           fire
           ,
           or
           like
           mettall
           in
           a
           horse
           ,
           or
           like
           winde
           to
           the
           sails
           of
           a
           ship
           ,
           it
           carrieth
           us
           on
           ,
           and
           maketh
           us
           diligent
           .
           3.
           
           Prudently
           ,
           Prudence
           considereth
           both
           the
           opportunities
           and
           impediments
           of
           working
           ,
           where
           Prudence
           is
           wanting
           ,
           there
           may
           be
           precipitation
           ,
           but
           no
           true
           diligence
           .
           4.
           
           Speedily
           ,
           without
           delay
           or
           procrastination
           .
           
             A●
             vineger
             to
             the
             teeth
             ,
             and
             a
             smoke
             to
             the
             eyes
             ,
             so
             is
             the
             sluggard
             to
             them
             that
             send
             him
          
           
             *
          
           .
           The
           slouthing
           and
           slipping
           of
           occasions
           bringeth
           despair
           of
           doing
           good
           in
           the
           end
           ,
           and
           then
           our
           own
           consciences
           chide
           ,
           and
           others
           to
           whom
           we
           should
           have
           done
           good
           ,
           do
           curse
           us
           .
           
             Solomons
          
           house
           was
           not
           built
           in
           lesse
           then
           thirteen
           yeers
           ,
           but
           the
           Temple
           was
           built
           in
           seven
           yeers
           :
           because
           ,
           beside
           the
           preparation
           of
           materials
           ,
           both
           the
           King
           and
           the
           people
           were
           more
           earnest
           about
           the
           one
           then
           the
           other
           .
           There
           is
           no
           want
           of
           materials
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           onely
           speed
           is
           required
           ;
           and
           without
           speed
           ,
           no
           di●igence
           .
           5.
           
           Constantly
           ;
           that
           no
           calumny
           or
           contradiction
           ,
           no
           hope
           or
           fear
           ,
           no
           trouble
           or
           example
           of
           
           others
           ,
           prevail
           with
           you
           ,
           to
           leave
           your
           station
           ,
           or
           desert
           the
           work
           unto
           the
           which
           the
           Lord
           hath
           called
           you
           ,
           but
           that
           you
           resolve
           still
           to
           do
           ,
           and
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           will
           ,
           to
           die
           .
           Let
           no
           man
           think
           by
           deserting
           the
           work
           and
           forsaking
           his
           station
           ,
           that
           the
           work
           shall
           cease
           and
           he
           shall
           prosper
           .
           No
           ,
           thou
           shalt
           find
           thy
           soul
           filled
           with
           grief
           and
           vexation
           upon
           two
           contrary
           grounds
           :
           One
           is
           ,
           Thou
           shalt
           with
           a
           grieved
           and
           envious
           heart
           behold
           with
           thy
           eyes
           ,
           the
           work
           to
           prosper
           ,
           and
           thou
           not
           honoured
           to
           have
           a
           hand
           in
           it
           .
           The
           other
           is
           ;
           Thou
           thy self
           shall
           perish
           in
           the
           end
           :
           
             For
             as
             a
             bird
             that
             wandreth
             from
             her
             nest
             ,
          
           
           
             so
             is
             a
             man
             that
             wandreth
             from
             his
             place
             .
          
           Mark
           and
           consider
           what
           comfort
           they
           have
           found
           who
           have
           deserted
           this
           work
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           whether
           in
           the
           one
           Kingdom
           or
           in
           the
           other
           .
           Thou
           thinkest
           ,
           that
           thou
           will
           not
           hazard
           thy self
           for
           the
           honour
           of
           God
           :
           but
           God
           saith
           ,
           he
           will
           not
           honour
           thee
           ,
           to
           have
           heart
           or
           hand
           in
           his
           work
           ,
           and
           thou
           shall
           run
           a
           greater
           hazard
           .
        
         
           
           There
           be
           two
           reasons
           secretly
           couched
           in
           the
           words
           to
           perswade
           and
           provoke
           unto
           this
           duty
           :
           
           The
           one
           is
           from
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           greatnesse
           and
           majestie
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           other
           from
           the
           conscience
           of
           common
           equitie
           amongst
           men
           .
           Concerning
           the
           first
           :
           
             Artaxerxes
          
           was
           a
           great
           King
           :
           for
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           his
           letter
           ,
           he
           is
           honored
           with
           the
           title
           of
           
             King
             of
             Kings
             ,
          
           as
           having
           many
           mightie
           Princes
           under
           his
           power
           ;
           And
           in
           the
           end
           of
           the
           letter
           ,
           he
           hath
           power
           of
           confiscation
           of
           goods
           ,
           imprisonment
           ,
           banishment
           ,
           and
           death
           :
           Yet
           he
           acknowledgeth
           one
           greater
           then
           the
           greatest
           whom
           he
           calleth
           
             the
             God
             of
             heaven
             ,
          
           thereby
           to
           expresse
           his
           greatnesse
           ,
           majestie
           ,
           and
           glory
           ,
           which
           made
           him
           to
           give
           forth
           this
           Decree
           ,
           and
           by
           which
           he
           would
           move
           all
           
           men
           to
           do
           diligently
           what
           he
           commandeth
           :
           For
           the
           knowledge
           and
           apprehension
           of
           the
           greatnesse
           and
           Majestie
           of
           God
           ,
           especially
           compared
           with
           our
           basenesse
           ,
           is
           a
           powerfull
           mean
           ,
           to
           move
           us
           to
           obey
           his
           Commandments
           ,
           and
           to
           go
           diligently
           about
           the
           affairs
           of
           his
           House
           .
           The
           Lord
           is
           great
           eminently
           and
           infinitely
           above
           the
           creature
           :
           he
           is
           the
           originall
           of
           all
           created
           greatnesse
           ,
           and
           nothing
           can
           be
           conceived
           in
           him
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           the
           least
           diminution
           of
           his
           greatnesse
           and
           Majestie
           .
           It
           is
           not
           so
           with
           men
           .
           When
           he
           is
           to
           give
           his
           Law
           to
           his
           people
           ,
           he
           first
           manifesteth
           his
           greatnesse
           by
           his
           wonders
           in
           Aegypt
           ,
           by
           bringing
           them
           miraculously
           through
           the
           Red
           sea
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           Terrors
           of
           Mount
           Sinai
           ,
           and
           then
           he
           beginneth
           ,
           
           
             I
             am
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God
             that
             brought
             thee
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           When
           he
           speaketh
           to
           his
           Prophets
           ,
           to
           make
           them
           diligent
           and
           faithfull
           ,
           he
           useth
           this
           Preface
           :
           
             Thus
             saith
             the
             Lord
             .
          
           
           When
           he
           sendeth
           
             Isaiah
          
           with
           his
           message
           ,
           he
           beginneth
           with
           a
           vision
           of
           his
           glory
           :
           
             I
             saw
             the
             Lord
             sitting
             upon
             a
             throne
             ,
             high
             and
             lifted
             up
             ,
             and
             his
             traine
             filled
             the
             Temple
             .
             &c.
          
           When
           he
           will
           have
           men
           to
           tremble
           at
           his
           word
           ,
           
             Thus
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             the
             heavens
             is
             my
             Throne
             ,
             and
             the
             earth
             is
             my
             footstool
             .
          
           When
           he
           revealed
           himself
           to
           
             John
          
           his
           servant
           ,
           he
           sheweth
           his
           greatnesse
           ,
           
             Revel.
          
           4.
           and
           7.
           
           If
           the
           greatest
           of
           the
           children
           of
           men
           did
           consider
           that
           he
           is
           higher
           then
           the
           highest
           ,
           
             Eccles.
          
           5.8
           .
           that
           in
           his
           hand
           is
           there
           breath
           ,
           and
           all
           their
           wayes
           ,
           as
           
             Daniel
          
           telleth
           a
           great
           King
           that
           went
           before
           
             Artaxerxes
             ,
          
           Dan.
           5.23
           .
           
             That
             in
             his
             fight
             when
             once
             he
             is
             angrie
             ,
             no
             creature
             can
             stand
             .
          
           Psal.
           76.7
           .
           They
           would
           not
           by
           any
           sin
           ,
           and
           least
           of
           all
           by
           dealing
           deceitfully
           in
           the
           matters
           of
           his
           House
           ,
           provoke
           him
           to
           anger
           .
           
             Wo
             unto
             him
             that
             striveth
             
             with
             his
             Maker
             :
             Let
             the
             potsheard
             strive
             with
             the
             potsheards
             of
             the
             earth
             .
          
           Isa.
           45.9
           .
           If
           either
           King
           or
           Parliament
           ,
           or
           Assembly
           ,
           could
           really
           in
           their
           hearts
           apprehend
           this
           uncreated
           and
           infinite
           greatnesse
           ,
           and
           could
           look
           upon
           God
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           described
           ,
           
             Dan.
          
           7.9
           .
           
             I
             beheld
             till
             the
             thrones
             were
             cast
             down
             ,
             and
             the
             Antient
             of
             dayes
             did
             sit
             ,
             whose
             garment
             was
             white
             as
             snow
             ,
             and
             the
             hair
             of
             his
             head
             as
             pure
             wooll
             ,
             his
             Throne
             was
             like
             the
             fiery
             flame
             ,
             and
             his
             wheels
             as
             burning
             fire
             .
             A
             fiery
             streame
             issued
             and
             came
             forth
             from
             before
             him
             :
             thousand
             thousands
             ministred
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             ten
             thousand
             times
             ten
             thousand
             stood
             before
             him
             .
          
           They
           would
           choose
           rather
           to
           offend
           all
           the
           world
           ,
           then
           to
           offend
           him
           in
           the
           smallest
           matter
           of
           his
           House
           :
           but
           the
           truth
           is
           ,
           we
           put
           the
           Lord
           farre
           from
           us
           ,
           and
           we
           see
           not
           him
           that
           is
           invisible
           .
           Unlesse
           by
           the
           goodnesse
           of
           God
           a
           timeous
           and
           powerfull
           remedie
           be
           provided
           ,
           the
           multitude
           of
           Sects
           and
           Sectaries
           will
           become
           ere
           it
           be
           long
           ,
           the
           reproach
           of
           this
           Nation
           ,
           yet
           it
           fears
           me
           that
           Atheisme
           and
           Atheists
           be
           more
           common
           ,
           and
           abound
           more
           ,
           then
           any
           Sect
           ,
           or
           sort
           of
           Sectaries
           :
           For
           did
           men
           know
           or
           beleeve
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           God
           in
           heaven
           ,
           who
           is
           God
           of
           heaven
           and
           earth
           ,
           were
           it
           possible
           for
           them
           to
           live
           as
           they
           live
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           what
           they
           do
           .
           Men
           become
           first
           Atheists
           in
           their
           life
           and
           conversation
           ,
           living
           as
           a
           worme
           in
           a
           mans
           bellie
           ,
           thinking
           no
           other
           wayes
           of
           man
           ,
           but
           as
           ordained
           to
           be
           a
           place
           for
           it
           to
           live
           in
           ,
           and
           of
           no
           other
           world
           but
           that
           wherein
           it
           lives
           :
           So
           do
           the
           Atheists
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           wallow
           in
           their
           sins
           and
           sensualitie
           ,
           never
           thinking
           of
           the
           Author
           or
           end
           of
           their
           life
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           any
           other
           world
           ,
           or
           that
           this
           world
           serveth
           for
           any
           other
           end
           but
           for
           their
           life
           .
           After
           they
           have
           lived
           as
           Atheists
           ,
           
           when
           they
           are
           constrained
           sometimes
           to
           think
           that
           there
           is
           a
           God
           ,
           they
           become
           Atheists
           in
           their
           desire
           and
           affection
           ,
           wishing
           that
           there
           were
           not
           a
           God
           to
           be
           avenged
           upon
           them
           for
           their
           wickednesse
           ;
           and
           in
           end
           the
           Lord
           giveth
           them
           up
           to
           Atheisme
           in
           their
           judgement
           and
           opinion
           .
           
             As
             they
             did
             not
             like
             to
             retain
             God
             in
             their
             knowledge
             ,
             God
             gave
             them
             over
             to
             a
             reprobate
             mind
             .
          
           Rom.
           1.28
           .
           Being
           stricken
           with
           his
           judgement
           ,
           they
           have
           no
           serious
           thought
           of
           the
           House
           of
           God
           or
           his
           glory
           ,
           but
           all
           their
           care
           is
           ,
           about
           their
           own
           houses
           and
           honour
           ;
           And
           ordinarily
           the
           Lord
           befools
           them
           in
           their
           deepest
           Policies
           ,
           sweeping
           down
           their
           cob-webs
           ,
           which
           they
           have
           been
           for
           a
           long
           time
           twisting
           ,
           making
           their
           own
           wits
           a
           snare
           unto
           them
           ,
           and
           turning
           the
           means
           which
           they
           did
           use
           for
           their
           standing
           and
           rising
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           meanes
           of
           their
           fall
           and
           ruine
           .
        
         
           The
           other
           Reason
           is
           from
           common
           equity
           amongst
           men
           ,
           
           which
           was
           the
           ground
           of
           that
           Decree
           ,
           
             Esth.
          
           1.22
           .
           
           
             That
             everie
             man
             should
             beare
             rule
             in
             his
             own
             house
             .
          
           The
           Temple
           of
           Jerusalem
           was
           the
           House
           of
           God
           :
           and
           now
           under
           the
           Gospel
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           is
           the
           House
           of
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           where
           he
           hath
           promised
           his
           presence
           ,
           his
           face
           is
           seen
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           found
           of
           them
           that
           seek
           him
           :
           which
           therefore
           may
           be
           called
           ,
           
             Surely
             God
             is
             in
             thee
             .
          
           Isa.
           45.14
           .
           
           And
           Jehovah
           Shammah
           ,
           
             The
             Lord
             is
             there
             .
          
           Ezek.
           48.35
           .
           
           And
           therefore
           the
           Lord
           should
           beare
           rule
           in
           his
           Church
           ,
           and
           his
           Commandment
           ought
           to
           be
           obeyed
           .
           According
           to
           this
           ground
           hath
           the
           Lord
           given
           the
           precepts
           of
           his
           holy
           ,
           just
           ,
           and
           good
           Law
           :
           For
           if
           he
           be
           our
           God
           ,
           what
           more
           equitable
           then
           that
           we
           have
           him
           and
           no
           other
           for
           our
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           direct
           his
           own
           service
           and
           worship
           ,
           that
           
           his
           Name
           be
           reverently
           used
           by
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           observe
           the
           times
           wherein
           he
           will
           have
           us
           to
           appeare
           before
           him
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           do
           duty
           to
           every
           one
           with
           whom
           we
           live
           under
           him
           .
        
         
           This
           consideration
           may
           be
           very
           usefull
           :
           For
           it
           may
           first
           serve
           to
           be
           a
           Cure
           of
           two
           great
           ills
           in
           this
           Land
           :
           One
           is
           of
           such
           as
           conceive
           that
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           belongeth
           not
           to
           Christians
           ;
           They
           may
           as
           well
           say
           ,
           that
           Common
           and
           Naturall
           Equitie
           belongeth
           not
           to
           Christians
           .
           Is
           it
           not
           written
           in
           the
           heart
           of
           man
           by
           nature
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           confirmed
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           recommended
           to
           Christians
           by
           the
           Apostles
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           established
           by
           faith
           ?
           Is
           not
           the
           observing
           of
           it
           ,
           a
           testimonie
           of
           our
           communion
           with
           God
           ?
           Is
           not
           the
           end
           of
           it
           ,
           love
           from
           a
           pure
           heart
           ,
           a
           good
           conscience
           ,
           and
           faith
           unfained
           ?
           Is
           it
           thankfulnesse
           to
           God
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           delivered
           from
           the
           condemnation
           ,
           coaction
           ,
           and
           rigour
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           not
           to
           acknowledge
           the
           obligation
           of
           the
           Law
           ?
           Shall
           not
           the
           domesticks
           of
           the
           house
           of
           God
           observe
           the
           Commandments
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           shall
           they
           not
           be
           grieved
           when
           they
           transgresse
           and
           observe
           them
           not
           ?
           It
           is
           too
           common
           an
           errour
           to
           turn
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           into
           wantonnesse
           .
           The
           other
           evill
           is
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           when
           men
           give
           themselves
           to
           will-worship
           :
           the
           one
           sort
           neglects
           the
           Commandments
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           other
           addeth
           the
           commandments
           of
           men
           to
           the
           Commandments
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           is
           that
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           that
           
             Epiphanius
          
           speaketh
           of
           ,
           a
           superfluous
           will-worship
           :
           of
           which
           there
           is
           too
           palpable
           an
           example
           and
           practise
           in
           this
           Kingdom
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           in
           the
           observation
           of
           dayes
           .
           No
           Church
           or
           Kingdome
           on
           
           earth
           ,
           hath
           greater
           reason
           to
           take
           heed
           to
           it
           ,
           then
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           of
           England
           .
           1.
           
           Because
           the
           house
           and
           service
           of
           God
           ,
           hath
           been
           pestered
           ,
           beside
           a
           multitude
           of
           superstitious
           observations
           and
           Ceremonies
           ,
           with
           a
           greater
           number
           of
           dayes
           ,
           then
           the
           Church
           of
           the
           Jews
           had
           in
           the
           time
           of
           their
           Ceremoniall
           worship
           .
           2.
           
           Because
           the
           Christian
           Sabbath
           or
           Lords
           day
           hath
           been
           profaned
           ,
           and
           what
           hath
           been
           added
           to
           other
           dayes
           ,
           hath
           been
           added
           with
           derogation
           to
           the
           Lords
           day
           :
           They
           have
           forsaken
           the
           fountain
           of
           living
           waters
           ,
           and
           have
           digged
           unto
           themselves
           cisterns
           which
           hold
           no
           water
           .
           3.
           
           Because
           God
           hath
           called
           this
           Land
           to
           mourning
           and
           fasting
           ,
           as
           we
           professe
           this
           day
           ,
           and
           I
           pray
           God
           that
           the
           unseasonable
           keeping
           of
           this
           festivitie
           ,
           which
           God
           hath
           not
           commanded
           ,
           be
           not
           more
           prevalent
           for
           evil
           ,
           then
           the
           humiliation
           of
           this
           day
           for
           good
           ;
           and
           yet
           the
           keeping
           of
           this
           day
           of
           humiliation
           in
           such
           a
           time
           of
           festivitie
           ,
           is
           a
           presage
           that
           by
           the
           blessing
           of
           God
           upon
           the
           proceedings
           of
           the
           Honourable
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           and
           Assembly
           ,
           this
           superstition
           shall
           shortly
           expire
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           is
           now
           at
           the
           last
           gaspe
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           
           It
           may
           teach
           us
           what
           reason
           the
           Lord
           of
           heaven
           hath
           to
           be
           angry
           when
           his
           Commandment
           is
           not
           obeyed
           in
           his
           own
           house
           .
           Kings
           will
           be
           obeyed
           in
           their
           kingdoms
           :
           Majors
           &
           Magistrates
           in
           their
           Cities
           ,
           every
           man
           in
           his
           own
           house
           :
           The
           Church
           of
           God
           is
           the
           Kingdom
           ,
           the
           City
           ,
           the
           House
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           we
           must
           either
           deny
           ,
           or
           resolve
           to
           have
           his
           will
           done
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           yet
           a
           third
           point
           to
           be
           considered
           :
           
           the
           conjunction
           of
           these
           two
           ,
           or
           the
           inference
           ,
           of
           the
           effect
           from
           the
           cause
           :
           
             For
             why
             should
             there
             be
             wrath
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           It
           is
           expressed
           in
           an
           interrogatory
           way
           to
           shew
           the
           necessitie
           of
           
           the
           consequence
           ;
           and
           that
           the
           wrath
           is
           certain
           and
           inevitable
           ,
           unlesse
           what
           is
           commanded
           be
           done
           :
           and
           to
           shew
           the
           foolishnesse
           and
           wickednesse
           of
           man
           in
           bringing
           upon
           himself
           this
           wrath
           which
           by
           his
           obedience
           he
           might
           prevent
           ,
           like
           unto
           that
           in
           the
           Prophet
           :
           
             Why
             will
             ye
             die
             O
             house
             of
             Israel
             .
             The
             prudent
             man
             foreseeth
             the
             evil
             and
             hideth
             himself
          
           :
           
           
             but
             the
             simple
             passe
             on
             and
             are
             punished
             .
          
           Whence
           we
           learn
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           a
           speciall
           wisdom
           in
           these
           that
           have
           place
           and
           power
           ,
           to
           prevent
           or
           turn
           away
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           from
           the
           present
           and
           future
           generation
           by
           establishing
           true
           Religion
           ,
           and
           ordering
           the
           house
           of
           God
           aright
           .
           I
           confesse
           it
           is
           a
           higher
           point
           of
           wisdom
           to
           have
           a
           care
           of
           Religion
           ,
           that
           thereby
           ourselves
           and
           others
           may
           be
           brought
           to
           spirituall
           and
           eternall
           happinesse
           ,
           and
           thereby
           to
           prevent
           everlasting
           wrath
           :
           yet
           even
           in
           relation
           to
           the
           blessings
           and
           miseries
           of
           this
           present
           life
           ,
           this
           kind
           of
           piety
           is
           the
           best
           policy
           .
           
             I
             will
             honour
             them
             that
             honour
             me
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             and
             those
             that
             despise
             me
             shall
             be
             lightly
             esteemed
             .
          
           Men
           may
           expect
           honour
           by
           dishonouring
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           despising
           of
           Religion
           ,
           but
           the
           Word
           of
           the
           Lord
           abideth
           sure
           ,
           and
           their
           honour
           shall
           be
           turned
           into
           shame
           .
           More
           particularly
           to
           this
           purpose
           and
           text
           ,
           the
           Prophet
           
             Haggai
          
           speaketh
           .
           
           A
           heavie
           judgement
           was
           upon
           the
           people
           for
           the
           neglect
           of
           the
           worship
           and
           service
           of
           God
           :
           
             Why
             saith
             the
             Lord
             of
             hosts
             ?
             because
             of
             mine
             House
             that
             is
             waste
             ,
             and
             ye
             run
             every
             man
             into
             his
             own
             house
             ;
             Therefore
             the
             heaven
             over
             you
             is
             stayed
             from
             dew
             ,
             and
             the
             earth
             is
             stayed
             from
             her
             fruit
             ,
          
           like
           unto
           that
           in
           Deut.
           
           
           
             The
             heaven
             that
             is
             over
             thy
             head
             shall
             be
             brasse
             ,
             and
             the
             earth
             that
             is
             under
             thy
             feet
             shall
             be
             iron
             .
          
           But
           afterward
           he
           speaks
           comfortably
           :
           
           
             The
             glory
             of
             this
             latter
             house
             shall
             be
             greater
             
             then
             of
             the
             former
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             of
             Hosts
             :
             And
             in
             this
             place
             will
             I
             give
             peace
             saith
             the
             Lord
             of
             Hosts
             .
             And
             again
             ,
          
           
           
             consider
             now
             from
             this
             day
             and
             upward
             ,
             from
             the
             foure
             and
             twenday
             of
             the
             ninth
             moneth
             ,
             even
             from
             the
             day
             that
             the
             foundation
             of
             the
             Lords
             Temple
             was
             laid
             ,
             consider
             it
             :
             From
             this
             day
             will
             I
             blesse
             you
             .
             Jehosophot
          
           and
           
             Hezekiah
          
           are
           two
           Witnesses
           of
           this
           truth
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             was
             with
          
           Jehosophat
           ,
           
             because
             he
             walked
             in
             the
             first
             wayes
             of
             his
             father
          
           David
           ,
           
             and
             sought
             not
             to
          
           Balaam
           ,
           
             but
             sought
             to
             the
             Lord
             God
             of
             his
             father
             ,
             &
             walked
             in
             his
             Commandements
             ,
             and
             not
             after
             the
             doings
             of
          
           Israel
           ;
           
             therefore
             the
             Lord
             established
             the
             Kingdome
             in
             his
             hand
             ,
             and
             all
             Judah
             brought
          
           〈◊〉
           Jehosophat
           
             presents
             ,
             &
             he
             had
             riches
             and
             honour
             in
             abundance
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
           
             Hezekiah
          
           teacheth
           the
           Levits
           themselves
           this
           Lesson
           ;
           
             that
             for
             trespasses
             of
             this
             kind
             the
             wrath
             of
             the
             Lord
             was
             upon
             Judah
             &
             Jerusalem
             ,
             &
             he
             had
             delivered
             them
             to
             trouble
             ,
             to
             astonishment
             and
             to
             hissing
             .
          
           
           There
           be
           as
           many
           pregnant
           examples
           of
           this
           truth
           in
           the
           book
           of
           God
           as
           of
           any
           other
           ;
           but
           he
           who
           desireth
           a
           full
           Commentary
           or
           Sermon
           upon
           this
           point
           of
           the
           Text
           ,
           let
           him
           read
           the
           2
           Chap.
           of
           the
           book
           of
           the
           
             Judges
             ,
          
           
           and
           he
           shall
           see
           the
           ebbing
           and
           flowing
           of
           prosperity
           ,
           peace
           and
           safety
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           course
           of
           Religion
           .
           The
           reason
           of
           it
           is
           ;
           because
           where
           true
           Religion
           hath
           not
           place
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           but
           prophanenes
           ,
           uncleannesse
           ,
           excesse
           ,
           oppression
           ,
           violence
           ,
           deceit
           and
           falshood
           .
           The
           lawes
           of
           men
           may
           doe
           some
           hurt
           for
           repressing
           outrages
           ,
           but
           how
           shall
           the
           floods
           be
           dried
           up
           unlesse
           the
           fountaines
           be
           obstructed
           ?
           There
           is
           great
           difference
           betwixt
           outward
           restraint
           from
           man
           ,
           and
           inward
           mortification
           from
           God
           :
           Where
           Religion
           taketh
           place
           ,
           men
           neither
           dare
           nor
           will
           commit
           sinne
           ;
           and
           doth
           not
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           for
           these
           things
           come
           upon
           the
           Children
           of
           disobedience
           ?
           Men
           need
           not
           in
           searching
           
           out
           the
           periods
           and
           fatalities
           of
           Kingdomes
           and
           States
           ,
           trouble
           themselves
           with
           the
           intricat
           numbers
           of
           
             Plato
             ,
          
           Predictions
           of
           Astrologers
           or
           particular
           Prophesies
           ,
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           impiety
           ,
           iniquity
           ,
           luxury
           ,
           which
           must
           needs
           have
           place
           where
           true
           Religion
           hath
           nor
           place
           ,
           &
           are
           causes
           for
           which
           the
           Lord
           bringeth
           alterations
           upon
           Kingdomes
           .
        
         
           
           By
           this
           we
           may
           easily
           discern
           who
           are
           Malignants
           and
           Enemies
           to
           the
           peace
           and
           prosperity
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           ;
           Religion
           is
           the
           touchstone
           :
           Such
           as
           are
           mockers
           of
           the
           Reformation
           of
           Religion
           and
           of
           their
           owne
           lives
           ,
           have
           brought
           on
           and
           hold
           on
           this
           heavy
           wrath
           ;
           but
           they
           who
           desire
           &
           endeavour
           the
           Reformation
           &
           setling
           of
           Religion
           are
           in
           the
           right
           way
           to
           bring
           honor
           and
           happinesse
           upon
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           the
           King
           and
           his
           Sonnes
           .
        
         
           
           It
           is
           a
           damnable
           and
           cursed
           policy
           ,
           by
           dispencing
           with
           any
           thing
           which
           God
           hath
           commanded
           to
           be
           done
           for
           his
           house
           ,
           to
           seek
           after
           peace
           and
           deliverance
           .
           It
           was
           the
           policy
           of
           
             Jeroboam
             ,
          
           &
           it
           turned
           to
           his
           ruine
           .
           It
           was
           the
           policy
           of
           the
           Jewes
           ,
           and
           it
           brought
           their
           City
           and
           Nation
           to
           desolation
           .
           In
           this
           thou
           walkest
           contrary
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           therefore
           God
           will
           walk
           contrary
           to
           thee
           .
           Thou
           think●st
           to
           turn
           away
           wrath
           by
           the
           neglect
           of
           Religion
           &
           of
           the
           house
           of
           God
           ;
           but
           God
           hath
           said
           ,
           that
           wrath
           shall
           be
           upon
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           unlesse
           what
           he
           hath
           commanded
           be
           done
           for
           his
           house
           .
           Art
           thou
           wiser
           then
           he
           ?
           or
           art
           thou
           stronger
           then
           he
           ?
           will
           thou
           against
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           against
           the
           experience
           of
           all
           ages
           ,
           against
           thy
           owne
           conscience
           ,
           run
           in
           a
           way
           contrary
           to
           Gods
           way
           ?
           Salvation
           shall
           come
           to
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           house
           shall
           be
           built
           ;
           but
           thou
           &
           thy
           house
           which
           thou
           makest
           an
           Idoll
           and
           preferrest
           to
           the
           house
           of
           God
           ,
           shall
           certainly
           perish
           ;
           
             God
             will
             not
             he
             mocked
             .
          
        
         
         
           I
           must
           therefore
           take
           the
           boldnesse
           according
           to
           the
           charge
           and
           trust
           committed
           unto
           me
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           
           in
           the
           name
           of
           God
           to
           exhort
           ,
           &
           in
           the
           bowels
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           to
           intreat
           ,
           that
           the
           house
           of
           God
           be
           diligently
           looked
           unto
           ,
           and
           that
           first
           of
           all
           ,
           Religion
           be
           reformed
           and
           setled
           .
           No
           man
           must
           be
           of
           
             Gallio's
          
           temper
           ,
           
           to
           care
           for
           none
           of
           those
           things
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           but
           light
           matters
           in
           comparison
           of
           civill
           and
           secular
           affaires
           ,
           or
           as
           if
           they
           were
           impertinent
           for
           him
           .
           Nothing
           in
           the
           world
           that
           doth
           concern
           thine
           owne
           private
           ,
           or
           the
           state
           and
           publike
           ,
           is
           of
           so
           great
           weight
           &
           importance
           ,
           nothing
           so
           pressing
           &
           pertinent
           as
           this
           of
           Religion
           .
           No
           man
           must
           be
           of
           
             Gamaliels
          
           temper
           ;
           he
           was
           a
           grave
           ,
           learned
           ,
           and
           peaceable
           man
           ,
           of
           great
           esteem
           amongst
           the
           people
           ;
           yet
           his
           counsell
           was
           crafty
           ,
           corrupt
           &
           unchristian
           ;
           somewhat
           in
           it
           was
           good
           ;
           he
           aimed
           at
           peace
           ,
           he
           laid
           this
           ground
           ,
           that
           the
           work
           was
           either
           of
           God
           or
           of
           man
           ;
           and
           what
           was
           of
           man
           would
           come
           to
           nought
           ,
           and
           what
           was
           of
           God
           could
           not
           be
           overthrowne
           :
           But
           in
           this
           ,
           very
           corrupt
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           have
           us
           to
           judge
           of
           Religion
           by
           particular
           events
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           should
           do
           nothing
           for
           the
           advancement
           of
           a
           good
           cause
           ,
           but
           leave
           it
           to
           the
           providence
           of
           God
           .
           His
           arguments
           were
           fitted
           to
           his
           purpose
           ,
           but
           true
           Religion
           is
           neither
           a
           matter
           of
           fancy
           ,
           as
           was
           that
           of
           
             Theudas
             ,
          
           nor
           of
           sedition
           ,
           as
           was
           that
           of
           
             Judas
          
           of
           
             Galile
             ,
          
           and
           therefore
           all
           men
           ought
           to
           bend
           themselves
           to
           the
           setling
           thereof
           by
           all
           good
           and
           lawfull
           means
           ,
           Nor
           must
           yee
           in
           this
           work
           linger
           or
           delay
           upon
           any
           consent
           or
           concurrence
           whatsoever
           :
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           where
           matters
           are
           darke
           or
           doubtfull
           ,
           yee
           should
           seek
           for
           light
           and
           resolution
           ,
           and
           yee
           have
           to
           that
           end
           a
           learned
           and
           godly
           Assembly
           ,
           but
           where
           matters
           are
           clear
           &
           manifest
           ,
           if
           yee
           lye
           still
           waiting
           for
           the
           consent
           of
           others
           ,
           yee
           are
           like
           to
           lose
           both
           the
           opportunity
           
           and
           the
           thing
           it selfe
           ,
           as
           many
           have
           done
           ,
           and
           rep●●ted
           themselves
           too
           late
           .
           There
           be
           some
           things
           wh●●●in
           we
           are
           subject
           to
           God
           alone
           ,
           and
           in
           thi●●
           of
           this
           kind
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           to
           wait
           for
           counsell
           or
           c●●sent
           from
           others
           .
           It
           was
           the
           saying
           of
           
             Dioclesian
             ,
          
           〈◊〉
           a
           good
           and
           wise
           Emperour
           is
           often-sold
           by
           his
           Cou●ers
           ,
           who
           have
           a
           guard
           about
           his
           eares
           ,
           and
           traduce
           go●●men
           forevill
           and
           commend
           evill
           men
           for
           good
           .
           As
           
             Ba●●am
          
           dealt
           not
           faithfully
           with
           God
           ,
           so
           the
           messengers
           〈◊〉
           unto
           him
           did
           deale
           unfaithfully
           with
           King
           
             Balaa●
             .
          
           It
           also
           true
           ,
           that
           as
           at
           
             Rome
             ,
          
           so
           in
           other
           places
           
             patres
             〈◊〉
             scripti
             ,
          
           are
           sometimes
           
             patres
             circumscripti
             .
          
           Nor
           must
           feare
           opposition
           or
           enmity
           ,
           and
           thereby
           trouble
           to
           〈◊〉
           State
           while
           Yee
           are
           seeking
           after
           Reformation
           .
           Wh●●Cassander
           one
           of
           the
           successors
           of
           
             Alexander
          
           was
           p●●swading
           them
           to
           receive
           
             Alexander
          
           to
           be
           worshipped
           ●mongst
           their
           Gods
           ;
           and
           that
           if
           they
           refused
           ,
           he
           would
           ●●nounce
           war
           against
           them
           ;
           
             Demades
          
           their
           Orator
           to
           them
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           to
           be
           feared
           while
           they
           were
           hold●
           the
           heavens
           ,
           they
           should
           lose
           the
           earth
           .
           But
           I
           change
           〈◊〉
           words
           with
           
             Peter
             Martyr
             ,
          
           that
           it
           is
           to
           be
           feared
           
             ne
             〈◊〉
             Rempublicam
             terrenam
             curatis
             &
             defenditis
             nimium
             ,
             〈◊〉
             lum
             amittatis
             ,
          
           while
           Yee
           stand
           for
           the
           State
           ,
           that
           Y●●
           lose
           Religion
           .
           If
           
             Zerubabell
             ,
             Ezra
          
           or
           
             Nehemiah
          
           had
           d●layed
           the
           building
           of
           the
           house
           of
           God
           ,
           upon
           the
           opposition
           of
           enemies
           ,
           or
           because
           there
           was
           Lyons
           and
           For●
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           the
           worship
           of
           God
           had
           never
           bin
           set
           up
           ,
           〈◊〉
           Religion
           reformed
           ;
           but
           the
           builders
           with
           one
           of
           the●●
           hands
           wrought
           in
           the
           worke
           ,
           &
           in
           the
           other
           hand
           held
           weapon
           .
           In
           this
           posture
           I
           leave
           you
           ,
           till
           the
           house
           of
           the
           Lord
           be
           built
           amongst
           you
           ,
           &
           your
           swords
           be
           turned
           into
           plough-shares
           ,
           and
           your
           speares
           into
           pruning-hook●
           that
           is
           ,
           till
           truth
           &
           peace
           be
           established
           in
           your
           borders
           .
           The
           Zeale
           of
           the
           Lord
           of
           Hosts
           will
           performe
           it
           :
           To
           him
           be
           praise
           for
           ever
           ,
           Amen
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A43318e-330
           
             The
             Lord
             worketh
             diversly
             upon
             the
             hearts
             of
             men
             .
          
           
             a
             Dan.
             4.4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             b
             Dan.
             5.5
             .
          
           
             c
             Num.
             24.10
             .
          
           
             d
             John
             11.49
             ,
             50.
             
          
           
             e
             Gen.
             37.
             
             Dan
             2.
             
             &
             4
             ,
             &
             5.
             
             &
             7.
             &c.
             
          
           
             f
             Acts
             9.
             
          
           
             g
             Gen.
             31.
             
          
           
             h
             Act.
             4.27.28
             
          
           
             i
             Gen.
             33.
             
          
           
             k
             
               Joseph
               antq
               .
               Judaic.
               lib.
            
             11.
             
               c.
            
             8.
             
          
           
             The
             Text
             divided
             .
          
           
             l
             Ezra
             10.2
             .
          
           
             The
             wrath
             of
             God
             laid
             open
             
          
           
             m
             Psal.
             103.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.18
             .
          
           
             Deut.
             32.22
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             hight
             and
             depth
             thereof
             .
          
           
             n
             Gen.
             2.1
             .
          
           
             o
             Gen.
             2.4
             .
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             1.
             
          
           
             p
             Heb.
             10.30.31
             .
          
           
             q
             2
             Sam.
             24.14
             .
          
           
             r
             Exod.
             34.14
             .
          
           
             s
             Deut
             ▪
             29
             .
             2●
             .
          
           
             t
             Ezek.
             5.13
             .
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             2.
             
          
           
             u
             Exod.
             32.
             
          
           
             x
             1
             Kin.
             19.10
             
          
           
             y
             Acts
             17.16
             .
          
           
             z
             Pet.
             2.8
             .
          
           
             a
             Rev.
             3.16
             .
          
           
             b
             Rom.
             12.11
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             bredth
             thereof
             .
          
           
             c
             2
             Sam.
             24
             ,
             1
             Kin.
             21.
             
          
           
             d
             Prov.
             28.2
             .
          
           
             e
             1
             Sam.
             12.25
             
          
           
             f
             1
             Sam.
             35.31
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             length
             thereof
             .
          
           
             g
             Numb.
             1●
             .
          
           
             h
             Exod.
             14.
             
          
           
             i
             2
             
               Sam.
            
             12.9.10
             .
          
           
             
               Vse
               .
            
          
           
             Matth.
             23.35
             .
          
           
             The
             me●nes
             to
             avert
             and
             prevent
             the
             wrath
             of
             God
             
          
           
             The
             first
             mean
             .
          
           
             The
             second
             mean
             .
          
           
             The
             third
             mean
             .
          
           
             Jer.
             34.
             
          
           
             Considerations
             about
             the
             third
             mean
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             Rule
             of
             Reformation
             .
          
           
             
               Vse
               .
            
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             extent
             of
             Reformation
             .
          
           
             *
             2
             Chron.
             15.7
             .
          
           
             *
             Isa
             ▪
             27.9
             .
          
           
             Isa.
             1.26
             ,
             27.28
             
          
           
             Galat.
             5.7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
               .
            
          
           
             3.
             
             The
             manner
             of
             going
             about
             Reformation
             .
          
           
             *
             Pro.
             10
             26.
             
          
           
             Pro.
             27.8
             .
          
           
             Reasons
             hereof
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             Reason
             .
          
           
             Isa.
             6.1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             46.1
             .
          
           
             
               Reason
            
             2.
             
          
           
             Esth.
             1.22
             .
          
           
             Isa.
             45.14
             .
          
           
             Ezek.
             48.35
             .
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             2.
             
          
           
             
               The
               third
               part
               of
               the
               Text
               .
            
          
           
             Pro.
             22.3
             .
          
           
             Hag.
             1.9
             ,
             10.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             28.23
             .
          
           
             Hag.
             2.9
             .
          
           
             Hag.
             2.18
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             2
             Chr.
             17
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5
             ,
             6.
             
          
           
             2
             Chr.
             29
             6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11.
             
          
           
             Judges
             2.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             1.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             2.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             3.
             
          
           
             Acts
             18.14
             ,
             15
             ,
             16
             17.